By Alejandra Borunda, Michael Copley, Hansi Lo Wang | NPR
Published February 16, 2025 5:00 AM
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration includes the National Hurricane Center, which researches hurricanes and provides weather updates and forecasts for the dangerous storms. Employees at the agency are worried the Trump administration will cut support for their work.
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Joe Raedle
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Topline:
Federal workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are on high alert as they monitor signs of a potential Trump administration overhaul of one of the government's main scientific agencies.
What NOAA does: NOAA includes offices that study the ocean and atmosphere, forecast the weather at the National Weather Service and manage the country's oceanic fisheries.
Where things stand: Many employees are bracing for potential staff cuts, as well as slashes to the funding that supports science within the agency and by many research partners across the country. NOAA staffers are concerned about how President Trump's executive orders, including one targeting climate change programs, could affect the agency's research and operations.
Federal workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are on high alert as they monitor signs of a potential Trump administration overhaul of one of the government's main scientific agencies.
Many employees are bracing for potential staff cuts, as well as slashes to the funding that supports science within the agency and by many research partners across the country.
In particular, NOAA staffers are concerned about how President Trump's executive orders, including one targeting climate change programs, could affect the agency's research and operations. Agency officials have received a list, which NPR has viewed, of terms that could run afoul of the orders in the grants and programs they manage; the list includes terms like "climate change," "pollution" and "natural resources," as well as many terms associated with diversity, equity and inclusion. NPR obtained the list from an official at NOAA who agreed to talk on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.
NOAA did not respond to NPR's request for comment.
What NOAA does — and how that might change under the Trump administration
NOAA includes offices that study the ocean and atmosphere, forecast the weather at the National Weather Service and manage the country's oceanic fisheries.
"If you are a recreational boater, you use NOAA charts. If you like fish, you're eating fish that NOAA manages. If you are concerned about severe weather events, that information — whether it be flooding, tornadoes or tsunamis or hurricanes — that information is tracked by, analyzed by and put into forecasts by NOAA," says Andy Rosenberg, a former NOAA official.
The "Project 2025" plan, a 900-plus page blueprint for governing produced by conservative groups led by the Heritage Foundation, called NOAA "one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry." It suggested breaking the agency up, slashing its budget and privatizing much of its weather forecasting work.
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Trump – who often distanced himself from the Project 2025 plan during the campaign — has placed some of the project's authors into prominent staff roles in his administration and issued a bevy of executive actions that closely mirror its recommendations.
Previous administrations have discussed moving NOAA from its current home in the Department of Commerce to another part of government, or breaking apart its different arms: for example, officials have previously explored the idea of moving the National Marine Fisheries Service, a branch of NOAA, to the Fish and Wildlife Service. And Trump showed interest during his first administration in privatizing weather forecasting and technology.
"The mood's lower than I've ever seen it"
NPR spoke with several NOAA employees who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation at work. They said they are concerned that the Trump administration will impede the agency's scientific work as part of the push to cut government costs by Elon Musk's team within the Trump administration known as the Department of Government Efficiency. Some staffers are watching to see if NOAA continues to issue, for example, its closely watched reports on weather and climate, which often influence economic activity across the globe.
"The mood's lower than I've ever seen it," a NOAA contractor tells NPR. "There's a lot of fear in the office."
Career civil servants at NOAA are also awaiting the likely return of Neil Jacobs, an atmospheric scientist who served as NOAA's acting head during the first Trump administration. Trump has nominated Jacobs to be the agency's next leader.
Jacobs is a weather modeler respected by many peers and is currently a fellow at the American Meteorological Society, a prestigious professional association of meteorologists. But he was also cited for misconduct by an independent expert panel of the National Academy of Public Administration after following the "Sharpiegate" incident in 2019. In the incident, Trump incorrectly stated Hurricane Dorian would affect Alabama, a state outside its forecasted track. NOAA, under Jacobs' leadership, later released an unsigned statement backing up Trump's incorrect claims.
Another new nominee to a key NOAA leadership position, Taylor Jordan, is also well-versed in weather forecasting and technology, says Craig McLean, a former NOAA official who served across several previous administrations. The nomination is slightly unusual, says McLean, because historically, the two leadership positions to which Jordan and Jacobs have been nominated would be held by a weather expert and an expert on coasts or fisheries.
A new commerce secretary could influence NOAA's future
Potential new leadership at NOAA's parent agency, the Commerce Department, is also raising questions about NOAA's future. Democratic lawmakers on the Senate Commerce Committee have been pressing Trump's commerce secretary nominee, Howard Lutnick, on his plans for the agency in light of Project 2025's call for the end of NOAA.
Advocates of NOAA have raised the alarm about how shutting off public NOAA data that informs daily weather forecasts, wildfire alerts and hurricane tracking could have dire consequences on people's lives and the country's economy.
"In a world where catastrophic climate change impacts and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, I can think of nothing worse than turning this scientific powerhouse into a skeletal operation," Juan Declet-Barreto, senior social scientist for climate vulnerability at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said in a statement. "If President Trump moves forward with demolishing NOAA, he will jeopardize most people's access to life-saving information, while only the rich might be able to afford private data sources."
Asked by Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, the committee's top Democrat, whether NOAA should be dismantled, Lutnick said in a written response that "it is premature to discuss any specific recommendations before engaging with NOAA and the Office of Management and Budget," as well as the Commerce Department and Trump.
All Republican lawmakers on the committee, plus Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, voted to advance Lutnick's nomination last week largely along party lines.
NPR climate reporter Julia Simon contributed reporting.
The World Cup kicks off this week, and there will be watch parties all over town.
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Irfan Khan
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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In this edition:
Foodie Week at Century City, a talk with sculptor Eugene Daubs, the World Cup kicks off and more of the best things to do this week.
Highlights:
Paint en plein air like Matisse, Renoir and other French masters who headed to the Riviera to be inspired by the light and the sea. We have our own little slice of beach heaven right here in Crystal Cove near Newport Beach, and twice a week all summer long you can learn to paint and enjoy the fresh air.
I don’t even know where to start! From the first coin toss on Thursday, countless local bars, public viewing spaces, fan zones, museums, and more will be showing all the World Cup games, so you don’t miss a single kick.
Just ahead of America’s 250th birthday, historical sculptor Eugene Daubwill talk about some of his favorite artworks, like his sculptures of Sacagawea, Rosa Parks and more at the El Segundo Public Library. Daub will sign copies of his new book Eugene Daub: Portraits, Medals, and Monuments, which will be available for purchase.
Century City Mall has attracted some of the buzziest restaurants in the city, and this week many are featuring specials for the center’s Foodie Week.
It’s a very sports-focused week. From the NBA Finals to last weekend’s French Open (I’m still catching up on sleep from getting up too early!) and Freeway Series, to, of course, the first games of the World Cup starting Thursday, there’s really something for every type of sportsball fan. But if you’re not set on gluing yourself to a TV, there’s still plenty to do.
Music-wise, Lyndsey Parker at Licorice Pizza notes that Monday will be a bittersweet night, as the Regent hosts a celebration of life for Gregg Foreman — of Cat Power, the Delta 72 and many other bands — who tragically died in April. Members of She Wants Revenge, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many more will come together to honor this local hero.
On Tuesday, Rush continues their comeback at the Forum (they’ll also be there Thursday and Saturday), while Quintron & Miss Pussycat with Dagger Polyester bring their revue to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.
Wednesday, Rod Stewart and special guest Richard Marx play the Hollywood Bowl, the Church congregates at the Fonda and Earl Sweatshirt plays the Hollywood Palladium. On Thursday, FIFA World Cup fever kicks off, with Snoop Dogg at the Santa Monica Pier and Peso Pluma playing the Adidas Home of Soccer event at BMO Stadium.
Writer, historian and curator Hugh Ryan will be in conversation with author Michelle Tea to discuss his new book about LGBTQ life in the '90s, My Bad: A Personal History of the Queer Nineties and Beyond. The talk goes along with the exhibit at FIDM, Obsessed: Fashion and Nostalgia in the ‘90s, open now through June 27. The gallery will be open late as well.
Paint the Park
Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crystal Cove State Park Los Trancos Lot Newport Beach COST: $110; MORE INFO
Paint en plein air like Matisse, Renoir, and the great French masters who headed to the Riviera to be inspired by the light and the sea. We have our own little slice of beach heaven right here in Crystal Cove, and twice a week all summer long, you can learn to paint and enjoy the fresh air.
Alt:adena
Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m. Good Neighbor Bar 2311 Lincoln Ave., Altadena COST: FREE; MORE INFO
The second of three community-healing conversations in June is happening at Good Neighbor Bar. This week, Alt:adena focuses on the theme of the land and rebuilding. All are welcome at these events, which are aimed at convening “fire survivors, builders, organizers, and technical experts united by a shared curiosity, whether by choice or lived necessity.”
Tiny Desk Concert
Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m. The Regent 448 S. Main Street, Downtown L.A. COST: $35.75; MORE INFO
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LAist
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The winner of the 2026 Tiny Desk Concert contest, Cure for Paranoia, is out on tour and will take the not-so-tiny stage at the Regent downtown with special guests Noa Bar and Jacquie Lee. Quite the upgrade from Bob Boilen’s desk in DC!
World Cup watch parties
From Thursday, June 11 Various locations COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
The World Cup is coming to SoFi Stadium, and there will be watch parties all around town.
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Patrick T. Fallon
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Getty Images
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I don’t even know where to start! From the first coin toss on Thursday, countless local bars, public viewing spaces, fan zones, museums and more will be showing all the World Cup games, so you don’t miss a single kick. As a starting point, you can check out the free watch parties the city is putting on.
Photography Meets Sculpture
Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m. Beverly Hills Public Library 444 N Rexford Drive, 2nd Floor, Beverly Hills COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Get a preview of LACMA photography department curator Eve Schillo’s upcoming exhibition, Photography Meets Sculpture: Talking about Photo Hybrids, at this event hosted by the Photographic Arts Council Los Angeles. The exhibit will tour Southern California next summer as part of LACMA's Local Access initiative.
Eugene Daub: Sculpting Through History
Thursday, June 11, 5:30 p.m. El Segundo Public Library 111 W. Mariposa Ave., El Segundo COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Just ahead of America’s 250th birthday, historical sculptor Eugene Daub will talk about some of his favorite artworks, like his sculptures of Sacagawea, Rosa Parks and more, at the El Segundo Public Library. Daub will also sign copies of his new book, Eugene Daub: Portraits, Medals, and Monuments, which will be available for purchase.
Foodie Week
Through Sunday, June 14 Westfield Century City 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City COST: VARIES, MORE INFO
Century City Mall has attracted some of the buzziest restaurants in the city, and this week, many are featuring specials for the center’s Foodie Week. Some of the highlights include Katsuya’s $65 three-course prix fixe menu at dinner, while Super Peach also has a $65 prix fixe. Eataly's rooftop restaurant has $35 lunch and $65 dinner prix fixe menu, and my favorite, Venchi, has buy one gelato, get the second half off, plus 20% off all gelato to-go containers.
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.
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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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.
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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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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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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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.
