It’s Wednesday, Feb. 5 And Here Are The Stories We’re Following Today

It's Wednesday and, we'll be honest, it already feels like a long week. President Trump addressed the nation in the annual State of the Union address last night. Today, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to make a final impeachment vote, expected to be along party lines.

The winds have died down and sunny skies are forecast with highs in the mid-60s in DTLA.

What We’re Covering:

• The novel coronavirus outbreak has claimed more than 400 lives and surpassed 20,000 confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization. That’s no excuse to be racist, though evidence of xenophobia and outright bigotry is on the rise. Reporter Josie Huang will take a look at how fear may be fueling a similar backlash against Asian communities in Southern California.
• The death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has had buyers and sellers alike storming stores and online markets and buying up all related merch. Take Two producer Austin Cross explores how some people are pursuing profit, while others are holding back to honor Kobe’s memory.
• On average, early childhood educators in L.A. County earn a scant $14.65 an hour. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that they want to unionize. Reporter Mariana Dale will update us on their efforts to organize.
• Like everything else that’s gotten a greenwashing of late — from diapers to potato chips and even gun lubricant — wines are now being touted as “natural,” “organic,” “biodynamic.” LAist food contributor Catie Disabato explains what that means (if anything) and offers a roundup of natural wine happy hours that will cover you for every day of the week

Look Ahead:

• The Orange County Board of Education will hold a public hearing tonight. It’s the latest in the tense battle between the Orange County School of the Arts and the Santa Ana Unified School District over OCSA’s charter renewal petition. SAUSD approved OCSA’s charter – with conditions. OCSA rejected SAUSD’s findings and is appealing to the Board of Education to authorize the charter instead. Reporter Carla Javier will attend what could be a crowded board meeting, and we’ll bring you her report Thursday morning.

In Case You Missed It:

• The Iowa caucuses were a debacle. With California’s Mar. 3 primary a few weeks away, could the introduction of new technology here cause similar problems? The short answer is no.
• CalMatters has created six colorful charts illustrating where Californians are spending their money so far in the 2020 presidential election. President Donald Trump is the No. 1 recipient. But that’s not the whole story.
• The L.A. City Council voted to prohibit private detention centers within city limits. The move is a response to plans by the federal Department of Health and Human Services to open a privately run child migrant shelter in the northeast San Fernando Valley.

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.