In Brief
UCLA and University of California leaders are fighting Trump’s demands for a $1.2 billion settlement over a litany of accusations, including that the campus permits antisemitism.
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.
Listen
• 1:39:08
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
-
The court of appeals said 21 of 23 quotes in an opening brief were fake. -
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. -
The suit raises questions about how the county is adhering to the law when it comes to detaining transgender individuals. -
The Long Beach Unified School District may soon empower its in-house safety officers to handle low-level offenses. -
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
-
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.
Jimmy Kimmel updates
-
The Walt Disney Company announced Monday that the late-night host will return to the network. -
Celebrities including Pedro Pascal and Selena Gomez wrote: "Our government has resorted to threatening the livelihoods of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, creatives and entertainers." -
Free speech scholars say ABC's decision to suspend Kimmel represents "jawboning," or when government officials pressure private companies to suppress speech.
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.
-
President Donald Trump and HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are expected to tie autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and present a cancer drug as a possible treatment. There is little credible scientific evidence for either claim. -
Organizers say the rally was meant to defend free speech and to protest recent FCC actions. -
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.
LA's wildfires: Your recovery guide
-
Your game plan for what happens next. LAist will be there every step of the way. -
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. -
USC and L.A. County soil experts will be on site Saturday, Sept. 20, to teach residents about testing their properties for lead.
Featured events
-
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!
-
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
-
California unions are at odds and spending heavily in an election at CalPERS, the pension fund that provides retirement benefits to 2 million people. -
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.
Education
-
Since 1972, the CAMP program has helped tens of thousands of migrant students succeed in college. The Trump administration has cut off funding for it, forcing some colleges to reduce or eliminate services. -
Families say the process of choosing a school for their child is bewildering, overwhelming and anxiety-driven. So we made a guide to help. -
As UC leaders grapple with how to respond to research grant cuts and a potential billion-dollar penalty, some are taking a defensive stand.
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.
Listen
• 24:29
Explore LA
-
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
-
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
-
Steven Zonis and his therapy dog, Rudy, have worked in classrooms, hospitals, and disaster areas like the Palisades and Eaton fire zones to provide comfort and company. -
After the Eaton Fire, residents at the Fair Oaks House lost their home and a 10-foot tall Costco werewolf. A replacement has been installed. -
The club began as a way for the city’s rich and famous to share a meal and have fun. -
The Assembly Appropriations Committee killed “Leno’s Law” that aimed to give classic car owners a pass from smog requirements. -
The proposal just died in the Legislature’s secretive “suspense file” hearing, following strong objections from local governments and utilities. -
The Bollywood Express event brings the grandeur — and fabulousness — of Bollywood dance to the iconic transit station. -
A wave of immigration enforcement has scared some families into canceling events, leaving local party businesses — from jumper rentals to piñata makers — struggling to survive. -
A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from carrying out speedy deportations of undocumented migrants detained in the interior of the United States. -
Commercial supersonic flight was all the rage in the 1960s, but officials had to get creative to avoid sound problems. -
A new creative residency aims to bring multidisciplinary artists to a 500-square-foot cabin in Tujunga. -
The mural is called A Better and More Beautiful World, and the group that commissioned it is pushing for its restoration after it was vandalized. -
This weekend features three top-10 matchups, the most ever for an opening weekend in college football history. And Arch Manning, the most hyped player of a generation, will start for the first time.
Latest from our reporters
Support for LAist comes from