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Crypto Utopia: Experimenting with Network States in Malaysia's Forest City

2025-09-01
Crypto Utopia: Experimenting with Network States in Malaysia's Forest City

In a repurposed hotel on a reclaimed island in Malaysia, crypto and tech entrepreneurs are conducting a real-life experiment: building new sovereign states from scratch. Network School, the brainchild of former Coinbase executive Balaji Srinivasan, attracts nearly 400 students learning coding, decentralized governance, and building crypto projects. The curriculum blends practical skills with ideological exploration, combining coding sprints with seminars on topics like the Meiji Restoration and Singapore's statecraft. Srinivasan's vision is to create "startup societies" defined by shared beliefs, not territory, and he sees the world as ripe for his brand of nation-state disruption, using Forest City as a testing ground for global rollout. Despite challenges, the project injects energy into Forest City, offering a unique case study in exploring future models of societal governance.

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(www.latimes.com)
Startup network state startup society

California's Energy Policy Showdown: Can SB 540 Break the Deadlock?

2025-07-21
California's Energy Policy Showdown: Can SB 540 Break the Deadlock?

California Senate Bill 540, aimed at creating a regional electricity market to facilitate interstate clean energy trading, has sparked a fierce debate among environmentalists. Supporters argue it will lower electricity bills and accelerate climate action, while opponents fear California will lose control of its grid and become a buyer of out-of-state coal power, potentially leading to higher electricity prices. The article delves into the pros and cons of the bill and the positions of various stakeholders, ultimately concluding that cooperation is key to addressing the climate crisis, and California's choice will have a profound impact on the clean energy transition across the West.

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(www.latimes.com)
Tech regional electricity market

LA Sues Airbnb Over Price Gouging and Unverified Listings After Wildfires

2025-07-20
LA Sues Airbnb Over Price Gouging and Unverified Listings After Wildfires

The Los Angeles city attorney's office filed a lawsuit against Airbnb, alleging price gouging and unverified hosts and addresses at over 2,000 rentals following January's wildfires. The lawsuit seeks to prevent price hikes during the emergency and compensate affected consumers. Airbnb disputes the claims, highlighting its $30 million in aid to fire victims. However, the lawsuit also alleges inadequate verification processes, leaving users vulnerable to crime. The case involves fake hosts and addresses, and locations miles from advertised ones. If price gouging is proven, Airbnb faces up to $7.5 million in fines.

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(www.latimes.com)
Tech

LA General's John Does: A Healthcare Crisis of Unidentified Patients

2025-06-18
LA General's John Does: A Healthcare Crisis of Unidentified Patients

Los Angeles General Medical Center annually admits tens of thousands of unidentified patients, most of whom are quickly identified. However, some, like a man found unconscious in February, remain for months or years due to a lack of identifying information. The hospital attempts to locate relatives by releasing photos and limited details, with mixed success. This presents not only administrative challenges but also patient safety concerns and strains healthcare resources. Multiple similar cases highlight the difficulties posed by unidentified patients, underscoring the need for societal attention to vulnerable populations.

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(www.latimes.com)
Misc Healthcare Crisis Unidentified Patients Social Issues

Trump's Proposed NASA Budget Cuts: A Death Blow to American Space Exploration?

2025-06-12
Trump's Proposed NASA Budget Cuts: A Death Blow to American Space Exploration?

The Trump administration's proposed budget includes a near 50% cut to NASA's science programs and a roughly 24% overall reduction. This drastic move, formulated without significant NASA input due to a leadership vacuum following the withdrawal of Jared Isaacman's nomination, jeopardizes numerous ongoing projects. The cuts would cancel 19 active space exploration projects totaling $12 billion in investment, impacting crucial missions like Mars exploration. This not only wastes significant taxpayer funds but also threatens America's future in space exploration, potentially allowing China to overtake the US in space leadership.

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(www.latimes.com)
Tech

Vietnam's Chicano Scene: Tattoos, Lowriders, and the Search for Identity

2025-05-27
Vietnam's Chicano Scene: Tattoos, Lowriders, and the Search for Identity

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a unique subculture has emerged: the "Viet Chicanos." Inspired by Chicano culture, these barbers and tattoo artists embrace bold fashion, tattoos, and lowrider aesthetics. Initially driven by fashion, their adoption of Chicano culture has evolved into a search for identity and belonging. Despite facing misunderstandings and social prejudice from older generations, they use social media to promote their culture and challenge stereotypes about tattoos and subcultures. Their story highlights the complexities of cultural exchange and the resilience of individuals in their quest for self-discovery.

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(www.latimes.com)
Misc Cultural Identity Subculture Vietnam

California's EV Charging Stations Outnumber Gas Pumps, But Federal Headwinds Loom

2025-04-05
California's EV Charging Stations Outnumber Gas Pumps, But Federal Headwinds Loom

California now has more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations than gas pumps, a milestone reflecting the growing adoption of zero-emission vehicles. However, this achievement comes as the federal government under the Trump administration actively works to slow the transition away from gasoline cars. California has aggressively expanded its EV charging network, reaching 178,500 ports in 2024, surpassing an estimated 120,000 gas nozzles. While California received a significant federal grant for EV infrastructure, the federal government has paused similar grants in other states, signaling opposition to the rapid expansion of EV infrastructure. This creates challenges for California's ambitious goal of banning the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

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(www.latimes.com)
Tech Energy Policy

Village Roadshow Files for Bankruptcy: A Casualty of the Streaming Wars

2025-03-31
Village Roadshow Files for Bankruptcy: A Casualty of the Streaming Wars

Village Roadshow Entertainment, the prolific film financing company behind franchises like “Joker,” “The Matrix,” and “Ocean’s Eleven,” has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A protracted legal battle with Warner Bros., stemming from the studio's release of “The Matrix Resurrections” on HBO Max simultaneously with its theatrical release, is cited as a major factor. The company's ambitious, pre-pandemic expansion into independent film and television production proved unprofitable, further exacerbating its financial woes. The bankruptcy highlights the disruptive impact of streaming on traditional entertainment businesses.

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(www.latimes.com)
Startup

Hollywood's Unsung Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story

2025-03-14
Hollywood's Unsung Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story

The documentary "Hollywood's Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story" chronicles the life of Paul Revere Williams, the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects. Overcoming immense racial barriers, Williams designed iconic buildings like LAX and homes for Hollywood legends. The film not only celebrates his extraordinary talent but also highlights the lack of diversity in architecture and the importance of preserving his legacy, prompting reflection on racial equality and cultural heritage preservation.

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(www.latimes.com)
Design architecture racial equality

Index Funds Crush Actively Managed Funds: Time to Upgrade Your Investment Strategy?

2025-03-09
Index Funds Crush Actively Managed Funds: Time to Upgrade Your Investment Strategy?

For years, actively managed fund managers have claimed to beat the market, but data reveals a harsh truth: index funds significantly outperform them in the long run. The SPIVA report shows that the majority of actively managed large-cap US equity funds have underperformed the S&P 500 index for years. Ordinary investors should opt for the simplicity, low cost, and superior long-term performance of index funds, avoiding emotional investment mistakes. While concerns exist about the concentration of power in index funds, such as potential impacts on corporate governance and political agendas, their superior long-term returns make them the preferred choice for the average investor.

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(www.latimes.com)
Startup index funds actively managed funds

Hollywood's Climate Silence: Only 'The Wild Robot' Passes Climate Reality Check

2025-02-24
Hollywood's Climate Silence: Only 'The Wild Robot' Passes Climate Reality Check

Of the 2024 Oscar-nominated films, only the animated movie 'The Wild Robot' passed the Climate Reality Check, a test devised by nonprofit consulting firm Good Energy to assess films' acknowledgment of global warming. Similar to the Bechdel test, the Climate Reality Check reveals a striking lack of climate change representation in mainstream cinema. A recent study found that only a small percentage of popular films even mention the climate crisis, let alone depict it meaningfully. Despite this, Good Energy CEO Anna Jane Joyner notes a growing audience interest in climate-conscious stories, and some studios are showcasing climate solutions like electric vehicles in their films. However, Hollywood's overall climate silence, coupled with the Trump administration's climate denial, remains a significant concern.

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(www.latimes.com)
Tech Hollywood

Government's Energy Gamble: Lessons from the Failed Ivanpah Solar Project

2025-02-01
Government's Energy Gamble: Lessons from the Failed Ivanpah Solar Project

The Ivanpah solar project, a massive concentrated solar power plant, ultimately ended in failure. Despite significant government investment, it proved unprofitable due to technological flaws and high costs, even causing numerous bird deaths. This raises questions about the government's continued investment in high-risk clean energy technologies. While Ivanpah failed, overall government investment in renewable energy has been successful, driving progress in solar photovoltaic technology and fostering the growth of the clean energy industry. However, government investments carry risks, requiring careful project selection and rigorous evaluation to prevent similar failures.

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(www.latimes.com)
Tech government investment

Drone Crash into Firefighting Aircraft: Pilot Pleads Guilty

2025-02-01
Drone Crash into Firefighting Aircraft: Pilot Pleads Guilty

A drone pilot, Peter Tripp Akemann, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after his drone collided with a firefighting aircraft during the Palisades fire. The collision caused significant damage to the Super Scooper plane, costing over $65,000 to repair. Akemann admitted to flying his drone in restricted airspace, violating temporary flight restrictions put in place due to the fire. While there's no evidence of intentional harm, the incident highlights the dangers of drone operation near emergency response areas. Akemann faces a potential year in prison, fines, and community service. The incident also prompted renewed warnings from the FAA about the risks of drone flights near wildfires.

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(www.latimes.com)
Tech wildfire FAA

LA Wildfires: Experts Reveal Overlooked Truths

2025-01-12
LA Wildfires: Experts Reveal Overlooked Truths

The recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles highlight a critical issue, according to fire experts Jack Cohen and Stephen Pyne. They argue that the scale of destruction was preventable due to societal misunderstandings about fire. The traditional focus on the "wildland-urban interface" overlooks the primary role of wind-carried embers in igniting urban fires. They propose shifting from fire suppression to preventing community ignition points through home hardening, landscaping, and community brush clearance. Drawing parallels to post-Chicago fire planning, they emphasize strengthening urban resilience rather than solely relying on firefighting during extreme conditions.

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(www.latimes.com)
Tech urban fires disaster prevention