SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2024

Good vibes presented by Curations

FRIDAY’S VIBES

HISTORY

IS
MADE

• 🧢 GOOOOOOD MORNNNINNNGGG: Good Morning, CuratedLA Family! What an incredible afternoon yesterday as Shohei Ohtani makes history, becoming the first player in MLB history to join the 50/50 club; fifty stolen bases, fifty home runs. Incredible. And here are today + this weekend’s good vibes so that you + yours can have an incredible weekend. Starting off with some special deals to celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day! See you all on Monday! Wyatt

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HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

• 🍕 PEPPERONI PIZZA DAY: Here's the lowdown for National Pepperoni Pizza Day deals today in Los Angeles + Southern California:

  • 🎲 DOMINO’S: Mix & match two items, like a medium two-topping pizza, for $7.99 each.

  • 👑 LITTLE CAESARS: Large 3 Meat Treat pizza for $8.99.

  • 🍕 MARCO’S PIZZA: Triple Pepperoni Magnifico starting at $14.99 with code TRIPLEPEPCA.

  • ⛰️ MOUNTAIN MIKE’S: 15% off a large pepperoni pizza for rewards members, plus double points.

  • 🛖 PIZZA HUT: My Hut Box for $8.99; items from $7

• 🍫 NEW M&M’S FLAVOR: M&M'S is bringing a nostalgic twist to its lineup with the new Peanut Butter & Jelly flavor, launching December 2024. This latest addition pairs berry-flavored chocolate with a creamy peanut butter center, offering a bite-sized take on the classic PB&J sandwich. As M&M’S first flavor innovation since 2022, it's a playful nod to a snack staple loved across generations. The new M&M’S Peanut Butter & Jelly flavor will be available in single, share, and stand-up pouch sizes.

OPENINGS

• 🍷 PASADENA: Pasadena’s pastry scene is about to get a whole lot sweeter. Romuald Guiot, a French-trained pastry chef and finalist from Spring Baking Championship, is launching a new vegan bakery and wine bar combo called ID-Eclair and La Cave. Slated to open in early October on West Green Street, this chic spot will feature plant-based French pastries, including inventive riffs on éclairs, and a curated selection of mostly French wines. The wine bar, La Cave, will offer plated desserts paired with its wine list, creating a perfect stop for a night out in Pasadena​.

  •  Instagram

• 🎒 WESTWOOD: Westwood is about to get a taste of Persian flavors with the upcoming arrival of Kabob Village on Westwood Blvd. This spot, previously home to the beloved Ramayani, will be the latest outpost for Kabob Village, which already has locations in Glendale and Sherman Oaks. The menu will feature Persian staples like koobideh, shish kabob, falafel, and the ever-coveted tahdig. Westwood locals and UCLA students are in for a treat as this new restaurant brings a solid lineup of classic dishes.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍜 KOREATOWN: Soondol Tofu, the new Koreatown spot on Sixth Street, lets diners craft their own bubbling soondubu or kimchi jjigae with customizable broths and add-ons. Opened in early September by Tano Yoo, who also runs Seorae BBQ, Soondol’s menu includes spicy red pepper, nutty perilla powder, and kimchi stew bases, with toppings like beef, pollock roe, and soft tofu. The experience is all about tableside cooking, with ingredients simmered in oxtail broth that thickens as the meal progresses. Expect generous banchan and a side of purple rice, plus a $17.99 lunch special on weekdays. Soondol is open daily from 11:30am to 11:00pm.

  • Website + Instagram

• 🐔 RANCHO PARK: Saucy Bird has landed on W. Pico Boulevard, serving up a fiery menu of fried chicken and bold, flavor-packed sauces. Specializing in crispy, juicy chicken made to order, Saucy Bird lets diners mix and match their bird with a variety of house-made sauces—from tangy buffalo to spicy garlic parmesan. The casual spot offers an array of sides like seasoned fries, coleslaw, and mac & cheese, perfect for pairing with your saucy feast. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🇯🇵 SAWTELLE: Kojima, a fresh face in Sawtelle Japantown, has officially opened its doors on Sawtelle Boulevard, bringing a modern twist to traditional Japanese cuisine. The sleek new spot offers an elevated menu featuring sushi, sandwiches, Wagyu beef, robata-grilled skewers, and creative small plates that highlight seasonal ingredients. With its minimalist, stylish decor and a focus on artful presentation, Kojima adds a sophisticated dining experience to the neighborhood. Perfect for date nights or a special meal with friends. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

  • Website

• 🥪 PASADENA: Skillets Grill is now open in Pasadena on E Holly Street, offering a hearty menu centered around sizzling dishes served straight from the skillet. From juicy steaks and seasoned chicken to flavorful veggie options, Skillets Grill brings a rustic, comfort food vibe to the heart of Pasadena. The menu highlights include loaded skillets, customizable with a variety of proteins, veggies, and house-made sauces, plus a selection of shareable sides like garlic mashed potatoes and charred brussels sprouts.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

• 🎛️ HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY: TODAY, 7PM: TORO Y MOI. HOLE ERTH Tour with Zack Fox (DJ Set). Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 KOOKABURRA LOUNGE: TODAY, 7PM: DEEZ NUTZ. The ‘NEXT!!!’ of young stand-up comedians in SoCal have gathered together to perform inside the newly infamous Kookaburra Lounge at Ovation Hollywood. Vargus Mason, gathering one of the more discerning showcases in Hollywood, delivers a diverse hilarious lineup guaranteed to rock your funny bone! Buy tickets online.

• 🎵 THE BELASCO: TODAY, 7PM: THE LOX. Standing room only, general admission. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 THE OBSERVATORY: TODAY, 7PM: COLD CAVE. All tickets are general admission. Buy tickets online.

• 🏆️ GRAMMY MUSEUM: TODAY, 7PM: SPOTLIGHT: WILLOW. The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome WILLOW to the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating her latest release, empathogen, her rising career, and creative process, with a performance to follow. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 DYNASTY TYPEWRITER: TODAY, 7:30PM: A.P. LIT. Credits will transfer to a college of your choice. With Langston Kerman, Jo Firestone, Nada Alic. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 THE LAUGH FACTORY: TODAY, 7:45PM: FRIDAY NIGHT ALL STARS . Ft: Dane Cook, Ruben Paul, Maz Jobrani, Cholé Hilliard, and Rick Glassman! Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 KIA FORUM: TODAY, 8PM: HOZIER. Unreal Unearth Tour with Allison Russell. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 INTUIT DOME: TODAY, 8PM: GRUPO FRONTERA. Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM: TODAY, 8PM: PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT. Performing both ‘Substance’ Albums by Joy Division & New Order. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 THE WILTERN: TODAY, 8PM: BAYNK. Senescene limited live performance. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 WILSHIRE EBELL THEATRE: TODAY, 8PM: BRIAN REGAN. Live in Los Angeles. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 YOUTUBE THEATER: TODAY, 8PM: RESIDENTE. Tour Las Letras Ya No Importan. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 LODGE ROOM: TODAY, 8PM: DENGUE FEVER. Ft: Gabriel Da Rosa. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 THE COMEDY STORE: TODAY, 8PM: BEST OF THE STORE. Ft: Maz Jobrani, Annie Lederman, Rick Ingraham + more! Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 HOLLYWOOD IMPROV: TODAY, 8PM: TONIGHT AT THE IMPROV. Ft: Melissa Villasenor, Jeremy Piven, Ron Funches, Brian Monarch, Leah Knauer and Very Special Guests! Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 SHRINE EXPO HALL: TODAY, 9PM: MAU P. All Night Long Tour. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 HOLLYWOOD IMPROV: TODAY, 10:15PM: TONIGHT AT THE IMPROV. Ft: Ari Matti, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Brent Morin, Brooks Wheelan, Rory Albanese, James Davis, Gary Cannon and more TBA! Buy tickets online.

SATURDAY

• 🤘 THE BELASCO: SATURDAY, 1PM: C.Y. FEST 2024. The Belasco is standing room only. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 THE VENICE WEST: SATURDAY, 6PM: SUN KIL MOON. Night 1. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 DYNASTY TYPEWRITER: SATURDAY, 7PM: TIG NOTARO. Tig Notaro: Live at Dynasty. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY: SATURDAY, 7PM: PULP. With Escape-Ism. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 TOYOTA ARENA: SATURDAY, 7PM: LIL WAYNE. Live in concert. Buy tickets online.

• 🎞️ HOLLYWOOD BOWL: SATURDAY, 7:30PM: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE SOUND OF MUSIC SING-A-LONG. Be a part of an 18,000-person choir while watching the Oscar®-winning film on the big screens. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 LARGO AT THE CORONET: SATURDAY, 8PM: MEGAN STALTER AND FRIENDS. Live at Largo at the Coronet! Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 DOLBY THEATRE: SATURDAY, 8PM: SONIC SYMPHONY. Sonic Symphony live in Los Angeles at Dolby Theatre. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 INTUIT DOME: SATURDAY, 8PM: USHER. Past Present Future. Buy tickets online.

• 🎷 GREEK THEATRE: SATURDAY, 8PM: BLEACHERS. With Amy Allen. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 YOUTUBE THEATER: SATURDAY, 8PM: EMMANUEL. Live in Los Angeles at YouTube Theater. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 LODGE ROOM: SATURDAY, 8:30M: CASS MCCOMBS. Featuring Papercuts. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 CRYPTO ARENA: SATURDAY, 9PM: NICKI MINAJ. Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Buy tickets online.

SUNDAY

• 🔥 THE COMEDY STORE: SUNDAY, 6PM: POWER HOUR PRESENTS: COMEDY MAFIA. Hosted by Omid Singh with Seth Green, Adam Ray, Clare Grant, Kim Congdon, Bruce Gray. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 THE ELYSIAN: SUNDAY, 7PM: CONNOR’S BASEMENT. Looking for a laugh this Sunday? Head to Elysian Theater at 7:00pm for Connor’s Basement—a comedy variety hour where 13-year-old Connor dives into the quirky side of LA life. Think Wayne’s World meets Mr. Rogers, with a dash of late-night antics. Expect hilarious interviews with local workers like your mailman and trash collectors, plus games, comedians, and pure buffoonery. Buy tickets online. 💌 

• 🎸 THE TROUBADOUR: SUNDAY, 7PM: SAWYER BROWN. Live in West Hollywood at The Troubadour. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 LARGO AT THE CORONET: SUNDAY, 7:30PM: PATTON OSWALT AND FRIENDS. Live at Largo at the Coronet. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 INTUIT DOME: SUNDAY, 8PM: USHER. Past Present Future. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 THE VENICE WEST: SUNDAY, 8PM: SUN KIL MOON. Night 2. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 KIA FORUM: SUNDAY, 9PM: NICKI MINAJ. Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Buy tickets online.

FIVE FUTURES

• 🎤 THE COMEDY STORE: UPCOMING MONDAY, 8PM: 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF STAND UP ON THE SPOT. Ralph Barbosa, Russell Peters, Adam Ray, Harland Williams, Jeremiah Watkins. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 THE COMEDY STORE: UPCOMING TUESDAY, 10:30PM: LATE NIGHT STEVE FUREY & CRONIES. Ralph Barbosa, Kam Patterson, Casey Rocket, Ari Matti, Trevor Wallace, Joe Dombrowski +more! Low ticket warning. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 LARGO AT THE CORONET: NEXT WEDNESDAY, 8PM: JUDD APATOW AND FRIENDS. A benefit for Comedy Gives Back. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 THE COMEDY STORE: NEXT WEDNESDAY, 10:30PM: BILL BURR & FRIENDS. A Fundraiser Show for Marcus Giesen. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 LARGO AT THE CORONET: NEXT SATURDAY, 8PM: DINOSAUR IMPROV WITH PAUL SCHEER. With special guests: Owen Burke, Chad Carter, Lisa Gilroy, Rob Riggle, Rob Huebel, and more! Buy tickets online.

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ACTIVITIES

• 🕺 CUMBIA WEEK: STARTS TODAY - SEPT. 27TH: Get ready for a week of infectious rhythms as Cumbia Week hits LA. Starting today, with Frente Cumbiero at the Teragram Ballroom, this week-long celebration brings the best of traditional and modern cumbia to venues across the city. Highlights include Noche de Cumbia at The Ford with Mexico's Son Rompe Pera and cumbia legends Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, and a show-stopping finale at the Hollywood Bowl with La Sonora Dinamita on Sunday. With exhibitions, panels, and dance parties, this is your chance to experience the full spectrum of cumbia culture.

• 🎬️ LONG BEACH: STARTING TOMORROW: Pixar’s beloved characters are teeing off in Long Beach. Starting tomorrow, Pixar Putt, a pop-up mini golf experience, opens at the 2nd & PCH shopping center, running through January 15th. This eighteen-hole course immerses players in fan-favorite films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., and Ratatouille, with interactive holes featuring oversized props like rolling pins and guitars. Perfect for all ages, Pixar Putt also offers ‘After Dark’ sessions for adults on weekends. Expect fun events too, like a Halloween costume contest.

• 👻 GRIFFITH PARK: STARTS TODAY - NOV. 2ND: Griffith Park's signature Halloween Hayride is back for 2024, and this year it's bigger and comfier. Set in the eerie town of Midnight Falls, expect monsters lurking at every corner, a haunted mortuary, and an upgraded Hayride with cushy new seats. Kicking off this Friday, the spooky season runs until November 2nd. Tickets start at $36.99—grab yours before they disappear!

• 🇬🇷 PASADENA: TODAY - SUNDAY: The Pasadena Greek Festival is back from today - Sunday at St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church. This three-day celebration will feature authentic Greek food like souvlaki, baklava, and lamb chops, along with live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibits. There’s something for everyone—Greek cooking demos, kids' activities, and even a wine bar. Admission is just $5 for a day pass, or $20 for the weekend, and kids 12 and under get in free. A free shuttle from Santa Anita Racetrack makes parking easy.

• ⚽️ LA GALAXY: SATURDAY, 7:30PM: Galaxy fans, grab your pup and head to the pitch The Pups at the Pitch event lets you bring your furry friend to watch LA Galaxy take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Just snag a special ticket, follow the pet-friendly rules, and enter through the northeast gates. Pro tip: Pack a blanket and a portable water bowl to keep your pup comfy while you both cheer on the team.

• 🐸 FROGTOWN: SATURDAY 4PM - 10PM: The Frogtown ArtWalk returns Saturday from 4:00pm to 10:00pm along the LA River Path. This free, car-free event celebrates local art and culture with over thirty venues featuring pop-up galleries, live music, food trucks, and interactive performances. Visitors can enjoy studio tours, kids’ crafts, and even literary lounges with poetry and spoken word. Expect fun surprises like hula hooping, chalk art, and free pedicab rides! It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly event, perfect for a night of art and community along the scenic river. 🎈 

• 🍺 OKTOBERFEST: SUNDAY, 12PM - 6PM: Angel City Brewery is throwing an Oktoberfest bash on this Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at their Public House in DTLA. Expect all the classic Bavarian vibes with pretzels from Röckenwagner, German-style beers, and brats (including vegan options). The event features an Oompa band, stein-hoisting contests, and a sauerkraut-eating competition, with fun prizes up for grabs. It’s free to attend, and there’s even a yodeling contest at 5:00pm. 💸 

• 👻 AMC THEATRES: STARTING WEDNESDAY: Blumhouse is summoning spooky season early with BlumFest, a national screening event in partnership with AMC Theatres. Starting next Wednesday, fans can catch horror classics like Paranormal Activity, Insidious: Chapter 2, and Five Nights at Freddy’s at AMC locations across 54 cities, including our City of Angels. Every Wednesday night, attendees will be treated to exclusive sneak peeks, recorded messages from directors, and special giveaways, including a limited-edition 2024 poster.

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COMMUNITY

• 🚘️ UBER SAFETY: Uber is introducing new safety features to enhance trust between drivers and riders, focusing on rider verification. This system cross-references a rider's information with third-party databases to confirm their identity. If that fails, riders can upload a government-issued ID or other documents, along with a selfie. Once verified, users will get a blue check mark, signaling a verified account. While drivers will only see basic details like the rider’s first name, star rating, and trip info, this move aims to reduce fraud and improve overall confidence in the platform.

• 🚈 METROLINK: More information regarding Metrolink schedules, as previously reported: Metrolink is ramping up service with 32 new weekday trains, boosting coverage by 23% to cater to nontraditional workers, day-trippers, and leisure riders. Starting October 21st, more midday trains will help fill long service gaps, especially in places like Orange County and San Bernardino. But while the midday boost adds convenience, some late-night trains, like the 9:38pm departure from Union Station, will be cut. As more people head back to offices and ridership steadily climbs, Metrolink aims to keep pace with LA's evolving commuter landscape. View new schedule via Metrolink.

• 🌧️ FORECAST: Southern California is in for an unusual weather shift this week, with rain, thunderstorms, and cooler-than-average temperatures disrupting the typically dry mid-September. Most of the Los Angeles area will see light rain, but thunderstorms could bring heavier showers, especially in the mountains and along the I-5 corridor, raising concerns about flooding. Mountain areas, including the San Gabriels, are under a flood watch, with up to a quarter-inch of rain possible, and even more where thunderstorms strike. Burn scars from recent fires, like the Apache and Hurricane fires, are at particular risk for debris flows and flash floods. Stay alert for potential hazards through Friday as the storm rolls in.

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DEVELOPMENT

• 🏡 FAIRFAX: A new mixed-use project is in the works for Fairfax. Developer Samuel Einhorn plans to replace a car rental business on N. La Brea Ave with a six-story building featuring forty apartments, including four affordable units, plus 2,100 square feet of restaurant space. Designed by architect Edward Carlson, the building will have a sleek stucco facade and a central courtyard, adding a fresh touch to the bustling La Brea corridor. With city approval pending, this project is just a stone’s throw from another development on Melrose, continuing the neighborhood’s transformation.

• 🛣️ POMONA: The long-awaited 71 Freeway expansion in Pomona is set to bring major relief to commuters by fall 2025, but closures are still in effect as construction continues. Caltrans is widening the stretch from the 10 Freeway to the 60 Freeway, adding carpool and general-purpose lanes in both directions. Currently, the Rio Rancho Road on-ramp is closed until September 30th for realignment. Funded by a $98.3m Measure M grant, the project also includes sound walls to reduce noise. While delays due to heavy rain have pushed the timeline, locals like Mayor Tim Sandoval are hopeful this will ease the notorious bottleneck.

• 🏡 DOWNTOWN: Wood framing is up for ‘The Umeya,’ a new seven-story affordable and supportive housing complex in Downtown, built on the former Umeya Rice Cake Company site. Developed by Little Tokyo Service Center, the 175-unit building will offer studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, half of which are permanent supportive housing for formerly unhoused residents. Designed by FSY Architects, The Umeya will feature a V-shaped layout, two courtyards, and 13,000 square feet of community space. A mural by Skid Row artist Showzart is set to grace the exterior, with completion expected by 2025.

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BUSINESS

• 🐭 DISNEY WANTS MORE: Disney is leaning into the bundling game, with plans for more deals after the success of its Disney+, Hulu, and Max combo. The bundle, launched in the U.S. this summer for as low as $16.99 a month, is reportedly reducing churn and boosting engagement, according to Disney’s Nami Patel. While specifics on numbers are scarce, WBD’s David Zaslav credits the deal with helping Max add over six million new subs this quarter. Expect more of these partnerships, as Disney explores new ways to keep streamers glued to their screens.

• 🎬️ TALENT INVESTMENTS: Private equity giant TPG is at it again, aiming to replicate its CAA success in the talent management world. After turning a $700m investment in Creative Artists Agency into a $7b powerhouse, TPG is now eyeing boutique firm Grandview, known for representing top writers and directors. This move follows its recent acquisition of Untitled Entertainment, home to A-listers like Zoë Kravitz. The strategy? Consolidate and scale these management firms to create a talent juggernaut that rivals Hollywood's biggest agencies. With the Grandview deal expected soon, the industry is buzzing about TPG’s bold plans to reshape the representation landscape.

• 🤖 LIONSGATE X AI: Lionsgate is diving into generative AI with a new deal alongside Runway, aiming to cut costs while boosting creativity. The John Wick and Hunger Games studio plans to use Runway’s AI models to assist filmmakers in creating cinematic visuals, with potential savings in the millions. With twenty thousand titles in its library, Lionsgate's partnership marks Runway's first venture with a Hollywood studio, offering tools that could reshape pre- and post-production workflows.

• ☕️ STARBUCKS: Starbucks' new CEO, Brian Niccol (Orange County), is urging employees to embrace in-person work, emphasizing the power of collaboration while stopping short of mandating specific office days. In his first staff address, Niccol highlighted the perks of being in the office—on-site amenities and a culture of success—while addressing concerns about his own hybrid arrangement, which involves commuting from Newport Beach. Although some workers were concerned about potential changes to the company’s three-day in-office policy, Niccol stressed flexibility, saying, ‘We’re all adults here,’ and encouraging staff to be where they can be most effective.

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ENTERTAINMENT

• 👩 ELLEN: Ellen DeGeneres is bringing the laughs one final time! The 66-year-old comedian is back with her Netflix special For Your Approval, set to drop on September 24, marking the last stand-up show of her career. In the trailer, Ellen jokes about everything from gardening to her fall from grace, quipping, ‘The 'be kind' girl wasn’t kind. That was the headline.’ After wrapping up The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022, Ellen’s diving deep into her comedy roots with this special, promising her signature mix of sharp wit and introspection.

• 📈 EMMYS VIEWERSHIP: ABC can finally breathe easy—the 2024 Emmys didn’t repeat the disastrous ratings of January’s delayed show. Pulling in 6.87 million viewers, up 54% from the rescheduled telecast, this marks the highest Emmys audience since 2021. Despite being held just months after the previous ceremony and featuring awkward sponsor plugs, the event still managed a solid 17% boost in the coveted 18-49 demo. Looks like the January Emmys may have just been a victim of bad timing, stuck between the Golden Globes, NFL playoffs, and the Iowa caucus.

• 💃 JLO X GOLDSTEIN: Jennifer Lopez is teaming up with Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein for Office Romance, an irreverent rom-com headed to Netflix after a hot bidding war. Co-written by Goldstein and Ted Lasso scribe Joe Kelly, the film promises juicy roles for character actors and is produced by an all-star team, including Lopez and her Nuyorican Films team. Lopez’s Netflix hits The Mother and Atlas already smashed global viewership records, and with Office Romance on the way, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

• 💪 JOHN CENA: John Cena is trading the wrestling ring for the driver’s seat in Matchbox, Apple’s latest action-packed film based on Mattel’s iconic toy cars. Directed by Sam Hargrave (Extraction), this high-octane flick will bring the beloved die-cast cars to life, with a script penned by The Family Plan’s David Coggeshall and Warrior’s Jonathan Tropper. Produced by Skydance and Mattel, Matchbox is set to rev up nostalgia, celebrating the seventy-year legacy of the toy line that sells two cars every second globally.

• 🦁 MR BEAST’S LA LAWSUIT: Contestants from MrBeast’s upcoming game show, Beast Games, have slapped both the YouTube megastar and Amazon’s MGM Studios with a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit claims over one thousand participants were subjected to neglect, mistreatment, and sexual harassment during filming. Contestants allege they were denied food, medical care, and basic hygiene, with several requiring hospitalization. The complaint also accuses MrBeast's team of fostering a toxic ‘boys-will-be-boys’ atmosphere and intentionally misclassifying contestants as volunteers to dodge legal obligations. Neither MrBeast nor Amazon have responded to the claims yet.

  • 📜 READ LAWSUIT: PDF from Los Angeles’ Central District: 24STCV24042, via Variety.

• 🏈 NIL EARNINGS: EA Sports’ College Football 25 has smashed expectations since its return, marking the largest new console game launch in North America this year. After a decade-long hiatus, the game drew in 6.5 million players and raked in over $400m in sales. The franchise's revival has been a major win for EA, which aims to hit $1b in net bookings from College Football 25 and Madden 25 by the end of Fiscal Year 2025. Notably, over 14,000 athletes opted in to receive $600 plus a game copy for their name, image, and likeness in the game.

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SPORTS

• 🧢 SHOHEI’S 50/50: Shohei Ohtani's first season with the Dodgers is one for the ages. Yesterday, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season. In a wild five-hit performance against the Marlins, Ohtani cranked two homers (his 50th coming off Mike Baumann) and snagged two steals, setting a new Dodgers record for single-season homers, breaking Shawn Green’s mark from 2001. Even without pitching, Ohtani's explosive hitting and baserunning have made him the most valuable player in the league—and maybe, just maybe, he’s on track for his third MVP. | Watch Ohtani’s 50/50 via MLB on YouTube or scroll below.

• 🏈 USC’S BRANCH: Zachariah Branch’s speed is no joke—it’s a calculated art. In USC’s 27-20 win over LSU, Branch nearly took a 46-yard kickoff return to the house, planting his foot and accelerating past defenders. Trained by USC’s track coaches, including Olympic gold medalist Quincy Watts, Branch has honed his sprint mechanics, dropping his body fat to an insane 4.8%. His explosive speed, paired with his ability to process the game in real-time, makes him a nightmare for defenses. Still, he’s chasing perfection, determined to turn his near-misses into touchdowns. Get ready, because Branch’s best is yet to come.

• ⚡️ HERBERT’S INJURY: Justin Herbert returned to practice yesterday, but the Chargers kept their star QB limited due to a right ankle injury. Herbert hurt himself during a scramble in last Sunday's 26-3 win over the Panthers, though X-rays came back negative. While he was seen throwing, he didn’t participate in team drills, leaving his status for Sunday’s matchup against the Steelers up in the air. The Chargers, off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2002, have leaned on a powerful ground game led by J.K. Dobbins, who’s rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns.

• ⚾️ ASTROS 3, ANGELS 1: The Angels dropped a tough one against the Astros, falling 3-1 last night after Jon Singleton’s clutch two-run double in the eighth. Taylor Ward’s leadoff homer briefly gave the Halos an early lead, but missed opportunities with runners in scoring position proved costly. Ryan Miller struggled in the eighth, walking two before Singleton’s game-winning hit. Next up, the Angels face Houston again tonight with Tyler Anderson (10-13, 3.60 ERA) on the mound, aiming to bounce back against Justin Verlander (4-6, 5.20 ERA). First pitch is at 6:10pm.

• 🧢 DODGERS 20, MARLINS 4: Shohei Ohtani just made history—again. The Dodgers' superstar became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and swipe 50 bases in a single season, capping it off with a jaw-dropping three-homer, 10-RBI game in a 20-4 blowout over the Marlins. Ohtani's 51 homers also broke the Dodgers' single-season record (sorry, Shawn Green). As if that wasn't enough, the NL West-leading Dodgers clinched their 12th straight playoff berth. Next up, they return home for a series against the Rockies, with LHP Kyle Freeland (5-7) set to start for Colorado.

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HAVE A GREAT WKND, LA!

🤙 We did it!
Have a wonderful weekend, Los Angeles.

And as always,
Go Clemson Tigers. Beat NC State!

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