America's sprawling cultural and economic hub in Southern California
The perfume world is embracing autumn with new launches and seasonal revivals. Luxury brands push warmer, resinous notes while accessible lines offer credible alternatives. Collectors and casual shoppers alike are eyeing festive gifts and personal treats as fragrance houses signal a pivot toward cozy, long-lasting scents.
The Rotterdam World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, opening 17-25 October, serve as the first team qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Russian gymnasts Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova and Anna Kalmykova have reportedly been refused Dutch visas, sparking claims of discrimination and prompting Russia to seek appeals, while the IOC and World Gymnastics note most Russians will have opportunities to qualify later.
Survivors of extreme weather form Extreme Weather Survivors to share guidance and emotional support while lobbying lawmakers as climate disasters intensify.
The Iran war continues to drive global energy volatility. US forces maintain a naval blockade; oil prices have risen sharply, pressuring consumers as fuel costs stay elevated amid ongoing clashes and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Demonstrations across London and European cities commemorate three years since Gaza’s crisis began. Protesters call for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and stronger sanctions, while police enforce a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime amid counter-demonstrations. The protests come as sanctions and international pressure continue to shape the political response to the conflict.
Selma Blair has sparked a legal and medical saga after a Delta flight incident. Police allege assault; Blair’s representatives say a medical emergency led to the events. The FBI has issued a federal summons; Blair remains in the legal process.
The Indonesian Ulema Council has demanded cancellations of Andrea Bocelli's scheduled performances at Borobudur and Jakarta as part of his Romanza tour, citing Bocelli's past support for Israel. The Tourism Ministry says it is seeking consensus with the MUI, while local police have withdrawn a permit recommendation for Borobudur.
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit to prevent California from counting mail-in ballots of individuals flagged as likely noncitizens, arguing citizenship status must be verified before ballots are counted. California officials say the department provided no verifiable methodology and demand “unprecedented measures” risk voter rights ahead of the midterms.
The Justice Department has filed a suit in Los Angeles to block counting certain ballots until citizenship can be verified. A Washington court has rebuked the department’s Civil Rights Division for attempting a nationwide dragnet, emphasizing privacy protections.
Netflix has announced Peter Rice will replace Bela Bajaria as Chief Content Officer. Rice, a former Fox and Disney executive, will oversee global content, including scripted, unscripted, films and live events. Bajaria is leaving after nearly a decade, amid a period of layoffs and a drive to diversify content, including live sports.
The Norte Fire has grown rapidly in Orange County, burning hundreds of acres while Santa Ana winds drive the blaze and evacuation orders expand. Firefighters are attacking from the ground and air as temperatures rise and power outages affect tens of thousands.