Headlines From The Times

The Federal Communications Commission approved Paramount’s request to allow foreign investors to take a substantial stake in the $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Three Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi plan to invest a combined $24 billion. Collectively, the funds would hold 38.5% of the combined company’s equity, while the Ellison family and RedBird Capital would retain 100% of the voting shares.

The FCC approval comes despite concerns raised by Democratic lawmakers and FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez about potential foreign influence over major U.S. media properties including CBS and CNN. The deal still faces an antitrust lawsuit brought by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other Democratic attorneys general. A federal antitrust trial is currently scheduled for March 2, 2027, if the case is not resolved through settlement talks.

Meanwhile, a federal investigation into Gavin Newsom’s travel expenses is expanding, and the California governor is pushing back. Investigators have issued subpoenas for records from a nonprofit that has helped pay for Newsom’s official travel through private donations to places including China, Mexico, the Vatican, and the 2020 Super Bowl. Newsom says the investigation is politically motivated, calling it “Trump retribution,” and is accusing the administration of weaponizing the Justice Department.

And, both of LA’s football teams are hoping to bounce back after disappointing Week 1 losses. Two important matchups are ahead: The Chargers face the Raiders after a 26-14 loss to the Cardinals, while the Rams are back in the US for Monday Night Football against the Giants following their 27-7 loss to the 49ers in Australia.

Read more at https://www.latimes.com

For the first time since 1995, three American men — Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Alex Michelsen — have reached the US Open quarterfinals. It feels like a milestone moment for American tennis. Now they're chasing history: no American man has won on home soil since Andy Roddick in 2003. On the women's side, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and 2023 champion Coco Gauff make up the most US women's quarterfinalists since 2017.

Meanwhile, the Rams and 49ers are set to make history in the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in Australia. The matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground features a Super Bowl-style atmosphere, Sean McVay's unique travel strategy, the Rams' "guinea pig" travel experiment, and the possibility of Aaron Donald making his return after coming out of retirement. Here's everything you need to know before kickoff.

And, fast-food workers in Los Angeles could soon have more control over when and how they work. The City Council is weighing a proposal that would require restaurants to give workers more notice regarding scheduling, and would also give workers paid training on labor rights. Supporters say this could make a huge difference for workers to plan for child care, medical appointments, and other responsibilities. But the restaurant industry says it could raise costs for businesses.

Read more at https://www.latimes.com

A new one-dollar coin featuring President Trump's portrait is making headlines after the U.S. Mint put sleeves up for sale this week to celebrate the country's 250th birthday. The "heads" side shows Trump's portrait with "liberty" above it and the years 1776–2026, while the reverse features the Seal of the United States. Federal law generally bans living presidents from appearing on U.S. currency, but there's an exception for certain commemorative coins with Treasury Secretary approval. It's also not completely unprecedented: Calvin Coolidge appeared on a $1 coin 100 years ago while still in office.

Meanwhile, California’s rules allowing transgender athletes to compete in school sports will remain in place after a federal judge tossed a Trump administration lawsuit. The Justice Department argued that allowing trans girls to compete on girls teams would be a violation of Title IX, but Judge Cynthia Valenzuela ruled that Title IX does not clearly require California to impose a ban. The Justice Department says it’s considering an appeal.

And, K-Pop supergroup BTS took over SOFI Stadium this week, kicking off 4 sold-out shows on its world tour. This is the first LA show since the members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea.

Read more at https://www.latimes.com

Gloria Steinem, the author and activist who helped revolutionize the feminist movement, died Wednesday at her home in New York City. She was 92.  For more than half a century, Steinem fought for abortion rights, equal pay, and same-sex marriage, calling herself an "entrepreneur of social change." From her groundbreaking undercover exposé on the Playboy Club to becoming one of the most recognizable voices of the women's liberation movement, Steinem's life and legacy reshaped how the world sees gender, work, and power. We look back at her extraordinary story.

Meanwhile, the NBA is handing down massive penalties against the Clippers that could devastate the team for years to come. After finding the team violated salary cap rules involving Kawhi Leonard, the league is issuing the Clippers a $30 million fine, stripping them of five first-round draft picks, suspending owner Steve Ballmer for a year, and fining Leonard $700,000. The Clippers deny the findings and say they’ll challenge the penalties.

And, Jordan Chiles is coming back to elite gymnastics and gearing up for the 2028 Olympics in LA. The Olympic gold medalist announced her return in a video narrated by NBA legend Michael Jordan, who asked, “Why again?” Chiles says it’s because “the dream is still there.” She helped Team USA win gold at the Paris Olympics, and plans to split her time training for LA28 while also returning to UCLA as a student coach.

Read more at https://www.latimes.com

A new Marsh survey finds employers expect health benefit costs to rise about 8% next year — the biggest increase in more than two decades. Employers are already eyeing ways to shift more costs onto workers. That's on top of a separate Aon report showing employees paid nearly 10% more in out-of-pocket care in 2026 than the year before, an increase of roughly $2,100.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods is Avoiding a DUI conviction after reaching a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and will lose his driver’s license for five years, pay at least $1,500 in fines, complete 50 hours of community service, and cover damages from the crash. The golfer was originally charged with DUI after a rollover crash in March.

The Los Angeles Angels are set for a change in ownership, and it could mark the start of a new era. Rams owner Stan Kroenke has agreed to buy the team from Arte Moreno in a record $4 billion deal, ousting the Angels owner after 20+ years. With the team’s playoff drought stretching back to 2014, fans are hopeful that Kroenke’s record of investing in Southern California sports will pay off. The deal still needs MLB approval.

Read more at https://www.latimes.com