Universal CityWalk is undergoing a sweeping transformation with a dozen storefronts changing operators as Universal Studios Hollywood creates a wider security bubble that will include the outdoor shopping mall and a new hotel planned near the theme park entrance.

Several shops and attractions have opened in recent months with more set to debut later this year as CityWalk brings in a new slate of retailers and restaurants.

ALSO SEE: Universal Studios Hollywood reveals Fast & Furious coaster ride vehicles

The latest CityWalk Hollywood transformation began in September with Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe replacing Francesca’s clothing boutique and Chick Chick Chicken fast casual restaurant.

The pace of change has quickened in the last few months with Line Friends Square opening in April and Take 2 and Escapology opening in May.

Line Friends Square sells K-pop clothing, accessories, novelties and collectibles in the former Fossil watch shop location.

Take 2 sells discount Universal Studios Hollywood theme park clothing and merchandise in the former Raider Image shop.

Escapology offers eight escape rooms themed to Scooby-Doo, Batman and other storylines in the former Samba Brazilian steakhouse restaurant location.

ALSO SEE: Universal’s Horror Nights resurrects Friday the 13th for new maze

Five more new locations are opening later this year at Universal CityWalk Hollywood:

• NBA Store — Replacing Abercrombie & Fitch
• Insomnia Cookies — Replacing Mini Monster boba tea shop
• Slice House by Tony Gemignani — Replacing Sparky’s Donuts
• Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers — Replacing Dongpo Kitchen
• Halal Guys — Replacing Crepe Cafe

The NBA Store opening this summer will sell jerseys, clothing, hats and souvenirs from the Lakers, Clippers and other NBA teams.

The four eateries will sell cookies (Insomnia), pizza (Slice House), chicken tenders (Raising Cane’s) and gyro sandwiches (Halal Guys).

Universal has not yet announced what will replace the shuttered iFly…

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday is mourning a 31-year old deputy who was one of two victims killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the 101 Freeway in Studio City.

Deputy Marcos Pena Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene of Tuesday morning’s accident by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel. Pena was off-duty at the time.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic and untimely loss of Deputy Pena Jr., who was taken from us far too soon,” Sheriff Robert Luna said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who had the honor of serving alongside him.”

California Highway Patrol officers and LAFD paramedics responded to the westbound 101 and the 170 Freeway junction with the 134 Freeway, near the Tujunga Avenue exit, about 2:15 a.m. Tuesday.

According to preliminary findings, a black KIA compact SUV was stopped in traffic lanes for unknown reasons when Pena and a woman exited the Kia, according to West Valley Area CHP Officer Cody Sturges.

“While the occupants were outside of the vehicle, a white International box truck collided with the Kia and the occupants,” Sturges said. “Both occupants of the Kia — one male and one female — were pronounced deceased on scene by LAFD personnel.”

The crash remained under CHP investigation, according to Sturges.

The female victim had not been identified as of Wednesday morning.

Pena joined the sheriff’s department on July 14, 2022, and was assigned to the Men’s Central Jail, according to the LASD. He is survived by his mother, Michelle Rubio and his stepfather, Deputy Albert Rubio, who is assigned to Court Services, and his four step-siblings, Diserre Rubio, Ashley Rubio, Albert Rubio, and Deja Rubio.

Anyone with information about the collision was urged to call Sturges at the CHP West Valley office at 818-888-0980. After hours callers should contact the Los Angeles Communications Center at 323-259-3200.

A man was fatally stabbed in unincorporated Orange early Friday, June 13, and a suspect was arrested, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said Saturday.

Around 1:30 a.m., deputies responded to reports of people screaming and possibly fighting in the area of Rancho Santiago Boulevard and Hewes Street, south of Santiago Canyon Road and east of the 55 Freeway. At the scene, they found evidence of a potential crime. During their investigation, authorities were notified that a man suffering from a stab wound to the chest had arrived at a nearby hospital.

The victim, identified as 24-year-old Sergio Esquivel Sanchez of Orange, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Later that day, Melchor Aleszi, 20, of Tustin, was arrested on suspicion of homicide.

The investigation remains ongoing. No further details, including a possible motive or the suspect’s relationship to the victim, have been released.

Saturday’s demonstrators were jubilant and defiant, holding signs saying, “Stop racism,” “No kings” and “No one is illegal on stolen lands.”

By Akayla Gardner, Stephanie Lai and Hadriana Lowenkron |  Bloomberg

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Tuesday the Trump administration was considering withholding education funding to California schools, alleging the state’s policies on transgender athletes violates federal law.

“I think that is part of what we found with the state of California just blatantly refusing to be in compliance with Title IX regulations,” McMahon said at an event hosted by Bloomberg News. “So that is one of the tools and the other options that we have with California and I think it’s right that we make them aware that that is a risk that they run.”

Politico first reported that the administration was weighing cutting the funding in response to the state allowing transgender athletes to compete on teams that align with their identified gender. The administration says such a position violates federal bans on sex discrimination.

California officials have defended their policy as consistent with state law.

McMahon said earlier that the administration was not directly targeting individual schools.

“We’re not putting a bullseye out there and trying to find targets for things,” she said. “We’re looking at violations and we want to make sure we’re addressing them.”

Long-standing tensions between California and the Trump administration have deepened in recent days. Trump bypassed the state’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom to activate the National Guard — and US Marines —- in response to protests over immigration raids.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

©2025 Bloomberg L.P.

Originally Published: June 11, 2025 at 9:12 AM PDT

More than 1,300 athletes and coaches took to Long Beach over the weekend to participate in the 2025 iteration of the Southern California Special Olympics.

The festivities kicked off on Friday, June 6, with the Special Olympics opening ceremony at Cal State Long Beach’s Walter Pyramid. After that, the games took place on Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8.

Athletes competed for medals and ribbons in five different sports, including track and field, basketball, bocce, flag football and swimming. This year’s games also featured unified sports competitions, brining together athletes both with and without disabilities.

“Summer Games goes beyond the competitions. It’s a team effort from the community,” said SOSC President and CEO Kelly Pond. “The support for our athletes inspires and motivates all people.”

The Summer Games event also featured Healthy Athletes — a program that offers participants free health screenings from volunteer health care professionals — and a Young Athletes area, which offered kids a chance to work on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and get a taste of what it would be like to participate in the Special Olympics some day.

Originally Published: June 8, 2025 at 12:34 PM PDT

The SGV LGBTQ Center presents its fifth annual Pride Parade from Mark Keppel High to Barnes Park in Monterey Park, as a way to recognize the queer and trans community in the San Gabriel Valley.

Originally Published: June 7, 2025 at 8:18 PM PDT