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Wow, it's June already. Today's Morning Buzz has much talk about Antonio Villaraigosa and his intentions, more questioning of the Los Angeles magazine failure cover, plus some other politics and news. Mark Lacter has a handle on the General Motors bankruptcy at LA Biz Observed.
- The Times goes front-page with a piece by auto columnist Dan Neil on the General Motors bankruptcy: "more than just the world's largest and most admired corporation; it was the final vindication of the American Way." LAT
- In a pair of commentaries on Antonio Villaraigosa's statewide prospects, Ron Kaye says the mayor's "gubernatorial hopes are much in doubt -- at best" and Democratic strategist Richie Ross says the Los Angeles magazine failure story had "more qualifiers than I've ever seen in a hit piece." CalBuzz
- Rick Orlov calls the failure cover "perhaps an overstatement of the article inside" and reports that the County Federation of Labor has asked members to flood the magazine with objections. Orlov also says Villaraigosa has been talking to key supporters about whether to run Daily News
Also: Matier and Ross say Villaraigosa has already decided not to run. - The gay marriage divide complicates the political future of Gavin Newsom. AP
- Most of the candidates for governor have taken pains to dodge the real implications of last month's election results, says Mike Hiltzik. LAT
- Gov. Schwarzenegger seems determined to show California voters the consequences of not passing the budget measures. Jennifer Steinhauer/NYT
- Current TV reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee, held in North Korea for three months, face trial this week amid the tense relations between the nation and the U.S. . AP, CPJ
- Conan O'Brien begins his Tonight Show phase tonight. NYT
- How the LAPD went looking for one serial killer and found another one through DNA evidence. LAT
- LA Weekly has begun counting up L.A. murders on its L.A. Daily blog.
- Taft High school student Jennifer Perla was killed in an accident on the way to her prom at the California Science Center. LAT, DN
- New water rules that limit some uses and charge more for going over a set allotment each month take effect in Los Angeles today.
- Architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne weighs in on the Century Plaza debate and calls it "a reminder that there is no preservation controversy quite like a preservation controversy in Los Angeles." LAT
- Resurrecting Michael Jackson's career and earnings potential with a little help from Phil Anschutz. LAT
- The making of comedian Zach Galifianakis. NYT Magazine
- The wife of the late TV and radio reporter Gary Franklin wrote Steve Lopez in desperation over her need for dental work. LAT
- Writer and former Adam Carolla co-host Teresa Strasser, who is pregnant, has started a blog called Exploiting My Baby.
- Metblogs' Lucinda Michele Knapp is behind Hot Dog Death March, a one-day visit to three L.A. frankfurter meccas and blog about everything hot dog.
- The Lakers open the NBA finals Thursday here against the Orlando Magic, and since the games will be on ABC there could be many who lose access when the digital TV changeover happens NLT June 12.
- Jack Reilly, former Good Morning America producer who developed the format for Entertainment tonight, died in New York at age 84. Newsday
- Famous Los Angeles TV wrestler John Tolos, the Golden Greek who battled with Freddie Blassie in the 1960s and 70s, died at age 78. LAT