Topic: Patrick Soon Shiong

The Los Angeles Times published a report questioning the city's preparedness for the wildfires, alleging that only five of 40 available fire engines were initially deployed. Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong admitted the paper's endorsement of Mayor Karen Bass may have been a mistake, emphasizing that "competence matters." The report highlights a delay in calling in off-duty firefighters until the blazes were out of control.

Journalists at the Los Angeles Times held a one-day walkout to protest planned job cuts affecting approximately 20% of the newsroom. The paper, owned by billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, has struggled with financial losses and the departure of its top editor. The situation reflects a broader trend of instability in legacy newspapers as they transition from traditional advertising models to billionaire-subsidized operations.