Today: October 09, 2024
Today: October 09, 2024

Latest From The Los Angeles Post

World

Japan tries to stake its claim as favorite at Women's World Cup when quarterfinals begin

Japan has hardly been tested in this Women’s World Cup and rolled with a perfect 4-0 record into the quarterfinals, where a win over Sweden would show the Nadeshiko are very much a true contender. But Friday’s opening day of the quarterfinals also gives Netherlands an opportunity to take control of a wide-open World Cup. The Dutch were runners-up to the United States four years ago, and the Americans beat them in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics. With the U.S. already eliminated, Netherlands has a major obstacle out of its way. But first up

Japan tries to stake its claim as favorite at Women's World Cup when quarterfinals begin
World

Stock market today: Asian shares are mixed as markets brace for the US inflation report

Asian benchmarks mostly fell Thursday after shares declined on Wall Street and investors braced for a highly anticipated United States inflation report. Later in the day, the U.S. government will give its monthly update on the inflation that consumers are experiencing. Economists expect to see an acceleration to 3.3% in July from 3% in June. Tina Teng, markets analyst at CMC Markets, called the looming update “a pivotal event for global markets.” Inflation in China also remains a huge concern. “A slowdown in consumer spending and high-interest rates remain issues for the global economy,” said Teng. Japan’s

Stock market today: Asian shares are mixed as markets brace for the US inflation report
World

Wildfires take Maui by surprise, burning through a historic town and killing at least 6 people

The sky was dark from smoke and were flames racing through the historic Hawaiian town of Lahaina when Kamuela Kawaakoa got back to his apartment after a quick dash to the supermarket for water. He, his girlfriend and their 6-year-old son grabbed a change of clothes and ran as the bushes around them caught fire. At least six people were killed when wildfires, whipped by strong winds from Hurricane Dora passing far to the south, took the island of Maui by surprise, leaving behind burned-out cars on once busy streets and smoking piles of rubble where

Wildfires take Maui by surprise, burning through a historic town and killing at least 6 people
World

A billion-dollar coastal project begins in Louisiana. Will it work as sea levels rise?

It’s a nearly $3 billion attempt to mimic Mother Nature: Massive gates will be incorporated into a section of a flood protection levee southeast of New Orleans to divert some of the Mississippi River’s sediment-laden water into a new channel that will guide it into southeast Louisiana’s Barataria Basin. If the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project works as intended, the solids in the river water will settle out in the basin and gradually restore land that has been steadily disappearing for decades. State coastal officials call it a first-of-its-kind project they are certain will work, even as

A billion-dollar coastal project begins in Louisiana. Will it work as sea levels rise?
World

Czech power company CEZ reports 1st half of year net profit of $1 billion, 34% down year-on-year

The Czech power utility CEZ said on Thursday its net profit in the first half of 2023 reached 22.3 billion Czech crowns ($1 billion), down from 33.6 billion in the same period a year ago. The country’s main electricity producer said it attributed the 34% decline to a windfall tax on profits introduced as prices for energy soared. The Czech state, which has an almost 70% stake in the company, will receive up to 120 billion Czech crowns from CEZ this year in dividends, income taxes and levies on production sales, including a windfall tax, the company

Czech power company CEZ reports 1st half of year net profit of $1 billion, 34% down year-on-year
World

A yearlong slowdown in US inflation may have stalled in July

Inflation in the United States likely rose in July for the first time in 12 months, driven higher by more expensive gasoline and suggesting that the fight against rising prices may prove bumpier in the months ahead. The inflation report the government will issue Thursday is expected to show that consumer prices increased 3.3% from 12 months earlier. That would mark an uptick from a 3% year-over-year increase in June — the lowest such figure in more than two years. On a month-to-month basis, consumer prices are thought to have risen 0.2% from June to July, the

A yearlong slowdown in US inflation may have stalled in July
World

Shohei Ohtani gets his 10th mound victory of the season in the Angels' 4-1 win over the Giants

Shohei Ohtani left the mound muttering to himself after his 97th and final pitch ended the sixth inning. He even unleashed a yell of frustration when he reached the dugout steps. On a night that drained him physically and mentally, the Angels’ two-way superstar fought through fatigue to victory — and even made one more bit of baseball history. Ohtani allowed one unearned run over six innings of three-hit ball, and he earned his 10th victory of the season after Mike Moustakas hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in Los Angeles’ 4-1 win over the San Francisco

Shohei Ohtani gets his 10th mound victory of the season in the Angels' 4-1 win over the Giants
World

Las Vegas food service workers demanding better pay and benefits are set to rally on the Strip

Food service workers at a Las Vegas Strip arena demanding higher pay and better benefits are set to rally Thursday evening beneath the glittery lights of the famed tourist corridor amid ongoing negotiations for a union contract. The Culinary Workers Union, a political powerhouse in Nevada, said in a statement ahead of the rally that servers, dishwashers, cooks and bartenders who work at T-Mobile Arena have been locked in contract negotiations for nearly a year with their employer, Levy Premium Food Service. The workers say they want a fair contract that will ensure “one job is

Las Vegas food service workers demanding better pay and benefits are set to rally on the Strip
World

India passes data protection legislation in Parliament. Critics fear privacy violation

Indian lawmakers Wednesday approved a data protection legislation that “seeks to better regulate big tech firms and penalize companies for data breaches” as several groups expressed concern over citizens’ privacy rights. The legislation will limit cross-border transfer of data and provide a framework for setting up a data protection authority to ensure compliance from tech companies, Information Technology and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Several opposition lawmakers and digital experts say the legislation would allow the government and its agencies to access user data from companies and personal data of individuals without their consent as well

India passes data protection legislation in Parliament. Critics fear privacy violation
World

2 robotaxi services seeking to bypass safety concerns and expand in San Francisco face pivotal vote

California regulators are poised to decide whether two rival robotaxi services can provide around-the-clock rides throughout San Francisco, despite escalating fears about recurring incidents that have caused the driverless vehicles to block traffic or imperil public safety. If the state’s Public Utilities Commission approves expansions sought by robotaxi services Cruise and Waymo in a vote scheduled Thursday, San Francisco will become the first major U.S. city with two fleets of driverless vehicles competing for passengers against ride-hailing and taxi services dependent on humans to operate the cars. It’s a distinction San Francisco officials don’t want, largely

2 robotaxi services seeking to bypass safety concerns and expand in San Francisco face pivotal vote
World

Paper exams, chatbot bans: Colleges seek to 'ChatGPT-proof' assignments

When philosophy professor Darren Hick came across another case of cheating in his classroom at Furman University last semester, he posted an update to his followers on social media: “Aaaaand, I’ve caught my second ChatGPT plagiarist.” Friends and colleagues responded, some with wide-eyed emojis. Others expressed surprise. “Only 2?! I’ve caught dozens,” said Timothy Main, a writing professor at Conestoga College in Canada. “We’re in full-on crisis mode.” Practically overnight, ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence chatbots have become the go-to source for cheating in college. Now, educators are rethinking how they’ll teach courses this fall from Writing 101 to computer

Paper exams, chatbot bans: Colleges seek to 'ChatGPT-proof' assignments
World

North Korean leader Kim calls for his military to sharpen war plans as his rivals prepare drills

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered his military to sharpen its war plans and signed off on expanding combat operations of frontline units, state media said Thursday, as the United States and South Korea prepare for a large-scale combined military exercise. Condemning the allies’ expanding drills as invasion rehearsals, Kim has used them as a pretext to further accelerate his weapons demonstrations, which have included the testing-firings of more than 100 missiles since the start of 2022, driving tensions on the Korean Peninsula to their highest point in years. Experts say Kim’s nuclear push

North Korean leader Kim calls for his military to sharpen war plans as his rivals prepare drills
World

Weston Wilson had nearly 2,900 minor league at-bats. Phils' rookie hit HR in his first in the majors

Weston Wilson braved a blood clot in his shoulder that derailed his career, endured a year out of pro ball and survived a stint driving for a food service — oh, and all 2,836 minor league plate appearances — to finally get the call to the big leagues. And on the third pitch Wilson saw in his first big league at-bat, the Philadelphia Phillies’ left fielder socked one into the seats in left-center. Yes, a home run, in front of teary members of his family at Citizens Bank Park. The whole group celebrated a long-awaited milestone for

Weston Wilson had nearly 2,900 minor league at-bats. Phils' rookie hit HR in his first in the majors
World

Michael Lorenzen throws 14th no-hitter in Phillies history in 7-0 victory over Nationals

Michael Lorenzen threw the 14th no-hitter in Philadelphia Phillies history, a dazzling performance in only his second start with his new team, which beat the Washington Nationals 7-0 on Wednesday night. The 31-year-old Lorenzen (7-7) struck out five, walked four and improved to 2-0 since he was acquired from Detroit at the trade deadline for a minor leaguer. Lorenzen retired Lane Thomas on a grounder to open the ninth and struck out Joey Meneses looking. The crowd of 30,406 erupted when Lorenzen retired Dominic Smith on a flyball on his career-high 124th pitch to end his first

Michael Lorenzen throws 14th no-hitter in Phillies history in 7-0 victory over Nationals
World

Nearly 100 Croatian soccer fans face murder, gang-related charges in Greece after deadly violence

Nearly 100 Croatian soccer fans appeared in an Athens court Wednesday to face criminal charges that include murder and membership of a criminal organization over their alleged involvement in deadly fan violence. The handcuffed youths — many with their shirts pulled over their heads to hide their identity — appeared before an investigative magistrate a day after a 29-year-old Greek fan was stabbed to death outside AEK Athens’ stadium, prompting the cancellation of a Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb. Court officials said the magistrate issued the blanket charges against all 103 suspects, including 97 Croatian

Nearly 100 Croatian soccer fans face murder, gang-related charges in Greece after deadly violence
World

Agreement to reopen crossing to Syria's northwest will safeguard independent UN operations, UN says

The agreement the United Nations reached with Syria to reopen the main border crossing from Turkey to its rebel-held northwest for six months “safeguards” the independence of U.N. operations and allows it to provide aid to all parties, the U.N. said Wednesday. The agreement, which was announced Tuesday night, will reopen the Bab al-Hawa crossing, which had been used for 85% of deliveries to the northwest Idlib region, home to about 4.1 million people. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said the U.N. is ready to resume operations through Bab al-Hawa as soon as possible but it

Agreement to reopen crossing to Syria's northwest will safeguard independent UN operations, UN says
World

Anti-corruption presidential candidate slain at campaign event in Ecuador's capital

An Ecuadorian presidential candidate known for speaking up against corruption was shot and killed Wednesday at a political rally in the capital, an attack that comes amid a wave of startling violence in the South American country. President Guillermo Lasso confirmed the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio and suggested organized crime was behind his slaying. Villavicencio was one of eight candidates in the Aug. 20 presidential vote, though not the frontrunner. “I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished,” Lasso said in a statement. “Organized crime has gone too far, but they will feel the

Anti-corruption presidential candidate slain at campaign event in Ecuador's capital
World

NYC mayor wants more aid from the Biden administration to offset $12B in costs for housing migrants

With thousands of migrants still arriving in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday renewed his appeal to the federal government to help the city avert a budgetary crisis as expenses mount — now projected at $12.2 billion by the end of next year — because of the influx of people coming from the southern U.S. border seeking temporary care and shelter. “Our compassion may be limitless, but our resources are not. This is the budgetary reality we are facing if we don’t get the additional support we need,” Adams said during an address that

NYC mayor wants more aid from the Biden administration to offset $12B in costs for housing migrants
World

Phillies' Michael Lorenzen has no-hitter through 7 innings vs. Nationals

Michael Lorenzen has not allowed a hit through seven innings Wednesday for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Washington Nationals. The right-hander has struck out four and walked four. He has thrown 100 pitches, 60 for strikes. The Phillies lead 6-0. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Weston Wilson homered in his first major league plate appearance. The 31-year-old Lorenzen was an All-Star this season for Detroit before the Phillies acquired him at the trade deadline for a minor leaguer. He promptly threw a season-high eight innings of two-run ball in his Phillies debut last week. Lorenzen spent much of

Phillies' Michael Lorenzen has no-hitter through 7 innings vs. Nationals
World

Khanun blows strong winds and heavy rains into South Korea, where thousands evacuated the coast

South Korean officials evacuated thousands of coastal residents Thursday as a powerful tropical storm started to pummel the country’s southern regions. The Korean Meteorological Administration said Khanun will make landfall soon and likely pound the country with intense rains and winds while slowly plowing through the Korean Peninsula for hours, with its eyes brushing the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area where half of South Korea’s 51 million people live. The storm’s strength is expected to be diminished when it moves on to North Korea early Friday, but forecasters said the greater Seoul area would still

Khanun blows strong winds and heavy rains into South Korea, where thousands evacuated the coast
World

Florida Gov. DeSantis suspends another Democratic prosecutor as he seeks GOP presidential nomination

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday suspended the top prosecutor in Orlando, again wielding his executive power over local government in taking on a contentious issue in the 2024 presidential race. It’s the second time DeSantis, a Republican, has removed a Democratic state attorney and follows an investigation that began when a teenager was charged with fatally shooting a television reporter and a 9-year-old girl. “It is my duty as Governor to ensure that the laws enacted by our duly elected Legislature are followed,” DeSantis said during a news conference in Tallahassee announcing the suspension of

Florida Gov. DeSantis suspends another Democratic prosecutor as he seeks GOP presidential nomination
World

Texas A&M fund shutters program that allowed donors to support athlete endorsements, citing IRS memo

The foundation that supports Texas A&M athletics announced Wednesday it is closing the branch set up for donors to support endorsement deals for Aggies athletes, an effort that has pushed the boundaries of how closely a school’s traditional fundraising and booster groups could get involved in payments to players. The 12th Man Foundation said it will still engage in name, image and likeness activities with Aggies athletes using “unrestricted donations.” But it noted “external advisers” recommended shutting down the 12th Man+ Fund, which had just been launched in February. The foundation cited a June memo from the Internal Revenue Service

Texas A&M fund shutters program that allowed donors to support athlete endorsements, citing IRS memo
World

Washington State AD blasts Pac-12's 'poor leadership' as Stanford and Cal try to find landing spot

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun blasted the “poor leadership” that has led the Pac-12 to the brink of extinction on Wednesday and said the Cougars have earned the right to be part of a Power Five conference as the chances of that happening appeared unlikely. Meanwhile, Pac-12 members California and Stanford have been looking for an escape hatch to a Power Five league, reaching out to officials with the Big Ten and its schools even as the Atlantic Coast Conference ponders building out a West Wing, too. Two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that

Washington State AD blasts Pac-12's 'poor leadership' as Stanford and Cal try to find landing spot
World

What's driving Maui's devastating fires, and how climate change is fueling those conditions

A dangerous mix of conditions appear to have combined to make the wildfires blazing a path of destruction in Hawaii particularly damaging, including high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation. Experts also say climate change is increasing the likelihood of more extreme weather events like what’s playing out on the island of Maui, where at least six people have been killed and a historic tourist town was devastated. “It’s leading to these unpredictable or unforeseen combinations that we’re seeing right now and that are fueling this extreme fire weather,” said Kelsey Copes-Gerbitz, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British

What's driving Maui's devastating fires, and how climate change is fueling those conditions
World

Marta, Sinclair and Rapinoe among the generational talents retiring after Women's World Cup

Generational talents Marta, Christine Sinclair and Megan Rapinoe have all played in their final Women’s World Cup and are leaving the game in a much different place than when they started. Joining them in the group of players ending their international careers is Estefania Banini of Argentina, who said it’s time to make way for younger players. Caroline Seger of Sweden is still playing in the tournament, but she has already said that it will be her last. “It’s emotional. Those are some of the greatest football players of all time, players that I’ve looked

Marta, Sinclair and Rapinoe among the generational talents retiring after Women's World Cup

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