This is an LA Times Studios podcast.

Hi, I'm Faith Pino, and you're listening to Headlines from L.A. Times Studios.

Here are some of today's top stories from the Los Angeles Times.

A California judge just blocked the Trump administration from firing thousands of government

workers during the ongoing shutdown.

According to Kevin Rector, U.S. District Judge Susan Ilston issued the ruling Wednesday,

siding with the state's federal employee unions.

She called the wave of firings illegal and arbitrary, saying the administration took action

before thinking about the human cost.

As the shutdown moves into its third week, nearly 4,000 workers have already been fired, with

the Trump administration announcing plans for more layoffs.

Administration officials said the goal is to, quote, shudder the bureaucracy.

But Judge Ilston accused them of using the moment to target Democratic-backed programs.

Her order blocks any further layoffs tied to the shutdown and forces the government to turn

over records of all the jobs they've cut so far.

Meanwhile, the White House hasn't said if it will appeal, and a follow-up hearing is set for later this month.

And California is following through on its mission to drive down rising health care costs.

According to Dakota Smith, Governor Gavin Newsom says the state will soon sell its own

low-cost insulin, becoming the first state to make its own brand of generic prescription drugs.

Starting January 1st, Californians will be able to buy a five-pack of insulin pens for just $55,

while pharmacies will be able to purchase the packs for $45.

That's a huge dip.

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