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It’s Monday, Feb. 3 And Here Are The Stories We’re Following Today

In case you weren't watching, the Kansas City Chiefs staged a final-quarter comeback to win their first Super Bowl in 50 years, beating the San Francisco 49ers 31-20. There was also that superstar halftime show, with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez sharing a stage, and another tribute to late Lakers great Kobe Bryant.
But on to Monday. Temperatures will be in the 60s today, and you can expect a very chilly night -- the mercury could dip into the high 30s. If you're planning to brave the waves, note that a high surf advisory is in effect through tomorrow.
The March 3 primary is on the horizon. We now know where all of the county's new vote centers will be, and vote-by-mail ballots go out today.
What We’re Covering:
- Maybe you heard about a change this year that lets you vote for a candidate in the presidential primary even if you are not registered with that candidate's party. Well, that's partially true. Engagement editor Brianna Lee will explain. It's all part of your Voter Game Plan.
- The California State University has a $4 billion maintenance backlog. That means money to upgrade and maintain old academic buildings has been slow to come. Reporter Adolfo Guzman-Lopez is taking a closer look at the issue through the eyes of a maintenance worker.
- We'll also continue to follow developments on the novel coronavirus outbreak and its impact here in Southern California.
- And contributor Christine Ziemba will have her usual events roundup to help you get the most out of your week.
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.
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.
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Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out.
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First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings.
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It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
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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.
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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.
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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.