Topline:
Twenty years ago, three former PayPal employees launched YouTube.com, originally intended as a dating website with the slogan "Tune In, Hook Up."
The early days: Co-founders Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim initially struggled to attract users, so they created YouTube's first video themselves. The clip, titled "Me at the zoo," featured Karim at the San Diego Zoo.
Why it matters: They built a platform where anyone with an internet connection could upload and watch videos.
Twenty years ago, three former PayPal employees launched YouTube.com, originally intended as a dating website with the slogan "Tune In, Hook Up."
The co-founders—Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim—struggled to attract users, so they created YouTube's first video themselves. The clip, titled "Me at the zoo," featured Karim at the San Diego Zoo.
In doing so, they built a platform where anyone with an internet connection could upload and watch videos.
What did people do with this newfound power?
What they're still doing today.
Flooding the internet with clips from Saturday Night Live—Like Lazy Sunday, one of the early viral videos.
Swiftly removed at NBC's request but later restored on Youtube, the video highlighted a key tension in YouTube's rise. For some, it was a chaos of copyright infringement; for others, a breakthrough in short-form video democracy. The following year, Google bought YouTube for more than $1.6 billion.
In October 2006, Karim shared with students at his alma mater, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, what it all meant to him: "If you have a good idea, and you just go out there and you make a video, you can — you can get an audience of millions almost instantly for free," he said.
Over the years, YouTube has faced controversies—over data collection, toxic content and radicalizing algorithms.
But "Me at the zoo" is still there, reminding viewers of a more innocent time. With 348 million views, it's a far cry from the most-watched video.
Copyright 2025 NPR
Topline:
A federal judge has ordered the National Guard to leave Los Angeles and return to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s control in a stern rebuke of the Trump administration’s contention that it can leave troops in the city indefinitely. The order handed down today goes into effect at noon on Monday.
The backstory: The Los Angeles case is one of several challenging Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in liberal cities, including Chicago and Portland. U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer in June issued a separate decision against Trump’s Los Angeles deployment, but the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the ruling from taking effect and allowed the troops to stay. In each case, the Trump administration argued that the conditions in Los Angeles in early June justified sending in the National Guard. Trump mobilized 4,000 of the state’s National Guard troops in response to two days of occasionally volatile protests against federal immigration raids in Southern California.
Why it matters: Before Trump’s federalization of those troops, at no time in U.S. history was the law invoked without the consent of the state governor. Use of the law is exceedingly rare: It was used just once before June by President Richard Nixon to mobilize troops during a postal worker strike in 1970.
A federal judge has ordered the National Guard to leave Los Angeles and return to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s control in a stern rebuke of the Trump administration’s contention that it can leave troops in the city indefinitely.
The order handed down today goes into effect at noon on Monday.
“It is profoundly un-American to suggest that people peacefully exercising their fundamental right to protest constitute a risk justifying the federalization of military forces,” U.S, District Court Judge Charles Breyer wrote in the opinion.
The Los Angeles case is one of several challenging Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in liberal cities, including Chicago and Portland. The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing a case on Trump’s call-up of troops to Chicago, which could further determine whether the domestic mobilizations are constitutional.
Breyer in June issued a separate decision against Trump’s Los Angeles deployment, but the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the ruling from taking effect and allowed the troops to stay.
The Trump administration used Section 12406 of the U.S. Code to justify sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles in early June, when aggressive immigration enforcement operations led to protests. The administration issued similar orders in August and again in October, each time citing the clause that permits Trump to federalize National Guard troops if “the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”
In each case, the Trump administration argued that the conditions in Los Angeles in early June justified sending in the National Guard. Trump mobilized 4,000 of the state’s National Guard troops in response to two days of occasionally volatile protests against federal immigration raids in Southern California.
Before Trump’s federalization of those troops, at no time in U.S. history was the law invoked without the consent of the state governor. Use of the law is exceedingly rare: It was used just once before June by President Richard Nixon to mobilize troops during a postal worker strike in 1970.
“it defies the record — and common sense — to conclude that risks stemming from protests — in August, October, or even present day — could not have been sufficiently managed without resorting to the National Guard,” wrote Breyer, the brother of retired Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer.
There are three conditions that presidents can use to invoke Section 12406: If the country is invaded or in danger of invasion; if there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the U.S. government; or if the president cannot enforce the nation’s laws with regular forces.
The Trump administration focused on the last one, arguing that previous court rulings found that the president need only be “significantly impeded” from executing the country’s laws, rather than being completely “unable” to execute them, to comply with Section 12406, and argued that the existing risk of further protests justified the continued presence of the National Guard.
Breyer rejected that argument, saying that the mere threat of protests or uprisings compromising the president’s ability to execute the country’s laws is not enough to justify federalization of the National Guard.
“if federalization justified federalization, it would become a positive feedback loop that perpetually rationalized federal control of state troops,” Breyer wrote.
The Trump administration, in its briefings, argued both that the federal mission had succeeded and conditions in Los Angeles had improved, but said the situation still required the presence of National Guard troops.
“Their assertion that ‘[t]here remains an inability to execute the laws . . . in California’ is not only unsupported, but actually borders on a misrepresentation,” Breyer wrote.
Breyer also warned that the Trump administration’s justification for federalizing National Guard troops, if allowed to proceed, would set a dangerous precedent.
The Trump administration “confirmed their position that, after an initial federalization, all extensions of federalization orders are utterly unreviewable, forever,” Breyer wrote.
“That is shocking. Adopting Defendants’ interpretation of Section 12406 would permit a president to create a perpetual police force comprised of state troops, so long as they were first federalized lawfully.”
This article was originally published on CalMatters and was republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.
Topline:
Anaheim city leaders on Tuesday unanimously approved the appointment of Manuel Cid as the new police chief.
About the appointment: Anaheim’s police department is the largest in Orange County with more than 400 sworn officers and as its chief, Cid will make around $390,000 annually. By comparison Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell makes $450,000 annually and oversees around 9,000 sworn officers.
Immigration enforcement: During his tenure as chief in Glendale, the city came under fire for a contract with the U.S. Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement that allowed the agency to use its jails. The Glendale Police Department said at the time they did not collaborate with federal immigration authorities and at Tuesday’s meeting, Cid reiterated that Anaheim would take the same approach.
The context: Earlier in the evening, people spoke out against the fatal police shooting of a 19-year-old man Saturday night and called on city leaders to hold the officer accountable. A spokesperson for the O.C. District Attorney’s Office told LAist they are investigating the shooting.
Anaheim city leaders on Tuesday unanimously approved the appointment of Manuel Cid as the new police chief.
Anaheim’s police department is the largest in Orange County with more than 400 sworn officers and as its chief, Cid will make around $390,000 annually. By comparison, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, who oversees around 9,000 sworn officers, makes $450,000 a year.
“ The recommendation contract presented here strikes an appropriate balance, acknowledging that public safety is the council and the community's highest priority, and that the proposed agreement for the chief is consistent with chief salary survey findings,” said City Manager Jim Vanderpool, who selected Cid from a field of candidates.
Cid comes to Anaheim from the Glendale Police Department, where he has served as chief since January 2023. He was previously the police chief for Culver City.
During his tenure as chief in Glendale, the city came under fire for a contract with the U.S. Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement that allowed the agency to use its jails. The Glendale Police Department said at the time they did not collaborate with federal immigration authorities and at Tuesday’s meeting, Cid said Anaheim would take the same approach.
“ Our job as a local police department is, again, to uphold public safety, work with our community and really focus on that both in philosophy, practice and in accordance with state law,” Cid said at the meeting Tuesday. “It is not our job to get involved and to participate and assist the federal, uh, any federal entity in conducting immigration enforcement.”
Earlier in the evening, people spoke out against the fatal police shooting of a 19-year-old man Saturday night and called on city leaders to hold the officer accountable.
A spokesperson for the O.C. District Attorney’s Office told LAist they are investigating the shooting.
Topline:
It's time for candle lighting, tales of miracles and fried food a-plenty. We've gathered a list of places to celebrate and prepare for a festive meal. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, starts this Sunday night and goes on for eight days.
Why it matters: Every year you think "I'm going to be better prepared next year" and every year you think "wait, when did it get to December?" Here's a cheat sheet for where to go and what to buy.
Why now: Because it starts on Sunday December 14 and goes till Monday December 22. But you knew that, didn't you?
Get your dreidels out and potato pancakes on the table — it's time to celebrate the festival of lights in the city of angels. We've got a rundown of menorah lightings, community gatherings, and of course, festive meals (including restaurants which have a selection of to-go offerings). The fun starts this Sunday evening, December 14, and goes on for eight days.
AKASHA, from Chef Akasha Richmond, has been a beacon of light on the Hanukkah scene, burning bright for almost two decades. This year’s menu includes a slow-braised brisket made with an “old school recipe” ($115), Yukon Gold potato latkes ($15), house-made local apple sauce ($15), and an apple crisp ($32) or hanukkah cookies ($20) for dessert. All dishes come reheat-ready with instructions.
When and how: The Hanukkah menu will be available on Tock from December 14 to December 21. The pre-order deadline is 2 days in advance, while frozen latkes are available daily while supplies last. For last-minute orders, email catering@akasharestaurant.com or call 310 8451700.
Kick the festivities off with a menorah Lighting at RUNWAY in Playa Vista before beginning your holiday feast. The event is free to attend and is done in collaboration with Rabbi Joseph Greisman of the Playa Vista Jewish Community.
When and how: The ceremonial lighting will start at 5 p.m. You can reserve your spot here.
Gelson’s mingles tradition with endless possibilities, offering five different Hanukkah dinner options with everything from brisket to no-salt free-range organic BBQ chicken for between $90 and $95. Most menus also include matzo balls in chicken broth, potato latkes, tzimmes, chopped beef liver with egg, and noodle kugel. Each Hanukkah dinner is designed to feed a group of four. Sides are also available a la carte if you need a little extra. The Holiday Assorted Rugelach Platter is a must, and showcases chocolate and cinnamon flavors with fresh berries ($30 for 12).
If you’re entertaining a large group, consider one of the Hanukkah Catering Platters with choices like seasonal fruit ($90 for 20 servings) and a jaw-dropping holiday side of poached salmon garnished with cucumber slices and aspic ($165 for 10 servings). Chef Julia Child would be proud.
When and how: Order your perfect meal with this link by December 20 for pickup from December 13 to 22. Reheating instructions can be found on the website as items come refrigerated.
Monday, December 15 is the Menorah Lighting Celebration for the city of Beverly Hills. The iconic menorah is already on display and Instagram-ready.
When and how: The event is from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and no reservations are necessary. See the link for more details.
This restaurant, famously owned by Steven Spielberg's late mother, is where you can “phone home” for Hanukkah. Specials include Latke Kits ($48) and Mensch Bakery sufganiyot boxes ($28). The latke kits include a dozen latkes with all the trimmings, while the sufganiyot Boxes include six jelly doughnuts. It’s all served in those gorgeous tulip boxes.
If you’d prefer to dine in, they're hosting a Lights and Latkes Dinner on December 14 at 5 p.m. Expect latkes, jelly doughnuts, Israeli wine, and gelt and dreidel festivities.
The Skirball Cultural Center's Hanukkah Festival is on Sunday, December 14, and the event runs from noon to 5:00 p.m. It features performances, latke tastings, and live music. You can also explore the museum as early as 11 a.m.
When and how: Tickets are $20 for adults and FREE for members. Reserve here.
Nate ‘n Al’s is a Beverly Hills classic, known for serving traditional Jewish delicacies, dating back to 1945. This is a great non-committal spot for your Hanukkah holiday because you can just walk in and enjoy a bowl of matzo ball soup ($12.95) or a rbrisket with sides ($31.95).
Hanukkah Catering is also available for large-scale orders like latkes ($25.95), blintzes ($27.95), matzo ball soups ($16.95), and holiday whole roast chicken for four ($45.95).
When and how: The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Hanukkah, or you can make your catering order here from December 14 to 21.
Enjoy a Hanukkah at home thanks to Whole Foods. The Burgundy braised brisket meal has everything you need to feed a family of eight, including a brisket braised in red wine, roasted green beans with peppers, olives, and capers, honey-roasted carrots, potato latkes, applesauce, and matzo ball soup. Complete the meal with an order of chocolate rugelach ($7.99). All of these items are also available à la carte, and everything is packaged with reheating instructions.
When and how: Order directly from the website. Orders must be placed 48 hours before pickup. The meal for eight is priced at $229.99.
Light the menorah every night of the week at the Third Street Promenade. Beginning December 14 at 5 p.m., different community groups will host a lighting each night. Pair that with a Winter Skate at the special Ice at Santa Monica Pop-up, and you’ve got yourself an illuminating night out.
When and how: Details are available on their website, and no reservations are necessary. Nightly events take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. December 14 through 22.
The Original Farmer’s Market is holding its Hanukkah Celebration December 14 including youth performances, kid crafts, holiday bites, and a menorah lighting.
When and how: The festivities begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 14 and no reservations are necessary.
Genghis Cohen, known for their NYC-style Chinese food and December 25 festivities are kicking things off a little early this year with something sweet for your Hanukkah table.
Run DMC Ice Cream stands for Delicious Morsels of Challah and features rum raisin challah bread pudding ice cream made with challah from Challadad ($15 per pint or $8 a scoop when dining in).
When and how: Run DMC Ice Cream is available beginning December 12 and for a limited time for dine-in or online.
Huckleberry has everything for your classic Hanukkah celebration. Choose from a Creekstone Farms Brisket ($175) or oven-roasted Scottish salmon ($200) for five for your main event, and encircle it with dazzling delights like matzo ball soup ($30), crisp potato pancakes with apple sauce and sour cream ($55), as well as a sweet noodle kugel ($39).
Add on a Dreidel Cookie Decorating Kit for even more family fun ($18).
When and how: Pre-order here at least three nights before pickup. Confirmed orders may be picked up or delivered from December 14 through 22.
Topline:
The Federal Reserve is again expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point Wednesday, in an effort to support a weakening job market.
Why it matters: A rate cut could make it slightly cheaper to borrow money to buy a car, expand a business or carry a balance on a credit card. The Fed also lowered rates at its last two meetings, but the decisions were not unanimous, highlighting the competing pressures that the central bank is facing.
The backstory: President Trump has been demanding that the central bank cut rates more aggressively, even though the Fed is designed to be insulated from political pressure. In September, Trump installed White House economic adviser Stephen Miran to fill a short-term vacancy on the Fed board. Miran has cast the lone vote for larger, half-point rate cuts at each of the last two meetings.
Read on... for other factors affecting the Fed's decision.
The Federal Reserve is again expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point Wednesday, in an effort to support a weakening job market. But stubborn inflation and delayed economic data could complicate the Fed's decision, leading to more-than-usual disagreement within the rate-setting committee.
A rate cut could make it slightly cheaper to borrow money to buy a car, expand a business or carry a balance on a credit card. The Fed also lowered rates at its last two meetings, but the decisions were not unanimous, highlighting the competing pressures that the central bank is facing.
Inflation is still well above the Fed's target, which would ordinarily call for keeping interest rates elevated. But unemployment has also been creeping up, which would typically point toward lower rates. Fed policymakers are divided on which of those problems is more urgent.
The decision is also clouded by a lack of timely data as a result of the six-week government shutdown. Furloughed federal workers were unable to gather inflation and unemployment numbers in October. And November's readings have been delayed until next week — too late to sway the Fed's decision.
For now, policymakers have to rely on somewhat stale economic data from September, when annual inflation was clocked at 2.8%, according to the Fed's preferred measure, while unemployment stood at 4.4%. Both figures were slightly higher than in the previous month.
Investors are betting that a majority of Fed policymakers will vote for a quarter-point cut at the conclusion of this week's meeting. Policymakers will also update their predictions about where they think rates are going next year.
At September's meeting, Fed officials projected an average of just one additional interest rate cut in 2026.
President Trump has been demanding that the central bank cut rates more aggressively, even though the Fed is designed to be insulated from political pressure. In September, Trump installed White House economic adviser Stephen Miran to fill a short-term vacancy on the Fed board. Miran has cast the lone vote for larger, half-point rate cuts at each of the last two meetings.
Trump has also tried to replace Fed Governor Lisa Cook over unproven allegations of mortgage fraud. So far, that effort has been blocked by the Supreme Court. The high court will hear arguments in Cook's case next month.
Trump has been outspoken in his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, saying Powell has been "too late" in cutting interest rates. Powell's term as Fed chair expires in May, and Trump is expected to nominate a new leader for the central bank soon.
Copyright 2025 NPR
