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.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Traffic Alert: Music Group Causes 101 Freeway Jam for Publicity Stunt [Updated]
The southbound 101 Freeway in Hollywood is jammed this morning after a musical group blocked lanes for a publicity stunt -- they were singing on the roof -- that ended in their arrest. Because the driver fled the scene with the keys to the truck, the California Highway Patrol was waiting for a tow-truck to arrive. Meanwhile, traffic was backed up to at least the 170 Freeway, according to a live report on KABC-TV.
"You know what, I'm not even going to say the name of this group, because it's just not right to do this sort of thing -- people trying to get to their jobs, get to where they need to go," said newscaster Phillip Palmer, "and they're impacted by some loser who does something like this, this is just ridiculous."
The "loser" band Imperial Stars was performing a song called "Traffic Jam 101," noted the LA Times.
Support for LAist comes from
Update, 11:58 a.m: The band's truck has been towed. Traffic is starting to get back to normal, according to KABC-TV.
Update, 12:05 p.m: It appears the stunt was to raise some kind of awareness about homelessness. "Clearly a message not recieved very well," said Randy Paige on KCAL-TV. He said it took him almost one hour to go three miles in the traffic.
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
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday 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.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist