Daily Business Report: Tuedsay, May 20, 2025
Google’s $125 million deal with California for local news already shrinking
By Jeanne Kuang | CalMatters
A controversial $125 million deal California struck with Google last year to prop up the state’s struggling journalism industry is already on track to shrink — before any of the money has been delivered to news outlets.
The deal, announced last August, committed California and Google to each put tens of millions of dollars into a fund to be distributed to local news outlets over five years. In exchange, lawmakers scrapped two ambitious proposals that sought to force the search engine behemoth and its tech counterparts to pay outlets for using their published content.
But Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday proposed to slash the state’s initial commitment to the journalism fund by two-thirds.
New Children’s Museum unveils first major renovation since its construction in 2008
By Drew Sitton | Downtown News
DOWNTOWN – The New Children’s Museum recently unveiled an 8,600-square-foot expansion, adding more art studio space on the third story, an education commons for classroom visits and additional gallery space.
It was the first major renovation at the downtown museum since it was built in 2008. Architect Rob Quigley designed the building.
The footprint of the museum remained the same. To maximize the space, administrative offices, storage areas and back-of-house spaces were converted to be used by visitors under architect Jim Brown, who was brought on to create a low-impact design that honored Quigley’s vision.
“We really have put our heart and soul into this new space,” said Gabrielle Wyrick, the museum’s chief curator and director of audience engagement.
In-N-Out Removing Artificial Ingredients From Popular Drinks
By Zachary Stieber | The Epoch Times
Burger chain In-N-Out says it is taking artificial dyes out of some of its food and drinks, shortly after federal regulators announced a ban on several dyes and plans to work with companies to remove the rest voluntarily.
Lynsi Snyder, In-N-Out’s owner and president, told The Epoch Times via email on May 16 that the chain is removing Red No. 40, an artificial coloring, from its strawberry milkshakes and pink lemonade. The drinks will now contain natural dyes, including beta carotene.
The chain is also replacing Yellow No. 5 in its pickles, chilis, and house spread. That artificial dye will be replaced with turmeric.
