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There's A Biden Fundraiser In DTLA Today Featuring Obama And Hollywood. Translation: Traffic
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address during a joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol on March 07, 2024 in Washington, DC. This is Biden’s last State of the Union address before the general election this coming November. Biden was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA).
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Chip Somodevilla
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Getty Images
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Topline:
President Joe Biden is in Los Angeles for a glitzy fundraiser featuring former President Barack Obama and multiple A-list stars at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live later today. For the rest of us, that means road closures in the area.
Why it matters: The fundraiser is said to be emceed by Jimmy Kimmel, who will moderate a conversation between Biden and Obama. George Clooney and Julia Roberts are amongst the celebrities slated to also take part.
Yes, quite a line up. So expect heavy traffic in the downtown area, as well as road closures and intermittent freeway closures when Biden and Obama's motorcades roll through town.
Sponsored message
One group calling for an end to the Gaza war is planning a rally in front of the L.A. Live venue today.
The backstory: According to CNN, today's star-studded event has raised $28 million so far for the Biden reelection campaign — a record haul beating out a March fundraiser in New York featuring a conversation between Biden, Obama and former president Bill Clinton that was moderated by Stephen Colbert.
According to CNN, ticket prices for today's event range from $250 to $500,000.
What's next: Avoid downtown, you've been warned.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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