Morning Briefing: When A Police Shooting Hits Close To Home

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On August 15, 32-year-old Anthony McClain, who is Black, was shot and killed by a police officer in Pasadena after the car in which he was a passenger was pulled over for a routine traffic stop. His death inspired protests in the area, especially after video evidence showed that he was shot in the back.

Reflecting on McClain’s death, KPCC producer Austin Cross examines the similarities between himself and McClain. In addition to also being a 32-year-old Black man, Austin’s place of employment – the KPCC/LAist newsroom – is on the same street, 2.5 miles from where McClain was shot.

“In a routine traffic stop, I'd expect no special treatment from an approaching officer. A black guy is a black guy in a darkened car on a Saturday night ... [McClain and I] shared geography, race and age. In the ever-growing list of young men who have died at the hands of law enforcement, it's not uncommon for me to share at least one trait. Two? Unlikely. Three? Never. One hell of a coincidence.”

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.

— Jessica P. Ogilvie

Coming Up Today, August 26

Community fridges, a form of hyperlocal food aid, have become more popular than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. They're organized and overseen by residents who clean, stock and benefit from them. But this alternative ecosystem of community aid exists in a legal gray area, reports LAist contributor Lil Kalish – one where citations and health codes have sometimes hindered community nourishment.

Jury trials haven’t resumed yet in L.A. County, but they could next month. Emily Elena Dugdale reports that the Superior Court is holding one trial with a jury as a beta test, which will start this morning.

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The Past 24 Hours In LA

Money (And The Census) Matters: Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia has announced plans to give money — no strings attached — to a select group of city residents, under a universal basic income plan. Census workers deployed in L.A. County have just five weeks left to tally a very hard-to-count region.

Government Officials Speak Out: Gov. Gavin Newsom threw his support behind George Gascón in the race for District Attorney of L.A. County over incumbent Jackie Lacey. The Inspector General took the Sheriff's Department to task over deputies not wearing masks.

Some Jazzy L.A. History: The history of Club Alabam, the center of the jazz world in Los Angeles in the 1930s and '40s, includes tales about its fascinating, slippery owner Curtis Mosby, as well as greats such as Billie Holiday, Johnny Otis, Clora Bryant and Gerald Wilson.

First Person: KPCC producer Austin Cross reflects on the too-close-to-home killing of Anthony McClain – who, like Cross, was a 32-year-old Black man – and who was shot dead by a police officer 2.5 miles down the same street as the KPCC/LAist newsroom.

Photo Of The Day

At a candlelight vigil at The Laugh Factory, attendees demanded justice for Elijah McClain on the one year anniversary of his death.

(Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

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The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

This post has been updated to reflect changes in what's coming up for today.

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