NATION & WORLD BRIEFS
Loughlin, Giannulli set for October trial in college scam
BOSTON – TV actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, will go on trial in October on charges that they bribed their daughters’ way into the University of Southern California, a federal judge said Thursday.
The judge set the trial date a day after defense attorneys claimed that new evidence would exonerate the couple of charges in the college admissions bribery scheme that has embroiled prestigious universities across the country.
The famous couple will be tried starting Oct. 5 in Boston federal court alongside six other prominent parents accused of rigging the college admissions process.
Black hole behind biggest explosion found in universe
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Astronomers have discovered the biggest explosion seen in the universe, originating from a super-massive black hole.
Scientists reported Thursday that the blast came from a black hole in a cluster of galaxies 390 million light-years away.
The explosion was so large it carved out a crater in the hot gas that could hold 15 Milky Ways, said lead author Simona Giacintucci of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington.
It’s five times bigger than the previous record holder.
Virginia lawmakers ease abortion restrictions
RICHMOND, Va. – Abortion restrictions enacted when Republicans controlled Virginia’s General Assembly are being undone in legislation approved by the Democrats who are now in charge.
The state House on Thursday gave final passage to a bill that would roll back provisions including a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion and a requirement that women seeking an abortion undergo an ultrasound and counseling. The measure would also undo the requirement that abortions be provided by a physician, allowing nurse practitioners to perform them, and do away with strict building code requirements on facilities where abortions are performed.
Stolen hearse carrying casket recovered after freeway chase
LOS ANGELES – A thief stole a hearse with a body inside and went on a wild ride, ending with a chase and a crash on a busy freeway, authorities said Thursday.
The body was found undisturbed inside a casket Thursday morning and a suspect was taken into custody after the crash, which closed the 110 Freeway during the morning commute.
The black Lincoln Navigator was stolen Wednesday night from outside St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in East Pasadena. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department pleaded on social media for the thief to return the body.