Skip to Content
News

Headlines: ‘Birria’ Added to the Dictionary; Tropical Storm to Drop a ‘Year’s Worth’ of Rain

Welcome to L.A. TACO’s daily news briefs, where we bring our loyal members, readers, and supporters the latest headlines about Los Angeles politics and culture. Stay informed and look closely.

—Tropical Storm Kay could potentially drop a "year's worth of rain" on drought-stricken Southern California today, raising fears of dangerous flooding. [CNN]

—Merriam-Webster has added the word "birria" to its dictionaries with the definition: "a Mexican dish of stewed meat seasoned especially with 'chili' peppers. [MW]."

—All northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway will be shut down at night in the next week to make repairs from the Route Fire. [ABC]

—Two people are dead after a plane crash yesterday at the Santa Monica Airport. [CBS]

—The term “squaw” will be scrubbed from 80 geographic features across California. [KTLA]

—15 "tiny houses" housing homeless veterans were destroyed by a fire at the Veterans Administration’s West Los Angeles Campus this morning. [KTLA]

—The L.A. Rams lost their first game of the NFL season, against the Buffalo Bills. [BBC]

—7 of the best art projects "and oddities" from this year's Burning Man. [Art Majeur]

—An argument in Downtown escalated into the fatal shooting of one man in his thirties last night. [ABC]

—Low income communities in Los Angeles are feeling the worst effects of the ongoing heat wave. [MSNBC]

—The trial of an FBI agent accused of selling classified information to the Armenian Mafia for cash, vacations, a motorcycle, and the services of a sex worker will begin next week in L.A. [LA Mag]

—Human trafficking victims from China were discovered at a cannabis farm in the Mojave Desert, where they were working without pay, growing and trimming herb for dispensaries. [NBC]

—Chipotle is hitting back at a thieving burrito scheme made viral on TikTok by removing the option order a taco online. [Yahoo!]

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Sunday Taquitos #11: Rock Bottom (?)

It’s a good question. Sunday Taquitos! Art by Ivan Ehlers.

January 18, 2026

DAILY MEMO: Ten-Year-Old Child, Gardeners, and Vendors, Among the More Than 88 Kidnapped in SoCal This Week

Memo answers the complicated question, “Isn’t it against the law now for ICE to be masked?”

Weekend Eats: ‘Fuck ICE’ Pop-Tarts In Highland Park; Palestinian Movie Night and Falafel Nachos in Watts

While the first taquero to win a Michelin star lands for one night only, Pioneer Chicken pops-up in the Valley, and bone marrow-and-wagyu paella arrives on the Westside.

January 16, 2026

Which Of These 11 L.A. Running Clubs Is Right For You?

There are running clubs across the city for activists, athletes, mothers, food lovers, different skill levels, and those seeking community, as well as a little company on the road.

January 15, 2026

City Council Backs Limits On LAPD’s Use Of ‘Militarized Police’ At Protests, Activists Are Skeptical

The “graded response” model calls for police officers in regular uniforms to be deployed at protests before sending in heavily-armed officers in riot gear and specialized units such as SWAT, if needed.

January 14, 2026

Join L.A. TACO At Homage Brewing, January 29!

This event is open to all, while L.A. TACO members will get exclusive discounts on food & beverages, so come out and try out their offerings.

January 14, 2026
See all posts