Topline:
Folarin Balogun, the star striker of the U.S. men's national soccer team, is eligible to play in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday.
Why now: In an unusual move, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced Sunday that it would suspend Balogun's one-game red card ban for a probationary period of one year, allowing him to play in any remaining World Cup games.
Why it matters: Balogun is the lead scorer for the U.S., scoring three goals so far in the World Cup.
SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun, the star striker of the U.S. men's national soccer team, is eligible to play in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday.
In an unusual move, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced Sunday that it would suspend Balogun's one-game red card ban for a probationary period of one year, allowing him to play in any remaining World Cup games.
In a brief statement, the committee did not give a reason for delaying the suspension. Balogun's probationary period will be revoked and the one-game suspension enforced if he commits "another infringement of a similar nature and gravity," FIFA said.
Balogun received the red card last Wednesday during the 2-0 U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 match. He had stepped on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemović as the two tangled while going after the ball.
The main referee initially declined to call any foul on the play, but after a replay review of slow-motion video and stills, a video referee recommended a red card. Afterward, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino criticized the decision to grant a red, calling the contact "a normal action in football that happened by accident."
U.S. Soccer had not filed a formal appeal. But a spokesperson told reporters Sunday that the organization had been "engaged" with FIFA during the deliberations.
In a statement, U.S. Soccer said it would accept the decision and is pleased Balogun will be eligible to play. "Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans," the statement read.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
The team learned of the decision on Sunday morning while riding a bus to a training session in Seattle.
"I'm mostly just happy for him, seeing that smile on his face. He deserves to be playing in this game," said U.S. winger Christian Pulisic, who called the referee's decision to give Balogun a red card "extremely harsh."
The decision to delay a one-game red card suspension is highly unusual, although there had been precedent already at this World Cup. Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo received a three-game suspension last November for elbowing an opponent in a World Cup qualifying match. That suspension would have caused him to miss the first two games of the World Cup, but FIFA's Disciplinary Committee put the suspension on hold and allowed him to play.
It is unclear what factors may have led FIFA to allow Balogun to play.
Rules governing the use of VAR, or video assistant referee, say that slow-motion replay should only be used for "facts," such as the point of contact for physical fouls or handball calls, while normal-speed video should be used to judge the "intensity" of an offense.
However, on Wednesday, the video referee reviewed slow-motion footage and still images before recommending a red card.
Balogun's demeanor was notably calm and respectful after the controversial call. He shook hands with the referee after the game, and speaking to reporters on Friday, he said the contact had been unintentional but that he accepted the referee's decision.
"I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion," Balogun said. "There's still lots of people we're inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching. We have to show the correct way to handle things even when you think it's unjust."
On Sunday, Pulisic told reporters he was impressed by how his teammate had handled himself. "Good things happen to people like that. And he was so positive and all for the team, and it just feels right," Pulisic said.
Monday's Round of 16 match against Belgium is one of the biggest in the history of the U.S. men's national team. A win would send the U.S. to the quarterfinals, matching the deepest run by the American men in the modern era of the World Cup.
Copyright 2026 NPR
Topline:
Billy Gene Mills, one of the first Black politicians elected to L.A. City Council, died last weekend in his Leimert Park home. He was 96.
Why it matters: Mills was elected to serve District 8 in 1963. He became one of the first three Black men, along with former Mayor Tom Bradley and Gilbert Lindsay, to join the city council.
What's next: Mills is survived by five children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Go deeper: The Black founders of Los Angeles you may not be aware of
Billy Gene Mills, one of the first Black politicians elected to the L.A. City Council, died on June 27 in his Leimert Park home. He was 96.
In a social media post, his son James Edward Mills wrote that his father had been struggling with failing health for years.
Mills was the first Black American to graduate from UCLA Law School in 1954 and went on to work as a civil rights attorney.
He was elected to the city council in 1963, representing District 8, and served until 1974. Mills was one of the first three Black men, along with Tom Bradley and Gilbert Lindsay, to join the city council.
While on the council, Mills “led the city to renewed unity and cooperation after the tumultuous Watts Riots,” UCLA wrote in a statement that accompanied a Public Service Award given to him in 2003. His tenure, UCLA noted, saw the installation of paved alleys and streetlights throughout South Los Angeles for the first time.
In 1974, Mills was appointed as a judge to the Los Angeles Superior Court by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan.
Mills is survived by five children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Topline:
The La Brea Tar Pits are heading into a multimillion-dollar renovation — that means the museum will have to close to the public for two years.
What’s going to be new? The museum refresh will include a new focus on Zed, an 80% complete Columbian mammoth found at the site. With new outdoor classrooms and a 1-kilometer pedestrian pathway that will take visitors past excavation sites, the idea is to make research more visible to the public.
Last chance: Your last chance to visit is July 6.
The La Brea Tar Pits are heading into a multimillion-dollar renovation — that means the museum will have to close to the public for two years.
Built in 1977, the George C. Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits has a special place in the hearts of Angelenos who’ve ever taken a field trip to see its massive mastodon skeletons or dire wolf skulls. Don’t worry — all that stuff is staying, said museum educator Kay Lai.
“This museum, as beloved as it is, definitely needs that refresh. And I’m really excited for the next generation of kids that get to grow up and make new memories here with this new space,” Lai told LAist.
Lai said the museum refresh will include a new focus on Zed, an 80% complete Columbian mammoth found at the site. With new outdoor classrooms and a 1-kilometer pedestrian pathway that will take visitors past excavation sites, the idea is to make research more visible to the public.
Last chance to visit La Brea Tar Pits
Where: 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
When: Mon., July 6, 9:30 a.m-5 p.m.
Topline:
Both Mexico and England are undefeated in the 2026 World Cup. All of that will change on Sunday when the two teams meet at Estadio Azteca at 5 p.m. for the round of 16 match.
Why it matters: Mexico has not allowed one goal during their entire run in the tournament, and they will have the home-field advantage. That means England will not only have to take on the Mexico squad, but also 80,000 Mexican fans cheering from the stands.
Read on ... to find places where you can watch the game in L.A.
This story first appeared on The LA Local.
Both Mexico and England are undefeated in the 2026 World Cup. All of that will change on Sunday when the two teams meet at Estadio Azteca at 5 p.m. for the round of 16 match.
Mexico has not allowed one goal during their entire run in the tournament, and they will have the home-field advantage. That means England will not only have to take on the Mexico squad, but also 80,000 Mexican fans cheering from the stands.
Here are the free spots showing the game all over Koreatown, Pico Union and Westlake. There are no official park-sponsored watch parties in the local neighborhoods, according to the city’s Kick It In the Park schedule, but here are a few of the local sports bars, restaurants and other spots that will be showing the game.
Guelaguetza
3014 W Olympic Blvd.
Mole coloradito over chips could fix anything. There are no reservations at the Oaxacan staple, so arrive early with your full party or you’ll be left standing (which is not the worst thing). The restaurant boasts a large screen, a dance-party vibe, micheladas and so much more. More info here.
The Line Hotel
3515 Wilshire Blvd.
The hotel has been showing games throughout the tournament and will have special offers on drinks and food. The venue will show the game on a large LED screen, with a live mariachi band and DJ set by Chulita Vinyl Club. There will also be a 90-minute unlimited margarita pitchers for $45 per person, according to the organizers. More information can be found here.
Biergarten
206 N Western Ave.
The Biergarten is showing every match on multiple screens all over the bar. Their promise of Korean-German fusion is accompanied by a plethora of drinks on tap. More information can be found here.
Eastwood
611 S Western Ave.
The country-inspired bar and restaurant will host the game on various screens around the venue and will serve bar towers and other specials. If the game isn’t enough of an emotional rollercoaster for fans, they can try their luck on the bar’s mechanical bull. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. More information can be found here.
Baja’s Grill Sports Cantina
3250 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 103
For flavors of Baja California during the game, this Cantina will be running specials and happy hour. The bar is surrounded by multiple screens and regularly hosts $35 open bars from 6 to 10 p.m. More information can be found here.
Lock and Key
239 S Vermont Ave.
The cocktail den will be hosting the game alongside $8 drink specials for margaritas, palomas and vodka martinis. Multiple DJs will also be present during and after the game. More information can be found here.
DJM Soju Bar
3275 Wilshire Blvd.
The restaurant will host the game both indoors and outdoors alongside food and drink specials. They serve a variety of plates, from spicy pork bulgogi and seafood soup to sweet-and-sour chicken. A wide variety of soju is also offered. Doors will open at 4 p.m. More information can be found here.
Pulgarcito Family Restaurant
2500 W Pico Blvd.
This family-owned restaurant serves pupusas, quesabirria and plato de birria, along with camarones a la diabla, plátanos fritos with beans and crema, and many more Salvadoran dishes. They also have cold drinks and multiple screens for the game. More information can be found here.
Casa Gish Bac Cocina Oaxaqueña
1436 S Vermont Ave.
The Oaxacan restaurant will be showing the games on multiple TVs, as well as on a projector. Happy hour is from 2 to 6 p.m., right before kickoff. Deals include $5 beers and $2 tacos. They’re also sweetening the celebrations with a free shot with every Mexico goal. More information can be found here.
Huicho’s Bakery
1250 Vermont Ave.
The local bakery will be showing the game outside of their shop on one TV. They offer a variety of Central American and Mexican food, as well as pastries and bread.
Xecul Restaurante Guatemalteco
1051 S Alvarado Street
The Guatemalan restaurant will show the game on two TVs indoors. They offer a wide variety of traditional Guatemalan flavors, like their el shuco xecul, as well as fusion plates like chow mein mixto.
Cafe con Ron
819 S Flower Street
The Mexican seafood and brunch location will be showing the game on TVs around its cantina area. They offer fish tacos, quesabirria and drink specials. More information can be found here.
While the flames and smoke are real, the danger is not. This is the Ventura County Fire Department’s new Live Fire Training Complex. A firefighter is controlling the flames and smoke with what looks like a TV remote control.
What's next? While the Ventura County Fire Department owns and operates the facility, the goal is for it to be used to train first responders from throughout the region. It’s already hosted firefighters from a number of other agencies in the county, as well as teams from neighboring counties.
Read on ... for more on the new facility.
A room on the second floor of a Camarillo building is quickly filling with smoke. From the far end of the room, flames start to shoot across the ceiling.
While the flames and smoke are real, the danger is not.
This is the Ventura County Fire Department’s new Live Fire Training Complex. A firefighter is controlling the flames and smoke with what looks like a TV remote control.
The $32 million project includes live fire training buildings, a dedicated ladder training prop, and other facilities designed to give firefighters hands-on experience.
"This complex has a 'Class A' combustible burn building, which we are standing in now," said Ventura County Fire Department Training Chief Casey Rosdaile. "The 'Class B' building is propane-fed. This building allows us to train in real fire conditions and real fire behavior. That building (the 'Class B' building) allows us to do a lot more of the operational steps. There's always a gap between the simulated thing and a real thing, and we're trying to limit that as much as possible. That way, when someone trains, they aren't going to be the real thing and say that it's nothing like they practiced."
The buildings are made of concrete, so they won't be affected by the flames and smoke. The smoke kind that's used on movie shoots, so it doesn't leave clothing with the smoky smell like you get from a brush fire.
He added that the new facilities can help train firefighters, as well as other first responders, on ways to deal with a number of emergencies.
"These buildings can host anything from sheriff's operations to (simulated) structure fires, to search and rescue," said Rosdaile. "There are a million things you can do in here. You can train 50 to 60 firefighters at a time, so it really gives us a lot of flexibility."
The two new buildings are just part of the fire department’s fire training complex. It covers 22 acres of land on the southeast side of Camarillo Airport. There are nearly 18,000 square feet of indoor training space, with 32 training rooms.
The dedicated live fire training buildings give firefighters experience with scenarios that were often difficult and time-consuming to create.
"We would light the materials, and let the fire conditions and environment build, to create a realistic training environment, and then send the folks in to extinguish it," said Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. "Then, we would have to clean it all out, and reset it, and start again. We would get a couple of burns a day done. Now, we're getting multiple burns an hour."
Gardner said it's a complex they've sought to create for years.
"This facility allows us to close the gap between training and reality. This allows us to expose our firefighters to as realistic an environment as we can repetitively, and under safe conditions."
Among the props at the facility is a vehicle chassis equipped with gas lines, which can be ignited, so firefighters can practice fighting those types of fires.
"This is our vehicle prop, and it lets us simulate fire. We can push the fire to different parts of the vehicle, so we can set it in the interior, in the cab, the wheel well, as well as the engine compartment," said Ventura County Fire Department Quartermaster Jake Finley. "It creates a good learning environment, with teachable moments. You can see in the background some of the old vehicles (we used to burn salvaged vehicles), and it was a really intensive process. We couldn't repeat it as quickly."
While the Ventura County Fire Department owns and operates the facility, the goal is for it to be used to train first responders from throughout the region. It’s already hosted firefighters from a number of other agencies in the county, as well as teams from neighboring counties.
