Los Angeles Considers $5 Million Subsidy for Microdrama Production; Mexican President Halts Oil Shipments to Cuba
Los Angeles is exploring a $5 million subsidy for microdrama production, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a pause in oil shipments to Cuba. The Los Angeles City Council voted 14-0 on Wednesday to direct city staff to find public or private funding sources to support microdrama production, according to Variety. Meanwhile, Sheinbaum stated Tuesday that Mexico had temporarily stopped oil shipments to Cuba, a decision she described as a "sovereign decision" not influenced by the United States, according to the Associated Press, as reported by NPR.
The proposed subsidy in Los Angeles aims to support the growing popularity of short-form vertical videos, or microdramas. Many of these productions do not meet the requirements for existing tax credits and incentives. The city council is tasking staff to identify potential funding mechanisms for the subsidy.
Sheinbaum's announcement regarding oil shipments to Cuba came in response to inquiries about whether the state oil company Pemex had curtailed deliveries. She characterized the pause as part of general fluctuations in oil supplies.
In other news, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that President Trump's National Guard deployments could cost over $1.1 billion this year if domestic deployments remain in place, NPR reported. During his second term, Trump deployed troops to six Democratic-led cities to address protests, crime, or protect federal buildings. Half of those mobilizations concluded this month.
Tesla's profits slumped 46% last year, as it lost its position as the top EV seller, NPR also reported Wednesday. The company's earnings update revealed the significant year-over-year drop, although it was better than most analysts had expected.
Researchers are also focusing on lung health, analyzing the effects of allergens, smoke, and other pollutants on the respiratory system, according to Nature News. They are investigating the exposome, the environmental factors a person is exposed to throughout their life, to understand these effects.
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