In Brief
By some estimates, Altadena lost more than half of its tree canopy in the wake of the Eaton Fire. One young Altadenan wants us to share our stories about them.
Today on AirTalk, a plan for a massive expansion of the downtown convention center has been approved; two AI regulation bills are on Gov. Newsom's desk; what to know about executive functioning; how DOGE cuts impact CA's medical system; wearable tech, and what the best age for your kids is.
Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. They also share thoughts on the passing of film icon Robert Redford, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 89.
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• 34:30
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Organizers say the rally is held to defend free speech and against recent FCC actions. -
Gov. Newsom signed laws meant to protect immigrants during President Trump’s extensive deportation program. Some of the measures raise constitutional questions and likely will be challenged. -
Families say the process of choosing a school for their child is bewildering, overwhelming and anxiety-driven. So we made a guide to help. -
The building opened in 1925 with a lot of fanfare, but it’s faced a lot of ups and downs since. -
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
There's a 'Jaws' exhibit at the Academy Museum, Camerata Pacifica’s new season kicks off, Eureka Day at Pasadena Playhouse and an America’s Best Test Kitchen live demo.
Climate Monday
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At the state’s top air regulator, Lauren Sanchez will replace Liane Randolph, taking the helm as California battles Trump, rising costs and the future of its climate agenda. -
Robert Fortunato's Green Idea House is one of the first net-zero energy case study houses built for less cost than standard construction. -
The program will launch later this fall, but the utility says it wants to gather community feedback on things like eligibility criteria first.
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Latest from the White House
Follow the fast-moving developments under the Trump Administration.
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At a service focused on Kirk's conservative Christian faith, President Trump described the late 31-year-old as the "greatest evangelist for American liberty" as Kirk's widow forgave the alleged gunman. -
More than half a million high-skilled U.S. workers are in the country through the H-1B program, which is heavily used by the big tech companies trying to curry favor with the president. -
The Pentagon is implementing new guidelines that will require journalists to sign a pledge and agree to report only approved and officially released information.
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. -
USC and L.A. County soil experts will be on site Saturday, Sept. 20, to teach residents about testing their properties for lead. -
A group of policyholders say they face large gaps between what it will cost to rebuild and what they’re receiving from AAA.
Featured events
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Event
On October 11, comedian Drew Lynch (he/him), 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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California unions are at odds and spending heavily in an election at CalPERS, the pension fund that provides retirement benefits to 2 million people. -
The approval came amid major warnings that the project would take away funding from basic city service like police and sidewalk repair. -
Democratic lawmakers aim to put a bond measure on the 2026 ballot that would create and fund the California Foundation for Science and Health Research.
Education
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As UC leaders grapple with how to respond to research grant cuts and a potential billion-dollar penalty, some are taking a defensive stand. -
Trump has cut billions of dollars in science research grants. Now universities have to try to get the money back in a little-known court. -
UC Berkeley told 160 faculty, staff and students that their names were included in files shared with the federal government related to "alleged antisemitic incidents." We hear from one of them.
Featured Podcast
Why California's protest law is flawed and the consequences to protesters
After the George Floyd protests of 2020, California took steps to reign in violent policing of protests by passing laws restricting how law enforcement uses less-lethal weapons, like tasers and rubber bullets. But high profile protests in 2024 and 2025 – including this summer’s protests against the ICE raids in Los Angeles – have revealed major flaws in those laws. LAist Senior Editor Jared Bennett joins us to talk about an investigation around these flaws and what they mean for people exercising their right to free speech.
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• 24:29
Explore LA
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Of the more than 1,300 Historic-Cultural Monuments designated since 1962, less than 2% recognize women's contributions. The new L.A. Women's Landmarks Project aims to amend that. -
The biannual event promises exciting trains big, small, and virtual for all locomotive fans. -
At the El Rey Theatre in L.A. on a recent day, I saw how the next generation of K-pop stars is made.
Food
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Groceries saw their biggest jump in nearly three years last month, a worrisome sign for inflation-weary shoppers. Tariffs are contributing to higher prices for imported staples like bananas and coffee. -
The restaurant reopened last month, bringing back the mole, chilaquiles, café de olla and community ties that made it a neighborhood gem. -
European-style beers are being paired with Japanese ingredients like matcha and yuzu to create unique pours.
More stories
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"The business activities of our investors and the rights of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed," a foreign ministry spokesman said after about 300 South Koreans were detained. -
Under the settlement, Norwalk will also create a $250,000 fund for affordable housing and comply with state housing mandates. -
Tactics by immigration agents attempting to arrest undocumented immigrants have shocked the public and led to protests. But what is, and isn't, allowed by law when it comes to ICE arrests? -
Creatine supplements have become increasingly popular as social media influencers tout their benefits. What does the evidence say? -
Facing the rising cost of upkeep along the coastline, the city is expected to spend more than it earns to oversee the tidelands for the first time in 2026. -
This week, tech giant OpenAI announced new safety measures for kids. -
Temperatures will continue to cool down through Saturday. -
Nonprofit group We Explore Earth is holding an event Sunday in Elysian Park. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties. -
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed. -
Peter Pham, the founder and president of the Viet America Society, claims Do took advantage of their friendship to set him up in the scandal.
Latest from our reporters
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