Los Angeles—as the year 2018 draws to an end, US News Express selected the following top ten news stories based on its coverage and investigation.
USC Sexual Abuse Investigation
Former USC gynecologist George Tyndall was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of students. USC president C.L. Max Nikias stepped down in August among pressure. In October USC proposed a settlement of $215 million.
Tyndall has not been prosecuted. The investigation by LAPD is still on-going. In December a trove of homemade pornography and nude photos of women were found in his residence.
Chinese National Abducted
“Tony” Ruochen Liao, a high-end secondhand car dealer in Costa Mesa, California, was kidnapped on July 16 following a business meeting with three Chinese nationals in the City of San Gabriel, and is still missing.
Liao came to the U.S. to study at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Crazy Rich Asians a Big Box Office Winner
Crazy Rich Asians, directed by Jon M. Chu, was released in August. With a modest budget of $30 million, the film grossed over $238.6 million worldwide.
The first Hollywood film with full Asian cast was based on the novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan.
Chinese Billionaire Arrested
Liu Qiangdong, founder of JD.com, was arrested on August 31 in Minnesota on accusation of rape. Liu denied any wrongdoing, and was released the following day.
After a thorough investigation, Hennepin County Attorney decided on December 21 not to file any charges against Liu for an alleged sexual assault.
Thousand Oaks Bar Shooting
12 people were killed in the mass shooting which took place on November 7 at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks.
Ex-Marine Ian David Long, who killed himself after the shooting, was identified as the shooter.
Woolsey Fire
Woolsey Fire broke out on November 8, and burned 96,949 acres of land in Los Angeles County and Ventura County.
The wild fire destroyed 1643 structures, killed 3 people, and triggered the massive evacuation of 295,000 residents in the affected area.
Stan Lee Dies
Stan Lee, a legendary comic book writer, editor and publisher, passed away at age 95.
Lee, the creative leader of Marvel Comics, created such iconic characters as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Black Panther, Thor, and the Fantastic Four.
Chinese Newspaper Founder Fatally Shot
Xie Yining, 58, the founder and chairman of China Press, a Chinese newspaper in Alhambra, California, was shot to death in the office on November 16.
Chen Zhongqi, an employee of the newspaper, was identified as the suspect. Chen pleads not guilty to the first degree murder. If convicted, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 50 years or life in prison.
Huawei CFO Arrested in Canada
On December 1, Canadian police arrested Meng Wangzhou, CFO of Huawei, in Vancouver, at the request of the United States for alleged violations of Iran trade ban.
Meng was released on bail, and faces a possible extradition to the United States.
Chinese Student Arrested for allegedly Poisoning Roommate
Yukai Yang, a Chinese student at Lehigh University, was arrested on December 20 for allegedly poisoning his roommate Juwan Royal by adding thallium to his food, drinks and mouthwash.
Lee was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and reckless endangerment. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
