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Why rush hour isn't as bad in post-pandemic L.A.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

Traffic congestion in Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas is simply a way of life, but a new study finds that the usual rush hour traffic jams aren't as bad in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.The study, conducted by the University of North Carolina, found that, while traffic plunged to record lows during the height of the pandemic, overall traffic has returned to its pre-pandemic levels.But even with the same number of drivers on the road, rush hour traffic isn't as bad as it was prior to the pandemic. The 110 and 101 freeways are shown nearly empty on March 19, 2020, hours before California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an order to stay home to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. (Getty Images)The reason, researchers found, is that heavy traffic is being spread out throughout the day, rather than concentrated around specific times.The study utilized the thousands of California traffic sensors located on freeways and highways across the state, scouring data over a six-y...

Red panda cub, 1st born at San Diego Zoo in nearly 20 years, is named 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

A red panda born at the San Diego Zoo is seen in an undated photo. (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)A red panda cub born at the San Diego Zoo — the first since 2006 — has been named just in time for International Red Panda Day on Saturday.The 3-month-old cub will now be called Pavitra, which means “sacred” in Nepali, zoo officials said in a news release.She was born June 9 to parents Adira and Lucas.Red pandas are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species because of their dwindling population. Threats include habitat loss, global warming and degradation related to increased human encroachment, officials said.“San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance collaborates with multiple partners to identify unprotected red panda habitats, train teams to monitor the health of the forest and provide awareness-building workshops in communities in Nepal where red pandas live,” the news release read. “San Diego Zoo guests may be able to catch a...

Police investigate officer-involved shooting in South Los Angeles 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

The LAPD is investigating an officer-involved shooting in South Los Angeles Friday afternoon.It is unclear when the shooting was reported and what led up to it, but it occurred in the area of 32nd Street and Central Avenue, police said in a post on X, formally Twitter.It is unclear if anyone was shot, hospitalized or killed in the shooting.Streets in the area are expected to be impacted for several hours, police said.Check back for updates on this developing story.

Indulging in Mikia Aivaze’s Passion for Culinary Excellence: A Taste of Ferraro’s on the Hill

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

Step into Ferraro’s on the Hill, and you’re not just dining — you’re embarking on a journey through Mikia Aivaze’s lifelong love affair with food. As the man behind this Italian haven, Mikia has transformed Ferraro’s on the Hill into more than just a restaurant.From a young age, Mikia’s infatuation with the art of cooking was evident. He took over Ferraro’s on the Hillat just 18, changing Compton’s food scene forever. Yet, cooking was not merely a hobby for Mikia. “I believe in telling stories through my dishes,” he shares, his eyes lighting up with the excitement of a storyteller. Each plate that emerges from his kitchen carries the essence of his commitment and the stories he aims to convey.Mikia’s journey resonates deeply with those who savor the enchanting blend of passion and creativity that he infuses into every dish. “Food is about connection,” Mikia reflects. His creations deeply resonate with with...

Tory Lanez denied bail while appealing shooting conviction

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

By Lisa Respers France | CNNTory Lanez has lost an attempt to be free on appeal while he seeks to overturn his conviction for shooting Megan Thee Stallion.He was sentenced in August to 10 years in prison for the 2020 shooting of the “Savage” artist, who was his friend at the time.Lanez’s request for bail was denied on Thursday, with the judge citing his conviction for a “violent felony” and possible flight risk, according to Unite the People CEO and co-founder Ceasar McDowell, a nonprofit organization representing Lanez in his appeal.Lanez had pleaded not guilty to assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, according to prosecutors.But a jury found him guilty in December 2022.“Mr. Peterson’s case has been a challenging one from the beginning,” McDowell said in a statement to CNN. “Despite the hurdles we have faced, we firmly believe in his innocence and will continue to advocate for his...

Ashton Kutcher resigns from nonprofit board, admits ‘questioning victims’ in his glowing character letter for Danny Masterson

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

Ashton Kutcher has resigned as board chairman of Thorn, the anti-sex-trafficking organization he co-founded with his first wife Demi Moore, a week after the actor and his current wife, Mila Kunis, were publicly excoriated for writing glowing character letters for their friend Danny Masterson, after he had been convicted of two counts of rape.Kutcher, who also is a technology investor, submitted his resignation in a letter that was obtained by Time. Explaining his resignation, Kuctcher expressed regret for writing his letter for Masterson, his co-star on “That ’70s Show.” Kutcher called his letter for Masterson, before Masterson was sentenced Sept. 7 to 30 years to life in prison, an “error in judgement.”“Victims of sexual abuse have been historically silenced and the character statement I submitted is yet another painful instance of questioning victims who are brave enough to share their experiences,” Kutcher wrote in the resignation later. ...

Which companies in California emit the most pollution? A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk would force the list to be made public

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

In what is being described by environmental and industry groups as the most significant environmental legislation this year in Sacramento, state lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Gavin Newsom that would require corporations doing business in California add up how many tons of greenhouse gases they emit each year, and make the information public.The bill, the first of its kind in the nation, is being closely watched in other states and other countries.If Newsom signs it into law, the measure would require about 5,300 companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue — brand names from McDonalds to Walmart, Chevron to Home Depot — to issue the annual reports, verified by outside auditors, starting in 2026.The data could potentially be used by researchers, advocacy groups, media outlets and others to issue “biggest polluter” lists showing which companies emit the most carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases that scientists say are contributing to...

California issued $267 million in grants to fight organized retail theft. Oakland won’t see any of it

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

California leaders are throwing more than a quarter-billion dollars in state grants to more than four dozen state law enforcement agencies up and down the state to aid their fight against organized retail theft and other types of property crime.Oakland police won’t see a cent of it.In a stunning oversight, city officials failed to meet the deadline for submitting an application to the Board of State and Community Corrections. So they were not among the list of 34 police departments, seven sheriff’s offices and 13 district attorney’s offices that will be receiving about $267 million in state grants.According to city spokesperson Sean Maher, Oakland’s Economic & Workforce Development Department did not submit the application on time after Oakland police and community partners put it together.“Obviously, this outcome is unacceptable,” Maher said in a statement. “The city and department are reviewing everything that happened to ensure it doe...

DC prosecutors seek ‘narrow’ gag order over Trump’s attacks

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

By Eric Tucker | Associated PressWASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors in the case charging Donald Trump with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election are seeking an order that would restrict the former president from “inflammatory” and “intimidating” comments about witnesses, lawyers and the judge.Special counsel Jack Smith’s team said in a motion filed Friday that such a “narrow, well-defined” order was necessary to preserve the integrity of the case and to avoid prejudicing potential jurors.“Since the grand jury returned an indictment in this case, the defendant has repeatedly and widely disseminated public statements attacking the citizens of the District of Columbia, the Court, prosecutors, and prospective witnesses,” prosecutors wrote. “Through his statements, the defendant threatens to undermine the integrity of these proceedings and prejudice the jury pool.”They said Trump’s efforts to weaken faith...

Here’s how much it costs to see Ed Sheeran at Levi’s Stadium

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:15:51 GMT

(KRON) -- Levi's Stadium is set to host three of the Bay Area's biggest concerts in consecutive months. First, Taylor Swift drew a sold-out crowd in July. Then, another sold-out crowd dressed in silver to see Beyoncé in August. Ed Sheeran is the third concert to sell out the 49ers' stadium when he takes the stage Saturday night in Santa Clara. The show has sold out, according to official ticket distributor Ticketmaster. Sheeran is also expected to draw a bigger crowd than both Beyoncé and Swift, local officials say.Like most concerts and events, there is always a secondary market option for fans who weren't able to secure tickets initially. This is how much it will cost to see the 32-year-old English singer's concert. Cheapest ticket for one person*StubHub: $81 (Section 300)SeatGeek: $78 (Section 421)VividSeats: $84 (Section 420TickPick: $108 (Section 401)Seating chart for Ed Sheeran concert at Levi's Stadium (Ticketmaster)Cheapest ticket for group of two people*StubHub: $...