President Donald Trump gestures to U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts after his swearing-in ceremony in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20.
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Chip Somodevilla
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Getty Images
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Topline:
President Donald Trump is continuing to move ahead with deportations and sweeping changes to the federal government. His administration is running into some obstacles in the courts but that hasn't stopped him from seeing just how far he can go.
Big topics this week: Trump is dealing with a foreign-policy hotspots, including Ukraine and Gaza, while taking aim domestically at opponents.
Supreme Court's top justice weighs in: The president called for the impeachment of a judge in an immigration case. That didn't sit well with Chief Justice John Roberts, who said "impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreements concerning a judicial decision."
Read on ... for a detailed accounting of what else the administration did over the past seven days.
We'll be recapping what you need to know every Friday morning for the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Get more updates and analysis in the NPR Politics newsletter.
President Trump is continuing to move ahead with deportations and sweeping changes to the federal government. His administration is running into some obstacles in the courts but that hasn't stopped him from seeing just how far he can go.
Meantime, Trump's also dealing with a series of foreign-policy hotspots, while taking aim domestically at opponents.
Here are five takeaways from the week.
1. Running into the courts
Trump is testing the limits of the presidency, doing as much as possible without Congress. To this point, that's meant tackling a lot — like restructuring the federal government, laying off workers, dismantling agencies and taking over boards of once semi-independent outfits. But while Republicans, who control both houses of Congress, are eager to give Trump the reins, there is another equal branch — the judiciary.
This week saw the courts become speed bumps once again in what Trump is trying to do, from his immigration deportations, his ban on transgender military service members or his attempted termination of climate-related grants through the Environmental Protection Agency. The Trump administration is pushing back, and the president himself called for the impeachment of a judge in one of the cases. That didn't sit well with Chief Justice John Roberts, who said "impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreements concerning a judicial decision."
An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll from earlier this month found that 58% weren't confident Trump would follow court orders if they block his executive actions. And he will undoubtedly test just how far the courts will let him go with cases that presumably end up at the U.S. Supreme Court.
2. What to fight for
Democrats are not unified on how to oppose Trump (as evidenced by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer's unwillingness to let the government shut down last week.) The courts are the avenue many on the left see as the best way to thwart Trump's agenda. But the right believes they have public opinion on their side on many of the issues landing in court.
As they see it: Why would Democrats be against deporting people the administration says are gang members; someone who, they say, was promoting Hamas' position on a college campus; or a doctor who allegedly had photos of a Hezbollah leader on her phone? Those on the left would argue it's not about what people are accused of, it's about adhering to court orders, regardless of what someone is accused of, an idea that's as old as the republic and John Adams defending British soldiers.
3. Waiting for Putin
President Trump, walks with Russia's Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit in Osaka in 2019.
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Brendan Smialowski
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AFP via Getty Images
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Trump spoke separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hoping to get them on the same page for a ceasefire. Trump said he got a 30-day ceasefire on infrastructure agreed to, but soon after, there were more bombings, including from Russia on Ukrainian hospitals.
The two sides are still incredibly far apart. Russia, for example, wants no more re-arming of the Ukrainian military in addition to seizing four territories it doesn't have complete control over currently. The Ukrainian view — as well as many in Europe — is that Putin is stalling and likes the idea of being seen again as one of the big dogs on the international stage with a direct relationship with the United States.
So is Trump being played or will something tangible emerge? One thing is for certain, Trump's approach has broken with decades of bipartisan foreign policy, and he's upset many U.S. allies, who believe there will be consequences and Trump is unwittingly empowering China.
4. More foreign-policy challenges
The Russia-Ukraine war isn't the only high-stakes international challenge facing Trump. This week, he announced bombings of Houthis in Yemen for their attacks on commercial vessels. He also warned Iran to not help the Yemeni group and said the U.S. would "completely annihilate" the Houthis.
And that ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that the then-incoming Trump administration was so keen on taking credit for evaporated this week. Israel bombed Gaza in what was one of the deadliest single days since the war began.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Fox News on Monday night that Israel "consulted" the White House before the strikes. It raises the question of Trump's influence on the war — and what he really wants: Does he want it to end with peace between the two sides — or does he simply want Gazans to leave or be wiped out, as he's called for Gazans to be relocated and for a "riviera" to be created?
5. Trump continues to indicate he wants to go after political enemies
For all of the Trump administration's now-confirmed agency heads who said during their confirmation hearings that they would take the "political weaponization" out of government, there have certainly been a lot of moves that call those pledges into question.
Consider that, just this week, the Trump administration kicked out the South African ambassador for saying something perceived to be anti-Trump; Trump stripped the Biden children of Secret Service protection (even though Biden kept it for Trump's children) with part of the justification being that Hunter Biden had traveled to South Africa, a country whose government the Trump administration and South African-born adviser Elon Musk have accused of racism toward whites; Trump said Biden's pardons are "void" because Trump says Biden used an autopen (even though there's no rule about that), and in the same post, took aim at Jan. 6 committee members; and his administration suggested anger at Maine's governor for a terse exchange was influencing contract cancellations.
Maryland federal court ruling that Trump firings are an illegal scheme. Temporary restraining order (through March 27). Holding preliminary injunction hearing March 26. Trump has appealed.
Democrats' split is ripped open. House Democratic leaders hold a presser arguing for voting against the spending bill after Schumer said he'd vote for it. Jeffries pointedly doesn't answer if Senate Democrats need new leadership.
University of Michigan economic survey shows decline in confidence including among Republicans down 10 points since last month.
U.S. and Israel reach out to African nations to take in Gazans, according to reporting by the Associated Press. (NPR has not independently verified the reporting.)
Trump lashes out at career prosecutors in speech at Justice Department. He is hotly critical of media outlets, says it has to be "illegal" what is said about him and that it will be "legendary" for those who expose the media. He also says Ukraine should not have picked on someone bigger than them — even though Russia started the war when it invaded three years ago.
White House says Hamas "is privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire." Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, says Hamas is threatening a permanent ceasefire.
Arlington Cemetery scrubs links of Black and female veterans, later restoring some and attributing the removals to mistakes implementing the administration's anti-DEI policies.
Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an H-1B visa holder, was not allowed to return to the U.S. after visiting family in Lebanon and was sent back. An order was issued halting her deportation as her plane sat on the tarmac, but the plane ultimately departed for reasons unclear to her family and colleagues at Brown. "They are treating her like a terrorist," said Dr. Basma Merhi, her lawyer and Brown colleague. "It is ridiculous. She is an accomplished doctor, she is treating patients, who is treated like a criminal. And she is following all the rules. She is not doing anything wrong. And her visa is valid."
A judge preemptively blocks five Venezuelans the administration alleged were members of a gang from being deported. The judge later extends the order to all alleged Tren de Aragua members.
Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act to speed up deportations of Venezuelan gang members. The administration quickly deports many alleged members to El Salvador, in apparent contravention of the court order.
All Voice of America and Radio Marti employees are locked out and broadcasts on the networks cease. Also severed were all contracts for the privately incorporated international broadcasters including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks.
Polls show Democratic favorable ratings at historic lows (CNN, NBC).
The White House argues it didn't defy a "written order" in regards to deported alleged gang members but the judge's verbal order was: "Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States." They were deported to a notorious El Salvadoran prison.
For his part, Trump, asked whether the administration had violated a temporary restraining order by deporting Venezuelans, Trump said, "I don't know. You'll have to speak to the lawyers. I can tell you this — these were bad people." On using the Alien Enemies Act to do so, a wartime law, he said they "invaded our country — so in that sense, it is war."
After learning of the judge's order, the El Salvador president, Nayib Bukele posted, "Oopsie… too late." He posted a video later that showed what he said were 238 members of the Tren de Aragua gang arriving in his country and said they'd be detained for a year.
Trump says he'll speak to Putin on Tuesday. "We're doing pretty well, I think, with Russia," he said. "We'll see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday. I'll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. … We want to see if we can bring that war to an end."
Monday
Hearing in Boston before a federal judge unhappy with the Trump administration for defying a court order to not deport a kidney specialist, Dr. Rasha Alawieh, with a valid H-1B visa. Later in the day, Homeland Security said in a statement that Alawieh was openly supportive of a Hezbollah leader.
Hearing on Alien Enemies Act. DOJ argues it didn't have to obey an oral order to turn planes around, because it wasn't in writing. And, they argue, that the judge didn't have jurisdiction because the planes were outside U.S. airspace. The judge argues he does because he has jurisdiction over the people.
Trump claims in social media post that all pardons issued by Joe Biden are void because he used an "autopen". It is not clear if Biden used a device, which would not invalidate the pardons. Trump claims pardons for those on the bipartisan congressional Jan. 6 committee are void, therefore potentially opening the door toward a justification for investigation.
Trump chairs meeting at Kennedy Center, says he doesn't like Hamilton and wants to improve the center structurally, says it's in "disrepair."
Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer postpones his book tour citing security concerns.
U.S. kicks out South Africa ambassador for saying there are "supremacist instincts" in the MAGA movement that led to Trump, in addition to being a reaction to demography. Rubio announces the ambassador's ouster via X.
Gaza ceasefire ends; Israel embarks on "extensive strikes" on same day Trump reportedly approves an Egyptian Gaza reconstruction plan. They are the largest strikes since the ceasefire began on Jan. 19.
The Trump administration fired most of Institute of Peace's board and sent its new leader into the Washington headquarters of the independent organization on Monday, in its latest effort targeting agencies tied to foreign assistance work.
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Stefani Reynolds
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Tuesday
DC police usher in new head of U.S. Institute of Peace into the building after standoff with staff.
After phone call with Trump and Putin, Russia, they say, agrees to a limited 30-day ceasefire on Ukrainian energy and infrastructure. "The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure cease-fire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime cease-fire in the Black Sea, full cease-fire and permanent peace," the White House said in a statement. "These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East." The Kremlin also says there will be a prisoner swap of 175 prisoners on Wednesday. Putin says he does not want to see Ukraine's military rearmed in order to get a lasting peace.
Judge orders that DOGE, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, reinstate USAID's functionality and says that the agency's closure likely violated the Constitution.
Portraits of Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance are seen hanging in the Kennedy Center, breaking with past protocol.
Vance becomes finance chair of the RNC, the first time a vice president has done so.
Trump fires two Democrats on the Federal Trade Commission. One of them, Alvaro Bedoya, says Trump wants the FTC to be a "lapdog for his golfing buddies."
Astronauts, stranded in space for months, touch down successfully back on Earth.
IRS agents who investigated Hunter Biden given promotions, according to the Associated Press. NPR has not independently confirmed the reporting.
Russia continues to hit Ukraine, including a hospital. There also were strikes by Ukraine.
Social Security Administration changes coming March 31. People will no longer be able to verify eligibility for benefits over the phone. It will have to be done online or in person. The Trump administration says it's to stop fraud. Critics say it may hurt people in rural areas most because of the distance to SSA offices. It also comes as SSA offices are being closed across the country because of DOGE.
Trump considering renovations, potentially paving, the Rose Garden at the White House.
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., when asked by a town-hall attendee when he would call for Schumer to step aside, says: "[I]t's important for people to know when it's time to go."
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick goes on TV and recommends Tesla stock.
Thursday
President Donald Trump signs an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department alongside school children signing their own versions, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20.
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Chip Somodevilla
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Getty Images
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Trump signs executive order aimed at dismantling the Education Department. "We're not doing well with the world of education in this country, and we haven't for a long time," Trump said. "We're going to be returning education, very simply, back to the states where it belongs." Local municipalities already fund nearly all aspects of K-12 schooling. Trump also says the department's "useful functions" will be "preserved in full" but managed by other agencies, including things like Pell Grants and Title I resources for children with disabilities.
Judge orders Trump not to deport Georgetown postdoctoral student and visa holder. The government says he was spreading "Hamas propaganda" and has "close connections" to an advisor to Hamas. The man's wife is an American citizen and her father had been a political adviser to Hamas.
Judge says government provided a "woefully insufficient" response to prior orders about deportation flights. He is now asking the government to explain by 10 a.m. Friday to give more details.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason became one of Los Angeles’ first Black woman landowners, building wealth through real estate.
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LaMonica Peters
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The LA Local
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Topline:
From the city’s Black founders and their fight to be free from slavery to a Black architect who designed thousands of buildings throughout the city, L.A.'s first Black residents has had lasting influence.
Why it matters: Los Angeles is often celebrated for its warm weather, Hollywood glamour and championship sports teams, but the city’s foundation has a powerful Black history that is often overlooked.
Read on ... for a look at seven key Black history sites you can visit.
Los Angeles is often celebrated for its warm weather, Hollywood glamour and championship sports teams but the city’s foundation has a powerful Black history that is often overlooked.
From the city’s Black founders and their fight to be free from slavery, to a Black architect who designed thousands of buildings throughout the city, L.A.’s first Black residents have had lasting influence.
The LA Local traveled around the city to unearth some of the intriguing Black history facts. Here we highlight seven sites in Los Angeles that show the contributions of Black people in Los Angeles.
Bridget ‘Biddy’ Mason Memorial Park
Situated behind an office building on South Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles is a tribute to Bridget “Biddy” Mason. She was born enslaved in Mississippi and was brought to California by her owner Robert Marion Smith — even though slavery was illegal in California. After being enslaved in the state for five years, Mason won her freedom in 1856 by challenging her enslavement in court. Thirteen other family members were also freed, according to the National Park Service..
She became one of L.A.’s first Black woman landowners building wealth through real estate. Her net worth was said to be about $3 million in the 1860s, which would equate to nearly $60 million today. She also provided housing and food for the poor, acted as a midwife and helped establish the city’s first Black church, NPS noted.
The memorial park stands near property she once owned.
First African Methodist Episcopal Church
The First African Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as First AME or FAME, was co-founded in 1872 by Mason and other Black leaders. It was first located on Spring Street in Los Angeles, according to the National Park Service. The church was then moved to Harvard Boulevard, where it still stands today. It became a spiritual, political and organizing hub for Black Angelenos during segregation, according to the church’s website.
Most recently, the church was pastored by the Rev. Cecil Murray from 1977 to 2004. Under his leadership the church grew from 250 members to 18,000 at the time of his retirement, according to the Los Angeles Sentinel.
The first home built by architect Paul R. Williams
Though he faced racial discrimination, Paul Revere Williams became one of the most celebrated architects in L.A., whose legacy reshaped the city’s skyline and luxury design culture.
He was the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects. He designed thousands of buildings during his career, including The Beverly Hills Hotel and homes for Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Williams was also part of the team that designed the iconic Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport, as reported by LAist.
His first home sits in South Central and is designated as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument, according to the Los Angeles Conservancy. He lived in this home for about 30 years until racial covenants were outlawed in the 1950s.
African American Firefighter Museum
On Central Avenue in South Central sits the historic fire station and museum that honors the Black firefighters who broke racial barriers in the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The museum “resides inside Fire Station No. 30, one of two segregated firehouses in Los Angeles between 1924 and 1955,” according to the museum’s website. The museum also notes that Sam Haskins was the first Black man to join the L.A. Fire Department in 1892 and died three years later fighting a fire.
The museum was founded in 1997 and is a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument. It is also registered with the National Register of Historic Places.
Before taking office, he worked as a janitor for the city’s Department of Water and Power, according to LA City Parks.
Elected in 1963, Lindsay represented District 9 for nearly 30 years. He supported civil rights and fought for economic investment, infrastructure improvements and services in historically underserved Black neighborhoods. He also served on the board of directors of the NAACP.
28th Street YMCA
The 28th Street YMCA building was designed by Williams, the renowned architect.
It was originally constructed to serve Black residents in L.A. who were banned from other facilities during segregation, according to the LA Conservancy. It won a Conservancy Preservation Award in 2013.
It became a hub for housing, community programs and social gatherings. Today, it serves as affordable housing for low-income adults and is listed with the National Register of Historic Places.
The Ralph J. Bunche House
The former home of Ralph J. Bunche, the first Black person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, is located in South Central on East 40th Place. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bunche played a key role in negotiating the 1949 Arab-Israeli armistice agreements through the United Nations. He also helped organize the civil rights march in Montgomery, Ala., in 1965, the Nobel Peace Prize organization said.
Born in Detroit, he moved to L.A. with his family and later became valedictorian at Jefferson High School. He attended UCLA on an athletic scholarship and “graduated in 1927 summa cum laude, valedictorian of his class, with a major in international relations,” the Nobel Peace Prize organization said. He also received a master’s degree in political science from Harvard in 1928. The Ralph J. Bunche Center was established in 1969 at UCLA in his honor.
Soccer Shots, a kids soccer program, is hosting a Game Day at the Americana.
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Courtesy Discover Los Angeles
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Topline:
There are plenty of World Cup-related things to do with kids and a list of activities around L.A. to help you get in on the tournament action. Here's a guide to help you plan without spending a fortune on tickets.
Why it matters: The World Cup already is a massive undertaking for organizers. So imagine what it would take for families to brave the traffic, parking and crowds for one of the eight tournament matches at SoFi Stadium this summer.
What to expect: There's plenty to do at the California Science Center and at parks across Los Angeles for kids. Programming is available around the tournament and most events are free.
Read on ... to find out what to do with the kids this summer.
The World Cup already is a massive undertaking for organizers. So imagine what it would take for families to brave the traffic, parking and crowds for one of the eight tournament matches at SoFi Stadium this summer.
But don’t worry: There are plenty of World Cup-related things to do with kids and a bunch of activities around L.A. to help you get in on the tournament action.
L.A. County Library's Summer of Soccer starts now
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Courtesy LA County Library
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LA County Library Summer of Soccer
LA County Library is celebrating the World Cup being in town with a “Summer of Soccer” at its branches. Activities include storytimes, movie nights and craft-making activities for kids of varying ages.
California Science Center's new exhibition celebrates the transformative power of play and the joy of the human body in motion.
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Courtesy California Science Center
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California Science Center ‘GAME ON!’ exhibit
The California Science Center has a new 17,000-square-foot exhibit, “GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play,” full of interactive activities to explore the science behind sports. The exhibit includes a practice batting area and a mini-field to practice soccer kicks.
When: Now, through the LA 2028 Olympics
Cost: Admission is free, but groups of 15 or more require a timed reservation.
The city is hosting a series of family-friendly watch parties across the city during the World Cup. The parties will have youth soccer clinics and “family fun zones” with interactive activities and arts. Other cities, like West Hollywood and Pasadena, are also hosting local family-friendly watch parties.
Soccer Shots, a kids soccer program, is hosting a Game Day at the Americana.
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Courtesy Discover Los Angeles
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Soccer Shots Game Day
Soccer Shots, a kids soccer program, is hosting a Game Day at the Americana on June 27 for children 5-8 years old. Players will be split into teams to play round-robin style games.
Did you know that the American Youth Soccer Organization, or more commonly known as AYSO, was founded in Torrance? Well, the museum there is hosting a curated collection of soccer memorabilia to celebrate the World Cup.
If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.
Gab Chabrán
covers what's happening in food and culture for LAist.
Published June 7, 2026 5:00 AM
A selection of wings and fries at Wings 2 Go in Inglewood.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Topline:
Tens of thousands of international soccer fans are about to descend on Inglewood for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SoFi Stadium is one of the tournament's premier venues — but the best reason to spend time in the neighborhood has nothing to do with what's happening on the pitch.
Why it matters: Inglewood's food scene reflects a city where Black and Latino residents make up nearly 90% of the population. These aren't tourist traps — they're the spots locals have been eating at for years, from a James Beard-recognized soul food diner open since 1983 to a carnitas truck with roots in Michoacán.
Why now: The World Cup runs through July. Matches at SoFi mean game-day crowds and long waits elsewhere. These eight spots — spanning BBQ, Jamaican, Mexican, Italian-American, and more — are worth knowing before you go.
Thousands of international soccer fans are about to descend on Inglewood for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SoFi Stadium is the tournament's premier venues — but the best reason to spend time in the neighborhood has nothing to do with what's happening on the pitch.
Inglewood's food scene reflects a city where Black and Latino residents make up nearly 90% of the population. These aren't tourist traps — they're the spots locals have been eating at for years, from a James Beard-recognized soul food diner open since 1983 to a carnitas truck with roots in Michoacán.
Here's where to eat before the whistle blows.
Wings 2 Go
Lemon pepper chicken wings from Wings 2 Go in Inglewood.
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Cesar Hernandez
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LAist
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Wings 2 Go is a small but mighty wing shop that sits in a tiny strip mall along Crenshaw Boulevard, attracting wing fanatics from far and wide looking to get a fiery bite. The menu at Wings isn't huge by most standards but it still manages to pack a punch when it comes to offering a variety of tastes and flavors.
Opt for the six-piece ATL Special with hot lemon pepper seasoning, $10.91. Upon the first transformative bite of a wing, suddenly you're Jordan after clinching his first NBA finals win in 1991, celebrating in ecstasy. The sticky, crunch-fried wing is drenched in the perfect amount of sauce, then sprinkled with galactic bits of salty, citrusy lemon pepper seasoning that will leave your lips tingling.
If you're looking to broaden your flavor horizons, there are also jerk BBQ, aji verde, and Cajun rub as sauce options. Whichever fiery selections you choose, wash them down with lemonade or sweet tea, or go for a hole-in-one with an Arnold Palmer to quench your thirst.
Location: 10925 Crenshaw Blvd. #101, Inglewood Hours: Open Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Country Style Jamaican Restaurant
The exterior of Country Style Jamaican Restaurant.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Our love for Jamaican-style take-out restaurants knows no bounds, and the city of Inglewood has some of the best Jamaican food in Los Angeles.
This particular casual walk-up counter establishment has a particular place in our heart. The welcoming, joyous atmosphere is infectious as soon as you enter. The walls are painted the same dark green as the Jamaican flag. Images of Black luminaries are featured next to maxims extolling a virtue-filled life.
To get the most for your buck, we recommend choosing any of the mini plate options. Our personal favorite is the curried goat ($14.50). Stewed bone-in pieces of goat have been cooked in a dark yellow curry full of aromatic spices. The chunks of meat are spicy, juicy, and fatty, and fall off the bone onto a bed of rice and beans that's also saturated with maximum curry flavors.
Location: 630 N. La Brea Ave., Suite 111, Inglewood Hours: Open Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.
Carnitas El Artista
Plates of tacos at Carnitas El Artista.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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While it might be easy to pledge one's allegiance to the culinary wonder that is carnitas, how often do you take it upon yourself to dive deep into the different parts of the pig? Each has its own unique textures that delight with every helping. Carnitas El Artista is where such dreams can come true, thanks to the hard work of owner Gustavo Chavez and his family, who are from Michoacán, the Mexican state known as the birthplace of carnitas.
With Mexico entering the World Cup as one of the tournament's most celebrated footballing nations, this is where to eat in their honor. Their tacos de carnitas ($4.95 each) are the best option: choose the mix that includes all the different cuts of pork.
The sizable taco manages to pack all the flavor and texture of each aspect of the protein, providing an extremely nuanced bite that combines sticky, fatty, and chewy elements. Serve the meat on a fresh tortilla with crisp-tasting salsa, topped with thin shards of red onion, for the right amount of acidity to cut the richness of the pork.
It's a showtime taco for the masses, if ever there was one. Pro tip: they offer a 2-for-1 deal on tacos Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to close.
Location: 510 N. La Brea Ave., Inglewood Hours: Open Mon 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Tue, Thu–Fri 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.
Woody's Bar-B-Que
The inflation fighter (3x) lunch special at Woody’s Bar-B-Que.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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If you've spent any time in Inglewood, there's a good chance you've seen Woody's Bar-B-Queon Market Street. If not, you've definitely smelled it. The unmistakable aroma of delicious grilled and smoked meat is the unofficial scent of that part of town. It's not uncommon for lines to wrap around the small business, spilling into the moderately sized parking lot.
It's never not a joyous occasion at Woody's as you wait in line to place your order at the walk-up window, where overhead speakers play booming deep cuts from the '80s and '90s R&B or Madlib's Shades of Blue, helping set the mood.
Our favorite aspect of Woody's is the lunch special menu, which feels like a trip back to when the restaurant opened in 1975. Names like Inflation Fighter, Business Man's Lunch, and Lady's Lunch all add to its charm and cost $10.95.
All plates come in a brown paper bag, giving the vibe of the school lunch that your mom used to pack, along with two slices of white bread and a small container of a side of your choice.
Location: 475 S. Market St., Inglewood Hours: Open daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
El Capitalino
Quesadilla fritas from El Capitalino MX food truck.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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What if the quesadillas from your youth were, in fact, a gateway into a large quesadilla universe that's actually larger than what you might have originally considered? El Capitalino achieves just that. Owner Ivan Gomez was inspired by the quesadillas he saw prepared during a trip to Mexico City and by his mother and grandmother, who grew up making the meal. For $5, each thick corn tortilla is made by hand, usually by Ivan's mom, Norma Ramirez. She takes the raw masa and forms it into a flat disk, then stuffs it with cheese.
The tortilla is then folded and fried in oil. After it's done cooking, the quesadilla is removed, pulled apart, and packed with a filling of your choice — chicken tinga, hongos, rajas con queso, carne asada, or chicharrón prensado — then fried with guajillo salsa and stuffed with lettuce and cream. No matter what the filling is, you'll get a unique griddled cheesiness, accented by expertly flavored fillings, that makes for one of the best-tasting quesadillas we've ever had.
The Serving Spoon has been an Inglewood cornerstone for four decades, dishing up grilled corn bread and fried turkey chops.
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Isaiah Murtaugh
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The LA Local
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Founded in 1983 by Harold E. Sparks — a young man from Hamilton, Ohio who traded a steady foreman job at General Motors for his dream of opening a soul food restaurant in Inglewood — The Serving Spoon is now in its third generation of family ownership and a recent recipient of the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics award.
The Foundation called it a "vital social and cultural anchor," which feels right the moment you slide into one of the red leather booths or take a seat at the wooden counter.
Go for breakfast: the catfish and waffle, the salmon croquettes, the grits. Plates run $15–25, depending on your protein. Come early on weekends or expect a wait.
If you're visiting from out of town and want to understand Inglewood's cultural legacy in a single meal, this is the place to start.
Cheesy garlic bread at Sunday Gravy, the Italian-American spot on Centinela Avenue in Inglewood.
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Courtesy Sunday Gravy
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In the early 1970s, the Bashirian family opened their first restaurant, Jino's, in this very same Centinela Avenue location — aiming to give the people of Inglewood something different from the big chains.
Their children Sol and Ghazi have continued building on that foundation with Sunday Gravy, a modern red-sauce Italian-American spot serving fresh pasta from Florentyna's and artisan breads from Cadoro Bakery, both made in Inglewood.
Italy is one of the world's great football nations, and this is about as close as the neighborhood gets to a proper Italian-American Sunday table: meatballs with whipped ricotta, short rib ragù, Caesar salad with Calabrian pepper aioli.
South L.A. hasn't traditionally been known for its vibrant restaurant scene, but that's slowly changing — and Somerville, opened by actor and entrepreneur Issa Rae along with partners Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan of GVO Hospitality, is one of the reasons why.
Technically a short drive from SoFi, the name refers to Hotel Somerville, a focal point for the Black jazz scene on Central Avenue in the 1930s and '40s that regularly hosted Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Billie Holiday. "I just wanted to be able to dress up, hang out, and eat well in my neighborhood," Rae has said.
The menu honors the spirit of the original hotel: start with Parker House rolls with truffle butter ($19) or the fried chicken and caviar sliders ($29), then move on to the collard green lasagna ($36) or paccheri pasta with short rib ragù ($36). It's a dressed-up night out in a neighborhood that's long deserved exactly that.
Location: 4437 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles. Hours: Open Wed–Sat 6–11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (brunch) and 6–11 p.m.
Tiffany Ujiiye
is an editor on LAist's mighty and nimble daily news desk, leading coverage from bald eagles to local government.
Published June 7, 2026 5:00 AM
Griffith Observatory at night (Photo by m3th0s via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr. Tag #LAist on Instagram if you want to see your photo featured here)
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Mario Tama
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Topline:
When the sun goes down it’s easy to spot the bars and clubs where the parties happen in Los Angeles. But summertime is (possibly) the best time to explore the region’s not-so-obvious nightlife offerings.
What to expect: Want to explore the cemetery through music or take a night ride with thousands of bicyclists? What about joining citizen scientists to study urban bats or stare at the stars (not the ones in Hollywood)?
Read on... for LAist's handy guide to help visitors and locals alike.
When the sun goes down it’s easy to spot the bars and clubs where the parties happen in Los Angeles. But summertime is (possibly) the best time to explore the region’s not-so-obvious nightlife offerings.
Want to explore the cemetery through music or take a night ride with thousands of bicyclists? What about joining citizen scientists to study urban bats or stare at the stars (not the ones in Hollywood)?
LAist prepared a handy guide to help visitors and locals alike make the most of our summer nightlife.
Gear up with citizen scientists
Yuma myotis is another possible bat candidate and one of the bats recorded in the Backyard Bat Survey.
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Courtesy of L.A. County Natural History Museum
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The Natural History Museum of L.A. County conducts its annual Bat Roost Count, a community led science project where teams study bat roosts and give biologists, policymakers and activists information about bat populations and activity in the region.
Registration is open for those 14 and older. You need to RSVP to join the June 13 survey or the June 14 survey. If you miss out on June, you can register for the July survey in August.
For families, the museum plans to offer separate bat roost events sometime in August or September. People of all ages will be able to learn about bats, roosting behavior, watch a bat and learn how scientists are studying them. Those interested should fill out a form for details.
Concerts in the cemetery
The sun sets at the Hollywood Forever cemetery on Dec. 4, 2025.
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Ronaldo Bolaños
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Hollywood Forever is one of the most iconic cemeteries in the world and it’s more than just a resting place for the famous. The sprawling 60-acre grounds also host cultural events, film screenings and evening concerts. Big names such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tame Impala and Lana Del Rey have performed at the cemetery.
Grab a flashlight and go on a night hike in Griffith Park.
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Mario Tama
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The Griffith Observatory is considered one of the most visited public observatories on the planet and offers plenty of things to do for night owls.
Once a month, the Observatory partners with local telescope groups and hosts a Star Party. Dozens of telescopes set-up on the lawn and the observatory says there’s always something to see. Check out the dates here.
If you can’t make a Star Party, the observatory is open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The observatory is closed on Mondays.
Cyclists gather for the monthly Critical Mass rides in Koreatown on Nov 8th, 2025.
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Steve Saldivar
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The LA Local
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Join thousands of bikers in one of the largest community bicycle rides in the U.S. The evening ride happens on the last Friday of every month on the corner of Western and Wilshire. Check the routes, they change each month.
Aboard the Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is lit at night on Nov. 2, 2025 in Long Beach.
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Los Angeles Times
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At sunset the Queen Mary in Long Beach provides a host of spooky experiences. The ship is rumored to be haunted and there are tours and ship walks to investigate the claim.
The cheapest ticket is the Haunted Encounters Tour with general admission costs around $58 with Graveyard Tours starting at $89.
VIP Tours are also available starting at around $200.
