Skip to Content
Featured

Headlines: Florence Fruit Vendor Shot In Foot During Armed Robbery; Federal Indictment Targets La Eme in O.C.

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.

—An $18 million lawsuit settlement has been reached by the family of 32-year-old Monique Munoz, who was killed in the Sawtelle neighborhood when a speeding Lamborghini driven by the 17-year-old son of millionaire James Khuri ran a red light and slammed into her car. The ultimate reward could go as high as $25 million. [NBC]

—An armed man pistol-whipped the owner of the Tacos Arandas truck in Florence during an attempted robbery on Saturday night, shooting fruit and corn-vendor Pablo Briones in his foot when the neighboring business owner intervened. The suspect is believed to be a former customer. A GoFundMe is accepting donations for Briones' recovery. [KABC]

Everytable is partnering with The City of Los Angeles Department of Aging on the senior emergency meal program, delivering nutritious, ready-t0-eat meals to those 60 and over who are in need each week. [For Everytable/Instagram]

—L.A. has agreed to pay $300,000 to a protestor who was shot in the testicle by a police projectile during protests against police brutality following the 2020 murder of George Floyd. The victim has said the incident left him "permanently disfigured." [LAT]

—29-year-old Yovany Rodriguez was shot early Wednesday morning while driving in Florence, before crashing head-on into another car. [KABC]

—30 years after the L.A. Uprising, a new study shows many Angelenos don't feel race relations have improved at all in our city. [LAT]

National chain Taco John's is suing a local St. Cloud, Minnesota taqueria named Taco Chon, claiming the name is too similar. Hmmm? [KNSI Radio]

—Several alleged leaders of La Eme in Orange County have been named in a newly unsealed federal racketeering indictment. [My News LA]

—In refreshingly less depressing news, a baby giraffe is making its debut at the L.A. Zoo today. Yay! [NBC]

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Punk Bands Are Bailing on ‘Punk in the Park’ Over Founder’s Trump Donations

L.A. woman-fronted punk band, Naked Aggression, was the first band to pull out. L.A. TACO confirmed that N8NOFACE is also withdrawing from the festival taking place in Vallejo, California, as of this morning. Other bands, like 8 Kalacas, are doubling down and still performing.

February 18, 2026

DAILY MEMO: Communities and Lawmakers Start Preparing For ICE’s Next Move

Around Los Angeles and Orange County, ICE is still grabbing people who show up to their immigration appointments. ICE also has a big presence in the I.E. and San Bernardino County. Shake-ups and changes continue with DHS, and lawmakers in other states are trying to criminalize ICE observers while one in California is trying to protect them.

L.A.’s Nine Best Creole and Cajun Dishes, According to a Louisianan

Happy Mardi Gras season. Here’s where you can find some of the best gumbo, king cake, and étouffée in Los Angeles. Laissez les bon temps rouler.

February 17, 2026

Sunday Taquitos #15: Less Lethal Than What?

Sunday Taquitos! Art by Ivan Ehlers.

February 15, 2026

Thousands March on City Hall in Support of Iranian Crown Prince’s Global Day of Action

Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, has publicly supported and called for protests in Iran and abroad to support regime change against the Islamic Republic.

February 14, 2026
See all posts