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.
ICYMI: Scientists Spot Mystery Object That May Have Come From Another Solar System

- Follow LAist on Twitter, on Instagram, and like us on Facebook. And to get the top stories mailed to you, sign up here.
- Well, here are the winners for Jezebel's annual scary story contest. We suggest reading them while the sun's still up.
- A Netflix doc on Joan Didion will here this week. Here are some of the more revealing details from the film.
- Police are warning parents about pot-laced candy making their way into children's trick-or-treat bags. Is pot candy the new razor blade apple?
- Something flew through our solar system, and it's suspected to have come from another solar system (if so, this is the first time we've observed such a thing happening). No, it's not aliens, but scientists aren't totally sure what it is...
- If you're nine years old and have a famous mom, it only makes sense to dress up as her for Halloween. That's exactly what Busy Philipps' daughter did.
- During a meeting held on the topic of NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem, Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair said, "We can't have the inmates running the prison." Athletes reacted to the remark, with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green calling the statement "Donald Sterling-esque."
- That time John Lydon (Sex Pistols, Public Image Ltd) was on Judge Judy:
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.

-
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.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?