Missing Two-Mile Gap on the 71 Freeway Finally Lands Its Funding
Los Angeles, CA · October 8, 2026
Keep the curtains drawn and the AC on standby this morning: unseasonable ninety-degree heat is settling in across the basin today. If you are heading outside, plan your walks early before the afternoon glare takes over.
The Lead
A persistent transit bottleneck on the eastern edge of the basin took a major step toward resolution Wednesday when the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Metro a $25 million federal grant. The funding finances the second phase of the State Route 71 Gap Closure Project in Pomona, eliminating a two-mile gap in the corridor's carpool network between Interstate 10 and State Route 60.
By adding a carpool lane and general-purpose lane in each direction, the build establishes more than 15 continuous miles of high-occupancy lanes connecting commuters across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. The project also elevates two key bridges to streamline freight traffic moving outward from the ports and replaces an aging pedestrian overcrossing. Metro plans to finalize contractor bids this winter ahead of utility and ground work scheduled for early spring.
Local Pulse
Council Halts Streetlight License Plate Reader Expansion City Hall Lawmakers paused the police department's proposed artificial intelligence camera pilot pending a thorough review of civil privacy safeguards.
City Bans Nitrous Oxide Sales at Smoke Shops Health Neighborhood storefronts face steep fines and potential misdemeanor charges starting next month to curb recreational abuse among youth.
Dedicated Maintenance Fund Approved for Sixth Street Viaduct Roads Public works crews secure ongoing revenue to clear graffiti, replace lighting, and maintain accessible walkways along the landmark bridge.
Today's Outlook
- High 91°F · Low 68°F — Mainly clear
- Pack extra water and keep afternoon dog walks on the grass to beat hot pavement.
What's On Around Town
Today
Cavetown The Wiltern (3790 Wilshire Blvd), 7:00 PM · Paid Indie-pop melodies and intimate acoustics filling the historic theater.
Empire of the Sun Hollywood Bowl (2301 N Highland Ave), 7:30 PM · Paid Larger-than-life synth anthems and visual spectacle under the canyon sky.
Lukas Nelson & Molly Tuttle The Bellwether (333 S Boylston St), 7:45 PM · Paid Roots-rock grit meets lightning-fast bluegrass flatpicking on the main stage.
The 48Hr Halloween Puppet Film Project Bob Baker Marionette Theater (4949 York Blvd), 8:00 PM · $23 Spooky handmade short films capped with an inside-the-workshop puppet talkback.
Tomorrow
- for KING & COUNTRY Greek Theatre (2700 N Vermont Ave), 7:00 PM · Paid
- The Neighbourhood Kia Forum (3900 W Manchester Blvd), Inglewood, 7:00 PM · Paid
- Blonde Redhead The Bellwether (333 S Boylston St), 8:00 PM · Paid
Saturday
- Jack Johnson with Hermanos Gutiérrez Hollywood Bowl (2301 N Highland Ave), 7:30 PM · Paid
- Big Crown Records 10-Year Anniversary The Bellwether (333 S Boylston St), 7:30 PM · Paid
- Air Supply Greek Theatre (2700 N Vermont Ave), 8:00 PM · Paid
Spotlight & Story
- The Olympic Forest at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
- Tucked along the upper ridgeline trail, 140 distinct trees grow side-by-side, each planted after the 1984 Summer Games to represent a competing nation. Walk past the Greek sweet bay and Algerian oleander to reach the exact hilltop where the 1932 Olympic Village stood.
Los Angeles Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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