Today: October 07, 2024
Today: October 07, 2024

Latest From The Los Angeles Post

Political

Trump's attack on 'filth and decay' in nation's capital just the latest in his personal feud with DC

Washington has never been a particularly friendly place for Donald Trump. And after pleading not guilty to federal charges that he had tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election, Trump was quick to show that the feeling was mutual. “It was also very sad driving through Washington, D.C., and seeing the filth and the decay and all of the broken buildings and walls and the graffiti,” he said on the tarmac of Reagan National Airport in Virginia, just a few miles away. “This is not the place that I left. It’s a very sad thing to see

Trump's attack on 'filth and decay' in nation's capital just the latest in his personal feud with DC
Political

Ohio election that revolves around abortion rights fueled by national groups, money

Supporters of a ballot question in Ohio that would make it harder to change the state constitution and could determine the fate of abortion rights there say a yes vote will provide a “defense against out-of-state meddling.” Opponents argue that a yes vote would give “special interests the winning advantage.” But an analysis of campaign finance data shows that as both sides lambast out-of-state interests, they are largely funded by such donors. Even outside of the official coalitions for and against the measure, money, celebrity and influence from afar are fueling much of the last-ditch campaigning

Ohio election that revolves around abortion rights fueled by national groups, money
Political

Indictment ignored, Trump barely a mention, as GOP candidates pitch Iowa voters to challenge him

Few even mentioned his name, and the new federal indictment he faces was completely ignored, as Republican candidates for president tried in Iowa Sunday to present themselves as Donald Trump alternatives. Over the course of two hours, seven GOP hopefuls took their turn on stage in front of about 800 party activists in the leadoff caucus state, all invited to speak at Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson’s fundraising barbecue at a Cedar Rapids racetrack. But in their pitches to challenge Trump for the 2024 nomination, it was as if his indictment Tuesday on federal charges accusing

Indictment ignored, Trump barely a mention, as GOP candidates pitch Iowa voters to challenge him
Political

Conservative groups sue to block Biden plan canceling $39 billion in student loans

Two conservative groups are asking a federal court to block the Biden administration’s plan to cancel $39 billion in student loans for more than 800,000 borrowers. In a lawsuit filed Friday in Michigan, the groups argue that the administration overstepped its power when it announced the forgiveness in July, just weeks after the Supreme Court struck down a broader cancellation plan pushed by President Joe Biden. It asks a judge to rule the cancellation illegal and stop the Education Department from carrying it out while the case is decided. The suit was filed by the New Civil Liberties Alliance on

Conservative groups sue to block Biden plan canceling $39 billion in student loans
Political

Pence, Trump attorney clash over what Trump told his VP ahead of Jan. 6, 2021

Donald Trump’s defense attorney says the former president never asked Mike Pence to overturn the will of the voters in the 2020 election, but only wanted the former vice president to “pause” the certification of votes to allow states to investigate his claims of election fraud. Those baseless claims had already been rejected by numerous courts. Speaking on several Sunday morning news shows, Trump attorney John Lauro said Trump was within his First Amendment rights when he petitioned Pence to delay the certification on Jan. 6, 2021. “The ultimate ask of Vice President Pence was to pause

Pence, Trump attorney clash over what Trump told his VP ahead of Jan. 6, 2021
Political

Vivek Ramaswamy's Hindu faith is front and center in his GOP presidential campaign

Vivek Ramaswamy is as comfortable talking about Bible stories as he is sharing the message of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most sacred Hindu texts. The 37-year-old biotech entrepreneur turned Republican presidential candidate has been steadily garnering support in a party dominated by conservative Christians. In many polls, he’s in third place behind former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and he is one of six candidates who have qualified for the first GOP presidential debate on Aug. 23. He is also only the nation’s second Hindu presidential candidate. Tulsi Gabbard, the former Hawaii congresswoman, ran as

Vivek Ramaswamy's Hindu faith is front and center in his GOP presidential campaign
Political

Veterans see historic expansion of benefits for toxic exposure as new law nears anniversary

Nicole Leger always thought of the burn pits at military bases in Afghanistan as more like campfires than health hazards. Ordered to dispose of sensitive documents, she would toss the paperwork into the flames while catching up with fellow soldiers, moments of quiet bonding that provided a respite from her riskier work as a hastily trained medic for the U.S. Army. “We really didn’t see that it was dangerous at the time,” she said. “It was just part of the mission. So we had to get it done.” But then her sinus problems began, only worsening after

Veterans see historic expansion of benefits for toxic exposure as new law nears anniversary
Political

McConnell is warmly embraced by Kentucky Republicans amid questions about his health

U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell received a rousing welcome from the party faithful Saturday at a high-profile home-state political gathering amid renewed scrutiny of his health after the 81-year-old lawmaker froze up midsentence during a recent Capitol Hill news conference. “This is my 28th Fancy Farm, and I want to assure you it’s not my last,” McConnell said at the top of his breakfast speech before the annual picnic that is the traditional jumping off point for the fall campaign season. It was his only reference, however vague, to his health. McConnell, who is widely

McConnell is warmly embraced by Kentucky Republicans amid questions about his health
Political

DeSantis steps up dire warning to GOP about distraction from Biden, amid Trump's latest indictment

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is increasingly urging Republicans to avoid the temptation to refight the 2020 election next year, even as former President Donald Trump remains the dominant favorite for the 2024 GOP nomination on a message of vindicating his defeat. Though DeSantis recently cast doubt on the false theories about the 2020 election at the heart of Trump’s federal indictment, DeSantis is saying in early-voting states that any focus except on defeating Democratic President Joe Biden would be dire for his party. “If that is the choice, we are going to win and we are

DeSantis steps up dire warning to GOP about distraction from Biden, amid Trump's latest indictment
Political

Trump and allies boost calls for Justice Dept. takeover in new attack on democratic institutions

In the two-and-a-half years since the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, Congress passed a bipartisan law closing loopholes in the complex process of choosing a new president that Donald Trump tried to exploit in his push to stay in office after losing the 2020 election. Candidates for crucial swing-state election posts who backed Trump’s push to overturn the 2020 election all lost their bids in last year’s elections. And, this week, federal prosecutors filed four felony charges against the former president for his role in the scheme to overturn President Joe Biden’s win. But while those avenues for

Trump and allies boost calls for Justice Dept. takeover in new attack on democratic institutions
Political

Justice Department faces biggest test in its history with election conspiracy case against Trump

When the Justice Department was announcing the highest-profile prosecution in its history in Washington, Attorney General Merrick Garland was 100 miles away, meeting with local police in Philadelphia. He stepped outside briefly to speak about how the decision to indict Donald Trump for conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election came from career prosecutors and was led by a special counsel committed to “accountability and independence.” In other words, this wasn’t about politics. Try as Garland might, though, there is no escaping the politics of the moment when the Justice Department of a president who is running for

Justice Department faces biggest test in its history with election conspiracy case against Trump
Political

Prosecutors ask judge to issue protective order after Trump post appearing to promise revenge

The Justice Department on Friday asked a federal judge overseeing the criminal case against former President Donald Trump in Washington to step in after he released a post online that appeared to promise revenge on anyone who goes after him. Prosecutors asked U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to issue a protective order in the case a day after Trump pleaded not guilty to charges of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss and block the peaceful transition of power. The order — which is different from a so-called “gag order” — would limit what information Trump and his legal

Prosecutors ask judge to issue protective order after Trump post appearing to promise revenge
Political

Trump boasts at Alabama fundraiser that he needs 'one more indictment to close out this election'

Former President Donald Trump, fresh off his third appearance in court as a criminal defendant, delivered a speech full of defiance and bluster on Friday night, insulting prosecutors and declaring that the charges he faces only help his 2024 presidential campaign. “Any time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls,” Trump said at a Republican Party dinner in Alabama. “We need one more indictment to close out this election. One more indictment, and this election is closed out. Nobody has even a chance.” Trump pleaded not guilty on Thursday to crimes related

Trump boasts at Alabama fundraiser that he needs 'one more indictment to close out this election'
Political

FDA approves first postpartum depression pill

Federal health officials have approved the first pill specifically intended to treat severe depression after childbirth, a condition that affects thousands of new mothers in the U.S. each year. The Food and Drug Administration on Friday granted approval of the drug, Zurzuvae, for adults experiencing severe depression related to childbirth or pregnancy. The pill is taken once a day for 14 days. “Having access to an oral medication will be a beneficial option for many of these women coping with extreme, and sometimes life-threatening, feelings,” said Dr. Tiffany Farchione, FDA’s director of psychiatric drugs, in a statement.

FDA approves first postpartum depression pill
Political

Supreme Court won't block a ruling favoring a Native American man cited for speeding in Tulsa

The Supreme Court on Friday left in place a lower court ruling that invalidated a speeding ticket against a Native American man in Tulsa, Oklahoma, because the city is located within the boundaries of an Indian reservation. The justices rejected an emergency appeal by Tulsa to block the ruling while the legal case continues. The order is the latest consequence of the high court’s landmark 2020 decision that found that much of eastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa, remains an Indian reservation. Justin Hooper, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, was cited for speeding in 2018 by Tulsa police

Supreme Court won't block a ruling favoring a Native American man cited for speeding in Tulsa
Political

Joe Biden's 'Buy America' policy on infrastructure projects leads to factory jobs in Wisconsin

Efforts by the Biden administration have been helping create new factory jobs as part of a push to bring high-speed internet to the whole country — jobs that coincidentally help to back up President Joe Biden’s messaging for the 2024 elections. Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Thursday that up to 200 new manufacturing jobs would be coming to the swing state of Wisconsin. The workers at the Sanmina factory in Kenosha County are to make parts for Nokia that help to connect customers to broadband internet. Nokia’s choice to move production to the U.S. came after

Joe Biden's 'Buy America' policy on infrastructure projects leads to factory jobs in Wisconsin
Political

North Carolina Rep. Manning's office says she has broken sternum after three-vehicle wreck

A North Carolina congresswoman injured in a serious automobile accident this week is recovering at home from a broken sternum and bone in her foot, her office said Friday. Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning and a staff member who was driving her Thursday morning to an event in her district in north-central North Carolina after a three-vehicle wreck. Another driver was cited. Manning and her aide were discharged Thursday from Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro. Manning’s office detailed the congresswoman’s injuries Friday and said she would keep working from home while she recovers. The

North Carolina Rep. Manning's office says she has broken sternum after three-vehicle wreck
Political

Pentagon warns of disruptions as Army, Marines both lack confirmed leaders for first time

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that troop readiness and retention is at risk as the Army’s chief stepped down Friday, leaving the military’s two ground combat forces without Senate-confirmed leaders for the first time in history. Speaking during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Austin said the Senate’s failure to confirm the services’ new leaders is disruptive to the force and could impact relationships with allies and partners around the globe. The confirmation of the next Army chief and Marine commandant are among more than 300 military nominations stalled by Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican,

Pentagon warns of disruptions as Army, Marines both lack confirmed leaders for first time
Political

GOP presidential hopeful Chris Christie says 'inhumanity' of war is palpable during visit to Ukraine

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has become the second 2024 Republican presidential hopeful to visit Ukraine, meeting Friday with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, touring ravaged villages and saying what he saw further impressed to him that the U.S. should continue to help the country fend off Russia’s attack. “I feel the cruelty, and you feel the inhumanity,” Christie said during his trip, which included stops in the villages of Bucha and Moshchun, both on the outskirts of Kyiv. “And you look at this, and I don’t think there’s anyone in our country who would

GOP presidential hopeful Chris Christie says 'inhumanity' of war is palpable during visit to Ukraine
Political

Major cases await as liberals exert control of Wisconsin Supreme Court

Conflicts on Wisconsin’s newly liberal controlled state Supreme Court spilled out publicly as the court majority flipped this week, setting the stage for deep divisions in the battleground state on major cases that could determine the legality of abortions and voting rules, as well as legislative boundary lines. Conservatives controlled the court for 15 years until Tuesday. Liberals will have the majority for at least the next two years. Under conservative control, the court upheld Republican-drawn maps in 2011 that helped the GOP increase its majorities, affirmed a state law that effectively ended collective bargaining for

Major cases await as liberals exert control of Wisconsin Supreme Court
Political

Mississippi governor ignores low-budget challengers in GOP primary, focusing on Democrat in November

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves barely acknowledges his two challengers in next week’s Republican primary — a clear indication that he expects to secure his party’s nomination. Reeves is already focusing his energy on defeating Brandon Presley, a utility regulator who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Reeves brings the power of incumbency, but Democrats are hoping the cousin of rock legend Elvis Presley can break Republicans’ 20-year hold on the governorship. Reeves’ Republican primary opponents, Dr. John Witcher and David Grady Hardigree, have never held public office. Reeves has won five statewide campaigns since 2003 —

Mississippi governor ignores low-budget challengers in GOP primary, focusing on Democrat in November
Political

Pence seizes on Trump's latest indictment as he looks to break through in crowded GOP field

As Donald Trump was being arraigned in Washington on yet another round of criminal charges, his running mate-turned-rival Mike Pence hurried to capitalize on the news. Pence’s campaign unveiled new T-shirts and baseball caps featuring the phrase “Too Honest” in big red letters — a reference to an episode in the indictment in which the former president called Pence to berate him over his refusal to go along with Trump’s scheme to overturn the 2020 election. “You’re too honest,” Trump allegedly scoffed at his second-in-command on New Year’s Day. Pence’s decision to seize on the words

Pence seizes on Trump's latest indictment as he looks to break through in crowded GOP field
Political

AP Election Brief | What to expect in Ohio's special election

The battle over abortion rights looms over an Ohio ballot measure that will be put to voters statewide on Tuesday. Known simply as Issue 1, the proposal would raise the threshold needed to amend the state’s constitution from a simple majority of the state’s voters to 60%. It would also increase the petitioning requirements to get a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. Although the text of the proposal does not specifically address abortion, the issue has quickly become a proxy for the nationwide debate over reproductive rights that was reignited last summer after the U.S. Supreme

AP Election Brief | What to expect in Ohio's special election
Political

Fall abortion battle propels huge early voter turnout for an Ohio special election next week

A hastily called summer special election over a Republican-pushed measure that would make it harder for Ohio voters to pass future constitutional amendments, including one on the November ballot to guarantee abortion rights, has driven off-the-charts early turnout before Tuesday’s final day of voting. Early turnout has been so heavy that some election offices are straining to manage the load and trying to recruit additional poll workers. “This is gubernatorial-level turnout,” said Regine Johnson, deputy director of the board of elections in Stark County. As of Thursday, the board was about 100 volunteers short of the

Fall abortion battle propels huge early voter turnout for an Ohio special election next week
Political

Japan's Kishida hopes to further strengthen strategic cooperation with US and South Korea at summit

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday he hopes to discuss further strengthening of three-way strategic cooperation with leaders of the United States and South Korea at a summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden at Camp David later this month. The Aug. 18 summit with Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first stand-alone summit among leaders of the three countries, not in connection with international meetings. The summit is also the latest sign of warming ties between Tokyo and Seoul. Both governments have moved to set aside decades-long tensions over wartime history,

Japan's Kishida hopes to further strengthen strategic cooperation with US and South Korea at summit

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