Extra, Extra

Photo by ~db~ via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

• The First Step: The 7 Inglewood officers accused of fatally shooting a homeless man have been placed on leave. With the fact that over 40 shots were fired, and that this counts as the fourth fatal police shooting in four months the City Council are asking for "better training" and the Inglewood Police Chief is admitting that "We could have done a better job..." Really now.
• What About For Just Being Stupid: A man was arrested for kidnapping a woman by gunpoint and forcing her to go on a drug run. After arriving at his destination, the man (a parolee with outstanding warrants) went inside to get his crack cocaine and the woman then fled. After she escaped, she called police and flagged down officers who went to the crack house and arrested him for kidnapping, robbery, making criminal threats, and being under the influence of drugs.
• Got To Tighten It Up: After human smuggling is suspected by an LAX worker, officials with the airport and federal authorities are making adjustments in security measures. At least 15 illegal immigrants may have been smuggled in, including two with criminal records that had been previously deported.
• Barack's Got Your Back: Senator Barack Obama has announced that he supports LAX workers that are seeking a new contract. Although the workers aren't actually employed by LAX, they provide support services for the major airlines there. We're sure smuggling illegals isn't one of those services though.
• At Least They're Letting Them Live: With coyotes being exterminated in the OC, a group bobcats have seemingly played it a little smarter by moving into an empty house in Tuscany Hills. So we guess it's true that cats always find the most comfortable spot...
• Sarah Barracuda?: TMZ reports that the group Heart, was incensed that the McCain campaign used their song "Barracuda" at the RNC. The rep for the group released a statement that says, "The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission." Apparently, the song was used for VP candidate Sarah Palin whose nickname is "Sarah Barracuda". What about going with a gentler choice like Hall and Oates' "Sara Smile"? Or what about just asking next time.
• The Next Step: The infamous old Rampart LAPD station was replaced by a newer, greener station close to Downtown LA. Police officials are claiming that it marks a new day for the LAPD and hopes it can go towards erasing the memories of the "...symbols of racism, corruption, [and] of brutality..." Well, its a step.