Category: Los Angeles

Christmas, as we know, is always December 25th.  But Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November—a date that floats sometimes as early as November 22nd… or this year… the latest it could possibly be, which was November 28th.  Let’s rewind.  Remember when Halloween was on a Thursday and November 1 was a Friday? That set in motion a calendar that squished the rest of the holidays. We were almost an entire week into November before we saw a Thursday, which made the fourth Thursday come way at the end of the month—the latest it can actually be.   The end result is a feeling that we have one less week—and one less precious weekend when we all have events—between Thanksgiving and Christmas—just 27 days.     In 2023, we had five weekends between the holidays. This year we have only four weekends.   Add to that, Christmas is landing smack in the middle of a week, and people may be feeling extra cheated by not being able to bookend the holidays around a weekend. Since many people take off Christmas week—or New Year’s week—having the holidays land

After a tumultuous stint characterized by issues including shelter overcrowding and high euthanasia rates, Staycee Dains, the general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, has stepped down.  The city’s animal services department is one of the largest of its type in the country, serving about 60,000 animals every year.  Staff, volunteers and partners were notified of Dains’ departure in an email sent out on Monday that stated her resignation was effective Nov. 30. According to the Los Angeles Times, she has been on paid leave since this past August after being hired in June 2023.  In September 2023, Dains did her first on-air interview with KTLA 5’s Kacey Montoya, where she said she was appointed by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass to “fix the systemic issues that are happening” in the city’s six shelters but did note she inherited an understaffed agency.  Most popular pet names of 2024 revealed In a follow-up interview the next March, Montoya found there were more volunteers, but some said they were confused under Dains’ leadership, including one incident where a letter was sent to thousands of volunteers claiming that dogs

Nathan Hochman was officially sworn in as the 44th Los Angeles County District Attorney on Tuesday in a ceremony held on the front steps of the Hall of Justice. Hochman replaces former District Attorney George Gascón, who lost his reelection bid in a landslide in November. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger officially swore in Hochman. During the ceremony, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and other local leaders spoke. Among many issues Hochman has inherited from the previous DA, none may be more high-profile than the Menendez brothers’ murder case. In October, Gascón announced that he would support resentencing the brothers, who have spent nearly 35 years behind bars for killing their parents. Lyle Menendez, then 21, and Erik Menendez, then 18, admitted to fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and their mother, Kitty Menendez, after fearing their parents were about to kill them to stop people from finding out that Jose Menendez had sexually abused Erik Menendez for years, according to the Associated Press. The resentencing recommendation could provide the brothers a

A toddler from Crestline was killed in what authorities called a gun-related accident involving the child’s 7-year-old brother in a parking lot of the Foothill Crossing Shopping Center in Rancho Cucamonga. (Google Maps) A toddler was killed in the parking lot of a shopping center in Rancho Cucamonga on Monday in what authorities called a “gun-related accident” involving the child’s 7-year-old brother. San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies responded at 3:53 p.m. to a report of a shooting in a parking lot of the Foothill Crossing Shopping Center in the 8200 block of Day Creek Boulevard, and found a 2-year-old boy with a gunshot wound, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The child was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Deputies determined that before the shooting, the toddler and his 7-year-old brother were inside a truck when the older child found a firearm in the glove box. Officials did not say whether the boys were alone in the truck. The names of the children were not released. Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the the sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division

Although Shenghua Wen entered the United States on a student visa, eventually settling in San Bernardino County, law enforcement officials say he had a more nefarious purpose: exporting shipments of firearms, ammunition and other military items to North Korea. Federal authorities on Tuesday arrested Wen, 41, at his Ontario home, alleging he acted as an operative for the North Korean government, smuggling illicit goods concealed inside shipping containers from Long Beach. Wen, who authorities said is a Chinese national living illegally in the U.S. after overstaying his visa, has been charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which deals with sanctions and frozen foreign assets. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Wen’s federal public defender did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It is illegal to supply North Korea with certain technologies and military supplies without U.S. government approval, according to U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada. “North Korea engaged in a scheme to circumvent and evade those restrictions,” Estrada said at a news conference Tuesday morning. “It’s essential we keep sensitive materials, including military equipment

Sen.-elect Adam B. Schiff will be sworn in as California’s next U.S. senator on Monday, replacing Sen. Laphonza Butler, according to sources familiar with the arrangements. Butler, a Democrat, was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to temporarily fill the seat of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein after Feinstein’s death in September 2023. Schiff was elected last month, both to serve out the remainder of Feinstein’s term and to serve a full six-year term beginning in January. A spokesperson for Schiff, a Burbank Democrat who previously served nearly a quarter of a century in the House, said he was grateful for Butler’s assistance in the transition process, and for the support of Newsom and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York. A spokeswoman for Butler said she will remain in office until the swearing-in. Former Assemblymember Laura Friedman, a Democrat, won election in Schiff’s House district and will be sworn in to take his old seat next month. Schiff and Butler are following a similar transition schedule as Sen. George Helmy and Sen.-elect Andy Kim, both Democrats of New Jersey. Helmy, former chief of

Under the bright lights of the 2024 Latin Grammys stage, Luis Fonsi was as nervous as he’s ever been. “I’ve won Latin Grammys before, but it’s not like it happens every day,” said the 46-year-old musician via Zoom. “I’m trying to compare it to the previous times I’ve been nominated. But for some reason… I don’t wanna say that it meant more than the other awards. There was something special going on.” That November night in Miami, Fonsi’s 12th studio album, “El Viaje,” beat out efforts by Mexican indie artist Caloncho, Colombian American diva Kali Uchis and others to take home the golden gramophone for pop vocal album. He pauses for a moment and continues, “You know, I’ve had success with singles. But now to sort of get recognition for the whole shabam — it’s something I’ve never won before. This album was not me trying to do a radio-friendly single and then write an album around that song. There was a story to tell from day one.” “El Viaje,” is centered around the worldly journey of his career — naming each track after a

Tras haberse mencionado en el sitio web Deadline un día antes sobre los recortes que se aproximaban en TelevisaUnivision, hoy se dio a conocer la salida de algunos de sus talentos en pantalla entre los que se incluye la comunicadora hondureña Maity Interiano, el chef venezolano Jesús Díaz conocido como “Chef Yisus”, además del reportero de Primer Impacto Roger Borges y los comunicadores Eduardo Padilla y Carolina Peguero, quienes formaron parte del equipo de noticias de la plataforma de streaming Vix. La lamentable noticia llega un día después que Deadline publicó que “Televisa Univision, que como todas las compañías de medios tradicionales enfrenta el desafío de la cancelación de servicios por cable y un mercado publicitario inestable, está despidiendo a varios cientos de trabajadores en un proceso de reestructuración”. La medida se hizo pública cuando el director ejecutivo Daniel Alegre anunció, según Deadline, “una renovación del equipo directivo de la compañía” e hizo alusión a los recortes en un memorándum a los empleados esta mañana (2 de diciembre). Aunque no se reveló un número preciso de despidos, una persona familiarizada con las reducciones le dijo

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. There are a few different factors that can impact the home equity borrowing rates you’re offered. Getty Images After years of home values ticking upward, most homeowners now have a valuable financial resource at their disposal: their home’s equity . Right now, the average homeowner has about $320,000 in home equity that can be tapped into at an affordable rate. That, in turn, has led home equity lending to become an attractive option for funding everything from major expenses to home improvements or even debt consolidation.  And, when you add in the fact that home equity borrowing rates are much lower than most other lending options, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners opt for this type of borrowing over credit cards and personal loans. But while home equity rates tend to be lower than the alternatives, the cost of borrowing against your home’s equity can vary significantly based on a range of factors, so it’s important to understand what drives these rates if you

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has ended, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday. The outbreak sickened at least 104 people in 14 states, about a third of whom were hospitalized. One person, an 88-year-old man, died in Colorado . The total number of illnesses was likely much higher, according to the CDC.  The outbreak was announced on Oct. 22. It usually takes several weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. The illnesses started on Sept. 12 and continued until Oct. 21. “The process to reach this point has at times felt long, challenging and uncertain,” McDonald’s said in a Tuesday statement. “But it is critical that public officials examine every possible angle, and we are deeply grateful that they moved quickly to identify and, in partnership with McDonald’s, contain the issue. We’d like to thank them once again.” Investigators determined the E. coli outbreak was linked to slivered onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. Taylor Farms, the onion distributor, initiated a recall in late October. McDonald’s initially removed Quarter Pounders from menus in several states

What is Hegseth’s strategy to win senators over ahead of confirmation hearings? – CBS News Watch CBS News CBS News’ Nikole Killion has asked Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, about the allegations made against him involving sexual and financial misconduct. Killion reports from Capitol Hill on his responses as a potential government shutdown looms. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

What to know about Travel Tuesday deals What to know about Travel Tuesday deals 02:23 Cyber Monday may be over, but when it comes to saving money on travel the best deals are to be had the following day. Travel Tuesday, the lesser known of the post-Thanksgiving deal days, offers those planning a holiday vacation or trip a chance to save big on the price of their plane ticket, hotel or cruise.  “You will be wowed on Travel deal Tuesday,” Lyndsey Schwimmer, consumer travel expert at airfare tracking site Hopper, told CBS News’ Kris Van Cleave. “We see more deals on this day than on Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined.” Hopper is credited with observing the first Travel Tuesday in 2017. Since then, the discount day has grown in popularity among consumers. Over the last two years, it’s seen a five-fold jump in online searches, according to Hopper. The travel industry is taking notice as well.  “We see Black Friday, Cyber Monday, now Travel deal Tuesday,” Schwimmer said. “We’re seeing travel brands across the industry offer deep discounts on this day.” According to Hopper

Without a Black Friday winner, the Mega Millions jackpot has grown to an estimated $541 million ahead of the next drawing. While the win would be nearly historic, the amount that the winner would take home would be much smaller. Mega Millions players have been watching the jackpot grow since September when a ticket sold in Texas landed an $800 million jackpot, the seventh-largest payout in the game’s history. At $541 million, the current jackpot ranks as the eleventh-largest, just $2 million behind a 2018 prize won in California. It’s also $9 million shy of the tenth-largest in game history, a spot currently held by a $552 million jackpot won in Illinois in June. Should you win, your payout could be vastly smaller than the advertised size. Southern California teen hits big lottery payout during concert road trip Large lottery prizes, like this Mega Millions jackpot, are subject to taxes, which vary depending on where you live. Whether you opt for the annuitized or cash prize (an estimated $258.4 million for Tuesday’s drawing), your local lottery is required to withhold 24% in federal taxes. With additional withholdings

Panda Express is giving away limited-edition merchandise for one day only to celebrate National Food Comfort Day and its collaboration with AAPI-owned brand UPRISERS. On Thursday, Dec. 5, Panda Express customers who purchase a Panda plate at select locations across Southern California will receive a limited-edition Panda Sherpa Hoodie while supplies last. On Thursday, Dec. 5, Panda Express customers who purchase a Panda plate at select locations across Southern California will receive a limited-edition Panda Sherpa Hoodie while supplies last. (Panda Express/ UPRISERS) The offer is only redeemable in-store at select locations in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The complete list can be found here. The hoodie only comes in sizes medium and extra-large. Taco Bell adding photo booth experience to drive-thrus nationwide for a limited time The full Panda Express x UPRISERS Cozy Collection will be available on Thursday on the UPRISERS website while supplies last. The collection includes a zip-up Panda Sherpa Jacket, matching Sherpa Shorts, a long-sleeve t-shirt, crew socks, and a Panda bear blanket. 

A Good Samaritan chased down and led police to a reckless driving suspect who fled the scene of a crash that left a woman injured in Upland Monday night. The incident occurred as the suspect, who police said was unlicensed and uninsured, was speeding down Foothill Boulevard. The driver then crashed into a vehicle in front of him at a high rate of speed and caused that vehicle to veer into a tree, the Upland Police Department stated in a post on X. Police found a NOS tank inside the suspect’s vehicle on Dec. 2, 2024. (Upland Police Department) A hit-and-run suspect was arrested in Upland on Dec. 2, 2024. (Upland Police Department) The victim’s vehicle crashed into a tree on Dec. 2, 2024. (Upland Police Department) “The reckless driver pulled alongside the car he hit, saw that the female driver appeared to be injured, and quickly took off,” police said. Another motorist saw the crash and immediately chased the suspect, who pulled into an alley behind some nearby businesses, where officers arrived and arrested him. The unidentified suspect was arrested for felony hit-and-run causing

“Emilia Pérez” director Jacques Audiard will be given the Creative Impact in Directing Award at Variety’s Creative Impact Awards during the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival, the entertainment publication announced Tuesday. The announcement comes one week after PSIFF organizers announced the full festival lineup, which includes “Emilia Pérez” as one of two films in its featured “Talking Pictures” section. The musical debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, earning the Jury Prize and splitting the Best Actress Prize between four women in its ensemble. “Emilia Perez” made its theatrical debut in limited release on Nov. 1 and started streaming on Netflix on Nov. 13. Audiard will be honored on Jan. 4 alongside Jennifer Lopez, recipient of the Legend & Groundbreaker Award, as well as Variety’s annual class of 10 Directors to Watch, which this year includes names such as Malcolm Washington (“The Piano Lesson”) and Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance”). “From his Cesar Award-winning debut film, `See How They Fall,’ 30 years ago, writer-director Jacques Audiard has been at the forefront of international cinema,” Steven Gaydos, Variety’s executive vice president of content, said in a statement.

A person was detained Tuesday on suspicion of intentionally staring a small brush fire in the hills above Burbank that led to some voluntary evacuations. The fire was reported late Tuesday morning near Sunset Canyon and Orange Grove Drive, according to the Burbank Police Department. “One person has been detained in connection with this fire on suspicion of deliberately setting it.” police said in a statement on X. “The fire has burned less than five acres.” At about 11:30 a.m., police reported that the fire’s forward progress had been stopped by firefighters. The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Air Support personnel assisted in battling the flames.

Daniel Penny deadly chokehold trial jury deliberates – CBS News Watch CBS News The jury is deliberating in Daniel Penny’s trial for the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway back in 2023. CBS News New York’s Christina Fan reports. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Biden doesn’t offer more on Hunter Biden pardon decision reversal – CBS News Watch CBS News President Biden did not offer more details on his reversal regarding a pardon for his son Hunter Biden. Zeke Miller, the chief White House correspondent for the Associated Press, joins CBS News with more on Mr. Biden as his Africa trip continues. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

What we know about Trump’s plans on foreign policy, tariffs – CBS News Watch CBS News Tariffs for countries sending goods to the U.S. still appear to be part of President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for his second term in the White House. CBS MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O’Grady has more. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

One person was detained Tuesday morning after a brush fire scorched several acres near a residential neighborhood in Burbank. The fire was first reported around 10 a.m. near the intersection of Via Montana and Country Club Drive in the Burbank Hills area. Firefighters attacked the blaze from the air and the ground, and homes along Country Club Drive were placed under voluntary evacuation warnings. Video from the Citizen App shows smoke billowing from a suspected arson fire in Burbank on Dec. 3, 22024. (Citizen App) The fire burned about 5 acres before forward progress was stopped around 11:30 a.m. According to the Burbank Police Department, one person was detained at the scene and is suspected of deliberately setting the blaze. That person’s name was not released and it’s unclear if they were arrested. Although forward progress had been stopped, officials said previously issued evacuation warnings would remain in place for several hours.