Tesla lost its position as the world's bestselling electric vehicle maker, delivering 1.64 million vehicles in 2025 (down 9% from 2024), while Chinese rival BYD sold 2.26 million. Fourth quarter deliveries of 418,227 fell short of analyst expectations.
One year after the Palisades Fire destroyed homes and businesses, owners reflect on community support, challenges faced, and hopes for the future. Some have relocated to Venice and Brentwood, while others are working to rebuild in Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
President Donald Trump signed a New Year's Eve proclamation delaying increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year, citing ongoing trade talks
Leo Pustilnikov, a developer who has clashed repeatedly with Santa Monica city officials over downtown governance and housing projects, has defaulted on a $37.5 million loan
Trader Joe's has purchased the former Rite Aid property at 1331 Wilshire Blvd. for $22 million. The acquisition comes after Santa Monica City Council corrected zoning issues that had complicated efforts to find a new tenant for the 17,800-square-foot building.
Autonomous vehicle company Waymo has filed a lawsuit against Santa Monica to block the city's demand to cease overnight operations at two Broadway charging facilities. The city cited resident complaints about noise and light, while Waymo argues its operations are permitted.
NoScrubs, an AI-powered laundry delivery service promising 4-hour turnarounds, has launched in Santa Monica with $4.2M in funding. The service uses AI for quality control and partners with local laundromats to clean and fold clothes for less than $1 per day.
Santa Monica has published application and operational requirements for new cannabis retailers ahead of the January 26, 2026 application period. Applications will be processed first-come, first-served, with social equity provisions and a 4% cannabis business tax.
