Los Angeles Times - Top News

Ex-Miramonte teacher pleads not guilty to lewd acts with students

By Dalina Castellanos — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:07:00 PST

Former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Mark Berndt pleaded not guilty Tuesday to nearly two dozen counts of committing lewd acts with his students.

Former Marine pleads not guilty to killing 6, including homeless

By Nicole Santa Cruz — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:25:00 PST

A man accused of killing six people -- four homeless men and a mother and her son -- pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a Santa Ana courtroom.

Supreme Court will hear case on affirmative action at colleges

By David G. Savage — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:43:00 PST

The Supreme Court cast doubt Tuesday on the future of affirmative action at the nation’s colleges and universities, agreeing to hear an appeal from a white student in Texas who seeks an end to "racial preferences" in college admissions.

Afghans protest disposal of Muslim holy books at U.S. base

By Laura King — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:15:00 PST

REPORTING FROM KABUL, AFGHANISTAN -- An angry protest erupted outside a sprawling U.S.-run military installation on Tuesday after base personnel allegedly improperly disposed of religious materials, including Muslim holy books.

Second girl in L.A. drowning case remains on life support

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:43:00 PST

A 5-year-old girl remains on life support, the LAPD says, despite her father's stated intention to end those measures to keep her alive. Her mother is charged with her attempted drowning and the drowning of her 1-year-old sister.

A 5-year-old girl whose mother is charged with her attempted drowning and the drowning of her 1-year-old sister remains on life support at a Los Angeles hospital, Los Angeles police said Tuesday.

Surging gas prices threaten to derail economic recovery

By Don Lee and Matt Stevens, Los Angeles Times — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:47:00 PST

The average cost for regular gasoline in California has climbed past $4 a gallon, with prospects for even higher prices ahead. The recent dramatic increases nationally and statewide could hurt consumers and, in turn, the broader economy.

Just as the recovery is finally looking real, surging fuel prices are once again looming as a major threat to the financial health of U.S. consumers and the broader economy.

Lakers' dominance at home continues with 103-92 win over Portland

By Mike Bresnahan — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:15:00 PST

Kobe Bryant has 28 points and Andrew Bynum has 14 points and 19 rebounds as the Lakers roll past the Trail Blazers at Staples Center.

Strange team, the Lakers.

Eurozone ministers approve $170-billion bailout for Greece

By Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:17:00 PST

Greece's leaders welcome the package meant to help their nation avoid default, though it will bring a fresh round of austerity cuts.

Europe's ailing currency union approved its second bailout for Greece in less than two years, signing off on a $170-billion rescue package early Tuesday after weeks of bickering and rising ill feeling between Athens and other regional capitals.

Porn industry may boogie out of L.A. over condom law

By Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Producers weigh taking legal action or moving out of town when a Los Angeles measure requiring performers to wear condoms takes effect March 5.

For decades, the nation's pornographic film industry found a happy, largely accepting home in Los Angeles.

Supreme Court to decide on right to lie about military honors

By David G. Savage, Washington Bureau — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:41:00 PST

Justices will take up the case of Xavier Alvarez, who falsely told a California water board meeting that he had received the Medal of Honor.

Xavier Alvarez told of playing hockey for the Detroit Red Wings, marrying a Mexican starlet, piloting a helicopter in Vietnam and suffering gunshot wounds while rescuing the American ambassador during the Iran hostage crisis. All were lies.