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 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.
Videos: Maybe Don't Skateboard On A Jammed Freeway?
Los Angeles has the worst traffic in the country, and sitting in it is very boring. Sometimes it's like, "I could probably walk there faster." But then, why walk when you can #skate?
Pro skateboarder (and tertiary member of the Odd Future Wolf Gang) Nakel Smith is seen in the video above, which appears to have been shot on the section of the 110 Freeway that passes though downtown—an almost perpetually jammed, hectic thruway. He doesn't get very far, but manages to sneak in a quick 360 flip before running back to the car, Supreme shirt flapping in the breeze.
One person who commented on the Instagram brought up the "#FreewayChallenge" so naturally, we clicked through to find out more about what the #teens are up to these days.
Here's one from yesterday, geotagged at the 101 Freeway in Hollywood:
This kid in Encinitas grabs onto a Vons truck!
What the—
We can definitely appreciate the "Ms. Jackson" by Outkast as the soundtrack in this one:
Ok weird...is "Ms. Jackson" the official #FreewayChallenge soundtrack then? Not mad, if so!
Kids will be kids...? Too bad this video of people skating down empty L.A. streets and freeways was a digitally-enhanced fantasy.
[h/t IAmBecomeGay, via Reddit]
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.

-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out.
-
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings.
-
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.