film festivals Archives

COVID becoming a California summer staple as winter outbreaks fade August 14, 2026

The shift was noted for the past couple of years and has become even clearer in 2026, prompting health officials to refocus their prevention efforts. The CDC says COVID-19 is growing or likely growing in 43 states, including California.

Rong-Gong Lin II

Californians split on proposed tax on billionaires, sour on voter ID requirement, poll shows August 14, 2026

California voters are sharply divided over a ballot measure to impose a one-time tax on billionaires to help fund healthcare programs, a proposal already triggering a fierce and expensive political fight as the November election approaches, according to a poll released Friday.

Seema Mehta

LAX people mover is 99% done, but uncertainty mounts near deadline August 14, 2026

LAX's long-awaited Skylink train is 99% complete yet faces mounting uncertainty, as bond ratings sink into junk territory and looming 2026 deadlines raise the specter of default and termination.

Colleen Shalby

A 15-year-old killed Pop Smoke — then got caught smuggling fentanyl into juvenile hall August 14, 2026

A young man serving time for the 2020 shooting of rapper Pop Smoke in the Hollywood Hills pleaded no contest to charges that accused him of smuggling fentanyl into juvenile hall.

Matthew Ormseth

After local outcry, stalled Destination Crenshaw project sees movement August 14, 2026

Destination Crenshaw, a beautification project meant to transform the Crenshaw Corridor, has been stalled for years. After a local town hall demanding answers, the city has started to clean up the construction this week.

Jack Flemming

Effort to ban genetically modified animals dies in California Legislature. Advocates blame politics August 14, 2026

A bill that would have banned the sale of genetically-modified pets for cosmetic reasons died in committee Thursday.

Dakota Smith

Charges dropped for man arrested with loaded guns at SoCal Trump rally August 14, 2026

Vem Miller, 51, was charged with two misdemeanor firearms violations in October 2024. They were dismissed last month.

Ruben Vives

Amid fire danger, Malibu declares emergency to clear homeless encampments — fast August 14, 2026

Citing dangerously dry brush, the city approved the declaration to reduce the risk of fires associated with homeless individuals cooking outdoors or using fires to keep warm at night.

Clara Harter

Mystery of missing SoCal nurse deepens as human remains are found but deemed not to be hers August 14, 2026

The San Diego Sheriff's Office said human remains found in Palomar Mountain State Park were not believed to belong to an Oceanside ER nurse who went missing last month.

Karen Garcia

Dogs to have their day at the pool on the last day of the Los Angeles County pool season August 13, 2026

With a heat wave baking Southern California, dogs get invited to cool off at five Los Angeles County pools.

Fedor Zarkhin

Affordable technology and online distribution are helping independent filmmakers reach global audiences without relying solely on traditional studios. Independent cinema is undergoing a significant transformation…