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  • The Daily Brief: Former Fire Chief Sues City, Menendez Parole Hearings Start Tomorrow, and more.

The Daily Brief: Former Fire Chief Sues City, Menendez Parole Hearings Start Tomorrow, and more.

Your daily update is here.

Good Afternoon! It’s Wednesday, August 20.

As the heat wave continues to ramp up across the Southland, Los Angeles saw scattered clouds and warm weather on Wednesday with highs peaking at 91°. Thursday, more clouds are expected, but that won’t slow down the heat with highs forecast to hit 93°.

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Former LA Fire Chief Sues City, Accuses Mayor Bass of Retaliation

Kristin Crowley, L.A.’s first female and LGBTQ+ fire chief, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the city, alleging she was fired for “telling the truth” about budget cuts and resource failures during January’s deadly wildfires. Crowley claims Mayor Karen Bass launched a smear campaign to discredit her after she spoke out, escalating a high-profile clash over leadership, accountability, and public safety.

Menendez Brothers Face Parole Hearings 36 Years After Notorious Beverly Hills Murders

More than three decades after their parents’ sensational 1989 killings, Erik and Lyle Menendez could finally win their freedom. The brothers, now in their 50s, are appearing before California’s parole board this week, with dozens of relatives, correctional officers, and even judges testifying to their rehabilitation and remorse. Once bitterly opposed, most of the Menendez family now supports their release, citing years of abuse the brothers say fueled the tragedy.

ESPN Unveils New Streaming Service With Enhanced App Features

ESPN is rolling out a new direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21, offering two subscription plans—Unlimited and Select—that bring fans access to tens of thousands of live sports events, on-demand replays, and exclusive programming. The updated ESPN app will also feature integrated stats, betting insights, multiview options, and an AI-powered personalized SportsCenter. A Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle deal is available, making the launch one of ESPN’s biggest digital pushes yet.

Knott’s Scary Farm Marks 52 Years of Fear with New Mazes and Classic Horrors

Southern California’s most iconic Halloween tradition returns Sept. 18–Nov. 1 for its 52nd season. This year’s Knott’s Scary Farm lineup features two brand-new haunted mazes—Mary: The Haunting of Worth Home and The Zoo—alongside fan favorites like Origins: The Curse of Calico and Room 13. With 28 nights of spine-chilling scares, including five themed scare zones, three live shows, and the return of cult classics for their final run, Knott’s continues to prove why it remains the region’s ultimate Halloween experience.

L.A. City Council Splits 8–7 Over State Housing Density Bill

In a razor-thin 8–7 vote, the Los Angeles City Council formally opposed Senate Bill 79, which would allow denser housing near transit stops by overriding local zoning rules. Supporters argue the bill is a necessary step to address the city’s housing crisis and meet state housing targets, while opponents warn it undermines local control and could strain infrastructure or displace residents. The debate now shifts back to Sacramento, with L.A.’s divided stance likely to weigh heavily on the bill’s future.

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