Lopez: Why this overheated invasion of L.A. looks so ugly and feels so personal

SpaceX is gearing up to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station this Wednesday—but here’s the twist: it’s a fully private mission, meaning the crew isn’t government-sponsored. This isn’t just another routine trip to orbit; it’s another big step in the commercialization of space travel, showing how private companies are taking the lead in what used to be a government-dominated arena.

Editor’s Note: This launch matters because it’s further proof that space isn’t just for astronauts in NASA uniforms anymore. Private missions like this could open doors for more scientific research, space tourism, and even future off-world industries. It’s a sign that the space race isn’t over—it’s just shifting from nations to corporations.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s brother, federal judge Charles Breyer, has been assigned to oversee California Governor Gavin Newsom’s lawsuit against the Trump administration over National Guard funding. It’s an interesting twist—while Stephen Breyer is no longer on the bench, his sibling will now handle a politically charged case involving a high-profile Democratic governor and a former Republican president.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a routine court assignment—it’s a small-world moment in the legal system. Charles Breyer’s involvement adds a layer of intrigue, given his brother’s legacy and the partisan tensions at play. The case itself could set important precedents about state-federal conflicts, but the Breyer connection makes it a bit more personal. For legal watchers, it’s a reminder of how interconnected (and sometimes coincidental) judicial politics can be.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel isn’t sweating Jalen Ramsey’s trade request or his absence from mandatory minicamp, keeping his cool while the star cornerback’s future hangs in the balance. McDaniel’s blunt, no-nonsense approach suggests the team isn’t bending to drama as they gear up for the 2025 season.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Ramsey’s next move—it’s a test of how McDaniel handles high-stakes player situations. If the Dolphins stay steady, it could set the tone for how teams manage disgruntled stars in an era where player power keeps growing. For fans, it’s a waiting game to see if this blows up or fizzles out.

Federal investigators are tightening the net around Travis Decker, a Washington father suspected in the deaths of his three daughters, whose bodies were discovered in a park last week. New leads have brought authorities closer to pinpointing his possible hideout, ramping up efforts to bring him into custody.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another missing persons case—it's a grim manhunt for a father accused of an unthinkable act. The urgency here is twofold: justice for the victims and preventing further harm if Decker is still at large. Communities are on edge, and every development in the search matters.

Fortress Investment Group is responding to the proposed Tillis-Hern tort reform by clarifying how their U.S. legal asset investments are taxed—under standard corporate or income-tax rules. While the statement is dry and technical, it hints at broader industry concerns about how legal reforms might impact investment strategies, especially in litigation finance.

Editor’s Note: Tort reform—like the Tillis-Hern bill—aims to curb excessive lawsuits, but it also ripples through industries tied to legal outcomes, like litigation funding. Fortress’s statement isn’t fiery opposition, but it’s a quiet signal that investors are watching how policy shifts could reshape their playbook. For everyday folks, it’s a reminder that legal changes don’t just affect courtrooms; they tweak the financial gears behind them, too.