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Today: April 09, 2025
Today: April 09, 2025
The Los Angeles Post

The Los Angeles Post

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World

This year's Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief

As hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims walked in the footsteps of the prophets beneath a sweltering sun, contracted cleaners in lime-green jumpsuits held out matching plastic bags to collect their empty water bottles. It takes tens of thousands of cleaners, security personnel, medics and others to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage possible for 1.8 million faithful from around the world. As the Hajj concludes on Friday, the workers will begin a massive, weeklong cleanup effort. For the cleaners, who are migrant workers, it’s a much-needed source of income. But this year it was particularly

This year's Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief
World

Executives urge Europe to rethink its world-leading AI rules

More than 150 company executives are urging the European Union to rethink the world’s most comprehensive rules for artificial intelligence, saying Friday that upcoming regulations will make it harder for companies in Europe to compete with rivals overseas, especially when it comes to the technology behind systems like ChatGPT. Officials at companies from French planemaker Airbus and carmaker Renault to Dutch beer giant Heineken signed an open letter to EU leaders saying the 27-nation bloc’s groundbreaking legislation may put shackles on the development of generative AI. That technology gives popular AI chatbots like ChatGPT the power to

Executives urge Europe to rethink its world-leading AI rules
Political

Visual misinformation is widespread on Facebook – and often undercounted by researchers

If your instincts say a lot of images on Facebook are misleading, you’re right. AP Photo/Jenny Kane How much misinformation is on Facebook? Several studies have found that the amount of misinformation on Facebook is low or that the problem has declined over time. This previous work, though, missed most of the story. We are a communications researcher, a media and public affairs researcher and a founder of a digital intelligence company. We conducted a study that shows that massive amounts of misinformation have been overlooked by other studies. The biggest source of misinformation on Facebook is not links to

Visual misinformation is widespread on Facebook – and often undercounted by researchers
Arts

3 myths about immigration in America

A family of Syrian refugees arrive at their new home in Bloomfield, Mich., in 2015. Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images The U.S. is – and long has been – a pluralistic society that contains large immigrant communities. Yet migration is an actively debated but poorly understood topic, and much of the conventional thinking and political rhetoric about migration are based on myths, rather than facts. For these reasons, migration policies and strategies for easing acculturation – which refers to the psychological process of assimilating to a new culture – usually end up being ineffective. I often work with immigrant populations in my

3 myths about immigration in America
World

An inflation gauge tracked by the Federal Reserve falls to its lowest point in 2 years

An inflation index that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve tumbled last month to its lowest level since April 2021, pulled down by lower gas prices and slower-rising food costs. At the same time, consumers barely increased their spending last month, boosting it just 0.1%, after a solid 0.6% gain in April. The inflation index showed that prices rose 3.8% in May from 12 months earlier, down sharply from a 4.4% year-over-year surge in April. And from April to May, prices ticked up just 0.1%. Still, last month’s progress in easing overall inflation was tempered by

An inflation gauge tracked by the Federal Reserve falls to its lowest point in 2 years
Environment

By 'helping' wild animals, you could end their freedom or even their lives – here's why you should keep your distance

An eastern box turtle crossing a rural Pennsylvania road. Julian Avery, CC BY-ND For anyone who enjoys nature, summer is a fascinating time to be outside. Animals are on the move: Turtles are nesting, baby birds are testing their wings, snakes are foraging and young mammals are emerging. In central Pennsylvania, where I live, last year’s hatchling painted turtles have overwintered in their nests and emerged looking like tiny helpless snacks for raccoons and ravens. I’ve already rescued a baby killdeer – a shorebird that nests in parking lots – that ran off the road and got stuck in a

By 'helping' wild animals, you could end their freedom or even their lives – here's why you should keep your distance
Political

From Stonewall to Pride, the fight for equal rights has been rooted in resistance led by Black transwomen

An unidentified participant in a New York City Pride March during the 1980s. Mariett Pathy Allen/Getty Images Its unclear who threw the first brick at Stonewall Inn on that night in New York City that arguably launched the gay rights liberation movement. As part of queer lore, Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transwoman at the forefront of gay liberation, or Sylvia Rivera, a Latina transwoman, was the first. But based on their accounts of that night of June 28, 1969, neither threw that first brick. Johnson admitted to arriving after the riots had started, and Rivera explained in an interview:

From Stonewall to Pride, the fight for equal rights has been rooted in resistance led by Black transwomen
Political

What Beijing's muted response to Wagner mutiny tells us about China-Russia relations – and what it doesn't

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping during happier times? Mikhail Tereshchenko/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP As mercenary troops bore down on Moscow on June 24, 2023, it likely wasn’t only Russian President Vladimir Putin and his governing elite in Russia who were looking on with concern. Over in China, too, there may have been some concerned faces. Throughout the war in Ukraine, Beijing has walked a balancing act of sorts – standing with Putin as an ally and providing an economic lifeline to Russia while trying to insulate China against the prospect of any instability in a neighboring country.

What Beijing's muted response to Wagner mutiny tells us about China-Russia relations – and what it doesn't
Health

Locally transmitted malaria in the US could be a harbinger of rising disease risk in a warming climate – 5 questions answered

Some evidence suggests that malaria mosquitoes are becoming resistant to insecticides. Paul Starosta/Stone via Getty Images The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on June 26, 2023, that five cases of locally transmitted malaria had been identified – four in Florida and one in Texas – since May 2023. These are the first cases of locally acquired mosquito-borne malaria in the U.S. since 2003. The Conversation spoke with Dr. Rajiv Chowdhury, a global health expert from Florida International University, about the significance of these cases and why they’re appearing now. 1. What is malaria and how did these people

Locally transmitted malaria in the US could be a harbinger of rising disease risk in a warming climate – 5 questions answered
Education

Military academies can still consider race in admissions, but the rest of the nation's colleges and universities cannot, court rules

A person protests outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on June 29, 2023. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana In a 6-3 ruling on Thursday, June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the use of race in college admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, outlawing the use of race in college admissions in general. The Conversation reached out to three legal scholars to explain what the decision means for students, colleges and universities, and ultimately the nation’s future. Kimberly Robinson, Professor of Law at the University of Virginia Writing for the majority in a case

Military academies can still consider race in admissions, but the rest of the nation's colleges and universities cannot, court rules
World

A week after an armed rebellion rattled Russia, key details about it are still shrouded in mystery

Did mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin have inside help from the military and political elite in his armed rebellion that rattled Russia? A week after the mutiny raised the most daunting challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s rule in over two decades, key details about the uprising are still unknown. Uncertainty also swirls around the fate of Prigozhin and his Wagner private military forces, along with the deal they got from the Kremlin, and what the future holds for the Russian defense minister they tried to oust. Finally, and perhaps the biggest unknown: Can Putin shore up the weaknesses revealed by the

A week after an armed rebellion rattled Russia, key details about it are still shrouded in mystery
World

South African president cleared of wrongdoing in scandal over $580,000 in cash stolen from his farm

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was cleared of wrongdoing Friday by a public watchdog over a scandal involving the theft of more than half a million dollars in U.S. currency that had been stashed in a sofa at his game farm. Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, whose office holds politicans to account, said Ramaphosa did not violate the ethics code for members of South Africa’s executive over the incident, which happened in 2020 but was only revealed publicly last year. The scandal was seen as the biggest callenge to Ramaphosa’s reputation and his leadership of Africa’s most

South African president cleared of wrongdoing in scandal over $580,000 in cash stolen from his farm
World

Vatican reports income boost in charitable fund, even as donations dip following financial scandals

The Vatican on Friday reported that a key charitable fund, Peter’s Pence, doubled its income in 2022 to 107 million euros, or more than $166 million, even as donations from the faithful dipped slightly following years of scandal over financial mismanagement at the Holy See. Overall, the Peter’s Pence fund, which finances the Vatican bureaucracy and the pope’s charitable projects around the world, ended 2022 with 11.5 million euros in surplus compared to an 18.4 million-euro deficit in 2021. That year, it only brought in 46.9 million euros in income, according to the financial statement. It’s the second year that

Vatican reports income boost in charitable fund, even as donations dip following financial scandals
Arts

Hollywood's actors may join its writers on strike. Here's why

Hollywood actors may be on the verge of joining screenwriters in what would be the first two-union strike in the industry in more than six decades, with huge consequences for film and television production. Here is a look at how it could play out, and why it’s happening. WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH ACTORS’ NEGOTIATIONS? The contract between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists and the studios, streaming services and production companies that employ them expires Friday night at midnight Pacific time. Unionized actors have voted overwhelmingly to authorize their leaders to call a

Hollywood's actors may join its writers on strike. Here's why
World

The key players in last weekend's armed rebellion in Russia

The key players in last weekend’s armed rebellion by Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin: YEVGENY PRIGOZHIN Prigozhin, 62, owed his position and his fortune to links with President Vladimir Putin. The former convict who became a St. Petersburg restaurateur was dubbed “Putin’s chef” for lucrative Kremlin catering contracts. He expanded into other areas and founded the Wagner Group — a private military contractor that was active in Syria and several African countries. The Kremlin relied on Wagner to help shore up its forces in Ukraine after the regular military suffered humiliating setbacks there. Wagner spearheaded attacks on the eastern Ukrainian

The key players in last weekend's armed rebellion in Russia
Health

Parents of transgender youth are suing to block Georgia's gender-affirming care ban

Parents of four transgender children have filed a lawsuit challenging a Georgia law set to take effect Saturday that bans most gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapies for transgender people under 18, their lawyers said. The lawsuit, which the lawyers said was filed Thursday night, asks a judge to immediately prevent enforcement of the law while the legal challenge plays out. The law passed along party lines this year by the Republican-majority General Assembly and signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp was hotly contested, with Democrats, parents and medical providers making impassioned arguments against it. Georgia is

Parents of transgender youth are suing to block Georgia's gender-affirming care ban
Political

The Supreme Court rules for a designer who doesn't want to make wedding websites for gay couples

In a defeat for gay rights, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority ruled Friday that a Christian graphic artist who wants to design wedding websites can refuse to work with same-sex couples. The court ruled 6-3 for designer Lorie Smith despite a Colorado law that bars discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender and other characteristics. Smith had argued that the law violates her free speech rights. Smith’s opponents warned that a win for her would allow a range of businesses to discriminate, refusing to serve Black, Jewish or Muslim customers, interracial or interfaith couples or immigrants. But

The Supreme Court rules for a designer who doesn't want to make wedding websites for gay couples
Arts

Alan Arkin, Oscar-winning 'Little Miss Sunshine' actor, dies at 89

Alan Arkin, the wry character actor who demonstrated his versatility in comedy and drama as he received four Academy Award nominations and won an Oscar in 2007 for “Little Miss Sunshine,” has died. He was 89. His sons Adam, Matthew and Anthony confirmed their father’s death through the actor’s publicist on Friday. “Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man,” they said in a statement. A member of Chicago’s famed Second City comedy troupe, Arkin was an immediate success in movies with the Cold War spoof “The Russians

Alan Arkin, Oscar-winning 'Little Miss Sunshine' actor, dies at 89
Political

The Supreme Court rejects Biden's plan to wipe away $400 billion in student loans

A sharply divided Supreme Court ruled Friday that the Biden administration overstepped its authority in trying to cancel or reduce student loans for millions of Americans. The 6-3 decision, with conservative justices in the majority, effectively killed the $400 billion plan, announced by President Joe Biden last year, and left borrowers on the hook for repayments that are expected to resume by late summer. The court held that the administration needs Congress’ endorsement before undertaking so costly a program. The majority rejected arguments that a bipartisan 2003 law dealing with student loans provided the authority Biden claimed.

The Supreme Court rejects Biden's plan to wipe away $400 billion in student loans
Political

How the Supreme Court student loan decision affects you

The Supreme Court has ruled the Biden administration overstepped its authority in trying to cancel or reduce student loan debt, effectively killing the $400 billion plan, which would have canceled up to $20,000 in federal student loans for 43 million people. Of those, 20 million would have had their remaining student debt erased completely. The court’s decision means, barring an act of Congress, those Americans are on the hook for payments starting in October. Still, borrowers who are worried about their budgets do have options. For instance, the government has other loan forgiveness programs that are

How the Supreme Court student loan decision affects you
World

Indiana Supreme Court upholds abortion ban, says state constitution gives only limited protections

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled Friday that the state’s abortion ban doesn’t violate the state constitution, removing a major hurdle to enforcing the ban Republicans approved last summer. The court’s decision overturns a county judge’s ruling that the ban likely violates the state constitution’s privacy protections, which she said are stronger than those found in the U.S. Constitution. That judge’s order has allowed abortions to continue in Indiana since September, despite the ban. An opinion from three of the court’s five justices said that while Indiana’s constitution provides some protection of abortion rights, the “General Assembly otherwise

Indiana Supreme Court upholds abortion ban, says state constitution gives only limited protections
Arts

Fox ushers out Geraldo Rivera with tribute as he says he was fired from 'The Five'

Fox News ushered Geraldo Rivera off the air with cake and balloons on Friday, while he left with a timely reminder that his journalism career was a product of affirmative action. Rivera said that Fox fired him from his regular perch on “The Five,” and that he decided to leave the network as a result. With his last two appearances on the afternoon political talk show apparently canceled, Rivera received a going-away party on the morning show “Fox & Friends,” where he generally delivered commentary once a week. “I feel very emotional and deeply moved,” Rivera

Fox ushers out Geraldo Rivera with tribute as he says he was fired from 'The Five'
World

As Mexican town mourns slain anti-gang leader, brother warns community would take up arms again

As people mourned the slain leader of an armed civilian defense movement, his younger brother warned Friday that he and others who fought with Hipólito Mora would take up arms again if the government does not provide swift justice. Mora, a beloved lime grower-turned-vigilante leader, inspires loyalty in the rural west of Michoacan state. And much as they did when he led an uprising a decade ago, residents feel abandoned by the government to the whims of multiple criminal organizations battling over the territory. “If the governor does nothing to get us justice in the

As Mexican town mourns slain anti-gang leader, brother warns community would take up arms again
World

Haze, heat and storms are affecting summer festivities in many parts of the U.S.

The nation’s midsection is heading into the July Fourth weekend and instead of enjoying the start of summer people are facing smoky haze, high temperatures and powerful derecho winds that knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of residents. Utility crews were scrambling Friday to restore electricity after a storm front moved across Illinois and Indiana on Thursday packing winds more than 70 miles (112 kilometers) an hour at times. The storm caused widespread damage to trees and buildings in the central parts of both states from the Mississippi River to the Indianapolis area. Utility companies faced

Haze, heat and storms are affecting summer festivities in many parts of the U.S.
Arts

Jermaine Dupri commemorates 50 years of hip-hop at Essence Festival of Culture

Known as a rapper, super producer and music mogul, Jermaine Dupri is astonished that 30 years have passed since he founded his label, So So Def. That milestone comes as Dupri leads a celebration of 50 years of hip-hop on Saturday at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. Missy Elliott, the first woman in hip-hop to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will headline the night inside the Superdome, but Dupri is curating a center stage segment that lets everyone know “The South Got Something To Say.” “Atlanta’s dominance in

Jermaine Dupri commemorates 50 years of hip-hop at Essence Festival of Culture

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