The Los Angeles Post
California & Local U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: January 21, 2025
Today: January 21, 2025
The Los Angeles Post

The Los Angeles Post

Staff Writer

Latest From The Los Angeles Post

Political

Jan. 6 suspect arrested near Obama's Washington home had guns, machete in his van, feds say

A man arrested near former President Barack Obama’s Washington home on charges in the U.S. Capitol riot had two guns, 400 rounds of ammunition as well as a machete in his van, a federal prosecutor said Friday. Taylor Taranto, 37, was arrested Thursday after being spotted a few blocks from the former president’s home and chased by U.S. Secret Service agents. Court documents unsealed Friday show Taranto is charged with four misdemeanors related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. The Justice Department, during a hearing

Jan. 6 suspect arrested near Obama's Washington home had guns, machete in his van, feds say
Political

Jan. 6 suspect arrested near Obama's Washington home had guns, machete in his van, feds say

A man arrested near former President Barack Obama’s Washington home on charges in the U.S. Capitol riot had two guns, 400 rounds of ammunition as well as a machete in his van, a federal prosecutor said Friday. Taylor Taranto, 37, was arrested Thursday after being spotted a few blocks from the former president’s home and chased by U.S. Secret Service agents. Court documents unsealed Friday show Taranto is charged with four misdemeanors related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. The Justice Department, during a hearing

Jan. 6 suspect arrested near Obama's Washington home had guns, machete in his van, feds say
World

New Jersey governor considers 5-year extension of internet gambling

A bill to extend internet gambling in New Jersey for another five years is in the hands of Gov. Phil Murphy, following its approval Friday by the state Legislature. The measure was approved by the state Assembly and Senate with minimal opposition from lawmakers, and now goes to the Democratic governor for action. But the approval did little to dispel the mystery surrounding unexpected and unannounced changes made to the bill earlier this week that have rankled the Atlantic City casino industry. Internet gambling began in New Jersey 10 years ago. The original renewal bill would

New Jersey governor considers 5-year extension of internet gambling
World

Suspected gunman in Texas shooting that killed 5 neighbors indicted on capital murder charge

A man accused of killing five neighbors in Texas after some of them complained that gunfire was keeping a baby awake was indicted Friday on a capital murder charge that could carry the death penalty. Prosecutors said they do not yet know whether they will seek the death penalty against Francisco Oropeza, 38, who is a Mexican national and had been deported multiple times in the years prior to the April attack outside Houston. “I think it’s a little too early for us to make that call,” San Jacinto County District Attorney Todd Dillon said. Oropeza

Suspected gunman in Texas shooting that killed 5 neighbors indicted on capital murder charge
Science

Hungry ticks can use this static trick to land on you and your pets

Hungry ticks have some slick tricks. They can zoom through the air using static electricity to latch onto people, pets and other animals, new research shows. Humans and animals naturally pick up static charges as they go about their days. And those charges are enough to give ticks a boost to their next blood meal, according to a study published Friday in the journal Current Biology. While the distance is tiny, “it’s the equivalent of us jumping three or four flights of stairs in one go,” said study author Sam England, an ecologist now at Berlin’s

Hungry ticks can use this static trick to land on you and your pets
Arts

Witness fears industry retaliation for testimony in fatal shooting on Alec Baldwin production

Special prosecutors in the shooting death of a cinematographer on the set of the Alec Baldwin film “Rust” asked Friday to shield the name of a witness from public disclosure as they pursue charges against a movie weapons specialist. Prosecutors said in court filings that the witness is prepared to testify that film set armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed handed off a small bag of narcotics to the witness after returning from an interview at a police station. But they said the witness worries about being harassed by media and blacklisted by the industry. Gutierrez-Reed is fighting

Witness fears industry retaliation for testimony in fatal shooting on Alec Baldwin production
Health

Minnesota saw 20% jump in abortions last year, partly due to patients from restrictive states

Minnesota recorded a 20% jump in abortions in 2022, partly because more patients are traveling from states that have banned or limited the procedure since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, according to an annual report released Friday. The report by the Minnesota Department of Health said more than 16% of the 12,175 abortions performed last year involved women from elsewhere, with 1,714 patients traveling from states bordering Minnesota and 290 coming from distant ones such as Texas. That’s the highest proportion since at least 1980. And the number of abortions involving women

Minnesota saw 20% jump in abortions last year, partly due to patients from restrictive states
Political

Gubernatorial nominee's plans to attend rally spark Republican infighting in Kentucky

Republican infighting has erupted in Kentucky over gubernatorial nominee Daniel Cameron’s plans to attend a rally sponsored by an ex-rival who is now looking to challenge an incumbent GOP congressman next year. That congressman, Thomas Massie, bluntly said Friday it would be a mistake for Cameron to attend the September rally to be hosted by Eric Deters in northern Kentucky — a GOP-leaning region where Democrat Andy Beshear made crucial inroads four years ago in winning the governorship. Cameron, the state’s Republican attorney general, is trying to unseat Beshear in one of the nation’s most closely

Gubernatorial nominee's plans to attend rally spark Republican infighting in Kentucky
World

Wider than websites? LGBTQ+ advocates fear broader discrimination after Supreme Court ruling

A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing a Colorado Christian graphic artist to refuse to work with same-sex couples has LGBTQIA+ people across the country worried about just how far the consequences will reach. The high court’s conservative majority sided with Lorie Smith, a designer of wedding websites for heterosexual couples who argued that a ruling against her would force writers, painters, musicians and other artists to do work that is against their beliefs. Opponents warned that a win for Smith would allow a range of businesses to discriminate, refusing to serve Black, Jewish or Muslim customers, interracial or interfaith

Wider than websites? LGBTQ+ advocates fear broader discrimination after Supreme Court ruling
World

Draymond Green, Kuzma staying put as NBA free agency opens, sources tell AP

Kyle Kuzma doubled his salary in Washington, and Draymond Green ensured that Golden State’s championship core stays together. Free agency in the NBA got off to its traditional fast start on Friday night, with Kuzma agreeing to a $102 million, four-year deal with the Wizards and Green getting a new contract that’ll pay him $100 million over four seasons with the Warriors. Both of those deals — first reported by ESPN and subsequently confirmed to The Associated Press by people with knowledge of the negotiations — got done shortly after the 6 p.m. EDT time start to the offseason player

Draymond Green, Kuzma staying put as NBA free agency opens, sources tell AP
Political

Cambodia PM Hun Sen will shut down opposition on election day – even if he can no longer threaten voters on Facebook

Cambodian PM Hun Sen takes a selfie — but where will he post it now? Rang Xhhin Sothy/AFP via Getty Images Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen will no longer be able to use his Facebook page to air threats of violence against opposition supporters – but that doesn’t mean he can’t still suppress their vote as the country prepares for a general election. On June 30, 2023, the Facebook page of Hun Sen – who has ruled the country as leader of the Cambodian People’s Party for almost four decades – appeared to have been deleted. It wasn’t immediately clear

Cambodia PM Hun Sen will shut down opposition on election day – even if he can no longer threaten voters on Facebook
Education

Now that President Biden's student loan cancellation program has been canceled, here's what's next

The Supreme Court rejected President Joe Biden’s plan to eliminate $430 billion in student loan debt Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images The Supreme Court has struck down the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan. In Biden v. Nebraska, the court ruled 6-3 on June 30, 2023, that the secretary of education does not have the authority to forgive US$430 billion of student loans under the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act. That kills the president’s proposed plan to forgive up to $10,000 in student loans per borrower for those with incomes under $125,000 per year, or $250,000 per

Now that President Biden's student loan cancellation program has been canceled, here's what's next
World

Kyrie Irving agrees to stay with Mavs, Doncic on a $126 million, 3-year deal, AP source says

Kyrie Irving wants to run it back with Luka Doncic. The enigmatic guard and the Dallas Mavericks agreed Friday on a $126 million, three-year contract in the opening hour of NBA free agency, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because contracts can’t be signed until Thursday. Irving, who wouldn’t talk about his future during his partial season with Dallas and declined to meet with reporters after the season, appeared to reference his decision to return in a one-word tweet with “peace” and “love” emojis. The

Kyrie Irving agrees to stay with Mavs, Doncic on a $126 million, 3-year deal, AP source says
World

Kyrie Irving agrees to stay with Mavs, Doncic on a $126 million, 3-year deal, AP source says

Kyrie Irving wants to run it back with Luka Doncic. The enigmatic guard and the Dallas Mavericks agreed Friday on a $126 million, three-year contract in the opening hour of NBA free agency, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because contracts can’t be signed until Thursday. Irving, who wouldn’t talk about his future during his partial season with Dallas and declined to meet with reporters after the season, appeared to reference his decision to return in a one-word tweet with “peace” and “love” emojis. The

Kyrie Irving agrees to stay with Mavs, Doncic on a $126 million, 3-year deal, AP source says
World

Web designer in Supreme Court gay rights ruling cited client who denies making wedding site request

A Colorado web designer who the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday could refuse to make wedding websites for gay couples cited a request from a man who says he never asked to work with her. The request in dispute, from a person identified as “Stewart,” wasn’t the basis for the federal lawsuit filed preemptively seven years ago by web designer Lorie Smith, before she started making wedding websites. But as the case advanced, it was referenced by her attorneys when lawyers for the state of Colorado pressed Smith on whether she had sufficient grounds to sue. The

Web designer in Supreme Court gay rights ruling cited client who denies making wedding site request
World

Moore, Pendrith share the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under

Taylor Moore and Taylor Pendrith shared the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under Friday, hoping to hold off a veteran trying to end a victory drought and a promising young pro aiming for his first PGA Tour victory. Pendrith shot an 8-under 64 at Detroit Golf Club, one off the tournament record. Moore, who began the day tied with Monday qualifier Peter Kuest, had a 67 to match Pendrith at 13-under 131. Rickie Fowler (65) and former top-ranked amateur Ludvig Aberg (67) were a shot back after two straight solid rounds. The 34-year-old Fowler jumped into

Moore, Pendrith share the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under
World

Moore, Pendrith share the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under

Taylor Moore and Taylor Pendrith shared the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under Friday, hoping to hold off a veteran trying to end a victory drought and a promising young pro aiming for his first PGA Tour victory. Pendrith shot an 8-under 64 at Detroit Golf Club, one off the tournament record. Moore, who began the day tied with Monday qualifier Peter Kuest, had a 67 to match Pendrith at 13-under 131. Rickie Fowler (65) and former top-ranked amateur Ludvig Aberg (67) were a shot back after two straight solid rounds. The 34-year-old Fowler jumped into

Moore, Pendrith share the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under
Arts

Yellen addresses Essence Festival crowd, discusses economy, efforts to enfold minority communities

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday touted the Biden administration’s efforts to build a “fairer economy.” “I strongly believe that our racial equity work is not just the morally right thing to do. It’s in the best economic interests of our entire country,” Yellen told a crowd gathered for the Global Black Economic Forum held at this year’s Essence Festival of Culture. Yellen, the first treasury secretary to attend and speak at the festival, was warmly greeted by the mostly Black audience. “I appreciate all of you for being here today — and for taking

Yellen addresses Essence Festival crowd, discusses economy, efforts to enfold minority communities
World

65-year-old Bernhard Langer leads US Senior Open at difficult SentryWorld

Bernhard Langer has been able to avoid most of the trouble at SentryWorld in the U.S. Senior Open. He still was far from unscathed Friday in a 3-under 68 that gave him the second-round lead. “Believe it or not, I had two three-putts and a hit a sand wedge from the middle of the fairway into the water hazard, which is painful when you think about that from 100 yards,” the 65-year-old German star said after his morning round. Langer had six birdies and three bogeys a day after having a birdie and a bogey

65-year-old Bernhard Langer leads US Senior Open at difficult SentryWorld
World

Judge awards Black church $1 million after BLM banner burned by Proud Boys during protest

A judge on Friday awarded more than $1 million to a Black church in downtown Washington, D.C. that sued the far-right Proud Boys for tearing down and burning a Black Lives Matter banner during a 2020 protest. Superior Court Associated Judge Neal A. Kravitz also barred the extremist group and its leaders from coming near the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church or making threats or defamatory remarks against the church or its pastor for five years. The ruling was a default judgment issued after the defendants failed to show up in court to fight the case. Two

Judge awards Black church $1 million after BLM banner burned by Proud Boys during protest
World

Passengers were stuck because United Airlines canceled their flights. The CEO took a private plane

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby apologized Friday for hopping on a private plane to get out of the New York area earlier this week while thousands of United passengers were stranded because the airline canceled so many flights. “Taking a private jet was the wrong decision because it was insensitive to our customers who were waiting to get home,” Kirby said in a statement issued by the airline. “I sincerely apologize to our customers and our team members who have been working around-the-clock for several days — often through severe weather — to take care of our customers.” Kirby concluded

Passengers were stuck because United Airlines canceled their flights. The CEO took a private plane
World

Bittersweet reunion: Fletcher brothers face each other for first time in majors after father's death

David and Dominic Fletcher got to play against each other for the first time in a major league game. Fittingly, it came at a stadium where they had watched plenty of games while growing up. Unfortunately, the Fletcher brothers biggest fan was not in attendance Friday night when David’s Los Angeles Angels hosted Dominic’s Arizona Diamondbacks at Angel Stadium. Their father, Tim, died suddenly earlier this month. He was 60. “This would have been one of his proudest moments,” Dominic Fletcher said. “Every night he turned on the TV and had both of our games going

Bittersweet reunion: Fletcher brothers face each other for first time in majors after father's death
World

Shooting in France shows US is not alone in struggles with racism, police brutality

A police killing caught on video. Protests and rioting fueled by long-simmering tensions over law enforcement treatment of minorities. Demands for accountability. The events in France following the death of a 17-year-old shot by police in a Paris suburb are drawing parallels to the racial reckoning in the U.S. spurred by the killings of George Floyd and other people of color at the hands of law enforcement. Despite the differences between the two countries’ cultures, police forces and communities, the shooting in France and the outcry that erupted there this week laid bare how the U.S. is not alone in

Shooting in France shows US is not alone in struggles with racism, police brutality
Health

Morning-after pill vending machines gain popularity on college campuses post-Roe

Need Plan B? Tap your credit card and enter B6. Since last November, a library at the University of Washington has featured a different kind of vending machine, one that’s become more popular on campuses around the country since the U.S. Supreme Court ended constitutional protections for abortion last year. It’s stocked with ibuprofen, pregnancy tests and the morning-after pill. With some states enacting abortion bans and others enshrining protections and expanding access to birth control, the machines are part of a push on college campuses to ensure emergency contraceptives are cheap, discreet and widely available. There

Morning-after pill vending machines gain popularity on college campuses post-Roe
World

Ohtani hits the longest home run of his MLB career (493 feet) to reach 30 this season

Shohei Ohtani hit a 493-foot home run Friday night — the longest of his major league career — to become the ninth player to reach 30 homers in a season by July 1. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way superstar drove a slider from Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Tommy Henry to right field in the sixth inning to get the Angels within 5-1. It was the longest home run in the majors this year. Ohtani became the first player since Baltimore’s Chris Davis in 2013 to hit 30 homers by the end of June. Davis had 31. Babe

Ohtani hits the longest home run of his MLB career (493 feet) to reach 30 this season

Follow