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From the LA Times:

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Costs Make Employers See Smokers as a Drag
Employers have recently tried every carrot they can think of - including cash incentives and iPods - to persuade employees to quit smoking. Now some are trying the stick.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-nosmoke28jan28,0,6533096.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Ordinary Lives Derailed by Fate
When you think about the Southern California lifestyle, countless images come to mind, and none of them involve rolling out of bed before dawn and catching a train to the office.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lopez28jan28,1,1010614.column?coll=la-headlines-california

$30-Million Verdict Against Tutor-Saliba Is Overturned
A state Court of Appeal has overturned a $30-million verdict against public works giant Tutor-Saliba, ruling that the builder did not receive a fair trial in its long-running dispute with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority over subway construction costs.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-tutor28jan28,1,7952849.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Jury Duty No-Shows Get Their Day in Court
After repeated failures to appear, L.A. County Superior Court wants an explanation -- or a fine.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-onthelaw28jan28,1,4758933.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Request Stirs Memories of Time of Rage
New owners seek an alcohol permit for the market where a grocer killed a black teen in '91.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-liquor28jan28,1,3681544.story?coll=la-headlines-california

MTA Votes to Expand the 710 Freeway
Eighteen miles of the route would be rebuilt into a wider highway with truck-only lanes. Residents say the agency ignored their concerns.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-freeway28jan28,1,1900600.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Parks, Villaraigosa Mayoral Campaigns Get Funding Boosts
The two candidates collected the most cash in the latest reporting period. But Mayor Hahn remains far in the lead financially.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-mayor28jan28,1,7306669.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Doctor-Training Hospital Names 4 New Trustees
As part of the reform process, the university associated with scandal-plagued King/Drew appoints notable board members.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-kingdrew28jan28,1,3911559.story?coll=la-headlines-california

City Hall Ledge Is Scene of Rescue
L.A. firefighter plucks woman from 13th floor precipice where she was perched above the street.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-jumper28jan28,1,7356152.story?coll=la-headlines-california

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From the Daily News:

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Crash details emerge
Suspect tried suicide after seeing wreck
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2678210,00.html

Politicians, others urge safety fixes
Politicians and safety experts on Thursday pressed Metrolink to review its practice of pushing trains with rear locomotives and called for costly grade-separated crossings across Southern California in the aftermath of Wednesday's devastating crash.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2678311,00.html

Could any safety procedures have prevented this tragedy?
It was only a matter of time before an accident like Wednesday's Metrolink train derailment, which resulted in massive casualties, would occur, mainly because the costs of taking preventive steps are too high, a safety expert said Wednesday.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2676120,00.html

Homeless tally themselves
Transients help conduct special census in L.A. County
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2678052,00.html

Appeals court overturns award over Red Line
Brand-new trial expected
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2678290,00.html

Hahn ahead of pack in fund raising
Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn continues to be the fund-raising leader in the March 8 primary election for mayor, based on reports filed Thursday for the past month's activity.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2677978,00.html

Air traveler security fee hike eyed
WASHINGTON -- A fee charged to airline travelers to help pay for airport security would more than double under President George W. Bush's spending proposal for the Homeland Security Department.
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20954%257E2678088,00.html

No room for gang turf, says Palmdale
Ordinance blocks intimidation efforts
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200%257E20943%257E2673294,00.html?search=filter

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From other sources:

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From the Department of Homeland Security
Homeland Security Announces Plans to Test Radio Frequency Technology at Land Borders
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0604.xml

U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Homeownership Alliance Release Emergency Preparedness Guide for Homeowners
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0605.xml