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- The Daily Brief: Former LA County Employee Charged in Guthrie Ransom Scam, Kristen Stewart to Restore Historic Highland Theatre, and more.
The Daily Brief: Former LA County Employee Charged in Guthrie Ransom Scam, Kristen Stewart to Restore Historic Highland Theatre, and more.
Your daily update is here.
Good Afternoon! It’s Thursday, February 5.
Los Angeles saw sunny skies and mild temperatures on Thursday, with highs reaching 79°. Clouds and scattered showers are expected to arrive on Friday, when temperatures will peak around 70°.
Former LA County Employee Charged in Alleged Scam Targeting Nancy Guthrie’s Family
Federal prosecutors have charged former Los Angeles County employee Derrick Callella with attempting to scam the family of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie through a fake bitcoin ransom scheme. Authorities say Callella, who was previously accused in an overtime theft case, contacted relatives posing as a kidnapper before allegedly confessing to investigators. He is expected to make his initial court appearance in downtown Los Angeles as officials warn they will pursue anyone seeking to exploit the Guthrie family’s ordeal.

Kristen Stewart Buys and Plans Restoration of Historic Highland Theatre in Los Angeles
Kristen Stewart has purchased Los Angeles’ historic Highland Theatre, the long-standing 1925 movie palace she plans to restore into a vibrant community space for film and culture. The actor says the project is about more than saving a landmark. Her vision centers on reviving the shared moviegoing experience, supporting independent filmmakers and creating an inclusive cultural hub rooted in the spirit of classic cinema.
Senate Scrutiny of Netflix–Warner Bros. Merger Turns Into Political Clash
What was meant to be a focused Senate hearing on the antitrust implications of Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery instead veered into a broader political fight over media and culture. Lawmakers questioned Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos on competition, labor and market concentration, while partisan attacks over programming shifted attention away from the mechanics of the deal. With regulators now weighing whether the merger could reshape control of major intellectual property, theatrical distribution and creative leverage across Hollywood, the stakes for the industry remain significant.
More Than 100 Law Enforcement Officials Call for Independent Investigation of ICE Shootings
A bipartisan group of more than 100 current and former law enforcement officials is urging federal authorities to allow an independent investigation into two fatal ICE shootings in Minnesota that have stirred national debate. The coalition says it is not judging whether the use of force was justified, but argues that outside oversight and full transparency are essential to maintaining public trust, especially after concerns that state investigators were blocked from evidence and access.
7 Art Events and Exhibitions to See in Los Angeles This February
Los Angeles museums and cultural institutions are rolling out a packed slate of exhibitions and events this February, from Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo at the Academy Museum to major new showcases at LACMA, the Getty, MOCA and the Marciano Art Foundation. The month’s highlights explore everything from modern masters and photography tied to the Black Arts Movement to immersive performances and works on paper, offering Angelenos plenty of reasons to plan a museum day. Read more for the full guide.
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