Today: October 11, 2024
Today: October 11, 2024

Latest From The Los Angeles Post

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More Americans apply for jobless benefits, but layoffs are not rising significantly

The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits rose last week, but remains at healthy levels despite the Federal Reserve’s attempt to cool the labor market by raising interest rates. U.S. applications for jobless claims rose by 12,000 to 248,000 for the week ending July 1, from 236,000 previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The four-week moving average of claims, which evens out some of the week-to-week volatility, fell by 3,500 by 253,250. Jobless claim applications are seen as a proxy for the number of layoffs in a given week. Overall, 1.72 million people were collecting unemployment benefits the

More Americans apply for jobless benefits, but layoffs are not rising significantly
World

7 children, 2 adults hurt after car crashes into school in Wimbledon, not far from tennis tournament

London police say seven children and two adults were injured Thursday when a car crashed into an elementary school on a very narrow road in Wimbledon, in southwest London. The Metropolitan Police said the incident was not being treated as a possible extremist attack. Police were called to The Study Preparatory School, a private all-girls school, at 9:54 a.m., along with paramedics in ground and air ambulances. The driver of the vehicle, believed to be a Land Rover, stopped at the scene, the London police force said. No arrests were made. “There are a number of people

7 children, 2 adults hurt after car crashes into school in Wimbledon, not far from tennis tournament
World

Thousands party in Spain's Pamplona city as firework blast begins San Fermin bull-running festival

Tens of thousands of people packed the town hall square in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona on Thursday to celebrate the traditional “chupinazo” firework blast that starts the San Fermín bull-running festival. Nearly everyone, including many tourists, was dressed in the traditional garb of white trousers and shirt with red sash and neckerchief as they sang and shouted. As the rocket was fired, many doused each other with red or sparkling wine. The highlight of the nine-day festival is the early morning “encierros,” or bull runs, starting on Friday, when thousands of daredevils race to

Thousands party in Spain's Pamplona city as firework blast begins San Fermin bull-running festival
World

Israeli court acquits border police officer charged with killing autistic Palestinian man

An Israeli court on Thursday acquitted a border police officer who was charged with reckless manslaughter in the deadly shooting of an autistic Palestinian man in Jerusalem’s Old City three years ago. The Jerusalem district court ruled that the officer was acting in self defense when he shot and killed 32-year old Eyad Hallaq. The case has drawn comparisons to the police killing of George Floyd in the United States. The court described the incident as a tragic mistake, noting that the officer made a split-second decision in dangerous situation. Taking risks, the court said, “is an

Israeli court acquits border police officer charged with killing autistic Palestinian man
World

The death toll from a South Africa gas leak blamed on illegal gold processing has risen to 17

The death toll from a toxic gas leak that authorities blamed on an illegal gold processing operation in South Africa rose to 17, including three children, as police removed canisters from a community of closely packed shacks and sifted through evidence Thursday. The leak of what authorities said was a toxic nitrate gas happened Wednesday night in the informal Angelo settlement in Boksburg, a city on the eastern outskirts of Johannesburg. The three children who died were ages 1, 6 and 15, police said. At least 10 people were hospitalized, including a 2-month-old baby, two

The death toll from a South Africa gas leak blamed on illegal gold processing has risen to 17
World

Is MLB's pitch clock leading to better defense? Some players and coaches think so

The pitch clock may be bothering players as they step to the plate, but they like it a whole lot better once they put on their gloves and take the field. While the rule changes put in place this year to speed up the pace of play have garnered plenty of attention for how they’ve affected hitters and pitchers, some players and managers say the new guidelines also are positively impacting defense. The pitch clock in particular — an idea meant to make it easier for fans to stay focused on the field — may be keeping

Is MLB's pitch clock leading to better defense? Some players and coaches think so
World

No more free coffee on your birthday? Companies rein in customer rewards programs — here's why

Reward programs, including birthday freebies and discounts, have long been a way for brands to build loyalty and incentivize spending. But now some companies are becoming a bit more stingy — and customers are taking notice. Last fall, for example, many balked at Dunkin’s decision to stop offering a free drink on their birthday and instead give them triple loyalty points on their purchase. On June 1, Sephora started requiring a $25 minimum purchase for online customers looking to claim a free gift and 250 loyalty points during their birthday month. And Red Robin added a dine-in

No more free coffee on your birthday? Companies rein in customer rewards programs — here's why
World

Shell CEO calls it 'irresponsible' to cut oil production now

The head of global energy giant Shell says it would be “irresponsible” to cut oil and gas production at a time when the world economy is still dependent on fossil fuels. In an interview with the BBC released Thursday, Shell CEO Wael Sawan also refused to rule out moving the company’s headquarters and stock market listing from Britain to the United States. “The reality is, the energy system of today continues to desperately need oil and gas,” Sawan said. “And before we are able to let go of that, we need to make sure that we have

Shell CEO calls it 'irresponsible' to cut oil production now
World

Glitches in Japan's unpopular MyNumber digital ID cards draw a flood of complaints

The minister charged with an overhaul of Japan’s digitized system to assign a number to everyone living in the country has apologized, as doctors protested glitches with health insurance and local governments begged Thursday for clarity on how to handle the problems. The MyNumber, or “MaiNa” for short, system has clearly gone afoul. The government has ordered a total rechecking of MyNumber data, one by one, “mechanically,” as the digital agency put it. The goal is to complete it by the fall, which could be anytime from September to November. Local governments have to deal with much

Glitches in Japan's unpopular MyNumber digital ID cards draw a flood of complaints
World

Nigeria triggers national response plan for annual deadly floods; 14 states on alert

Nigeria’s government activated its national response plan ahead of what is expected to be another round of annual flooding related to climate change, putting several states on alert, authorities told The Associated Press on Thursday. Following floods last year that killed more than 600 people, the National Emergency Management Agency said it was preparing for another dangerous deluge. The agency requested support from the country’s air force and activated its offices to be ready to respond quickly across the country, spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel said. “As it is, the (flooding) outlook is still very gloomy, and we

Nigeria triggers national response plan for annual deadly floods; 14 states on alert
World

Climate talks chief urges oil producing states to slash emissions

The president of this year’s United Nations’ climate talks urged the oil and gas industry Thursday to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by or before 2050 in a speech to oil producing states. Speaking at a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna, Sultan al-Jaber urged members to invest heavily in renewables and work toward reducing planet-warming emissions from third parties, such as those released by suppliers or customers. He also encouraged nations to reach net zero methane emissions by 2030. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide

Climate talks chief urges oil producing states to slash emissions
World

UAE pledges $15 million to help rebuild occupied West Bank camp hard hit by Israeli offensive

The United Arab Emirates pledged Thursday to give $15 million to help rebuild the Jenin refugee camp after the most intense Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank in nearly two decades. The funding promise comes after the two-day offensive destroyed the camp’s narrow roads and alleyways. The operation, meant to crack down on Palestinian militants after a series of recent attacks on Israelis, sent thousands of people fleeing their homes. Twelve Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed in the fighting. The UAE’s state-run WAM news agency reported that the money would be

UAE pledges $15 million to help rebuild occupied West Bank camp hard hit by Israeli offensive
World

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visits China as part of efforts to sooth strained relations

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrived in Beijing on Thursday for meetings with Chinese leaders as part of efforts to revive relations that are strained by disputes about security, technology and other irritants. Yellen planned to focus on stabilizing the global economy and challenging Chinese support of Russia during its invasion of Ukraine, Treasury officials in Washington told reporters ahead of the trip. The secretary was due to meet with Chinese officials, American businesspeople and members of the public, according to Treasury officials. They gave no details, but said Yellen wouldn’t meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Yellen follows

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visits China as part of efforts to sooth strained relations
World

Wagner chief Prigozhin is in Russia, president of Belarus says

Russia’s mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is in St. Petersburg and his Wagner troops have remained at the camps where they had stayed before an abortive mutiny, the president of Belarus said Thursday. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko helped broker a deal for Prigozhin to his rebellion on June 24 in exchange for security guarantees for himself and his soldiers and permission to move to Belarus. After saying last week that Prigozhin was in Belarus, Lukashenko told international reporters Thursday that the mercenary chief is in St. Petersburg and Wagner troops still were at their camps. He did

Wagner chief Prigozhin is in Russia, president of Belarus says
World

Australian government distances itself from Donald Trump Jr.'s postponed tour

Australia’s center-left government distanced itself Thursday from the postponement of Donald Trump Jr.’s speaking tour in Australia. His promoters said the eldest son of the former U.S. president was deferring visits to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane because his Australian visa was only approved on Wednesday, 24 hours before he was to board a flight. “It seems America isn’t the only country that makes it difficult for the Trumps,” said Turning Point Australia, a local version of the U.S. conservative political organization. Some conservatives accuse Australia’s Labor Party administration of delaying Trump Jr.’s visa process. But Prime

Australian government distances itself from Donald Trump Jr.'s postponed tour
World

Top officials from Turkey and Sweden head to NATO to try to overcome membership concerns

Senior officials from Sweden and Turkey will gather at NATO headquarters on Thursday to examine Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s objections to the Nordic country joining the military alliance and to see what more, if anything, can be done to break the deadlock. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will lead the meeting, which will involve the countries’ foreign ministers, intelligence chiefs and national security advisers. Top officials from Finland, which joined NATO in April after itself addressing Turkish concerns, will also take part. Fearing for their security, Sweden and neighboring Finland ended their longstanding policy of military nonalignment

Top officials from Turkey and Sweden head to NATO to try to overcome membership concerns
World

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama celebrates 88th birthday

The Dalai Lama celebrated his 88th birthday on Thursday, as hundreds of his supporters and exiled Tibetans thronged his hillside Indian headquarters in Dharamsala. Artists played traditional welcome tunes as the Tibetan spiritual leader arrived in his open mobile van to preside over the celebrations in the courtyard of the Tsuglakhang Temple, which was festooned with Tibetan and Buddhist flags and portraits. “We are celebrating my 88th birthday but look at me, I look barely 50,” the Dalai Lama said, smiling. He has made the hillside town of Dharmsala his headquarters since fleeing from Tibet after

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama celebrates 88th birthday
World

Stock market today: Asian markets extend losses after Wall Street drifts lower

Shares slipped in Asia on Thursday after Wall Street drifted downward following a rally that sent it roaring 16% higher for the year so far. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropped 3% on heavy selling of Chinese banks shares after Goldman Sachs downgraded them citing concerns about the slowing economy and lenders’ exposures to debt. Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 1.7%. U.S. futures declined and oil prices were mixed. Share prices had soared recently amid signs the U.S. economy is stronger than had been feared, fending off recession so far despite high interest rates. Minutes from the Federal

Stock market today: Asian markets extend losses after Wall Street drifts lower
World

An EU mission in Gaza once represented hope. Today, it is a symbol of a sputtering Western vision

It’s been 16 years since the borders of the Gaza Strip slammed shut after Hamas militants seized control of the territory. The takeover forced the European Union to withdraw monitors who had been deployed at a Gaza border crossing to help the Palestinians prepare for independence. Yet the EU has regularly renewed funding for the unit since then, most recently late last month. The continued existence of the unit known as EUBAM is an extreme example of the West’s willingness to keep pumping hundreds of millions of dollars a year into the moribund vision of a two-state

An EU mission in Gaza once represented hope. Today, it is a symbol of a sputtering Western vision
World

Hong Kong changes law to slash directly elected council seats, undermining democratic challenges

Hong Kong lawmakers on Thursday passed an amendment to a law to eliminate most directly elected seats on local district councils, the last major political representative bodies chosen by the public, shutting down further democratic challenges in the city. The changes include slashing the proportion of directly elected seats in the municipal-level organization being from some 90% currently to just about 20% — even lower than the level when these bodies were first set up in the 1980s, when Hong Kong was ruled by Britain. The rest of the 470 seats will be filled by members

Hong Kong changes law to slash directly elected council seats, undermining democratic challenges
World

French justice is working overtime and the mood is stern after thousands of teen arrests

At 19, he was the oldest of the group of teens accused of lobbing Molotov cocktails at the police station of their suburban hometown. “Why?” the judge asked Riad, who was taken into custody after he was identified in video surveillance images of the group from June 29, the second night of nationwide unrest following the police shooting of another suburban teenager outside Paris. “For justice for Nahel,” Riad said. Slumped and slightly disheveled after five nights in jail, he said he didn’t know about the peaceful march organized by Nahel Merzouk’s family. He explained the

French justice is working overtime and the mood is stern after thousands of teen arrests
World

Relatives of El Paso Walmart shooting victims seek justice, saying they're down but not out

A brother who traveled more than 1,000 miles to confront his sister’s killer. An uncle of an orphaned 4-year-old whose parents died while shielding the boy from the spray of bullets. A wife whose husband was gunned down at her side while their 9-year-old granddaughter looked on. Nearly four years after a white gunman killed 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso in a racist attack that targeted Hispanic shoppers, relatives of the victims are packing a courtroom near the U.S.-Mexico border this week to see Patrick Crusius punished for one of the nation’s

Relatives of El Paso Walmart shooting victims seek justice, saying they're down but not out
World

Rights group reports allegations of dozens of abuses in critical minerals supply chains

A human rights advocacy group says it found allegations of dozens of labor and environmental abuses by Chinese-invested companies involved in mining or processing minerals used in renewable energy. The report released Thursday by the Business and Human Rights Resource Center in London says it found 102 cases of alleged abuses in all phases of using such minerals: from initial explorations and licensing to mining and processing. The report studied supply chains for nine minerals — cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, nickel, zinc, aluminum, chromium and the so-called rare earth elements. All are vital for high-tech products

Rights group reports allegations of dozens of abuses in critical minerals supply chains
World

Nevada secures $285M opioid settlement with Walgreens, bringing total settlements to $1 billion

The state of Nevada has reached a $285 million settlement with Walgreens regarding the pharmacy chain’s role in the opioid epidemic, the state’s top lawyer announced Wednesday. The last in a series of multiyear settlements with pharmaceutical companies, retailers and others, it pushes Nevada’s total anticipated payments stemming from opioid claims to $1.1 billion, state Attorney General Aaron Ford’s office said in a news release. Nevada is among numerous states that have reached settlements now totaling more than $50 billion nationwide. “When I first took office as attorney general, I made it clear that seeking justice

Nevada secures $285M opioid settlement with Walgreens, bringing total settlements to $1 billion
World

FIA not interested in early renegotiations of bedrock Formula One agreement, president tells AP

The head of the FIA says the motorsports governing body has no interest in signing an early renewal of its contract with Liberty Media and the 10 Formula One teams, who have stated their wish to sweeten the deal while the series is basking in global popularity. The eighth and current Concorde Agreement — which sets the rules and regulations for F1 as well as how television revenue and prize money is distributed — began in 2021 and runs through the 2025 season. In a May conference call with Wall Street analysts, the CEO of Liberty Media, which holds the

FIA not interested in early renegotiations of bedrock Formula One agreement, president tells AP

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