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.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Extra, Extra: Hey, If it Makes You Smile...

- Maybe he's a cat person? LA Times big-wig Sam Zell has been quoted as saying a healthy love of lady-parts is downright patriotic. LA Observed explores the origins of what was said and why; apparently Zell thinks pussy's so nice, he said it twice: "He said: 'Everyone likes pussy. It’s un-American not to like pussy'" explains someone at the Times.
- Prince Andrew paid a visit to Compton yesterday to helm the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Fresh & Easy supermarket on Rosecrans Avenue. Tesco, represent! UK in the house!
- Trust funds have been established in the names of the two LAPD SWAT Officers shot in yesterday's standoff in Winnetka. Officer Randal Simmons was killed and Officer James Veenstra was injured in the gunfire. The LAPD blog has the list of many ways you can make a donation.
- Two overdoses for the Coroner to report: Actor Brad Renfro's death was caused by an accidental heroin overdose, and ice skater Christopher Bowman's death was due to an accidental overdose and his enlarged heart.
- Former Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss got to see the inside of a Nevada jail when she "was arrested Thursday morning on charges of illegal possession of prescription drugs and driving under the influence." Oddly enough, Ms. Fleiss operates a laundromat in the state...called Dirty Laundry.
- The body of 60-year-old Frank Wykofka was discovered inside his SUV, which was submerged in the San Dimas Reservoir. The do-gooder was up there releasing a skunk he'd caught in his back yard when his car went off the road and plunged into the water.
- When does the fish get to your favorite sushi restaurant? And when do the city's most well-known sushi chefs show up to work? la.foodblogging did a little digging behind the scenes and fills us in on what we might not realize happens behind the mystical bar.
Photo by laurenp! via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
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.

-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.