The operators of Backpage.com pushed for pimping charges to be tossed out for the second time Tuesday, two weeks after the website that prosecutors dubbed an online brothel stopped advertising adult services in the face of a congressional investigation. The California attorney general's office charged Backpage executives Carl Ferrer, Michael Lacey, and James Larkin last month with conspiracy to commit pimping and 26 counts of money laundering. Ferrer also is charged with 12 counts of pimping, seven involving children. The men are accused of knowingly profiting from prostitution. The charges allege that the three laundered nearly $37 million derived directly or indirectly from illegal activity from July 2014 through August 2016, with the monthly take often topping $2 million.
Passengers who want to watch a movie on American Airlines Group's new 737 Max better bring a device to watch it on. The carrier said it won't feature seat-back video screens on the Boeing Co. aircraft because almost all travelers now carry mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. Satellite-based systems have improved on-board Internet speed and access, which will enhance the viewing experience, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline said. The move marks a reversal for chief executive Doug Parker, who said less than a year ago that American would have seat-back screens on all of its planes to remain competitive.