Mayor Karen Bass, responding to Don Lemon's arrest, warned that protesters are being attacked and people are being taken from the streets amid ongoing ICE protests.

Renters across LA can begin submitting applications for the county's Emergency Rent Relief Program starting Feb. 9. Interested tenants are urged to learn more during future workshop dates. The application portal will be open until March 11.

With its 2026 homeless count complete, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's interim CEO joined "Inside the Issues" to discuss the importance of being "good stewards" with funds after facing public scrutiny.

The contents of an unearthed 100-year-old time capsule were revealed Thursday at downtown LA’s Central Library as part of the events tied to the library’s centennial. The items offer a glimpse of a fast-growing city and a local government.

A multi-acre grass fire burning along the 405 Freeway prompted lane closures and snarled traffic near La Cienega Boulevard in Hawthorne. Officials say no structures are threatened and no evacuations are planned.

Amid the unrest in Minneapolis that has led to deadly encounters with federal agents, SoCal representatives are calling for major reform of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. #losangeles #socal #localnews

From a FIFA World Cup fan festival to zones that will transform into the ultimate watch events for the biggest matches, the LA World Cup 2026 Host Committee announced its plans to engage fans. Get the details: http://specne.ws/pXgq5k 

The LA World Cup 2026 Host Committee announced its community and fan engagement events that will take place in the lead-up to and during the World Cup. Read more about the events: http://specne.ws/pXgq5k 

More than 800 people turned out in Pasadena to learn how to protect their community from ICE amid heightened immigration enforcement concerns. #losangeles #socal #localnews

As the microdrama market continues to gain traction, the LA City Council approved a proposal to support "vertical content" creators and incentivize local production. Read more: http://specne.ws/pq2Qsz 

California’s plastic bag ban just got stricter.♻️ Sarah Pilla explains what changed in 2026 and why all plastic bags are now banned at checkout.

Firefighting is now classified by the World Health Organization as a Class 1 carcinogen, the highest cancer risk category. Read about a new law expanding federal benefits to families of public safety officers affected by job-related cancers: specne.ws/UBK3ze

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to "cut through bureaucratic red tape" and speed up reconstruction of homes destroyed by the Jan. 7, 2025, wildfires in the LA area. Here's what local officials are saying:

LA County Sheriff's Department officials say a new food service program at Men’s Central Jail will address long-standing concerns about conditions inside the detention facilities. Read more about how they're trying to keep meals hot:

In Ventura, a known monarch overwintering site is now covered with broken-down tree trunks and branches. It comes at a time when the monarchs are under threat. Read more:

Three tech companies face a landmark trial in LA over claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm kids. Snapchat owner Snap settled the case, but Meta's Instagram, ByteDance's TikTok and Google's YouTube will face a jury trial. Read more:

Exposition Park will receive nearly $100 million ahead of the World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games, city officials announced. Read more:

FlightAware reports that 217 flights have been canceled at LAX in the past 24 hours. Snow and frigid temperatures across the country have also affected other SoCal airports. Read more:

In a new episode of "In Focus SoCal," host Tanya McRae sits down with CalMatters health reporter Kristen Hwang to discuss how California insurers must now cover IVF treatments under a new law. Watch the interview here: http://specne.ws/4MdZ4W

In the latest episode of "In Focus SoCal," City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto joins "In Focus SoCal" host Tanya McRae to discuss LA's initiative to tackle the human trafficking of minors. Watch the interview here: http://specne.ws/DXs4Lt

A male sea lion named Confetti has a lot to celebrate after rescuers say he's on the mend despite having two bullets in his skull. He was found in Ballona Creek. Read more: http://specne.ws/7QCLkR 

Authorities say they have arrested Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder facing charges related to drug trafficking and the killing of a federal witness. Wedding was captured in Mexico City. Read more: http://specne.ws/M9jHJK 

The LA Metro board approved an underground heavy rail option for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project. It would provide nearly 13 miles of rail, aiming to connect the San Fernando Valley to the Westside. Read more: http://specne.ws/rGS2Td 

How closely have you been tracking the race for our next governor? Chace Beech spoke with some Californians to hear what they think about the candidates and their top concerns as the race starts to heat up.

Actors, directors and other nominees from this year's top films were reacting to their names being called for an Academy Award nomination. From Teyana Taylor to Wunmi Mosaku, check out what they had to say: http://specne.ws/qjDwwr 

Ryan Coogler's blues-steeped vampire epic "Sinners" led all films with 16 nominations for the 98th Academy Awards. The film set a record for the most nominations in Oscar history. Read more:

Elected officials, labor and business representatives announced support for a proposed heavy rail project connecting the San Fernando Valley to the Westside. It's estimated to cost between $20 billion and $25 billion. Read more: http://specne.ws/rGS2Td 

A shooting involving DHS law enforcement officers in Willowbrook is under investigation. The person targeted during the operation was not hit, but a CPB officer was injured, DHS said. #losangeles #socal #localnews

An investigation is underway in the unincorporated Willowbrook area, where a shooting was reported. A sedan with front-end damage, a busted windshield and deployed airbags is at the scene. Read more:

As the annual LA County Homeless Count kicks off Tuesday night, the county launched its new homelessness department. It marks a milestone in efforts to shift millions of dollars from the LA Homeless Services Authority following audits that found deficiencies. #losangeles #localnews #socal

City leaders are debating additional funding for LAPD hiring. City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo tells “Inside the Issues” host Amrit Singh how budget pressures factor into the decision. #losangeles #localnews

What does LAPD hiring mean for LA’s budget deficit? “Inside the Issues” host Amrit Singh spoke with City Administrator Officer Matt Szabo, who broke down the limits on spending and the city’s path forward. #localnews #losangeles

A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled, honoring Rachel McAdams for an acting career highlighted by a best supporting actress Oscar nomination. Read more:

California has become the 15th state to require insurance coverage for infertility treatment, which can cost an average of $24,000 for a single IVF cycle. Read more:

Hundreds of volunteers will fan out across the San Fernando Valley and the metro Los Angeles area Tuesday to begin the annual Greater LA Homeless Count. Read more:

A 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard running from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive is reopened. Read more:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be marked with numerous parades, musical and cultural events and volunteer opportunities throughout LA and Orange counties in honor of the legacy of the slain civil-rights leader. Read more:

"Welcome" will be the theme for the 2027 Rose Parade, the newly confirmed president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association announced. It celebrates "that feeling that you're always welcome." Read more: http://specne.ws/vk7fFA 

Free admission to all California state parks — including LA State Historic Park — will be available Monday, with parking fees waived in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Read more: http://specne.ws/sojiNf 

ICE was spotted Thursday morning in Los Angeles’ Fashion District. It was unclear how many people were detained, but Mayor Bass confirmed the activity, saying the “campaign of fear and intimidation by the administration is unacceptable.” #losangeles #socal #localnews

An iconic symbol of the city and LAX is being dismantled this week, with road construction prompting the removal of the ring of 15 illuminated pylons at the airport's entrance. Read more about the ongoing construction: http://specne.ws/YWV5MZ 

Anything for Selenas! 🌹 The special pop-up exhibition called “Selena: From Texas to the World,” which will run from Jan. 15 to March 16, 2026, at the Grammy Museum in downtown LA, was curated in collaboration with Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla.

Dry January is fueling a rise in sober cocktails. In Alhambra, Free Spirited is serving 26 mocktails in an inclusive space for those who don't drink alcohol. 🍹

Clayton Kershaw will pitch for the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic, nearly four months after announcing his retirement following an 18-season career with the Dodgers. The U.S. will face Brazil on March 6. Read more: http://specne.ws/2ppyq4 

The LA city firefighters' union wants a sales tax on the ballot to help fund the department, saying it's operating with almost the same number of firefighters as it did in 1960. The initiative has faced criticism from a taxpayers association. Read more: specne.ws/Y692WG

The union representing LA city firefighters is starting to gather signatures to place a half-cent sales tax on the November ballot. Officials say it would address "decades of under-investment" in the department. Read more:

A 90-mile section of Highway 1 along Big Sur fully reopened Wednesday afternoon after three years of closures and repairs following a series of landslides and a roadway collapse that hampered tourism on the scenic route. Read more: http://specne.ws/FBfyis 

With ticket draw registration open for the 2028 Summer Olympics, the city of LA is ramping up preparations for venues, transportation and more. Here’s what we know so far: http://specne.ws/yuQJte 

A protester was blinded by a nonlethal round fired at close range by a Department of Homeland Security officer during a confrontation in Santa Ana. The protest was in response to the deadly shooting of Renee Good. Read more:

K9 Timber, a 1-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, is an ATF-trained accelerant detection canine. 🐾 He is partnered with OCFA Fire Capt. Shaun Miller, and together they work to solve arson cases — the only such team in Orange County. #localnews #socal