Good morning, SoCal. Here's what you need to know today.
Your Weather Planner
The marine layer is expected to moderate the heat at the coast this weekend with mild temperatures expected each day.
Near-average temperatures will linger through the weekend inland before heat builds back in next week.
Expect plenty of sunshine each afternoon and occasional afternoon gusts in the High Desert.
Get your 7-day forecast: LA West | LA East | San Fernando Valley/Ventura County | Orange County
Around SoCal
1. Toxic algae continues to threaten sea mammals, raises concern on future blooms
After almost six weeks of a widespread toxic algae bloom that has sickened or killed more than 1,000 marine animals along the Southern California coast, officials said there were signs indicating the bloom was nearing its end, but urged beachgoers to remain cautious and not approach sick animals.
Los Angeles city, county and wildlife officials gathered at Charlie's Beach in Marina del Rey to discuss ongoing efforts to address the marine mammal crisis. In recent weeks, dozens of sea lions and dolphins became sick due to the bloom.
County officials previously reported the crisis is being caused by a natural phenomenon — an algae bloom producing domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by the bloom of toxic marine algae called pseudo-nitzschia.
The toxin damages the brains of marine mammals, leaving them dazed and lethargic on beaches, often leading to death. Sea lions are particularly susceptible due to their foraging habits, which involve consuming shellfish that eat the deadly algae.
2. California Science Center to start complex process to display space shuttle Endeavour vertically
The lengthy process of putting the retired space shuttle Endeavour on display in the vertical launch position will begin this month in Los Angeles.
The California Science Center announced Thursday that the six-month process will get underway July 20 at the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center currently under construction in Exposition Park.
The initial step, dubbed “Go for Stack,” will be installation of the bottom portion of the solid rocket boosters known as aft skirts upon which will be stacked the booster segments, the external tank and then Endeavour.
The 20-story tall display will show the shuttle as it would appear waiting on a launch pad.
3. Truck makers pledge to comply with new California rules phasing out gas-powered vehicles
Some of the nation's largest truck makers pledged to stop selling new gas-powered vehicles in California by the middle of the next decade, part of an agreement with state regulators aimed at preventing lawsuits that threatened to delay or block the state's emission standards.
California is trying to rid itself of fossil fuels, passing new rules in recent years to phase out gas-powered cars, trucks, trains and lawn equipment in the nation's most populous state.
Thursday's announcement means lawsuits are less likely to delay similar rules for the trucking industry. The companies agreed to follow California's rules, which include banning the sale of new gas-powered trucks by 2036. In the meantime, California regulators agreed to loosen some of their emission standards for diesel trucks. The state agreed to use the federal emission standard starting in 2027, which is lower than what the California rules would have been.
Around the Nation
1. Passport delays impact travel plans, spark outcry from lawmakers
2. Biden touts economic record in deep red South Carolina
3. GOP presidential candidates face new pressure to sign pledge to back nominee
Don't Miss This
Only on Spectrum News 1
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham speaks at a news conference at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif., on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Lakers stay busy in free agency
NBA free agency is currently underway, and the Lakers made a flurry of moves to bring back players and improve their roster heading into next season.
Chris McGee, Mike Bresnahan and special guest Brian Kamenetzky breakdown a busy week for the Lakers. They also discuss what areas still need to be addressed this offseason.
Click the link above for the full episode.
SoCal Snapshot
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, center, is congratulated by Mookie Betts, left, after hitting a two-run home run as Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Delay stands by during the first inning of a baseball game on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)