Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that often caused delays.
Why now: The State Department announced yesterday that its online renewal system is now fully operational, after testing in pilot programs, and available to adult passport holders whose passport has expired within the past five years or will expire in the coming year.
What doesn't change: It is not available for the renewal of children's passports, for first-time passport applicants for renewal applicants who live outside the United States or for expedited applications.
WASHINGTON — Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that often caused delays.
The State Department announced Wednesday that its online renewal system is now fully operational, after testing in pilot programs, and available to adult passport holders whose passport has expired within the past five years or will expire in the coming year. It is not available for the renewal of children's passports, for first-time passport applicants for renewal applicants who live outside the United States or for expedited applications.
"By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
The department said it estimated that about 5 million Americans would be able to use this service a year. In 2023, it processed 24 million passports, about 40% of which were renewals.
After staffing shortages caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lengthy passport processing delays, the department ramped up hiring and introduced other technological improvements that have reduced wait times by about one-third over last year. It says most applications are now completed in far less than the advertised six weeks to eight weeks and the online renewal system is expected to further reduce that.
The system will allow renewal applicants to skip the current process, which requires them to print out and send paper applications, photos and a check by mail, and submit their documents, photo, and payment through a secure website, www.Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.
There will be no change to the existing passport processing fees, which are currently $130 for a regular renewal.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter, whose bureau oversees passport processing said the department hoped to expand the program in the coming years to possibly include Americans living abroad, those seeking to renew a second passport and children's passports.
"This is not going to be the last thing that we do," she told reporters. "We want to see how this goes and then we'll start looking at ways to continue to make this service available to more American citizens in the coming months and years."
Gab Chabrán
covers what's happening in food and culture for LAist.
Published November 11, 2026 4:28 PM
The Original Pantry Cafe at 9th and Figueroa reopens Nov. 19 under nonprofit Hope the Mission.
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Courtesy The Original Pantry Cafe
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Topline:
After more than a century in business, the Original Pantry Cafe closed in March 2025. Now under new ownership, the downtown diner reopens Nov. 19 with a revamped menu.
Why now? The Pantry reopens to the public next week. Leo Pustilnikov, a developer, bought the building in 2025 and brought on Hope the Mission, a San Fernando Valley nonprofit serving unhoused Angelenos, to run it, with 100% of profits going to the group’s shelters and programs.
Why it matters: As downtown legacy restaurants like Cole’s close and reopen, Angelenos clearly have a soft spot for the old days. The Pantry’s return tests whether a beloved institution can modernize its menu and survive downtown’s current economy without losing the regulars who made it famous.
It may be entering a new era, but walking into the Original Pantry Cafe still feels like stepping back in time. The caged cash register is still there, with a worn spot on the floor in front of it, and the wood-board menus listing the day’s specials in chalk.
The iconic diner, which had served downtown L.A. from the corner of Ninth and Figueroa streets for over 100 years, closed in March 2025 amid a labor dispute, after the trust that owned it decided to sell the property. Now, under new ownership, it reopens Thursday, Nov. 19.
Leo Pustilnikov, a developer, bought the building in September 2025, and Hope the Mission, a San Fernando Valley nonprofit, will now run it, with all profits going to shelters for L.A.’s unhoused community.
Longtime staff are returning under a new contract with UNITE HERE Local 11. Rowan Vansleve, president of Hope the Mission, called bringing them back “incredibly emotional.”
What’s back and what’s not
Fans of the Pantry will find familiar names on the menu, including the famous coleslaw and sourdough toast from Frisco Baking Co. And of course, the beloved pancakes make their triumphant return, now made from scratch.
“We’ve got the same sourdough that we were using prior to Hope the Mission coming in,” Vansleve said.
The Pantry’s dining room and long counter keep their classic diner look, with a new bakery case near the front windows.
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Courtesy The Original Pantry Cafe
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Other dishes got a 2026 makeover. The Denver omelet now uses poblano peppers, the fried chicken sandwich comes with a spicy chile glaze and pickled radish, and a new bakery case is stocked with cookies, pies, chocolate malt crunch cake and peach cobbler.
“There are a few alterations on the menu,” Vansleve said. “Tastes have changed, and this needs to be successful.”
Two new sandwiches are named after donors who helped fund the reopening. The Betty Burger comes with Cooper sharp cheese, grilled onions, house pickles and Pantry Gold sauce on a sesame bun. Grant’s Sky High Deli piles half a pound of warm corned beef with Gruyère, horseradish slaw and mustard on toasted rye.
“I’m really excited for people to try our burger,” said executive chef Daniel Hur.
A stack of buttermilk pancakes made from scratch costs $16.
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Courtesy
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Courtesy The Original Pantry Cafe
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Buttermilk pancakes are $16, and the classic breakfast platter — eggs, meat, Pantry potatoes and toast — is $21.
“We did a lot of research to make sure that we’re just under pretty much everyone else in the local area,” Vansleve said. “We’re not gonna gouge you.”
The Pantry no longer runs around the clock, and it now takes cards.
But Vansleve hopes the shortened hours will be temporary. “The Pantry’s not truly back until it’s 24 hours,” he acknowledged, adding that hours will expand as demand allows. He also hopes to reopen Riordan’s Tavern, the adjoining bar, “in some renewed format sometime late next year.”
Not everyone is sold
As soon as the new menu was posted online, commenters flooded the restaurant’s Instagram page and Reddit, pleading for nothing to change.
Hur, who grew up in Culver City, said he understands. “I love Tito’s Tacos. It’s been around since the ’50s. If someone came in there and changed the Tito’s Taco, I’d be like, ‘Why?’” he said. “So I get it.”
The specials board greets Angelenos ahead of the Nov. 19 reopening.
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Courtesy The Original Pantry Cafe
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Hur said he’s had to weigh purists against diners looking for something new, aiming to welcome back regulars while drawing in a new crowd. He’s open to feedback. “I know even if I’m not open to it, I’m gonna get it,” he said. “So I might as well be open to it.”
Vansleve’s pitch is simpler: “Give it a go, come in.”
Every meal helps, he said. “100% of the profits is gonna go back to the charity.” Hope the Mission runs 35 shelters housing about 3,500 people on any given night, according to Vansleve
To reach its 24-hour goal, he said, “We need to see those lines around the corner like they used to be.”
The Original Pantry Cafe Where: 877 S. Figueroa St. When: Opening Nov. 19, with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting Hours: 7 a.m.– 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Julia Paskin
is the local host of All Things Considered and the L.A. Report Evening Edition.
Published November 11, 2026 2:39 PM
Alaska stars in "Oh, Mary!"
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Daniel Rampulla
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Center Theater Group
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One of Broadway’s most popular shows in years, Oh, Mary! is now at the Ahmanson Theatre through Dec. 6. It stars drag performer extraordinaire Alaska Thunderf*ck 5000, known mononymously as Alaska, who rose to fame as a competitor and fan favorite on RuPaul's Drag Race. Alaska talked to LAist host Julia Paskin to talk about taking the Tony Award-winning dark comedy on the road, how competing on Drag Race has changed over the years and where to see a great drag show in Los Angeles.
On playing Mary Todd Lincoln: “It's going on my tombstone,” Alaska said. “Like, it's the biggest deal ever.” How big a deal? Others who have worn the large, heavy hoopskirt the costume requires include the show's creator, Cole Escola as well as comedians Jane Krakowski and Bowen Yang, who is currently playing Mary in the Broadway show.
Why she's glad she was on Drag Race early: A lot has changed over the years with the competition becoming more expensive and queens investing in pricey, commissioned costume pieces and drag accessories. “I got in under the wire,” Alaska said. “I got onto that show back when you could show up with a bag of dirty laundry and you could do pretty well."
Where to catch great drag in LA: Alaska recommends Meatball's Phat Slut show at Precinct in downtown L.A. and “The Golden Girls Live” from drag queens Jackie Beat and Sherry Vine.
One of Broadway’s most popular shows in years, Oh, Mary! is now at the Ahmanson Theatre through Dec. 6. It stars drag performer extraordinaire Alaska Thunderf*ck 5000, known mononymously as Alaska.
Alaska caught up with LAist host Julia Paskin to talk about taking the Tony Award-winning dark comedy on the road, how competing on RuPaul's Drag Race has changed over the years, and where to see a great drag show in Los Angeles.
A role she was made for
The list of actors who have played the titular role of Mary ranges from seasoned comedians, like show creator Cole Escola, to Jane Krakowski and Bowen Yang, the latter of whom is currently on an extended Broadway run.
Jane Krakowski during her broadway run in "Oh, Mary!"
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Emilio Madrid
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Center Theater Group
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“It's going on my tombstone,” Alaska said. “Like, it's the biggest deal ever.”
The role not only has big proverbial shoes to fill, but also requires donning a large, heavy hoopskirt for a costume. That was not a problem.
“If you ever just wanna, like, change your entire personality, just put on a hoopskirt,” she said. “It really changes the way you move and the way you kinda act and the way you stand. That's drag, I guess, because drag is sort of transforming based on what you're putting on your body, and it really does change everything.”
The higher cost to compete on Drag Race
Speaking of drag, Alaska initially rose to fame appearing on Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013 and the second season of the All Stars spinoff in 2016, which she won. Longtime fans of the reality show can confirm a lot has changed over the years with the competition becoming more expensive and queens investing in pricey, commissioned costume pieces and drag accessories.
Alaska said she’s grateful she competed when she did.
“I got in under the wire,” Alaska said. “I got onto that show back when you could show up with a bag of dirty laundry and you could do pretty well. When I went on that show the first time, I was borrowing stuff from other girls. I really just went to the thrift store and got some stuff. I had my friends make some stuff with me as well.”
She says the pressure is also more intense with the audience expecting a high production quality.
“The viewership is so knowledgeable about fabrics, and designers, and fashion, and polish and wig lines,” Alaska added. “That's good. I mean, I think that it's a pendulum, and it swings back and forth. Yes, we love to see exquisite, fabulous costumery on Drag Race. But, we also like to see some, stupid, silly drag as well.”
Where to catch great drag in LA
Alaska recommends Meatball’s Phat Slut show at Precinct in downtown L.A., and added "anything happening at Precinct is going to be unique, fierce, fun, and just like an excellent vibe.”
Another top recommendation is “The Golden Girls Live” from drag queens Jackie Beat and Sherry Vine.
“It happens in a very small room,” Alaska said. “So you're literally sitting onstage with the Golden Girls. There's really nothing like it.”
You can see Alaska in Oh, Mary!at the Ahmanson Theatre and when her Revolution Tour stops in at Pacific Electric May 8, 2027.
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Kevin Tidmarsh
is a producer for LAist, covering news and culture. He’s been an audio/web journalist for about a decade.
Published November 11, 2026 2:33 PM
Rain in Marina Del Rey pictured in February 2022.
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Suzanne Levy
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LAist
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Topline:
It’s going to be wetter and noticeably cooler starting Thursday evening. The National Weather Service projects all of SoCal will see at least a drizzle at some point.
How much rain: The rain is expected to be minor. Expect spotty showers and less than a quarter inch of rain per hour Friday, though it could be up to half an inch per hour in some areas. Rain is in the forecast again on Monday, and even more rain is possible in the middle of next week. There’s also a low chance of showers Saturday and Sunday.
A “we needed this” moment: “We're not expecting any issues for burn areas or anything like that — mostly what we would consider beneficial rain, some rain that gives us some water but doesn't really cause too much of an issue,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford.
The cooling trend: It’ll get a few degrees cooler each day on Friday and Saturday, with high temperatures expected in the mid-60s to low 70s starting this weekend. Even drier days aren’t expected to get much warmer. “It's definitely gonna feel a little bit closer to winter than we've had in the last week or so,” Wofford said.
Why this rain event is so long: It’s not one event — it’s a series of low-pressure systems that will arrive starting Thursday night into Friday, with more systems expected Monday and mid-next week.
Mountains could see a dusting: Snow levels will be at about 7,000 feet for most of the next week, but they could go lower — especially if there’s precipitation Monday night, when snow levels are forecast between 5,000 and 6,000 feet.
David Rodriguez
is an Altadena resident and has been connecting with fire survivors since the disaster.
Published November 11, 2026 1:17 PM
A collage of two photos shows the process of home remediation after a fire.
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David Rodriguez
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LAist
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Topline:
LAist spoke with three Eaton Fire survivors whose homes survived but have had to deal with remediating smoke damage.
Why it matters: For people who lived in some of the thousands of structures that remained standing after the Eaton Fire, the journey to return home has been arduous.
How to share your story: Earlier this year, LAist asked fire survivors what it looks and feels like to rebuild your life after 2025 L.A. Fires. We want to hear from homeowners, current or former renters, business owners and more.
Read on… to hear from survivors and share your story with LAist.
Rhea Borja and her husband, Eric Wee, bought their home in Altadena in 2022. After the January 2025 Eaton Fire, it still stood, in a pocket of other homes that also survived.
At first, that was a relief. As many fire survivors have found, though, remediating smoke damage has been nearly as daunting as rebuilding a home that burned.
That has been true for Borja and Wee too. They’ve been living in Northern California since the fire, while they work to get their home cleared of the toxic remnants of the smoke.
The Eaton Fire destroyed 9,414 structures, including homes and businesses. For the thousands of structures were left standing, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws in September setting new rules for smoke damage cleanup.
What has that looked like in practice? Three Eaton Fire survivors spoke with LAist recently about the challenges they’ve faced.
Remediation challenges
Rhea Borja stands in her driveway just a month or so before the January 2025 fire. All of the houses behind her across the street burned down, including all the trees and greenery.
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Rhea Borja
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On the blocks around Borja’s home, the frames of homes being rebuilt are taking shape. But her home has stood empty for 22 months.
“It has been an enormous test of patience,” she said.
Her home has gone through four remediations. The lead test results after the most recent remediation cleared EPA standards. Since then, Borja has had a new HVAC system installed.
Next up, re-insulating the attic.
She’s hoping to be back in Altadena early next year but recognizes there’s still a lot to do, including remediating the front and back yards. She’ll have to pay for those projects out of pocket.
“I miss Altadena. I miss Los Angeles. I miss being by the San Gabriel Mountains,” Borja said. “So I just feel kind of removed from the area, and sometimes it almost just seems like a dream.”
A hallway in Rhea Borja’s home after it was remediated for a third time in June 2026.
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Rhea Borja
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Rhea Borja removed the remediator’s tape and plastic covering over a living room window of her Altadena home in mid October.
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Courtesy of Rhea Borja
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Simon Perry and his partner have two properties in Altadena that still require remediation.
One is their home right outside of the fire zone, and the other is a rental property right in the middle of it.
At Perry’s home of 15 years, the contamination was off the charts.
“To give you an indication of how badly contaminated it is, the attic crawl space tested at 3,391 units of lead,” Perry said. “So there's 50 times the safe level of lead in the crawl space of the attic.”
Perry had intended to retire the week of the Eaton Fire. He postponed that while he dealt with the fire’s aftermath — spending hours itemizing personal items, then throwing them away.
By the end of September, he and his partner moved for the fourth time since the fire.
Before that move, their temporary home was “full of cardboard boxes and boxes full of stuff, you know, because everything is in transition and has been in transition for 20 months,” he said.
How we heard from you
Earlier this year, LAist asked fire survivors to share their stories. We’ve heard from people rebuilding, returning home or moving away.
Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, business owner, have moved away, or whatever it may be, we want to hear from you.
Many of you have shared photos of your cement foundation or framing, even art you’ve made after the fire.
Share your story in the survey below and we may include your pictures and stories in an upcoming feature. We won’t publish anything you share without your permission.
A return home
After 19 months of being displaced, Susan Mohini Kane, husband Bernard Kane and their cat returned to Altadena.
Being displaced was unsettling, but Kane said she learned a lot.
Susan Mohini Kane shared this photo with LAist from March 2026 after most of her home’s contents were removed. The walls were cut up for rewiring.
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Susan Mohini Kane
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Susan Mohini Kane and her husband Bernard Kane began moving in over the summer. A friend gifted her hand-sewn quilt to replace one they lost to smoke damage.
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Susan Mohini Kane
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“More things happened every day that I didn't expect,” Kane said. “They ended up, basically, having to tear our house down.”
The walls of the Kane home were removed and then replaced. They filled and hauled bags of fire-damaged goods out of their home.
Now that she’s back, Kane is excited to return to her work as a voice teacher, singer and songwriter.
Susan Mohini Kane and her husband Bernard Kane are happy to be back in their home after 19 months of remediation and repairs after the Eaton Fire.
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David Rodriguez/LAist
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She wants people who didn’t experience the wildfire to know what people are still going through nearly two years later.
“We're still here. We're still suffering. We're still needing so much help,” she said.
