Karim Doumar

New York

Head of Newsletters at Los Angeles Times

@latimes head of newsletters you can reach me at [email protected] • ice cream royalty • 🇵🇸

Articles

LAPD's protest response draws complaints

4 days ago | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

For two weeks in June, protesters across L.A. made front page news. In groups large and small, they showed up to oppose immigration raids, marched on the federal building downtown and rallied to cry out “no kings” in the United States. They faced a downtown curfew, an onslaught of insults from the president, dissension in their own ranks, violent or messy compatriots, and whack-a-mole attempts to try to keep up with the federal immigration enforcement agents crisscrossing the region.
Immigration raids roil L.A.

2 weeks ago | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

Two days of isolated but intense clashes at several locations has put L.A. County at the center of President Trump’s immigration crackdown. And put the country into some uncharted territory. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Friday carried out a series of immigration sweeps, including two in downtown that sparked a tense standoff. There was more unrest Saturday in Paramount. Here’s what we know.
AI chatbots have already completely upended schools. Your world will be next

1 month ago | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your weekend: You’d better start getting used to AI chatbotsL.A. County high lead levels on properties the Army Corp of Engineers had already cleaned. Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games. And here’s today’s e-newspaper AI chatbots have transformed life. Are we ready? If you are part of the shrinking population that still hasn’t tried ChatGPT, it’s time. My first experiments with an AI chatbot shook me.
Trump and California could be headed for these three collisions

Nov 26, 2024 | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

Good morning. I’m Karim Doumar, head of newsletters, filling in for Ryan Fonseca. Here’s what we’re covering today. • These three California constituencies may be on a collision course with Trump. • Marriage, service, TikTok fame: How the Menendez brothers spent 34 years in prison. By now, it’s old news: Trump’s reelection promises to revive his rivalry with California and its elected leaders.
In California, the makings of a Central Coast ghost town

Sep 30, 2024 | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

• Cayucos residents are being priced out by Airbnbs that sit empty for parts of the year. • These six pumpkin spice recipes will help you embrace fall’s favorite flavor. A town with a certain charm, right on the beach, which for decades had been home to hippies and surfers is now an unaffordable nightmare: The cheapest house on the market costs more than $1 million, and permanent residents have been pushed out in favor of Airbnbs that sit empty for long stretches of time.
Laguna Beach residents vs. beachgoers: Tensions are reaching a boiling point

Aug 15, 2024 | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

Good morning. It’s Thursday, Aug. 15. Here’s what you need to know to start your day. Laguna Beach has been overrun by the four Ts: Traffic, trash, tempers and tourists. Adam Schiff expands already sizable lead over Steve Garvey in California Senate race, poll says. The Intuit Dome opens today, here’s what you need to know. And here’s today’s e-newspaper Californians flock to the beach to escape the heat. Beach town residents don’t always like it.
Laguna Beach residents vs. beachgoers: Tensions are reaching a boiling point

Aug 15, 2024 | flipboard.com | Karim Doumar

Good morning. It’s Thursday, Aug. 15. Here’s what you need to know to start your day. Laguna Beach has been overrun by the four Ts: Traffic, trash, tempers and tourists. • Adam Schiff expands already sizable lead over Steve Garvey in California Senate race, poll says. • The Intuit Dome opens today, here’s …
Easter again? 5 recipes for an Arab spring feast

May 5, 2024 | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

I have been engaged in a clandestine yearslong effort to steal Easter away from my mother, who has hosted the feast our entire lives. It’s not like she does a bad job. In fact, nobody can create a feast as good in as little time. But at some point we all have to let these matriarchs rest. Serve them for a change. And Easter comes with much lower stakes than Thanksgiving or Christmas. Before I go further, I know what you’re thinking: Easter was five weeks ago.
The science behind giving bad gifts

Dec 2, 2023 | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Saturday, Dec. 2. Here’s what you need to know to start your weekend: Our ultimate gift guide can help you prep for the holidays. Newsom defended his confusing debate with DeSantis as a necessary evil. Asian American families are more stressed than ever about college admissions. And here’s today’s e-newspaper.
Today's Headlines: Maui needs tourists (and their dollars) after fire

Aug 27, 2023 | latimes.com | Karim Doumar

Hello, it’s Monday, Aug. 28, and here are the stories you shouldn’t miss today:TOP STORIESFearing economic disaster, Maui wants tourists to return. But feelings are complicated. The line at Paia Fish Market usually extends so far down the main drag that staffers can’t see the end of it through their front window. But that hasn’t been the case as of late, with tragedy on Maui slowing foot traffic in typically busy spots to a trickle.