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From the LA Times:

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Youth Health Plan Grows
The county will announce new coverage for children not insured by other federal or state programs because of income or legal status.
<full story>

Bigger County Budget OKd
Sheriff's and health departments are the chief beneficiaries of a $17.3-billion spending plan fattened by the economic upswing.
<full story>

Owens Valley Proposal Is Halted
Two L.A. councilmen wanted environmental easement for acreage. They have no authority to offer such a plan, say mayor and city attorney.
<full story>

Tighter Security Rules Announced for U.S. Ports
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced Monday the implementation of tougher security measures for ports in California and across the nation, including new technology to detect radiation in cargo containers.
<full story>

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From the Daily News:

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Supreme Court rules for HMOs in fight over patient lawsuits
WASHINGTON - Patients can't seek fat damage awards in court if their HMOs refuse to pay for doctor-recommended medical care, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, rejecting arguments that the threat of multimillion-dollar lawsuits keeps insurance companies honest.
<full story>

County budget cuts averted
Flush with an unexpected $45 million in extra property tax revenues, Los Angeles County supervisors gave final approval Monday to a $17.2 billion budget that keeps parks and libraries open and boosts the sheriff's budget by $7.5 million.
<full story>

Ridge pleased with security progress at ports
LONG BEACH -- U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said Monday that local and federal officials are well on their way to meeting a July 1 deadline to enhance security at seaports, including the busy port complexes at Long Beach and San Pedro.
<full story>

Desperate need for gift of blood
The American Red Cross pleaded Monday for residents to donate blood, as the region's blood supply is far below its seven-day reserve and a national blood shortage could be on the horizon.
<full story>

Identification laws are upheld
WASHINGTON -- A sharply divided Supreme Court ruled Monday that people who refuse to give their names to police can be arrested, even if they've done nothing wrong.
<full story>
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