consumer trends 2026 Archives

California employer health premiums will cost as much as a new car in 2027 July 16, 2026

Employers are bracing for what could be the highest rise in health insurance premiums in 16 years, driving up the cost of family coverage in California to more than $30,000.

Melody Petersen

'I didn't cheat.' California DMV's test fraud claims spark frustration, anger July 16, 2026

Frustration is growing among California drivers and legislators asking what evidence of suspected cheating led the DMV to invalidate 11,000 knowledge tests.

Clara Harter

'It'll buy us time': Feds to pay millions to prop up dwindling Lake Mead July 16, 2026

A Southern California water agency is among those partnering with the federal government to prevent a large reservoir from reaching a critically low water level.

Lila Seidman

After wildfires destroyed 95% of this California tribe's forests, members uncovered 1,200 ancestral sites July 16, 2026

After devastating fires turned their forest into a moonscape, members of the Konkow Valley Band of Maidu found evidence of their vibrant tribal history everywhere.

Noah Haggerty

Californians back Becerra and reject AI data centers by big margins, poll finds July 16, 2026

A new poll shows Xavier Becerra with a hefty lead in the California governor's race. Voters also expressed strong opposition to AI data centers and nuanced views on environmental policies and affordability.

Nicole Nixon

Put your clothes back on! Beloved San Gregorio nude beach to become part of public state park July 16, 2026

For decades, nudists and naturists flocked to San Gregorio Ranch to romp clothes-free, but that will end when the beach becomes part of the state park system.

Ruben Vives

Person found dead on steps of City Hall after jumping from 26th floor, internal memo says July 16, 2026

A person was found dead on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall on Wednesday afternoon after apparently jumping from the 26th floor of the building, according to an internal city message reviewed by The Times.

Seamus Bozeman, Terry Castleman, Richard Winton

Consultant worked on $577,000 airport contract while advising Bass for free July 16, 2026

Yusef Robb was an unpaid spokesperson and advisor for L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. In 2024, he signed a contract with Los Angeles World Airports for $450,000 over three years, later updated to include additional work for $137,500.

Noah Goldberg

Passenger leaves behind huge hunk of meth in rideshare vehicle July 15, 2026

A man was arrested in San Francisco after leaving a backpack, allegedly filled with illegal drugs, in the back of a rideshare vehicle. The rideshare driver helped police nab the suspect.

Seamus Bozeman

Becerra, Hilton give preview for reshaped California governor's race in dueling L.A. speeches July 15, 2026

Both Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton stuck to familiar themes in their separate speeches to Latino leaders in downtown L.A. as they jockey for position in the California governor's race.

Dakota Smith

As companies rethink LGBTQ+ campaigns amid political polarization and consumer scrutiny, brands are shifting from symbolic gestures to year-round engagement. NEW YORK — June has…