Driver charged with murder in crash that killed 13-year-old; he had two previous DUI convictions

California has experienced its wettest November on record, with significant storms filling reservoirs and building up the Sierra snowpack, providing a promising start to the rainy season. However, experts caution that it is still too early to predict how the remainder of the season will unfold.

Four individuals have pleaded no-contest to felony insurance fraud and assault after allegedly staging a crash on a Southern California freeway to claim an insurance payout. The District Attorney's office stated that the ride-hail driver involved was set up by their passengers, raising serious concerns about fraudulent activities in the ride-hailing industry.

Jessica Newman, a disabled mother, is struggling to recover after being displaced by the Eaton fire, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in navigating bureaucratic systems a year after the disaster.

The Portuguese Bend community in Rancho Palos Verdes has been living off-grid for over a year after public utilities cut power indefinitely due to severe landslide movements. This situation has posed significant challenges for residents as they adapt to a new lifestyle without conventional power sources.

Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise and the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo, was euthanized at the age of 141 due to progressive bone deterioration linked to her advanced age. This decision reflects the zoo's commitment to animal welfare, prioritizing Gramma's quality of life in her final days.

UC registered nurses have ratified a contract that guarantees a minimum pay increase of 18.5%, alongside provisions that allow them to have a say in the implementation of artificial intelligence in their work environment. This agreement marks a significant step in improving the compensation and working conditions for nurses within the University of California system.

Culver City has become the first city in California to permit the construction of six-story apartment buildings with only one staircase, a significant policy change aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis in the region.

A small school district in Merced County, California, successfully reduced chronic absenteeism to 14.2% in spring 2024 by expanding school counselor services. This initiative aimed to address the underlying issues contributing to student absences and suspensions.