cultural influence Archives

Before SoCal woman, husband found dead, she may have been scammed by a fake Tom Selleck May 21, 2026

A Coachella Valley woman slain along with her husband last week may have been scammed by a person claiming to be actor Tom Selleck, according to media reports.

Andrew J. Campa

Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt hosts South L.A. block party on Bass' old turf May 21, 2026

Mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt campaigned Wednesday in a South Los Angeles neighborhood that Mayor Karen Bass represented when she was in Congress.

Sandra McDonald

7 nabbed in crackdown as home burglaries surge in the Valley May 20, 2026

Seven people have been charged in connection with a surge in residential burglaries in the San Fernando Valley carried out by "brazen, calculated and predatory" crews of thieves, authorities said.

Clara Harter

AI-written books at Barnes & Noble? CEO clarifies statement that stirred calls for boycott May 20, 2026

After Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said the store would stock AI-written books as long as they were labeled as such, calls to boycott the retailer circulated online. Now the bookseller is clarifying his stance.

Emily St. Martin

Fires ring Southern California and it's only May. What's going on? May 20, 2026

Multiple fires broke out over 48 hours in Southern California this week. What does that say about our fires this year?

Alex Wigglesworth

Mayoral candidate Raman unveils rebuilding plan for Pacific Palisades May 20, 2026

Raman is weighing in on an issue that has defined her two rivals: Pratt, whose home burned in the Palisades fire, and Bass, whose handling of the disaster has become a liability.

Noah Haggerty

4-year-old found dead in vehicle in Valley Village May 20, 2026

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the death of a 4-year-old girl who was apparently left inside a hot vehicle in Valley Village.

Ruben Vives, Libor Jany

California doctor ran nation's 'largest Botox fraud scheme,' filing $45 million in claims for lush lifestyle May 20, 2026

Prosecutors allege the Glendale-based doctor submitted more than $45 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for Botox injections, using the payments to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Grace Toohey

Containment grows on Sandy fire, other SoCal blazes. But shifting winds pose challenge May 20, 2026

The Sandy fire, one of several wildfires burning in Southern California this week, was 15% contained Wednesday morning.

Summer Lin, Clara Harter

Santa Monica Pier area among the dirtiest beaches again in new Beach Report Card May 20, 2026

Environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay and the city of Santa Monica are teaming up to investigate and find solutions for the pier's poor water quality.

Karen Garcia

The entrepreneur and cultural figure enters the global entertainment conversation as Cannes 2026 amplifies new voices, cross-industry influence, and prestige storytelling. As the global film…