With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Morning Briefing: LAist Reporter Arrested For Doing Her Job
The scene near the Willowbrook Metro station tonight. (Josie Huang/LAist)
()
Never miss a morning briefing. Subscribe today to get our A.M. newsletter delivered to your inbox.
On Saturday night, after covering a press conference held by L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, KPCC/LAist reporter Josie Huang was arrested by Sheriff’s deputies.
Josie was attempting to film the arrest of a protester outside a hospital in Lynwood where two deputies were being treated after being shot in Compton. In a video taken by our friends at ABC7, Josie can be seen with five male deputies pinning her to the ground. In another video, taken with her own phone, which continued filming even after it was dropped, she can be heard screaming in pain and repeatedly stating that she is a reporter with KPCC as the deputies handcuff her and hold down her legs.
Josie was in police custody for five hours and faces an obstruction of justice charge, as LASD alleges she interfered with an arrest. After her arrest, LASD tweeted a lie, stating that she “did not identify herself as press.” As of this writing, that tweet is still up on the LASD account.
Support for LAist comes from
Our organization has requested that the charges against Josie be dropped. We’ll provide ongoing updates on her situation, our newsroom’s response, and LASD’s response. And we will, of course, also report on the shooting itself and what we hope will be a full recovery for the deputies.
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
Coming Up Today, September 14
Latino/as account for more COVID-19 cases and deaths than any other ethnicity in California, and the virus is also affecting their financial health. Jackie Fortiér reports on a new poll from NPR and Harvard, which found that 70% of Latino/as in L.A. report serious financial problems due to the pandemic.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with "El Grito" online, learn about the architecture of the LBC, enjoy a pre-Code film about a ne'er-do-well plastic surgeon, and more. Christine N. Ziemba has this week’s best online and IRL events.
Support for LAist comes from
Never miss an LAist story. Sign up for our daily newsletters.
The Past 24 Hours In LA
L.A. Sheriff’s Department: Two deputies were in critical condition Sunday night after being shot multiple times while sitting in a patrol car in Compton. While covering the shooting of those deputies, KPCC/LAist reporter Josie Huang was arrested by L.A. County Sheriff's deputies Saturday night. She explains what happened in her own words.
More LASD News: Protesters expressed anger at the fact that the deputies who killed Dijon Kizzee are not being named, and that LASD decided to place a security hold on Kizzee's autopsy.
Wildfires: The El Dorado Fire has burned more than 14,200 acres in the San Bernardino Forest, and is at 41% containment. The Bobcat Fire has burned more than 33,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest, and is at 6% containment.
Coronavirus Updates: L.A. County reported 816 new cases of the coronavirus and 11 new deaths attributed to the disease, while Orange County reported 170 new cases and no new deaths.
Support for LAist comes from
Photo Of The Day
Mel Cohen removes family photos from his home on Highland Vista during evacuations as the Bobcat fire approaches the foothill community of Arcadia.
(Brian Feinzimer/LAist)
()
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.
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.
Support for LAist comes from
This post has been updated to reflect changes in what's coming up for today.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
Best of LAist