The Brief

Before it passed last year, a major new California housing law that allows more apartments near public transit stops faced stiff opposition from Los Angeles politicians.

L.A. elected leaders are continuing to fight it, arguing the law jeopardizes efforts to expand local transportation infrastructure.

The latest round of resistance comes from the L.A. Metro Board of Directors, which voted Thursday to formally oppose local implementation of the law, SB 79. The only members who declined to join in opposition were L.A. County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath.

The transit agency recently published a staff report that recommended the board stand against a bill that seeks to clarify certain points on how SB 79 will be implemented.

The Metro staff report went beyond asking for technical tweaks to the legislation. One of its suggestions called for “exempting Los Angeles County from SB 79.” Another recommendation suggested “limiting the bill’s applicability to the Bay Area as a pilot project.”

‘Absolutely ridiculous’ say housing proponents

Advocates for more housing development said that seeking to override the law, which takes effect July 1, would be counterproductive for L.A.’s troubled transit agency. They said resisting new housing will reduce the number of riders living within walking distance of a Metro stop.

Azeen Khanmalek — executive director of Abundant Housing L.A., a co-sponsor of SB 79 — called the report’s recommendations “absolutely ridiculous.”

“We can't just continue this recalcitrant opposition in perpetuity,” Khanmalek said. “We really hope Metro is on board and wants more riders near their transit stations.”

But Metro’s Board of Directors is made up of elected leaders who have, in some cases, already made their positions on SB 79 clear.

Before Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the law in October, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass asked him to veto it.

Two other board members, L.A. City Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky and Imelda Padilla, voted with a slim majority of the council last year to oppose SB 79.

Metro says law will boost transit opposition

About three-quarters of all residential land in incorporated L.A. County is zoned for single-family homes. But under SB 79, some of those neighborhoods could now be eligible for dense apartment buildings, as long as they lie within a half-mile of a major transit stop.

The Metro staff report said SB 79 could harm the transit agency’s expansion goals by galvanizing housing opponents against new light rail stations and dedicated bus lanes.

“SB 79 has become a catalyst for local opposition to Metro’s transit projects,” the report said. “By linking increased housing density to both existing and future transit investments, the law has intensified resistance from some cities and community groups that now view new transit projects as a trigger for state-mandated upzoning.”

Asking for tweaks, or total exemption?

The report also called on state lawmakers to clarify the term “light rail transit,” which could affect how SB 79 will apply to neighborhoods around Metro’s A, C, E and K rail lines.

At an earlier Metro meeting, Board Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker supported calls to carve L.A. County out of the law.

“We’ve found that the effort to have one-size-fits all planning didn’t work,” she said. “It is ingenious to suggest that any modifications be tested in the Bay Area first.”

Hahn said she supported asking for more moderate amendments to the SB 79 clean-up bill, SB 677, but she did not think lawmakers would take seriously calls for a countywide exemption.

“It doesn’t feel like we’re willing to dialogue,” Hahn said. “I would just like to see some amendments that feel a little bit more realistic.”

This story was originally published by The LA Local on Feb. 11, 2026.

The Los Angeles Police Commission unanimously approved a $2.1 million donation on Tuesday to significantly expand its Drone as First Responder program, allowing the department to deploy dozens more drones to certain calls for service across the city.

Several commissioners raised concerns about how the footage and other data captured by the drones would be stored and secured.

“You hear drones and it’s a polarizing conversation,” Commissioner Jeffrey Skobin said. “Do we have full control of the data?”

“We are in complete control of that data,” Police Officer Darren Castro responded.

Several people who attended the meeting said during public comment that they feared the drones could be used by the department for unauthorized surveillance.

“It’s not just mission creep, it’s creepy,” one public commenter said.

Public trust in police has recently wavered as many have questioned how the LAPD is protecting residents amid widespread immigration sweeps. And scrutiny has recently intensified after reports of how police collect, use and share data.

The latest donation comes from the Los Angeles Police Foundation. LAPD contracted with drone manufacturer Skydio to purchase the drones and related software. Skydio also provided LAPD with a public website that allows residents to track drone flights.

“Skydio has no rights in this period for trial and moving forward to control those data captures and what goes into the cloud,” Castro said. “We have complete control and they have an extensive audit log of who goes in and any changes to those data captures.”

Castro said that drone pilots activate cameras only after an aircraft arrives at the scene of the call. Once a drone returns to its docking station, flight data — including video recordings — are automatically uploaded and sent directly to the department’s evidence database.

The department launched the Drone as First Responder pilot program in June 2025. As of Tuesday’s meeting, nine officers and two supervisors had been trained to operate the drones, with plans to train additional personnel.

Commander Bryan Lium, who presented an update on the pilot program, said the drones often arrived at scenes faster than patrol officers in vehicles. The aircraft is equipped with high-definition video and thermal imaging, allowing officers to assess whether people were armed or if other safety threats were present before officers arrived.

The department plans to install the docking stations at eight police facilities, as well as at Palisades Village, The Grove LA, Vineyards Porter Ranch and Avenue of the Stars. Lium said that those locations were selected because the program relied in part on $1.8 million in grant funding intended to curb retail theft and because the sites expanded the drone’s operational range.

Los Angeles Documenter, Martin Romero, contributed reporting for this story from the Feb. 10 Board of Police Commissioners meeting. The LA Documenters program trains and pays community members to document proceedings at public meetings. Learn more about the program here.

The woman who helped re-energize Olympic-level cross country skiing in the U.S. has done it again. Jessie Diggins, age 34, powered through the pain of injured ribs to capture a bronze medal on a bluebird day at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium.

Diggins crossed the finish line in third place the 10 kilometer interval start freestyle late, with a late, agonizing surge at the end. The pain and passion were visible on her face before she collapsed to the snow.

"I knew it was going to be a really painful day. I was excited to have the opportunity to race," she said in a press conference after the medal ceremony.

One of her teammates, Hailey Swirbul, was the first to reach Diggins. "She's so tough, she digs deep," Swirbul said. "I worked as an EMT last winter and I saw some people in pain for broken bones and Jessie looked comparable, but she's okay."

Hailey Swirbul of Team United States, Jessie Diggins of Team United States celebrate on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium on February 12, 2026 in Val di Fiemme, Italy.

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Diggins injured her ribs when she crashed hard in her first race, a combined classic and freestyle "skiathlon." Speaking to reporters, she said an MRI showed that no ribs were broken. "There was blunt forced trauma. It's been hard to sleep," she said.

Swedish star skier Frida Karlsson took gold in dominant fashion, crossing the finish line 46 seconds ahead of of silver place finisher Ebba Andersson, also of Sweden. Diggins edged out fourth place finisher Astrid Oyre Slind of Norway by 3.3 seconds.

This was the third straight Olympics where Diggins medaled. At the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea, she and fellow U.S. skier Kikkan Randall snapped a decades-long medal drought by winning a gold medal in the team sprint freestyle. That was America's first-ever Olympic gold in the sport, and only the second ever, following Bill Koch's silver in Innsbruck in 1976. Four years later, Diggins won silver and bronze at the Beijing Olympics.

Speaking with NPR before the Olympics, Diggins talked about her ability to power through pain and fatigue.

"I've almost never failed to mentally find the will to dig for it," Diggins said. "Basically I ask myself one very simple question. 'How do I want to feel at the finish line?' I don't like living with regrets. I don't want to ever look back and think 'What if?"

Diggins is currently scheduled to compete in three more events during the Milan Cortina Games and said on Thursday she will continue to race despite her injury. She's announced that these will be her final Olympics and she will retire from competitive skiing this spring.

Gold medalist Frida Karlsson of Team Sweden, Silver medalist Ebba Andersson of Team Sweden and Bronze medalist Jessie Diggins of Team United States pose for a photo on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 10km Interval Start Free on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium on February 12, 2026 in Val di Fiemme, Italy.

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Alex Slitz

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Copyright 2026 NPR

The immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is ending, said Tom Homan, the border czar for President Donald Trump.

“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said. “A significant draw down has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week.”

Homan addressed reporters Thursday morning at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the base for the ongoing federal immigration operation in Minnesota. It also houses a facility that the Department of Homeland Security has been using to detain people being held by ICE.

"A small footprint of personnel will remain for a period of time to close out and transition full command and control back to the field office,” Homan said. “I will also remain on the ground for a little longer to oversee the drawdown of this operation and ensure its success.”

“This surge operation and our work here with state and local officials to improve coordination and achieve mutual goals, as well as our efforts to address issues of concern here on the ground, have yielded the successful results we have came here for in the Twin Cities, Minnesota in general,” Homan said.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was set to speak at a previously scheduled news conference later Thursday, to propose a federal surge response package to support Minnesota businesses affected by the immigration operation.

“The long road to recovery starts now,” Walz said on social media ahead of that news conference, reacting to Homan’s announcement. “The impact on our economy, our schools, and people’s lives won’t be reversed overnight. That work starts today.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also released a statement after Homan’s announcement: “They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation… This operation has been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses, and now it’s time for a great comeback.”

Last week, Homan announced a drawdown of about a quarter of the immigration agents in the state, but that still left about 2,000 agents in Minnesota. Local elected officials have said they’re not seeing much change in their communities so far. Homan said there are normally about 150 federal officers in Minnesota.

Homan previously said that further reductions in the number of federal agents in Minnesota would come if state and local officials provide more assistance in transferring undocumented immigrants with criminal records from jail custody to federal authorities. He also said further drawdowns would be quicker if protesters stop “impeding and interfering” with federal agents.

Walz said earlier this week that recent conversations with White House officials had led him to believe the surge of federal immigration agents to the state could end soon. He said Minnesota is gearing up to move into the “recovery” phase following an end to the federal operation that’s gone on for more than two months.

MPR News editor Andrew Krueger and digital editor Anna Haecherl contributed to this story.

Get more live coverage from our friends at MPR News: Go to MPR News' updates.

This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Feb. 10, 2026.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate with your boo or your bestie.

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends or your galentine squad, there are plenty of date ideas happening all across the Eastside. From paint-and-sip nights and cumbia-and-coffee parties to a cozy late-night dinner with that special someone, there’s something for everyone this Valentine’s Day.

Galentine’s Paint and Sip at 3rd Street Market

Looking for a crafty Valentine’s activity? 3rd Street Market and Cafe is hosting its first Galentine’s Paint and Sip with featured artist Teresa Flores. The evening will include complimentary wine, snacks and giveaways. There are limited spots available, so be sure to grab your tickets now.

For the Love of Resistance at Espacio 1839

This Valentine’s Day weekend, Espacio 1839 hosts the opening reception of “For the Love of Resistance,” a group exhibit that frames art as “a creative response to injustice.” The show will highlight 16 local artists, including Fabian Debora, Rosy Cortez and Jesse Fregrosso. The evening also will feature a CaminArte vendor market, with a portion of sales donated to a local rapid response team, according to Espacio 1839’s social media page.

Amor y Amistad Piñata Workshop at Latinx With Plants

If you’re looking to get crafty, Latinx With Plants is hosting its inaugural Amor y Amistad celebration with a piñata workshop. The evening will include a cocktail hour, a live DJ set by Maiden Mexico, complimentary drinks, a DIY Herbal Love Sachet bar and live screenprinting brought by Signs of Movement. Be sure to get your tickets for this limited-space event.

DIY Milagro: An Amulet of Self-Love — Vincent Price Art Museum

An afternoon workshop led by Chicana artist and altarista Rosanna Esparza will center on creating a personal milagro — an amulet of self-love and remembrance. The workshop is presented in tandem with “Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective,” an exhibit on view now at the Vincent Price Art Museum.

Table for Two:
A Valentine’s Dinner Experience at Distrito Catorce

Enjoy a Valentine’s dinner experience by Chef Jonathan Perez at Distrito Catorce. Advertised as a “three-course dinner curated to make you fall in love all over again — with food,” the evening will feature two limited-seating time slots. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Vezbi Foundation.

Valentine’s Day with Trio Los Caramelos & Romance Nocturno at Eastside Luv

Looking for a date night with live music? Spend an evening at Eastside Luv enjoying romantic boleros, late-night drinks and performances by Trio Los Caramelos and Romance Nocturno. Admission is $20 at the door.

Third annual 'I Love East LA Festival'

The “I Love East LA Festival” is back again this year, taking place over Valentine’s Day weekend. Find over 80 Latina vendors selling bilingual books, thrifted clothing, apothecary, handmade goods and other unique gifts. The festival will feature a fashion show and live musical performances from artists such as Spanish rock band Casi Natural, Chicana pop-rock artist Vanessa Mendoza, and soul band Maria Sanchez and the Midnight Groove, among many others. With Chicana lowriders, an art walk, food trucks, and the East L.A. Farmers Market, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festivities.

Amor Cafe y Baile: Valentine’s Cumbia Edition

Get your boo or bestie and your dancing shoes ready this Valentine’s weekend. Local coffee spot, Cafe Niña, is hosting a Valentine’s Cumbia with radio personality Leslie from the B, keeping the energy high. Attendees can enjoy free coffee and a free photobooth souvenir, plus a free one-hour dance lesson. Cumbia rhythms will be playing all afternoon with music by DJ Phobik. Admission is $20 at the door.

KQBH’s Valentine’s Special at Open LA

Looking to enjoy a Valentine’s special music night? Join the KQBH radio station family this month for their Valentine’s Mixer. Free and open to all ages of the community, the evening will feature music by DJs Brendita Eres, DJ Amdez and DJ Rubbertoe. Free parking is available.

Amor y Amistades Paint Night at East Los Tacos

Join local artist Andrea “Mextica” Ramirez on this guided paint-and-sip event. Attendees can pick from five pre-sketched canvases, and all art materials are included. The night will also feature a free raffle entry for each participant and will conclude with a group photo. Free parking will be available. Tickets are $25.

Noche de Corazones at Mariachi Plaza

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Su Salud Está En Sus Manos is hosting a Sweethearts Night at Mariachi Plaza. This family-friendly evening will feature a live DJ and dancing for all ages, community resources, as well as a photobooth and kids’ activity station.