Olivia Rodrigo was spotted in a Thornton lecture on Wednesday. I did a quick search of her name in the directory, and indeed did find an Olivia Rodrigo listed as an “undergraduate visitor.” Yes, this is the journalism you signed up for. (TMZ)
🌴 In L.A.
The fast-growing Route Fire has shut down the I-5 north of Santa Clarita between Parker Road and Templin Highway. The fire, which began Wednesday afternoon, had quickly grown to over 4,600 acres and was 0% contained as of Wednesday night. (Christian Martinez and Gregory Yee / Los Angeles Times)
A high pressure weather phenomenon known as a “heat dome” will bring extreme temperatures to Southern California this next week. Experts say that this will likely be the worst heat wave of the year so far. (Grace Toohey and Alexandra E. Petri / Los Angeles Times)
The Los Angeles City Council is moving to address “street takeovers,” where large crowds block off intersections to watch cars speed and pull off stunts like drifting. At least six people have died in the last eight months at such events. Five council members filed a motion seeking reports and analysis for a multi-year plan and funding strategy, and the motion suggests the city could place “calming measures” such as rumble strips and raised pavement markers at intersections. (City News Service)
The Los Angeles Police Department reported an increase in individuals pointing laser beams at police helicopters, reportedly causing permanent eye damage and rendering pilots unable to fly their aircraft. The department has classified those incidents as assault with a deadly weapon. (Cari Spencer / Crosstown)
🌎 State & beyond
The California Independent System Operator called for voluntary electricity conservationbetween the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. in a statewide “flex alert.” The alert originally only applied to Wednesday evening, but was later extended to Thursday as well. The organization, which oversees the state’s power grid, cited concerns that air conditioner use during the “extensive” heat wave could overtax the system. Cal ISO warned that it could issue additional flex alerts over the next week — or even initiate rolling blackouts — if electricity demand remains too high. (Cal ISO)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized updated COVID-19 booster shots that target the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sublineages. The shots can be administered once the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends them as well. (Michael Erman and Julie Steenhuysen / Reuters)
Avoid swimming at the Santa Monica Pier because of elevated levels of bacteria in the water, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced Monday. The department also issued warnings for Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey and Inner Bacrillo Beach in San Pedro. (Emily Rahhal / Patch)
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“Morning, Trojan” is curated and edited by Tomoki Chien. Questions, concerns or feedback? Reach me at tomoki@gmail.com.
