Category: Los Angeles

The brawny, bloodlust howl of “Gladiator II” isn’t your only opportunity for sweeping period spectacle this season, thanks to the renewed allure that OG adventure author Alexandre Dumas has exerted over the French film industry of late. Last year’s hearty two-part “The Three Musketeers” (“D’Artagnan” and “Milady”) has now been followed up by an even grander and no less enjoyable import: a new adaptation of “The Count of Monte Cristo,” directed by “Musketeers” screenwriters and official Dumas-philes Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière. Moviegoers will want to augment their starchy, sinewy Roman vengeance diet with the herby Gallic mother sauce battering this “Monte Cristo” — after all, “Gladiator” tips its helmet to “Ben-Hur,” which was directly inspired by Dumas’ payback classic. And like any multicourse French feast worth its indulgence, this one clocks in at three hours. But that time flies by, akin to a cozy night in with an episode binge. This zesty condensation of an 18-volume, 1300-page epic is a model of streamlining, even if the narrative’s many tantalizing threads, emotions and complications could stand to be fleshed out even more. That’s

Smoke rises from a military helicopter after the aircraft made an emergency landing at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. (CHP Oceanside) A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter’s engine caught fire midflight Friday afternoon, prompting the aircraft to make an emergency landing at Camp Pendleton, authorities said. All four crew members were able to exit the helicopter safely and no one was injured, according to a Marine Corps spokesperson. The fire began at 3:11 p.m. on a CH-53E Super Stallion belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the spokesperson said. The crew made an emergency landing on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, near Interstate 5 in San Diego County, where emergency responders worked to extinguish the fire. In a post on X Friday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol warned people to expect delays on Interstate 5 north of the Aliso Creek Rest Area. Pictures and video included with that post showed the helicopter burning in a field, emitting dark black plumes of smoke. More to Read Sign up for Essential California The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning. You may occasionally receive

A social media influencer who collided head-on in a Fourth of July crash in Malibu has been sued by the family of the ride-share driver killed in the fatal crash, alleging the influencer was “severely intoxicated and impaired” at the time. Summer Wheaton was driving a 2019 Mercedes-Benz when, according to authorities, the vehicle crossed the center median on Pacific Coast Highway and crashed into a 2020 Cadillac. The social media influencer, who describes herself as a “wellness advocate,” attended a Fourth of July party at the famed restaurant Nobu before the crash and is accused in the suit of driving under the influence of “intoxicating substances.” The lawsuit was filed Dec. 3 by the family of Martin Okeke, who was killed in the crash. Attorneys representing Okeke’s family did not respond to The Times’ requests for comment. Formerly a licensed real estate agent, Wheaton describes herself as a “founder, speaker and wellness” advocate in her website, where she supports healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Wheaton has amassed more than 100,000 followers on Instagram but made her account private days after the fatal crash. On

A 28-year-old motorcyclist killed in a collision on Highway 74 in Meadowbrook was traveling 100 mph when he plowed into the back of a sedan, authorities said Friday. Anthony Medina of Perris was fatally injured at 1:25 p.m. Thursday on the westbound side of the four-lane corridor, just west of Hammack Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officer Mike Lassig said Medina was initially riding his 2017 Ducati motorcycle in the No. 1 lane, but after passing Hammack, he “changed into the No. 2 lane” for reasons unclear. Lassig said the motorcyclist was going about 100 mph as he approached a four-door 2002 Saturn LW300 traveling 45 mph. “The (rider) failed to slow, causing the front of the Ducati to collide into the rear of the Saturn,” the CHP spokesman said. The victim was flung into lanes, where good Samaritans immediately stopped and rushed to his aid. Two of the three occupants of the Saturn suffered minor injuries in the collision, Lassig said. Riverside County Fire Department paramedics reached the location about 15 minutes later and pronounced Medina dead at the scene. The two

A 36-year-old man convicted of murder for stabbing at least two of his family members, one fatally, during a dispute in Indio was sentenced Friday to 22 years to life in prison. Anthony William Piña-German of Indio was found guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation at the Larson Justice Center in Indio in October, John Hall of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office told City News Service. He was found not guilty of a second attempted murder charge and lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. Jurors also found sentence-enhancing allegations of use of a knife in both charges to be true. At around 6:50 p.m. Nov. 26, 2022, officers responded to the 82900 block of Via Valencia to a family disturbance, and three men were found with stab wounds, according to the Indio Police Department. Police said the victims and Piña-German were in a dispute before the stabbing occurred and the three men were taken to a hospital, where one of them — 39-year-old Christopher Galvan — died. Officers said Piña-German left the scene before they arrived and based on the

A unique spin on the classic holiday eggnog – CBS News Watch CBS News It’s the time of year when we indulge in some favorite holiday treats and drinks like eggnog. Chef JJ Johnson, the founder of fast-casual restaurant Field Trip NYC, joins CBS News to showcase several holiday recipes. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Drone expert unpacks mysterious sightings across Northeast – CBS News Watch CBS News A string of drone sightings across parts of the Northeast has prompted federal officials to ban drone flights temporarily in 22 towns throughout New Jersey and some neighborhoods around airports in New York City. Michael Innella, drone photographer and founder of North Jersey Drone Shots, joins CBS News to discuss the logistics behind the aircraft. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Californians still hoping to nab a state voucher to help pay for an e-bike this holiday season were met instead with seven unwelcome words: “We are no longer accepting incentive applications.” That’s the message the California Air Resources Board had on its E-Bike Incentive Project webpage as of Friday after residents flooded the agency with applications, leaving some disappointed and frustrated by the process. The program began accepting online applications at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Within 45 minutes, the application window was closed after nearly 100,000 applications were submitted, according to the air resources board. Some applicants complained they were unable to log on mere minutes after that window opened. Some posted screenshots on social media of estimated wait times exceeding an hour. Others said the application process froze or produced error messages. Lys Mendez, the board’s communications director, said a fully staffed team handled the application process, which included testing the website and checking for technical issues. She said problems could have arisen from people using multiple devices under one IP address or not properly refreshing the website, or if their browsers were outdated.

In a dramatic courtroom scene that one wrongly convicted woman called “a Christmas miracle,” a Los Angeles County judge on Friday vacated the murder sentences of two people — 17 years after they were locked up — and ordered their immediate release. “Those charges are dismissed,” said Superior Court Judge William Ryan, adding: “You have to understand how rare this is.” As weeping family members and friends of Lombardo Palacios, 33, and Charlotte Pleytez, 37, looked on, the courtroom exploded in applause. The pair were convicted in 2009 for the 2007 murder of Hector Flores, who was shot to death in his car in a strip mall off Sunset Boulevard. The two had come onto the radar of LAPD detectives after word hit the street that the killers were associated with the White Fence gang, a predominantly Latino group operating in the area, according to court records. The pair were identified by two witnesses who picked their faces out of a book of photographs of gang members. However, the shooting happened at night, and one witness had poor vision and wore trifocal lenses. Still, a

Kids inspired by Secret Santa give out total of $10,000 to strangers – CBS News Watch CBS News An Arizona elementary teacher uses Steve Hartman’s “On the Road” stories to teach kindness and character. One about a Secret Santa that gives out money to random strangers has inspired his students to do the same over the holidays — and this year was no different. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Two lawmakers from California have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate a violent incident at Men’s Central Jail in 2022, when a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy appeared to bash a handcuffed inmate’s head into a concrete wall, leaving a gaping, 3-inch wound. The incident first became public last summer when the American Civil Liberties Union obtained a 15-second clip of surveillance video and posted it online . The graphic footage showed two deputies chatting as a man emerged from his cell with his hands cuffed behind him. One deputy appeared to grab the inmate from behind and slam him headfirst into the wall, without a clear provocation. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department opened an internal criminal investigation, but this year the district attorney’s office formally declined to prosecute either of the deputies involved. In a five-page May 17 memo explaining their reasoning, prosecutors said it was unclear whether the deputies intentionally harmed the inmate or whether his injuries were from him “swinging and lunging his own body toward the wall.” At the time, ACLU attorneys criticized that decision and said they

The now disgraced and disbarred attorney Tom Girardi must surrender to federal authorities early next year for a medical evaluation at a federal prison in North Carolina, a judge ruled Friday. The decision by U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton amounts to a procedural interlude after the 85-year-old Girardi was convicted of wire fraud in August. Girardi was to be sentenced Friday, with prosecutors seeking 14 years in prison — and one of his former clients had flown in from Indonesia to witness the proceeding. But his defense attorneys had argued that Girardi’s dementia and ongoing cognitive decline warranted keeping him out of prison and in the memory care ward of his Orange County nursing home. To resolve the dispute, Staton canceled the sentencing and held a hearing Friday where she ruled that Girardi must turn himself in to U.S. Marshals on Jan. 7 and be flown to the federal prison in Butner, N.C., an advanced medical facility for inmates. Girardi is supposed to remain there for up to 30 days as prison staff observe him and evaluate whether prison, or another suitable medical facility, is

Tyler Higbee is understandably excited. It’s been 11 long months since the Rams’ veteran tight end last played for the Rams. The ninth-year pro underwent major knee surgery after a NFC wild-card defeat by the Detroit Lions. Seven weeks after that, he had shoulder surgery. On Sunday, Higbee will be active for the first time this season when the Rams play the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. So his energy level might be higher than normal. “These guys might have to throw some water on me to take the fire out of my hair,” he said Friday after practice, “but we’re excited.” Higbee was selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2016 draft and has been a mainstay for coach Sean McVay, who was hired after Higbee’s rookie season. Higbee has 353 career receptions, 22 for touchdowns. Higbee, who will turn 32 on Jan. 1, began practicing a few weeks ago and was activated from injured reserve this week. “It’s been a long journey,” he said. “Some days aren’t always the best, but I just kept showing

Toddler among 2 killed in German Christmas market attack, authorities say – CBS News Watch CBS News At least two people, including a toddler, were killed, and at least 60 more hurt, after a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what authorities said appeared to be a deliberate attack. German police said a Saudi man has been arrested, but a motive has not yet been determined. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – An oil drilling facility in West Los Angeles that has been the focus of neighborhood health concerns for decades will finally be coming down, City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky announced on Friday. Council members voted 12-0 on Wednesday to formally terminate the city’s agreement with operators of the West Pico pumping station, located in the 9000 block of West Pico Boulevard at Doheny Drive, which has been extracting crude oil since 1965. For years, neighbors have complained of foul smells and noise coming from the site, which is surrounded by walls and has a tower concealing equipment. Westside L.A. Oil Drilling Site Did Not Undergo Regular Reviews as Required “This closure agreement is a major victory for the Pico-Robertson community and a turning point in our efforts to phase out harmful oil drilling citywide,” Yaroslavsky said in a statement. “For too long, oil drilling sites like this one have jeopardized the health of residents and exposed families to unacceptable health and safety risks.” Under the agreement, city leadership will work with the facility’s operators, Pacific Coast Energy Company, to wind down oil

The House approved legislation to avert a government shutdown hours before the deadline Friday, sending the bill to the Senate for consideration after a whirlwind week on Capitol Hill. The chamber voted 366-34-1 in support of the legislation, clearing the two-thirds threshold needed for passage since GOP leadership brought the bill to the floor under the fast-track suspension of the rules process. All Democrats except one — Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Texas), who voted present — joined 170 Republicans in voting yes. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters that the upper chamber could move on the continuing resolution Friday. Lawmakers are staring down a midnight deadline. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), after the vote, lauded the legislation as “‘America First’ legislation because it allows us to be set up to deliver for the American people.” “In January, we will make a sea change in Washington. President Trump will return to D.C. and to the White House, and we will have Republican control of the Senate and the House. Things are going to be very different around here. This was a necessary step to bridge the

The thing about the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movies is that they continue to surprise — with how humorous, self-referential and even insightful they can be. Since the first movie defied expectations in 2020 (the creative team redesigned the character after online backlash to a first look), a third film now cruises into theaters and the series shows no signs of stopping. Helmed at a breakneck pace by Jeff Fowler, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is loud, chaotic and often corny, with a visual style that can only be described as “retina-searing,” but the script by Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington is funny, punny and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a clever genre exercise sanded down for kids (a “Mission: Impossible” riff this time) that gleefully breaks the fourth wall to bring us all in on the jokes. There are also references to “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and “John Wick,” particularly with the vocal casting of Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog, a sort of “dark Sonic” character, who here is a wounded warrior bent on vengeance. Ben Schwartz returns as

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr hope you enjoyed the show. The surviving Beatles reunited onstage Thursday night at McCartney’s Got Back Tour finale in London to perform two of the band’s most iconic songs. As McCartney, 82, welcomed his surprise guest — “the mighty, the one and only, Ringo Starr” — thousands of fans filled the O2 arena with prolonged applause. Starr, 84, flashed his signature peace sign, then McCartney asked, “Should we rock?” “I only rock,” Starr quipped before assuming his position at the drum kit. The former bandmates joined McCartney’s band for a rendition of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise),” then capped off their mini-set with “Helter Skelter.” (Starr joined McCartney for the same two songs when he appeared at the “Maybe I’m Amazed” singer’s sold-out show at Dodger Stadium in 2019.) “I’ve had a great night and I love you all,” Starr told the doting crowd as he made his exit Thursday. “Thanks to this man.” But that wasn’t the only surprise of the night. Earlier in the show, McCartney had introduced his audience to another old friend: his original

In the six weeks since Donald Trump won the presidential election, Europe has been bracing for a U.S. administration that could strain traditional transatlantic alliances. That sense of uncertainty has just been turbocharged by a disruptive new force: multibillionaire Elon Musk, who has made it clear he intends to leave his mark on politics and policy not only in Washington but in Europe as well. On Friday, as U.S. lawmakers were racing to avert a looming government shutdown, Musk used his social media platform X to tout his strong support for a far-right political party in Germany that is looking to increase its clout in the wake of this month’s meltdown of the three-party ruling coalition of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “Only the AfD can save Germany,” Musk wrote, using the German initials for Alternative for Germany, the party best known for its stridently anti-immigrant stance, longtime ties to neo-Nazis and the “extremist” designation that Germany’s domestic intelligence service has given its youth wing. The world’s richest man had previously made provocative statements about German politics, but the timing of his latest remarks — coinciding with

Party City, the party and costume supply chain with more than 70 locations in California including several in Los Angeles , is shutting down operations immediately and laying off its employees. In an online meeting Friday viewed by Bloomberg News, Party City Chief Executive Barry Litwin told corporate employees that it would be their last day of work. CNN reported that employees would not receive severance pay. “That is without question the most difficult message that I’ve ever had to deliver,” Litwin said in the video. The company will be “winding down” immediately, he said. The chain, which has been in business for nearly 40 years and has around 700 locations according to its website, could not handle a decrease in consumer spending triggered by everyday high prices, Litwin told employees. Going-out-of-business sales began Friday, just 14 months after the company emerged from bankruptcy and four months after Litwin began as chief executive. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 with around $1.8 billion in debt and emerged from the restructuring process under a plan meant to ensure its viability. The company, however

Baristas at a handful of Starbucks around Los Angeles as well as in Chicago and Seattle went on strike Friday, kicking off a work stoppage that union officials said would include hundreds of the coffee giant’s stores by Christmas Eve. The union, Starbucks Workers United, said the strike was necessary after they failed to reach a deal in negotiations with the company over what would be a first contract for Starbucks workers. By walking out from five locations in the Los Angeles area and other key markets, workers are hoping to pressure Starbucks during the busy holiday season, when its frappuccinos and themed drinks are in high demand. The union said it plans to spread the work stoppages to potentially hundreds of stores over the course of the five-day action that will conclude on Christmas Eve. It is looking to extract from Starbucks a more robust wage proposal and an agreement to quickly resolve outstanding unfair labor practice charges filed by workers in recent years. A Starbucks tucked into a strip mall on Alameda Street in Burbank that typically opens at 4:30 a.m. stayed closed