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The Brief

The most important stories for you to know today
  • Ships were in Hormuz Strait; US continues blockade

    Topline:

    Three ships came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, putting the possibility of any peace talks in jeopardy, after a senior Iranian official said that President Trump's last-minute ceasefire extension "means nothing."

    More details: The first ship was attacked and damaged by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, though no injuries were reported.

    The backstory: The attacks come after President Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran at the 11th hour, ahead of its expiration. Trump said he was doing so at the request of mediating country Pakistan and it would give Tehran time to present a "unified proposal."

    Read on... for more updates on the war.

    Three ships came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, putting the possibility of any peace talks in jeopardy, after a senior Iranian official said that President Trump's last-minute ceasefire extension "means nothing."

    The first ship was attacked and damaged by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, though no injuries were reported.

    "The Master of a Container Ship reported that the vessel was approached by 1 IRGC gun boat," according to UKMTO.

    No warning was given, but it "then fired upon the vessel which has caused heavy damage to the bridge," the center said in a report.

    Iran's semiofficial Tasnim News Agency confirmed the incident, saying the container ship had "ignored repeated warnings."

    The UKMTO did not immediately say who was responsible for the attack on the second cargo vessel, only that there was no damage or injuries.

    Iran's semi-official Fars news agency also reported Iran's Navy had attacked a third ship, the Euphoria. Iranian media reported that the Iranian navy had "seized" the two other vessels, which it identified as the MSC Francesca and the "Epaminodes," likely referring to the Epaminondas.

    The attacks come after President Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran at the 11th hour, ahead of its expiration. Trump said he was doing so at the request of mediating country Pakistan and it would give Tehran time to present a "unified proposal."

    That's after a U.S. delegation had been slated to travel to Islamabad for a second round of peace talks, a plan that dissolved after Iran said it would not be attending.

    Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Iran's main negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, posted on X: "Trump's ceasefire extension means nothing, the losing side cannot dictate terms."

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said earlier that "blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire." He added that the U.S. seizure of an Iranian ship on Sunday was "an even greater violation."

    Here are more developments on day 54 of the Middle East war:

    Iran's economy | U.K.-France conference | International reaction | Fuel struggles | Points of contention


    Trump says Iran flailing economically

    Despite Iran's refusal to attend negotiations this week, Trump says the country is in dire economic straits.

    "Iran is collapsing financially! They want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately- Starving for cash! Losing 500 Million Dollars a day. Military and Police complaining that they are not getting paid. SOS!!!," he posted on Truth Social late Tuesday.

    Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted on X on Tuesday that under Trump's orders the U.S. Navy will continue the blockade of Iran's ports.

    "In a matter of days, Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in. Constraining Iran's maritime trade directly targets the regime's primary revenue lifelines," he said.

    Iranians walk past a mural against Israel and the U.S., in Tehran, Iran, on Tuesday.
    (
    Atta Kenare
    /
    AFP via Getty Images
    )

    He also said his office would continue to "systematically degrade Tehran's ability to generate, move, and repatriate funds."


    Conference seeks solution to Strait standoff

    The United Kingdom and France are hosting a two-day conference starting Wednesday aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. One of the challenges is to remove undersea mines Iran is believed to have planted there.

    Military planners from more than 30 countries are meeting at a Royal Air Force base north of London to put together a multinational mission to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz amid global concerns over oil and energy prices.

    A poll in the U.K. shows 1 in 10 people are already stockpiling fuel.

    British defense officials have previously floated the idea of deploying autonomous mine-hunting systems from motherships sent to the Gulf. But they caution that whatever plan they come up with at this two-day conference will only take effect after what they call a sustained ceasefire between Iran and the U.S.


    International reaction

    U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres cautiously welcomed Trump's announcement of a ceasefire extension.

    "This is an important step toward de-escalation and creating critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States," he said in a statement shared by his spokesperson.

    "We encourage all parties to build on this momentum, refrain from actions that could undermine the cease-fire, and engage constructively in negotiations to reach a sustainable and lasting resolution."

    China warned that the Middle East is at a "critical stage."

    "The paramount priority remains to make every effort to prevent a resumption of hostilities," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news briefing Wednesday.

    Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief, said in an online statement: "Daily U-turns, whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed, are reckless. Transit through the Strait must remain free of charge."

    She said the EU was widening sanctions on Tehran, adding "none of us want to see a nuclear-armed Iran."


    High jet fuel prices squeeze airlines

    Meanwhile, the war and strait blockade are continuing to rattle global markets and push up costs, with the airline industry particularly hard hit.

    On Tuesday, German airline Lufthansa said that because the price of jet-fuel had doubled since the start of the war, it was cutting 20,000 flights through October in an attempt to save fuel.

    United Airlines has also been impacted, with Reuters news agency reporting the Chicago-based carrier had forecast second-quarter and full-year profits below Wall Street estimates.

    Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation says it is taking "a look" at Spirit Airlines at the request of Trump. Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection in August for the second time in less than a year.

    Now soaring fuel costs tied to the Iran war are adding more uncertainty about the carrier's ability to keep operating. It's not the only one:last week a trade association for low-cost carriers sent a letter to Congress asking for temporary tax relief.


    What are the major sticking points?

    For officials in Washington, the main points of contention remain control over the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran's nuclear program.

    Diggers remove the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes as they look for survivors buried underneath in the southern Lebanese coastal city of Tyre on April 21, 2026. Israeli defence minister said on April 21 that his country's campaign in Lebanon relied on both military and diplomatic pressure to disarm Iran-allied Hezbollah. Though a truce between Israel and Lebanon took effect on April 17, Israeli troops are still present and actively fighting Hezbollah militants in Lebanon's south.
    (
    MAHMOUD ZAYYAT
    /
    AFP via Getty Images
    )

    The Trump administration has said it wants commercial shipping through the strategic waterway to be fully restored. Around 20% of the world's crude oil and natural gas typically passes through the strait.

    After the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, Iran began to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz. It has prevented most commercial ships from transiting and has collected steep tolls from some of the few that did.

    Vice President Vance said the first round of ceasefire talks held over a week ago broke down because Iran would not commit to forgoing a nuclear weapon.

    "The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon," Vance said.

    For Tehran, the key demands for extending the ceasefire include an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and guarantees that the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah will not resume.

    Israel and Lebanon agreed on a 10-day ceasefire last week, pausing fighting between Israel's military and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israel and Lebanon are due to hold fresh talks in Washington on Thursday.

    Lauren Frayer in Glasgow, Scotland, Joel Rose in Washington, Jane Arraf in Amman, Jordan, and Kate Bartlett in Johannesburg contributed to reporting.

    Copyright 2026 NPR

  • Take a tour through LA's most important landmarks
    a black and white portrait of a woman in a black frame and mounted on a wall
    Bridget “Biddy” Mason became one of Los Angeles’ first Black woman landowners, building wealth through real estate.

    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.

    Gilbert W. Lindsay Recreation Center

    The Gilbert W. Lindsay Recreation Center on East 42nd Place is named in honor of the first Black member of the Los Angeles City Council, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

    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.

  • Sponsored message
  • Tournament-related things to do with the family
    A view of an outdoor soccer field.
    Soccer Shots, a kids soccer program, is hosting a Game Day at the Americana.

    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.

    A black and white soccer ball on green grass is backlit by the sun
    L.A. County Library's Summer of Soccer starts now
    (
    Courtesy LA County Library
    )

    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.

    When: May 20 to July 9

    Cost: Free

    Learn more.


    A girl in a blue polo stands on an indoor artificial field and kicks a soccer ball.
    California Science Center's new exhibition celebrates the transformative power of play and the joy of the human body in motion.
    (
    Courtesy California Science Center
    )

    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.

    Learn more.


    A sign in art deco letters reads: Union Station. Palm trees are visible in the background.
    Union Station hosts a World Cup fan zone.
    (
    Manakin/Getty Images
    /
    iStockphoto
    )

    City of Los Angeles’ ‘Kick it in the Park’ 

    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.

    When: June 11 to July 19

    Cost: Free

    Learn more.


    A view of an outdoor soccer field.
    Soccer Shots, a kids soccer program, is hosting a Game Day at the Americana.
    (
    Courtesy Discover Los Angeles
    )

    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.

    When: 2 to 4 p.m. June 27

    Cost: Tickets are $20

    Learn more.


    An outdoor shot of a large white marble hall.
    The Torrance Historical Society & Museum
    (
    Courtesy Torrance Historical Society & Museum
    )

    Torrance Historical Society & Museum

    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.

    When: The exhibit is open until Aug. 31

    Cost: Free

    Learn more.

  • 8 spots to know in and around So-Fi Stadium
    An overhead photos of various styrofoam boxes full of bright orange chicken wings, crispy wings with a white and green sauce, carrot and celery sticks, and fries drizzled with a white sauce and green herbs.
    A selection of wings and fries at Wings 2 Go in Inglewood.

    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

    Fried chicken wings sit next to fried rice, carrot sticks and a cup of creamy sauce in a cardboard container.
    Lemon pepper chicken wings from Wings 2 Go in Inglewood.
    (
    Cesar Hernandez
    /
    LAist
    )

    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 facade of a restaurant in a strip mall with gray walls and a sign in green and yellow writing that reads "Country Style Jamaican Restaurant." A circle with green, yellow, and red colors and palm trees hangs on the left side of the sign and a symbol in the shape of the country of Jamaica with a its flag in the middle hangs on the right side. On the window panes of the restaurant there are images of various Jamaican dishes.
    The exterior of Country Style Jamaican Restaurant.
    (
    Brian Feinzimer
    /
    LAist
    )

    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

    An overhead photo of a red plastic tray with paper plates with tacos on them.
    Plates of tacos at Carnitas El Artista.
    (
    Brian Feinzimer
    /
    LAist
    )

    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

    An overhead photo of three bunches of chicken wings with a red sauce wrapped in aluminum foil, white sliced bread, and styrofoam cups with slaw and potato salad. All items are over a black grated table.
    The inflation fighter (3x) lunch special at Woody’s Bar-B-Que.
    (
    Brian Feinzimer
    /
    LAist
    )

    If you've spent any time in Inglewood, there's a good chance you've seen Woody's Bar-B-Que on 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

    A styrofoam plate atop a red counter with two crispy tacos with shredded lettuce, crumbly white cheese, and plastic salsa bottle coming in from the top right of frame pouring red sauce on the tacos.
    Quesadilla fritas from El Capitalino MX food truck.
    (
    Brian Feinzimer
    /
    LAist
    )

    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.

    Location: 10624 Hawthorne Blvd., Lennox
    Hours: Open Thu–Sun 3 p.m.–9 p.m.

    The Serving Spoon

    A low angle view of signage on a pole outside that reads "The Serving Spoon Restaurant".
    The Serving Spoon has been an Inglewood cornerstone for four decades, dishing up grilled corn bread and fried turkey chops.
    (
    Isaiah Murtaugh
    /
    The LA Local
    )

    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.

    Location: 1403 Centinela Ave., Inglewood
    Hours: Open daily 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

    Sunday Gravy

    A hand pulls apart a piece of cheesy, golden-brown garlic bread over a basket lined with checkered paper, with a small bowl of marinara sauce in the background.
    Cheesy garlic bread at Sunday Gravy, the Italian-American spot on Centinela Avenue in Inglewood.
    (
    Courtesy Sunday Gravy
    )

    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.

    Location: 1122 Centinela Ave., Inglewood
    Hours: Open Wed–Sun 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

    Somerville

    A filled martini glass sits on a glossy piano, with a warm brown glow emanating from within
    Somerville's homage to the past
    (
    Photograph: Jakob N. Layman/Jakob N. Layman
    /
    Jakob N. Layman
    )

    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.

  • A guide that skips the bars and clubs
    People are standing with their backs turned from the frame. They're facing a night skyline with a large dome beside them.
    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)

    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

    A bat with yellow and gold hair with two long ears and a pink snout.
    Yuma myotis is another possible bat candidate and one of the bats recorded in the Backyard Bat Survey.
    (
    Courtesy of L.A. County Natural History Museum
    )

    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 

    A setting sun falls behind trees. A manmade lake is surrounded by green grass and headstones.
    The sun sets at the Hollywood Forever cemetery on Dec. 4, 2025.
    (
    Ronaldo Bolaños
    /
    Getty Images
    )

    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.

    Check out their events here.

    Star parties above L.A.

    Several people in silhouettes stand on a hiking trail at night overlooking the Los Angeles skyline.
    Grab a flashlight and go on a night hike in Griffith Park.
    (
    Mario Tama
    /
    Getty Images
    )

    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.

    You can also catch other evening events here.

    L.A.’s Critical Mass 

    A group of cyclists with neon lights on their bikes ride down a street at night.
    Cyclists gather for the monthly Critical Mass rides in Koreatown on Nov 8th, 2025.
    (
    Steve Saldivar
    /
    The LA Local
    )

    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

    A ship is docked at night along a lit shoreline. Lights are strewn across its deck.
    The Queen Mary is lit at night on Nov. 2, 2025 in Long Beach.
    (
    Getty Images
    /
    Los Angeles Times
    )

    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.

    View the times and dates here.