SoCal News NOW
A wave of wildfires over the past few days has stretched fire crews across several counties as the flames destroy structures and drive thousands of residents to evacuate. In Simi Valley, tens of thousands remain evacuated as firefighters work to make progress on the Sandy Fire, which erupted late Monday morning and destroyed at least [...]
More than 43,000 Simi Valley residents are under evacuation orders, while hundreds of others under evacuation warnings wait to see if they are next as the stubborn, wind-whipped Sandy Fire continues to rage. The fire erupted around 10:45 a.m. Monday in the area of Sandy Avenue, before quickly spreading amid gusty winds and burning a [...]
A social media influencer, her father and one-time boyfriend have been charged in a murder-for-hire plot targeting a popular singer who she shares a child with, officials at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. The case, which was investigated by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was turned over to the [...]
An investigation is underway after a 4-year-old girl was found dead inside a vehicle in the Valley Village neighborhood of L.A. On Tuesday, Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a medical emergency at a neighborhood near McCormick Street and Bluebell Avenue around 3:40 p.m. The child, who was found unresponsive inside a parked car, [...]
It’s almost lights out at “The Late Show,” as Stephen Colbert gets ready to say goodbye this week, and he may not be the last. CBS's cancelation of "The Late Show," first launched in 1993 with original host David Letterman, marks the latest shrinking of the late-night TV landscape, which has become increasingly political in [...]
Two firefighters were rushed to the hospital after a crash that left their firetruck overturned on top of parked vehicles on the sidewalk and against a Sunland business Tuesday evening. Surveillance cameras at a nearby restaurant captured the moment the fire engine apparently lost control while attempting a tight turn at seemingly high speed, causing [...]
A police officer in Salinas was charged with possession of child pornography on May 18, Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni announced Tuesday. The Salinas Police Department officer, 25-year-old Brian Jimenez-Gomez, was charged with one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material in violation of Penal Code Section 311.11(a). Salinas Police Chief Carlos [...]
There are currently more than eight wildfires burning around Southern California, some of which are threatening homes and prompting evacuations. The largest of the ongoing wildfires is the Santa Rosa Island Fire in Channel Islands National Park, which is nearly 17,000 acres in size. The Sandy Fire burning in Simi Valley is among the more [...]
An 8-year-old boy was struck and killed by a driver in Long Beach. On May 16, Long Beach police responded to a crash near Paramount Boulevard and 56th Street around 4:40 p.m. A preliminary investigation revealed that a male driver in a Honda Civic was traveling southbound on Paramount Boulevard when the child ran into [...]
A Riverside County man was sentenced to prison for attacking his neighbor with a sword. Michael John Keen, 42, pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment in April 2026. The incident occurred on Sept. 11, 2025, as Murrieta police were called to a residence at Madison Park Condominiums at 24909 Madison [...]
SoCal News NOW
- LIVE UPDATES: Multiple wildfires have crews spread across Southern California May 20, 2026A wave of wildfires over the past few days has stretched fire crews across several counties as the flames destroy structures and drive thousands of residents to evacuate. In Simi Valley, tens of thousands remain evacuated as firefighters work to make progress on the Sandy Fire, which erupted late Monday morning and destroyed at least […]
- 'Late Show' no more: Late-night TV's future uncertain as Colbert bows out May 20, 2026It’s almost lights out at “The Late Show,” as Stephen Colbert gets ready to say goodbye this week, and he may not be the last. CBS's cancelation of "The Late Show," first launched in 1993 with original host David Letterman, marks the latest shrinking of the late-night TV landscape, which has become increasingly political in […]
Media
The media scion is buying Vox Media’s podcast network, New York magazine and Vox.com for more than $300 million. [...]
Aiming to experience trips like readers do, New York Times travel reporters avoid junkets and keep a low profile on their journeys. [...]
Two women told the BBC that they were sexually assaulted during the filming of the popular show. The accusations have reignited a debate in Britain about the ethics of reality [...]
Steven Rosenbaum, author of “The Future of Truth,” said he had started his own investigation after The New York Times asked about the fake quotes. [...]
The Times is challenging a new requirement that reporters covering the military complex have an official escort, part of a broader legal challenge to the Pentagon’s press restrictions. [...]
The influential polling analysis site was shut down last year, but an earlier archived version, fivethirtyeight.com, had lived on. Now the site is redirecting users to ABC News. [...]
Social media stars have become a magnet for campaigns and political groups that want to push priorities without disclosing where their money is going. [...]
Ramtin Arablouei, a co-host of “Throughline,” left the network after an employee made a human resources complaint about his behavior. [...]
The ads with a repetitive jingle encouraging people to donate cars do not disclose that most of the proceeds go to a Jewish organization in New Jersey, the judge ruled. [...]
He directed nearly 1,000 comedic commercials, including a much-quoted spot for Wendy’s and one for FedEx featuring a manic speed talker. [...]
Media
- James Murdoch Buys Half of Vox Media May 20, 2026The media scion is buying Vox Media’s podcast network, New York magazine and Vox.com for more than $300 million.
- Why New York Times Travel Writers Turn Down Press Perks and Freebies May 20, 2026Aiming to experience trips like readers do, New York Times travel reporters avoid junkets and keep a low profile on their journeys.
- ‘The Future of Truth’ Contains Quotes Made Up by A.I. May 19, 2026Steven Rosenbaum, author of “The Future of Truth,” said he had started his own investigation after The New York Times asked about the fake quotes.
- ‘Married at First Sight’ Rape Allegations Lead to Call for U.K. Investigation May 19, 2026Two women told the BBC that they were sexually assaulted during the filming of the popular show. The accusations have reignited a debate in Britain about the ethics of reality TV.
- New York Times Sues Pentagon for a Second Time May 18, 2026The Times is challenging a new requirement that reporters covering the military complex have an official escort, part of a broader legal challenge to the Pentagon’s press restrictions.
Health
The state is leading the country’s reckoning with PFAS. The outcome of its suit against the federal government will affect how courts treat more than 15,000 other claims nationwide. [...]
Early surveillance and testing failed to identify the rare species of Ebola responsible for the current outbreak. An American doctor is among the confirmed cases. [...]
Doctor’s visits for children’s anxiety rose by more than 250 percent over 10 years, according to a study of nearly two million children. [...]
Louisiana wants the Food and Drug Administration to curtail access to the medication. Doing so could cost Republicans at the polls. [...]
President Trump announced the addition of 600 medicines to his online drugstore as he appeals to Americans concerned about high drug prices and affordability. [...]
Doctors and patients complain that the controversial practice of prior authorization for treatment and procedures is still widespread. [...]
Straus Family Creamery asked customers to throw out some tubs sold in May across 17 states. No injuries have been reported, the company said. [...]
The hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius set off alarms for a world still traumatized by Covid. For those on board, the danger was much closer. [...]
The Trump administration has authorized a test program to see if the cannabis compound can ease some symptoms and reduce health care costs among older patients. [...]
A federal appeals court ruling against the Food and Drug Administration would have restricted access by mail to mifepristone. [...]
Health
- Military Bases Are Rife With ‘Forever Chemicals.’ New Mexico Wants Them Cleaned Up. May 20, 2026The state is leading the country’s reckoning with PFAS. The outcome of its suit against the federal government will affect how courts treat more than 15,000 other claims nationwide.
- Will Her Daughter Be Safe at Pali High as It Rebuilds From LA Wildfires? May 19, 2026It’s a nightmare faced by families all around Los Angeles: After wildfire smoke blanketed homes, schools and offices with toxic chemicals, when is it OK to go back?
- Abortion Pill Lawsuit Leaves Trump in a Political Bind Ahead of the Midterms May 19, 2026Louisiana wants the Food and Drug Administration to curtail access to the medication. Doing so could cost Republicans at the polls.
- Neanderthal Dentistry, and the Scientist Glad Not to Have Experienced It May 19, 2026The prehistoric hominins “apparently were very adept at what we would consider invasive medicine,” said the anthropologist John Olsen.
- Ebola Was Identified in Congo Weeks Before W.H.O. Declared an Emergency May 19, 2026Early surveillance and testing failed to identify the rare species of Ebola responsible for the current outbreak. An American doctor is among the confirmed cases.
Science
The prehistoric hominins “apparently were very adept at what we would consider invasive medicine,” said the anthropologist John Olsen. [...]
The state is leading the country’s reckoning with PFAS. The outcome of its suit against the federal government will affect how courts treat more than 15,000 other claims nationwide. [...]
Using facial-recognition technology, scholars have concluded that a 500-year-old drawing labeled “Anna Bollein Queen” more likely showed her mother, Elizabeth Howard. [...]
Melanie Malone led a research project to identify and study contamination sites in Washington State. Then the E.P.A. canceled her grant. [...]
James Antaki’s efforts to develop a baby’s heart were close to success when his federal funding was cut off. The grants were eventually restored; rebuilding what was lost wasn’t so [...]
For the deceased of Roman-era Egypt, Greek literature may have offered a cheat code to a more comfortable afterlife. [...]
Stardust Solutions says its tiny spheres can reflect the sun’s rays without harming people or the environment. Critics say private companies have no business altering Earth’s atmosphere. [...]
In her second pop-science book, theoretical cosmologist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein returns to her celestial and cultural roots. [...]
When researchers used GPS devices to monitor the nests of Hawaiian honeycreepers, they found dozens of cases of brazen avian burglary. [...]
In northern Norway, Sami people fear a copper mine will disrupt their traditional lifestyles. [...]
Science
- Europe’s Green-Energy Future Has a Reindeer Problem May 20, 2026In northern Norway, Sami people fear a copper mine will disrupt their traditional lifestyles.
- The Quest for Clean Hydrogen Moves Underground May 20, 2026The dream of clean hydrogen has tantalized energy experts for years, but producing it has been tough. Many start-ups think the answer could lie beneath our feet.
- Military Bases Are Rife With ‘Forever Chemicals.’ New Mexico Wants Them Cleaned Up. May 20, 2026The state is leading the country’s reckoning with PFAS. The outcome of its suit against the federal government will affect how courts treat more than 15,000 other claims nationwide.
- Fish and Wildlife Service Clears a Weedkiller, Saying It Won’t Cause Extinction May 19, 2026The finding effectively paves the way for continued use of atrazine, a widely used herbicide that has been linked to birth defects and cancer in humans.
- Will Her Daughter Be Safe at Pali High as It Rebuilds From LA Wildfires? May 19, 2026It’s a nightmare faced by families all around Los Angeles: After wildfire smoke blanketed homes, schools and offices with toxic chemicals, when is it OK to go back?
World of Tech
Despite its early stumbles, Google’s Gemini has leapfrogged ChatGPT in relevance and usefulness. Soon, it will be ubiquitous. [...]
For decades, he criticized the industry’s lax attitudes toward computer security and individual digital privacy. He also developed solutions. [...]
Apps from Apple, Google and others can assist in making your online accounts more secure, even as new ways of logging in continue to take off. [...]
As companies look to build cash flow and loyalty, everything from heated car seats to earthworm deliveries can become a recurring charge on your credit card. [...]
Google’s A.I. search technology is far from perfect (don’t count on it for celebrity news), but it excels at tasks like picking out groceries and detecting scams. [...]
Counting minutes is a poor way to curb phone habits. Real antidotes, experts say, include mindful parenting, curated content and human connection. [...]
Gemini is a digital Swiss Army knife for planning flights, activities and routes, but it isn’t perfect. Why did it forget to put underwear on the packing list? [...]
The budding field is turning dreams into reality for older adults who are eager to age in place, filling caregiving gaps and easing minds as America ages rapidly. [...]
Recipe apps and artificial intelligence can give you a boost, but free tools already on your device can also assist with meal planning and preparation. [...]
Plenty of people hate Mark Zuckerberg’s superintelligent, supercharged spectacles. I was ready to hate them, too. [...]
World of Tech
- How Google Is Starting to Win the A.I. Race May 19, 2026Despite its early stumbles, Google’s Gemini has leapfrogged ChatGPT in relevance and usefulness. Soon, it will be ubiquitous.
- Peter G. Neumann, Who Warned of Computer Security Risks, Dies at 93 May 19, 2026For decades, he criticized the industry’s lax attitudes toward computer security and individual digital privacy. He also developed solutions.
- Why Your Life Is Now on Subscriptions May 13, 2026As companies look to build cash flow and loyalty, everything from heated car seats to earthworm deliveries can become a recurring charge on your credit card.
- Tired of Hacked Passwords? Help Is on the Way. May 13, 2026Apps from Apple, Google and others can assist in making your online accounts more secure, even as new ways of logging in continue to take off.
- Five Ways A.I. Search Beats an Old-School Google Search May 7, 2026Google’s A.I. search technology is far from perfect (don’t count on it for celebrity news), but it excels at tasks like picking out groceries and detecting scams.
Innovation
- Anthropic Just Bought a Developer Tool Used by OpenAI, Google May 19, 2026Anthropic acquired SDK startup Stainless, signaling a deeper push into developer tooling as AI labs compete beyond model performance. The post Anthropic Just Bought a Developer Tool Used by OpenAI, Google appeared first on TechRepublic.
- Agentic AI, Strong Racks, Weak Fabric: Inside Dell’s AI Bet May 19, 2026Dell sharpens its AI vision with agentic endpoints, an AI-ready platform, and factory-built racks, but its muted networking story raises questions about how far its AI Factory can scale. The post Agentic AI, Strong Racks, Weak Fabric: Inside Dell’s AI Bet appeared first on TechRepublic.
- Apple’s Siri Could Get a Grammarly-Like AI Writing Tool at WWDC May 19, 2026Apple’s iOS 27 may add AI writing tools, prompt-built shortcuts, AI wallpapers, and a smarter Siri as WWDC 2026 approaches in June. The post Apple’s Siri Could Get a Grammarly-Like AI Writing Tool at WWDC appeared first on TechRepublic.
- Apple Intelligence Powers New Accessibility Features for iPhone, Mac May 19, 2026Apple Intelligence will upgrade VoiceOver, Voice Control, captions, and Vision Pro wheelchair controls in new accessibility features coming later this year. The post Apple Intelligence Powers New Accessibility Features for iPhone, Mac appeared first on TechRepublic.
- XPeng Rolls Out Its First Mass-Produced Robotaxi May 19, 2026XPeng has rolled out its first mass-produced robotaxi in Guangzhou, but pilots, regulation, and live fleet data will decide how big the milestone really is. The post XPeng Rolls Out Its First Mass-Produced Robotaxi appeared first on TechRepublic.
Artificial Intelligence
- New Zealand Plans to Cut 9,000 Public Sector Jobs as AI Push Accelerates May 20, 2026New Zealand’s government plans to cut thousands of public service jobs while pushing agencies to adopt AI and tighter budgets. The post New Zealand Plans to Cut 9,000 Public Sector Jobs as AI Push Accelerates appeared first on TechRepublic.
- This $25 Subscription Will Bring AI Into Your Business May 20, 2026Tap into the power of OpenAI, Meta, Midjourney, and additional powerful AI models with 1min.AI. The post This $25 Subscription Will Bring AI Into Your Business appeared first on TechRepublic.
- Microsoft Launches New Surface AI PCs for Business Buyers May 19, 2026Microsoft launched new Surface for Business PCs with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips, AI features, 5G options, and enterprise security tools. The post Microsoft Launches New Surface AI PCs for Business Buyers appeared first on TechRepublic.
- Anthropic Just Bought a Developer Tool Used by OpenAI, Google May 19, 2026Anthropic acquired SDK startup Stainless, signaling a deeper push into developer tooling as AI labs compete beyond model performance. The post Anthropic Just Bought a Developer Tool Used by OpenAI, Google appeared first on TechRepublic.
- Agentic AI, Strong Racks, Weak Fabric: Inside Dell’s AI Bet May 19, 2026Dell sharpens its AI vision with agentic endpoints, an AI-ready platform, and factory-built racks, but its muted networking story raises questions about how far its AI Factory can scale. The post Agentic AI, Strong Racks, Weak Fabric: Inside Dell’s AI Bet appeared first on TechRepublic.
