Lindsay William-Ross

It may not have begun with an earthquake, birds, or snakes, and more like some well-timed indie rock perfect for college radio in the 1980s, but now everybody hurts: R.E.M. is breaking up.

In today's Extra, Extra we've got a movie about N.W.A., broken glass on the playground, dust devils, and Wurstküche in Venice's opening. Plus: Keep up with us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter: @LAist @LAistFood @LAistSports.

It can get pretty loud inside a commuter rail car, thanks to people listening to music, watching movies, or talking loudly on their phones or with fellow passengers. To rectify the problem, Metrolink has announced that starting October 3, they will offer a "Quiet Car" on every weekday train to help improve the ride.

Paramount Studios, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue since 1926, is prepping one helluva production: A $700 million property upgrade that will happen over 25 years. The historic studios have called this the "Hollywood Project," according to the Hollywood Reporter.

It's time to raise your glass for a toast in appreciation to Governor Jerry Brown, who today signed into law SB 32, the bill that ends a decades-old ban on infused spirits in the state.

For 25 years, some discerning customers in L.A. have relied on Zagat to help them make their dining out decisions. If you're one of those diners, this news is for you: The 2012 Los Angeles Restaurants Survey results are out.

A coroner's report in the death of Kelly Thomas, the mentally ill transient beaten by a group of Fullerton Police officers, has been completed, but the results have not been made public. However, the Orange County District Attorney's office is expected to reveal today if the officers involved will face criminal charges in the high profile case.

Actor Steve Martin, a former Oscars host himself, has offered up some unsolicited advice to next year's host, Eddie Murphy, on his blog.

A recent health scare connected to contaminated cantaloupe has reached California, as an outbreak of Listeria has caused 35 people in 11 states, including ours, to become ill. Four deaths have been associated with the illness.

Tonight's City Council meeting in Burbank is gonna be a doozy, as residents opposed to a Walmart going in at the Empire Center sign up to sound off. In fact, the Council is prepping to hear "a long list of grievances," about the new mega big box shop.

It turns out Burbank can't quite force a $15.50 minimum rate on cab fares originating from Bob Hope Airport as initially proposed and passed. That base fare isn't going to happen after all.

A Santa Ana man worked out his home and work tensions in a very unusual and dangerous way Monday morning: He fired his gun from his work vehicle while on a freeway during rush hour.