Two retired LA Sheriff's Deputies conspired with ex-military members from the UK and Australia to raid an Irvine businessman's home in 2019. The businessman and his family were threatened with deportation if he didn’t sign over $37M in Chinese assets, federal prosecutors said.
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According to a federal indictment, The businessman, identified as “Victim 1,” was embroiled in a legal battle w/ a wealthy Chinese national over shares in Jiangsu Sinorgchem Technology Co. Ltd. The dispute led to lawsuits in China & Atlanta, and even a "Red Notice" from Interpol.
This Red Notice, typically used by repressive regimes, didn't authorize an arrest in the U.S. But the Chinese national hired a rogue team to force the Irvine businessman into submission, according to federal prosecutors.
A beloved Lake Arrowhead store owner, Laura Ann Carleton, was shot and killed allegedly over a dispute about a Pride flag displayed at her store, Mag Pi. The suspect, reportedly armed, was later encountered by the deputies and pronounced deceased.
Though Carleton was not part of the LGBTQ+ community herself, she was an ardent advocate for everyone within the Lake Arrowhead community. The incident, which appears hate-driven, has shaken the community.
Carleton's tragic death underscores the deadly consequences of discrimination and hatred. She leaves behind a husband and nine children. Our deepest condolences to her family in this time of grief.
☕️ Owner David Cooley relied on community outreach, providing cookies for nearby support groups, fostering loyalty and making The Abbey a meeting spot for HIV/AIDS activists. #TheAbbey#Community (2/8)
🏳️🌈 In the mid-1990s, The Abbey transitioned into a gay bar, creating an inclusive space to enjoy LA's diverse queer community and becoming an iconic LGBTQ+ establishment. #TheAbbey#GayBar#Inclusion (3/8)
🏳️🌈 Anheuser-Busch extends partnership with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and donates $200,000 for the second consecutive year, despite backlash. #BudLight#LGBT ⬇️
💰 The donation will support the NGLCC's Communities of Color Initiative, promoting LGBTQ+-owned businesses across the country. #NGLCC#supportLGBTQ
📉 Amid boycott attempts, Bud Light sales have dipped over recent months as conservatives and anti-LGBTQ+ criticize the company's actions. #BudLightBacklash
Introducing Or Bar, a luxurious new gay bar in West Hollywood 🍸 This retro-style lounge offers daily happy hours, a morning coffee program, and an inclusive environment for all.
Or Bar's goal is to foster conversation and connection among patrons 💬 DJs are only on weekends, leaving the space open for patrons to bring their dogs, laptops, or just good company.
With inclusivity in mind, Or Bar welcomes both LGBTQ+ and straight patrons 🌈 The establishment aims to create a sense of community in the neighborhood.
BREAKING: Disney completes its third round of job cuts, reaching its goal of 7,000 layoffs. The cuts focused heavily on media divisions, leaving the parks largely untouched. [1/5]
💰The Mouse House's aim is to achieve around $5.5 billion in cost savings with these layoffs, of which $2.5 billion consists of "non-content costs" including labor. [2/5]
🌎 The company reportedly still plans to eliminate more roles internationally over a period of time, but has hit the benchmark it set in February. [3/5]