Taxi rules eased in Downtown and Hollywood

For a six-month test period, Los Angeles cabs will be allowed to pick up fares in rush hour no-stopping zones — the curbs where Mayor Villaraigosa has posted anti-gridlock signs and run public towing campaigns to ensure traffic always flows. Taxis will now also be allowed to stop at red curbs and double park to pick up and drop off. Fares are still going up 10% later this summer. LAT, DN, Blogdowntown

Also: Your City Council also voted to double parking meter rates and extend hours of enforcement to 8 pm most places. LAT, Blogdowntown

Sinkhole closes northbound Pasadena Freeway

What began as a large pothole near the center divider north of Fair Oaks Avenue has expanded across two lanes. Caltrans expects to reopen the freeway by later this afternoon. LAT, DN

Delgadillo sues Blue Shield

City Attorney alleges the HMO has illegally canceled the coverage of more than 850 policyholders since 2002. LAT, DN

Turmoil at KCSN

Cal State Northridge is evaluating the station's mission, Dana Bartholomew reports. "Robert Bucker, dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communications, said the KCSN audience is so small, the station no longer qualifies for Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding. He also said few dollars have been raised from listeners during recent pledge drive." DN

Gay journalists featured

Variety's Ted Johnson is profiled by Karen Ocamb in IN Magazine, which also notes that the Daily News' Greg Hernandez will cover the Hollywood angles at the Democratic convention for the Media News Group. IN

Rob Long to go cruising

KCRW's weekly commentator is billed as one of the conservative speakers who will go on the National Review's post-election Caribbean cruise, along with Fred Thompson. Mitt Romney and Jonah Goldberg. The Corner

KIngs to introduce new coach

It's 58-year-old NHL retread Terry Murray, whose brother Brian used to coach the Anaheim Ducks. LAT

Thursday headlines from Mark Lacter at LA Biz Observed