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  • The Daily Brief: Mayor Bass Announces Cash Assistance Program, Trump Administration Pulls California High Speed Rail Funding, and more.

The Daily Brief: Mayor Bass Announces Cash Assistance Program, Trump Administration Pulls California High Speed Rail Funding, and more.

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Good Afternoon! It’s Thursday, July 17.

Sunny skies were seen throughout Los Angeles on Thursday with warm weather peaking at a high of 82°. More sun is expected on Friday with similar highs of 81° forecast before heading into a warmer weekend with even more sunshine ahead.

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Karen Bass Announces Cash Assistance for Immigrants Affected by ICE Raids

In response to ongoing federal immigration raids, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass has unveiled a new initiative providing cash cards worth a “couple hundred dollars” to affected individuals. The aid will be distributed through nonprofits and family resource centers as part of a broader executive directive to support immigrant communities and push back against what Bass calls “unconstitutional reckless raids.” The program is funded by philanthropic partners, not taxpayer dollars.

Pelosi Slams Trump’s “Stupid” Plan to Reopen Alcatraz as Prison

As Trump officials visit Alcatraz to float plans for reviving the infamous island prison, critics are calling the proposal costly and absurd. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted the idea as the administration’s “stupidest initiative yet,” while California leaders mocked the feasibility of gutting a thriving tourist site to house federal inmates. The proposal would require dismantling environmental protections and National Park oversight—raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.

Brentwood Man Busted With Fake Firetruck and a Dozen Strange Charges

During a police raid in Brentwood, authorities seized a firetruck labeled with the name of a fictitious “Santa Muerte Fire Department” and arrested Steve Farzam, who now faces over a dozen bizarre charges—including impersonating a firefighter, assaulting a public servant, and trespassing in restricted zones. The incident may be linked to a broader impersonation scheme that previously surfaced in San Bernardino County.

Trump Cuts $4B in Funding From California Bullet Train, Throwing Project Into Turmoil

The Trump administration has pulled $4 billion in federal funding from California’s high-speed rail project, threatening the future of the long-delayed bullet train connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco. State officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, blasted the decision and vowed to fight back, calling the move politically motivated. With construction underway and legal challenges looming, the fate of the transformative transit project—and billions in investment—hangs in the balance.

Simone Biles and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Win Big at the 2025 ESPYS

The 2025 ESPYS lit up Hollywood with standout wins by Simone Biles and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who were named Best Athletes in their respective categories. Hosted by comedian Shane Gillis at The Dolby Theatre, the ceremony honored top performers across every major sport while spotlighting humanitarian efforts and unforgettable performances. Check out the full list of winners and highlights from the star-studded night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

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