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After 48 hours of nagging questions and will-he-or-won’t-he uncertainty, Bear Alexander emerged from the tunnel under the John McKay Center in full pads and helmet, his mere presence a sigh of relief after a dramatic stretch of spring at USC. Those previous two days had been defined by dizzying speculation surrounding the standout defensive tackle’s future at the school. Alexander seemed all but bound for the transfer portal on Tuesday morning, before a final pitch from USC coaches Wednesday shifted those sentiments. By Thursday afternoon, it was as if nothing had ever happened behind the scenes. “Bear is doing fine,” coach Lincoln Riley said with a shrug. “I know there was a bunch of stuff on the outside. I know he felt the need to address it because there was so much on the outside, which kind of starts anywhere and everywhere in this day and age.” With the advent of the transfer portal, the increasing influence of NIL and the rampant regularity of tampering across the sport, this sort of portal chaos and roster uncertainty has become a standard part of the calendar for

He did his bit of smuggling, he once sang, and he ran his share of grass. Now, the late, great Jimmy Buffett is being honored by an assortment of his many friends and admirers in an all-star tribute concert Thursday night at the Hollywood Bowl. Keep the Party Going, as the show is billed, takes place seven months after Buffett died from skin cancer in September at age 76, leaving behind a lifestyle empire that reportedly made him a billionaire — and, of course, a deep catalog of wryly literate songs that blend country, pop, folk, rock and Caribbean music. In the wake of his death came warm remembrances from the likes of former President Clinton, who said Buffett’s work “brought happiness to millions of people,” and Alan Jackson, with whom Buffett recorded the No. 1 country hit “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Elton John called him “a unique and treasured entertainer”; LL Cool J said he was “glad we had time to vibe.” Among the many acts set to perform at the Bowl are Paul McCartney, the Eagles, Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Brandi Carlile

There are now more billionaires than ever, according to Forbes. The global media company just released its updated world billionaires list, while pointing to “a record year for ten-figure wealth.” In fact, Forbes said the billionaire class is “bigger and richer than ever.” Across the globe, the publication tallied 2,781 total billionaires as of 2024, which is 141 more than last year’s list and 26 more than the overall record set in 2021. Collectively, the world’s billionaires are worth a whopping $14.2 trillion — a number that may seem unfathomable to most. The country in the top spot with the most billionaires is, once again, the United States with a record 813. China greatly trails in second with 473, including Hong Kong. India landed in third place with a total of 200 billionaires, according to Forbes. California is giving up to $150,000 to help first-time homebuyers When it comes to California, the land of the rich and famous, big names may come to mind. For instance, Forbes listed Magic Johnson ($1.2 billion), LeBron James ($1.2 billion), Tyler Perry ($1.2 billion), Kim Kardashian ($1.7 billion), Jay-Z

Police are seeking additional victims of a robbery crew operating in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, authorities announced on Thursday.   According to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, two victims were lured into an apartment in the 2900 block of North Main Street on April 9 by a woman they had met on social media.   Once inside, two male suspects came out of hiding and, at gunpoint, demanded property from the victims. Authorities added that one of the victims was pistol-whipped by a suspect.   “During the investigation, it was determined that the suspects had used this same scheme to entrap other robbery victims in the past,” police said.   Two of the suspects, identified as 26-year-old Sergio Carrillo and 23-year-old Magdalena Gallegos, both residents of L.A., were arrested on Wednesday and are being held on $100,000 bail.   26-year-old Sergio Carrillo and 23-year-old Magdalena Gallegos, both residents of L.A. seen in police photos. (LAPD) Authorities said they are working to identify and arrest the third suspect.   “Investigators strongly believe there are additional, unreported victims of Carrillo

Authorities are searching for more victims after a man was arrested on allegations that he tortured and killed a cat in Los Angeles County. The suspect was identified as Rogelio Diaz, 27, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. On April 5, Diaz was walking near the 4900 block of Marine Avenue in Lawndale around 3:10 p.m., when he allegedly spotted a cat on the driveway of a home and approached the feline. Authorities say he then grabbed the cat and repeatedly struck it against the sidewalk until it was dead. On April 11, investigators located and arrested Diaz on suspicion of torturing/killing a live animal. He is currently being held at the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station as he awaits charges. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. Diaz’s booking photo, as well as photos of the suspect walking away, were released in the event someone may recognize him. Rogelio Diaz, 27, seen in photos from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. More information about Rogelio Diaz, 27, who is accused of killing a cat, is being sought

Why House Republicans are divided over FISA spy program – CBS News Watch CBS News The U.S. House of Representatives is facing a deadline to reauthorize a program intelligence officials say is crucial to national security. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion explains why some Republicans want to stop it from moving forward. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

A San Francisco man suspected of vandalizing a Nob Hill mosque was arrested Wednesday evening while visiting the scene of his alleged crime for the second time in as many days. San Francisco resident Robert Gray, 35, was booked on one felony count of vandalism with damage of more than $400 and a misdemeanor violation of civil rights by damaging another property. He currently sits in a county jail. Neither Gray nor a representative were reached for comment. San Francisco Police officers responded to a call from congregants of Masjid al-Tawheed mosque around 7:55 p.m. on Wednesday. Mosque-goers told police that Gray was the man who had vandalized their sanctuary on April 4, having recognized him for security footage. Arriving officers detained Gray after they concluded he matched the description of the suspect wanted in the attack. “Through the course of their investigation, officers developed probable cause [for] arrest,” Police spokesperson Paulina Henderson said in a statement. Henderson said the investigation was still active and police were looking for more information. Surveillance video obtained by the San Francisco Standard shows a man with a skateboard

The first lines that greet viewers of Vera Drew’s gonzo new film, “The People’s Joker,” are a necessary disclaimer meant to assure audiences (and whatever legal departments at various corporations may be watching) that this passion project was never intended to infringe on any known copyright. Later, a logo of the film will more specifically make this point. It labels Drew’s wildly inventive take on everyone’s favorite Batman villain as “a fair-use comic-book parody/trans autofiction.” But much like Drew’s fictional alter ego, a wannabe comedian-slash-villain living in Gotham City coming into her own, the beauty of this DIY project is found in that slash, in the infinite possibility opened up by bridging two things (be they gender or genre) and creating something altogether dazzling and new. Drew, who co-wrote the script (with Bri LeRose), edited, directed and stars in “The People’s Joker,” is clearly aping the trappings of the self-serious superhero origin story. The kind that found its zenith in Todd Phillips’ 2019 take on Batman’s clownish foe. And indeed, there’s a way of seeing Drew’s own take on this “Joker the Harlequin” as a

Jordan Coleman, the defending City Section champion in the 100 meters, made his outdoors debut for Granada Hills on Thursday during a dual meet against El Camino Real. Let’s just say he made a big difference. The relay team of Coleman, Justin Hart, Timothy Wyatt and Kanye Martin won the boys’ 4X100 relay in 40.29 seconds, fastest in the state this season and fifth fastest all time. It was faster than the time Granada Hills ran to set a City Section record last season in 40.68. Then Coleman won his 100 heat in 10.88 seconds, the fastest he has started his season. He had been injured after running the indoor circuit. He said he was excited after the race because he felt good with no pain. His best time last season was 10.36 seconds at the Arcadia Invitational, so he believes he will be an athlete to watch by the time the City and state championships are held next month and he reaches peak form. During a dual meet at Taft, Arcadia Invitational high jump champion Deshawn Banks of Birmingham cleared a personal-best 6-11. Baseball

Kris Jenner and Robert Kardashian divorced five years before O.J. Simpson went on trial for the 1994 murder of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. But it was the trial, not the divorce, that forced the Kardashian kids — Kourtney, Kim, Khloe and Rob Jr. — to choose between their parents. In the 15 months between O.J.’s arraignment and his acquittal, Robert and his ex-wife, Kris, staked out opposing positions on the trial. And as they split over O.J.’s innocence or guilt, their children split in their alliance to their parents. On the day Nicole and Ron were killed, the Kardashian kids were 15, 13, 9 and 7, respectively. “That was really tough for our family,” Kim told GQ in 2023. “Kourtney and I were drawn to our dad. We felt like Mom was happily remarried, so we would live with Dad. We didn’t want him to be by himself.” Robert, of course, became a member of O.J.’s “dream team” of defense attorneys. He hadn’t practiced law for 20 years and had to reactivate his license to participate. Meanwhile, Khloe and Rob

4/11: Prime Time with John Dickerson – CBS News Watch CBS News John Dickerson reports on the death of O.J. Simpson, the threat of Iran retaliating on Israel, and what the director of the ATF says about new regulations to close gun loopholes. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

When O.J. Simpson’s death was announced Thursday morning, many took to social media to express their feelings about the onetime football hero and popular celebrity who was accused of killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald L. Goldman in 1994. Simpson was acquitted during his murder trial the following year, but many people continued to believe he was guilty. In 1997, he was found liable for the deaths in a civil suit brought by the Brown and Goldman families. From 2008-17, Simpson was incarcerated on armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy and other charges, with the punishment being viewed by some as justice finally being served decades later. Many athletes, former athletes and sports fans expressed their feelings at the death of the former USC Heisman Trophy winner and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A lot expressed rage, bitterness or indifference toward someone they feel got away with murder. OJ Simpson was a murderer His death should not be glorified. — Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) April 11, 2024 But there also were scattered RIPs, condolences offered toward the family and words of

Two murders in Brentwood? That was unusual, I thought, as word filtered through the newsroom on a Monday afternoon in June 1994 that two people were found dead in the upscale neighborhood — and one of them was Nicole Brown Simpson, the former wife of O.J. Simpson. The other victim was her friend Ron Goldman. With O.J. Simpson’s death from cancer Wednesday, memories of the saga that consumed the city, my newspaper and — because I lived in Brentwood — my neighborhood came flooding back. In the newsroom, four days after the bodies were found, reporters and editors clustered around a TV to watch then-Los Angeles Police Cmdr. David J. Gascon announce that there was a warrant for Simpson’s arrest, but he was nowhere to be found. “The Los Angeles Police Department right now is actively searching for Mr. Simpson,” he said. The newsroom erupted into one big cry of “WHOOAAA…!” drowning out what Gascon said after that. It was probably the most dramatic moment I ever witnessed in the newsroom. My day was a blur from there. As part of the team of L.A.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating the person or persons responsible for the gruesome homicide of a woman whose body was found engulfed in flames on an offramp of a Southern California highway almost a year and a half ago.   The body of the Karla Terron was discovered just before 5 a.m. on the southbound Hoskins Road offramp of State Route 99 in Bakersfield on Dec. 17, 2022, according to a special bulletin released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.   An autopsy performed later determined that the victim’s cause of death was not the fire, but multiple stab wounds.   Karla Terron seen in this undated photo. (LASD) Terron was last seen alive at a local bar in the 100 block of North Hagar Street in San Fernando, though authorities did not say when exactly that was. Grisly L.A. murder-suicide that left infant dead reportedly linked to eclipse Anyone with information about this investigation or the whereabouts of the person or persons involved is urged to contact LASD’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.   Those wishing to remain anonymous can

A toddler who was abducted and taken to Mexico in February has been safely returned to Southern California. The boy, who is 17 months old, was identified as Miguel Eduardo Zuniga Medina, Jr., according to the FBI. On Feb. 6, the boy’s mother, Brigette Benitez, 31, who does not have custody of the child, was scheduled for an unsupervised visit with the boy in Walnut. Instead of returning the boy to his legal guardian, she took him and brought him across the border to Mexico, authorities said, crossing through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego County. The next day, a federal arrest warrant was filed for Benitez, charging her with international parental kidnapping. Benitez took the child to the Aguascalientes region where his father, who also doesn’t have custody, was believed to be living. Miguel Eduardo Medina, 17 months old, in a photo from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Brigette Benitez, 31, and Miguel Eduardo Medina, 17 months old, in photos from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Brigette Benitez, 31, is believed to have kidnapped her biological son and brought