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 Briefing: Local Calm, Federal Confusion
It's a quiet weekend locally, as much of L.A. adjusts to new recommendations to wear homemade face masks when going out. On the federal front, though, President Donald Trump made remarks that surprised some experts during his daily briefing — including suggesting that he "might take" hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug that hasn’t been approved by the FDA for the virus.
THE PAST 24 HOURS:
L.A., California, The World: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Saturday confirmed 711 new cases of the coronavirus and 28 new deaths, which did not include the first two reported in Pasadena. That brings county totals to 5,325 cases and 119 deaths. The U.S. is reporting 290,000 cases, and the worldwide count has surpassed 1.1 million.
Community: The YMCA will soon open nine of their locations for people experiencing homelessness to use for showers and restrooms.
Sports: Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant is among nine new members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Gov. Gaving Newsom said he doesn’t anticipate the NFL season starting on time this fall (note: this question came up because Trump has been actively talking to the heads of all major sports about when they can go back to work.)
Federal Updates: The federal government unveiled the first detailed national system for tracking the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. During a White House press briefing, President Donald Trump said that he “might take” hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug that hasn’t been approved by the FDA for the virus.
Fact check: Another week of White House news briefings has come and gone. Here's a reality check on the president's statements.
YOUR (MUCH-NEEDED) MOMENT OF ZEN:
A tree —decorated with Chinese lanterns — blooms tree is at the closed Thien Hau Temple in the L.A's Chinatown neighborhood.

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.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletter for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Support our free, independent journalism today. Donate now.
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.

-
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority.
-
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding.
-
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
-
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.