Headlines From The Times

Bitcoin had been sliding for months, down 31% over the past year. Then last week, everything changed.

News out of Washington sent the crypto surging back above $77,000, jumping 20% in just a few days. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's plan to double long-term government bond buybacks pushed bond yields lower and pressured the dollar — and a weaker dollar sent investors hunting for alternatives, like Bitcoin.

A growing number of California’s richest residents are looking overseas as political unrest in the US mounts – not necessarily to leave, but because they want to have a Plan B. Through these so-called “golden visas,” people are seeking residency, and in some cases citizenship, in other countries by investing in property or businesses abroad.

Read more about the growing practice here: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-08-13/more-more-wealthy-californians-are-seeking-golden-visa-residency-outside-u-s

The world's largest retailer, Walmart, just reported its worst sales growth in more than six years. Last quarter, the Arkansas-based company saw its store sales rise just 2.6 percent. This comes as overall retail spending dropped in July, and according to the University of Michigan, consumer sentiment fell about 8% this August.

Meanwhile, Disneyland is finally giving Tomorrowland the major makeover fans have been asking for. Disney announced at D23 that the iconic land will be reimagined with new attractions, more open spaces, and a renewed focus on Walt Disney's original vision for the future. While the project is still in its early stages, it marks one of the biggest planned changes to Disneyland in decades.

And, from horseback riding in Burbank to tacos in Los Feliz, arcade games in Pasadena and dancing at Club Tee Gee, Love Island USA host Ariana Madix is sharing her ideal Sunday around Los Angeles. Fresh off filming the latest season in Fiji, the Emmy-winning host says she's enjoying being back home and soaking up everything L.A. has to offer.

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

The U.S. national debt hit a record high this week, topping $40 trillion. That’s double what it was in 2016 at the start of President Trump's first term. Most of that spending is going toward rising military costs, programs like Social Security and Medicare, and Trump's tax cuts. The war in Iran has already cost the U.S. more than $34 billion, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

And, as NFL season approaches, CBS is moving forward with its coverage while Tony Romo remains on leave following his arrest. There’s no timetable yet for his return. In the meantime, CBS Sports President David Berson says three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as the network’s lead broadcast team. Romo was arrested in July on suspicion of impaired driving and is scheduled to appear in court on September 21.

Meanwhile, several coaches at El Camino Real Charter High School have been placed on administrative leave while the school investigates allegations surrounding CPR and first-aid certification. The L.A. Times reports certification cards used by some coaches could not be verified in a Red Cross database. Parents say some were escorted off campus, including a longtime baseball coach. This comes just weeks after the Woodland Hills school replaced its executive director and assistant principal overseeing athletics.

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

A record number of kindergartners are starting school this year, without required vaccinations, with new federal data showing that exemption rates are hitting an all-time high for the fourth year in a row.

After nearly 50 years, the Buss family’s run as owners of the Los Angeles Lakers could be coming to an end. The family has reportedly agreed to sell its remaining stake to new majority owners Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, but Jeanie Buss and her attorneys have come out to say she was not on board with the decision and plans to challenge the sale. Jeanie Buss would lose her position as Lakers governor should the deal – which still needs NBA approval – move forward.

And, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram headed by Mark Zuckerberg, is facing a major legal battle after losing two key pretrial rulings. Attorneys general from California and other states accuse Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to keep young users hooked on the platform, while downplaying potential risks to their mental health and well-being. It’s the first of thousands of similar federal lawsuits against the social media giant.

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

New data shows 24 million Americans traveled to Europe in 2025 alone — a record high, led by trips to the UK, France, and Italy. But the boom isn't reaching everyone equally: the wealthiest households are driving the surge, and by age, travelers 55-64 led the way, followed by 18-24 year olds.

And, a new UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll, co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, shows California voters are divided on two major ballot measures ahead of the November election. Proposition 40, a one-time tax on billionaires to help fund healthcare, holds a narrow lead, while Proposition 39, which would require voter ID and citizenship verification, is currently opposed by a majority of likely voters.

Finally, rookie quarterback Ty Simpson impressed in his first NFL action, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' 20-12 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Sean McVay praised Simpson's command of the offense, while the performance adds intrigue to the battle for the Rams' backup quarterback job behind Matthew Stafford.

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