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Today: April 13, 2025
Today: April 13, 2025
The Los Angeles Post

The Los Angeles Post

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Science

Two planets sharing same orbit around their star? Astronomers find strongest evidence yet

Astronomers reported Wednesday the discovery of what could be two planets sharing the same orbit around their star. They said it’s the strongest evidence yet of this bizarre cosmic pairing, long suspected but never proven. Using a telescope in Chile, the Spanish-led team spotted a cloud of debris in the same orbit as an already confirmed planet circling this star, 370 light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. They suspect it’s either a planet in formation or remnants of a planet that once was. Asteroids are known to accompany planets around their star — for example,

Two planets sharing same orbit around their star? Astronomers find strongest evidence yet
World

Gunman toting heavy ammo and explosives cased scene before fatal 'ambush' shooting on Fargo police

A man armed with 1,800 rounds of ammunition, a grenade and other explosives in his car ambushed officers who were investigating a crash, killing one and wounding two before a fourth stopped him, thwarting what authorities described as plans for further mayhem, officials said Wednesday. Mohamad Barakat, 37, shot Officers Jake Wallin, Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes from inside his car on Friday before they could even draw their guns, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said at a news conference. Wallin was killed while Dotas and Hawes remain hospitalized in critical condition. Wrigley said Barakat also shot and injured

Gunman toting heavy ammo and explosives cased scene before fatal 'ambush' shooting on Fargo police
World

Some LIV Golf players at the British Open in danger of making their last appearance in a major

With the future of LIV Golf still uncertain, Joaquin Niemann was among players who arrived for the British Open facing the prospect of no more majors in his immediate future. LIV Golf still doesn’t get world ranking points, and players have been dropping. With the next major not until April in the Masters, some of them might not have a way back except through qualifying for the U.S. Open or British Open. It remains unclear when — or if — the recent proposal of a partnership with the PGA Tour would change anything. “This might be

Some LIV Golf players at the British Open in danger of making their last appearance in a major
Political

Military veteran who stormed Capitol with loaded pistol is sentenced to 7 years in prison

A military veteran who stormed the U.S. Capitol with a loaded pistol, metal-plated body armor and a gas mask was sentenced on Wednesday to seven years in prison, one of the longest among hundreds of Jan. 6 riot cases. Christopher Michael Alberts isn’t accused of brandishing his concealed gun during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. But he used a wooden pallet as a makeshift battering ram against police officers who were guarding a stairwell outside the Capitol, according to federal prosecutors. Alberts told U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper that he was trying to protect others outside

Military veteran who stormed Capitol with loaded pistol is sentenced to 7 years in prison
World

Dreams spurred by $1B Powerball, $720M Mega Millions jackpots, but expert warns: Take it slow

With lottery jackpots for Powerball and Mega Millions cumulatively approaching $2 billion for this week’s drawings, millions of people across the country will be lining up at convenience store, grocery and gas station counters hoping to hit it big. HOW DOES THIS LATEST POWERBALL JACKPOT STACK UP? The new jackpot for Wednesday’s Powerball drawing would be the seventh highest in U.S. history and the third largest for the game. If a sole player picks all five numbers plus the Powerball number drawn, they have the option of taking the $1 billion prize in yearly increments paid

Dreams spurred by $1B Powerball, $720M Mega Millions jackpots, but expert warns: Take it slow
World

Stanford University president announces resignation over concerns about his research

The president of Stanford University said Wednesday he would resign, citing an independent review that cleared him of research misconduct but found flaws in some papers he authored. Marc Tessier-Lavigne said in a statement to students and staff that he would step down Aug. 31. The resignation comes after the board of trustees launched a review in December following allegations he engaged in fraud and other unethical conduct related to his research and papers. Tessier-Lavigne, a neuroscientist, says he “never submitted a scientific paper without firmly believing that the data were correct and accurately presented.” But

Stanford University president announces resignation over concerns about his research
Political

State Department sanctions 2 former Salvadoran leaders, dozens of officials in Central America

The State Department announced Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on two former Salvadoran presidents and dozens of other officials and judges in Central America. The report said that those sanctioned “have knowingly engaged in actions that undermine democratic processes or institutions, significant corruption or obstruction of investigations” into corruption in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The extensive list, which also includes heads of banks, judges and high ranking officials, underscores the depth of corruption across the region. Chief among the names on the list was Mauricio Funes, president of El Salvador between 2009 and 2014

State Department sanctions 2 former Salvadoran leaders, dozens of officials in Central America
Political

Jan. 6 charges against Trump would add to his mounting legal peril as he campaigns for 2024

Hush-money payments. Classified records. And now, his efforts to overturn the 2020 election that led to the Capitol attack. Already facing criminal cases in New York and Florida, Donald Trump faces increasing legal peril as investigations into his struggle to cling to power after his election loss appear to be coming to a head. A target letter sent to Trump by special counsel Jack Smith suggests he may soon be indicted on new federal charges, adding to the remarkable situation of a former president up against possible prison time while vying to reclaim the White House as

Jan. 6 charges against Trump would add to his mounting legal peril as he campaigns for 2024
World

Video appears to show Russian mercenary chief Prigozhin for first time since short-lived mutiny

A video released Wednesday appears to show Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin for the first time since he led a short-lived rebellion last month, and he is seen telling his troops they will spend some time in Belarus training its military before deploying to Africa. Messaging app channels linked to Prigozhin’s Wagner private military company said he spoke at a field camp in Belarus and ran a blurry video purported to show him there, his silhouette seen against the sky at dusk. His gravelly voice was clearly distinguishable. “Welcome guys! I am happy to greet you all.

Video appears to show Russian mercenary chief Prigozhin for first time since short-lived mutiny
Political

Jill Biden welcomes proposal for Medicare to pay for navigation services for cancer patients

First lady Jill Biden on Wednesday welcomed a new proposal to have Medicare pay for navigation services for cancer patients, saying it will make “an enormous difference in people’s lives.” She joined other Biden administration officials on a conference call to discuss a proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to pay for “principal illness navigation services,” which help patients make decisions about treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses and overcome barriers to quality care. Biden spoke about her sister Jan, who underwent six weeks of stem cell transplant therapy several years ago to

Jill Biden welcomes proposal for Medicare to pay for navigation services for cancer patients
Political

Federal judge nixes Donald Trump’s bid to move hush-money criminal case, keeping it in state court

A federal judge on Wednesday rejected Donald Trump’s bid to move his hush-money criminal case from New York state court to federal court, ruling that the former president had failed to meet a high legal bar for changing jurisdiction. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein’s decision sets the stage for Trump to stand trial in state court in Manhattan as early as next spring, overlapping with the 2024 presidential primary season in what could be a frenetic stretch of legal action as the twice-indicted Republican seeks a return to the White House. Separately, Trump is charged in

Federal judge nixes Donald Trump’s bid to move hush-money criminal case, keeping it in state court
World

Police cast doubt on Carlee Russell's kidnapping claim after reporting toddler on an Alabama highway

Authorities in Alabama cast doubt Wednesday on the story of a woman who set off a frantic search when she disappeared for two days after calling 911 to report a toddler wandering on the highway. Carlee Russell told investigators she was abducted and forced into a car Thursday, but they have been unable to verify her account, police said. The 25-year-old’s return home Saturday prompted intense speculation about where she had been and what had happened to her. Carlee Russell’s mother, Talitha Russell, told NBC’s “Today” show on Tuesday that her daughter was abducted and fought for her life when

Police cast doubt on Carlee Russell's kidnapping claim after reporting toddler on an Alabama highway
World

How the death penalty phase of the Pittsburgh synagogue gunman's trial might play out

The federal trial of a 50-year-old truck driver convicted of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history is in its third and final phase, in which jurors must decide whether to sentence him to death. The jury convicted Robert Bowers in June after three weeks of testimony about how he stormed the Tree of Life synagogue in October 2018 and shot anyone he saw. He killed members of three congregations that were sharing the building, and wounded two worshippers and five police officers. During the second phase of the

How the death penalty phase of the Pittsburgh synagogue gunman's trial might play out
Arts

What residuals are — and why Hollywood actors and writers are striking over them

“The residuals are out there,” read a picket sign held by actor David Duchovny, echoing the tagline of his TV series, “The X Files.” Residuals are a central issue of the current simultaneous strikes of Hollywood actors and screenwriters, and a subject of constant comment on picket lines. While they once handsomely rewarded stars with rewatchable hits like Duchovny, union members say they’ve since diminished to a trickle as the industry has shifted to streaming. Here’s a look at how the system works and the experience of those who receive them — or don’t. WHAT ARE

What residuals are — and why Hollywood actors and writers are striking over them
World

Ex-officer Derek Chauvin to ask US Supreme Court to review his conviction in murder of George Floyd

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review his conviction for second-degree murder in the killing of George Floyd, now that the Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to hear the case, his attorney said Wednesday. The state’s highest court without comment denied Chauvin’s petition in a one-page order dated Tuesday, letting Chauvin’s conviction and 22 1/2-year sentence stand. Chauvin faces long odds at the U.S. Supreme Court, which hears only about 100 to 150 appeals of the more than 7,000 cases it is asked to review every year. Floyd, who was

Ex-officer Derek Chauvin to ask US Supreme Court to review his conviction in murder of George Floyd
Political

US approves $1.3 billion package of long-term military aid for Ukraine

The Pentagon announced a new $1.3 billion package of long-term military aid to Ukraine on Wednesday, including four air defense systems and an undisclosed number of drones. The new assistance comes on the heels of a meeting Tuesday by defense and military leaders from around the globe to discuss ongoing efforts to give Ukraine the weapons it needs in its battle to retake territory seized by Russian forces. Included in the aid, which is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will be funding for four National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS, and munitions for

US approves $1.3 billion package of long-term military aid for Ukraine
World

Little relief in sight from onslaught of searing heat and rising floodwaters in parts of US, 2 dead

The onslaught of searing temperatures and rising floodwaters struck parts of the United States again on Wednesday with Phoenix breaking an all-time temperature record and rescuers pulling people from deluged homes and vehicles in Kentucky. Forecasters said there was little relief in sight from days of extreme weather for some areas of the country. Miami has endured a heat index of at 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or more for weeks, with temperatures expected to rise this weekend. In Kentucky, meteorologists warned of a “life-threatening situation” in two communities, Mayfield and Wingo, where more rain was

Little relief in sight from onslaught of searing heat and rising floodwaters in parts of US, 2 dead
World

MacKenzie Scott's $250 million open call for donations yields applications from 6,353 nonprofits

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s first open call for grants yielded 6,353 applications from nonprofits — meaning candidates have at least a 4% chance of being selected for a $1 million grant. Lever for Change, the nonprofit overseeing the application process, said Wednesday that the applications came from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The 250 winners will be announced in early 2024. Scott has shaken up philanthropic giving since 2019, dropping large, unrestricted and unexpected donations on nonprofits when she began giving away the fortune she came into after divorcing Amazon founder

MacKenzie Scott's $250 million open call for donations yields applications from 6,353 nonprofits
World

Suspected gas explosion in Johannesburg rips open roads and flips cars during rush hour, injuring 9

A suspected underground gas explosion during Johannesburg’s evening rush hour ripped open roads and flipped more than 20 cars in South Africa’s biggest city Wednesday, injuring at least nine people, authorities said. The nine were sent to the hospital with injuries that authorities said were not life threatening. Other people were evacuated from the area due to fears of a second explosion or that multi-story buildings in a downtown section of the city that has become rundown in places might collapse. “Buildings are in danger of collapsing,” Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province, where Johannesburg is

Suspected gas explosion in Johannesburg rips open roads and flips cars during rush hour, injuring 9
World

The next chapter of Lionel Messi's career begins Friday at 18,000-seat DRV PNK Stadium

The seats at DRV PNK Stadium filled up quickly with fans eager to get a glimpse at Inter Miami’s new superstar. Lionel Messi — arguably the greatest soccer player ever — stood on a runway in the middle of the field looking out at his new home. “Thank you Miami,” Messi said to the crowd. “I’m happy to be here with you all.” The next chapter of the 36-year-old’s storied career will begin here. Not at Camp Nou in Barcelona or Parc des Princes in Paris. At Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium — a cozy

The next chapter of Lionel Messi's career begins Friday at 18,000-seat DRV PNK Stadium
World

United Airlines says it made $1 billion in the second quarter and sees strong remainder of 2023

United Airlines said Wednesday it earned more than $1 billion in the second quarter despite canceling 3,800 flights in the last two weeks of June, when it struggled to recover from storms that crippled its key operation in the New York City area. United indicated that it sees no let-up in strong demand for tickets: It raised its forecast of third-quarter and full-year profit. The report underscores how airline revenue and profits are soaring as travel bounces back after the pandemic. Big carriers like United are benefitting especially from the strong recovery in international travel after the lifting of COVID-19-related

United Airlines says it made $1 billion in the second quarter and sees strong remainder of 2023
Arts

No drug test for 'Rust' movie armorer as her trail looms in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin

The former weapons supervisor on the set of the movie “Rust” won’t have to take a drug test as she confronts felony charges of evidence tampering and involuntary manslaughter in the on-set shooting death of a cinematographer by actor Alec Baldwin. A New Mexico district court judge on Wednesday dismissed a request from prosecutors to test Hannah Gutierrez-Reed for illegal drugs, calling it “an ambush” against her defense lawyers. Prosecutors say Gutierrez-Reed passed narcotics to another person to avoid legal consequences in the immediate aftermath of the fatal shooting in October 2021, while contending in

No drug test for 'Rust' movie armorer as her trail looms in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin
World

How hard is it to win the lottery? Odds to keep in mind as Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots soar

There’s no shaking it. Your chances of winning the lottery are extremely slim — even as more and more eye top prizes soaring to jaw-dropping heights. Ahead of Wednesday night’s drawing, the estimated jackpot for Powerball reached $1 billion — marking the seventh largest prize across U.S. lottery history. And Mega Millions’ jackpot grew to an estimated $720 million after there was no winner Tuesday. But don’t plan on entering a new tax bracket anytime soon. The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot — no matter the size — stand near 1 in 292.2 million. Chances

How hard is it to win the lottery? Odds to keep in mind as Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots soar
World

Netflix's 2Q subscriber growth surges in a sign that crackdown on password sharing is paying off

Netflix enjoyed its biggest springtime spurt in subscribers since the early days of the pandemic three years ago, providing the latest sign that a recent crackdown on password sharing and the rollout of a cheaper version of its video streaming service are paying off. The video streaming service added 5.9 million subscribers during the April-June period, according to numbers released Wednesday along with its latest quarterly financial results. The gains easily surpassed the roughly 2.2 million additional subscriber that analysts surveyed by FactSet Research had anticipating. Netflix ended June with 238.4 million worldwide subscriber. The performance

Netflix's 2Q subscriber growth surges in a sign that crackdown on password sharing is paying off

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