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Los Angeles Concerts This Week: Zimmer90, Balu Brigada, Chappell Roan & More Live Music Hits

Los Angeles is alive with music this week as venues across the city prepare to host some of the best indie, pop, rock, and electronic acts. Fans of live music can experience a wide range of genres, from electro-indie and synthpop to Latin alternative, soul, post-punk, and psychedelic rock. With ticketed shows selling fast, and even free performances available, there’s something for every music lover in LA this week.

Story Highlights: Los Angeles Concerts This Week

Zimmer90 at The Masonic – Electro-indie pop, album release show, October 8
Balu Brigada at the Fonda Theatre – Indie rock/alt-pop, October 9
Durand Jones & The Indications at Greek Theatre – Soul, R&B, funk, October 9
The Budos Band at The Novo – Afrobeat, psychedelic rock, October 10
Chappell Roan at Brookside at the Rose Bowl – Pop, synthpop, October 10-11
Sextile & Automatic at The Novo – Post-punk, industrial, October 11
Las Cafeteras at The Ford – Latin alternative, folk, soul, October 11
Rituals of Mine at Zebulon – Electronic, alt-R&B, trip hop, free show, October 11
Osees at Teragram Ballroom – Garage rock, psychedelic punk, October 11
Junior Varsity at The Roxy – Indie rock/indie pop, October 12

Zimmer90 at The Masonic – Wednesday, October 8

German electro-indie duo Zimmer90 will perform an album release show at the historic Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever. Known for their velvety synthpop sound, Zimmer90 has been praised for crafting “insatiable electro indie pop with velvety vibes.” Fans can expect an immersive performance that blends electronic beats with pop sensibilities.

Balu Brigada at the Fonda Theatre – Thursday, October 9

New Zealand alt-pop sensation Balu Brigada headlines the Fonda Theatre in support of their debut album Portal. The band, known for hits like “Backseat,” has been recognized for their fresh take on indie rock and electro-pop. A spokesperson said, “Balu Brigada delivers catchy hooks and immersive soundscapes that resonate with fans worldwide.”

Durand Jones & The Indications at Greek Theatre – Thursday, October 9

Soul, R&B, and funk fans can catch Durand Jones and The Indications at the Greek Theatre with support from The Psycodelics. Critics have highlighted their “ability to gush hope in the face of pain” through songs like “Love Will Work It Out” and “Been So Long.” This performance promises classic grooves and heartfelt emotion.

The Budos Band at The Novo – Friday, October 10

The Budos Band will bring their signature afrobeat and psychedelic rock sound to The Novo in downtown LA. Known for darkly soulful tracks like “Arcane Rambler” and “Burnt Offering,” the band delivers a hypnotic, high-energy performance. Supporting act Benny Trokan adds an extra layer of rhythm and funk to the night.

Chappell Roan at Brookside at the Rose Bowl – October 10-11

Pop fans can see Chappell Roan’s Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things Pop-Up Shows at Brookside at the Rose Bowl. Although tickets are sold out, resale options through VividSeats and AXS are available. Chappell Roan, dubbed the Pink Pony Club Queen, has captivated audiences with her glam pop and synthpop performances. She recently commented, “My music is about creating spaces where fans can feel seen and heard.”

Sextile & Automatic at The Novo – Saturday, October 11

Experimental post-punk and industrial acts Sextile and Automatic co-headline The Novo, with Discovery Zone supporting. Sextile’s latest single, “Women Respond to Bass,” has been described as “a powerful exploration of sound and emotion,” while Automatic’s anxious rock single “Too Much Money” is gaining attention across the alternative music scene.

Las Cafeteras at The Ford – Saturday, October 11

LA favorites Las Cafeteras return to The Ford for a special Hasta La Muerte performance. Celebrating life, death, and Latin alternative culture, the band incorporates folk and soul influences into a vibrant show. “Our performances honor culture, history, and the beauty of living fully,” says the group.

Rituals of Mine at Zebulon – Saturday, October 11

Fans of electronic, alternative R&B, and trip hop can attend Rituals of Mine’s free show at Zebulon alongside 81355 and Rhys Langston. Tickets are free but require RSVP. Rituals of Mine recently reflected, “Our music channels nostalgia while helping listeners find closure and connection.”

Osees at Teragram Ballroom – Saturday, October 11

Psychedelic and garage rock act Osees headlines Teragram Ballroom with support from Brigid Dawson and Sunday Mourners. Tickets are sold out, with resale options available. The band’s live performances are known for leaving audiences “in blissful hysterics,” combining high-energy punk with experimental rock elements.

Junior Varsity at The Roxy – Sunday, October 12

Closing the week, Junior Varsity headlines The Roxy in West Hollywood with opening act Groupthink. The indie rock and pop ensemble continues to grow its fan base through dynamic performances and catchy, heartfelt songs.

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Los Angeles City Hall Chaos: Elderly Driver Refuses to Exit Car for Hours

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A dramatic scene unfolded Friday afternoon in downtown Los Angeles when a man in his 60s drove a black sedan onto the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, refusing to leave the vehicle for nearly two hours. The incident sparked a major police response, citywide attention, and traffic disruptions during the evening rush hour.

Story Highlights

Man in his 60s drives car onto Los Angeles City Hall steps Friday afternoon.
Displays signs stating: “I NEED UR HELP D TRUMP U.S. VET” and “Don’t Want To Hurt No Body.”
Appeared distressed and spoke with police dispatch about mental health concerns for over an hour.
City Hall and surrounding areas, including Grand Park, evacuated due to possible suspicious items.
Mayor Karen Bass thanks first responders and monitors situation.
Man exits vehicle safely, taken into custody before 6 p.m.; bomb squad secures the scene.
Traffic disruptions during evening rush; streets reopened by 8 p.m.

According to officials, the vehicle was driven onto the City Hall steps from Spring Street around 4 p.m. Aerial footage captured the man sitting inside the car with two handwritten signs displayed in the windshield. One of the signs reportedly read, “I NEED UR HELP D TRUMP U.S. VET”, while the other stated, “Don’t Want To Hurt No Body.”

Authorities described the man as appearing distressed. He reportedly maintained phone contact with police dispatch, sharing details about his mental health concerns. The communication between the man and police lasted more than an hour, during which officers tried to ensure his safety and that of the surrounding public.

Due to potential safety risks, City Hall and nearby areas, including Grand Park, were evacuated. Police noted there were reports of possible suspicious items inside the vehicle. The evacuation was carried out “out of an abundance of caution,” officials said, while cordoning off the area to prevent public access.

Mayor Karen Bass confirmed she was briefed about the incident. She issued a statement saying, “I’ve been briefed on the ongoing incident outside of City Hall, which is currently being evacuated out of an abundance of caution. I want to thank all first responders who are at the scene—my office will continue to monitor the situation.”

The tense standoff came to an end before 6 p.m. when the man finally exited his vehicle and walked toward officers. He was taken into custody without further incident. Following the arrest, bomb squad personnel were called to the scene to ensure there were no dangerous items left in the car.

Traffic around the area, including Spring Street and several nearby freeway off-ramps, experienced significant disruptions during evening rush hour. By approximately 8 p.m., police announced the investigation at the scene was complete, and all streets were reopened.

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LAist Faces Federal Funding Cut as Rainbow Canyon Test Plot Sparks Urban Restoration Movement

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A cut of $3.4 million in federal funding for public media is hitting LAist at the very moment it is producing some of its most ambitious local reporting. The nonprofit newsroom says it now depends more than ever on donations from readers to keep its journalism independent and paywall-free.

At the same time, LAist continues to highlight quiet but powerful experiments reshaping Los Angeles’ public spaces. In a small, shaded canyon just off Avenue 45 in Mount Washington, the nonprofit Test Plot is running a living laboratory designed to heal damaged land while testing how native plants respond to California’s changing climate and urban pressures.

Story Highlights

Public Media Funding Cut: Congress withdraws $3.4 million in federal support for LAist.
Reader Donations Crucial: The nonprofit newsroom seeks community support to remain independent.
Rainbow Canyon Test Plots: Experimental plantings of native species in Mount Washington aim to restore degraded parkland.
Climate and Fire Resilience: Research focuses on plants’ ability to coexist with California black walnuts and withstand fire.
Next Steps: Test Plot to launch projects at Puente Hills Regional Park, a former landfill slated for a 2027 opening.

A Hidden Laboratory in Rainbow Canyon

At the base of a twisting road in Mount Washington lies Rainbow Canyon, a secluded pocket of nature rarely seen by passers-by. It hosts California black walnut trees, a seasonal stream, and tree trunks arranged for seating. Since 2023, these acres have held several “test plots” — fenced areas where the nonprofit Test Plot groups native species such as hummingbird sage and big saltbush to watch how they respond to local conditions.

“Walnuts drop chemicals through their leaf litter to control competition,” explained Alex Robinson of Test Plot, as he walked among the young plantings.

He added that only certain plants tolerate those chemicals.
“Presumably the native plants that grew with the walnut can adapt. We’re trying to see which ones grew with the walnut.”

A short distance away, another plot focuses on fire resilience — a pressing issue in California’s wildland-urban interface.

“We have plants that are very adapted to fire that aren’t likely to catch fire,” Robinson said. “The idea is to identify species that can be planted around homes and buildings.”

From Elysian Park to Catalina Island

Rainbow Canyon is one of 14 sites where Test Plot operates across California, most of them in Los Angeles. The concept began in 2019 when landscape architect Jenny Jones and native plant specialist Max Kanter started a pilot in Elysian Park.

Despite setbacks — including gophers destroying grasses — volunteers kept returning, and the plants kept growing. That early success drew in Jennifer Toy, now Test Plot’s leader, who later recruited Robinson from her teaching at USC.

The organization has since expanded to Debs Park in Montecito Hills, La Esquinita near the L.A. River, the Bay Area and Catalina Island. Each location uses plants tailored to its ecosystem. On Catalina Island, volunteers even built check dams to hold back polluted runoff before it could reach a protected marine sanctuary.

Community-Led Land Care

Rainbow Canyon’s 30 acres were once at the center of a battle between housing developers and residents seeking to preserve open space. In 1991, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority acquired the land, blocking development but leaving it mostly untended for decades.

In December 2023, Test Plot and its partners joined USC students to clear weeds and begin planting riparian natives.

“It’s a really amazing place to plant,” Robinson said. “It’s all these native soils. It’s in this canyon. It’s shaded. We timed it right before the rains.”

About 70 volunteers showed up to help. Toy stresses that such restoration is never “low maintenance.”

“We hate the term low maintenance,” she said. “Restoration requires constant labor, care and attention.”

Robinson echoed that sentiment.
“The ‘test’ in Test Plot initially was just, ‘Can we plant and keep the plants alive? Can we start to do restoration work with communities in our public lands? And can we get people to come out and do this on a regular basis?’”

Planning for the Future

Test Plot has received new grants, including from the Water Foundation, to expand its work. Next up is Puente Hills Regional Park — a former landfill undergoing a multi-million-dollar conversion set to open in 2027.

Toy says the nonprofit treats each site as an evolving experiment.
“We have permission to fail,” she said. “When you talk about urban restoration projects, there’s a lot of pressure. There’s not a perfect solution. For me, the test is really about just trying to be agile and be fluid — really just be on the ground constantly, having fun out here.”

LAist’s Appeal to Readers

As LAist covers initiatives like Test Plot, it faces the challenge of a $3.4 million loss in public media funding. The newsroom is calling on readers to sustain its mission to inform, inspire and engage.

“No matter where you stand politically, press freedom is at the core of a free and fair nation,” LAist’s leadership said. “Reader support will determine how strong our newsroom is going forward.”

For LAist, the stakes are high: continued watchdog reporting on elections, climate, the economy and homelessness depends on a new model of public support — just as Test Plot depends on volunteers to keep its native plants alive.

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Man Killed in Early-Morning Los Angeles Fashion District Shooting — LAPD Investigates

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An early-morning Los Angeles Fashion District shooting left one man dead Sunday, drawing a heavy police response to one of downtown’s busiest commercial hubs. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the incident occurred at about 5 a.m. near 11th Street and Los Angeles Street, an intersection lined with warehouses and wholesale shops.

Story Highlights

Where: Los Angeles Fashion District, downtown LA (11th & Los Angeles Streets)
When: About 5 a.m. Sunday morning
What: One man shot to death, identity pending
Who: Six suspects in dark clothing fled in a vehicle
Source: LAPD Media Relations, Officer Norma Eisenman

The LAPD’s Media Relations Section confirmed that officers were dispatched after receiving a call about gunfire in the area. The caller, who identified himself as the victim’s brother, reported that his sibling had been shot.

“We received a call at approximately 5 a.m. about a male shooting victim at 11th and Los Angeles Streets,” Officer Norma Eisenman said in a statement.
“Six suspects wearing dark clothing were seen fleeing the location in a vehicle. No further information is available at this time.”

Police have not yet confirmed whether the victim died at the scene or after being transported to a hospital. His identity has not been released pending notification of family.

The Los Angeles Fashion District shooting has raised concerns about safety in a neighborhood known for its bustling markets and early-morning deliveries. Residents and business owners, many of whom were setting up for the day, expressed unease over the violence.

While detectives gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses Sunday, officials urged anyone with information about the suspects or vehicle to come forward.

This Los Angeles Fashion District shooting underscores the ongoing challenge of preventing violent crime in downtown Los Angeles. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Boston University’s BEACON AI Tool Alerts the World to Emerging Disease Threats

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Boston University has launched a groundbreaking artificial intelligence platform called BEACON, designed to enhance disease surveillance and track emerging threats across the globe. The Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BEACON AI tool) combines the precision of AI with expert human analysis to alert health authorities and the public about potential outbreaks, aiming to shorten the time between detection and response.

Story Highlights:

BEACON AI tool launched in April 2025 to track emerging diseases worldwide.
Within its first three months, the tool issued alerts on 420 outbreaks and mapped 134 disease-causing organisms.
Users include local, state, and national health departments, the World Health Organization (WHO), and INTERPOL in 162 countries.
Free, publicly accessible, and written for a general audience rather than medical specialists.
Funded with $3 million from government grants and private foundations.

Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, founder of the BEACON AI tool and an infectious disease physician, said the project’s main objective is to provide an “alarm bell” for potential threats.

“Our main goal is to reduce the time between the reporting of a disease and its response,” Bhadelia explained. “Early alerts mean officials and the public can take action before outbreaks escalate.”

Bhadelia, who also directs Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases and served on the Biden administration’s COVID-19 response team, emphasized the role of human expertise in evaluating AI-collected data.

“Every report we post is verified by a medical or public health professional,” she said. “AI helps us scrape the web for information, but human judgment ensures accuracy and reliability.”

Since its launch, the BEACON AI tool has reported a wide range of outbreaks. Alerts have included Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, West Nile Virus deaths in Italy, rising mpox infections in Thailand, and Chagas disease now being reported in the southern United States. Chagas, transmitted by the “kissing bug,” can cause serious heart and gastrointestinal issues.

“What has surprised us most is the rapid trust people are placing in BEACON,” Bhadelia said. “We already have users in 162 countries, including major public health organizations and local departments.”

The BEACON AI tool is distinct from other disease surveillance systems in its accessibility. Unlike platforms designed for medical or biosecurity professionals, BEACON presents information in a social media-style format that is easy to navigate and understand for a general audience.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has highlighted a federal AI-based pathogen detection program, the Biothreat Radar Detection System, which screens population groups rather than individuals to automate public health alerts. Kennedy said the federal project builds on lessons from COVID-19, with a proposed $52 million budget for development.

Despite federal initiatives, public health experts say private platforms like the BEACON AI tool are filling critical gaps. Funding cuts and staffing reductions under the previous administration limited the CDC’s global disease surveillance capabilities. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) had its overseas disease monitoring programs curtailed, and the country scaled back participation in the World Health Organization.

“It truly is not hyperbole to say public health is under attack,” Bhadelia said. “The current environment is creating vulnerabilities for the American population and the world at large.”

The BEACON AI tool’s data comes from multiple sources: web scraping provides approximately half of the information, while infectious disease experts in 12 countries contribute verified case reports. Anyone can submit a verified case for inclusion.

“While we use CDC data for diseases like measles or Salmonella, BEACON does not replicate local investigations,” Bhadelia noted. “Our aim is to alert, not replace local public health authorities.”

Academic and independent projects are increasingly stepping into roles once handled by federal agencies. The University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project evaluates vaccines and combats misinformation, while Brown University’s Pandemic Center issues weekly infectious disease tracking reports.

Dr. Atul Gawande, former head of Global Health at USAID, said, “Independent and academic organizations are the next best thing we can have. It isn’t a replacement for government agencies, but it is critical as a backup.”

Jennifer Nuzzo, director of Brown University’s Pandemic Center, added, “The public might see tools like BEACON and assume the CDC is no longer needed. But protection of public health is inherently a government responsibility, and these tools are not substitutes.”

The BEACON AI tool is set to expand its accessibility with translations into seven additional languages by early next year, further solidifying its role as a global resource for infectious disease monitoring.

“AI is just one part of the solution,” Bhadelia said. “Combined with expert oversight, it can help the world respond faster and smarter to emerging disease threats.”

As global health threats continue to rise, the BEACON AI tool from Boston University offers a critical edge in disease surveillance. By combining AI with expert verification, it provides timely outbreak alerts and tracks emerging diseases worldwide. While independent tools cannot fully replace government-led efforts, BEACON demonstrates how innovation can strengthen infectious disease monitoring and help protect public health on a global scale.

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Charlie Kirk Assassination at Utah Valley University Shocks Turning Point USA Supporters

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The Charlie Kirk assassination during the kickoff of his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University has sent shockwaves through political and faith communities nationwide. Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and a prominent conservative voice, was shot and killed on Wednesday while preparing to engage college students in public debate.

Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children, aged one and three. For Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Southern California, the loss was personal and deeply painful.

Story Highlights

Key Facts About the Charlie Kirk Assassination
Who	Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA; Pastor Jack Hibbs, close friend and mentor.
What happened	Kirk shot and killed at Utah Valley University during “American Comeback Tour” kickoff.
When	Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
Where	Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah.
Family	Survived by wife Erika and two young children, ages one and three.
Impact	Hibbs calls Kirk’s death a galvanizing moment for a generation of conservatives.

“What Is Going On in Our Country?”

“I was in disbelief when I heard about the shooting,” Hibbs told Fox News Digital. “My initial thoughts, of course, like everyone else, is what is going on in our country?”

“But then quickly, I think my second thought, which is the prevailing thought, is Charlie was obviously a young man of not only profound intellect, he had a great faith in Jesus,” Hibbs added.

A Friendship Rooted in Scripture

Hibbs described years of working closely with Kirk. “He had a love for the Bible,” he said. “We spent the last several years going through the Scriptures together.”

The two collaborated on podcasts and culture events over the past five years, with Kirk frequently speaking at Hibbs’ church — itself born out of the Jesus People movement. Topics ranged from gender identity and abortion to school choice and biblical prophecy.

Acts of Kindness Before the Shooting

Just hours before the Charlie Kirk assassination, Hibbs reached out to ask if his brother could attend the Utah event. Kirk responded with generosity.

“Charlie was so kind and generous to let this stranger have a front row seat,” Hibbs said. “And I know that that was Charlie loving on me by loving on my brother. And that’s just who he was, extremely, extremely generous.”

“My brother sent me pictures of him and Charlie, standing together before the event started and everything looked great,” he recalled. “And then my brother called me immediately during the shooting, I could hear people screaming and running, and my brother was about 25 to 35 feet away from Charlie.”

“Not the End of Charlie”

Hibbs urged supporters not to see the Charlie Kirk assassination as the end of his influence.

“This just galvanized an entire generation of not only those who follow Charlie, but those who criticized him,” Hibbs said. “They watched a young man lay down his life for his cause. And I do believe that the result of today is going to backfire on anyone who had nefarious plots to silence Charlie.”

Remembering the Public and Private Kirk

One of Kirk’s last appearances at Hibbs’ church came in March at an event titled “A Christian or Pagan Nation.” Hibbs stressed that the public image of Kirk as a combative debater only told part of the story.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is they see the Charlie Kirk, so to speak, in his armor, right on stage or on the university campus,” Hibbs explained. “But Charlie was a very tender-hearted young man, very, very empathetic.”

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Americans Retiring in France: California Couple Finds Affordable Future in Dordogne Valley

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On a crisp autumn afternoon in the Dordogne Valley, Debra and Eric Stillwell stroll down a cobblestone street, pausing to watch the golden leaves drift across the ground. The open-air markets, the medieval castles, and the gentle pace of life have become part of their daily routine. It is a far cry from the life they once envisioned in Los Angeles, where the future looked less like retirement and more like decades of continued work.

Story Highlights:

Debra and Eric Stillwell left Los Angeles to retire in France’s Dordogne Valley.
They bought a chalet-style home for about €70,000 ($81,000) in Lachapelle-Auzac.
Rising U.S. healthcare costs and debt pushed them toward retirement abroad.
They now live on Social Security, travel extensively, and access French healthcare.
Their experience shows why more Americans are retiring in France.

From Los Angeles to Southwest France

For Debra, the turning point came after a late-night calculation.

“I figured it out,” she recalls. “If we stayed where we were, I would probably have had to work until I was 85.”

At 67, Debra was ready for a change. Eric, now 62, agreed. Both dreamed of a slower pace of life, and both wanted freedom from financial stress. In Los Angeles, they faced a mortgage, debts, and healthcare costs that made early retirement impossible.

“The problem was, when we were living in Los Angeles, we couldn’t afford to retire early and still pay off the mortgage and debts,” Eric explains.

Healthcare was another pressing issue. As diabetics, the couple faced premiums of more than $500 a month each. “I think it’s more expensive now,” Debra says.

For many Americans retiring in France, this is a familiar theme: healthcare and affordability.

Choosing France Over the U.S.

The Stillwells sold their California home, cleared their debts, and looked to Europe. Initially, they considered Italy. But Debra’s childhood in Montreal, where she studied French, and Eric’s family roots — a great-grandfather who emigrated from France — pointed them in another direction.

A 2013 wine cruise through Bordeaux sealed the decision. “We decided this is where we wanted to live,” Eric recalls. “The medieval towns, castles and landscapes were all enthralling.”

In 2020, they purchased a chalet-style house in the Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club in Lachapelle-Auzac for just €70,000, or roughly $81,000.

“In the beginning, we had the romantic notion of a stone cottage with blue shutters, the typical French house,” Eric says. “Then we came across the chalet. It was the perfect choice for us.”

The golf club community, complete with pools and tennis courts, offered them a built-in network of neighbors — British, Dutch, French, and Irish families. Many, like the Stillwells, were part-time or full-time expatriates seeking the same dream: affordable living abroad.

Life in Dordogne

Settling in Dordogne required adjustments. Restaurant closing times caught them off guard, with kitchens shutting down by 1:45 p.m. Eric also spent six months studying for the French driving test after his U.S. license expired.

“The roads are too narrow here for me,” Debra admits, opting never to drive.

But the benefits outweighed the challenges. Within three months, they accessed the French healthcare system. No monthly premiums, only minimal fees. “We were lucky,” Debra says. “In this tiny town there are probably six primary care doctors.”

Though neither is fluent in French, they manage. “My words are all mixed up,” Debra laughs. “But 99% of the time they understand what I’m trying to say.” Eric adds, “It’s just been very difficult for me to figure out how to hear the French accent.”

Affordable Retirement Abroad

The Stillwells live primarily on Social Security, disproving the myth that all Americans retiring in France are wealthy.

“Everybody thinks that Americans living in France are all rich, and that’s not true,” Eric says. “Our house cost €70,000… We aren’t rich.”

Yet their money stretches further than it ever would in the U.S. Groceries, utilities, and cultural outings are cheaper. They travel widely — visiting the Loire Valley, Burgundy, the Riviera, and even attending “Star Trek” conventions in London, Rome, and Luxembourg.

Last year alone, they toured 20 countries, took three cruises, and attended a nephew’s wedding in South Korea. A December trip to Paris has become an annual ritual, with Christmas markets and the giant tree at Galeries Lafayette among their highlights.

No Looking Back

Asked what retirement in California would have looked like, Debra is blunt: “Absolutely broke.”

The couple returns to the U.S. occasionally for family events, but they have no intention of moving back. “Under the current climate, I would not go back,” Eric says.

Debra has her own long-term vision: “I lived for 30 years in Canada. I lived for 32 years in the States. My goal is to live another 30 years in France.”

For Debra and Eric, their decision to join the growing trend of Americans retiring in France has brought not only affordability but also fulfillment — a retirement filled with community, travel, and peace of mind.

For Debra and Eric Stillwell, the choice to leave Los Angeles for the Dordogne Valley was more than a move — it was a lifeline. Their story shows how Americans retiring in France can find affordable housing, reliable healthcare, and a richer quality of life on a modest income. What might have been years of financial struggle in the U.S. has become a retirement of travel, community, and peace of mind in France. For many, their journey is proof that the dream of affordable retirement abroad is not only possible, but thriving in the heart of Europe.

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Blue Buttons Invade Virginia Beach: Strange Marine Colonies Wash Ashore

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Beachgoers in Virginia Beach got an unexpected surprise this week when unusual marine creatures, known as blue buttons, began appearing along the shore. The sightings were reported at Dam Neck and Sandbridge, where locals captured photos of the small, flat, button-like organisms. At first glance, these creatures might look like tiny jellyfish, but marine experts confirm they are something entirely different.

Story Highlights:

Blue buttons are hydrozoan colonies, not true jellyfish.
Spotted at Dam Neck and Sandbridge in Virginia Beach.
Hurricane Erin likely carried them from tropical waters.
The creatures are small but can sting; experts advise caution.
Most measure around two inches or less, some the size of a quarter.

Robert Donovan, a marine expert with the Virginia Aquarium, explained the unique nature of these creatures.

“It is not technically a jellyfish,” Donovan said. “They are gelatinous, yes, but they do not meet the criteria for a true jellyfish. What people are seeing is a colony of animals that collectively appear as a single organism.”

He compared blue buttons to the Portuguese man o’ war, noting that these are hydrozoan colonies, meaning that each “creature” is actually a complex community of individual animals working together.

The timing of these unusual appearances may not be coincidental. Meteorologists and marine biologists suggest that Hurricane Erin played a role in pushing the blue buttons toward the Virginia coastline. Typically, these organisms thrive in warmer, tropical waters and rely on wind and ocean currents to move. Unlike some sea creatures, they have no ability to control their direction, which explains why they appeared far from their natural habitat.

“The presence of blue buttons along Virginia Beach is a perfect example of how extreme weather events can transport marine life over long distances,” Donovan explained.

Blue buttons are deceptively small. Most measure about two inches across, though some of the specimens found along Sandbridge were even smaller, roughly the size of a dime or a quarter. Their flat, button-like appearance makes them easy to spot against the sand, but don’t let their appearance fool you. Despite their delicate look, these hydrozoan colonies can deliver a potent sting.

Beachgoers are being cautioned to keep their distance.

“The best thing to do if you see the blue button or any other floating hydrozoans in the water is to get out immediately,” Donovan warned. “Their sting can be dangerous and quite potent.”

Even when washed up on the shore, blue buttons are not safe to touch.

“I would not touch them. I would not pick them up. If you see them on the beach, give them a wide berth,” Donovan added.

As the late-summer season continues and more sightings emerge along the Virginia coast, experts say that beach visitors should remain vigilant. Blue buttons in Virginia Beach are visually striking, but they are best appreciated from a safe distance.

What are blue buttons?- Hydrozoan colonies that look like jellyfish but are not true jellyfish.
Where were they spotted?- Dam Neck and Sandbridge in Virginia Beach.
Are they dangerous? -Yes, their sting can be potent.
Can you touch them on the sand?- Experts advise against touching, even if washed ashore.
Why are they showing up now?- Hurricane Erin likely pushed them from tropical waters to the Virginia coast.

While blue buttons may look harmless and even beautiful, their potent sting makes them a risk for beachgoers. Experts urge caution and advise keeping a safe distance, whether in the water or on the sand. As more sightings appear along Virginia Beach following Hurricane Erin, visitors should stay alert and enjoy these unusual hydrozoan colonies from afar. Safety comes first, even in the face of nature’s strange coastal surprises.

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Los Angeles Parks Ranked Among Worst: How America’s Backyard Fell Into Crisis”

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For generations, Los Angeles parks have been more than green patches in the city. They’ve been the true gathering grounds of communities — a place where families celebrate birthdays, children play soccer and baseball, neighbors cool down in the summer, and crowds come together for concerts or simply for a break from the city’s chaos.

But now, a new city-commissioned study has revealed what many Angelenos already suspected: Los Angeles parks are struggling, underfunded, and falling far behind national standards.

📌 Story Highlights: Los Angeles Parks Study

National Rank: Los Angeles parks dropped to 90th out of 100 in the Trust for Public Land’s annual ranking.
Funding Gap: L.A. invests $92 per resident, compared to San Francisco’s $583 and Washington, D.C.’s $407.
Decline in Quality: Less than 40% of residents rate parks in good or excellent condition.
Deferred Maintenance: The repair backlog now exceeds $2 billion.
Public Demand: Nearly two-thirds of Angelenos would support a bond or tax to restore parks.
Next Steps: Residents have 45 days to give feedback online or at community meetings.

The comprehensive 500-page needs assessment, developed by landscape design firm OLIN in collaboration with city planners, UCLA researchers, community groups, and thousands of residents, paints a sobering picture of decline and neglect.

The study highlights that fewer than half of residents say they live within walking distance of a park or recreation center. Meanwhile, the department responsible for overseeing Los Angeles parks and recreation centers is working with a staff that is just half the size of previous decades.

Jimmy Kim, General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks, admitted that even basic upkeep has become difficult.

“The current workforce is half what it once was,” Kim explained.
“Park maintenance is like a game of whack-a-mole. We fix one issue, and another pops up.”

He added that the study confirmed what many city officials already knew — but also provided a roadmap for smarter resource use and potential new funding streams.

“My message to Los Angeles is simple,” Kim said.
“Please participate in this process. Your input will help us move forward.”

A Century-Old Funding Formula

Part of the problem, the study explains, lies in a funding formula that has not been updated since the 1930s. Despite population growth and increasing demands on Los Angeles parks, the percentage of the city budget allocated to them has remained the same.

Because the department is classified as a proprietary agency, it must also cover its own utility costs and reimburse the city for employee benefits — expenses that swallow nearly 40% of the budget.

Jessica Henson of OLIN, one of the study’s lead authors, pointed to how much more the department has been forced to do with limited resources.

“For the last century, the same percentage of the city budget has been allocated to parks,” Henson noted.
“But today, they’re on the front lines of critical services — from COVID response to wildfire support. They’ve been asked to do more with less for the last 15 years.”

A Path Forward

The assessment suggests a mix of strategies:

Amending the city charter to raise the percentage of funding for Los Angeles parks.
Extending Proposition K, a 1996 improvement measure set to expire.
Building stronger nonprofit partnerships.
Placing a new funding initiative on the 2026 ballot.

Guillermo Rodriguez of the Trust for Public Land, which ranks the nation’s park systems, said the time for patchwork fixes has ended.

“In every administration since Mayor Tom Bradley, the park system was taken for granted,” Rodriguez said.
“There’s no more tape, no more paint, no more magic tricks. It requires leadership and significant investment. Angelenos are ready to step up.”

Opening Schoolyards: A Quick Fix

One of the fastest solutions already being explored is opening L.A. Unified schoolyards to the public. So far, ten have been unlocked, and a new agreement between the city and the school district could make more available.

Jon Christensen of UCLA, who helped design the PerSquareMile tool used in the study, explained how targeted improvements could benefit the most people.

“It’s about the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the most efficient way,” Christensen said.

Still, the conversion of blacktop to green space remains a funding hurdle.

What Comes Next

Residents now have 45 days to weigh in before the final report is delivered to the Recreation and Parks Commission and eventually City Hall. Public meetings are scheduled this week:

Thursday, 6–8 p.m. at Bellevue Recreation Center in Silver Lake.
Saturday, 10 a.m.–noon at Westwood Recreation Center.

For a full schedule of upcoming virtual meetings and to read the needs assessment in detail, Angelenos can visit needs.parks.lacity.gov.

As the city prepares to host the World Cup and the Olympics, the findings serve as a sharp reminder: Los Angeles parks are essential community assets in urgent need of care and investment.

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Chicago Public Library Picks “Olga Dies Dreaming” as 2025 One Book, One Chicago Spotlight

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The Chicago Public Library has announced its 2025 One Book, One Chicago selection: “Olga Dies Dreaming” by Xochitl Gonzalez. The debut novel, praised as a “Best of 2022” by NPR and The New York Times, will anchor a year of citywide literary programming.

📌 Story Highlights

2025 One Book, One Chicago pick: “Olga Dies Dreaming” by Xochitl Gonzalez
Novel follows two Latino siblings confronting family secrets and political realities
Themes: American dream, family relationships, political corruption, gentrification
Gonzalez inspired by her background as a wedding planner and daughter of a socialist activist
Chicago Public Library to host community events with cultural partners and The National Public Housing Museum
Gonzalez to appear at Harold Washington Library Center on Nov. 20
1,000 copies of the novel to circulate across library branches

Novel’s Story and Inspiration

“Olga Dies Dreaming” tells the story of two successful Latino siblings whose lives are disrupted when their estranged mother reenters their world. The book examines the American dream, the weight of family secrets, and political corruption.

Author Xochitl Gonzalez, now a writer for The Atlantic, began the novel while working as a luxury wedding planner. “I knew I wanted to write a book that was kind of political and about a political situation that the average American just didn’t really care about, which was the circumstance in Puerto Rico,” Gonzalez said. She also drew on her mother’s history as a militant socialist activist and the first Latina vice-presidential candidate for the Socialist Workers Party in 1984.

Though not autobiographical, Gonzalez’s own experiences shaped the novel’s central character—a wedding planner from a politically active family.

Why the Book Resonates in Chicago

Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown noted that while the book is not set in Chicago, its themes feel local. “There’s a lot of narrative about activism and the history of the Young Lords. Some of the scenes…remind me of Chicago alderpersons and community meetings in Chicago,” Brown said.

The novel also addresses gentrification, which allows the library to collaborate with The National Public Housing Museum, opened earlier this year. Plans include a community event at the museum and a panel featuring its CEO at the Harold Washington Library.

Selection Process and Community Input

The library selects each year’s One Book, One Chicago by consulting more than a dozen cultural institutions. For 2025, the library expanded its panel to include groups such as La Escuelita Bombera de Corazon, Stay & Play Game Cafe, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago.

Brown explained the choice: “It’s already been voted a top read by our own Chicago librarians. It’s been a popular book within our library card holders. And then we’re also looking for, what are the fresh reads? We’ve never had a Puerto Rican author.”

What’s Next

Xochitl Gonzalez will deliver the keynote event on Nov. 20 at the Harold Washington Library Center. Copies of “Olga Dies Dreaming”—1,000 in total—will circulate across Chicago library branches beginning this month.

Past One Book, One Chicago selections include Gabrielle Zevin’s “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” and Tommy Orange’s “There There.”

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