Morning Buzz: Monday 3.17.07

Tracing the hip-hop wars

In another of his periodic investigative pieces on the murders of hip-hop stars, Chuck Philips says there is evidence that the beating of Tupac Shakur in New York in 1994 was done by associates of Sean Combs. It kicked off the spree that led to Shakur's killing 1996 and that of Notorious BIG in 1997 after a party at the Petersen Museum on Wilshire, Philips writes. LAT with interactive doodads.

Burned factory worker was killed

Back in October Marcial Sanchez was set on fire in daylight on Cesar Chavez Boulevard in East Los Angeles. Police at first thought it was an odd suicide, but now there's a witness who describes two men jumping out of an SUV and dousing Sanchez with gasoline. The story is about witness intimidation in L.A. homicides, especially gang-related killings. LAT

Flack for running photo of dead teen

The Times heard from some upset readers after publishing a front-page photograph of 17-year-old gang victim Jamiel Shaw Jr.'s open casket. Reader's Rep Journal

Council committee will hear DWP rate hike

Today's session will consider the disputed 9% increase in power rates, and 6% on water, which could go to the full City Council on Wednesday. DN

Maria Shriver still paid by NBC

She's been getting at least $100,000 a year since stepping down in 2004 from "Dateline" with an exit deal. The last payment reported was in August 2007. LAT

Riordan held fundraiser for Bernard Parks

Event at former mayor Richard Riordan's Brentwood home raised $35,000 to $40,000 from hosts that included Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Riordan partner Brad Freeman and Playa Vista president Steve Soboroff. Orlov

Sizing up Dymally race

Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally, 81, is trying to return to the state Senate for the first time since 1975, when he became lieutenant governor. Former Assemblyman Rod Wright is the opposition in the June 3 Democratic primary. Daily Breeze

Hollywood interviewing for the next Johnny Grant

Front-runners for the ceremonial role of presiding at Walk of Fame unveilings include Gary Owens, Monty Hall and Angelyne. LAT