Universal Studios fined for trimming trees that were shading striking actors and writers from extreme heat

City of LA via Twitter

The city of Los Angeles has fined Universal Studios $250 for cutting back trees that were offering shade to picketing film and TV writers during this month's brutal heatwave.

Strikers voiced suspicion that the pruning had been deliberately intended to stymie their picket line. Universal denied this claim and said it was part of routine annual maintenance.