Which Way, L.A.?

After almost eight years of negotiations, the US and 11 other nations have agreed on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the biggest international trade deal in history. What will it mean for business in California? Why are organized labor and environmentalists so unhappy?

The Salton Sea in Imperial County is bigger than Lake Tahoe. Created by accident 110 years ago, it became a habitat for fish, migratory birds—and Hollywood celebrities. But now it's become a dustbowl of toxic chemicals. Will the State make good on a promise to save it?

Los Angeles County is re-organizing delivery of health services to hundreds of thousands of people. The departments of mental health, public health and medical services will be consolidated into a single bureaucracy, just like they used to be. Although County Supervisors are unanimous, angry opponents say the departments were separated for good reasons and that it's wrong to go back to what they call the bad old days.

Community Redevelopment Agencies used tax money to bring new life to downtown LA, Hollywood and other "blighted areas,"  but their sweeping power to seize private property led to charges of corruption and profiteering. After shutting the CRA's down four years ago, Governor Brown has approved new agencies -- with a different name but similar powers. Is it a distinction without a difference?

Utility companies used to support solar-energy panels on the roofs of private homes, but so many roofs in California now generate so much power that the utilities are losing big money.  We consider whether there's war against solar power, and if solar-energy users are paying their fair share.

If you've never heard of Haggen Grocery stores, it could be the lack of advertising, which combined with increased prices to force Haggen into bankruptcy right after it bought up 83 supermarkets in California early this year. The bungled expansion plan means big trouble for thousands workers in a hyper-competitive market.

Glendale is one of seven suburban communities with a statue memorializing the so-called "comfort women" abducted for use by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Now San Francisco may become the first major American city with a similar monument. But the proposal is creating international controversy.

The opportunity is ripe for doubling the number of charter schools in LA Unified--according to a strategy plan that’s leaked out of a powerful private foundation. It’s all about raising big money and influencing politics without revealing much detail about the expansion plan.

Governor Brown isn't the only one dreaming about high-speed rail in California. China has come up with $100 million in seed money for a bullet train from LA to Palmdale to Victorville — and, finally, to Las Vegas. The technology is already there and there's plenty of traffic to Sin City — with tens of thousands of drivers who would rather be passengers.

Volkswagen admits that it cheated on smog tests for almost a half-million diesel engines in the US, with 50,000 to 60,000 in California alone. Company stock is already falling, fines could amount to $18 billion and all those vehicles will have to be retrofitted. That's if customers bring them in. Are they likely to do that when the whole point of the cheating was making the cars fun to drive?

Two men who refused to evacuate are among the casualties in several counties…so far. Escorts are being provided for others who want to return home — some hoping that animals, including pets, will still be alive. 

The "Free Speech" movement of the 1960's started at the University of California. Tomorrow, UC's Board of Regents will hear arguments about how much free speech should be limited to protect students from what's labeled "intolerance." There are passionate differences over just what that means — especially when it comes to strongly held views on campus about the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. 

The Presidents of the US and China have agreed to fight against climate change. Now, Los Angeles is one of 10 American cities signing up with 10 cities in China — all promising the "intent" to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. We ask Mayor Eric Garcetti if "intent" is enough to make a real difference. 

Violent crime, including murder, is on the increase in South Los Angeles after almost a decade of steady decline. Yesterday, an "emergency meeting" was packed with elected officials, cops, activists and residents -- including survivors and victims' relatives. What new resources are required, compared to what's available?

Governor Brown took it on the chin last night when some fellow Democrats failed to support his initiative to cut gasoline consumption by 50%. It's still not clear if he'll get the money to fix the state's dilapidated roads and freeways. With this year's legislative session ending tomorrow, we update the so-called "right to die" measure and look ahead to next year — when both the Assembly and Senate will be led by Latinos for the first time.