Afghan families seeking asylum in the US after fleeing the Taliban takeover are stranded in Tijuana, Mexico, facing trauma from their perilous journey across 11 countries. They have found temporary safety in the Muslim-only Albergue Assabil/Mesquita Taybah shelter but struggle with the asylum process due to a malfunctioning US Customs and Border Protection mobile app, CBP One. Despite the dangers they've faced, including robbery and assault in the Darién Gap, they are determined to restart their lives in the US, with some waiting for over two months for an appointment with US authorities.

Hollywood is facing a potential mega-strike as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) contract expires, potentially joining the Writers Guild of America, which has been on strike since May 2. The strike could halt numerous productions and affect the availability of popular shows. Actors and writers are demanding better pay and restrictions on artificial intelligence in productions, with high-profile actors like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence signing a letter in support. Negotiations are ongoing and secretive, with the outcome still uncertain.

In Los Angeles, a growing number of people are living in motorhomes without access to running water or electricity, facing risks such as fires. These motorhomes, often inoperable, offer a more affordable housing alternative compared to apartments. The city is considering crackdowns on this type of dwelling due to environmental damage and safety concerns. Mayor Karen Bass has initiated programs to house the homeless, but persuading motorhome residents to accept temporary housing alternatives remains challenging. City council member Traci Park is pushing for regulation of motorhome rentals, while environmentalists like Scott Culbertson from Friends of the Ballona Wetlands express frustration over pollution and damage to public parks.

A potential strike by Hollywood writers over payment issues in the streaming economy could disrupt TV shows and late-night programming as early as next week. The Writers Guild of America is seeking better compensation for writers who face lower wages and fewer episodes per season due to the rise of digital platforms. The last strike in 2007-2008 had a significant economic impact and led to the rise of reality TV. The current negotiations between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are tense, with writers demanding fair pay and assurances against AI replacing human writers. The Teamsters union has expressed solidarity with the writers, while streaming giants like Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and Apple are criticized for not sharing profits with content creators.

Teenage overdose deaths in the USA have reached unprecedented levels, with fentanyl, an opioid medication, being a major factor. Over 100,000 Americans died from overdoses last year, with a significant increase among teenagers. Melanie Ramos, a 15-year-old, died after consuming a pill containing fentanyl, thinking it was oxycodone and paracetamol. Drug cartels smuggle fentanyl into the USA, often producing counterfeit pills that mimic common medications. In response to the crisis, Los Angeles has stocked Narcan, an overdose reversal medication, in schools, and the Biden administration announced a federal response including $1.5 billion to fund programs and support law enforcement in combating drug trafficking. Experts stress the importance of overdose prevention as the only way to slow the rise in drug abuse deaths.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a warm welcome in Hollywood, aligning with Saudi Arabia's plans to open up to Western entertainment. Top executives and celebrities, including Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, engaged with him, anticipating the end of a 35-year ban on entertainment in the kingdom. AMC and other entertainment companies are set to expand into Saudi Arabia, while activists protested the Saudi-led bombing in Yemen and the kingdom's treatment of women. The visit highlighted a potential cultural shift in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the young population's desire for entertainment.