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  • The Daily Brief: Trump Administration Halts UCLA Funding, Van Nuys Homeless Encampment Cleared, and more.

The Daily Brief: Trump Administration Halts UCLA Funding, Van Nuys Homeless Encampment Cleared, and more.

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Good Afternoon! It’s Friday, August 1.

Sunny skies and warm weather graced Los Angeles for the first day of August with highs peaking at 82°. The sunny conditions are expected to continue into Saturday with warmer weather and a high of 90° forecast.

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Trump Administration Halts $200M in UCLA Research Funding Over Antisemitism Allegations

The Trump administration has suspended $200 million in federal research funding to UCLA, citing the university’s alleged failure to combat antisemitism on campus. The move threatens hundreds of vital research grants and has sparked backlash from UCLA leadership, who call the decision politically motivated and warn of nationwide consequences for scientific progress.

Van Nuys Homeless Encampment Cleared Under Mayor Bass’ ‘Inside Safe’ Initiative, Sparking Backlash

A major homeless encampment in Van Nuys was cleared Thursday morning as part of Mayor Karen Bass’s Inside Safe initiative, which aims to transition unhoused residents into temporary and eventually permanent housing. While city officials touted the operation as a public safety win, protesters and advocates criticized the effort as insufficient and harmful, citing unmet promises around mental health support and long-term solutions. Over 30 people were moved into housing during the sweep.

Chargers Blow Out Lions in Hall of Fame Game as Rookies Shine

The Chargers opened the NFL preseason with a commanding 34–7 win over the Lions in the Hall of Fame Game, thanks to breakout performances from rookie running back Omarion Hampton, quarterback Trey Lance, and undrafted cornerback Nikko Reed. From Hampton’s pro-ready power to Lance’s poised passing and Reed’s 60-yard interception, the Bolts’ depth chart is already turning heads.

Habit Burger Dethrones In-N-Out Again in Best Fast Food Burger Rankings

For the second year running, California-based Habit Burger & Grill has claimed the top spot in USA Today’s Best Fast Food Burger rankings, edging out In-N-Out, which dropped to #4. The winning Double Char—known for its freshly chargrilled patties and classic toppings—beat out entries from A&W, Jack in the Box, and Culver’s. With locations across L.A., these burger champions are just around the corner.

Diddy Argues Sex Life Is Free Speech as Prosecutors Seek Harsher Sentence

Following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges, Sean “Diddy” Combs is fighting to be released on bail ahead of his October sentencing—arguing that his private sex life is protected under the First Amendment. Prosecutors, however, are pushing back hard, calling him “no mere John” and signaling they’ll pursue a much tougher prison term than initially expected.

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