Lindsay William-Ross

Today the USDA implemented new nutritional standards for school lunches, including allowing the two tablespoons of tomato paste on frozen pizza to count as a serving of vegetables. Yep, according to our government, pizza is a vegetable.

What's going on lately in the L.A food scene? Chew on this: There are a few new restaurants that have just opened, a great spot has re-opened with a renovated interior & menu, there's a beer crawl this weekend, and more food news.

When Mark Malkoff, a comedian and filmmaker, came to Los Angeles for a visit, he decided to test his luck at getting famous people to let him spend a night in their homes. 13 of them actually said yes.

In today's Extra, Extra we've got the starts of "Portlandia" talking to each other about music, a deep fried sweet treat in the Valley, your chance to win some free theatre tickets, and more news of the day. Plus: Keep up with us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter: @LAist @LAistFood @LAistSports.

Did you get a chance to check out the lineup for the Hollywood Bowl's 2012 season? If you're already planning your picnic baskets, just be sure you budget an extra couple of bucks for the evening if you're planning on picking up the shuttle bus, since the price of the ride is going up.

Suspected serial arsonist Harry Burkhart was in court today for arraignment on 100 criminal counts stemming from his alleged role in 49 arson fires that were set in Los Angeles during four nights in December and January.

Prosecutors claim Juana Perez Valencia, now 21, decided that the newborn baby girl she gave birth to in December 2009 simply "was not part of her plans," and callously suffocated the child, then dumped the body in a trash receptacle.

On Monday, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed into law a controversial measure that makes the issuing of permits for adult film productions linked to the production company's compliance with mandatory use of condoms by their performers. So what's next?

As expected, the charges against suspected arsonist Harry Burkhart are continuing to mount, as today prosecutors are expected to add a whopping 63 additional criminal counts to the 37 counts Burkhart already faces. That brings the total of criminal counts Burkhart currently will face up to 100.

Angelenos, your summer is about to sizzle thanks to the pretty stellar lineup of musical acts and tributes planned for the 2012 Hollywood Bowl season.

Main Street in Venice is going on a "road diet" and today crews began the work of removing one car lane in each direction to make room for new bike lanes. The new bike lanes will run between Winward Circle and Marine Street at the Santa Monica border.

Etta James, the soulful American singer whose powerful voice famously crooned the classic "At Last," has died, just five days ahead of her 74th birthday. Her death was confirmed by her longtime manager and friend, Lupe De Leon.