Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
L.A. Politicians Announce $100 Million Rent Relief Measure

A program to provide rent relief could receive a massive infusion of cash, according to an announcement by Los Angeles city leaders today.
Under the plan, $100 million in federal stimulus dollars will flow to the city’s COVID-19 Rental Assistance Fund, a huge boost for a program that launched with just $2.2 million in funding.
City Council President Nury Martinez said at the meeting:
“This $100 million commitment is an economic lifeline we are all offering to our fellow Angelenos to help them reclaim their lives.”
The program will be available to tenants who:
- Can document their losses from COVID-19
- And make less than 80% of their area’s median income
Payouts go directly to landlords, and will be capped at $1,000 per month and $3,000 over the life of the program. The effort is expected to launch in late June or early July, Mayor Eric Garcetti said today adding that it could help 50,000 households. The stimulus funds have to be spent by the end of the year.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
There are no reports of injuries after a blast and ensuing fire, which could be seen for miles on Thursday night.
-
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi.
-
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding.
-
Scientists say La Niña is likely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a dry winter in Southern California.
-
According to a grand jury report the contractor took advantage of strained relations and political pressures to “force” the city to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to settle disputes.
-
Administrators say the bargaining units should be dismissed, or that they have no standing. One campus is going after the federal agency in charge of union activity.