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2 SoCal men arrested in $80M 'pig butchering' cryptocurrency scam

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

Three Southern California men, along with a fourth defendant, have been charged with conspiring to open shell companies and bank accounts to launder funds from victims caught in cryptocurrency investment scams, a practice known as “pig butchering,” federal authorities announced Thursday.  Two of the men, 36-year-old Alhambra resident Lu Zhang and 31-year-old Cypress resident Justin Walker were arrested by federal agents on Dec. 12, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California.  Federal authorities are currently searching for the other two men, 32-year-old Rosemead resident Joseph Wong and 40-year-old Naperville, Illinois resident Hailong Zhu. Pig butchering, a phrase derived from a foreign-language term used to describe the same fraudulent scheme, occurs when thieves con victims on dating service and social media platforms or through unsolicited calls pretending to be a wrong number into making business investments using ...

80s synth-pop pioneers back with new music, Anaheim show

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

Every generation naturally feels as if the music of their youth was the best era of them all. As more time elapses, however, it becomes harder to deny the oversized influence and enduring appeal of the 1980s.From arena-packing hard rock acts like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and Journey, to new wave pioneers The Cure, Duran Duran and U2, cassette-hoarding kids of the 80s never need to revisit the music from their childhood - because it never went away.Many of the top acts from that era are still enjoying heavy rotation on the radio and still packing venues across the U.S. and around the globe. Case in point: Depeche Mode’s recent four-night residency in Los Angeles (two nights at the Kia Forum and two nights at Crypto.com Arena).Carved into the Mount Rushmore of 1980s hits is “The Safety Dance” from Canadian synth-pop band Men Without Hats. This complex analog jam and its quirky video took the world by storm, landing at No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Chart and even inspiring a “Weird Al” ...

Terp Basel Brings California to Miami

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

Many of the biggest names in California cannabis converged on Terp Basel this past weekend and hit Miami Beach for the art show that inspired the name. Terp Basel was bigger than ever this year. The event took over a North Miami skatepark for four nights. The different themed evenings feature charity fundraisers, fashion shows and various wellness activities to wrap the weekend up on Sunday. One thing all those nights had in common was some of the best cannabis in town. A wide array of top flavors came to town for both Basels. All of those killers were impressed with what the cannabis culture of Miami had to offer. The best flower we saw on the trip grown in Florida came out of Preferred Gardens’ grow at The Flowery facility that Preferred’s owner and operator David Polley helped design. “Art Basel brings the weed scene from around the world,” Polley told L.A. Weekly. “The culture in the state of Florida, medical and street, is at an all-time high. Preferred Gardens has been receive...

Former Warriors champion Juan Toscano-Anderson is back in the NBA: report

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

Juan Toscano-Anderson, the former Warriors fan favorite, is joining the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.Toscano-Anderson, 30, most recently played for the Mexico City Capitanes in the G League, where he played 11 games this season. The Oakland native helped the Warriors win their most recent NBA title, in 2022.Per ESPN, Toscano-Anderson is signing a one-year deal with the Kings.Toscano-Anderson spent the first three years of his NBA career with the Warriors. He debuted as a 26-year-old rookie, initially earning a shot by impressing at a Santa Cruz Warriors tryout after beginning his professional career in Mexico.The power forward’s made-for-TV story and his rugged, energetic play style drew fans to him. He reached the finals of the 2022 NBA Dunk Contest, losing out to Obi Toppin.Related ArticlesGolden State Warriors | Warriors face potential franchise-altering questions after Draymond Green suspension, GM Dunleavy says Golden Stat...

Teen charged with plotting mass shooting at Ohio synagogue

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

By Rob Frehse, Kelly McCleary and Brynn Gingra | CNNA 13-year-old boy in Ohio is facing criminal charges after allegedly crafting “a detailed plan” for a mass shooting at a synagogue in September, according to an incident report and court documents obtained by CNN.The teen, whom authorities have not publicly identified, posted “a detailed plan to complete a mass shooting” at Temple Israel in Canton, the court documents state. The defendant posted the plan on the social media platform Discord, and when authorities notified public individuals and agencies and the school system, it caused “significant public alarm,” according to the documents.He allegedly planned to “burn and shoot up” the place of worship, according to a September 7 incident report from the Stark County Sheriff’s Office. The report states an FBI agent requested the support of the sheriff’s office in making contact with the suspect “in regards to threats to burn and shoot up” the synagogue. The partially redacted repor...

Letters: GOP waste | Leaving room | Maintain empathy | Vote Biden

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.Biden inquiry willwaste time, moneyRe: “Formal inquiry ordered for Biden” (Page A1, Dec. 14).Well, I see that the GOP is at it again. First, it was the Benghazi fiasco which wasted millions and more than a year, all spent for nothing. And now it will be more millions and many hours spent just to try and impeach the president because the Democrats did it to Donald Trump.But then the Democrats had evidence that Trump had broken the law and deserved it. The GOP has no evidence that the president did anything wrong. So they will waste money and time again, and the people of this great country will put them back into office. For what?You would think that we would get some smarts and send them packing — the sooner the better. But alas, that will never happen because too many people still believe Trump and his lies. It’s so sad.Robert KlingenbergAntiochSlogans leave roomfor peaceful solutionRe...

George McGinnis dies at 73; ABA and NBA star was an Indiana basketball legend

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

By Michael Marot | Associated PressINDIANAPOLIS — George McGinnis spent his teenage years sneaking into Pacers games at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.He finished his Hall of Fame career as one of the most popular, revered and decorated basketball players in Pacers history.The groundbreaking power forward, who captivated ABA and NBA fans with his one-handed jump shot, uncanny athleticism and pioneering spirit, died early Thursday. McGinnis was 73.The Indiana Pacers said he died following complications from a cardiac arrest suffered last week at his home. McGinnis also had struggled to walk in recent years after undergoing multiple back surgeries because of a hereditary condition.McGinnis was the consummate Hoosier, listening to high school games from the Hinkle Fieldhouse parking lot, relying on friendly ushers to introduce him to pro basketball and becoming a goodwill ambassador for his home state’s top sport.And it all started with one game in the late 1960s.“It was pro basketball ...

Teacher arrested after allegedly threatening Muslim student

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

By Dianne Gallagher | CNNA Georgia middle school teacher was arrested last week after multiple witnesses told authorities he threatened to behead a 13-year-old Muslim student who said the Israeli flag hanging in his classroom offended her.Benjamin Reese, a 51-year-old seventh grade teacher at Warner Robins Middle School, was arrested on charges of making terroristic threats and cruelty to children in the third degree, according to an incident report from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, which lists more than 20 witnesses.Reese was arrested on December 8 and records show he has since bonded out of jail. CNN has been unable to determine if he has an attorney who would comment on his behalf.In a statement, the Houston County School District said all employees are required to adhere to an educator’s code of ethics, and a violation or accusation of one would prompt an investigation.“While we are not able to discuss specific personnel matters, we can share that Mr. Reese has not been ...

PG&E gets OK to keep open Diablo Canyon nuclear plant: bills will jump

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

OAKLAND — PG&E has won approval to keep operating the aging Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in San Luis Obispo County, a decision that one group warns could trigger higher monthly bills.The five-member state Public Utilities Commission voted 3-0 to approve an extension of the operating license for the Diablo Canyon nuclear complex, perched near Avila Beach next to the Pacific Ocean. One commissioner was absent while another abstained.With the extension, PG&E will be able to keep operating Diablo Canyon’s reactors until at least 2030.Prior to the vote, the state PUC heard from numerous residents of California who urged the PUC to not approve the extension of the operating license.Those who spoke raised issues such as the age of the plant, the integrity of the containment chambers for the nuclear reactors, and the plant’s location near what one speaker called a “latticework” of earthquake faults.Several years ago, PG&E and the PUC determined that ...

Letters: Out of control | Municipal utility | Media ‘click bait’ | HSR debacle | Capital gains | Trump threat

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:28 GMT

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.Out of control PG&Emay need state takeoverRe: “PG&E seeking rate hike — again” (Page A1, Dec. 13).Regarding the latest PG&E rate hike, I have to ask: Who is paying for their cable-burying commercials if we aren’t? These have now been running for almost two years, over and over again, on multiple TV channels, often several times an hour. Why? What’s the purpose, if any, and who has approved such an enormous waste? Is there no oversight?Perhaps the only solution is for the state to take over PG&E since they can’t be left to themselves.Jorg AadahlSan MateoIt’s high time formunicipal utilityRe: “PG&E seeking rate hike — again” (Page A1, Dec. 13).PG&E is at it again. After gaining the CPUC’s approval last month for a 13% rate increase to take effect in January, they’re requesting another rate hike to take effect next March.The CPUC will undoubtedly roll ov...