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.
Listen
• 34:30
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More intense future wildfires, fueled by further climate change, could lead to 70,000 deaths from smoke exposure a year, according to a new study. -
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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Rufi Thorpe’s "Margo’s Got Money Troubles" is set in Fullerton. We asked the author about her local inspirations and essential SoCal reads. -
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.
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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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. -
Now open Tuesday through Sunday, the Boyle Heights library is filling a growing need for a safe, accessible space amid public library closures and recent ICE raids. -
Emergency alerts can save your life, but January's fires in L.A. highlighted the limits of cellphone warnings. -
The fencing had obstructed the right of way on East Temple Street, down the street from a Veterans Affairs clinic, according to observations and measurements taken by LAist. -
A new initiative from the search giant lets you ensure your results are coming from your trusted local news source — instead of out-of-town outlets. -
Are Newsom’s numerous podcast appearances and travel affecting his work? Hard to say, because his office hasn’t made his full schedule available. -
From the business to the looks, we take you inside the world of SoCal’s Oasis cover bands. -
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles announced the lawsuits Thursday morning. -
The figure looks at the cost of National Guard and Marines stationed in L.A. since June. -
The Trump administration is using decades-old laws, meant to prevent discrimination, to threaten school districts and states with cuts to vital federal funding. -
The construction industry already is approaching teens to show them construction jobs are not jobs of last resort. -
Parable of Portals at Sierra Madre Playhouse, L.A. Kids Book Festival, a Guatemalan soccer showdown, Red Bull Origin hits Dogtown, This is Spinal Tap at Cinespia and more of the best things to do this weekend.
Latest from our reporters
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