The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
Los Angeles Times
“The Times” is a podcast from the Los Angeles Times hosted by columnist Gustavo Arellano along with reporters from our diverse newsroom. Every weekday, our podcast takes listeners beyond the headlines, with our West Coast outlook on the world. News, entertainment, the environment, immigration, politics, the criminal justice system, the social safety net, food and culture — “The Times” exists at the epicenter of it all. Through interviews and original stories, “The Times” is the audio guide you need to understand the day’s news, the world and how California shapes it. Listen everywhere podcasts are available.
- 4 minutes 19 secondsMcConnell Won't Seek Reelection in 2026
In this episode, we delve into Senator Mitch McConnell's pivotal decision not to seek reelection in 2026, a move that stirs the political pot in the GOP and Kentucky. Beyond this headline, we touch on the contentious advance of affordable housing in the San Fernando Valley, a noteworthy trend towards fireproof 'SuperAdobe' homes in LA amid wildfire concerns, the persistent allure of U.S. universities for Chinese students despite geopolitical tensions, and the unusual spike in egg confiscations at the U.S.-Mexico border due to the bird flu outbreak. Join us for a succinct exploration of these compelling stories.
21 February 2025, 11:00 am - 5 minutes 19 secondsAirbnb co-founder donations $15 million to Steadfast LA to help wildfire victims rebuild
When wildfires strike, some communities burn—but one neighborhood in Irvine proves that doesn’t have to be the case. A controversial procedure—leg lengthening surgery—is gaining popularity. LA County is taking steps to protect renters following January’s devastating fires. The LA Unified School District has implemented a cellphone ban. In the first month of President Trump’s administration, thousands of federal workers have been fired. And billionaire Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, is donating $15 million to Steadfast LA to help wildfire victims rebuild.
20 February 2025, 2:30 pm - 4 minutes 22 secondsPresident Trump renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of AmericaRiverside Sheriff Chad Bianco enters the race for California governor. Insurers in California have been pulling out of high-risk wildfire areas, leaving home owners struggling to find coverage. President Donald Trump sparks controversy by renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. California lawmakers weigh the possibility of state-owned oil refineries. A new California state bill seeks to ban the sale of powerful anti-aging products to minors.19 February 2025, 10:00 am
- 4 minutes 22 secondsThe Egg Price Hike: Why Californians Are Paying More for BreakfastEgg prices are skyrocketing, hitting Californians hard. Freight trains loaded with Nike merchandise have become targets for thieves in California. U.S. inflation is on the rise again, while Trump’s proposed tariffs could push it even higher. A tragic day unfolds on the slopes at Tahoe Ski Resort.18 February 2025, 10:00 am
- 4 minutes 30 secondsAltadena’s Water Crisis: Why Residents Still Can’t Drink the TapWeeks after the devastating fires, many in Altadena still lack access to clean drinking water. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is facing a wave of lawsuits and has responded by hiring a top law firm, at rates of up to $1975 an hour. Meanwhile, California is at the center of the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, raising concerns that some crucial communities are not being properly monitored. Wildfires have devastated the state this year, sparking a major battle over fire prevention. In Los Angeles, the housing crisis deepens, and now one city is facing a lawsuit over its plan to address it.17 February 2025, 4:45 pm
- 4 minutes 29 secondsCould ten more patrolling engines have prevented the Palisades Fire?According to the CDC, bird flu infections in dairy cows are more widespread than previously thought. When flames erupted in the Pacific Palisades, fire crews took 18 minutes to arrive—but by then, it was too late. Now, former LAFD officials say at least 10 more engines should have been deployed in advance to patrol the area. Immigration raids may be coming to Southern California, and activists are preparing to fight back. Amazon is bringing 2,000 new jobs to the Inland Empire. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is facing a major legal battle, as California and more than a dozen other states sue the Trump administration over his role as the President’s personal budget advisor.14 February 2025, 10:00 am
- 4 minutes 15 secondsCould Canada really become America’s 51st state?The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sparks controversy by opting not to require soil testing after the Eaton and Palisades Fires. Meanwhile, economic losses from the wildfires have soared past $250 billion, hitting the entertainment and tourism industries especially hard. Tensions between Canada and the U.S. are on the rise—could Canada really become America’s 51st state? California is also battling one of its worst flu seasons in years, with hospitalizations surging across the state. And in an unexpected success story, Compton Unified School District is earning praise for its remarkable academic turnaround.13 February 2025, 10:00 am
- 27 minutes 9 secondsHow trans surfers find community
Trans surfers are beginning to find community among themselves in a sport that too often isolates and even shuns them.
Today, we hang out with some at the beach, to hear their joy and pain. Read the full transcript here.
Host: L.A. Times senior producer Denise Guerra
More reading:
Biden sports plan angers transgender advocates and opponentsBlack surfers find moments of reflection, rejuvenation at ‘A Great Day in the Stoke’
For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans
28 April 2023, 12:00 pm - 38 minutes 29 secondsMasters of Disasters origin stories!
In a live taping, three of our Masters of Disasters talk about how they got into covering catastrophes, why they continue to do it — and how they try to convey hope. Read the full transcript here.
Host: Gustavo Arellano
Guests: L.A. Times earthquake reporter Rong-Gong Lin, L.A. Times wildfire reporter Alex Wigglesworth, and L.A. Times coastal reporter Rosanna Xia
More reading:
Read Rong-Gong LIn II’s stories here
26 April 2023, 12:00 pm - 23 minutes 57 secondsCan anything stop distracted driving?
After a decades-long decline in automobile fatalities, numbers began to go up with the dawn of smart phones. Laws banning use of cellphones while driving haven’t stopped the rise — and the dawn of smart cars seems to be making things worse.
Today, we talk about efforts to stop distracted driving — and why they don’t seem to work. Read the full transcript here.
Host: Gustavo Arellano
Guests: L.A. Times auto industry reporter Russ Mitchell
More reading:
Highways are getting deadlier, with fatalities up 22%. Our smartphone addiction is a big reason why
‘We are killing people’: How technology has made your car ‘a candy store of distraction’
The DMV said it would investigate Tesla over self-driving claims. Then, crickets
24 April 2023, 12:00 pm - 23 minutes 12 secondsThe music genre Korean elders 'trot' to
“Trot” is a Korean music genre that has been around for decades. But in recent years, it has exploded in popularity in Southern California. The biggest fans? Immigrant seniors.
Today, we talk about trot’s history, staying power and role in the Korean American community. Read the full transcript here.
Host: Gustavo Arellano
Guests: L.A. Times Asian American communities reporter Jeong Park
More reading:
K-Pop isn’t the only hot ticket in Koreatown — how ‘trot’ is captivating immigrants
Koreatown’s elderly immigrants find the lure of the casino bus a blessing and a curse
Club helps older Korean immigrants find their political voice
21 April 2023, 12:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App