LA County is the nation’s most populous county, encompassing a global hub of entertainment, commerce, and innovation.
A sweeping heat dome has kept tens of millions under heat alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. Overnight temperatures are failing to cool, heightening health risks and straining power grids. El Niño is intensifying the heat, and cooling centers, water, and hydration remain critical.
CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business quality-of-life rankings have drawn criticism from conservatives who say the methodology unfairly targets red states. Critics argue the list conflicts with population growth data and different state policy outcomes.
Los Angeles prosecutors have presented texts, photos and forensic evidence at a preliminary hearing accusing singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, of murdering and sexually abusing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Evidence shown has included long-running messages, indications of a pregnancy and abortion, purchases of tools and a body bag, and DNA matches tying blood in Burke’s garage and a Tesla to the victim.
Federal officials have def rined hundreds of millions in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota while reviewing alleged in-home care fraud. Governors Newsom and Walz say the move is political theater; federal reviewers cite rising in-home services spending and questions about program integrity.
The FTC, with Los Angeles County and Utah, has filed a lawsuit accusing Hims & Hers of sharing users’ sensitive health information with major online advertisers via embedded trackers, despite company assurances of privacy. The agency also alleges deceptive billing and hard-to-cancel subscriptions as part of the case.
LA County firefighters have concluded after 18 months of review that an out-of-service electrical tower sparked a wildfire that killed 19 people and destroyed thousands of homes, with investigations tying the ignition to electrical arcing. The report notes high winds and heat as factors, while the utility faces lawsuits over evacuation warnings and water resources.
The Department of Justice has launched the BIDEN program to fund local enforcement collaborations, with funds open through 2028. Some states may reimburse costs if federal intervention is needed. UC San Diego exits Operation Stonegarden funding, citing concerns over campus safety and trust. The Navajo Nation expands license-plate cameras with Flock Safety, sparking privacy concerns amid a broader national debate over surveillance.
TBD
Paramount has signalled willingness to engage with California and other states over the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The company is preparing for possible relocation if settlement talks fail, while regulators press to block the deal on antitrust grounds. A March trial remains in focus, with ticking fees looming as the company seeks a path forward.
Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder after a grand-jury indictment unsealed, elevating the case toward trial. The charges include lying in wait and a knife as a deadly weapon. Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek the death penalty.
Phase one of a $266.6 million revamp of Marin City’s Golden Gate Village is under way, with 14 buildings and 88 units being renovated across a three-phase project. The work will relocate residents for several months, and funding comes from municipal bonds and federal tax credits. The project preserves historic elements while expanding housing options and accessibility.
California and 11 other states have filed suit to block Paramount's $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing it would reduce competition and raise prices. A new round of talks has been underway, with a focus on structural remedies; state officials say robust concessions are required, while Paramount warns of ticking fees and potential relocation pressures.
Federal authorities estimate Los Angeles County accounts for about $3.5 billion in fraudulent hospice claims, with victims like Linda Henry misled into end-of-life care. California regulators have stepped up licensing actions, but critics argue fraud persists as lawmakers weigh privacy protections that could curb investigations.
Multiple sources report President Trump is calling for a federal production incentive to spur U.S. film and TV production, arguing it will bring jobs back to America. The idea has drawn support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the Teamsters and lawmakers, as California expands film incentives to remain competitive.
A major crackdown has disrupted illegal street takeovers in Harbor Gateway. LAPD, with county deputies and CHP, has cited hundreds, impounded vehicles, recovered firearms and nitrous oxide, and arrested dozens. Authorities say this is not harmless fun and pledge ongoing enforcement.
Prediction markets tied to elections and sports have surged, with record volumes and new entrants. Regulators warn of manipulation risks as platforms expand amid ongoing court battles over their legality.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a trespasser at Vice President Harris’s Malibu home around 10:30 p.m. The intruder left voluntarily; Harris and Emhoff were not home. A trespassing report has been filed and patrols are increasing in the area. The incident follows past security visits and questions over protection timelines for former officials.
Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman has decided not to seek the death penalty for Nick Reiner, who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the December 2025 killings of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Prosecutors say the maximum sentence will be life without parole after a rigorous review and consideration of mitigating factors. The indictment moves directly to trial, bypassing a preliminary hearing. Reiner has acknowledged a history of addiction and mental health challenges.
Paramount Skydance faces antitrust litigation blocking its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. A California-led legal challenge threatens to push Paramount’s headquarters and thousands of jobs out of California, triggering a potential $10.6–$21.2 billion hit to state output and hundreds of millions in tax losses. The LAEDC warns the move could reshape Hollywood’s economic center.