Category: Los Angeles

The Internal Revenue Service and its Security Summit partners issued a warning Monday, urging taxpayers to exercise extra caution during holiday shopping to avoid falling victim to identity theft scams. The alert coincides with the start of National Tax Security Awareness Week, a campaign to educate taxpayers and tax professionals on protecting sensitive data. “The holiday shopping season and the fast-approaching tax season create a tempting target for identity thieves and scam artists,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. The IRS highlighted common scams, including phishing emails disguised as delivery notifications or tax-related messages. Those fraudulent schemes attempt to trick unsuspecting victims into providing personal or financial information, leading to identity theft. The agency encouraged taxpayers to use secure online shopping practices, such as verifying websites for “https,” avoiding public Wi-Fi for transactions, and enabling multi-factor authentication on accounts. For more tips and resources, visit the IRS’s National Tax Security Awareness Week webpage.

A whirlwind road trip to see country music star Zach Bryan in concert ended on an even higher note for a Southern California mother and son thanks to a winning California Lottery Scratcher ticket. Danielle Magalen and AJ Tamraz of Laguna Niguel drove 430 miles to Sacramento on Saturday to see Bryan perform at Golden 1 Center that night as a birthday gift to AJ, who just turned 18 in October. AJ says it was a great show – but a very quick turnaround. On Sunday, they were driving back home on the 5 Freeway when they encountered heavy traffic through the Central Valley. “We both had to use the restroom, so we stopped at a Love’s truck stop in this small town, Santa Nella,” AJ told KTLA. They planned to use the restroom, buy a couple of bottles of water, and quickly get back on the road as they still had a long drive ahead. Playing the lottery wasn’t originally on their minds. That is until Danielle noticed a new holiday-themed Peppermint Payout Scratcher ticket. “She comes back out the car and gives me

The California Assembly will limit the number of bills each legislature can introduce from 50 to 35, according to the house rules adopted at the start of the session on Monday. Senate President pro tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) told CalMatters, who first reported the news, that he isn’t opposed to a conversation about a similar reduction for senators. Legislators can request a waiver to exceed the cap on bills they can introduce. About 19 of the 40 senators exceeded the bill limit during the most recent session. In the Assembly, 24 out of 80 lawmakers hit or exceeded the limit, according to the Digital Democracy database. California lawmakers hold special session to ‘Trump-proof’ state policies Lawmakers introduced 4,821 bills this session and sent 2,252 to Gov. Gavin Newsom during the 2023-2024 session. The new rule by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas isn’t the first time the bill introduction limit has been changed. In 2002, former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg (D- Van Nuys) lowered the limit from 40 to 30 and in 2017, then-Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D- Lakewood) increased the limit from 30 to 50

Ever since he was a boy, Miller Moss dreamed of being USC’s starting quarterback. He followed that dream as a touted prospect into a crowded quarterback room at USC. And he waited three years as a backup, biding his time as many others in his class bolted for the transfer portal instead. Moss’ chance to lead USC’s offense lasted through one outstanding bowl performance and nine games of an up-and-down season before Moss was replaced by his own backup, and the window at his dream school had closed suddenly. By Monday morning, three weeks after he was replaced, Moss made it official that he plans to enter the transfer portal, leaving USC after four seasons. “Being a USC Trojan was a lifelong dream of mine,” he wrote. “I poured everything I have into this — body, heart, mind and soul — and am humbled by and proud of what my teammates and I accomplished, and fought tooth and nail for.” Through nine games as USC’s starter this season, Moss threw for 2,555 yards and 18 touchdowns, totals that ranked among the best in the Big

Florida considering overhaul of child labor laws Florida considering overhaul of child labor laws 02:17 Federal investigators found nearly a dozen children to be working dangerous, overnight shifts at Seaboard Triumph Foods’ pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, Iowa, the Department of Labor announced. Employed by Guymon, Oklahoma-based sanitation contractor Qvest, 11 kids allegedly used corrosive cleaners to sanitize head splitters, jaw pullers, bandsaws, neck clippers and other equipment at the Seaboard Triumph Foods facility from at least September 2019 through September 2023, the DOL stated in a news release on Friday. Federal law prohibits minors from working in meat processing due to an increased risk of injury.  Seaboard Foods is among the nation’s biggest pork producers. In addition to Iowa, Seaboard Foods, a division of Seaboard Corporation, has operations in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah, and in Mexico, according to the company’s website. “These findings illustrate Seaboard Triumph Foods’ history of children working illegally in their Sioux City facility since at least September 2019. Despite changing sanitation contractors, children continued to work in dangerous occupations at this facility,” Michael Lazzeri, the Midwest regional administrator

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. A HELOC could make sense this December, but you’ll want to avoid some costly mistakes if you take this route. TEERAYUT CHAISARN/Getty Images As the holiday season approaches and year-end expenses loom, many homeowners are considering tapping into their home equity with a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). That can be a smart plan, especially right now, considering that these borrowing options typically have some of the lowest rates available — and that the average homeowner has about $319,000 worth of home equity to tap into.  But while home equity loans and HELOCs are both worth considering, HELOCs, in particular, can be an attractive option for accessing your home’s equity in today’s market. With a HELOC, you get low average rates and access to a line of credit that can be borrowed from multiple times (up to the limit), offering you more flexibility than you’d get with a lump-sum home equity loan. However, the decision to borrow against your

Why Trump’s FBI director pick Kash Patel is raising alarms – CBS News Watch CBS News President-elect Donald Trump’s intention to make Kash Patel his FBI director is drawing harsh critiques from some politicians who don’t think he is the right person for the job. CBS News’ Nancy Cordes reports on Trump’s second term plans, and Joshua Skule, a former FBI executive assistant director for intelligence, joins CBS News with his take on Patel. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Bluesky picking up steam as alternative to X Bluesky picking up steam as alternative to X 04:52 It’s unusual for a new social media service to get a foothold in a marketplace entrenched by the likes of X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok which, dominate people’s phones. But Bluesky , a nearly 2-year-old app, is now grabbing attention amid a recent surge of new users, which the company says is likely due to growing frustrations with X. While the platform has grown since it opened as an invite-only service in February 2023, its membership snowballed following the November 5 presidential election. Bluesky currently has more than 22 million users, up from about 12 million people in mid-October, according to the company’s data.  Bluesky believes its recent growth is partly due to changes at X under billionaire owner Elon Musk, according to Bluesky Chief Operating Officer Rose Wang, who recently spoke to CBS MoneyWatch.  Musk, who bought Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion, has overhauled the service, changing its name to X  and prioritizing accounts from people who pay for a blue checkmark — although accounts with

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is cautioning residents who are planning to visit area beaches to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in the ocean waters.  The following beaches are affected by the Ocean Water Use Warning issued Dec. 2:  Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove: 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek Malibu Pier: 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro: The entire swim area Mothers Beach in Marina del Rey: The entire swim area Santa Monica Pier: 100 yards up and down the coast of the pier Officials issued the warnings due to bacterial levels that exceeded health standards when last tested. More California residents report Apple packages being intercepted Several local beaches have been cleared since

Refrigerators nationwide are likely filled with Thanksgiving leftovers, but according to FoodSafety.gov, today is the last day most leftovers will be safe to eat. The federal government’s online food safety resource says that Thanksgiving leftovers can only survive in the fridge for four days. After that, they can develop spoilage bacteria, which causes food to develop a bad smell or taste. However, leftovers stored in a freezer can last up to six months. ‘Moana 2’ is officially the biggest Thanksgiving release ever: Which movie did it dethrone? If you are looking to clear out any remaining leftovers before Tuesday, here are some tips: It’s safe to reheat frozen leftovers in the microwave or saucepan without thawing. If you decide to thaw out leftovers before reheating, it’s best to do so in the fridge, microwave, or cold water. When reheating leftovers, ensure they reach 165°F, as measured with a food thermometer. It’s also best to cover the food while reheating so it will retain its moisture and ensure the food is heated all the way through If you kept the Thanksgiving turkey carcass in the fridge

The family of a missing Hawaii woman, Hannah Kobayashi, has strongly disputed the statement made by LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell that Kobayashi “intentionally” missed her connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport. Kobayashi went missing Nov. 8 after catching a flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles, with a connecting flight that would ultimately take her to New York, where she planned to visit relatives. Her family became worried after she landed at LAX and sent them cryptic text messages, suggesting that someone was trying to steal her money and identity. No one has heard from her since. McDonnell briefed the L.A. Police Commission about the case during a Nov. 26 meeting. “On Friday, November 8th, 23-year-old Hannah Kobayashi missed her connecting flight from LAX to New York, which the investigation determined was intentional,” McDonnell said. Kobayashi’s sister, Sydni, responded to the statement in a social media post, disputing the development in the case and pointing out that McDonnell incorrectly gave Kobayashi’s age, which is actually 30 years old. Kobayashi’s family also said McDonnell gave an incorrect timeline of Kobayashi’s disappearance. “Based on information, surveillance footage

Dic. 2, 2024 12:06 PM PT Los Globos de Oro están brindando por la ex estrella de “Cheers” Ted Danson al nombrarlo como el homenajeado del Premio Carol Burnett para 2025. Danson, tres veces ganador de los Globos, ha sido una figura fija en la televisión desde que se hizo conocido como el barman de Boston Sam Malone en la comedia de NBC “Cheers”. Sus otros créditos incluyen “The Good Place”, “Mr. Mayor”, “Fargo”, “CSI” y “CSI: Cyber”, “Damages” y “Becker”. Danson actualmente protagoniza “A Man on the Inside” de Netflix. La transmisión de los Globos está programada para el 5 de enero en vivo por CBS y en streaming por Paramount+. La comediante y actriz Nikki Glaser ha sido elegida para presentarla. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) El Premio Carol Burnett se inauguró en 2019 y se entrega a un homenajeado que haya “hecho contribuciones sobresalientes a la televisión dentro o fuera de la pantalla”. Los ganadores anteriores incluyen a Norman Lear, Ryan Murphy y Ellen DeGeneres. La primera fue la propia Burnett. “Ted Danson ha entretenido al público durante décadas con sus interpretaciones icónicas que quedarán

AC/DC has decreed it: Let there be rock. The legendary Australian band will launch its first U.S. tour since 2015 in the spring. The Power Up tour is slated for a 13-stop stadium run across North America, kicking off April 10 in Minneapolis and closing May 28 in Cleveland, the band announced Monday. Along the way, the group will play the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on April 18. The 102-year-old venue is set to undergo additional renovations ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games, during which the historic UCLA football stadium will host soccer matches. Earlier this year, AC/DC completed the European leg of its tour, which shares its name with the band’s 2020 album, “Power Up.” Framed as a tribute to the Grammy-winning troupe’s founding guitarist Malcolm Young, who died in 2017 , the LP became AC/DC’s third No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 and closed out the year on Rolling Stone’s list of Top 50 Albums of 2020. “Power Up” also garnered Grammy nominations in 2022 for rock album, rock performance and music video for “Shot in the Dark.” Taking the stage in

Ted Danson, the veteran film and television character actor best known to many for his long-running role as bartender Sam Malone on the classic sitcom “Cheers,” was named Monday the recipient of the Golden Globes’ Carol Burnett Award. The award honors a person “who has made outstanding contributions to television on or off screen.” “Ted Danson has entertained audiences for decades with his iconic performances that will forever be ingrained in television history,” Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, said in a statement. “His renowned career is a testament to his remarkable talent and versatility as an actor and bears resemblance to the award*s legendary namesake. It is an honor to present him with the 2025 Carol Burnett Award to celebrate the tremendous impact he has made and continues to make in television.” Danson is a three-time Golden Globe winner, taking home prizes in 1985 for best actor in a limited series or TV movie for “Something About Amelia” and in 1990 and 1991 for his lead role on “Cheers.” He has also played leading roles in the series “The Good Place,” “Becker” and

Actor Timothée Chalamet will receive the Chairman’s Award at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival, organizers announced Monday. Chalamet will be honored at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Jan. 3 for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in the James Mangold film “A Complete Unknown,” which is centered around Dylan’s then-controversial switch to electric instruments. Mangold and Chalamet are set to receive a joint Visionary Tribute at the Gotham Awards on Monday, while Chalamet himself will pick up the Arlington Artist of the Year award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February. Production on the Searchlight Pictures movie wrapped over the summer. “A Complete Unknown” is scheduled to release in theaters on Christmas Day. “Timothée Chalamet embodies one of the most iconic figures in music history with his extraordinary performance as Bob Dylan in `A Complete Unknown,”’ festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi said in a statement. “Timothée showcases both his physical and vocal talents as he brings depth and nuance to this role that is certain to receive award recognition.” The film also stars Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro as Pete Seeger

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Seniors should start reviewing their finances now, ahead of a planned 2025 retirement date. tamani chithambo/Getty Images While many Americans plan to retire at age 65, the reality is that the end of their working career often comes much sooner. Despite conventional wisdom, the average retirement age in the United States is actually 62, according to a recent report . In fact, almost six in 10 retirees stepped away from the workforce earlier than anticipated, according to new research from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. That early departure date was often due to medical issues that limited workers’ ability to continue in their roles.  Whether you find yourself in a similar situation – or simply plan to retire as soon as you hit the traditional age of 65 in 2025 – it’s never too early to start thinking about your retirement plans. And for those who are anticipating an end to their working days next year, it’s critical to get your finances in order

Americans expected to spend $13 billion total on Cyber Monday deals – CBS News Watch CBS News Consumers are focusing on finding deals on Cyber Monday and American spending is expected to rise compared to 2023. CBS MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O’Grady breaks down the spending trends for 2024. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Guilty plead in Jamie Komoroski trial Guilty pleas in trial on bride’s death hours after wedding 06:27 A woman accused in a DUI crash that killed a bride on her wedding night and injured three others, including the groom, pleaded guilty to multiple charges Monday afternoon. CBS affiliate WCSC-TV reports that Jamie Lee Komoroski pleaded guilty to a charge of felony DUI, two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury or death and one count of reckless homicide. On the night of April 28, 2023, authorities said Komoroski was behind the wheel of a rental car that rear-ended a golf cart carrying newlyweds  Samantha Miller  and  Aric Hutchinson  in Folly Beach, a city located on Folly Island southeast of Charleston. They had been married just hours earlier, and Miller was still in her wedding dress. This undated photo shows Samantha Miller and her groom-to-be Aric Hutchinson.  / AP Miller died in the crash and Hutchinson suffered a brain injury and numerous broken bones. Two other family members riding in the golf cart were also injured. Authorities said Komoroski was driving 65 mph in a 25

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. There are safe and dangerous ways to use your home equity funds this December. Getty Images When used properly, home equity can provide a vital financial lifeline for homeowners in need of extra funding. Whether it be with a home equity loan , home equity line of credit (HELOC) or other source, home equity can provide homeowners access to a large, six-figure sum of money, often at an interest rate many points lower than what would be available with popular alternatives. And with the average homeowner in possession of around $319,000 worth of equity, according to the November 2024 ICE Mortgage Monitor report, there’s likely plenty of money to use both now and, potentially, for additional expenses in the future. That noted, using your home equity needs to be a carefully considered decision, approached strategically. If you’re unable to repay all that’s borrowed you could risk your homeownership as the property serves as collateral in these exchanges. Understanding this risk, then, it helps to know

An Ohio native who was killed in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor will be brought to his final resting place in California one day before the 83rd anniversary of the infamous air raid on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Fireman 2nd Class William Kubinec was one of 105 casualties from the USS West Virginia during the Japanese attack that also sunk the USS Oklahoma, USS California and USS Utah on Dec. 7, 1941. Kubinec enlisted in the Navy on Sept. 4, 1940, as a Seaman Apprentice and advanced to Seaman 2nd Class, Fireman 3rd Class and finally Fireman 2nd class. William Kubinec is seen in an image provided by the U.S. Navy. William Kubinec is seen in an image provided by the U.S. Navy. “Despite the name, this rating is not just about fighting fires. Part of the job functions include rescue, but the career path is also geared towards engineering. Fireman stand engineering watches, as well as power plant and ship security watches both in port and while underway, and are responsible for performing minor maintenance repairs. While performing watches they ensure

Los Angeles County District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman will officially take the reins on Tuesday, as he’s set to be sworn in on the front steps of the Hall of Justice. Hochman replaces District Attorney George Gascón, who lost his reelection bid in a landslide. The former federal prosecutor Hochman told LAist that he’s excited for the “opportunity of a lifetime.” “I’m taking over an office that has been considered one of the premiere D.A.’s offices in the nation,” he said. Hochman takes over from the reform-minded Gascón, whose policies were criticized by Hochman and others as being “pro-criminal.” Despite his criticism, Hochman said his changes won’t “replace one extreme policy with extreme policies on the other end of the pendulum swing.” “I’m not bringing back mass incarceration policies,” he said. This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP) FILE – Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit with defense attorney Leslie Abramson, right, in Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing, Nov. 26, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)