This is an LA Times Studios podcast.

Hi, I'm Angelica Coronado at LA Times Studios.

Let's get into today's top headlines from the Los Angeles Times.

South Africa's ambassador to the U.S. has been ordered to leave the country by Friday.

Matthew Lee reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Ambassador Ibrahim Rasul

Persona Nongrada last week.

He accused Rasul of being a race-baiting politician who hates President Trump, citing comments the ambassador

made in a webinar.

Supporters say the U.S. has every right to expel diplomats it finds unacceptable.

But critics argue that this is an extreme move that could hurt U.S. South Africa relations.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called this a hiccup and said he wants to rebuild

ties.

California's Medi-Cal program is in serious trouble.

Terran Luna reports that Governor Gavin Newsom is requesting another $2.8 billion to keep it running

through June, on top of a $3.4 billion loan

already taken out. Medi-Cal costs have surged due to higher enrollment, rising drug prices,

and expanded coverage for undocumented immigrants. Now, $3 billion over budget. Supporters say this funding is critical because Medi-Cal covers 15 million low-income Californians.

Cutting funds could leave millions without health care and overload emergency rooms, costing taxpayers even more.

But critics say spending has more than doubled in a decade, from $79 billion in 2015 to $188 billion next year.

With California already in a budget crisis, some argue the state just can't afford this level of spending anymore.

Southern California is racking up some serious credit card debt.

Sandra McDonald reports that Santa Clarita tops the nation, with households carrying an average of $22,000 in credit card debt.

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