White Smoke Rises From Los Angeles, Signaling Karen Bass Is Still Mayor

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White Smoke Rises From Los Angeles, Signaling Karen Bass Is Still Mayor​

U.S.·May 21, 2026 · BabylonBee.com

LOS ANGELES, CA — White smoke was once again seen rising from the city of Los Angeles, signaling that Karen Bass was still mayor.

Wildfires continued to engulf surrounding areas, forcing evacuations of several Los Angeles neighborhoods, with the billowing smoke letting residents know Bass remained at the helm.

"Welp, no new mayor yet," said local man Chris Manthei as smoke blotted out the sun. "Looks like the firefighters are already out of water. I suppose I should start packing up our belongings again and hit the road. Maybe we should just move to Ghana."

The rest of the nation tuned in to see the impressive clouds of smoke rising from the smoldering ruins of the once great city. "Yup, Bass is still in charge," said local news anchor Chris Manthei. "It's a cool tradition, the city burning to ashes every year to signal to the country who is in command. I love the pageantry of the whole ceremony."

At publishing time, the smoke had turned black, signaling that the poo left in the streets by homeless people was beginning to burn.