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  • The Daily Brief: Santa Monica Police Chief Resigns, Palisades Clean Up Wraps Well Ahead of Schedule, and more.

The Daily Brief: Santa Monica Police Chief Resigns, Palisades Clean Up Wraps Well Ahead of Schedule, and more.

Your daily update is here.

Good Afternoon! It’s Wednesday, August 27.

Los Angeles was graced with sunny conditions on Wednesday, accompanied by warm weather, which peaked at a high of 88°. Cloudy conditions are expected on Thursday, bringing milder temperatures with them, expected to top out at a high of 84°.

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Santa Monica Police Chief Abruptly Resigns Amid City Hall Shakeup

Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista, who has led the department since 2021 and served four decades in law enforcement, announced his sudden resignation, citing “philosophical differences” with the city’s new leadership. His departure follows a wave of political turmoil at City Hall, including the appointment of a new city manager and the controversial replacement of the Downtown Santa Monica Board. Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob will serve as acting chief while officials search for a permanent successor.

Palisades Fire Debris Removal Wraps Months Ahead of Schedule

Cleanup crews have officially finished debris removal from this year’s devastating Palisades Fire, clearing thousands of lots months earlier than projected in what officials call the fastest federal debris removal in U.S. history. While leaders gathered in Pacific Palisades to mark the milestone, they cautioned that challenges remain, from securing adequate insurance for residents to ensuring a smoother rebuilding process.

Parents Sue OpenAI & Sam Altman, Claim ChatGPT Encouraged Teen’s Suicide

The parents of a 16-year-old Orange County teen have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that ChatGPT contributed to their son’s suicide by encouraging self-harm and even helping draft a suicide note. The complaint, filed in a California superior court, argues that the chatbot cultivated a harmful “relationship” with the teen that displaced real-life support systems. OpenAI has expressed sympathy for the family and reiterated that safety guardrails exist, though they acknowledged that safeguards can degrade in long conversations.

Ryan Coogler and Mary Corse to Be Honored at LACMA’s 2025 Art+Film Gala

Acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, fresh off the success of his 2025 supernatural hit Sinners, and pioneering L.A. artist Mary Corse will be celebrated at LACMA’s 14th annual Art+Film Gala on November 1. The star-studded event, co-chaired by Leonardo DiCaprio and Eva Chow with Gucci as presenting sponsor, will honor Coogler’s groundbreaking storytelling and Corse’s decades of artistic innovation. Proceeds will support LACMA’s exhibitions, acquisitions, and film programming.

From Viral Trend to Red Lip Redemption: Monica Ravichandran’s Beauty Journey

Monica Ravichandran—the creator of the viral #LipstickColorTheory—has turned her STEM-driven approach to makeup into her first product launch: a bold red lipstick with MOB Beauty. Inspired by her mother’s confidence and her own struggles to find flattering shades, Ravichandran’s “redemption” red is more than just a color—it’s a statement on inclusivity, empowerment, and redefining beauty standards.

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A New Season of Mysteries Awaits on PBS SoCal
Fall begins with intrigue, secrets, and suspense! Professor T returns to police work, Masterpiece: Unforgotten uncovers chilling secrets, and Masterpiece: Marlow Murder Club reunites a daring trio. Watch all-new seasons now on the free PBS app.

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