New Testing Phase for Wilshire Subway Means More "Ghost Trains" Today

Los Angeles, CA · April 9, 2026

Good morning — if you’re heading toward Miracle Mile today, keep an eye out for the new signage as the D Line extension hits a major testing phase. It’s a gorgeous morning for a walk before the afternoon heat kicks in, and the jasmine is finally starting to bloom across the neighborhood.

The Lead

The "Purple Line" extension, now officially the D Line, is moving into its final safety certification phase for the first three new stations: Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega. Starting today, residents will see more frequent "ghost trains" running the route without passengers to calibrate the automated systems and train operators. This milestone is the clearest sign yet that the years of construction walls and lane closures along Wilshire Boulevard are nearing an end. For those living in the Miracle Mile or working near Museum Row, this means a 15-minute ride to Downtown is finally on the horizon. While the full extension to Westwood won't be ready until the 2028 Olympics, this first leg is the crucial link that will fundamentally change how we navigate the middle of the city.

Local Pulse

  • Little Tokyo Plaza Expansion Opens The long-awaited expansion of the Japanese Village Plaza's public seating area is officially complete today. It adds much-needed shade and greenery to the historic district, providing a perfect spot for a midday bento break or people-watching.

  • Silver Lake Reservoir Path Detours Maintenance crews are finishing up fence repairs on the north side of the reservoir today. Expect minor detours for joggers and walkers near the dog park through 4:00 PM while the final sections are secured.

  • Culver City Bus Frequency Adjustments Starting this morning, Culver CityBus is adjusting Line 1 frequency to better sync with the E Line arrivals. The goal is to reduce wait times for commuters transferring from the rail to local bus routes.

Today's Outlook

  • High 74°F · Low 56°F A classic "June Gloom" preview with morning clouds clearing by noon. It is a perfect day for a patio lunch, but keep a light jacket handy for the evening breeze once the sun dips behind the Santa Monica Mountains.

What's On Around Town

  • Grand Park: Midday Yoga Grand Park, 200 N Grand Ave 12:15–1:00 PM Take a break from the office for a free all-levels session on the lawn between the fountain and the court building.

  • The Broad: After-Hours Spotlight The Broad, 221 S Grand Ave 5:30 PM A rare chance to see the contemporary collection with a guided walkthrough focused on the museum's newest acquisitions without the typical weekend crowds.

  • Santa Monica: Twilight Jazz at the Pier Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier 6:30 PM The spring series continues with local brass bands performing as the sun sets over the Pacific. It’s a short trip west for some of the best free music in the county.

  • The Echo: Emerging Artist Showcase The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd 8:00 PM Catch three local indie bands on the rise for a low cover charge. It’s a great way to support the local music scene in an intimate setting.

  • Pasadena: Star Gazing at Mt. Wilson Mt. Wilson Observatory, Mount Wilson Red Box Rd 7:00 PM A 40-minute drive up the crest for a guided look through the historic telescopes. The clear spring air makes for excellent visibility of the moon and Saturn tonight.

Spotlight & Story

  • The Bradbury Building Most know it as the moody, futuristic backdrop for classic cinema, but the Bradbury Building remains the oldest commercial building in the central city. Step inside the modest 3rd Street entrance today and you’re met with a sun-drenched Victorian court, open cage elevators, and intricate ironwork. Built in 1893 by a mining tycoon who reportedly consulted a Ouija board for design advice, it stands as a quiet, breathtaking cathedral of commerce amidst the downtown bustle.

Los Angeles Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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