LAPD addresses big jump in homicides

Murder in Los Angeles is up 27% so far this year. "One death is one too many, but we think it's a bit of an anomaly," said Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger. "At this point, there is no rhyme or reason to it." Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Police Chief William Bratton sought to calm fears that the violence has been racially motivated. LAT, DN

State appeals court ruling throws the home schooling culturing into disarray and will be appealed. "Parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children," wrote a justice. LAT

On the shrinking newspaper front

The new editor of the Los Angeles Times meets with the Washington bureau today, there's also a big get together in Metro, and staffers at the Los Angeles Newspaper Group are on edge due to a rumored round of new cuts today. At least one Pasadena Star-News staffer already got the bad news this morning.

Weinstein says he was asked to stay at Times

Henry Weinstein says, however, it was time to go after thirty years of reporting for the LAT. Which Way, L.A.?

15 Senators will fight eased media rules

The bipartisan groups opposes the FCC's decision to allow cross-ownership between newspapers and TV stations, ala the Times-KTLA situation with Tribune. LAT

Autry Museum wants $100 million makeover

Plans at the National Autry Center in Griffith Park call for a "bold new museum rooted in the landscape of the West, topped with a glowing tower of translucent glass." DN

Broads give $10 million to Santa Monica College

Eli and Edythe Broad's money will create an endowment for programming and arts education at the school's new performing arts center. LAT

Fight over mini-billboards

Los Angeles loses $3 million in potential revenue by rejecting requests for small billboards and other advertising, mostly in desirable areas. DN

Harbor trucking fight analyzed

Times revisits the clash between Los Angeles and Long Beach over how to clean up emissions from trucks at the two ports. LAT

Ludlow Flower Jr, civic leader was 89

As president of the city Recreation and Park Commission during the 1960s, he pushed for the Los Angeles Zoo and the children's art center in Barnsdall Park. LAT