California Today: Homeless Population Declines in Los Angeles for a Second Straight Year

July 15, 2025, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California.

Today’s Top Story

Mark Abramson for The New York Times

Homeless Population Declines in Los Angeles for a Second Straight Year

A key survey of homelessness in Los Angeles determined that the number of people sleeping without shelter fell again. More than 72,000 people remain homeless in Los Angeles County.

Three Universities Will Face Congress Over Antisemitism Allegations

Leaders from Georgetown, the City University of New York and the University of California, Berkeley, will become the latest to testify about accusations of campus antisemitism.

Meta’s New Superintelligence Lab Is Discussing Major A.I. Strategy Changes

Members of the lab, including the new chief A.I. officer, Alexandr Wang, have talked about abandoning Meta’s most powerful open source A.I. model in favor of developing a closed one.

Omakase Has Gotten Out of Hand. Mori Nozomi Is the Sublime Answer.

In the era of big, flashy, beefed-out sushi menus, the chef Nozomi Mori’s serene Los Angeles counter stands out.

Son of Ex-Hollywood Agent, Jailed in 3 Murders, Dies by Suicide, D.A. Says

Samuel Haskell, 37, was accused of dismembering his wife and his in-laws. He was the son of Sam Haskell III, an Emmy-winning film producer and veteran talent agent.

John MacArthur, Firebrand Preacher and Culture Warrior, Dies at 86

He was a theologically uncompromising pastor in Southern California who influenced generations of evangelical preachers.

Public Broadcasters Brace for Vote on Sharp Funding Cut This Week

At the urging of President Trump, Congress is expected to vote on whether to cut $500 million per year for public radio and TV stations.

Their Water Taps Ran Dry When Meta Built Next Door

In the race to develop artificial intelligence, tech giants are building data centers that guzzle up water. That has led to problems for people who live nearby.