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  • The Daily Brief: DOGE Staffer Quits After Racist Remarks, US Book Bans Are ‘Unprecedented,’ and more.

The Daily Brief: DOGE Staffer Quits After Racist Remarks, US Book Bans Are ‘Unprecedented,’ and more.

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Good Afternoon! It’s Friday, Feb 7.

With a high of 62°, we will have partly cloudy skies throughout the day in Los Angeles.

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DOGE Staffer Quits After Racist Social Media Posts Surface

Marko Elez, formerly of SpaceX, resigned from a government role at the Department of Government Efficiency after being linked to racist social media posts. With restricted access to sensitive Treasury systems, Elez stepped down following a revelation by The Wall Street Journal. A digital investigation traced a problematic online presence to Elez, displaying divisive views on ethnicity and global issues. The social media accounts, both current and archived, showed content supportive of Elon Musk and SpaceX while also containing inflammatory remarks. The controversy brought attention to DOGE's handling of employee conduct, prompting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to defend his team. The White House confirmed Elez's resignation after being contacted by journalists, marking a tense moment in the political sphere.

The Last Century of Fires, Floods and Destruction Bring on Disaster Déjà Vu

From fires to earthquakes and even the 1992 riots, Los Angeles has endured a century of challenges that tested its limits. Each disaster has prompted action, transforming the city into a model of resilience and adaptation. Witness L.A.'s journey through these pivotal moments of courage and reconstruction.

Former Interpreter Who Embezzled $17 Million from Dodger Slugger Shohei Ohtani Sentenced

Shohei Ohtani's trust was shattered when his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stole nearly $17 million to pay gambling debts. Mizuhara will serve over four years in prison and must repay the stolen money. Discover the shocking details of this complex betrayal and its repercussions for both Mizuhara and Ohtani.

Frieze Awards Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez the 2025 Los Angeles Impact Prize

Award-winning artist Victor Quiñonez uses his art to tell compelling stories of the immigrant experience. Explore his I.C.E. SCREAM series at the Frieze Los Angeles Fair from February 20-23, 2025.

Lakers Land Crucial Center Piece Mark Williams in Exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and Draft Picks

The Lakers' mid-season trade for Mark Williams from the Hornets shakes up their lineup for a strong playoff run. With rookies and draft picks traded, can Williams' impressive stats boost the team's performance?

James Sweeney 'Twinless': Sundance List 2025

Discover 'Twinless' by James Sweeney, a standout Sundance 2025 film that merges dark humor with poignant elements of grief. Learn about Sweeney's artistic journey and see why this film is turning heads.

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