Another first-term Colorado state representative resigns, citing vitriol in Capitol

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Another first-term Colorado state representative resigns, citing vitriol in Capitol State Rep. Said Sharbini, a Brighton Democrat, is resigning just a year into his term, he said Monday — making him the second freshman lawmaker to quit this month.Sharbini cited the political “vitriol” at the Capitol and low pay for the long hours required of lawmakers. Legislators whose terms began in January, including Sharbini, receive about $43,000 a year.The job, while part-time, has demanding hours during the 120-day legislative session in the winter and spring, when the most visible work happens, often running late into the night and into weekends.“The compensation offered for the responsibilities and commitments of this role has not been commensurate with the cost of living and my family’s financial needs,” Sharbini, an attorney, wrote in his resignation letter, adding that financial strain is common among lawmakers. “… Representation is held by those with the means to sustain themselves, and that has quickly become something I can n...

Nathan MacKinnon’s turn driving Avalanche offense has him soaring up leaderboards

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Nathan MacKinnon’s turn driving Avalanche offense has him soaring up leaderboards The start of this Colorado Avalanche season can be broken into three segments, with each of the team’s world-class stars taking turns as the leading driver of a high-power offense.Mikko Rantanen led the Avalanche with eight goals and 17 points in the first 11 games. Cale Makar had 18 points in the next 10 games. Recently, it’s been Nathan MacKinnon’s turn.MacKinnon has seven goals and 19 points in the Avs’ past 10 games. He has at least one point in the past 15 games, which ties the longest streak of his career.The crescendo of his recent dominance arrived Sunday night, when MacKinnon had two goals and two assists in a 6-2 win against the San Jose Sharks.“I thought he was outstanding tonight,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said after the game. “I thought those guys had a rougher night (Saturday at Winnipeg). Fall behind early, kind of get on our heels right away. Our top guys can have a tendency when they know how the game started and (playing) fro...

Professional basketball player from L.A. arrested for murder

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Professional basketball player from L.A. arrested for murder A professional basketball player with the Sacramento Kings G League affiliate and his girlfriend have been arrested in the death of a woman whose remains were found earlier this month near Las Vegas, authorities said.Chance Comanche, 27, and Sakari Harnden, 19, face charges of murder and kidnapping in the killing of 23-year-old Marayna Rodgers, Las Vegas police announced Sunday.Rodgers was reported missing on Dec. 7 and her remains were later found in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, police said.Marayna Rodgers, 23, was last seen on Dec. 6, according to loved ones. (KLAS)Authorities have not released a cause of death or discussed a possible motive, but police said investigators suspected foul play and obtained evidence to arrest Harnden and Comanche.Comanche graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 2015 and played two seasons with the University of Arizona before entering the NBA draft. He went undrafted and signed a free-agent contract with the Portland Trail Blazers last Apri...

Cast your vote for the top L.A. news stories of 2023

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Cast your vote for the top L.A. news stories of 2023 From the "Hurriquake" to a destructive freeway fire, the biggest pro sports contract in history and everything in between - 2023 will be remembered for several major news events in the Los Angeles area. KTLA is asking viewers to vote for the most important and most impactful stories of the year. Voting is open now until Dec. 24. Mobile users tap here.

Stevi Lynch Critically Injured in Fiery Two-Vehicle Crash on Plumb Lane [Reno, NV]

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Stevi Lynch Critically Injured in Fiery Two-Vehicle Crash on Plumb Lane [Reno, NV] Woman Hospitalized after Fiery Two-Car Accident near Lake DriveRENO, NV (December 18, 2023) – Stevi Lynch and two others sustained injuries Wednesday morning in a fiery two-car collision at the 1500 block of Plumb Lane.Officers arrived around 6:15 a.m. on December 13th, near Hunter Lake Drive. Two vehicles collided in the area, and the circumstances are currently under investigation. Upon their arrival, first responders discovered one of the vehicles overturned on its roof, and on fire.All occupants in the overturned vehicle managed to extricate themselves from the wreckage. Lynch, one of the individuals involved, sustained serious burn and arm injuries and was promptly transported to UC Davis Medical Center by emergency medics.In response to the incident, authorities temporarily closed the roadway between Hunter Lake Drive and Sharon Way. The closure was lifted by 3:30 p.m.In an effort to cope with the challenges arising from the situation, Lynch’s loved ones initiated ...

Mimi Vuong: The Driving Visual Force Behind HXOUSE’s Global Impact

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Mimi Vuong: The Driving Visual Force Behind HXOUSE’s Global Impact In the selective world of celebrity panel talks and high-profile brand events, flawless execution is everything. That’s where Mimi Vuong thrives—the dynamic film director and editor rapidly making waves as the creative visionary bringing HXOUSE’s elevated programming that reaches millions worldwide.HXOUSE needs little introduction in creative circles. Co-founded by Oscar award nominee The Weeknd alongside XO and HXOUSE Creative Director Lamar Taylor, HXOUSE has become a launchpad for emerging talent. Their intensive incubator programs and star-studded panels put HXOUSE in a league of its own. When it came time to broadcast HXOUSE’s message, Vuong was the obvious visual creative to spearhead it.After being selected from thousands of applicants for the exclusive HXOUSE cohort, Vuong was tasked with bringing the brand’s vision to life. As lead director and editor, she masterminded the entire HXOUSE launch event experience. From lighting and camera work to post-product...

Breaking Waves: NEXT Boatworks Dennis Loebs and Ben Booth Spark Rowing Revolution

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Breaking Waves: NEXT Boatworks Dennis Loebs and Ben Booth Spark Rowing Revolution Exciting things are happening in the world of rowing. Exactly 132 years after rowing’s Olympic debut, a new rowing event, Beach Sprint rowing (a type of coastal rowing), will debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Viewers around the world can look forward to watching U.S. rowers battle the surf and battle the world’s top competitors. Equally exciting, Co-founders Ben Booth and Dennis Loebs of NEXT Boatworks have designed first-of-their-kind coastal boats for superior performance in Beach Sprinting that will not only help U.S. Olympians compete but launch a rowing revolution among rowers and non-rowers alike.Dennis explains, “We envision a world where people of all levels enjoy on-water rowing for fun, fitness, and recreation. NEXT Boatworks is designing boats that make it possible for anyone to get rowing and for 2028 Olympic Beach Sprint hopefuls to maximize their performance in the surf zone.”Traditional sliding seat row boats have been featured in the Olympics for over 10...

Juliera Releases Highly Anticipated Single “Ooh La La”

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Juliera Releases Highly Anticipated Single “Ooh La La” Nigerian-American artist Juliera has dropped off a new single, titled “Ooh La La”. The versatile artist’s fusion of vibrant Nigerian rhythms with American pop and R&B influences has garnered her momentum within music scenes in both countries. A cross-cultural symphony built upon a foundation of resilience and creative passion, Juliera’s musical output reflects rich, diverse musical influences and a knack for infectious, lively melodies. Her latest offering, “Ooh La La”, is a warm, lush pop-laced joint that captivates with airy vocals and cathartic percussion.“Ooh La La”‘s bright sound is built upon a vivid sonic tapestry of immersive, dreamy keys and  atmospheric vocals layered atop a crunchy, vital rhythm section. Shuffling, engaging drum lines and rich bass merge to form a hypnotic groove beneath her, as she dynamically builds her potent verses into a memorable hook. Bringing together elements of pop, R&B, Afropop, and ...

Letters: Capital gains | Carbon dividend | Vital tips

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Letters: Capital gains | Carbon dividend | Vital tips Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.Capital gains tax onhomes offsets Prop. 13Re: “Cut capital gains tax on home sales” (Page A6, Dec. 15).Capital gains taxes on the sale of a principal residence already include a $250,000 exclusion for individuals ($500,000 for couples). Perhaps it would be more fair to simply tax any gain above the current assessed property value used for taxes? That way, those who have benefited from Proposition 13 can pay a “true-up” for years of reduced property taxes when they finally sell their real estate.Since long-term California homeowners are accustomed to minimal increases in property taxes, the capital gains tax may seem unfair. When a real tax bill finally comes due, however, owners should remember the many years they have benefited from lower taxes they enjoyed while living in their home, not gripe about one “small” tax on their successful investment.Landon SterkSan JoseC...

49ers look to shore up run defense with NFL rushing leader Baltimore up next

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:29:50 GMT

49ers look to shore up run defense with NFL rushing leader Baltimore up next As satisfying as it was to wrap up the NFC West title a week after clinching a playoff berth, coach Kyle Shanahan and his staff were diving in to solutions for a leaky run defense that had previously been a strength.The Arizona Cardinals rushed for 234 yards, with the 49ers missing two key players in starting defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead. Those absences hurt, but weren’t the only reason Arizona was able to break loose in the run game.“I definitely think it hurt,” Shanahan told the local media Monday on a conference call.Making things more difficult was that Kalia Davis, who was sliding into the role of third tackle behind Javon Kinlaw and Kevin Givens, sustained a high ankle sprain and played only 13 snaps. That meant practice squad promotion T.Y. McGill needed to play 20 snaps.Yet it was more than just the interior defense, according to Shanahan.“I thought the biggest thing was the missed tackles, and our tracking angles on a couple of ...