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  • The Daily Brief: Senator Alex Padilla Handcuffed, Predator Drones Over L.A. Protest, and more.

The Daily Brief: Senator Alex Padilla Handcuffed, Predator Drones Over L.A. Protest, and more.

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Good Afternoon! It’s Thursday, June 12.

Sunny skies returned to Los Angeles on Thursday with highs peaking at 77°. Friday will see even warmer weather with temperatures expected to peak at 81°, but clouds will accompany the high temperatures.

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Sen. Alex Padilla Cuffed by Federal Agents at DHS Presser in L.A.

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed by federal agents after attempting to ask a question during a press conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles. The incident, caught on video, has sparked national outrage and condemnation from Democratic leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Cory Booker, who called it an abuse of authority. Padilla, who was not arrested, later met privately with Noem.

DHS Confirms Use of Predator Drone Over L.A. Protests

The Department of Homeland Security posted aerial footage from a Predator drone flying over recent protests in Downtown Los Angeles, marking a rare domestic use of military-grade surveillance technology. The MQ-9 drone captured scenes of vandalism, fires, and chaos as DHS declared, “This is not calm. This is not peaceful.” The move has sparked intense backlash online, with critics questioning the growing use of surveillance in response to civil unrest.

Disney and Universal File Landmark Lawsuit Against AI Image Generator Midjourney

Disney and Universal have teamed up to sue AI company Midjourney, alleging the startup used copyrighted characters from franchises like Star Wars and The Simpsons without permission. The lawsuit marks the studios’ first major legal action against an AI firm and claims the image generator is profiting off stolen intellectual property. Both companies are demanding a jury trial.

LA County Slashes Summer Pool and Park Services Due to Budget Cuts

Facing a $22.2 million budget gap, LA County is shortening pool seasons, suspending popular programs like Parks After Dark, and closing regional parks two days a week. New vehicle and facility fees will also be introduced, while youth, senior, and core community programs remain intact.

Karen Read Retrial Nears Climax as Closing Arguments Set for Friday

After weeks of dramatic testimony and forensic debate, closing arguments in the Karen Read retrial are set for Friday. Read is accused of fatally striking her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV—but her defense argues she’s the victim of a police cover-up. The case, which has drawn national attention, will soon be in the hands of the jury.

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