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Today: July 12, 2025
Today: July 12, 2025
Rebekah Ludman

Rebekah Ludman

Staff Writer

Rebekah is a digital content editor with the Los Angeles Post. She graduated from Emerson College with her Master’s degree in Journalism. She previously completed a digital content producer fellowship at KNX News, a reporting fellowship covering Los Angeles at KCRW, and reported on crime and public safety for the Chico Enterprise-Record. Rebekah covers breaking news in and around Los Angeles and creates digital content for the L.A. Post. She loves to spend her free time creating memories with family and friends, reading, baking, and gardening.

Latest From Rebekah Ludman

Local|Crime|News

$20K reward offered in fatal Compton shooting of mother, daughter

A $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for a fatal drive-by shooting of a 45-year-old woman and her 22-year-old daughter in Compton was established Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.  La’von Hall and her daughter, Ma’Laysia Martin, were shot on April 1 around 7 p.m. at Caldwell Street and Central Avenue, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies found Hall in the street and Martin in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Hall and Martin were both pronounced dead at the scene.  The women were in their

$20K reward offered in fatal Compton shooting of mother, daughter
News|Entertainment|Local

Green Day's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiled

Rock band Green Day’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled Thursday morning for a career that includes selling over 75 million records. “Thank you to all of our fans that bought our records and come to our shows,” frontman Billie Joe Armstrong told the crowd at the event. “We love you guys so much.” Rob Cavallo, who has produced several of Green Day’s records, and Ryan Reynolds, an actor, joined Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool at the ceremony at 6212 Hollywood Blvd. The ceremony came 12 days after the band headlined Coachella both weekends.  Green Day’s

Green Day's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiled
News|Local

Luke Doncic donates $5K for Kobe, Gianna Bryant mural restoration

A mural of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in downtown Los Angeles has been vandalized over the weekend.  Lakers star Luka Doncic has donated $5,000 for the restoration of the “Mambas Forever” mural Tuesday. The graffiti is covering most of the mural.  It is located on the side of a building at the corner of 14th and Main streets in downtown L.A. “Mambas Forever” was created by artist Sloe Motions, whose real name is Louie Palsino. The mural was one of the first pieces of art created after the death of Bryant and Gianna in a 2020 Calabasas helicopter

Luke Doncic donates $5K for Kobe, Gianna Bryant mural restoration
Local|News|Political

Trump admin pursues immigration charges in fatal crash case

President Donald Trump’s newly appointed chief federal prosecutor in Los Angeles announced plans to pursue immigration charges against a man who could be released from state prison after serving approximately three years for a fatal 2021 crash that killed a young couple. Bill Essayli, who was sworn in this month as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, highlighted the case amid reports the driver could be freed after serving less than half of his 10-year sentence for vehicular manslaughter. “If the State of California will not seek the full measure of justice against this individual, [the Justice Department]

Trump admin pursues immigration charges in fatal crash case
News|World

Pope Francis' funeral scheduled to be held Saturday

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, died at the Vatican Monday at the age of 88. He suffered a stroke and heart failure, according to the Vatican.  His funeral has been scheduled to happen at 10 a.m. local time Saturday in front of St. Peter’s Basilica as people around the world mourn Francis’ death. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who was born in Ireland and became a naturalized American citizen, is the acting head of the Vatican until a new pope is selected. He sealed the Papal Apartment of the Apostolic Palace – the traditional residence of the pope –

Pope Francis' funeral scheduled to be held Saturday
News|World

What happens after Pope Francis' death?

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, died at 88-years-old at the Vatican Monday. This is the beginning of a period of mourning, which will eventually lead to the selection of his successor.  There is a set of rules in place from the Vatican to govern the papal transition. The traditional process starts with cardinals – who are senior officials appointed by the pope – from around the world going to the Vatican to gather for the conclave.  All of the cardinals who are eligible to vote – those who are under the age of 80 – gather to

What happens after Pope Francis' death?
Local|News

Demonstrators gather at UCLA amid reports of student detained by CPB

A University of California, Los Angeles student is in custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Friday and people have rallied on campus to demand the release of the student.  The international graduate student was detained when attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, according to UCLA reports. Protesters gathered on campus Thursday to draw attention to the student’s detainment.  “The student remains in the custody of CBP and we are actively working to learn more information,” Mary Osaka, UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications, said in a statement. “Our international students are an essential part of our Bruin community,

Demonstrators gather at UCLA amid reports of student detained by CPB
Local|News

Re-sentencing hearing for Menendez brothers indefinitely postponed

A re-sentencing hearing set Thursday for Erik and Lyle Menendez has been indefinitely postponed. A motions hearing is scheduled for May 9 to discuss a proposed motion seeking to recuse the District Attorney’s Office and the admissibility of a state parole board risk-assessment report.  Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic initially agreed to start the re-sentencing hearing, but issues came up that prompted him to delay it. There are no new dates for a re-sentencing hearing set. Erik, 54, and Lyle Menendez, 57, were jailed for life for the 1989 shotgun killings of their parents, Jose and Mary Louise

Re-sentencing hearing for Menendez brothers indefinitely postponed
Local|News

LA28 unveils updated Olympic venue plan

LA28 unveiled an updated venue plan Tuesday for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Newly added venues include Dodger Stadium and switching beach volleyball to Long Beach. The venue plan for most events was announced by LA28 after it was approved last week by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board. “This plan brings the Games to all corners of our city like never before — from the Sepulveda Basin to the iconic shores of Venice Beach, our world-famous neighborhoods as well as our hidden gems will be on full display for all to experience and enjoy,” Mayor Karen Bass

LA28 unveils updated Olympic venue plan
Local|News

KROQ DJ Jed 'The Fish' Gould dies at 69

Jed “The Fish” Gould, who was a popular DJ for 34 years at alt-rock radio station KROQ-FM, died Monday at 69-years-old.  He was known as “Jed the Fish” on the radio station. Gould died of lung cancer, which he had recently been diagnosed with, according to his Instagram page.  “The world lost one of its most unique and brilliant personalities,” the Instagram post said. Gould joined KROQ in 1978, when it was still a small FM station in Pasadena. It was one of the first commercial radio stations in the country to feature alternative, punk, and new wave bands. He

KROQ DJ Jed 'The Fish' Gould dies at 69
News|Local

Southern California Edison announces plan to underground power lines

Southern California Edison (SCE) announced Friday it will underground more than 150 miles of distribution lines as it rebuilds its infrastructure in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas.  The utility company has been targeted by lawsuits alleging its power lines sparked the Eaton Fire. They have acknowledged its equipment may have been involved as investigations into the cause of the Eaton Fire continue.   SCE said its planning to underground 130 miles of distribution lines in areas that have a high fire risk. The other 23 miles will be outside of high risk areas in Altadena. There’s another 19 miles of

Southern California Edison announces plan to underground power lines
News|Local

Palisades Recreation Center to be rebuilt

The Palisades Recreation Center will be rebuilt after it was severely damaged in the Los Angeles Fires in January, it was announced Thursday. A public-private partnership is making the rebuilding of the community center possible.  Mayor Karen Bass joined Steadfast L.A. and L.A. Strong Sports – which are two private organizations – to announce their plans to restore the recreation center during a news conference in the Palisades.  “The city’s number-one pledge has been to eliminate any and every obstacle in the way of rebuilding, and we are forging new partnerships with all sectors as we continue to move Los

Palisades Recreation Center to be rebuilt
Local|News

Mountain lion hit, killed on 118 Freeway in Simi Valley

A mountain lion was hit and killed along the 118 Freeway in Simi Valley on March 17. The area is known as the animal’s natural habitat. Joseph Briceño told ABC7 he saw a mountain lion hit by a vehicle when he was on his way to work around 5:30 a.m. The incident happened on the eastbound side of the freeway near the Kuehner exit. “I saw something fly in the air,” he told ABC7. “At first, I was a little shocked it was a person that got hit. They swerved and kept going. I could tell it was a big

Mountain lion hit, killed on 118 Freeway in Simi Valley
Local|News

L.A. County couples get hitched on Valentine’s Day

Dozens of couples across Los Angeles County are looking to tie the knot Friday – which happens to be Valentine’s Day. They’re taking advantage of same-day licensing and ceremonies at four L.A. County clerk’s offices. Ceremonies at these will be offered Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.: — 14340 W. Sylvan St., Van Nuys; – 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk; — 4716 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd., building B, East Los Angeles; and — 9355 Burton Way, fourth floor, Beverly Hills. There were 177 couples who got married at L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s offices on Valentine’s Day in 2024. It costs

L.A. County couples get hitched on Valentine’s Day
Local|News

Students in Downey stage walkout in latest immigration protest

High school students in Downey staged a walkout at 12 p.m. Thursday to protest against President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The students walked to Downey City Hall, escorted by local police. The walkout – organized by Rally the Youth – calls for students to use their voice. Over the last week, multiple high schools across Los Angeles have staged walkouts.  Hundreds of demonstrators also protested earlier this week in downtown L.A., prompting traffic delays in the area.  In an interview last month, Trump called illegal immigration “an invasion of our country,” and vowed to carry out his deportation

Students in Downey stage walkout in latest immigration protest
Local|News

Fast-moving Pacific Palisades fire erupts amid strong winds

Advisory,-Palisades-F

Fast-moving Pacific Palisades fire erupts amid strong winds
Technology

Smartphone users advised to ditch popular safety feature

Federal cybersecurity officials issued a stark warning for smartphone users against using text messages for two-factor authentication, citing vulnerabilities in telecommunications networks that could expose users to security breaches. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released new guidance urging smartphone users to abandon SMS-based authentication codes following the discovery of widespread telecom network breaches. The agency emphasized that text messages lack encryption, making them susceptible to interception by malicious actors who gain access to telecommunications networks. “SMS messages are not encrypted — a threat actor with access to a telecommunication provider’s network who intercepts these messages can read them,”

Smartphone users advised to ditch popular safety feature
Food

Curious to try fruitcake? Here’s a not-so-terrible recipe

Fruitcake may be one of the most traditional Christmas desserts, but it doesn’t have the reputation of being the tastiest. This jolly dessert has been the butt of thousands of jokes for decades in movies, television shows, and books.  Despite the jokes and countless bad reviews, I turned to my sister and asked, “Is it possible to make fruitcake taste good?” Of course, this was a thought inspired by Sabrina Carpenter’s Christmas EP “fruitcake” and Netflix special, “A Nonsense Christmas.” After my sister shrugged her shoulders, I decided it was worth a try. At the very least, I would finally

Curious to try fruitcake? Here’s a not-so-terrible recipe
Local

CSU Fullerton pantry upgrades to meet growing student needs

Kaiser Permanente gave Cal State Fullerton’s food pantry $75,000 to help feed hungry students. The money will buy lockers and add more diverse food choices to the pantry’s shelves. Since 2018, the pantry has been dishing out fresh veggies and other basics to students in need. What started as a food truck has now found a home in the student union, feeding over 3,000 Titans last year. “The gift to the ASI Food Pantry represents a significant step in supporting students’ well-being and academic success,” said Talia Rodriguez, who runs the pantry. Starting in December, students can stash their groceries

CSU Fullerton pantry upgrades to meet growing student needs
Local|News

Franklin Fire expands to 2,700 acres amid ongoing response efforts

The Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon grew to more than 2,700 acres as of Tuesday near Pepperdine University.  The fire – driven by Santa Ana winds – started Monday and was first reported at 11 p.m. It threatens about 2,000 structures, forcing mandatory evacuations orders to be handed out. However, only a “minimal” number of homes have been destroyed, and no injuries have been reported.  There’s a high volume of dry brush, which contributed to the rapidly growing fire. The fire began in the midst of a “particularly dangerous situation red flag warning” issued by the National Weather Service. Los Angeles

Franklin Fire expands to 2,700 acres amid ongoing response efforts
Entertainment|Local|News

'Emilia Pérez' sets Golden Globe nominations record, surpassing 'Barbie'

The nominees for the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards were officially announced Monday, less than a month before the ceremony is set to take place. Netflix’s gender-bending “Emilia Pérez” led the way with 10 motion picture nominations, a new record, while FX’s “The Bear” received five nominations in top television categories. Netflix garnered 23 nominations – the most overall – in TV categories. It also received 13 nominations in movie categories.  “Emilia Pérez” captured nominations for best movie musical or comedy, along with best actress nomination for Karla Sofía Gascón and best director and screenplay nominations for Jacques Audiard. It

'Emilia Pérez' sets Golden Globe nominations record, surpassing 'Barbie'
Local|Health|News

Bird flu detection prompts raw milk recall in California

California Department of Public Health officials issued a recall for specific raw milk produced by Raw Farm LLC, urging consumers to avoid the product linked to potential health risks amid rising scrutiny over raw dairy safety. The recall of a specific batch of the cream top came after there was a detection of bird flu virus in a retail sample. The company issued a voluntary recall of the product with lot code 20241109 and with a best by date of 11/27/2024 on the packaging, at the state’s request. There have been no illnesses reported but health officials advised people not

Bird flu detection prompts raw milk recall in California
Environment

3 major wildfires engulf Southern California, forcing mass evacuations

Three major wildfires continue to burn through Southern California as of Monday. There’s the Bridge Fire, Airport Fire, and the Line Fire. Here’s the latest update for all three fires:  Bridge Fire The Bridge Fire in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties is 71% contained as of Sunday as firefighters continue strengthening containment lines, according to Cal Fire.  The blaze has burned 54,877 acres and is threatening 4,409 structures. So far, the fire has destroyed 81 structures and damaged 17, according to officials.  “Crews on the west flank will focus on constructing indirect line from Rattlesnake Peak north and Mount

3 major wildfires engulf Southern California, forcing mass evacuations
Crime

Mystery surrounds fatal vehicle-pedestrian incident in Long Beach

A male pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle in Long Beach and an investigation is underway on Friday. According to a press release from the Long Beach Police Department, officers were called to Pacific Coast Highway and Pasadena Avenue at 11:51 p.m. on Thursday. The Long Beach Fire Department transported the man to a local hospital, where he died, according to police.  “The preliminary investigation revealed a Lexus sedan was driving west on Pacific Coast Highway and collided with a pedestrian crossing south across Pacific Coast Highway outside of a marked crosswalk,” police said.  The driver remained at the

Mystery surrounds fatal vehicle-pedestrian incident in Long Beach

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