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.
Morning Brief: Wind And Wildfires, COVID At Disneyland, And Women Wrestlers
A water dropping helicopter flies in Topanga fighting the Palisades Fire on May 15, 2021.
(
Brian Feinzimer
)
Good morning, L.A. It’s August 3.
When it’s this hot for this long, Angelenos’ minds tend to turn to wildfires, and wondering when the next one will scorch our earth and contaminate our air. According to the National Weather Service, it might be soon.
My colleague Monica Bushman reports that a combination of dry air, gusty winds and hot temperatures headed our way this week could increase the likelihood of wildfires breaking out.
The elevated fire weather conditions are expected to last until Thursday. Those conditions are just one step below critical, which would trigger a Red Flag Warning.
Support for LAist comes from
About How to LA Newsletter
-
This is the web version of our How To LA newsletter. Sign up here to get this newsletter sent to your inbox each weekday morning
"Some localized areas may see … relative humidities in the afternoons between 5% and 15%,” said National Weather Service meteorologist David Sweet. “When you combine that with gusty winds, that leads to a situation where you have to be a little bit more concerned about fire starts.”
Wildfires have gotten much worse in California in the past 10 years. KPCC/LAist science reporter Jacob Margolis recently wrote about why conditions are worsening: a combination of humans living deeper in fire hazard zones, invasive species that are more flammable than their native brethren, climate change, and not enough prescribed burns.
It doesn’t help that state leaders aren’t doing what they promised to help counter the drought and the increased risk that California now faces.
Meanwhile, if you live in a high fire hazard area, here are some ways to be prepared.
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A., and stay safe out there.
What Else You Need To Know Today
- As COVID cases continue to climb in L.A., the CDC has recommended new testing guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals.
- Undocumented families, aging homes, high unemployment: The root causes for a cluster of evictions in Long Beach.
- This fully vaccinated family visited Disneyland as California started to reopen — and contracted COVID-19.
- Jaime Hernandez, revered SoCal indie comic creator, has a new book featuring decades of drawings of women wrestlers.
Before You Go ... This Week's Outdoor Pick: Popular Kids Club
(
Bogomil Mihaylov
/
Unsplash
)
Support for LAist comes from
This outdoor comedy show at Permanent Records in Cypress Park features headliners Matt Braunger and James Adomian with other cool kids performing and hanging out at the intimate venue. Hosted by Luke Wienecke.
Or, you could: Start the week by singing along to Grease. Learn capoeira under the stars. Attend an artwalk along a South Bay waterfront. Listen to live music by Quetzal. Swing along to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Or get nostalgic with LAist’s Mike Roe and guests as the TV Pilot Club revisits Living Single. And more.
Help Us Cover Your Community
-
Got something you’ve always wanted to know about Southern California and the people who call it home? Is there an issue you want us to cover? Ask us anything.
-
Have a tip about news on which we should dig deeper? Let us know.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist