Welcome to L.A. TACO’s daily news briefs, where we bring our loyal members, readers, and supporters the latest headlines about Los Angeles politics and culture. Stay informed and look closely.
-A California nun with a penchant for gambling was sentenced to a year in prison. Over the course of a decade, Mary Margaret Kreuper, 80, is accused of embezzling more than $800,000 from St. James Catholic School in Torrance, CA, where she worked as the school's principal. [The Guardian]
- ICE was reportedly spotted in Los Angeles ahead of the Super Bowl, raising concerns and evoking memories of that time rapper 21 Savage was arrested during the big game. Contrary to popular belief, experts say there is no correlation between the Super Bowl and an increase in human trafficking. [LAT]
-Rene “Ray” Ramirez, owner of Ray’s BBQ, passed away recently. He leaves behind a wife and three children. His untimely death was announced on Instagram and a GoFundMe has been set up in his name for support.
-A number of businesses, including two local bookstores have had their windows smashed in recently.
-Suspended Dodger, Trevor Bauer, will not face criminal charges stemming from a sexual assault allegation. However, the commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB) reserves the right to suspend the former star pitcher. Moment's after the district attorney declined to charge Bauer, MLB released a statement saying: "MLB’s investigation is ongoing, and we will comment further at the appropriate time.” [LAT]
-U.S. representative and mayoral candidate, Karen Bass, revealed her "public safety plan" on Tuesday. To the surprise of the Black Lives Matter movement, Bass' plan calls for the hiring of hundreds more Los Angeles police officers. [LAT]
-Once again, the State of California is lifting its indoor mask mandate next week (what's the worst that can happen, right?). Local health officials have indicated however that L.A. County will maintain stricter mask mandates for the foreseeable future. [KTLA]
-The son of a Mexican journalist was reportedly killed in Tijuana earlier this week. In total four journalists have been killed in Mexico since the new year. [SD Tribune]
-A former spokesperson for LA Mayor Eric Garcetti wants Garcetti charged with perjury for allegedly lying under oath repeatedly about his knowledge of sexual harassment claims against a former advisor. [LAT]
-LA County Sheriff's investigators are reportedly looking for a man who was allegedly involved in a shooting last month near Palmdale. [KTLA]
-Home and rent prices in Inglewood have "skyrocketed" since the Ram's moved to the city, pricing out longtime Black and brown residents. [LAT]
