Homelessness Update: LA County’s annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count shows homelessness rose after two years of reductions, up 1.2% to 73,040 countywide and 3.4% to 45,194 in the City of LA, with unsheltered numbers climbing 3.3% to 49,002 countywide and 7.9% to 29,115 in the city. Wildfire & Utilities Politics: Eaton and Palisades fire survivors and advocates rallied in Altadena urging Gov. Newsom to avoid “backroom deals” tied to utility wildfire bailouts, spotlighting SB 254 and consumer protections. AI Policy Push: California lawmakers are watching a new federal AI “Kill Switch” proposal that would let DHS order shutdowns for top-tier systems in “loss-of-control” scenarios, alongside broader concerns about school AI data exposure. Energy & Grid Buildout: The U.S. is on track to add a record 24 GW of utility battery storage in 2026, targeting 67+ GW by early 2027—part of the grid strain response as data centers expand. Entertainment Antitrust: Paramount’s Warner Bros. merger is delayed after legal challenges led by California AG Rob Bonta and other states, keeping the fight over antitrust and media market power alive. Tech Finance Watch: Alphabet reported first-ever quarterly cash burn tied to heavy AI spending, raising investor questions about whether Big Tech can sustain the investment pace. California Business Costs: Gas prices climbed again across California, with AAA citing a sustained run-up in LA County averages and warnings that supply constraints could keep pressure on.