The physician grew up in the Ramona Gardens housing project in Boyle Heights.

“It’s a neighborhood that is known for lots of negative influences, lots of gang violence and substance abuse, poverty.” said Rodriguez.

That environment took the lives of both Rodriguez’s sister and cousin.

“They are the unfortunate realities of many people who grow up in a similar environment,” said Rodriguez. “Thinking about the different types of paths that are laid out in front of you, I knew that for me, I didn’t want to follow along that path.”

Rodriguez created his path, graduating as valedictorian at Wilson High School, then went to Standford University and graduated from medical school at UCLA.

Rodriguez is the first in his family to attend college, an achievement he says he owes to his parents who immigrated to the United States from Mexico in search of the American dream.

“My dad, he came to this country in his early 20s in search of what America promised. Opportunity,” said Rodriguez. “Even though he didn’t have a formal education, he made sure that he instilled in his kids the importance of an education. Knowing that if you’re in the United States and you work hard, you go through school, get an education, then that just opens up the doors.”

Rodriguez is now paying it forward, leading Kaiser’s Hippocrates Circle Program which inspires underrepresented youth, many of them Hispanic Americans like himself, to become doctors.

“It’s really fulfilling to be able to be part of this program for me to see them and see them not just as kids who have a dream, but to see them and say, I understand that dream,” said Rodriguez. “Every time I see these kids, I see myself in them.”

Rodriguez tells his students anything is possible, something his parents told him, a young kid from the projects who dared to dream big.

“It is a point of pride when you think about just that type of resilience, perseverance, that desire to dream, to, to try to get better than what you were born into,” said Rodriguez.

Although the move primarily impacts the central bank’s federal funds rate, consumers will feel the shift since it will likely spill over to monthly credit card, auto loan, personal loan and mortgage costs. Realtors in Southern California are hoping the announcement will inspire homebuyers.

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“So, this property’s been on the market for 125 days,” said Jimmy Mercado, a realtor who showed NBC4 a listing in El Sereno.

During the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, most homes stayed on the market for days. Since 2022, however, the dream of home ownership became unattainable when the rate of inflation increased.

“The rates went up the quickest they had in like 20 years,” Mercado said. “So, it went from 3% to about 6% in three months and that kind of started flatlining the market.”

Wednesday’s announcement from the Federal Reserve is first cut since March 2020. The federal funds rate is slated to move to a range between 4.75 to 5%.

“This is a huge day,” Mercado said. “We anticipated a quarter percent cut. It’s half a point; that’s a lot of money that now buyers can leverage out.”

For families, it’s a welcomed announcement they say will help their households.

“We were just unemployed, but we just got employed again,” said Jacki Bembridge, a mother of six. “And so, we’re just starting to climb out of things and to do budgets and then to know that this is happening will be very, very helpful.”

“I think it’s definitely a good step in the right direction,” said Alhambra resident Joe Benegret. “I guess let’s just hope it goes forward as well with groceries. I know just common living right now, it’s really taking a hit.”

The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it will lower its benchmark rate by a half percentage point, or 50 basis points, paving the way for relief from the high borrowing costs that have hit consumers particularly hard. 

The federal funds rate, which is set by the U.S. central bank, is the interest rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. Although that’s not the rate consumers pay, the Fed’s moves still affect the borrowing and savings rates they see every day.

Wednesday’s cut sets the federal funds rate at a range of 4.75%-5%.

A series of interest rate hikes starting in March 2022 took the central bank’s benchmark to its highest in more than 22 years, which caused most consumer borrowing costs to skyrocket — and put many households under pressure.

Now, with inflation backing down, “there are reasons to be optimistic,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

However, “one rate cut isn’t a panacea for borrowers grappling with high financing costs and has a minimal impact on the overall household budget,” he said. “What will be more significant is the cumulative effect of a series of interest rate cuts over time.”

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“There are always winners and losers when there is a change in interest rates,” said Stephen Foerster, professor of finance at Ivey Business School in London, Ontario. “In general, lower rates favor borrowers and hurt lenders and savers.”

“It really depends on whether you are a borrower or saver or whether you currently have locked-in borrowing or savings rates,” he said.

From credit cards and mortgage rates to auto loans and savings accounts, here’s a look at how a Fed rate cut could affect your finances in the months ahead.

Credit cards

Since most credit cards have a variable rate, there’s a direct connection to the Fed’s benchmark. Because of the central bank’s rate hike cycle, the average credit card rate rose from 16.34% in March 2022 to more than 20% today — near an all-time high.

Going forward, annual percentage rates will start to come down, but even then, they will only ease off extremely high levels. With only a few cuts on deck for 2024, APRs would still be around 19% in the months ahead, according to McBride.

“Interest rates took the elevator going up, but they’ll be taking the stairs coming down,” he said.

That makes paying down high-cost credit card debt a top priority since “interest rates won’t fall fast enough to bail you out of a tight situation,” McBride said. “Zero percent balance transfer offers remain a great way to turbocharge your credit card debt repayment efforts.”

Mortgage rates

Although 15- and 30-year mortgage rates are fixed, and tied to Treasury yields and the economy, anyone shopping for a new home has lost considerable purchasing power in the last two years, partly because of inflation and the Fed’s policy moves.

But rates are already significantly lower than where they were just a few months ago. Now, the average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is around 6.3%, according to Bankrate.

Jacob Channel, senior economist at LendingTree, expects mortgage rates will stay somewhere in the 6% to 6.5% range over the coming weeks, with a chance that they’ll even dip below 6%. But it’s unlikely they will return to their pandemic-era lows, he said.

“Though they are falling, mortgage rates nonetheless remain relatively high compared to where they stood through most of the last decade,” he said. “What’s more, home prices remain at or near record highs in many areas.” Despite the Fed’s move, “there are a lot of people who won’t be able to buy until the market becomes cheaper,” Channel said.

Auto loans

Even though auto loans are fixed, higher vehicle prices and high borrowing costs have stretched car buyers “to their financial limits,” according to Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds’ head of insights.

The average rate on a five-year new car loan is now more than 7%, up from 4% when the Fed started raising rates, according to Edmunds. However, rate cuts from the Fed will take some of the edge off the rising cost of financing a car — likely bringing rates below 7% — helped in part by competition between lenders and more incentives in the market.

“Many Americans have been holding off on making vehicle purchases in the hopes that prices and interest rates would come down, or that incentives would make a return,” Caldwell said. “A Fed rate cut wouldn’t necessarily drive all those consumers back into showrooms right away, but it would certainly help nudge holdout car buyers back into more of a spending mood.”

Student loans

Federal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers won’t be immediately affected by a rate cut. However, if you have a private loan, those loans may be fixed or have a variable rate tied to the Treasury bill or other rates, which means once the Fed starts cutting interest rates, the rates on those private student loans will come down over a one- or three-month period, depending on the benchmark, according to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz. 

Eventually, borrowers with existing variable-rate private student loans may be able to refinance into a less expensive fixed-rate loan, he said. But refinancing a federal loan into a private student loan will forgo the safety nets that come with federal loans, such as deferments, forbearances, income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness and discharge options.

Additionally, extending the term of the loan means you ultimately will pay more interest on the balance.

Savings rates

While the central bank has no direct influence on deposit rates, the yields tend to be correlated to changes in the target federal funds rate.

As a result of Fed rate hikes, top-yielding online savings account rates have made significant moves and are now paying more than 5% — the most savers have been able to earn in nearly two decades — up from around 1% in 2022, according to Bankrate.

If you haven’t opened a high-yield savings account or locked in a certificate of deposit yet, you’ve likely already missed the rate peak, according to Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s credit analyst. However, “yields aren’t going to fall off a cliff immediately after the Fed cuts rates,” he said.

Although those rates have likely maxed out, it is still worth your time to make either of those moves now before rates fall even further, he advised.

One-year CDs are now averaging 1.78% but top-yielding CD rates pay more than 5%, according to Bankrate, as good as or better than a high-yield savings account.

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Through compliance checks, the LAPD uncovered 290 pounds of street lighting wire stolen from the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting and an additional 290 pounds from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. 

Over 3,300 pounds of copper and aluminum wire that belonged to Caltrans were discovered in addition to a bronze plaque for the city of Burbank.

The estimated value of the recovered metal parts was $46,000, the LAPD said.

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The compliance check resulted in the arrest of the owner of a Sun Valley recycling center for receiving stolen property.

The checks were carried out last Friday by the Metal Theft Unit of the LAPD in conjunction with the office of Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian. 

The city has experienced unreliable trash service since the pandemic and a recent heat wave has only worsened the problem. Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said it’s become a public safety and health issue, prompting the city council to declare it an emergency during a closed session meeting on Tuesday.

“On Thursday, we will have a private hauler out who will be helping us on nine routes and we’re going to do those nine routes until we catch up,” Lock Dawson said. “Then scale back six, and three and then catch up.”

The city is partnering with Athens Services in order to alleviate the backlog. In a statement, the city said it was “committed to supporting Riverside by providing residents and businesses with reliable and timely waste, recycling and organics collection during this difficult time.”

 The mayor shared more trucks have been out of service than the number of trucks that are operational.

“One of the things that was a problem in our extreme heat that we just had is some of the trucks don’t operate in that heat. They just don’t,” she said. “Also, it’s unsafe for the drivers because they don’t have A/C and they couldn’t be inside.”

Additionally, the high temperatures overheated some service trucks, preventing workers from refueling with compressed natural gas.

“At one time, we had not enough drivers and we had enough trucks, but we solved that problem of not having enough drivers with increased salaries and retention bonuses,” Lock Dawson said. “Now, our problem is the opposite. We have drivers but not enough trucks.”

Gustavo Reyez Gonazlez, who was diagnosed with silicosis after having worked with engineered slabs used in kitchen and bathroom countertops for nearly two decades at local shops across Southern California, won his case against several companies that manufacture artificial stone slabs. 

“I am grateful to the judge and the jury,” Wendy Torres, Gonzalez’s wife, said. 

Gonzalez, 34, received a live-saving lung transplant in 2023. He sued several manufactures of the engineered stone. 

In what is believed to be a landmark trial and verdict, the jury last month found in his favor, awarding him more than $52 million in damages.

“I’m hoping that other workers won’t have to face the same illness and possible death during this time,” Torres said. “It’s something that is killing other human beings, and hopefully it will stop, so that these workers will actually have a future with their families, and a future to live and be with their loved ones.  

“Hopefully verdicts — consumers hearing about this, and workers hearing about this – can send a message to these companies to stop selling these products,” said James Nevin, Gonzalez’s attorney, said. 

Increasing number of silicosis cases

Health experts say cutting, sawing and crushing stone slabs can lead to the exposure of silica dust that goes into the air and into a person’s lungs, causing silicosis.

And engineering stone, which sometimes can be cheaper and more durable than natural stone, can contain a much higher percentage of silica. 

As the NBC4 I-Team and Telemundo 52 Investiga have been following the increasing number of silicosis cases stemming from the stone cutting industry, there are now calls to ban some popular products a lot of people have in their kitchens and baths.

A complete ban of artificial stone is not something on the table right now, according to local lawmakers the I-Team and Telemundo 52 Investiga have spoken with.

While there are new temporary standards to more safely work with engineered products, a proposal intended to strengthen regulations and license manufactures and sellers of artificial stone in the state was pulled by the author in July.

“My final meeting with state agencies and the administration, there was a lot of pushback because of the cost of this system,” said Luz Rivas, State Assemblymember for 43rd District. 

Cal Osha said new standards on how to work with the engineered stone slabs are expected to be made permanent by the end of the year. 

Majority of U.S. silicosis cases are from LA County

As of Sep. 3, 2024, there were 178 confirmed cases of silicosis related to engineered stone in California with at least 13 deaths and 19 lung transplants, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. 105 of the total cases are in Los Angeles County. 

Health experts say silicosis mostly affects Latino men who work in fabrication shops.

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What happens when a country bans engineered slabs?

So far, only one country in the world has banned the use of artificial stone slabs.

“Australia’s banned it. The U.S. has got to do it, too,” said Jeremy Buckingham, a member of parliament from New South Wales, Australia, explaining that the new ban of engineered stone in Australia went into effect this summer. 

“The expectation is that we could lose tens of thousands of people to silicosis over the next decades,” said Buckingham, who was a stonemason before entering politics. “I’m one of those people. I have to go and have a lung screening every year because of the high-risk exposure I experienced.”

The Australian lawmaker said the legislation followed a rise in popularity of the manufactured stone as an inexpensive alternative. Subsequently, there was a rise in silicosis cases in the country.

“The numbers of people getting sick and dying were horrendous,” he said. 

Buckingham admitted that there remains pushback from manufacturers of the engineered products.

“They remained very concerned about the ongoing liability to register this material and then have it ultimately removed by licensed professionals in a safe way,” Buckingham explained. 

He said in Australia, mostly immigrant workers were the most impacted as well. 

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The Rite Aid store on Long Beach Boulevard in Compton is one of the stores that began to lock up almost every single item under lock and key.

From paper plates, to candy, Ziploc bags and soda, products that are under $10 were all locked in the store shelves.

“It’s better that way, I guess,” Gary Hildreth, a Compton resident, said, while acknowledging shopping takes longer because of the locked shelves. “It takes a little bit over 10 minutes for them to help me. They have to let you in to get it.”

Another shopper, who declined to be identified, said it was a good idea to keep products locked in.

“Hopefully I don’t see too much crazy things anymore with this,” the shopper said.

A Rite Aid store in South Los Angeles also appears to be implementing a similar policy as a TikTok video showed the locked shelves inside the shop.

An employee at Rite Aid said the secured shelves started going up in July. 

Business owners and workers are also hoping the new “smash-and-grab” that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last week would lead to harsher penalties for large-scale theft offenses.

AB 1960, which aims to crack down on retail and property crimes, requires prosecutors to start imposing harsher sentences again for those who damage or destroy property valued at more than $50,000 while committing a felony. A similar law expired in 2018. The new law will sunset by 2030.

“California already has some of the strictest retail and property crime laws in the nation — and we have made them even stronger with our recent legislation,” Newsom said in a statement. “We can be tough on crime while also being smart on crime — we don’t need to go back to broken policies of the last century.”

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The decision to bring back tough penalties comes as Democratic leaders continue to work to prove that they are tough enough on crime while trying to convince voters to reject a ballot measure that would bring even harsher sentences for repeat offenders of shoplifting and drug charges.

While shoplifting has been a growing problem, large-scale, smash-and-grab thefts, in which groups of individuals brazenly rush into stores and take goods in plain sight, have become a crisis in California and elsewhere in recent years. Such crimes, often captured on video and posted on social media, have brought particular attention to the problem of retail theft in the state.

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Lebanon’s Red Cross said it deployed 30 ambulances across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley in response to the walkie-talkie explosions.

Meanwhile, the country’s civil defense force said teams worked to put out fires “inside homes, cars and shops” that were ignited by the blasts.

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Al-Manar, a Hezbollah-affiliated news agency, reported that the wireless devices had exploded in people’s hands.

The Lebanese Ministry of Communications identified the exploding devices as Icom V82s, a type of handheld transceiver, adding that they were not purchased through the official distributor and were not licensed by the ministry. Icom did not immediately return a request for comment to NBC News, but a sales manager for Icom America told The Associated Press it appears that explosive devices were knock-offs.

Icom’s website lists the V82 as one of its most frequently counterfeited products and states that is has been discontinued.

“Pay special attention to counterfeit IC-V80, IC-718 (currently produced model) and IC-V82 (discontinued model),” the website said. “Copies of these models are floating in the market.”

The Associated Press reported that its journalists were in Beirut at a funeral for four people killed by exploding pagers Tuesday when they heard “multiple explosions at the site.”

Ambulances arrived at the scene, the AP journalists said.

On Tuesday, exploding pagers belonging to Hezbollah members killed at least 12 people and injured nearly 3,000.

Two U.S. officials said Israel was behind the attack targeting Hezbollah, an Iran-back militia and political party that the United States considers a terrorist organization. The militant group and Lebanese officials also pinned blame on Israel, which has not taken direct responsibility.

It was unclear why Israel carried out the attack when it did and whether it was an opportunistic operation or something more strategic that would be followed by other actions, the officials said.

However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday that he believed the country was in a “new phase in the war.”

“The ‘center of gravity’ is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources and energy for the northern arena,” Gallant said, adding that they must allow residents to return home.

Lebanon’s Public Health Minister Dr. Firas Abiad said that 12 people were killed in Tuesday’s attack, including an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy. More than 2,700 were injured, with an estimated 10% in critical condition, according to National News Agency.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he was visiting the public health ministry’s emergency operation center when news broke about the walkie-talkie explosions. He told reporters that he instructed the country’s foreign minister to call for a United Nations Security Council meeting to address the matter.

“What happened is regrettable — it is a collective crime that defies humanity and human rights, targeting defenseless people in their homes,” Mikati said.

Mikati and other Lebanese government officials have repeatedly said that they do not want the country to be dragged into a war, but stop short of condemning Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel.

The Security Council is expected to meet Friday on the pager attacks and other communications device explosions in Lebanon following a request from Algeria, a U.S. official confirmed to NBC News.

A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary–General António Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by the device explosions in Lebanon and urged restraint from both parties.

The U.S. was not involved in Wednesday’s incident, said John Kirby, the White House’s national security communications advisor. He declined to answer questions about Israel’s role or whether the U.S. deemed detonating wireless devices an acceptable form of warfare.

Kirby said the U.S. believes the best way to prevent opening a war front with Lebanon is through diplomacy.

“We still don’t want to see an escalation of any kind,” Kirby said. “We don’t believe that the way to solve where we are at in this crisis is by additional military operations at all.”

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. called for a “full accounting” of the attacks to Congress to determine “whether any US assistance went into the development or deployment of this technology.”

The attack risked civilian lives as the devices detonated in “a slew of public spaces,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote in a post on X, adding that it “clearly and unequivocally violates international humanitarian law and undermines US efforts to prevent a wider conflict.”

Also on Wednesday, an Israeli commander said troops near the border were “at peak readiness.”

“The mission is clear — we are determined to change the security reality as soon as possible,” said the Israel Defense Forces’ Northern Command chief, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin. 

Hezbollah has been exchanging fire with Israel since October, aligning with Hamas after the Palestinian group’s Oct. 7 terrorist attack.

International officials have worried for months that the exchanges over Lebanon and Israel’s border could widen the Israel-Hamas war and further destabilize the region.

Thousands of civilians in southern Lebanon and northern Israel have been displaced by the exchange of fire between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Monday that he and his Cabinet have updated its list of war objectives to include the safe return of its residents in the north.

The country’s officials have also warned the U.S., its closest ally, that “military action” would most likely be the only way to address mounting hostilities with Hezbollah.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

• Who made the exploding pagers? A messy global trail emerges behind deadly Lebanon blasts
• Why did Israel blow up hundreds of Hezbollah pagers — and what might happen next?
• Israel sets new war goal, adding to signs of escalation with Hezbollah

Luna said he worked tirelessly on the new policy alongside labor unions to address a long-standing issue in his department.

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“I’m not the kind of guy who is turning away saying this doesn’t exist,” Sheriff Luna said. “I think it exists, but I remind everybody out there 99% of our employees are amazing.”

Luna said participants in law enforcement gangs or hate groups have engaged in a wide range of behavior that involves everything from use of force issues, to lying on reports, to misconduct within the department. They also have heard complaints from the community on racial bias.

This new policy defines terms like ‘law enforcement gang’ and ‘hate group’ and it prohibits a deputy’s participation in them.

It also acknowledges that criminal allegations may be referred to prosecutors and participation in these groups may result in a suspension or revoking a deputy’s law enforcement certification.

But how will it enforced?

“First, you start off with a good strong policy, which I believe this is. Number two, you train to make sure everybody understands the policy. And then you hold people accountable,” Sheriff Luna said.

The sheriff worked on the new policy with labor unions.

The Association for LA Deputy Sheriffs President Richard Pippin released a statement Wednesday.

 “This policy enables the Sheriff’s Department to address staff who do not meet the expected standard of conduct, while safeguarding the rights that are afforded to all workers in this country,” Pippin said. “Perhaps the ‘defund the police’ crowd won’t be satisfied, but they never will be, shy of the complete end of any kind of effective policing in our society. Given the severe personnel shortages currently facing the Sheriff’s Department, ALADS is focused on staffing and creating the excellent law enforcement agency our communities deserve.”

Sheriff Luna said the policy will take effect Oct. 18.

The centers will provide assistance to residents and businesses affected by the two fires that started in early September and continue to burn. Information will be available from local and state agencies, and nonprofit organizations about services and recovery assistance.

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Each center will have information about processing insurance claims, property cleanup, replacing vital records, navigating the repair and rebuilding process, and other resources.

Here are the locations and hours.

LA County Fairplex
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20
Location: 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Expo Hall 8, Pomona (Enter at Gate 3)

California State University, San Bernardino
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23
Location: 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino

Los Angeles County also offers recovery assistance information here. San Bernardino County recovery assistance information can be found here.

The Bridge and Line fires were two of three major wildfires that broke out in early September during a week of extreme heat.

The Bridge Fire started Sept. 8 and grew to more than 54,700 acres. Containment on Wednesday was at 37 percent. The Line Fire was at 39,100 acres with containment at 50 percent.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health said it’s investigating two additional cases of locally acquired dengue in residents of Baldwin Park.

Last Monday, officials had reported the first confirmed case of locally acquired dengue also in Baldwin Park.

“Dengue is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Although Aedes mosquitoes are common in LA County, cases of locally acquired dengue are extremely rare,” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday. 

In October and November of last year, single locally acquired cases of dengue were confirmed by health officials in Pasadena and Long Beach.

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Officials said almost all dengue infections detected in the county previously were from those who traveled to countries where dengue is commonly spread, such as Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico and the Philippines. 

Those infected with dengue can experience flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash and mild bleeding. Severe cases can lead to organ impairment.

The symptoms generally last no more than a week, and people usually fully recover within two weeks. Deaths from the virus are extremely rare, health officials said.

Police released the clear pictures of people who allegedly stole from the automotive shop on the 600 block of West Century Boulevard after someone tore down the store’s security gate.

The flash-mob burglary happened while hundreds of people attended or performed dangerous stunts in the street takeover with cars and spectators illegally blocking traffic near Century Boulevard and Hoover Street, police said.

“The suspects have shown a complete disregard for the safety and property of others,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement, explaining 50 to 75 people stole about $67,000 worth of items. “There is a wide range of suspect descriptions, but the suspects are believed to belong to street takeover groups.”

At least one man, 24-year-old Danny Sanchez was taken into custody following a pursuit, and officers recovered approximately $1,200 of stolen merchandise from his car, the LAPD said. 

Video of the break-in showed dozens of people entering the store with items from the shop scattered in the parking lot.  

“I saw somebody with rotors, brakes, gaskets, jump-starts, anything with value. Tool kits, power tools, everything,” said witness Christian Magna.

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Anyone with information regarding these types of incidents is urged to contact the LAPD Organized Retail Crime Task Force at 818-374-9420 or to email ORC@lapd.online.

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The State Department announced Wednesday that its online renewal system is now fully operational, after testing in pilot programs, and available to adult passport holders whose passport has expired within the past five years or will expire in the coming year. It is not available for the renewal of children’s passports, for first-time passport applicants for renewal applicants who live outside the United States or for expedited applications.

“By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

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The department said it estimated that about 5 million Americans would be able to use this service a year. In 2023, it processed 24 million passports, about 40% of which were renewals.

After staffing shortages caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lengthy passport processing delays, the department ramped up hiring and introduced other technological improvements that have reduced wait times by about one-third over last year. It says most applications are now completed in far less than the advertised six weeks to eight weeks and the online renewal system is expected to further reduce that.

The system will allow renewal applicants to skip the current process, which requires them to print out and send paper applications, photos and a check by mail, and submit their documents, photo, and payment through a secure website, www.Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.

There will be no change to the existing passport processing fees, which are currently $130 for a regular renewal.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter, whose bureau oversees passport processing said the department hoped to expand the program in the coming years to possibly include Americans living abroad, those seeking to renew a second passport and children’s passports.

“This is not going to be the last thing that we do,” she told reporters. “We want to see how this goes and then we’ll start looking at ways to continue to make this service available to more American citizens in the coming months and years.”

The central bank’s federal funds rate is now in a range of 4.75% to 5%, which will give Americans a break on their monthly credit card, personal loan, auto financing and mortgage costs.

Prior to Wednesday’s cut, the Fed had implemented 11 consecutive rate hikes over the past two years in an effort to tame inflation, which peaked at a year-over-year rate of 9.1% in June 2022.

While the current inflation rate of 2.5% is still below the Fed’s 2% target, the central bank is confident that price growth is on a sustained downward path.

The decision was also made in part because of the slowing job market. Since high borrowing costs discourage business investment, it can lead to decreased hiring. The Fed’s dual mandate is to both keep inflation low and maximize sustainable employment.

“The upside risks to inflation have diminished,” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said in a speech on Aug. 23. “And the downside risks to employment have increased.”

How much cheaper borrowing costs could be

The Fed’s key interest rate — known as the federal funds rate — is used by lenders to determine rates on credit cards and loans. 

While a rate cut of half a percentage point will reduce borrowing costs, don’t expect more than a few bucks off most loan payments each month. That said, those small savings can really add up if you’ve got multiple debts, which is true for many Americans.

Plus, this rate cut is likely the first of several, with 76% of traders expecting the federal funds rate to fall to a range of 4% to 4.75% by late December, according to data from the CME FedWatch Tool.

Here’s a look at how the 50 basis point interest rate cut will affect your payments, based on loan or credit type, according to Bankrate:

• Credit cards: Interest rates will drop by about 50 basis points within a couple of billing cycles, bringing the current average rate of 20.78% down slightly. For a balance of $5,000, it will amount to a few bucks off monthly interest payments.
• Auto loans: Payments for a new loan worth $35,000 spread over five years would drop by $8 per month based on a rate cut of half a percentage point.
• Home equity lines of credit: Payments on a $50,000 HELOC would decrease by $20.84 per month.
• Adjustable rate mortgages: Payments will drop slightly. Mortgages are less directly tied to the Fed’s benchmark rate, so the amount of savings will vary based on the terms of the loan. 

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Video from NewsChopper4 showed at least one train car off the tracks following the crash at about 9:20 a.m. near Third Street and Rowan Avenue. A hatchback with driver’s side damage was nearby.

The driver was taken to a hospital, but details about the individual’s condition were not immediately available. A train passenger was assessed at the scene for a possible injury.

The driver of the car was making a left turn into the path of the train when it was struck, Metro said in a statement.

All other passengers transferred to a shuttle to continue their trip. A Metro bus shuttle was operating from Indiana Station to Maravilla Station.

The region’s three largest fires — the Bridge, Airport and Line fires — all started in early September during a stretch of extremely hot days.

Below, see updates on the fires, including size, containment and evacuation information.

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Bridge Fire

The 54,700-acre Bridge Fire was 37-percent contained Wednesday with evacuation warnings lifted and evacuation orders downgraded to warnings in both Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy.

Water-dropping aircraft were putting out hot spots around the southeast corner of the fire zone. Secondary containment lines were being established on the south side of the fire. The northwest flank of the fire still has scattered flames. To the east, firefighters were constructing a line south from Wright Mountain to prevent the fire from reaching Lytle Creek.

The fire has destroyed 73 structures and damaged 16 others.

In Los Angeles County, an evacuation order remained in effect for the East Fork communities, including Camp Williams Resort and the nearby River Community.

In San Bernardino County, evacuation orders remained in effect for the area north of Icehouse Canyon and along Big Pines Canyon road to the community of Big Pines.

An evacuation order that was in effect for the entire Wrightwood community was changed to an evacuation warning Tuesday.

An evacuation warning also remained in place for Shin Road north to Icehouse Canyon.

The fire began Sept. 8 near East Fork and Glendora Mountain roads.

Line Fire

The Line Fire, which was caused by arson, has burned more than 39,100 acres in San Bernardino County. Containment Wednesday was at 50 percent.

Evacuation orders remain in effect due to a closure order for National Forest lands, trails, and roads, including the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Evacuation warnings are in effect for thearea of Big Bear Valley east of the dam and west of McAllister Road, including Fawnskin; all of Green Valley Lake, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all campgrounds and cabins in the area.

Highway 330 is closed northbound from Highland Avenue to Live Oak.

Minimal fire growth was reported overnight due largely to the drop in temperatures. Partly cloudy conditions are expected Wednesday, which should help firefighters increase containment and mop up hot spots.

There have been multiple drone incursions over the Line Fire area, according to fire officials.

“This impedes our firefighting operations and can have deadly consequences,” Cal Fire said. ” Please be respectful of those fighting the fire and the community members who are impacted by fire. Never fly drones near wildfire. If you fly, we can’t.”

A Norco man who was accused of starting the fire pleaded not guilty in San Bernardino County.

The Line Fire destroyed one structure and damaged four others. 

Airport Fire

The 23,500-acre Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties was 31-percent contained. Area of increased containment included Lake Elsinore, Decker Canyon Road and Lakeland Village.

Cooler temperatures have helped firefighters, who continued water drops on Santiago Peak. Downed powerlines were posing a hazard, and firefighters are working with utility companies on Ortega Highway to find hot spots and perform repairs.

In Orange County, people in Caspers Regional Park, San Juan Springs, Blue Jay campground were ordered to evacuate, while a larger number of neighborhoods were under evacuation orders and evacuation warnings in Riverside County.

Evacuation warnings were in place in Orange County for portions of Ortega Highway, Robinson Ranch HOA, Trabuco Highlands HOA, Trabuco Highland
Apartment Complex, the East Side of Coto de Caza, Silverado Canyon, Modjeska Canyon, Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Oaks Drive, Joplin Loop, Cook’s Corner, Dove Canyon, El Cariso.

The fire started Sept. 9 in Trabuco Canyon and spread from Orange County into Riverside County.

Last October, Pepperdine seniors Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams were walking to an event when they were hit and killed.

The four students were standing or walking on the winding coastal road the night of Oct. 17, 2023. A driver traveling at high speed veered onto the shoulder of the road and crashed into three parked cars, leaving one on its side.

One of the parked vehicles hit the women as they stood on the side of the road, authorities said. The victims died at the scene, about five miles east of the the Pepperdine University campus.

The 22-year-old driver behind the wheel of the car was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

The lawsuit filed by their families is asking for the state, Caltrans, LA County and the city of Malibu to be held accountable for what they call a dangerous road and for failing to implement safety measures.

According to a press release from the families’ lawyers, the four students were killed on the northbound shoulder of a section of PCH known as “Dead Man’s Curve” – an approximate .8-mile stretch of road, from Las Flores Canyon Road to Carbon Canyon Road, that has resulted in the highest number of auto accidents on this 21-mile coastal roadway in Malibu.

“As reported by Los Angeles County Sheriff Captain Jennifer Seetoo, between 2013 and 2023 there were a total of 3,345 vehicle collisions on PCH in Malibu resulting in 53 deaths and 92 serious injuries. In the past 10 years alone, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has issued over 42,102 speeding citations on PCH in Malibu,” the release stated.

Representatives for the state, Caltrans, and LA County have not yet commented on the lawsuit.

A statement from the city of Malibu said in part, “We understand the legal actions filed by the families in their pursuit of accountability, and the city respects their right to seek justice … The city of Malibu remains committed to collaborating with state and county agencies to expedite necessary safety improvements.”

The 5035 Coliseum mixed-use project in Baldwin Hills includes 800 apartment units above the Costco warehouse at Coliseum Street and La Brea Avenue,. More than 180 of those units on the 5-acre site will be for low-income households. The remainder will be offered as unsubsidized, affordable, and workforce housing.

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The project is the first new housing community in Los Angeles to move ahead under the state law AB 2011, which was designed to streamline approvals for apartments and mixed-use projects that include low-income housing.

“Costco would advantage the people in the neighborhood because we only have a Ralphs right here,” said resident Karen Johnson. “There are a lot of large families living out here that can’t afford large housing, so when they go to buy small stuff they have to spend more money, but when they go to Costco they can buy bulk, and they can save some money. Plus, there are jobs for the community.”

The Costco on a vacant lot that was previously home to View Park Community Hospital will offer produce, healthy food options, optical services, pharmacy and delivery services for local businesses.

Details about the construction timeline were not immediately available. City leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass, and project officials attended a Wednesday morning ceremonial groundbreaking at the site.

“We are breaking with the old ways of doing things and moving Los Angeles forward,” Bass said. “Unprecedented action driven by urgent collaboration in both the public and private sector is what is expected and that’s what we are
delivering today.

I used to live just minutes from here — and I know the hundreds of housing units, the thousands of jobs and the new wave of resources that this project will bring to this community has potential to make a generational impact on this neighborhood. I want to thank all the partners who worked together to achieve today’s milestone.”

The project will be filed with the city for approval soon, according to Thrive Living, the real estate firm behind the project. The firm acquires properties for development in communities with housing affordability gaps.

“Mayor Bass has declared a housing emergency in Los Angeles, and we’re answering the call,” said Jordan Brill of Thrive Living. “Our company is focused on addressing the severe housing affordability crisis in Los Angeles, while also attracting retailers willing to make long-term commitments and deliver community-serving products and services that enrich the living experience for our residents and neighbors.”

The Costco would be the first located in South Los Angeles. The Costco will create an estimated 400 new jobs, according to the news release.

“The team at Thrive created a dynamic community vision that made the difference in attracting Costco,” said Brenda Ashby, an executive committee member of the Crenshaw Manor Community Association. “This is truly a game changer for us and a huge investment in the community. We are excited to have quality groceries close to home, in addition to all of the other services Costco provides.”

The league announced that Portland, Oregon, has landed an expansion franchise that will take the floor in 2026.

The Portland team, owned and operated by RAJ Sports, will be the 15th WNBA franchise. It joins the Golden State Valkyries and a Toronto franchise in the current round of league expansion.

The expansion marks the WNBA’s return to Portland after more than 20 years and the first time the league has returned to a city it previously left. The city had the Portland Fire from 2000-02.

“As the WNBA builds on a season of unprecedented growth, bringing a team back to Portland is another important step forward,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a press release. “Portland has been an epicenter of the women’s sports movement and is home to a passionate community of basketball fans. Pairing this energy with the Bhathal family’s vision of leading top-flight professional sports teams will ensure that we deliver a premier WNBA team to the greater Portland area.”

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The new team will play its games at the Moda Center, which is home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.

RAJ Sports paid $125 million for the franchise, per The Associated Press. Lisa Bhathal Merage, who is also governor for the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, will be the team’s controlling owner and WNBA governor. Alex Bhathal, Merage’s brother, will serve as alternate governor.

“For decades, Portland has been the global epicenter of sports lifestyle and today, we are now the global epicenter of women’s sports,” Merage said. “We believe in the transformative power of women’s sports and are thrilled that the W will call Portland home. We know that Portland’s vibrant and diverse communities will highly support and rally around this team. Our goal is to grow this organization in partnership with the Portland community and we look forward to supporting the best women’s basketball players in the world when they take the floor at the Moda Center in 2026.”

Bhathal Merage said she hopes the team name will be announced by the spring and community input will play a part in the decision to reclaim the Fire name or pick a new one.

“It’s an exciting time,” she said, via ESPN. “It’s fun to be able to create a new team from scratch. Our hope is by the spring we’ll have an announcement, but we do of course have deadlines if we want to have more customized jerseys with Nike and things like that.”

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On Sept. 18, burger lovers will celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, and many restaurants are firing up the grill and giving customers some juicy deals to bite into. Ready to join in on the celebration? Here are a plethora of discounts and freebies to choose from.

Dog Haus 

Dog Haus will run a buy one, get one free cheeseburger offer for rewards members on Sept. 18. The offer is available in the chain’s app.

Eddie Merlot’s

On Sept. 18, Eddie Merlot’s customers can order Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger for $15 between 4 — 6:30 p.m. Pricing and participation can vary based on location.

Farm Burger

Grass-fed burger chain Farm Burger is running a build-your-own cheeseburger deal starting at $5 on National Cheeseburger Day.

Farmer Boys

Farmer Boys customers can order the chain’s Big Cheese cheeseburger for just $4 on National Cheeseburger Day between 2 p.m. and close at participating locations while supplies last. The offer can’t be combined with other deals, is limited to two burgers per customer and is available in restaurant or in the drive-thru.

Very Important Farmer (VIF) loyalty members can also get an extra surprise when they scan their receipt.

Friendly’s

Friendly’s Fan Club members can save $2 on cheeseburgers between Sept. 18 — 20.

Hat Creek

Hat Creek customers who order the Little Hat Burger in the chain’s app will score the menu item for just $2 on Sept. 18.

Instacart

Instacart customers can get $10 off their $20 purchase from the National Cheeseburger Day product collection, which features meat, cheese, buns, condiments and more. The offer is valid at select retailers via Instacart. 

Krystal

Krystal is currently running a limited-time offer for 12 cheese Krystals for just $15.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s customers who order in the chain’s app can enjoy a 50-cent double cheeseburger on Sept. 18.

Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks is offering the following deals in honor of National Cheeseburger Day:

• Perfect Burger Pack for $99.99
• Custom Burger Experience With Free Brioche Buns for $129.99
• Deluxe Burger Experience for $131.46
• Butcher’s Burger Assortment for $188.46

Red Robin

Between Sept. 17 — 19, Red Robin customers can get a Gourmet Cheeseburger, bottomless side and drink for just $10 (regularly $14.99 or more) while dining in at participating restaurants.

Sonic

For a limited time, Sonic customers can order a quarter pound double cheeseburger for just $1.99.

Smashburger

Smashburger customers can score $5 Classic Singles on National Cheeseburger Day in store, online and in the restaurant’s app using the code CLASSIC24. The offer includes Classic Singles, Classic Single Turkey Burgers and Classic Single Black Bean Burgers.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Between 3 — 6 p.m. on Sept. 18, Sullivan’s Steakhouse customers can order the restaurant’s signature beef burger sliders for just $10. Pricing and participation can vary by location.

Wahlburgers

Wahlburgers adult burgers will be 50% off on Sept. 18 at participating locations. The offer is valid in-store and online, and excludes doubles, triples, sandwiches and Smahlburgers. It’s limited to one per customer and can’t be combined with other offers.

Wayback Burgers

Wayback Burgers is running a buy one, get one free deal on its classic burgers on Sept. 18.

Wendy’s

Between Sept. 18 — 22, Wendy’s customers can get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for $0.1 with any purchase while placing an app order at participating restaurants.

Whataburger

On National Cheeseburger Day, Whataburger rewards members who place an app or online order for a patty melt, Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger or a Whataburger with cheese will be entered for the chance to win free Whataburger for a year. Winners will receive their prize in the form of 52 coupons, which can be redeemed at participating locations.

White Castle

White Castle is running a buy one cheese slider, get one free deal on National Cheeseburger Day. To score the deal, simply use the code SAYCHEESE in the restaurant’s app.

In addition, customers can buy a sack of 10 cheese sliders for $7.99 ($8.99 in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Arizona) through November 10.

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

• The healthiest lunch for weight loss includes these 5 components, according to a dietitian
• Wendy’s is selling Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers for 1 cent for 5 days
• McDonald’s is selling double cheeseburgers for 50 cents — but only for 1 day

Police received a call at around 8:20 p.m. ET from Allen Township, a small community in Michigan, after reports of a “car versus pedestrian crash.” Upon arrival, they found the body of the toddler lying on the road.

The child received potential life-saving treatments and was transported to Hillsdale Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased, according to a police statement.

Preliminary investigations show that the toddler was put to bed by her parents and, somehow, she walked out of the house while the parents weren’t watching her.

Officials believe that a 38-year-old man struck the child. They said alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor in the crash and did not specify if the driver will face any charges.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information on the crash, contact the MSP Jackson Post at 517-780-4580.

The vote came a day after Gov. Newsom sent a notice of violation letter to the city, saying the moratorium on various establishments, such as emergency shelters, single-room occupancy, supportive housing and transitional housing is “unlawful.”

City staff recommended during the city council meeting that the council pass the motion to extend the moratorium, so it can conduct a further study on how prohibiting the types of facilities would impact the community and whether the city would need zoning amendments.

A man who described himself to be a lifelong resident of Norwalk spoke during the city council meeting, criticizing Newsom’s threat of a possible lawsuit against the small city. 

“Norwalk should not be forced to bear the brunt of the region’s homeless population,” Brian Lopez said. “There are 88 cities in this county. Why is the focus placed on our working class community of color?”

Another resident, who was speaking on behalf of Mr. Rosewood Family Restaurant, urged the council to extend the moratorium as he said the area surrounding the restaurant was a “disaster scene” while the city ran a Project Roomkey site in front of the eatery.

“We’ve seen a lot of hanging out, a lot of loitering that people don’t need to see when they’re going to go eat with their families,” Jason Perez recalled. “I commend you for listening and making sure that you take care of Norwalk and make the right decision.”

Before Tuesday’s council meeting, Norwalk Mayor Margarita Rios urged Newsom to acknowledge her city’s “proactive measures” to address homelessness while asking for “direct resources to support” its efforts.

“Norwalk also hosted one of the largest Project Roomkey sites during the pandemic. Despite these efforts, Norwalk has received no Measure H funding,” Rios said.

Measure H passed in 2017 to establish a quarter cent sales tax for homeless services. 

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Mayor Rios said because the city couldn’t tap into Measure H funding, the city was forced to “use its own resources to manage the fallout from abandoned state-mandated programs, which puts both residents’ safety and the city’s finances at risk.”

The city council had noted the city’s power to make and enforce ordinances to regulate the use of land within its jurisdictional boundaries when it passed the ordinance.

Although Norwalk passed the moratorium based on the Housing Crisis Act, which allows local governments to issue a housing or facility ban when there’s “an imminent threat” to public health and safety, the state argued in the letter that “there are no findings of a threat specific to the housing subject to the moratorium, nor any finding of a citywide threat.”

With the notice of violation, the state implied the Los Angeles County city with the population of 100,000 could face the same fate as Anaheim and Huntington Beach. The two Orange County cities were forced to bring forward new housing plans after they lost lawsuits brought on by the state in similar fashion.

In a statement, Newsom’s team condemned the city’s decision.

“The Norwalk City Council’s decision is disgraceful and clearly violates the law,” the statement read. “The state will act swiftly to address this dereliction of duty. Stay tuned.”

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Law enforcement is searching for the individual who assaulted 51-year-old Efrain “Frankie” Zarazua outside Barney’s Beanery around 10 p.m. on Sunday. Surveillance camera captured the assailant throwing the victim to the ground and then repeatedly striking him in an attack that was described as unprovoked.

Chris Zarazua, the victim’s son, said his father’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

“Compared to the day of the attack, he is actually doing way better than before,” the younger Zarazua said. “I am thanking God he’s recovering pretty miraculously.”

Efrain has worked as a valet for Barney’s Beanery for three decades. The victim’s colleagues described him as a well-liked individual, making the attack all the more disturbing and shocking.

“It was horrific, sad and fills you with anger that somebody could do that to somebody else,” said AJ Sacher, Director of Operations of the bar. “He’s the most generous person of spirit and kindness. He’s welcoming to everybody who comes in.”

While Efrian continues to recover from his injuries, his loved ones are urging the public to come forward with information.

“This guy is out there now, probably looking to harm somebody else and needs to be behind bars,” Chris said.

Law enforcement did not provide a detailed description of the assailant.

The city estimates about 18,000 mattresses are left illegally each year and “puts a strain on city resources that can be used for other cleanup efforts, creates blight and often blocks access to the public right of way,” said a Long Beach Public Works statement.

Now, the city hopes its new 24/7 mattress drop-off pilot program will reduce illegal dumping and clean up some neighborhoods.

“It makes the city look dirty,” said Ashley Alcala, who was raised and lives near downtown Long Beach. “Growing up in the city, it was not full of clutter. I don’t remember ever seeing things left on the side (of the road).”

NBC4 found at least four mattresses in the city’s Wrigley neighborhood just a few blocks apart. One mattress and a box spring were in an alleyway and another mattress was dumped right in front of a playground. 

In 2021, the city said 24,700 mattresses were picked up and of those, 9,000 were illegally dumped.

This summer, the city started a pilot program where residents can legally drop off old mattresses at one spot: 970 West Chester Place. It’s free of charge, open 24 hours a day and the mattresses that are dropped off are recycled by a non-profit partner. So far, the city has seen 175 mattresses dropped off.

The city had already been working to collect mattresses once a month at the same location since April, which saw 458 mattresses recycled.

“The addition of the 24/7 mattress drop-off pilot program will further support the City’s efforts to reduce illegal mattress dumping throughout Long Beach,” said the public works statement.

“It is a step in the right direction, but how many people are going to do it,” asked Acala, pointing out many people in her neighborhood are still dumping mattresses on the sidewalks. “Putting it in more locations will help it more, not just in one spot.”

This pilot program runs until Oct. 29.

A week after being told to clear out their things and evacuation, some Wrightwood residents began to make their way home Tuesday afternoon.

Someone also left behind a sign of gratitude that read “Thank you for saving us.”

For others like Karen Knight and her boyfriend Ralph Buchholz who haven’t been told to return home, the painful and anxious wait continued Tuesday.

“It’s been a long journey,” Knight said while going through the valuables she saved when she and her boyfriend were forced to leave their Wrightwood home nine days ago.

“I was filling up the truck and trailer, and I started to cry,” Knight recalled, calling the evacuation the scariest moments in her life.

“This fire was crazy,” Buchloz, Knight’s boyfriend, said. “The sky turned orange, and all the solar panels were popping at 1 p.m.”

As families drove back home to see what’s left of their community, the couple said the biggest blessing is that they survived. 

“There are a lot more disadvantaged people than us. We are blessed that we have each other. That’s all that matters,” Knight said. 

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California Wildfires Sep 17

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Fire officials said the Bridge Fire, which started in Los Angeles County and spread to San Bernardino County’s mountain communities, destroyed over 65 commercial buildings and homes.

Even after the flames were put out, smoke and hot spots were still visible around the mountain Tuesday, forcing crews to clear trees and debris that could pose a risk.

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The Monrovia Fire Department said there was a report of an explosion at the house in the 600 blocks of East Colorado Boulevard.

Neighbors also said they heard an explosion at around 3:25 p.m.

“My brother came out and yelled, ‘An explosion happened. Get out of the house,'” Leo Perez, who lives two houses down from the explosion down. “I run down and see the house engulfed in flames.”

When Perez said when he saw the property next to the fire site being charred in the fire, he started to panic.

“If the winds are coming this way, I’m thinking our house is going to catch fire, so I started grabbing buckets of water,” he said.

Newschopper4 was overhead as fire crews were rushing to put out the flames from the home with thick smoke filling up the air.

The house next door also appeared to be damaged in the fire.

There were no initial reports of injuries.

Fire officials said one person on the property has been accounted for, but they are still searching for the occupant of the front house. It is unclear if that individual was home at the time of the incident.

“The premium went from $349,000 to a whopping $1.7 million,” Bruce Breslau said while representing his homeowners’ association (HOA), explaining the insurance company notified the HOA that it would no longer be able to provide coverage for those in wildfire zones, including Chatsworth.

“My premium doubled,” said Gigi Bannister, a retired firefighter in Crestline, sharing the similar story about her canceled insurance policy.

Bannister said she filed a $40,000 claim after a snow-related collapse at her house. Her insurance company not only denied it but it also canceled her policy. 

“Insurance companies should be forced to honor claims. If they don’t, what is insurance for?” Bannister said. 

The stories of Breslau and Bannister have become more common as climate change impacts every Californian’s life with fires, floods and slides.

California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and his new set of regulations he implemented earlier this year are to blame for higher insurance rates, according to Jamie Court of Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit advocacy organization.

“Unfortunately, Insurance Commissioner Lara’s been worse than ‘asleep at the switch,’ Court said. “He’s been in the back rooms, making deals with the insurance companies.”

In response, Lara said Consumer Watchdog’s claims are a “lie” as he came out of an intense, three-hour hearing where State Assembly members asked him pointed questions about his plan. 

“We’re ruffling some feathers on some entrenched interest on both sides,” Lara said about insurers as well as the insured.

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Lara said his priorities is doing everything possible to keep insurers from fleeing the state of California while bringing down the risks for insurance companies such as catastrophic weather events to eventually bring down the cost for homeowners. 

“We can’t have insurers retreating or leaving the state, because then we’re never gonna get to affordability,” Lara said.

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The wildfire smoke advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District will remain in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday as smoke from the Bridge, Line and Airport fires in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties affects air quality across the region.

Smoke from the Bridge and Line fires in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is expected to impact areas in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear and Mt. Baldy.

“Big Bear is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI category or higher on Wednesday afternoon,” the SCAQMD said in a statement Tuesday. “Most other smoke-impacted areas are expected to be in the Moderate AQI category or higher.”

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY UPDATE (Tuesday, September 17th): https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX#Wildfire Smoke Advisory covering the #BridgeFire, #LineFire, and #AirportFire has been extended pic.twitter.com/SwNKjEj1Ip

— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) September 17, 2024

The Line Fire has burned more than 39,000 acres with containment at 49 percent. The Bridge Fire was at 54,700 acres with containment at 25 percent.

Smoke impacts from the Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties is expected to be more localized, according to the SCAQMD. The wildfire that started in Orange County before spreading to Riverside County burned 23,519 acres at 31% containment.

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The agency offered the following tips for people in areas impacted by wildfire smoke.

• Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity.
• Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
• Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling.
• If you must be outside, a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.

Two cases of Baylisascaris procyonis, also known as raccoon roundworm, were detected in the South Bay area, the Los Angeles Public Health Department said Tuesday.

People can get infected with racoon roundworm if they eat dirt, soil, water or any material contaminated with infected racoon feces as the parasite lives in the intestine of racoons. 

Dogs and cats can also become infected if they ingest anything infected.

Raccoons may not become sick by the parasite, but their feces can carry the rounworm’s eggs.

In humans, the disease can infect the spinal cord, brain and eyes and lead to swelling of the brain and eye disease.

Infected people, after up to four weeks of the incubation period, may show various symptoms such as nausea, tiredness, loss of coordination, loss of muscle control, blindness and coma. 

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Public health officials said some 60% of infectious diseases in humans involve animals, especially wildlife, such as flea-borne typhus, leptospirosis, West Nile Virus, salmonella and rabies. 

Experts encourage people to follow these practices to prevent illness from pets and wild animals.

• Wash your hands
• Be aware of diseases that can be spread from animals to people, whether at home, petting zoos, animal exhibits, childcare settings, schools, or while traveling.
• Prevent insect bites
• Avoid animal bites and scratches
• Keep wildlife away
• Handle food safely, and do not feed raw food to your pets.
• Remove animal waste
• Do not touch dead wildlife. 
• Keep pets healthy.

“After a thorough investigation, LAFD and the ATF officials determined that the fire was deliberately set,” Assistant Chief Blake Chow said Tuesday. “Investigators have developed a strong lead on a suspect and are hopeful that the arrest will be made soon.”

The fire was first reported around 3:45 a.m. last Friday at an unfinished building between Bunker Hill Avenue and New Depot Street adjacent to the lanes of the 110 Freeway.

Intense flames from the burning unfinished building, which was mostly exposed wooden framing on a concrete base, damaged dozens of units in three other apartment buildings that faced the construction site.

Fifty one residents were displaced from their apartments as a result of the fire, and at least one of the adjacent buildings was closed and red tagged because of the damage, city officials said.

Two residents, including a 90-year-old man, were taken to a hospital in critical condition, and four firefighters were injured.

Chow said three displaced residents were later the victims of a burglaries that took place in the damaged and closed apartment buildings.

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Some neighbors said the apartment complex has been under construction for a couple of years and has caught on fire in the past, and others complained that there was a homeless encampment on the property of the unfinished building.

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The new laws come as California legislators ramped up efforts this year to regulate the marquee industry that is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Americans but has had little to no oversight in the United States.

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The laws also reflect the priorities of the Democratic governor who’s walking a tightrope between protecting the public and workers against potential AI risks and nurturing the rapidly evolving homegrown industry.

“We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers,” Newsom said in a statement. “This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used.”

Inspired by the Hollywood actors’ strike last year over low wages and concerns that studios would use AI technology to replace workers, a new California law will allow performers to back out of existing contracts if vague language might allow studios to freely use AI to digitally clone their voices and likeness. The law is set to take effect in 2025 and has the support of the California Labor Federation and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA.

A big step forward for protecting workers in the evolving AI space!@SAGAFTRA President @FranDrescher joins Gov. @GavinNewsom to celebrate two new laws ensuring performers' legal rights when negotiating digital replicas & setting rules for recreating performers who've passed. pic.twitter.com/WyrqyJGvzB

— California Governor (@CAgovernor) September 17, 2024

Another law signed by Newsom, also supported by SAG-AFTRA, prevents dead performers from being digitally cloned for commercial purposes without the permission of their estates. Supporters said the law is crucial to curb the practice, citing the case of a media company that produced a fake, AI-generated hourlong comedy special to recreate the late comedian George Carlin’s style and material without his estate’s consent.

“It is a momentous day for SAG-AFTRA members and everyone else because the AI protections we fought so hard for last year are now expanded upon by California law thanks to the legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement. “They say as California goes, so goes the nation!”

California is among the first states in the nation to establish performer protection against AI. Tennessee, long known as the birthplace of country music and the launchpad for musical legends, led the country by enacting a law protecting musicians and artists in March.

Supporters of the new laws said they will help encourage responsible AI use without stifling innovation. Opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce, said the new laws are likely unenforceable and could lead to lengthy legal battles in the future.

The two new laws are among a slew of measures passed by lawmakers this year in an attempt to reign in the AI industry. Newsom signaled in July that he will sign a proposal to crack down on election deepfakes but has not weighed in other legislation, including one that would establish first-in-the-nation safety measures for large AI models.

The governor has until Sept. 30 to sign the proposals, veto them or let them become law without his signature.

Kennedy Coleman, 63, was riding his bicycle on Hoover Street near 79th Street on Sep. 2 Labor Day at 10:30 p.m. As he was attempting to get up, the man was struck by a car

“The headlights could have easily illuminated Mr. Coleman on the street in front of him,” Detective Gerald Chavarria said. “But for some unknown reason, this driver simply ran him over, dragging him several feet and causing severe injuries, including collapsed lung, various fractures, and brain bleed that required surgery.”

The LAPD detective said based on surveillance footage, Coleman’s fall from the bike was not “conductive” to the severity of the injuries.

“As he was getting up from the pavement, this vehicle runs him over,” Chavarria explained, adding that the hit-and-run car then ran a red light.

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Coleman was in a hospital in the intensive care unit as he faced an uphill battle for recovery, the detective said. 

A standing reward of up to $25,000 has been offered by the city of Los Angeles for information that helps authorities solve a non-fatal hit and run. 

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call LAPD South Traffic Division detectives at 323-421-2500, or the watch commander at 323-421- 2577. Tipsters may also call  877-LAPD-247 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

Bridge Fire

The wildfire that has been burning in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties scorched 54,795 acres as of Tuesday at 25% containment. 

Cal Fire said fire crews Tuesday will prioritize securing containment lines and removing hazards to allow displaced residents to get back to their homes.

In Wrightwood, firefighters faced safety hazards such as falling trees and smoldering debris. 

Evacuation orders remained in place for Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy Road north of the San Antonio Dam up to the Mt. Baldy Resort. 

The Bridge Fire destroyed 66 structures and damaged 13 others while it continued to threaten more than 3,600 structures.

Line Fire

As the wildfire burned 39,111 acres with nearly half of it contained as of Tuesday, a Norco man who was accused of starting the fire pleaded not guilty in San Bernardino County.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, entered the plea to arson-related crimes from jail in a video arraignment. He was denied bail and appointed an attorney. Halstenberg’s next court appearance is set for Monday.

The Line Fire destroyed one structure and damaged four others. 

More than 36,000 remained under the threat of the blaze as fire crews were expected to strengthen control lines and mop up hot spots Tuesday.

Evacuation orders were still in effect for all National Forest lands, trails and roads as well as undeveloped land east of Highway 330 and Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue.

California Wildfires Sep 17

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Airport Fire

The wildfire that started in Orange County before spreading to Riverside County burned 23,519 acres at 31% containment.

Though it may be smaller in the number of acres scorched, nearly 200 structures were destroyed while 34 were damaged. And over 20,000 properties were still under the threat of the blaze.

While the favorable weather continues to have helped fire crews, they were concerned about drier conditions that were forecast for the weekend with highs in the 80s and 90s.

Twelve firefighters were injured while two civilians were hurt in the Airport Fire. 

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Here’s a breakdown of important dates to know, Election Day information, and what to know about California’s 2024 ballot propositions.

Important Nov. 5 general election dates

• Last day to register is Oct. 21
• Registered voters will get a vote-by-mail ballot. County elections office will begin mailing ballots by Oct. 7
• Ballot drop-off locations open Oct. 8
• Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties starting Oct. 26
• Election Day is Nov. 5.
• Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by Nov. 12

Plan Your Vote

Use NBC News’ Plan Your Vote tool to supplement your voter guide and for more information on early voting, mail-in voting rules, Election Day voting rules, voter ID requirements, key-races in your state and more.

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How to track your ballot

Voters can track a ballot they have mailed or submitted at a drop-off location by signing up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive text, email, or voice status alerts.

How long are polls open on Nov. 5 Election Day?

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Find your Southern California county election office

Your county elections officer is the go-to source for information on voting in the 2024 General Election. Find a link to your county office below.

• Los Angeles County
• Orange County
• Riverside County
• San Bernardino County
• Ventura County
• All California county elections offices

What are the California propositions on the November ballot?

California voters will see 10 propositions on their ballot:

• Proposition 2: Authorizes bonds for public school and community college facilities.
• Proposition 3: Constitutional right to marriage.
• Proposition 4: Authorizes bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks.
• Proposition 5: Allows Local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55% voter approval.
• Proposition 6: Eliminates constitutional provision allowing involuntary servitude for incarcerated persons.
• Proposition 32: Raises minimum wage.
• Proposition 33: Expands local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential property.
• Proposition 34: Restricts spending of prescription drug revenues by certain health care providers.
• Proposition 35: Provides permanent funding for Medi-Cal health care services.
• Proposition 36: Allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes.

How to serve as a poll worker

If you’re interested in serving as a poll worker, visit pollworker.sos.ca.gov to apply.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, entered the plea to arson-related crimes from jail in a video arraignment. He was denied bail and appointed an attorney. Halstenberg’s next court appearance is set for Monday.

San Bernardino County Sep 16

Pit bull found wandering around near Line Fire in Beaumont is up for adoption

California Wildfires Sep 13

Line Fire in San Bernardino County leaves thousands of residents displaced

Halstenberg was charged with arson and other crimes related to the fire, including aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of residence, three counts of arson of forest land, and three counts of using an incendiary device. More charges are possible as the fire continues to burn, prosecutors said.

He was arrested after investigators reviewed surveillance camera video and automatic licenses plate readers after the fire ignited around 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 near Base Line Road and Aplin Street in Highland. About 73,000 buildings were threatened by flames, which led to evacuation orders and warnings.

Some evacuation warnings and orders remain in effect.

Investigators carried out a search at the suspect’s home and found evidence supporting an arrest, according to authorities. They also located the pickup sought in connection with the arson investigation.

If convicted as charged, the suspect could be sentenced to 10 years up to life in prison.

The Line Fire is 49-percent contained at 39,111 acres as of Tuesday.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused in an indictment unsealed Tuesday of a “persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals” that included sometimes dayslong sexual performances described as “Freak Offs.”

Authorities outlined those allegations and more during a Tuesday morning news conference one day after Combs was taken into custody in New York. The 54-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records was arrested in the lobby of a hotel, a representative told NBC News.

Sean "Diddy" Combs Sep 17

Why was Diddy arrested? Read the full indictment

Sean "Diddy" Combs Sep 17

Sean ‘Diddy' Combs indicted on sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy charges in NY

Combs, who has a home in Holmby Hills in Los Angeles, was charged with sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy in the indictment. At Tuesday’s news conference, prosecutors said Combs was at the head of an empire of sex crimes, abused women for years, threatened victims and used aides to cover up the crimes. Combs sought “to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct,” the indictment said.

He is accused of striking, punching and dragging women on numerous occasions, throwing objects and kicking them — and enlisting his personal assistants, security and household staff to help him hide it all.

Combs and his associates wielded his “power and prestige” to “intimidate, threaten, and lure” women into his orbit, “often under the pretense of a romantic relationship,” the indictment said. He then would use force, threats and coercion to get the women to engage with male sex workers in the “Freak Offs,” which prosecutors described as “elaborate and produced sex performances” that Combs arranged, directed and often recorded, according to the indictment.

He sometimes arranged to fly the women in and ensured their participation by procuring and providing drugs, controlling their careers, leveraging his financial support, and using intimidation and violence, according to the indictment.

“The victims did not believe that they could refuse Combs without risking their security or facing more abuse,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said at a news conference Tuesday.

The events could last for days, and Combs and victims would often receive IV fluids “to recover from the physical exertion and drug use” from “Freak Offs,” the indictment said. It said his employees facilitated “Freak Offs” by arranging travel, booking hotel rooms where they would take place and stocking those rooms with supplies, including drugs, baby oil, lubricants, extra linens and lighting, scheduling the delivery of IV fluids, and then cleaning the rooms afterward.

Combs pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges Monday afternoon in New York. His attorneys asked for his release on a $50 million bond to home detention with electronic monitoring, but U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky sided with the government and ordered Combs remain in custody.

Combs, 54, was led out of court without being handcuffed.

Attorney Marc Agnifilo said outside the courthouse Tuesday morning that he plans to fight to keep Combs free. He said Combs is innocent and would plead not guilty.

“His spirits are good. He’s confident,” said Agnifilo, who said Combs came to New York voluntarily to “engage the court system and start the case.”

The court document also references an attack on his former girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie, that was captured on video at a Los Angeles hotel. In May, Combs apologized after the release of the 2016 security camera video taken in a Century City hotel, which appears to show the rapper and producer physically assaulting Ventura.

Los Angeles County prosecutors have said no criminal charges were forthcoming against the rapper and producer over the incident since too much time has passed.

In March, federal authorities searched the Holmby Hills estate of Combs, but officials at the time did not disclose the nature of the investigation. Agents from the Department of Homeland Security carried out the raid March 25 in the area of Mapleton Drive and Sunset Boulevard. Video from the scene showed numerous law enforcement officials, a possible armored vehicle and several people detained outside the home. It was unclear if any actual arrests were made.

During the searches of Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles this year, law enforcement seized narcotics and more than a thousand bottles of baby oil and lubricant, according to the indictment unsealed Tuesday. Agents also seized firearms and ammunition, including three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers, the indictment said.

Following a civil lawsuit filed by Ventura, at least 10 more lawsuits were filed against Combs. He has denied the allegations in all of the lawsuits. The suit by Ventura was settled shortly after it was filed, but months later, the hotel security footage surfaced.

After the video was widely published, Combs apologized, saying, “I was disgusted when I did it.”

September’s Harvest Moon coincides with a supermoon and partial lunar eclipse, all rolled into one.

The spectacle will be visible in clear skies across North America and South America on Tuesday night and in Africa and Europe Wednesday morning.

The “Harvest Moon” is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. The name dates back to a time before electricity, when farmers depended on the moon’s light to harvest their crops late into the evening, according to NASA.

A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the sun and moon, casting a shadow that darkens a sliver of the moon and appears to take a bite out of it.

Since the moon will inch closer to Earth than usual, it’ll appear a bit larger in the sky. The supermoon is one of three remaining this year.

“A little bit of the sun’s light is being blocked so the moon will be slightly dimmer,” said Valerie Rapson, an astronomer at the State University of New York at Oneonta.

The Earth, moon and sun line up to produce a solar or lunar eclipse anywhere from four to seven times a year, according to NASA. This lunar eclipse is the second and final of the year after a slight darkening in March.

In April, a total solar eclipse plunged select cities into darkness across North America.

No special eye protection is needed to view a lunar eclipse. Viewers can stare at the moon with the naked eye or opt for binoculars and telescopes to get a closer look.

To spot the moon’s subtle shrinkage over time, hang outside for a few hours or take multiple peeks over the course of the evening, said KaChun Yu, curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

“From one minute to the next, you might not see much happening,” Yu said.

For a more striking lunar sight, skywatchers can set their calendars for March 13. The moon will be totally eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow and will be painted red by stray bits of sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division were contacted at around 1:20 a.m. by a witness who had seen a man near Fifth Street who police were looking for in connection with a homicide last week, LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar told City News Service.

After officers saw the suspect and attempted to stop him, the suspect ran inside a building in the 300 block of East Fifth Street. A SWAT team was called to the scene, and traffic was routed away from the area.    

About 7 a.m., police announced that the suspect had not been found in the building. The investigation was continuing.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office accused Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, among other counts. Read the full indictment below.

His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said earlier Monday that they were “disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution,” calling the entertainment star “an imperfect person but is not criminal.”

The former music executive has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) carried out the arrest in Manhattan on Monday, sources familiar with the matter told NBC New York. Combs was arrested in the lobby of a hotel, a representative told NBC News.

“To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts,” the statement from Agnifilo read. “These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”

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Chloe Melas of NBC News contributed to this report.

The viral video shows the woman, whose name has not been released, confronting a group of Carson High School students at the eatery. She is heard saying she was defending her daughter for reasons that were unspecified.

“You trying to Mace a kid?” one of the teens in the video is heard saying, to which the woman responds with, “I don’t give a (expletive).”

The video then shows the woman pepper-spraying at least one teen and then repeatedly striking another one.

The teenagers involved in the video and their parents held a press conference Monday calling for justice and to share their side of the story.

“Some girls that we had gotten into an argument before had came in there and they was like, not harassing us but they was talking about us so my friend had went over there and said something and she basically said she was going to call her mom on us,” said Jaylynn Danning, one of the students who was assaulted by the woman. “So we laughed it off and we thought her mom wasn’t going to come but like 10, 15 minutes later, her mom came storming in, yelling at us, screaming at us and she proceeded to pepper spray all of us, all three of us.”

One of the students said she suffered from injuries that impacted her ability to play sports.

“Now, I have a second-to-third-degree sprain, and I play basketball,” said Jayla Johnson. “This really hurts me. I am affected by not being able to play with my classmates.”

The woman was arrested in connection with the attack. She faces charges that include threatening with a deadly weapon.

“We feel better knowing that this person is no longer on the streets and cannot hurt or do anything to another child,” said Vanessa Rodriguez, the mother of one of the students who was attacked.

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“We welcome David Lin’s release from prison in the People’s Republic of China,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters Monday. “He has returned to the United States and now gets to see his family for the
first time in nearly 20 years.”

Miller did not provide many details about what prompted the release of Lin. He did say that Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been raising the issue consistently and that he met with Chinese officials in July.

“It’s something we’ve been working on for some time,” Miller said. “I’ll leave it at that.”

The 68-year-old Lin was detained in 2006 in China where he was reportedly convicted of contract fraud and was sentenced to a life term in prison.

The author, who was raised in Chile, is one of the most widely read writers in the world and has been very vocal about her exile from a military coup in her home country.

Allende, now 82, has written more than 25 books that have been translated into more than 40 languages.

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Her first novel and international bestseller, “The House of the Spirits”, was published in 1982.

“I have been telling stories since I was a child. Stories have incredible power, they challenge our minds and touch our hearts, they connect us to other people and teach us that we are not alone in the journey of life”, said Allende in a Barbie Podcast that can be heard on Sept. 19. 

Allende’s doll features her beloved pup Perla and a miniature replica of her first novel. The Barbie design team dressed the author in a bold red dress with a gathered cap that drapes over her shoulder. It also includes gold statement earrings, black heels, and bright red lips, according to Mattel.

In 2014, former president Barack Obama honored Allende with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, alongside 18 other distinguished figures in the arts, sciences, and public service.

“I want young kids to dream big. Everything is possible”, said Allende.

“As the first internationally acclaimed Latin American female author, Allende is both a storyteller and a trailblazer. Through her writing and social activism, Allende has worked tirelessly to give a voice to the voiceless and inspire hope worldwide”, said a Mattel press release.

Other women who are also part of the elite list of Barbie Inspiring Women Series include Dr. Maya Angelou, Celia Cruz, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Billie Jean King and Kristi Yamaguchi among others.

Allende’s dolls are available at participating Target and Walmart locations, as well as Amazon.com, for the price of $35.

Shohei Ohtani was 0 for 4 with a walk and a pair of run-scoring grounders that increased his RBIs total to 108. He did not hit a home run or steal a base during the series, remaining at 47 home runs and 48 steals as he tries to become the first 50-50 player.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed four hits and two walks in four innings, throwing 72 pitches in his second start since returning from a right arm injury — up from 59 on Sept. 10. The Dodgers extended their scoreless streak to 15 innings and pitched their 13th shutout.

NL West-leading Los Angeles (89-61) began the night 3 1/2 games behind second-place San Diego. The Dodgers scored nine runs on just four hits for the second time since 1906: The other was on June 4, 2021, also at Atlanta. After losing the first two games of the series by a combined 16-3, the Dodgers outscored the Braves 18-2 over the last two.

Atlanta (81-69) dropped one game behind the New York Mets (82-68) for the NL’s third wild card spot. The Braves were 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position, including 0 for 10 against Yamamoto.

Los Angeles took advantage of seven walks, a hit batter, and a wild pitch. Miguel Rojas was 1 for 1 with two walks and three runs scored.

Max Fried (9-10) gave up three runs and two hits in six innings

Fried threw a run-scoring wild pitch in the first after Rojas walked, advanced on a grounder, and stole third. Rojas’ run-scoring single and Ohtani’s RBI grounder boosted the lead to 3-0 in the fifth.

Freeman capped a six-run seventh with his 22nd homer after Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Teoscar Hernández drove in runs.

Freddie goes oppo! pic.twitter.com/5SXUZho4nE

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2024

UP NEXT

Dodgers: RHP Bobby Miller (2-4, 8.17) will open a three-game series in Miami on Tuesday night against Marlins RHP Darren McCaughan (0-0, 7.06), starting a stretch of six games against last-place teams.

Braves: Rookie RHP Grant Holmes (2-1, 3.49) faces Reds LHP Brandon Williamson (0-0, 2.08) to start a three-game series at Cincinnati on Tuesday night.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) carried out the arrest in Manhattan on Monday, sources familiar with the matter told NBC New York. Combs was arrested in the lobby of a hotel, a representative told NBC News.

In a statement released late Monday night, Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo said they were “disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution,” calling the entertainment star “an imperfect person but is not criminal.”

Celebrity News Sep 11

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Music & Musicians Aug 26

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Sean "Diddy" Combs Jul 3

Sean Combs is the subject of a federal criminal investigation

It was not immediately clear what charges Combs would face, but Agnifilo said that the charges were coming from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, indicating federal charges would be filed.

“To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts,” the statement from Agnifilo read. “These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”

Spokespersons from Homeland Security Investigations declined to comment. Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, confirmed in a post on X that “earlier this evening, federal agents arrested Sean Combs, based on a sealed indictment filed by the SDNY.” Williams added that they expect to unseal the indictment Tuesday morning.

Williams is expected to hold a press conference at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Combs is scheduled to appear in court in lower Manhattan on charges that appear to be in relation to allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms

Combs, 54, has been under federal investigation since at least March 2024 when HSI executed search warrants at Combs’ properties. At the time of those searches, NBC News reported that three women and a man had been interviewed by federal officials in Manhattan in relation to the aforementioned allegations against Combs.

Those search warrants had also been part of an investigation led by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

HSI officials seized phones from Combs in Miami before he was scheduled to depart for a trip to the Bahamas, according to three law enforcement sources familiar with the warrants. Combs was in the Miami area when federal authorities executed the searches, sources said.

In May, Combs apologized after a video, obtained by CNN, showed him beating his then girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.

In a video apology posted to his Instagram, Combs admitted to the incident and said he took “full responsibility.”

“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Combs said. “I was f—ed up — I mean, I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses.”

Combs initially denied Ventura’s allegations of assault and sex trafficking which she described in a federal lawsuit filed in November. The two settled for an undisclosed amount the following day.

At the time of Combs’ admission of the assault, an attorney for Ventura, Meredith Firetog, said, “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday.”

Firetog added, “That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation.”

The former music executive has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.

Chloe Melas of NBC News contributed to this report.

Socks, rocks and a toy were found inside the stomach of Brooklyn when the 8-year-old Cane Corso arrived at the Ventura County Animal Services.

As the doctors were concerned about Brooklyn’s emaciation, they took an X-ray image and learned eight socks, several rocks and a toy the dog had somehow swallowed were preventing her from absorbing nutrients from food. 

“Although it’s unclear why she consumed these items, we are excited to share the 3-hour surgery to remove these items went well,” the Ventura County Animal Services said. “While under anesthesia Brooklyn also had an ulcer repaired and was spayed.”

Within just days after the surgery, Brooklyn gained nearly 4 pounds.

Brooklyn is now recovering at the West Coast Cane Corso Rescue in Northern California as the nonprofit provides ongoing care and treatment, preparing for her eventual adoption.

“We need to remember that the quiet of the last 25 years is not representative of the long-term Southern California pattern,” the seismologist said during the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Monday. “And we should get used to having more than we’ve seen recently.” 

Jones said young people who were not around during the 1994 Northridge earthquake or those who are new to Southern California should not get comfortable with the recent frequency of quakes. 

“It’s a good reminder that earthquakes are part of our environment,” Jones said. “It’s the reason — Southern California is as beautiful as it is — we need to be ready to experience bigger ones, too.”

To prepare for the next big one, Jones said the first step is to talk to family members and loved ones about a plan.

“Have a communication plan. If the earthquake happens when your kids are at school, do you know what they’re going to do? Do you know what you’re going to do about it? Do you know when you can get to them?” Jones said.

She also urged parents to talk to teens and children about connecting if there is no cell signal after a big earthquake. 

“Having a plan, planning to use texting instead of phone calls when the system’s gonna be overloaded – all of those are really important,” Jones explained.

What is the first thing the respected seismologist would remember when a big one strikes?

“Probably the most important thing is water,” Jones said, explaining that because the water systems are the weakest part of the state’s infrastructure, they are likely to be badly damaged after a disaster like a big tremor. 

“FEMA will bring in water after we lose the water systems. But do you want to go and spend a couple hours standing in line every day to get the water you need for your family? Probably not.”

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“We are more than just our culture. We are also women on the verge of healing,” said Yvonne Marquez, the owner of Las Adelitas, a gift shop inside Agua y Viento coffee house. “It is small, but it holds so much.”

Marquez named the shop after “Adelitas” women freedom fighters in the Mexican Revolutionary War. The women soldiers wore ammo belts around their torsos and led regiments of men into battle.

“They were such strong women and I wanted to hold space for women,” said Marquez.

In addition to vending jewelry and artifacts showcasing cultural pride, the shop doubles as a safe space for Chicanas to gather, share and grow.

“It’s almost like going to your hermana’s house — your sister’s house,” said Milagro Ruiz Bello, a healer who uses sound in spiritual cleanses at the shop. “It’s a very warm (place).”

“It’s like all like the magic put into one place,” said Xochitl Brizuela, a children’s Spanish teacher, who teaches the adult women at the shop the language they’ve lost or never learned. 

“There is a need for us to learn again; Spanish is not easy for me, but it still is something I want to learn,” said Marquez.

Along with the lessons and healing, Marquez brought along Rebecca Contreras, an art curator to design the show “Nuestro Tiempo: El Grito de la Independencia”.

“It’s a real beautiful and unique space here,” said Contreras.

The show features 12 artists from around the region including Oaxaca, as well as Central and South America and their cultural expressions of strength and love.

It is the love that brightens Marquez’ heart the most. The love of women finding a space to be who they are, learn more about their culture and feel safe. 

“The love that we get has just been beautiful,” said Marquez. “I’ve had people who have gotten emotional and who have cried, who just say it just feels like my abuelita’s house.”

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The Department of Recreation and Parks held a public hearing Monday to receive feedback on a variety of proposals – all gathered by a consulting firm from surveys and focus groups with people who live in the city.

“People are very passionate about it because these are so many families’ memories that have been there over 75 years,” said Wendy Nowak of PlaceWorks, which organized the hearing.

Some the alternatives that were discussed include installing an outdoor climbing wall, a community garden, an animal rescue facility and a museum telling the stories of indigenous people.

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Griffith Park Dec 11, 2022

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In December of 2022, the city decided not to renew the operating contract of a company that ran the pony ride attraction due in part to animal rights protests over alleged mistreatment of the animals.

The three-plus acre site has been sitting empty save for dirt tracks, wooden fences and chain link enclosures. The animals and the queues of excited schoolchildren waiting for a ride disappeared long ago.

And yet, another similar attraction is still on the proposal list, said Nowak, based on support from people who responded to PlaceWorks’s surveys.

  “Pony rides were on there,” she said. “They’re one of the uses as well.”

Zohra Fahim, founder of Los Angeles Alliance for Animals, called that fact “absolutely disgusting” at the hearing.

“We, as constituents, are deeply troubled by the data that was presented today,” she said, “I know that constituents don’t want animal cruelty in the parks.”

Other attendees made clear that an animal attraction didn’t have to include “cruelty.”

Todd Laverne of the Compton Cowboys, an equine riding group, said an installation that would allow disadvantaged children access to horses would be perfect for the location.

“It has purpose,” he said. “It can help, especially, children develop and get a sense of purpose and get a sense of confidence.”

Input from the public hearing will go back to a committee in the weeks to come, before a plan will be submitted to the Los Angeles City Council.

The Norwalk City Council had adopted the urgency ordinance on Aug. 6 to put a moratorium on a number of establishments, including emergency shelters, single-room occupancy, supportive housing and transitional housing. 

While the city council noted the city’s power to make and enforce ordinances to regulate the use of land within its jurisdictional boundaries when it passed the ordinance, the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development sent a notice of violation letter to Mayor Margarita Rios and other officials, saying the ordinance is “unlawful.”

“It is unfathomable that as our state grapples with a homelessness crisis, Norwalk would pass an ordinance banning the building of homeless shelters,” Newsom said in a statement. “We can’t leave people in dangerous and unsanitary encampments — the city of Norwalk needs to do its part to provide people with shelter and services.”

The state said the city has not done enough to ban homeless shelters and other facilities when there were nearly 170 people estimated to be unhoused in the city. 

Although Norwalk passed the moratorium based on the Housing Crisis Act, which allows local governments to issue a housing or facility ban when there’s “an imminent threat” to public health and safety, the state argued in the letter that “there are no findings of a threat specific to the housing subject to the moratorium, nor any finding of a citywide threat.”

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With the notice of violation, the state implied the Los Angeles County city with the population of 100,000 could face the same fate as Anaheim and Huntington Beach. The two Orange County cities were forced to bring forward new housing plans after they lost lawsuits brought on by the state in similar fashion.

The Norwalk City Council and Mayor Margarita Rios issued the following statement.

“Gov. Newsom’s threats of a lawsuit overlook Norwalk’s long-standing and effective efforts to address homelessness,” they said in the statement. “The city has made significant strides, including opening affordable housing for homeless veterans, supporting L.A. County’s Homekey project, funding its own homelessness engagement teams, and being one of the few cities in L.A. County with a dedicated Social Services Department to assist people experiencing homelessness. Norwalk also hosted one of the largest Project Roomkey sites during the pandemic. Despite these efforts, Norwalk has received no Measure H funding, forcing the city to use its own resources to manage the fallout from abandoned state-mandated programs, which puts both residents’ safety and the city’s finances at risk. We urge Gov. Newsom to recognize Norwalk’s proactive measures and provide direct resources to support its ongoing efforts.”

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The 90-year-old Harris was joined by Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker during a ceremony on Lou Dillon Avenue, near the eight homes she owns on the street where the social services organization she founded in 1967, Parents of Watts Working with Youths and Adults, is operated. Lou Dillon Boulevard, from 107th Street to Santa Ana Boulevard, will be known as Sweet Alice Row.

Lou Dillon was a famed harness racing horse in the early 1900s who was born in Santa Ynez.

Watts Jun 17

Intersection in Watts dedicated to longtime community activist Sweet Alice Harris

Discover Black Heritage Feb 2

Celebrating the legacy of “Sweet Alice” Harris

Harris is the executive director of the organization that encourages children to stay in school and always avoid drugs. It provides emergency food and shelter for homeless people, prepares teenagers for trade school, college and the job market, and also offers drug counseling, health seminars and parenting classes.

Harris founded the organization in an attempt to alleviate tensions in the neighborhood after the 1965 riots. It focuses on creating a safe and nurturing environment for the youth, advocating for social change and providing support for families grappling with poverty and crime.

Harris is known for speaking her mind in pursuing equal services and opportunities for her fellow residents and countering any resistance she gets from uncooperative parents, school administrators or city officials with her trademark question: “Do you want to be part of the building crew or the wrecking crew?”

Harris was born in Gasden, Alabama on Dec. 29, 1933, and raised there. She moved to Detroit, where she operated her own beauty shop. She moved to Los Angeles in the late 1950s, seeking better opportunities and a brighter future for herself and her family, only to face numerous challenges and hardships as an African American woman in Watts amid poverty, gang violence and social neglect, according to McOsker, whose 15th district includes Watts.

The naming of the street is the latest of a long series of honors for Harris, which also include receiving an honorary doctorate from USC and being selected by President George W. Bush as a “point of light” for the impact she has made on Watts through her volunteer work. She received the Minerva Award created by California first lady Maria Shriver to honor remarkable women, having the play park on Compton Avenue named for her and having the Oral Arts Room at King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science dedicate the room to her.

NBCLA’s Jonathan Lloyd contributed to this report.

Officers responded at about 11 a.m. to the 300 block of East 63rd Street after a report of a shooting. They found a woman with gunshot wounds to the upper body and an injured man.

The man — details about his injuries were not immediately available — died at the scene. The woman died at a hospital.

A man wanted in connection with the deaths entered a nearby building. Officers set up a perimeter around the building and attempted to speak with the man.

SWAT officers responded to the scene.

“SWAT made entry into the residence and located a male adult believed to be the suspect,” police said in a statement. “The man was deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Homicide detectives are investigating the incident and more information will be available in a forthcoming news release.”

Details about a motive for the shooting was not immediately available.

Content warning: This story discusses suicide.

The dance community is mourning one of its own.

“America’s Got Talent” alum Emily Gold — who competed alongside her Los Osos High School varsity dance team on season 19 of the show earlier this year — has died by suicide, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department confirmed to E! News. She was 17.

The dancer was found dead on Sept. 13 at around 11:52 p.m., when officers responded to a call of a pedestrian down in the lanes of a highway in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., according to a Sept. 14 press release from the California Highway Patrol.

At the time, authorities discovered an unidentified female who had been “struck by at least one vehicle” before succumbing to her injuries and being pronounced dead at the scene, per the release.

And while the female has since been identified as Gold by the coroner’s office, the California Highway Patrol noted that circumstances surrounding her death are still being investigated.

News of Gold’s passing comes one month after the teen and her Los Osos dance team were eliminated from season 19 of “America’s Got Talent” in the quarterfinal round.

And while the squad didn’t go home with a win, their final performance earned a standing ovation from the audience and massive praise from judge Simon Cowell.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell told Gold and her fellow dancers during the Aug. 13 episode of the reality competition series. “What I loved about this was first of all the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship.”

For Gold — who admitted juggling school and dancing was a “tough balance” — success could be attributed to her drive to constantly better her craft.

“When I’m performing, I’m really thinking about all the corrections,” she told People in an Aug. 13 interview, “because we get corrections up until five minutes before we go on stage.”

She added, “So to really just think about all those so that we apply them is my biggest priority on stage.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.