Category: Los Angeles

The jackpot in the multi-state Mega Millions lottery has surged to an estimated $970 million, offering a massive prize for the Christmas Eve drawing, state lottery officials said Monday. Tuesday’s drawing is set for 8 p.m. local time. There were no tickets sold with all six numbers in Friday’s drawing. A winner or winners on Tuesday would take home a share of the seventh-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. The odds of matching all five numbers and the Mega number are 1 in 302,575,350, according to the California Lottery. The overall chance of winning a prize is 1 in 24. The Mega Millions game began in 1996 as The Big Game and was given the new name Mega Millions in 2002. The Mega Millions game is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Latest news on Honda-Nissan merger, Party City going out of business – CBS News Watch CBS News Honda and Nissan are aiming to merge into what would be a powerful presence in the car industry. This comes as news emerges of Party City going out of business. 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

By Aliza Chasan Updated on: December 23, 2024 / 4:00 PM EST / CBS News A lucky lottery player may get a big present on Christmas Eve: The Mega Millions jackpot is nearly $1 billion.  Tuesday’s drawing is for an estimated $970 million, or $439.9 million in cash, according to the lottery. The jackpot has been rolling since it was last won at $810 million in Texas on Sept. 10. No ticket matched all six numbers during the last drawing on Friday night , with white balls 2, 20, 51, 56 and 67, plus the gold Mega Ball 19. Just 13 Mega Millions jackpots have been won during December since the game began in 2022. If someone wins on Tuesday, it would mark just the second Mega Millions jackpot win on Christmas Eve. Someone won a $68 million jackpot in New York on Christmas Eve in 2002, but that prize went unclaimed.  Very few Mega Millions jackpots have been won this year. It’s only been won three times, which is the fewest won in any single year since the game began. The odds of winning

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. The 7-in-7 rule could help you avoid the headaches that constant debt collection phone calls can cause.  Getty Images/iStockphoto Falling behind on your credit card payments is a tough issue to deal with on its own, but it can become even more overwhelming if debt collectors become part of the equation. When you’re late or delinquent on your credit card payments , debt collectors can be relentless in terms of pursuing what’s owed, adding to the stress for those who are already grappling with financial difficulties. The good news is, though, that you have rights in these situations , and understanding what they are is crucial to navigating this challenging landscape.  While debt collection agencies have a legal right to pursue unpaid debts, they must do so within the confines of federal laws. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other consumer protection regulations exist to ensure fair treatment of those in debt. These laws prohibit harassment and provide guidelines for communication, including rules

The city of Whittier is now facing a lawsuit related to a controversial plan to chop down more than 100 trees, including scores of historic ficus trees. The Greenleaf Promenade plan, which would remove 83 six-decade-old ficus trees from Uptown Whittier, has drawn consternation from Whittier residents and others who enjoy the shade, aesthetic value and additional benefits the trees provide. Whittier residents outraged over plan to remove ficus trees in historic district Now, the project is the target of a lawsuit from the Whittier Conservancy, which argues the city did not conduct an environmental review, “including its potential effects on greenhouse gas capture and available shade,” the Los Angeles Times notes. A Sky5 aerial view of the ficus trees in Uptown Whittier. (KTLA) A Sky5 aerial view of the ficus trees in Uptown Whittier. (KTLA) A Sky5 aerial view of the ficus trees in Uptown Whittier. (KTLA) Large ficus trees line Greenleaf Avenue in Uptown Whittier. (KTLA) Large ficus trees line Greenleaf Avenue in Uptown Whittier. (KTLA) Ficus trees line Greenleaf Avenue in Uptown Whittier. (KTLA) A rendering of the new “Greenleaf Promenade” which

A man has been sentenced in connection with the death of a woman that occurred while they were on a motorcycle the man was operating recklessly.  According to a press release from the Huntington Beach Police Department, officers responded to a fatal traffic collision on Pacific Coast Highway south of Wagner Avenue on Sept. 11, 2021, at 8:17 p.m.  Upon arriving, officers located a motorcycle that had collided with an SUV. The passenger on the motorcycle, 22-year-old Meghan Wautlet, died at the scene.  The motorcycle driver, another 22-year-old named John Murray III, was found in the roadway with significant injuries but survived the crash.  “The HBPD Major Accident Investigation Team responded and conducted an exhaustive investigation into the circumstances which concluded that Murray was at fault for the collision and had been performing dangerous stunts, riding recklessly and excessively speeding just prior to the impact,” the press release said. “Further investigation revealed that, in the seven months leading up to the crash, Murray had been arrested or cited at least five times for various traffic violations, including speeding and reckless driving.”  19-year-old fatally shot near

Covered California has hit an enrollment record ahead of the program’s open enrollment deadline. Over 1.8 million people are enrolled in the state’s health insurance marketplace. About 143,686 Californians are enrolling for the first time, and over 1.6 million are renewing their coverage. Nearly half of new enrollees have come from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, with 68,095 sign-ups. Health officials warn of Norovirus risk from raw oysters, clams in California The record number comes despite rates going up almost 10% this year.  Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman attributed the upcoming increase to factors such as rising pharmacy costs, labor shortages, and wage increases in the healthcare industry. In 2025, the average rate increase for Covered California is expected to be 7.9% Still, most enrollees are typically shielded from annual premium increases because they receive financial assistance from the government. However, those who don’t qualify could bear the full costs of the rate hikes. “We want to make sure every uninsured Californian understands that the most financial assistance ever offered through the Affordable Care Act is available here in California for

Los Angeles County Metro announced it will offer free service on all bus and rail lines, as well as its Metro Micro and Metro Bike Share programs this Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. “The fare gates at all Metro Rail stations will be unlatched, and fare boxes and validators will not deduct fares from TAP cards and fare media,” Metro said in a news release announcing the plan. Union Station is decorated for the holidays. (Metro Los Angeles via X) No fare will be collected during the following times: Tuesday, Dec. 24, beginning at 4 a.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 3 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, beginning at 4 a.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at 3 a.m. Metro Micro riders were told in a post on X to use code Merry24 on Christmas Eve and Ring24 on New Year’s Eve. Metro Bike is free Dec. 24-Jan 1 with code 010125. Extended 24-hour service will begin on New Year’s Eve and continue into New Year’s Day on rail lines A, B, D and E. Lines C and K will run until 2 a.m.

Luigi Mangione’s lawyers blast prosecutors, NYC mayor in court – CBS News Watch CBS News Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty in a New York court to charges connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News’ Lilia Luciano reports. Also, CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the case’s latest turns. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Key takeaways from House ethics report on Matt Gaetz misconduct – CBS News Watch CBS News The House Ethics Committee released a report detailing former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz’s apparent misconduct. CBS News’ Michael Kaplan breaks down the report’s key takeaways, which include apparently paying women for sex, and the purchase and use of illegal drugs. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Despite the fervent wishes of many children, being a Disney princess is not all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it could be hazardous to your health, according to some experts. As detailed in the British Medical Journal’s annual lighthearted Christmas issue, “Disney princesses face serious real world health hazards.” For example, as 404 Media points out, Jasmine’s biggest threat might not be the power-hungry Jafar. Instead, Sanne H B van Dijk and fellow authors note that Jasmine’s lack of friends qualifies as social isolation, which carries “risks of mental health problems, anxiety, depression and an impaired immune system,” as The Telegraph of India notes. To make matters worse, Jasmine’s only companion, the tiger Rajah, “seems like a sweet tiger, [but] its natural instincts could” result in serious — or perhaps fatal — wounds and injuries to Jasmine, something researchers called “a true Arabian nightmare.” Also of note are the rabies risks faced by Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” and potential severe injuries caused by Pocahontas’ cliff diving. “Surprisingly, however, despite these risks they seem to live happily ever after,” the study adds.

The Biden administration has adopted new rules for operating California’s main water delivery systems in the Central Valley, endorsing a plan backed by state officials that aims to strike a balance between ensuring protections for imperiled fish species and providing a reliable water supply for farms and cities. Federal and state officials said the new operating rules for the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project that were developed over the last three years will bring greater stability to the state’s supplies in the face of worsening droughts intensified by climate change. “The updated rules mark a new path forward that will provide more certainty for water users, and fish and wildlife,” said Karl Stock, the federal Bureau of Reclamation’s regional director, calling it a “durable plan that builds in a great deal of flexibility.” The staff of several federal and state agencies developed the revised plan after California and environmental groups successfully sued to challenge previous rules adopted during Trump’s first presidency. The new framework replaces court-ordered interim plans that were adopted during the last three years, but long-running disputes over California water

The Animation Guild on Monday said its members had approved the tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, by a supermajority “yes” vote. The union that represents Hollywood animators ratified its new contract with the studios, despite concerns among some prominent members over the deal’s protections against the use of artificial intelligence. The Animation Guild on Monday said its members had approved the tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, by a supermajority “yes” vote. “The AMPTP member companies congratulate The Animation Guild, including its leadership, its bargaining committee and its membership on the ratification of this new three-year deal,” the alliance said in a statement. “The many talented and creative employees represented by The Animation Guild will immediately enjoy historic gains in wages, protections and other important improvements for their craft.” The guild has touted several gains in the three-year deal, including increases to health and pension funds and wage increases of 7% in the first year, 4% in the second and 3.5% in the third. The pact

Christmas could come early this year for anyone playing Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot worth an estimated $970 million. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million, according to lottery organizers, and the last jackpot was won in Texas on Sept. 10 for $810 million. Tuesday’s drawing is at 8 p.m. Pacific time. If there is a winner or winners on Tuesday, they will claim a portion of the seventh-largest prize in Mega Millions history. Only three tickets won the Mega Millions jackpot this year, the fewest since the multistate game launched in 2002. There have been 13 jackpot winners in December in the game’s history, but only one winning ticket was pulled on Christmas Eve — in 2002. That winning ticket was sold in New York for a $68-million prize that ultimately went unclaimed, according to the lottery organizers. While some people swear by their lucky numbers, there is little rhyme or reason behind purchasing a winning ticket. That being said, there are some locations that have sold more winning tickets than others. The California Lottery lists “Lucky Store” locations on its

The state of California is suing the former nonprofit owner of a long-troubled housing development for low-income senior citizens in Chinatown, Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta announced Monday. The suit alleges that Chinese Committee on Aging Housing Corp. and its chief executive and president Donald Toy, mismanaged operations at Cathay Manor Apartments, a 16-story, 268-unit property, and breached their fiduciary duties by failing to ensure basic health and safety conditions. In recent years, city code and building inspectors have found faulty fire-safety systems and elevators inoperable for months at a time, effectively trapping many elderly and disabled residents inside. “CCOA Housing Corp. completely failed in their mission,” Bonta said. “It’s wrong. They misused the money. People, seniors, vulnerable populations were hurt.” The suit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday. The state is seeking a judge’s order to dissolve CCOA Housing Corp. and the appointment of a receiver to manage its assets. An attorney for Toy could not immediately be reached for comment. Monday’s litigation is the latest in a battery of court actions facing the nonprofit and the building, which was hailed

After a years-long dispute in court, the chief executive of concert promoter Knitting Factory has prevailed to take control of the beloved Pioneertown music venue Pappy & Harriet’s. The ruling in Los Angeles Superior Court resolves a contentious fight over one of SoCal’s most iconic music venues, a rustic roadhouse on a former movie set that has hosted countless acts from Paul McCartney and Robert Plant to Lana Del Rey and Jamie xx. Since 2021, Knitting Factory’s chief executive, Morgan Margolis, and partners Stephen Hendel and John Chapman were locked in a bitter dispute with the venue’s co-partners, Joseph Moresco and Lisa Elin. In 2021, after Moresco and Elin changed the locks on the venue and blocked Margolis from the venue’s operations, Margolis and his partners sued the couple, alleging breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and other charges, and asked that Moresco and Elin be removed as general partners. The jury found that Margolis and partners “had the authority to remove Moresco Holdings as the general partner of the partnership. Despite that removal, Defendants proceeded to utilize partnership assets.” “The decision confirmed that

The crocodile who became famous after his appearance in the 1986 film “Crocodile Dundee” has died, the Australian reptile and aquarium attraction where he lived announced on social media. Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the hit movie, was believed to be more than 90 years old. Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin said in an Instagram post that Burt died peacefully over the weekend, “marking the end of an incredible era.” “Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience, and a personality as bold as the Top End itself,” the post continued. “Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife.” The aquarium said Burt made his way to Crocosarus Cove in 2008 and went on to become “fierce and fascinating ambassador for crocodile education.” “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor—an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” they

December 23, 2024 / 12:40 PM EST / AP A retired Washington, D.C., police officer was convicted Monday of lying to authorities about leaking confidential information to the leader of the far-right Proud Boys. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson convicted former Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Lamond, who used to supervise the intelligence branch of the police department’s Homeland Security Bureau, of obstructing justice and making false statements after a trial without a jury. Washington Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Lamond departs federal court after pleading not guilty to obstruction of justice and other charges, Friday, May 19, 2023, in Washington.  Patrick Semansky / AP Sentencing was scheduled for April 3 after Lamond was convicted on all four counts. He was charged with leaking information to then-Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio, who was under investigation in the burning of a Black Lives Matter banner. At his bench trial, Lamond testified that he had never provided Tarrio with sensitive police information. Tarrio testified as a witness for Lamond’s defense and said he did not confess to Lamond about burning the banner and didn’t receive any

Trump threatens to retake control of Panama Canal, picks Mark Burnett for special envoy to U.K. – CBS News Watch CBS News President-elect Donald Trump, now a month away from returning to the White House, threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal as he spoke Sunday at Turning Point USA’s America Fest in Arizona. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides has more on Trump’s comments and his choice for special envoy to the U.K., television producer Mark Burnett. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

A man and a woman who spent more than 17 years in prison for an East Hollywood murder had their convictions vacated, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William C. Ryan also ordered the immediate release of Charlotte Pleytez and Lombardo Palacios who were imprisoned for the 2007 murder. “I want to extend my deepest apologies to Ms. Pleytez and Mr. Palacios for the years of hardship they endured due to these wrongful convictions,” Hochman stated. “I also want to recognize the tragic loss of Hector Luis Flores and share my heartfelt condolences with his family. His death is a painful reminder of the heavy responsibility we bear to ensure justice not only holds the right people accountable but also honors the lives of victims and their families.” Flores was fatally shot during a verbal altercation in a shopping center parking lot in the 5200 block of Sunset Boulevard on March 28, 2007. Pleytez and Palacios were arrested following eyewitness identifications and other circumstantial evidence, the DA’s Office stated. Palacios and Pleytez were convicted of first-degree murder

The moment was already destined for Dodgers lore. Walker Buehler, arms extended, strutting off the Yankee Stadium mound, a World Series title having just been secured by his trademark knuckle-curveball. Now, the scene will be a parting image for Buehler’s distinguished tenure with the club, too. On Monday, Buehler agreed to a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, as Yahoo Sports first reported, officially ending a seven-year run with the Dodgers that included tantalizing highs (two All-Star selections, two World Series titles and from 2018-2021 the fourth-best ERA in the majors), injury-plagued lows (including two Tommy John surgeries that derailed his ascent as the Dodgers’ next great ace) and a fitting final act, with Buehler’s iconic save in Game 5 of the World Series proving to be his last game in a Dodgers uniform. It’s a departure that, for most of this year, had been expected, as Buehler struggled mightily in the regular season returning from his second Tommy John procedure. However, despite his 1-6 record and career-worst 5.38 ERA, Buehler sneaked into the Dodgers’ postseason rotation amid a rash of other