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Today: January 22, 2025
Today: January 22, 2025
The Los Angeles Post

The Los Angeles Post

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World

UAE announces plans to invest $54B in energy and triple renewable sources

The United Arab Emirates plans to triple its supply of renewable energy and invest up to $54 billion over the next seven years to meet its growing energy demands. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s vice president and ruler of Dubai, announced the plans on Monday following a Cabinet meeting. They also include investments in low-emission hydrogen fuel and developing infrastructure for electric vehicles. He said the updated national energy strategy “aims to triple the contribution of renewable energy over the next seven years and invest 150 billion to 200 billion dirhams

UAE announces plans to invest $54B in energy and triple renewable sources
World

Miki Sudo successfully defends hot dog-eating title; stormy weather delays men's contest

Defending champion Miki Sudo forced down 39 1/2 hot dogs and buns to claim a ninth women’s title in Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, before stormy weather moved in and delayed the men’s competition. Sudo beat Mayoi Ebihara’s 33 1/2 hot dogs in 10 minutes Tuesday in a contest that appeared to be much closer until the final count was announced. The unofficial real-time counter showed the two women tied throughout much of the competition. A final count of plates settled the score. Sudo, 37, was disappointed in her winning total, which

Miki Sudo successfully defends hot dog-eating title; stormy weather delays men's contest
Political

Suspicious powder found at the White House when Biden was gone was cocaine, AP sources say

The White House was briefly evacuated Sunday evening while President Joe Biden was at Camp David after the Secret Service discovered suspicious powder in a common area of the West Wing, and a preliminary test showed the substance was cocaine, two law enforcement officials said Tuesday. Secret Service agents were doing routine rounds on Sunday when they found the white powder in an area accessible to tour groups, not in any particular West Wing office, the officials said. The officials were not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of

Suspicious powder found at the White House when Biden was gone was cocaine, AP sources say
World

UK mortgage rates spike to highest level since Truss tax plan spooked markets

Homeowners and renters in the U.K. faced further grim news Tuesday as mortgage rates hit levels not seen since unfunded tax cuts announced by the government last fall spooked investors. With the Bank of England raising interest rates to a 15-year high of 5% to battle high inflation, it’s natural for lenders to increase the cost of borrowing to consumers and businesses. But inflation is proving more stubborn than expected, and the bank is expected to keep hiking rates, potentially to 6%, a level not seen since 2001. That prospect is having a knock-on effect in the

UK mortgage rates spike to highest level since Truss tax plan spooked markets
World

UK police reopen partygate probe into lockdown-breaching Conservative 'jingle and mingle' bash

British police on Tuesday reopened an investigation into lockdown-breaching government parties after viewing video of Conservative Party staffers dancing and drinking at a 2020 Christmas soiree. The “jingle and mingle” party at Conservative headquarters was held when indoor social mixing was barred under rules imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The Metropolitan Police force said it also was looking into a gathering in Parliament on Dec. 8, 2020 reportedly attended by members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The announcement reopens investigations into “partygate” that the government had hoped were finished.

UK police reopen partygate probe into lockdown-breaching Conservative 'jingle and mingle' bash
Arts

Accuser says he told Kevin Spacey after crude advance, 'I don’t bat for that team'

A man who met Kevin Spacey in a pub says that at one point when they were alone during a night of heavy drinking with others, the actor kissed his neck twice and grabbed his crotch. The two-time Oscar winner looked panicked after he was pushed away and was told, “I am sorry, man, I don’t bat for that team,” the witness said. The man’s interview with police was played Tuesday for jurors in Spacey’s sexual assault trial in a London courtroom. Spacey, 63, has pleaded not guilty to a dozen charges that could send him to

Accuser says he told Kevin Spacey after crude advance, 'I don’t bat for that team'
World

One month into toe injury, Aaron Judge begins hitting off a tee but says he's unable to run

One month into his recovery from a torn ligament in his right toe, Aaron Judge has started hitting off a tee but said Tuesday he is still unable to run. “I got to be able to run,” Judge said before the Yankees continued a four-game series with the Orioles. “If I can run then I can play. Me running at 10 percent ain’t going to help anybody out there.” Judge said being able to put weight on his backfoot is the biggest factor in how fast he can return from an injury that is unusual for a baseball player. “Besides

One month into toe injury, Aaron Judge begins hitting off a tee but says he's unable to run
World

Wembanyama and Mbappé the big draws as Olympic soccer and basketball tickets go on sale

Fans hoping to watch major French stars like Victor Wembanyama and Kylian Mbappé play at next year’s Paris Olympics could drive up demand when more tickets go on sale Wednesday for four sports that will be staged far from the French capital. Fans worldwide will be able to buy tickets on a first-come, first-served basis for soccer, basketball, handball and sailing, which are all held regional venues at next year’s Summer Games. The prospect for French fans to watch wildly popular home favorites such as Wembanyama and Mbappé is sure to boost sales even though the Paris

Wembanyama and Mbappé the big draws as Olympic soccer and basketball tickets go on sale
World

Iowa man wins Fourth of July Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in Florida Keys

New York had its hot dog eating contest to celebrate Independence Day. But the Florida Keys had a sweeter alternative on Tuesday. The Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in Key West, where Key lime pie originated, was won by Joshua Mogle, a 38-year-old Altoona, Iowa, tire manufacturing manager. Mogle plunged face-first into a 9-inch pie smothered with whipped cream during the challenge, whose rules forbid contestants to use their hands. The gooey competition has become a subtropical substitute to Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. Mogle consumed the confection in three minutes

Iowa man wins Fourth of July Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in Florida Keys
World

MLB's Sarah Langs, who has ALS, honored at Yankees game on anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous speech

Sarah Langs tried on Lou Gehrig’s cap, a joyous moment and also a reminder of the link they share. Langs, a beloved member of the baseball community in her role as a reporter and producer at Major League Baseball Advanced Media, revealed last October she had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS. She was honored at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, the 84th anniversary of Gehrig’s famous “luckiest man on the face of the Earth” speech, along with six other women who have the disease. “I don’t think I’ve processed

MLB's Sarah Langs, who has ALS, honored at Yankees game on anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous speech
World

Revelers across the US brave heat and heavy downpours to celebrate Fourth of July

Revelers across the U.S. braved heat and heavy rain to take part in Fourth of July activities Tuesday — celebrating the nation’s founding with parades, fireworks and hot dog eating contests at a time of lingering political divisions and concerns about the country’s future. In Boston, people dodged raindrops to nab a coveted space on the grassy oval in front of the Hatch Shell along the Charles River ahead of the traditional Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Hundreds of thousands of partygoers typically line both sides of the river for the fireworks spectacular that follows a concert. At

Revelers across the US brave heat and heavy downpours to celebrate Fourth of July
World

Torres' 2-run homer and dash from first leads Yankees over Orioles 8-4

Gleyber Torres is exciting. He also is infuriating. He sparked the Yankees to an 8-4 Fourth of July win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, hitting a two-run homer in the first inning and scoring the go-ahead run from first base with a daring dash on Giancarlo Stanton’s fifth-inning single. Torres walked against Kyle Gibson (8-6) and was running on a full-count, two-out pitch when Stanton hit a three-hop single up the middle. Center fielder Cedric Mullins tossed the ball to second as Torres ran through third base coach Luis Rojas’ stop sign and slid headfirst across the plate without

Torres' 2-run homer and dash from first leads Yankees over Orioles 8-4
World

Injunction blocks Biden administration from working with social media firms about 'protected speech'

A judge on Tuesday prohibited several federal agencies and officials of the Biden administration from working with social media companies about “protected speech,” a decision called “a blow to censorship” by one of the Republican officials whose lawsuit prompted the ruling. U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty of Louisiana granted the injunction in response to a 2022 lawsuit brought by attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri. Their lawsuit alleged that the federal government overstepped in its efforts to convince social media companies to address postings that could result in vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic or affect elections. Doughty cited “substantial

Injunction blocks Biden administration from working with social media firms about 'protected speech'
World

Sergio Garcia misses out on British Open qualifying

Sergio Garcia will not play the British Open for the first time since 1997, failing to make it through local final qualifying that awarded 19 spots from four locations. Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace, who holds the Open record with a 62, advanced from their qualifier at Royal Cinque Ports. They joined Laurie Canter as the only regular roster players from LIV Golf to qualify. The British Open starts July 20 at Royal Liverpool. Garcia was among three LIV Golf players who qualified for the U.S. Open last month. Garcia tied for 27th.

Sergio Garcia misses out on British Open qualifying
World

Plan to demolish house where 4 University of Idaho students were slain prompts objections

Objections have been raised to demolishing the house where four University of Idaho students were killed last year, with members of three of the victims’ families signaling it should be preserved until after the trial of the man charged in the deaths. Shanon Gray, an attorney for the family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the stabbing victims, said the university is disregarding families’ requests that the home be left standing until after the trial of Bryan Kohberger, which is set to begin in October, the Idaho Statesman reported. The bodies of Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle

Plan to demolish house where 4 University of Idaho students were slain prompts objections
Political

Far-right figure ends divisive crowdfunding for police officer who shot boy, triggering riots

A French far-right figure behind a divisive, and hugely successful, crowdfunding campaign for the family of a police officer jailed in the killing of a 17-year-old that triggered riots around France announced on Tuesday that he’s closing the account which topped more than 1.5 million euros ($1.63 million). Criticism, and plans for lawsuits, have mounted around Jean Messiha’s Gofundme effort with claims that his real motive was to spread a message of hate and pit the far-right against residents of poor suburbs with a high rate of people of immigrant origin. Even Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has

Far-right figure ends divisive crowdfunding for police officer who shot boy, triggering riots
World

Rose Zhang is making everyone look in the US Women's Open at Pebble Beach

Rose Zhang set the women’s course at Pebble Beach and hardly anyone noticed outside of her local caddie, Stanford teammates and college golf enthusiasts. Ten months later, Zhang walked toward the 17th green at Pebble Beach with three amateurs in the U.S. Women’s Open and heads turned to look. And not just any heads. To her left were some three dozen U.S. Women’s Open champions who had posed for a group photo, several of them in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Had it been anyone else, laughs and chatter might have continued. Zhang made

Rose Zhang is making everyone look in the US Women's Open at Pebble Beach
World

Possible shark attacks prompt heightened patrols at New York's Long Island beaches

Two swimmers were apparently attacked by sharks off the shores of Long Island on Tuesday, a day after two others reported being attacked while enjoying the water at popular New York beaches. At least one beach delayed opening to holiday revelers Tuesday, after officials said drones spotted some 50 sand sharks that morning near a popular beach park. When the beach reopened, swimmers were advised to stay close to shore. “We want to make sure swimmers are safe,” Long Island State Parks Regional Director George Gorman told Newsday. The beach was closed once more after a

Possible shark attacks prompt heightened patrols at New York's Long Island beaches
World

Ohtani leaves Angels game with blister after giving up consecutive homers

Shohei Ohtani left the Los Angeles Angels’ game Tuesday against the San Diego Padres with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand. The two-way star exited after giving up consecutive home runs to Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth with none out in the sixth inning. The right-hander’s start had been pushed back a day due to a cracked fingernail. His velocity was down Tuesday, and he left trailing 5-1. Ohtani made the last out at the plate in the top of the sixth and it wasn’t immediately clear if he would remain in

Ohtani leaves Angels game with blister after giving up consecutive homers
World

Ohtani leaves Angels game with blister after giving up consecutive homers

Shohei Ohtani left the Los Angeles Angels’ game Tuesday against the San Diego Padres with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand. The two-way star exited after giving up consecutive home runs to Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth with none out in the sixth inning. The right-hander’s start had been pushed back a day due to a cracked fingernail. His velocity was down Tuesday, and he left trailing 5-1. Ohtani made the last out at the plate in the top of the sixth and it wasn’t immediately clear if he would remain in

Ohtani leaves Angels game with blister after giving up consecutive homers
Science

IAEA chief will visit Japan's tsunami-wrecked nuclear plant before radioactive water is released

The U.N. nuclear chief is to visit Japan’s tsunami-wrecked nuclear power plant Wednesday after the agency affirmed the safety of a contentious plan to release treated radioactive water into the sea. On his way to the Fukushima Daiichi plant, a highlight of his four-day Japan visit, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi will join government and utility officials to hear the concerns of mayors and fishing association leaders and to assure them of the plan’s safety. The IAEA, in its final report released Tuesday, concluded the plan to release the wastewater — which would be

IAEA chief will visit Japan's tsunami-wrecked nuclear plant before radioactive water is released
Arts

‘Smallville’ actor released from prison for role in sex-trafficking case tied to cult-like group

The television actor Allison Mack, who pleaded guilty for her role in a sex-trafficking case tied to the cult-like group NXIVM, has been released from a California prison, according to a government website. Mack, best known for her role as a young Superman’s close friend on “Smallville,” was sentenced to three years behind bars in 2021 after pleading guilty two years earlier to charges that she manipulated women into becoming sex slaves for NXIVM leader Keith Raniere. Online records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons said Mack, 40, was released Monday from a federal prison in Dublin, California, near

‘Smallville’ actor released from prison for role in sex-trafficking case tied to cult-like group
World

World swelters to unofficial hottest day on record

The entire planet sweltered to the unofficial hottest day in human recordkeeping July 3, according to University of Maine scientists at the Climate Reanalyzer project. High temperature records were surpassed July 3 and 4 in Quebec and northwestern Canada and Peru. Cities across the U.S. from Medford, Oregon to Tampa, Florida have been hovering at all-time highs, said Zack Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Beijing reported 9 straight days last week when the temperature exceeded 35 C (95 F). This global record is preliminary, pending approval from gold-standard climate measurement entities like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

World swelters to unofficial hottest day on record
World

Fry's hit in 10th ends Braves' winning streak; Cleveland beats Atlanta 6-5

David Fry had a game-ending hit and the Cleveland Guardians stopped the Atlanta Braves’ nine-game winning streak with a 6-5 victory in 10 innings Tuesday night. Fry drove an 0-1 pitch over the head of left fielder Eddie Rosario to score José Ramírez from third base. Braves closer Raisel Iglesias (3-3) intentionally walked Andrés Giménez, bringing Fry to the plate with two outs. Guardians center fielder Myles Straw threw out Sam Hilliard at the plate to keep the game tied in the top of the inning. Hilliard was the automatic runner and took third on a fly

Fry's hit in 10th ends Braves' winning streak; Cleveland beats Atlanta 6-5
World

Australian leader criticizes Hong Kong authorities over arrest warrants for activists in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday criticized Hong Kong authorities over their pursuit of two pro-democracy activists who live in Australia. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee said Tuesday that eight pro-democracy activists who now live in the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia will be pursued for life for alleged national security offenses, dismissing criticism that the move to have them arrested was a dangerous precedent. Albanese said his government was concerned and disappointed by Hong Kong authorities issuing arrest warrants for Australian citizen Kevin Yam and Australian permanent resident Ted Hui. “I am

Australian leader criticizes Hong Kong authorities over arrest warrants for activists in Australia

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