LAist

Air quality officials have cited Lineage LLC for 'rotten, sour, garbage-type odors' from its Boyle Heights warehouse following over 40 complaints. The citation stems from 85 million pounds of spoiled food after a fire, with residents and officials criticizing the cleanup process and its impact on the community.

The Section 8 housing voucher program, designed to allow renters to choose where they live, often fails to deliver as most voucher holders in Los Angeles County reside in low-resource areas. Santa Monica, a high-resource area, is an exception, with some tenants using vouchers to afford beachfront apartments, though discrimination and limited housing availability remain barriers.

The Air Jordan tent built in Inglewood for NBA All-Star Weekend will become a permanent event space for the Inglewood Unified School District. Think True LLC, which leased the site, will convert the structure into a permanent facility with amenities like a basketball court and HVAC system. The district can use the space for events like career fairs but not for instructional activities.

President Trump announced the U.S. will reinstate a blockade on Iranian ships through the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% toll on cargo. The move follows recent exchanges of fire between the U.S. and Iran, escalating tensions after a ceasefire was implemented earlier in the year.

The Los Angeles City Council delayed a plan to analyze moving hundreds of millions of tax dollars away from the troubled LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), citing ongoing oversight failures and data issues. The original July 1 deadline for the analysis has been pushed back to December 2027, though council members like Nithya Raman aim to fast-track the process. The county previously redirected funds to a new department after audits revealed mismanagement.

Chef Elisa Da Prato opened a three-month lease restaurant in Los Angeles to test her culinary concept after a successful pop-up event. She extended the lease until year-end due to positive results, partnering with landlord David Mirharooni of Brickstar Capital. California Assembly Bill AB 1679, which would allow pop-ups in vacant spaces for 120 days, could impact such business models.

The California State University system's Basic Needs Initiative, launched a decade ago to address food and housing insecurity, has expanded to serve over 77,000 students annually. The program now aims to shift from reactive support to proactive holistic measures, addressing barriers like childcare and transportation to reduce student attrition, particularly among Latino students.

LA therapists report increased gambling issues among young patients linked to Kalshi, a legal prediction market. Kalshi's trading volume has surged, with contracts on events like the World Cup and local elections. Prediction markets operate under financial exchange rules, avoiding state gambling laws, but clinicians warn of unregulated betting risks.

Throne, a smart restroom company partnered with Metro LA since 2023, achieved 1 million restroom uses across 64 Metro stations. The expansion, timed with the World Cup in June, increased public restroom access in Los Angeles.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally and foreign policy hawk, died at 71 following a sudden illness. He served in the Senate for nearly 25 years, confirmed federal judges and a Supreme Court justice, and led the budget committee during Trump's tax package passage. Graham was a military veteran and part of a Senate defense group known as 'the three amigos.'

The Long Beach Unified School District is seeking a new operator for the WRAP after-school program after the city of Long Beach decided to withdraw to save costs, risking layoffs for over 80 employees. The program, which has been city-run since 2002, provides free services to students across seven schools.

The Summit Fire in Antelope Valley and Angeles National Forest has triggered evacuation orders, burning over 1,600 acres with no containment reported. L.A. County and Angeles National Forest fire crews are working to contain the blaze, which threatens structures but has not caused injuries or deaths.

Pawn Shop in Hollywood is a new sports bar featuring James Beard-nominated chef Tony Messina, offering elevated menu items like pickle-brined fried chicken and caviar. The venue, previously a pawn shop, includes private suites and a blend of fine dining and casual pub elements.

Southern California beaches face a high risk of dangerous rip currents and big waves this weekend due to elevated tides. Thunderstorms with lightning are possible in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, increasing the risk of fires. Coastal flooding and extreme heat are also expected later in the week.

Nine months into a ceasefire, Israel now controls nearly 70% of Gaza, including areas like al-Shujaiya, as its military advances into new 'orange zones.' Palestinian families, such as the al-Hattabs, remain in ruined homes with limited aid access, while Trump's stalled peace plan offers no immediate resolution.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill overhauling the role of California's state superintendent, shifting it from leading the Department of Education to acting as a public advocate. The department will now be headed by an appointed education commissioner, with the new superintendent tasked with ensuring independent evaluation of education programs. Critics argue the change undermines democratic processes, while proponents highlight increased accountability.

The Pasadena Unified School District faces opposition from the city and protesters over plans to remove nearly 200 trees, citing soil contamination from the Eaton Fire. City officials claim the district lacks required permits under the Pasadena Tree Ordinance, while critics argue the decision harms historic canopy and environmental preservation.

Los Angeles County officials warned LAUSD it risks insolvency due to unsustainable spending, new labor agreements, and declining enrollment. The county demanded budget revisions by mid-August and may appoint a fiscal advisor with overruling authority if changes are insufficient.

The H-2A visa program for seasonal agricultural labor is expanding rapidly, with usage rising over 500% since 2012. Farmers and agricultural groups advocate for further expansion to address labor shortages amid immigration enforcement, while labor organizations and conservatives criticize the program for potential abuses and reliance on foreign workers.

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has not released the 2026 homeless count results due to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) validation delay and a federal suspension of LAHSA's grant activities. A court order paused HUD's suspension, allowing LAHSA to continue operations, but the release date remains uncertain.