In The News
SoCal News NOW

Authorities are investigating an early Saturday explosion at an El Monte church whose stance against same-sex relationships has raised tensions in the community in recent weeks. The FBI, which is probing the incident at First Works Baptist Church along with local law enforcement, called it a bomb "attack" and asked the public's help for tips… [...]

Larry King, the suspenders-sporting everyman whose broadcast interviews with world leaders, movie stars and ordinary Joes helped define American conversation for a half-century, died Saturday. He was 87. King died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his production company, Ora Media, tweeted. No cause of death was given, but a spokesperson said Jan. 4… [...]

The threat is real and widespread, looming over many of the state’s mountain and foothill residents. After the biggest year of wildfire in California’s modern history that saw more than 4 million acres burned in the state and millions more scorched among our Western neighbors, the winter rains are finally coming and bringing with them… [...]

More than five weeks into its vaccination program, California doesn't have nearly the supply to meet demand and there's growing angst among residents over the difficulty to even get in line for a shot. Social media is awash with people seeking or giving tips on how to maneuver the system. State officials are frustrated the… [...]

The rates of new coronavirus infections and hospitalizations are dropping across California, but health officials warn those trends are tempered by very high death rates. The state reported 593 deaths on Saturday, a day after recording a one-day record of 764, according to the Department of Public Health. California’s death toll since the start of… [...]

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in California has been scattered and slower than expected as supplies remain scarce and counties expand access and offer the doses at different paces, but more people are getting vaccinated every day. Those seeking to sign up for the vaccine have been plagued by confusion over who's eligible, technical issues on… [...]

California scientists have discovered a homegrown coronavirus strain that appears to be propagating faster than any other variant on the loose in the Golden State. Two independent research groups said they stumbled upon the new strain while looking for signs that a highly transmissible variant from the United Kingdom had established itself here. Instead, they… [...]

It's taken only days for Democrats gauging how far President Joe Biden's bold immigration proposal can go in Congress to acknowledge that if anything emerges, it will likely be significantly more modest. As they brace to tackle a politically flammable issue that's resisted major congressional action since the 1980s, Democrats are using words like “aspirational”… [...]

Gregory Sierra, who had memorable roles in the 1970s sitcoms “Barney Miller" and “Sanford and Son," has died after battling cancer. He was 83. Sierra's widow, Helene, said Saturday in a phone interview with The Associated Press that the actor died on Jan. 4 in Laguna Woods, California. Sierra's breakthrough came in 1972 when he… [...]

Police are investigating after a young man was killed in what appears to be a road rage shooting in San Bernardino Friday, officials said. Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 200 block of East Hospitality Lane at about 7:30 p.m., the San Bernardino Police Department said in a news release. They arrived… [...]
SoCal News NOW
SoCal News NOW
- Actor Gregory Sierra, known for 'Barney Miller' and 'Sanford and Son' roles, dies at 83 January 23, 2021Gregory Sierra, who had memorable roles in the 1970s sitcoms “Barney Miller" and “Sanford and Son," has died after battling cancer. He was 83. Sierra's widow, Helene, said Saturday in a phone interview with The Associated Press that the actor died on Jan. 4 in Laguna Woods, California. Sierra's breakthrough came in 1972 when he […]
- 21-year-old killed in apparent road rage shooting in San Bernardino: Police January 23, 2021Police are investigating after a young man was killed in what appears to be a road rage shooting in San Bernardino Friday, officials said. Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 200 block of East Hospitality Lane at about 7:30 p.m., the San Bernardino Police Department said in a news release. They arrived […]
Media

CNN colleagues like Wolf Blitzer and Christiane Amanpour were joined by celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Magic Johnson and Celine Dion in mourning the longtime broadcaster. [...]

Over five decades, he chatted with an estimated 50,000 people from all walks of life, from presidents and pundits to swindlers and U.F.O. “experts.” [...]
“A Theory of Relativity,” a 2018 article by the staff writer Elif Batuman, was honored in the feature writing category. [...]
Long at Newsweek, she was regarded as one of her generation’s pre-eminent science writers. An “Enlightenment-era figure,” Jon Meacham said. [...]

NBCSN was the No. 2 sports channel on cable last year, but coverage of the N.H.L., the English Premier League and NASCAR is now moving to Peacock and the USA… [...]

She spent seven months as the section’s interim head after replacing James Bennet, who resigned under pressure. Now she officially takes a job that has been a steppingstone to the… [...]

For Adam Aron, who runs AMC Entertainment, the world’s largest movie theater chain, the past year has been filled with twists and turns. And no one knows the ending. [...]

The big tech platforms are facing a challenge unlike any other as Australia moves to make them pay for news. [...]

The opening moments of both presidencies did not attract as large an audience as Barack Obama did in 2009. [...]

The labor action by more than 100 union workers also included web producers and some other editorial employees. [...]
Media
Media
- How Newsmakers and News Hosts Are Remembering Larry King January 23, 2021CNN colleagues like Wolf Blitzer and Christiane Amanpour were joined by celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Magic Johnson and Celine Dion in mourning the longtime broadcaster.
- Larry King, Breezy Interviewer of the Famous and Infamous, Dies at 87 January 23, 2021Over five decades, he chatted with an estimated 50,000 people from all walks of life, from presidents and pundits to swindlers and U.F.O. “experts.”
- NBC Sports Network Will Shut Down to Bolster Peacock Streaming Service January 23, 2021NBCSN was the No. 2 sports channel on cable last year, but coverage of the N.H.L., the English Premier League and NASCAR is now moving to Peacock and the USA Network.
- The New Yorker Returns Award for Story on Japanese Rent-a-Family January 23, 2021“A Theory of Relativity,” a 2018 article by the staff writer Elif Batuman, was honored in the feature writing category.
- Kathleen Kingsbury Is Named New York Times Opinion Editor January 23, 2021She spent seven months as the section’s interim head after replacing James Bennet, who resigned under pressure. Now she officially takes a job that has been a steppingstone to the top editor position at The Times.
Health

After the surprise discovery of an extra dose in every vial, Pfizer executives successfully lobbied the F.D.A. to change the vaccine’s formal authorization language. The company charges by the dose. [...]

Shortages of shots for yellow fever, polio and other diseases have led to innovative solutions even in very poor countries. [...]

A restriction more often used in natural disasters, or to quell unrest, has never been tested against a pathogen like the virus. [...]

But with 200 million doses pledged for the first quarter of the year, some experts say President Biden’s plan for 100 million shots in 100 days is far too modest. [...]

Can President Biden really boost production? Why are governors trying to buy directly from Pfizer? And when will supply exceed demand? [...]

More Americans are writing end-of-life instructions as the pandemic renders such decisions less abstract. But are medical providers listening? [...]

Researchers have banded together to find safe, virtual ways to teach the principles of microbiology and epidemiology. [...]

A combination of two injectable drugs will provide an alternative to daily pills for people with H.I.V. [...]

Laboratory studies of mutations circulating in South Africa suggest they may dodge some of the body’s immune responses. [...]

Experts say that as staggering as that figure is, it significantly understates the true number of people in the country who have been infected and the scope of the nation’s… [...]
Health
Health
- U.S. Virus Cases Top 25 Million January 23, 2021Experts say that as staggering as that figure is, it significantly understates the true number of people in the country who have been infected and the scope of the nation’s failure to contain the spread of the virus.
- In Crises, Vaccines Can Be Stretched, but Not Easily January 23, 2021Shortages of shots for yellow fever, polio and other diseases have led to innovative solutions even in very poor countries.
- Do Curfews Slow the Coronavirus? January 23, 2021A restriction more often used in natural disasters, or to quell unrest, has never been tested against a pathogen like the virus.
- Pfizer Will Ship Fewer Covid-19 Vaccine Vials to Account for ‘Extra’ Doses January 23, 2021After the surprise discovery of an extra dose in every vial, Pfizer executives successfully lobbied the F.D.A. to change the vaccine’s formal authorization language. The company charges by the dose.
- Filing Suit for ‘Wrongful Life’ January 23, 2021More Americans are writing end-of-life instructions as the pandemic renders such decisions less abstract. But are medical providers listening?
Science

A handful of other six-star systems have been discovered, but this one is unique. [...]

The pandemic has been a powerful reminder that there is no clear barrier between viruses affecting animals and people. [...]
When travel restrictions stopped bird-watchers from visiting a Swedish island, hidden ecosystem dynamics were revealed. [...]

A new study hints that plants like catnip and silver vine may also protect your feline friend from mosquitoes. [...]

Because the objects had a standardized weight, scientists suggest they were a form of currency used some 3,500 years ago. [...]

This cloaca is more than 100 million years old, and it did a lot of work for this extinct species. [...]

The Nebra sky disk, which has been called the oldest known depiction of astronomical phenomena, is a “very emotional object.” [...]

One of the biggest galaxies in the universe seems to lack its dark centerpiece. [...]

Scientists were surprised to find the insect’s preserved penis, which suggests it was an unknown species. [...]

At a time when there were few other Black astrophysicists, he developed a telescopic device that went to the moon on Apollo 16. [...]
Science
Science
- George Carruthers, Whose Telescopes Explored Space, Dies at 81 January 23, 2021At a time when there were few other Black astrophysicists, he developed a telescopic device that went to the moon on Apollo 16.
- In Crises, Vaccines Can Be Stretched, but Not Easily January 23, 2021Shortages of shots for yellow fever, polio and other diseases have led to innovative solutions even in very poor countries.
- Do Curfews Slow the Coronavirus? January 23, 2021A restriction more often used in natural disasters, or to quell unrest, has never been tested against a pathogen like the virus.
- Pfizer Will Ship Fewer Covid-19 Vaccine Vials to Account for ‘Extra’ Doses January 23, 2021After the surprise discovery of an extra dose in every vial, Pfizer executives successfully lobbied the F.D.A. to change the vaccine’s formal authorization language. The company charges by the dose.
- Six Stars, Six Eclipses: ‘The Fact That It Exists Blows My Mind’ January 23, 2021A handful of other six-star systems have been discovered, but this one is unique.
World of Tech

If you are still using your phone’s camera only for selfies and quick videos, you’re barely touching its potential. [...]

Businesses like Henkel, a big German chemical company, are trying wearable sensors to prevent virus outbreaks among workers. [...]

Spoiler: We’re looking at another year of internet services dominating many aspects of our lives. [...]

If you need a dose of exercise inspiration, it’s easy to find online or on your phone with these guides and apps. [...]

From videoconferencing to fitness apps, the best tech helped us endure a hard year. But there were also low points. [...]

Even if you’ve never done a year-end newsletter, there’s still time to squeeze in a personalized message before the calendar flips the page. [...]

The retail giant claims that its health product is extremely precise at scanning body fat. I found otherwise. [...]
The town is mad about the studio’s decision to put movies on HBO Max and in theaters at the same time. But with a telecom giant running an entertainment company,… [...]

It began as a stopgap way to get through the pandemic, but both participants and providers say virtual sessions have some clear advantages and will likely become a permanent part… [...]
Excessive screen time can be harmful to our well-being, but we can free ourselves from tech’s hooks with goals, rules and boundaries. [...]
World of Tech
World of Tech
- On Factory Floors, a Chime and Flashing Light to Maintain Distance January 19, 2021Businesses like Henkel, a big German chemical company, are trying wearable sensors to prevent virus outbreaks among workers.
- 4 Ways to Do More With Your Smartphone Camera January 13, 2021If you are still using your phone’s camera only for selfies and quick videos, you’re barely touching its potential.
- The Tech That Will Invade Our Lives in 2021 January 6, 2021Spoiler: We’re looking at another year of internet services dominating many aspects of our lives.
- Winter Exercise Guides and Apps January 4, 2021If you need a dose of exercise inspiration, it’s easy to find online or on your phone with these guides and apps.
- The Tech That Was Fixed in 2020 and the Tech That Still Needs Fixing December 23, 2020From videoconferencing to fitness apps, the best tech helped us endure a hard year. But there were also low points.
Innovation
The embedded message was left for those looking through the HTML code and had developers talking. [...]
Humans spend about one-third of their lives asleep--or at least we are supposed to. These sleep gadgets are designed to help people drift to sleep, stay asleep, and wake refreshed. [...]
The company's Special Project Group posted more than 300 jobs for electrical engineers, road safety specialists, and those with automotive experience in 2020. [...]
Windsor's partnership with Ford will provide the city with data gathered from AI and machine learning to predict and prevent traffic accident hotspots. [...]
Sometimes the most appealing jobs at the most promising companies can't be found online. Here's a guide to get a foot in the door. [...]
Resonant says its new radio frequency filter has the tech to make wider applications possible. [...]
With global dust storms, extreme temperature fluctuations, and cosmic radiation, life beyond the Earth's comparatively cozy confines is no picnic. [...]
EVs are more in demand but the pandemic has taken a toll on the spread of charging stations, says analytics company Blastpoint. [...]
Expert says larger companies are more willing to spend money for top talent to achieve machine learning, whereas smaller companies aren't able to do so. Pre-configured solutions can help. [...]
America's 46th president wants to use government policy and technology to address social justice, climate change, and economic prosperity. [...]
Innovation
Innovation
- Biden team leaves hidden call for technologists to join government in White House code January 22, 2021The embedded message was left for those looking through the HTML code and had developers talking.
- Best sleep gadgets of 2021: Drift away with smart sleeping masks, white noise machines, and more January 22, 2021Humans spend about one-third of their lives asleep--or at least we are supposed to. These sleep gadgets are designed to help people drift to sleep, stay asleep, and wake refreshed.
- Apple job postings give further credence to electric car rumors January 22, 2021The company's Special Project Group posted more than 300 jobs for electrical engineers, road safety specialists, and those with automotive experience in 2020.
- Smart city: Windsor is first Canadian city to launch Ford Safety Insights Platform to reduce crashes January 21, 2021Windsor's partnership with Ford will provide the city with data gathered from AI and machine learning to predict and prevent traffic accident hotspots.
- How to write a persuasive "cold email" for the unlisted job you want January 21, 2021Sometimes the most appealing jobs at the most promising companies can't be found online. Here's a guide to get a foot in the door.
Artificial Intelligence
Changing threats, volume of threats, and ransomware plague organizations. Having some autonomous AI tools to help pros do their jobs can help. [...]
Having an AI tool to help can ease the burden on cybersecurity teams, which are struggling to keep up with constant and more serious threats. [...]
Professionals union Prospect warned that the UK was at risk of 'sleepwalking into a world of surveillance' as more businesses turn to digital tools to keep tabs on remote workers. [...]
Windsor's partnership with Ford will provide the city with data gathered from AI and machine learning to predict and prevent traffic accident hotspots. [...]
Women are vastly underrepresented in tech careers, and this new collaboration between Springboard and Women Who Code can help remedy that gap. [...]
The new functionality is intended to enhance communication and collaboration for millions of Google Meet users. [...]
Expert says larger companies are more willing to spend money for top talent to achieve machine learning, whereas smaller companies aren't able to do so. Pre-configured solutions can help. [...]
America's 46th president wants to use government policy and technology to address social justice, climate change, and economic prosperity. [...]
To make these five emerging technologies commonplace in the next five years, business leaders will need to play a more active role in their management, integration, and governance. [...]
Increased use of edge computing could "put AI everywhere," according to Hikvision's trends roundup. [...]
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
- Expert: Manpower is a huge cybersecurity issue in 2021 January 22, 2021Changing threats, volume of threats, and ransomware plague organizations. Having some autonomous AI tools to help pros do their jobs can help.
- Cybersecurity pros can't handle all the threat tasks alone, expert says January 22, 2021Having an AI tool to help can ease the burden on cybersecurity teams, which are struggling to keep up with constant and more serious threats.
- Bosses are using monitoring software to keep tabs on working at home. Privacy rules aren't keeping up January 22, 2021Professionals union Prospect warned that the UK was at risk of 'sleepwalking into a world of surveillance' as more businesses turn to digital tools to keep tabs on remote workers.
- Smart city: Windsor is first Canadian city to launch Ford Safety Insights Platform to reduce crashes January 21, 2021Windsor's partnership with Ford will provide the city with data gathered from AI and machine learning to predict and prevent traffic accident hotspots.
- New partnership can help more women enter tech careers, helping fill in-demand jobs January 21, 2021Women are vastly underrepresented in tech careers, and this new collaboration between Springboard and Women Who Code can help remedy that gap.