The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
Graham Platner Under Pressure to Drop Maine Senate Race, McConnell's Health Mystery, Rui Hachimura Joins Clippers, and Tom Sandoval Faces Abuse Allegations
Just one month after winning Maine's Democratic Senate primary, Graham Platner is facing growing calls to end his campaign. Last night, a woman who dated Platner went on CNN and accused him of raping her in 2021. Platner called those allegations "categorically false" and said he's taking time to reflect on the best path forward for his campaign.
Also, Senator Mitch McConnell is reportedly "continuing his recovery" after being hospitalized more than three weeks ago. Since then, his office hasn't said anything about the condition of his health, or when he's expected to return to the Capitol. The Senate returns from recess next week, but it's unclear if McConnell will be there. In the meantime, his team says he's receiving "excellent care."
Yesterday, Rui Hachimura inked a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing the Los Angeles Lakers free agency refresh. And, Tom Sandoval and ex-girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson are now accusing each other of abuse as dueling restraining order claims head to court.
Read more at https://LATimes.com
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The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
New York Pauses Data Center Construction Amid AI Boom, AI "Actor" Causes Hollywood Controversy, and Man Arrested for Vandalizing Waymo
The AI boom is fueling a race to build data centers across the United States. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul is hitting pause, becoming the first state to temporarily ban approvals for the largest of those projects. The executive order halts new permits for "hyper-scale" data centers that use over 50 megawatts of power for one year. And, AI-generated character Tilly Norwood is set to star in the feature film "Misaligned," reigniting debate across Hollywood over whether artificial intelligence can truly be considered an actor. Meanwhile, a man was arrested in East Hollywood after police say he climbed on top of a Waymo & vandalized it.
The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71; ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Housing Bill Quietly Becomes Law, and Flock Cameras Put on Pause
Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina, died on Saturday at 71 years old. According to the medical examiner, Graham died from an aortic dissection, a tear in the main artery. Graham served as a close advisor to President Trump. A fierce supporter of Ukraine and Israel, he pushed for more aggressive foreign policy measures. And for months, lawmakers called it a ‘once in a lifetime’ housing bill. Over the weekend, it quietly went into effect. The measure won't bring a single sweeping change; instead, it's a collection of 56 regulatory tweaks aimed at boosting the housing supply by lowering costs and encouraging more construction. It passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Meanwhile, the LAPD has suspended its use of Flock Safety's license plate reader cameras while officials work to address concerns over data privacy, security & information sharing. Finally, Conor McGregor's return to the Octagon ended just 69 seconds into UFC 329 after suffering a right knee injury against Max Holloway. UFC President Dana White says doctors believe McGregor may have torn his ACL. Read more at https://LATimes.com
The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times
Platner Suspends Senate Campaign, Trump Ordered to Pay Carroll $5.8M, Bonnie Tyler Dies at 75, and Former Charger, Marcellus Wiley, Denies Abuse Allegations
In Maine, Graham Platner is officially suspending his campaign for U.S. Senate after sexual assault allegations against him came to light this week. In an eleven-minute video posted to social media, Platner said his movement will continue, but that he can't carry the torch forward. Under Maine law, a political party can choose a new nominee when one steps aside, meaning Democrats have until July 27th to pick a replacement candidate for the general election in November. Also, a federal judge ordered President Trump to pay writer E. Jean Carroll the more than $5 million that he owes her. A Manhattan jury awarded Carroll the settlement over three years ago, after Trump was found liable of sexually assaulting and defaming her. And Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer behind one of the biggest power ballads of all time, has died at 75. Tyler's family said she died unexpectedly at a hospital in Portugal, where she was being treated for an illness. Best known for her 1983 hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," Tyler's distinct, raspy voice made the song a global phenomenon. Meanwhile, former Chargers star Marcellus Wiley is denying allegations made by his wife after she filed for divorce & obtained a temporary restraining order. Wiley says the claims are false & plans to fight them through the legal process. Finally, a new California bill would allow abused & neglected animals seized in cruelty cases to be placed in foster homes or with rescue groups while criminal cases move through the courts, helping reduce long shelter stays. Read more at https://LATimes.com
