Santa Monica is in the news after a Waymo autonomous car hit a pedestrian there. Brief bio: tech hub in LA area, famous for beaches and the Santa Monica Pier.
Waymo revealed that some remote operators are contractors working abroad, including in the Philippines, raising safety concerns amid rising incidents involving autonomous vehicles in California. The company also faces questions over its use of Chinese-made vehicles and offshore labor, amid ongoing regulatory and geopolitical tensions.
Catherine O'Hara, renowned for her roles in 'Schitt's Creek' and 'Home Alone,' died on January 30 in Santa Monica at age 71. The cause was a pulmonary embolism linked to rectal cancer. Tributes from Hollywood poured in, highlighting her comedic talent and impact on entertainment.
Videos show Waymo's self-driving cars stuck in floodwaters amid heavy rain in Los Angeles. The company claims its weather capabilities are robust, but recent incidents highlight ongoing safety and operational concerns, including remote operators working abroad and technological limitations in adverse conditions.
A California civil jury has found Bill Cosby liable for sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972, awarding her $19.25 million. The case follows years of allegations, with Cosby’s previous criminal conviction overturned in 2021. The verdict emphasizes accountability for past misconduct.