In Brief
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure.
Today on AirTalk, Israel and Hamas prepare for peace negotiations; the best fall fun activities in SoCal; new book explores 80s cinema culture; city of LA could have a new rent hike formula; Law enforcement use of AI chatbots and a new book on the impact of 'The Simpsons.'
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• 1:39:13
Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.
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• 35:30
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LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia has made six recommendations the Charter Reform Commission. They would ultimately need voter approval. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend. -
Clair has been a fixture at the corner of San Vicente and 26th Street for about seven years until she was stolen. -
A low-tax advocacy group seems intent on making the Los Angeles “mansion tax” the face of their statewide tax-capping ballot measure campaign. -
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
The Nov. 4 election asks voters to weigh in on Prop 50, which would allow the state to temporarily use new Congressional maps for elections in 2026, 2028 and 2030. -
From funeral feasts to bratwurst and beer! Explore Halloween rituals at a food and death panel, catch Mariska Hargitay’s new doc, Oktoberfest hits Pomona and more.
Climate Monday
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Scientists say La Niña is likely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a dry winter in Southern California. -
Help scientists understand more about our local biodiversity. -
Transmission lines have been linked to the start of the Eaton fire in January. But another kind of line — distribution lines that power homes — were also wreaking havoc before that fire sparked.
Government shutdown
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The government's monthly jobs report was not published Friday as a result of the federal shutdown. That's left businesses and policymakers in the dark about the strength of the U.S. job market. -
Many park sites remain open without full regular staffing. -
Wednesday’s government shutdown won’t affect your Social Security benefits — but other benefits could be affected.
Take action to protect public media!
The loss of federal funding for public media means audience support is more important than ever. Make a powerful statement to safeguard the future of LAist. Become a monthly sustaining member or increase your current support to keep independent local journalism strong.
Latest from the White House
Follow the fast-moving developments under the Trump Administration.
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Israel and Hamas appear closer than ever to a deal to end their two-year war — but questions remain. Delegations from Israel, Hamas, the U.S., Egypt and Qatar are meeting on Monday. -
In an extraordinary Sunday night hearing, federal District Judge Karin Immergut temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying federalized troops from any state to Oregon. -
President Trump says one part of the answer to homelessness is civil commitment and forced medical care. Some Democrats agree.
School Game Plan
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In Los Angeles Unified alone, there are more than 400 elementary schools, plus hundreds of specialized programs and dozens of charter schools run by separate nonprofits. -
If you want to send your child to a magnet, dual-language, or charter school next year, here’s what you need to know. -
Families say the process of choosing a school for their child is bewildering, overwhelming and anxiety-driven. So we made a guide to help.
LA's wildfires: Your recovery guide
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Your game plan for what happens next. LAist will be there every step of the way. -
The county Board of Supervisors voted to implement recommendations in an after-action report, as well as study how to restructure a key department. -
The group Ornaments for Altadena is accepting holiday decoration donations.
Featured events
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Event
On October 11, comedian Drew Lynch (he/him) and actor Nana Visitor (she/her), plus surprise guest experts will join J. Keith and Helen for a trivia show like no other!
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Event
After the January fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades leveled more than 12,000 homes and businesses, the two communities are still grappling with the lingering effects of the disaster and trying to find ways to move forward. On October 14, we’ll focus on Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities. AirTalk host Larry Mantle will talk with guests about what the road to rebuilding looks like and how best to navigate this new reality.
Civics & Democracy
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The lawsuits cap a dizzying weekend of attempts by Trump to send guard members out onto American soil. -
Newsom said the Trump administration is deploying the California troops, after a federal judge barred the federalization of Oregon’s National Guard. -
It's the latest example of tech giants bowing to pressure from the Trump administration. Legal experts say the developer of the app has free speech rights that may have been violated.
Education
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The show has a new host and a new digital format but the same mission. -
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding. -
Californians should see no changes in the short term, but that could change if it drags on.
Featured Podcast
Reports about failures in response to the January LA fires and a 2018 fire have striking similarities
A new report details the Eaton and Palisades fires, including failures in the emergency response. But this report bears striking similarities with another -- which chronicled the response to the 2018 Woolsey Fire in Southern California. LAist Science Reporter Jacob Margolis discusses the reports and what they mean for L.A. County moving forward.
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• 23:27
Explore LA
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Come one, come all. Intergenerational Mahjong brings people of any age, race or experience level to play the timeless tile game. -
At this time of year, the flor de izote blooms in Los Angeles. The Salvadoran American chef Karla Tatiana Vasquez says the flowers are both a delicacy and a connection to her identity. -
The defining teen series of the 90’s ran for 10 seasons.
Food
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The beloved ice cream was discontinued in 2022. The Salt & Straw ice cream chain is aiming to improve on our childhood memories with a new version. -
It all starts in one LA factory, a slice of carnivore heaven. -
Moonbridge Doughnut Studio creates pop culture-inspired designs, including from “Spirited Away” and “The Office.”
More stories
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The music mogul Sean Diddy Combs was convicted transporting women for prostitution and to participate in drug-fueled sex marathons. -
The White House and GOP lawmakers say a provision in the Big Beautiful Bill that Democrats want rolled back keeps undocumented people from getting health benefits — a claim experts say is misleading. -
The move is part of the “Operation Laptops” initiative. -
The statue honors Trump's "long-lasting bond" with Epstein, which the president denies. The National Park Service took down the statue after one day last week, saying it didn't comply with its permit. -
For voters in remote or rural areas, ballots dropped in the mail on the last day of the Nov. 4 special election may not get postmarked in time to count. The state Attorney General’s Office has released a map of where delays may occur. -
In the California Capitol, lawmakers almost never vote “no.” These three Democrats have decided it’s OK to vote against their colleagues’ bills. -
State law says the public must get access within two business days to public records of officials’ gifts and outside income. L.A. County attorneys say it may take months, not days, to make the information avaiable. -
Swift's 12th studio album returns to her pop roots, with lots of love-struck lyrics and upbeat melodies. But it's also a warning about the darker side of an industry she has battled — and bested. -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
In an attempt to expand their seasonal offerings outside of Christmas, Hallmark may have inadvertently tapped into a deeper tension birders feel about portrayals of ornithology. -
He's performed at the Met and Carnegie Hall, but deliberately chooses accessible venues like Cicada Restaurant. -
I offer you this ridiculously good $4.20 smash burger and more in Long Beach, Glendale, West Hollywood, Pasadena and Boyle Heights.
Latest from our reporters
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