California Today: What Is Venture Capital Now Anyway?

Today's top stories from California.

December 13, 2024, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California and the region, selected for you by Times editors. Today's Top Story Jon Reinfurt What Is Venture Capital Now Anyway? The opposing paths taken by two powerful firms — Benchmark and Andreessen Horowitz — embody a profound debate about the future of an industry that funds and fosters American innovation. Read more More California News U.S. Couple on Holiday Visit Are Shot and Killed in Western Mexico The killings, and other violent episodes this year, have marred the first few months in office of Mexico's new president, who has vowed to tackle the country's bloodshed. Dolores Madrigal, Plaintiff in Landmark Sterilization Case, Dies at 90 She was among hundreds of women who said they were coerced into sterilization at a California hospital in the 1970s. The lawsuit led to state and national reforms. How Christian Slater Went From Bad Boy to Good Dad The actor's tumultuous past has given way to a "very happy" family life. He plays a father on "Dexter: Original Sin," too — but to keep a serial killer in check, you still need some edge. For Wild Animals, the Bird Flu Disaster Is Already Here Scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus could set off another human pandemic. But it is already putting species under pressure in the wild. How to Resurrect a Radical Artist Forty years after his death, the Californian activist Peter Carr gets a revival of his acerbic paintings and drawings. To make it happen, his protégé spent both labor and love. A California family feels hope and worry for relatives in Syria. Dick Van Dyke and Cher Flee Their Malibu Homes as Franklin Fire Burns Mr. Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, said that he and his wife, Arlene, had fled their home with their pets as the Franklin fire threatened their community. G.M. Will Stop Developing Self-Driving Taxis The company said it would now focus its efforts on developing fully autonomous vehicles for personal use. Local Conditions Look up the heat index in your area using The Times's heat tracker. See active fires using The Times's wildfire tracker. Today's Recipe Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards. Mapo Ragù Recipe from David Chang and Tien Ho Adapted by Sam Sifton 1 hour Makes 4 to 6 servings Play a Game The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Wordle Guess the 5-letter word with 6 chances. See all our games Sign up for Your Places: Extreme Weather. Get notified about extreme weather before it happens with custom alerts for places in the U.S. you choose. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for California Today from The New York Times. To stop receiving California Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018