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California lawmakers approve new taxes on guns, ammunition

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will have the chance to approve an excise tax on firearms and ammunition after Assembly Bill 28 was passed by Democrats Thursday. If signed, an 11% tax from the sales of firearms, firearm precursor parts and ammunition would be imposed on dealers and manufacturers beginning July 1, 2024. Money received by the measure would be used to fund various gun violence prevention, education, research and investigation programs, AB 28 states.The bill was introduced by Democrat Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel of District 46. The district represents parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.“We’ve passed a lot of good gun safety laws. The data shows that we have a lower gun death rate here in California than we do in other states. But this was one of the big things that was still out there," Gabriel told CalMatters. For the past 10 years, lawmakers had unsuccessfully pursued sales or excise taxes on guns and ammunition but failed half a dozen times, some of which never ...

California nearing decriminalization of mushrooms, other natural psychedelics

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

California is one step closer to decriminalizing the possession and use of psychedelic mushrooms, mescaline and dimethyltryptamine, commonly known as DMT or ayahuasca. On Thursday, Senate Bill 58 author Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced on X, formerly Twitter, that the bill has cleared both houses of the Legislature.Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Oct. 14 to sign or veto it, according to the Los Angeles Times.The decriminalization proposal was approved by lawmakers in part because it's limited to three plant-based psychedelics, the Times reported.Earlier iterations of the bill also included MDMA, which is also known as molly or ecstasy; ibogaine, a psychedelic that comes from the iboga plant of central Africa; and lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly called LSD or acid.The removal of those substances "eased some concerns among lawmakers, including a handful of Republicans who voted for the proposal," the Times reported.If Newsom signs the bill into law, people 21 and older w...

Woman stabbed at L.A. Red Lobster

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

LOS ANGELES - Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed at a Red Lobster restaurant in West Hills on Thursday night.Officers responded to reports of a stabbing on the 22800 block of Vanowen Street shortly before 7 p.m.Arriving officers found a woman in her 60s with stab wounds at the restaurant, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.The woman appeared to be conscious and was transported to a local hospital for treatment in an unknown condition.Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed as a Red Lobster in West Hills on Sept. 7, 2023. (TNLA)Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed as a Red Lobster in West Hills on Sept. 7, 2023. (KTLA)Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed as a Red Lobster in West Hills on Sept. 7, 2023. (KTLA)Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed as a Red Lobster in West Hills on Sept. 7, 2023. (KTLA)Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed as a Red Lobster in West Hills on Sept. 7, 2023. (KTLA)P...

Woman killed by suspected DUI driver while exiting parked car in Sylmar

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

A pedestrian was killed by an allegedly intoxicated driver in Sylmar Thursday night, officials said.At about 8:45 p.m. in the 14000 block of Foothill Boulevard, a Ford Fusion headed north on Foothill began to drift and hit a parked car, according to Officer Jader Chaves of the Los Angeles Police Department.The parked car contained a female driver and, until just before the crash, a female passenger, but that passenger had just exited the vehicle when it was struck, police said.The force of the impact flung the pedestrian, who police described as elderly, to the ground, and she died as a result of her injuries.The other woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but has since been released and is expected to fully recover.The Fusion continued north after the initial collision, striking multiple other vehicles.That driver, 33-year-old Juan Martinez, sustained minor injuries and was arrested on murder charges, said police, who have not identified the substance of which he was a...

Serial Long Beach arsonist remains at large after suspect released

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

Long Beach residents are continuing to live in fear after a man suspected of being a serial arsonist was released without being charged on Thursday.Police arrested the suspect on Wednesday, but L.A. County investigators now say they do not believe that man is the person behind the destructive fires.The series of vehicle fires began on Aug. 20 and occurred in an area between the Long Beach Convention Center and Camden Harbor View Apartments along Cedar Walk. Three of the five blazes took place in the apartment complex’s parking garage, causing extensive damage.Long Beach fire officials had previously described the arrested man as a person of interest and noted that he matched the description of a man seen in photos and videos near the fires.After that man was taken into custody, arson investigators released him, saying he was not the culprit behind the fires.The aftermath of a truck fire inside a Long Beach apartment complex parking structure is seen on Sept. 5, 2023. (KTLA) The...

Cher teases upcoming Christmas album: 'Are You Spending Christmas with Me?'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

Don't make plans this holiday season because Cher wants you to spend it with her. The 77-year-old icon shared the news to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday. "Are you spending Christmas with me? #cherchristmas" she posted to the social media site as she asked her almost four million followers. Nicki Minaj to host the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards The answer- a resounding yes with many overjoyed at the news. "Wake me up when September ends," posted one person. "Sorry Mariah, I'm with Cher this Christmas," another fan said. Mariah Carey, of course, has been said to be the Queen of Christmas due to her 1994 hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Jimmy Fallon slammed with toxic workplace allegations; TV host responds Cher's new album, which she has been cryptically teasing on her Twitter account, is said to include rare duets. For those expecting the music legend to sing the holiday classics, think again. "It’s not your mother’s Christmas album. It’s a Cher Christmas album, whatever t...

Nicki Minaj to host the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

MTV what's good?Nicki Minaj has been named the host of this year's MTV Video Music Awards. Early Friday morning, the network revealed the "Barbie World" rapper will not only perform at this year's awards show, but she'll also be the host. Shakira to receive the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards Nicki Minaj presents the award for favorite duo or group - pop/rock at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, on Nov. 22, 2015. ( by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, FIle)"Needed a performer and emcee for the 2023 #VMAs – AND @NICKIMINAJ SAID YES. Don’t miss her world premiere performance of 'Last Time I Saw You' during music’s most iconic night," MTV posted to X, formerly Twitter. "Last Time I Saw You" is her new single off her upcoming album "Pink Friday 2," which is set to drop on Nov. 17. Taylor Swift, SZA lead 2023 MTV Video Music Award nominations This isn't the first time she played emcee for the VMAs. Last year she co-hosted the ceremony alo...

Jorrick Battle, Connor Steyer Killed in Head-On Collision on Dallas North Tollway [Dallas, TX]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

Two Drivers Pronounced Dead after Wrong-Way Accident near Wycliff AvenueDALLAS, TX (September 8, 2023) – Saturday, Jorrick Battle and Connor Steyer were killed in a head-on collision on Dallas North Tollway.Authorities responded to the scene just before 4:35 a.m., near Wycliff Avenue on August 26th.Per reports, Steyer was driving a 2019 Mazda CX5 north on the southbound lanes of the freeway. There, the Mazda struck an oncoming 2017 Ford F-150 head-on.Due to the extent of injuries sustained, medics pronounced 27-year-old Steyer and the driver of the Ford, 55-year-old Battle, dead at the scene.Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties. Investigators say Steyer was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.Once available, more details will be provided.The team at Sweet James offers their warm and sincerest sympathies to the friends and families of Jorrick Battle and Connor Steyer. May you find comfort and strengt...

Kid Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash near Upper Drive [Corona, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

14-Year-Old Boy Hospitalized after Hit-and-Run Crash near Rimpau AvenueCORONA, CA (September 8, 2023) – Friday morning, a bicycle crash near Upper Drive left a teen injured.It occurred just before 8:30 a.m., on September 1st, when a 14-year-old bicyclist was struck by a vehicle.Upon investigation, the officers learned that the cyclist was on his way home from school. Furthermore, the driver immediately fled the scene without stopping to call for authorities.After the crash, the suspect was last seen headed westbound on Upper Drive.First responders transported the boy to the hospital with serious but stable injuries.Meanwhile, the officers released a description of the vehicle as an older model white SUV.No additional information was released and anyone with information is urged to call Officer Kevin Matty at 951-817-5764 or via email at [email protected] driver must stop and take certain actions when involved in a vehicle accident that results in property damage or in...

Nick Bosa officially signs contract, ‘so excited to be a Niner for life’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:42 GMT

SANTA CLARA — Nick Bosa proclaimed himself “a Niner for life” on Friday, after officially signing a five-year contract extension through the 2028 season.Bosa agreed to the historic contract Wednesday to become the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at $34 million a year. He was set to earn $17.9 million this season on his rookie contract’s final year, and the hotly negotiated extension reportedly is worth up to $170 million.Bosa and the 49ers will fly out after Friday’s practice to Pittsburgh for Sunday’s season opener against the Steelers.With quill pen in hand, Bosa signed his deal upstairs in the 49ers’ offices alongside general manager John Lynch, with Bosa then pandering to the team’s social-media cameras and saying: “Faithful, just signed. I’m so excited to be a Niner for life. Let’s go win as many rings as we can. Let’s go.”As the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Bosa turns 26 when the 49ers play at t...