The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
How The U.S. Open Affects The Economy & UCLA Hires New Athletic Director
The U.S. Open is a big money maker for New York City. A consulting group working with the USTA says the tournament brings in about $1.2 billion a year, fueled largely by tourism, with over a million visitors attending last year alone. Restaurants, hotels, and bars all get a major boost, and businesses respond by hiring. The US Open creates an estimated 7,000 seasonal jobs each year, with many going to residents near the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.
Also, UCLA is shaking up its athletic department just as football season begins. Martin Jarmond is out as athletic director after more than six years on the job, where he oversaw the move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten. Longtime Lakers executive and UCLA alum Tim Harris will be taking his place. Officials blame financial challenges and a rapidly changing college sports landscape for the move.
Read more at https://www.latimes.com
Other episodes of this podcast
The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
What the New "Skydance" Means for Hollywood
After a nearly year-long legal battle, the biggest merger in Hollywood history closed on Tuesday. The $111 billion deal combines Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, and the mega media company is now called Skydance. In addition to the two legacy film studios, it includes the streaming services HBO Max and Paramount+, and two of the biggest news outlets in the country, CNN and CBS. Three industry experts spoke to the Associated Press about what those changes could mean for Hollywood. Meanwhile, a Southern California couple with 21 children – 19 of whom were born through surrogates – has been arrested in connection with allegations of child abuse inside their Arcadia mansion. Prosecutors allege that multiple children were subjected to physical abuse by live-in nannies and that the parents sometimes witnessed and even encouraged the punishments. The couple has pleaded not guilty, and their attorney denies the allegations. And, the 2027 Super Bowl is coming to Disney+. ESPN’s telecast of Super Bowl LXI will stream on Disney+ on February 14, 2027, when the game takes place at SoFi Stadium. It’ll also air on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN app. Meanwhile, advertisers are paying up to $10 million for 30 seconds of the Super Bowl broadcast – the most-watched TV event of the year. Read more at https://www.latimes.com
The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
How GLP1s are Changing Restaurant Menus
For decades, American restaurants have been super-sizing their menus. Now, with about 30 million Americans on GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, many are scaling back. Customers who eat less are ordering less, often choosing smaller items like appetizers over full-priced entrées. McKinsey found GLP-1 users are buying fewer snacks and sodas, a sign the weight-loss drugs are changing how and what people eat. For restaurants, that means smaller checks just as costs climb. Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News as an on-air contributor, following her exit from the White House in August 2026. She’ll provide commentary and analysis across Fox News programs beginning November 1st. Nicolas Cage is sharing his thoughts on the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor says the MCU has become too focused on big fight scenes, comparing it to a “well-funded and glorified WWE” and calling for a return to stronger storytelling and character development. Cage is part of the MCU, having starred as Ghost Rider and played different versions of Spider-Noir. Read more at https://latimes.com
The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
Nvidia’s $150B Stock Buyback & Rams and Chargers Fall Under .500
Nvidia is making a big bet on itself. The chipmaker authorized what it calls the largest stock buyback in history, adding $150 billion to its existing program and bringing its total authorization to $235 billion. Meanwhile, the Chargers are still looking for their 1st win after a 24-16 loss to Buffalo. L.A.’s defense forced 5 turnovers, but the offense turned those takeaways into just 10 points. The Chargers also settled for 3 field goals on 4 red-zone trips as Justin Herbert & the offense struggled to capitalize. And, the Rams fell to 1-2 after blowing a 16-0 halftime lead in a 30-26 loss to the Denver Broncos. Matthew Stafford threw for 390 yards & 2 touchdowns, while Davante Adams added 137 receiving yards. But 2 costly interceptions helped Denver complete the comeback, including a 66-yard pick-6 in the 4th quarter. The Rams now head to Philadelphia to face the Eagles. Read more at https://www.latimes.com
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