KTLA https://ktla.com Los Angeles news and live streaming video Sat, 23 Mar 2024 05:46:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.4 https://ktla.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/01/favicon.png?w=32 KTLA https://ktla.com 32 32 LIVE: Deputies pursue suspected DUI driver in L.A. County https://ktla.com/news/local-news/live-deputies-pursue-driver-in-l-a-county/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 05:37:02 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=2997511 Deputies are pursuing a suspect driver in Los Angeles County Friday night.

The driver is wanted for a possible DUI, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The pursuit reportedly began in the Monterey Park area before getting onto the 10 Freeway westbound.

The suspect is in a black sedan and is being pursued by multiple patrol units.

Throughout the pursuit, the suspect would slow down to make it seem like they were going to surrender but then would continue to drive away from deputies.

The pursuit made its way into an industrial area of Irwindale before the suspect made their way onto the 605 Free northbound, getting up to speeds of up to 90 miles per hour with some traffic on the road.

After a short chase on the 605 Freeway, the suspect took an off-ramp and got back onto surface streets in the Duarte area, as deputies remained close on the tail of the black sedan.

With CHP in continued pursuit, the driver was able to make their way onto an access road in Duarte and continued to evade deputies.

Sky5 is overhead.

This story will be updated as more details become available

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2024-03-23T05:46:51+00:00
MLB investigating gambling, theft allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara https://ktla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-mlb-launches-investigation-into-shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-following-gambling-reports/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:36:04 +0000 NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has opened a formal investigation into illegal gambling and theft allegations involving Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

Mizuhara was let go from the team Wednesday following reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and claims from Ohtani's attorneys that the two-way Japanese star had been the victim of a “massive theft.”

“Major League Baseball has been gathering information since we learned about the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei (Mizuhara) from the news media," the commissioner's office said in a statement Friday. "Earlier today, our Department of Investigations began their formal process investigating the matter.”

Ohtani and the Dodgers were in Seoul, South Korea, for their opening series against the San Diego Padres when reports were published about alleged ties between the 39-year-old Mizuhara and an illegal bookmaker. The teams returned to the U.S. after Thursday night's game and MLB did not make a public comment until announcing the investigation on Friday.

The IRS confirmed Thursday that Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, the alleged illegal bookmaker, are under criminal investigation through the agency’s Los Angeles Field Office. IRS Criminal Investigation spokesperson Scott Villiard said he could not provide additional details.

The Associated Press has been unable reach Mizuhara for comment. It is not clear if he has an attorney. Mizuhara was with the team in South Korea up until his firing. It’s unknown if he left the country.

MLB established its Department of Investigations in 2008 following allegations in the 2007 report by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport. The unit investigated three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez, who was suspended for the 2014 season for violations of the drug agreement and labor contract in connection with the Biogenesis investigation.

More recently, the unit probed Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer, leading to a 194-game suspension in 2022 under the sport's domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. A San Diego woman said Bauer beat and sexually abused her, an accusation the pitcher denied.

Ohtani is baseball's bigger star, an unprecedented two-way player who has excelled at the plate and on the mound. He was a two-time AL MVP with the Los Angeles Angels before leaving as a free agent to sign a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December.

Ohtani has not issued any statements and did not speak to reporters in the Dodgers clubhouse after Thursday night's game.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

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2024-03-22T22:51:59+00:00
Torrance police warn public about planned 'takeover' at Del Amo Fashion Center https://ktla.com/news/local-news/torrance-police-warn-public-about-planned-takeover-at-del-amo-fashion-center/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 21:08:43 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3008281 Police are warning that yet another planned youth "takeover" at a local mall could be in the works for Saturday.

In a statement posted on social media, the Torrance Police Department said youth from around Los Angeles County are planning to take over the Del Amo Fashion Center on Saturday.

Police Chief Jay Hart pointed toward last week's gathering at The Pike Outlets in Long Beach, where about 200 young people gathered for a planned fight between two females. A boy was shot nearby, though he is expected to recover.

Long Beach Police intervened after a fight broke out among two juveniles at The Pike Outlets in Long Beach on March 16, 2024. (OC Hawk)
Long Beach Police intervened after a fight broke out among two juveniles at The Pike Outlets in Long Beach on March 16, 2024. (OC Hawk)

Hart said Torrance police are being proactive to prevent similar outcomes on Saturday.

"We remain committed, in partnership with Del Amo Fashion Center leadership, to providing a safe experience for all visitors," he said. "We will not accept criminal behavior, and our Department will have zero tolerance for those who come to our community and cause harm."

Del Amo introduced a controversial chaperone policy earlier this month. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older at all times after 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. One adult can accompany up to four minors.

That policy came as a response to an incident in December when as many as 1,000 juveniles gathered at Del Amo, causing police in riot gear to respond. Officers made five arrests.

Torrance police said on Friday that road closures may be necessary if the gathering becomes large enough on Saturday.

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2024-03-22T23:01:25+00:00
Suspects wanted in distraction thefts targeting shoppers in Orange County https://ktla.com/news/local-news/suspects-wanted-in-thefts-targeting-shoppers-in-orange-county/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 04:07:01 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3009482 Authorities are warning the public of distraction thefts as several suspects in Orange County remain at large.

The first theft happened at a Home Goods store in Irvine on Feb. 17. As a woman was browsing the store, a male suspect stole a wallet from inside her purse and escaped without detection.

He later used the stolen credit cards to purchase gift cards, flowers, and water in a nearby city, according to Irvine police.

Security video captured the man exiting a shop while holding the purchased flowers.

In a separate incident, a victim’s debit card was stolen in January during a distraction theft. Two suspects later used the stolen debit card to make several withdrawals from the victim’s bank account, stealing around $3,400, police said.

Their images were captured on surveillance video at the bank.

  • Male suspect wanted for allegedly withdrawing funds from a bank using a stolen debit card taken in a distraction theft. (Irvine Police Department)
  • Two suspects wanted for allegedly withdrawing funds from a bank using a stolen debit card taken in a distraction theft. (Irvine Police Department)
  • Male suspect accused of stealing a wallet full of credit cards at Home Goods and using the cards to purchase items. (Irvine Police Department)

A “distraction theft” typically involves suspects targeting unsuspecting shoppers. During the scheme, thieves may engage the victim in conversation, ask them questions or divert their attention in some way while an accomplice quickly and discreetly steals their belongings.

They typically do not want the victim to be alarmed or find out the theft has happened until after they’ve left the area.

Distraction thefts typically happen at local grocery stores or places where people browse, along with popular shopping areas.

Thieves, who generally work in pairs or groups, may approach you with innocent questions or requests, such as directions, offering to help you load groceries into your car, your opinion on a product or your help with finding an item. During this short conversation is when the suspects will typically strike and take your belongings.

Police offer these tips to stay safe from distraction thefts:

  • Always keep your handbag close and never leave it unattended in a shopping cart
  • Lock your vehicle whenever you step outside of it – even when standing nearby (i.e. fueling up at the gas station, etc.). It only takes a split second while your back is turned for someone to grab your purse, wallet, cell phone or other valuables.
  • Never leave your keys in the ignition when you are not in the car. Take them out of the vehicle and lock your car whenever you exit your vehicle.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and any strangers who are compromising your personal space
  • While you may feel inclined to offer assistance or engage with the suspect, it's best to avoid accepting help from strangers. If assistance is needed, such as loading items into a car, it's best to ask a store employee for help
  • Valuables should be stored either where you can keep an eye on them or where they cannot be easily seen or accessed by others
  • Trust your instincts if someone or something is making you uncomfortable
  • Whenever out in public, never lose sight of your personal belongings

The three suspects in the Irvine distraction thefts remain at large.

Anyone who recognizes them or has information on the cases is asked to email Irvine police at ttruong@cityofirvine.org or svoigt@cityofirvine.org.

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2024-03-23T04:07:01+00:00
Deputies asking for public help locating Midway City man who was kidnapped https://ktla.com/news/local-news/deputies-asking-for-public-help-locating-o-c-man-who-was-kidnapped/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 23:11:51 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3008657 The Orange County Sheriff's Department is seeking public assistance to locate a man who was kidnapped from his Midway City home.

Authorities say 61-year-old Tony Lam has been missing since the early morning hours of March 15, and they believe two suspects forcefully took Lam from his home located in the area of Hunter Lane and Madison Avenue.

Deputies say Lam was seen at two different Orange County restaurants the night before his kidnapping on March 14. He visited the LV Restaurant & Lounge in Westminster, and the 171 Sky Restaurant in Garden Grove.

During the early morning hours of March 15, a witness living near Lam heard an altercation between the missing man and the suspects. The neighbor called authorities to report what she believed was a kidnapping.

When deputies arrived at Lam's home, they found evidence that he had been assaulted and that a kidnapping had occurred.

Investigators said he was confronted by a masked man in the driveway of his home before being assaulted and driven away from the area in a vehicle that was not his own.

Two suspects have since been arrested, but authorities have been unable to locate Lam. They say he has not had contact with any family and friends since the kidnapping.

The suspects were identified as 54-year-old Phi Hung Nguyen, and 50-year-old Nhan Chin Nguyen. No further details have been released about the two men who are in custody, and neither suspect provided information about Lam's whereabouts.

The O.C. Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information related to Lam or his kidnapping to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Anonymous tips can be provided to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

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2024-03-23T05:17:37+00:00
Skiing and snowboarding accidents on California slopes are surging https://ktla.com/news/local-news/skiing-and-snowboarding-accidents-on-california-slopes-are-surging/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 01:12:59 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3009086 New data shows California ski slopes are becoming more dangerous for skiers and snowboarders as an increase in serious and deadly accidents continues surging.

According to data from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, in 2022, 6,000 skiers and snowboarders were sent to emergency rooms with injuries sustained on the slopes.

That number of ER visits is up 50% from 2016 through 2022, the Los Angeles Times reports. However, during that same period, the number of skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes remained mostly the same in California.

“It’s a wonderful sport, but if you ask me, I notice a bit of a difference in courtesy,” said Joann Shimizu Wood, a Southern California resident who has been skiing since 1976. “We used to say, as we were coming downhill to whoever was downhill from us, ‘On your right! On your left!’ as we’re passing them.”

Wood said she now hardly ever hears that verbal cue or courtesy despite skiers and snowboarders barreling down the slopes, many of whom may be less experienced or capable.

Former ski patrollers, hospital staff and emergency medical technicians in California mountain towns told the Times the rise in accidents and injuries on the slopes was noticeable.

  • Snowboarders enjoying the slopes at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, California. (KTLA)
  • Skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes at Mt. High in Wrightwood, California. (KTLA)
  • A crowd of skiers gather at Mammoth Mountain for the beginning of the 2023-24 ski season on Nov. 10, 2023. (Mammoth Mountain)
  • Skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, California. (KTLA)
  • Big Bear Mountain Resort tweeted this image of ski lifts and a skier on Feb. 23, 2019.
  • Mammoth Mountain and other California resorts will limit the number of skiers and snowboarders on the slopes because of the COVID-19 pandemic.(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
  • Skiers and snowboarders riding chair lifts at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, California. (KTLA)
  • In this photo provided by Mammoth Lakes Tourism, snowboarders walk in the snow on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. (Jacob Myhre/Mammoth Lakes Tourism via AP)
  • Skiers and snowboarders riding chair lifts at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, California. (KTLA)
  • Mountain communities hit with rain, snow and slush
  • Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, California. (KTLA)
  • The Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California in San Bernardino County.

Reckless behavior was made worse by skiers using marijuana, magic mushrooms or getting drunk before hitting the slopes, locals said.

“You’re sitting on the lift and it smells like a skunk up here,” skier James Travers said of smelling weed. “It should smell like pine trees.”

“Today, I’m skiing down one of the slopes and I see a little bottle of Fireball [whisky], so that’s the thing you have to worry about,” said Candice Paragone.

Another major contributor involves people so focused on taking selfies or capturing videos for their social media page that they become unaware of who or what is going on around them.

Dr. Luke Samson, who works at the trauma receiving center at Loma Linda University Medical Center, said he has seen a few trends when it comes to patients who were injured on the slopes being hospitalized.

“I would say those are the two major things — it’s either, ‘I lost control’ or ‘Someone else lost control’ and there was a collision,” Samson said. “I would just advise to work within your limits. If you think you’re out of control, you probably are.”

Officials recommend knowing your physical limits and skill level before attempting to navigate a trail beyond your capabilities. Riders should also put away their cell phones or recording devices so they can fully concentrate on heading down the mountain safely.

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2024-03-23T01:12:59+00:00
Newsom expands State of Emergency in Southern California, requests Presidential Major Disaster Declaration https://ktla.com/news/california/newsom-expands-state-of-emergency-in-southern-california-requests-presidential-major-disaster-declaration/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:08:58 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3008564 California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday extended the state of emergency he had previously declared in response to February’s winter storms to include 11 more counties.

The proclamation now also covers Alameda, Butte, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sonoma and Sutter counties.  

Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties were initially covered when the proclamation was first announced in February.

Due to heavy rainfall, a state of emergency had already been issued for San Diego and Ventura counties on Jan. 23.

The governor also requested a “Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for several communities impacted by widespread flooding, mudslides and debris flows during the storms,” Newsom’s office said.

If the declaration is approved, federal funds would be available to state, tribal, and local governments to cover emergency response and recovery costs.

The money would specifically benefit Butte, Glenn, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Sutter, and Ventura counties.

The declaration also asks for funding for hazard mitigation efforts statewide.

Another storm is expected to arrive in Southern California Friday night and bring “spotty” showers throughout the weekend.

The system will drop a lot of rain on Northern California but will not have a direct hit here in SoCal.

“We’re just getting the tail end of the cold front," said KTLA Meteorologist Henry DiCarlo. "It will be really spotty in nature but will bring us some light to moderate showers."

Luckily, the stormy weather is expected to be clear by Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

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2024-03-22T22:09:00+00:00
Former Beverly Hills therapist arrested for allegedly distributing child porn https://ktla.com/news/local-news/former-beverly-hills-therapist-arrested-for-allegedly-trying-to-meet-13-year-old-for-sex/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:30:40 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3008804 A man who used to be a marriage and family therapist in Beverly Hills is facing federal charges for allegedly distributing child pornography.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says 49-year-old Ron Gad was arrested in San Luis Obispo in October of 2022 after authorities say he exchanged sexually explicit online chats with who he thought was a 13-year-old girl but was instead, an undercover officer.

Gad reportedly drove over 180 miles from the Los Angeles area to a park in San Luis Obispo where he believed he would meet the 13-year-old girl.

Officers spotted Gad and pulled him over in a traffic stop to arrest him. During his arrest, several digital devices found in his car were seized by authorities.

Upon further investigation, officials said they discovered evidence that Gad had distributed child sex abuse materials and had communicated with suspected minors. Gad's internet search history also showed references to sex with minors.

According to the indictment, Gad also distributed child sex abuse material involving a child aged 12 or under on the internet and shipped the material to other states in December of 2021.

Gad, whose marriage and family therapist license expired in November 2023, will be arraigned on May 3. If convicted, he faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

Anyone with additional information on this case is encouraged to call the Homeland Security Investigations tip line at 866-347-2423.

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2024-03-23T01:37:53+00:00
Gun violence claims the lives of 2 women in separate South L.A. shootings https://ktla.com/news/local-news/gun-violence-claims-the-lives-of-2-women-in-separate-south-l-a-shootings/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 04:56:54 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3009664 The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help to find the suspects in separate shootings that left two women dead.

The first incident occurred around 8:50 p.m. on March 19. Officers were called to the 800 block of South Hoover Street, where they found an unresponsive female.

When LAPD arrived, they found a 24-year-old woman had been shot, and it appeared that she had been hit by a vehicle. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Then, on March 21, officers were called to the area of 70th Street and Figueroa Street around 4:20 a.m. When they arrived, they found a 20-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries.

There has been no further information provided about the victims, and LAPD did not say if the shootings were connected.

No suspects have been identified. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call South Bureau Homicide Division detectives at 323-786-5100.

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2024-03-23T04:56:55+00:00
Free admission Saturday to dozens of Southern California museums https://ktla.com/news/local-news/free-admission-saturday-to-dozens-of-southern-california-museums/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:40:29 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3006978 SoCal Museums is hosting its annual Free-For-All at dozens of Southern California museums and cultural centers on Saturday.

This year, more than 30 institutions will open their doors and offer free general admission, the organization posted on its website.

“We are thrilled, once again, to invite visitors from across Southern California to see the remarkable range of art, cultural heritage, natural history, film, and science that our museums and cultural organizations have to offer," SoCal Museums spokesperson Alexa Nishimoto said.

A welcome sign displayed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is viewed on April 15, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.
A welcome sign displayed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is viewed on April 15, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (George Rose/Getty Images)

The Museums Free-For-All initiative started almost 20 years ago to introduce new audiences to these special institutions and encourage cultural participation.

“The Free-for-All also serves as a reminder that many museums here in Southern California are always free and others offer these types of opportunities year-round," Nishimoto said.

SoCal Museums offered the following list of museums involved in the Free-For-All:

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
(Advanced reservations encouraged. Visit academymuseum.org to make a reservation)

American Museum of Ceramic Art
(Advanced reservations are required. Visit amoca.org to make a reservation)

Armory Center for the Arts

Autry Museum of the American West
(Advanced reservations are required. Visit theautry.org to make a reservation)

Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College

Bowers Museum

The Broad
(Advanced reservations are encouraged. Visit broad.org to make a reservation)

California Botanic Garden

California Science Center

Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum

Catalina Museum for Art & History

Cayton Children’s Museum
(Advanced reservations are required. Visit caytonmuseum.org to make a reservation)

Columbia Memorial Space Center

Craft Contemporary

Forest Lawn Museum

Fowler Museum at UCLA

Frederick R. Weisman of Art, Pepperdine University

The Getty Center
(Timed tickets are required for The Getty Center. Visit getty.edu to make a reservation)

The Getty Villa
(Timed tickets are required for The Getty Villa. Visit getty.edu to make a reservation)

GRAMMY Museum

Hammer Museum

Holocaust Museum LA
(Reservations required. Visit holocaustmuseumla.org)

Institute of Contemporary Art, LA

The International Printing Museum

Japanese American National Museum
(Advance tickets strongly recommended. Visit janm.org to make a reservation)

Laguna Art Museum

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
(Advance tickets required. Visit tarpits.org to make a reservation)

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Lincoln Memorial Shrine

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
(Advance tickets are required. Visit lacma.org to make a reservation)

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
(Advance tickets are recommended. Visit moca.org to make a reservation)

Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

**Museum of Tolerance

Museum of Ventura County

Orange County Museum of Art

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
(Advanced reservations encouraged. Visit sbnature.org Sea Center not included)

Santa Monica History Museum

Skirball Cultural Center
(Advance tickets strongly recommended. Visit skirball.org to make a reservation)

Wende Museum

Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum

**The Museum of Tolerance will be participating on Sunday, March 24 only.

SoCal Museums noted that the offer is for general museum admission only and does not apply to specially ticketed exhibitions.

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2024-03-22T17:11:02+00:00
Mega Millions: Here are the winning numbers for the $977M jackpot https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/mega-millions-here-are-the-winning-numbers-for-the-977m-jackpot/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 03:04:00 +0000 https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/mega-millions-here-are-the-winning-numbers-for-the-977m-jackpot/ (NEXSTAR) — Is it your lucky day? Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot is a massive $977 million, it's only the sixth time a jackpot has been this big. Winning numbers for the March 22 jackpot are: 3, 8, 44, 31, and 35. The Mega ball number is 16. Friday’s Megaplier is 3X.

The estimated $977 million prize grew from $893 million after no tickets matched all six numbers on Tuesday of this week. The cash prize for Friday’s drawing is $461 million.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Tickets are $2 and there are a total of nine ways to win a prize. Drawings are held at 11 p.m. ET Tuesdays and Fridays.

USA Mega, which tracks Mega Millions statistics, says the most common Mega Millions numbers are 10, 3, 17, 14 and 46 for the first five numbers. The most common Mega ball number is 11.

These are the largest lottery prizes in the U.S.:

  1. $2.04 billion (Powerball): Nov. 7, 2022; California
  2. $1.765 billion (Powerball): Oct. 11, 2023; California
  3. $1.602 billion (Mega Millions): Aug. 15, 2023; Florida
  4. $1.586 billion (Powerball): Jan. 13, 2016; California, Florida, Tennessee
  5. $1.537 billion (Mega Millions): Oct. 23, 2018; South Carolina
  6. $1.348 billion (Mega Millions): Jan. 13, 2023; Maine
  7. $1.337 billion (Mega Millions): July 29, 2022; Illinois
  8. $1.08 billion (Powerball): July 19, 2023; California
  9. $1.05 billion (Mega Millions): Jan. 22, 2021; Michigan 
  10. $977 million (estimated Mega millions)

If no one claims Friday’s jackpot, the next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled to be held Tuesday, March 26.

Nexstar's Addy Bink, Matthew Knight and Ashleigh Jackson contributed to this report.

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2024-03-23T03:13:36+00:00
Man dies following LAPD SWAT officer-involved shooting https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-dies-following-l-a-p-d-swat-officer-involved-shooting/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3009076 A robbery suspect was killed after an officer-involved shooting by a SWAT Team officer in Reseda.

Authorities say the incident occurred Friday at around 5:10 a.m. The Los Angeles Police Department's SWAT unit was at an apartment building located in the 7900 block of Reseda Boulevard in Reseda.

Officers were there to serve a search and arrest warrant for a male suspect believed to be involved in a series of robberies.

LAPD says they made contact with the suspect -- identified as Zeff Rocco -- by phone and instructed him to come outside and surrender. Instead of cooperating, Rocco reportedly climbed over the apartment's third-floor balcony while armed with a rifle.

He then jumped to the ground and lost control of his grip on the firearm. Authorities said the suspect immediately tried to retrieve the weapon, but officers opened fire and struck him.

Emergency responders were at the scene and transported Rocco to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

LAPD said the rifle Rocco was armed with was loaded with 39 rounds, and an additional loaded magazine was found secured to the weapon.

No one else was injured during the incident.

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2024-03-23T02:13:33+00:00
Princess Kate reveals she has cancer, is undergoing chemotherapy https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/a-frenzy-of-speculation-surrounds-britains-royal-family/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:08:52 +0000 https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/a-frenzy-of-speculation-surrounds-britains-royal-family/ (NEXSTAR) — Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

In a recorded video message, Princess Kate addressed the public directly after months of rumors about her condition. Kate, 42, was admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery in January. Since then, she has largely been out of the public eye.

At the time of the surgery, Kate said Friday, her condition was thought to be non-cancerous, but tests after the fact revealed cancer cells were present.

"My medical team, therefore, advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment," she said in the released video.

Kate said she needed time to recovery from the surgery, start cancer treatment, and talk to her children about her condition.

"It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that's appropriate for them and to reassure them that I'm going to be OK," she said. "We hope that you'll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment."

She also thanked the public for their support and understanding.

The news is another shock for the royal family since the announcement last month that King Charles III was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer that was caught while undergoing a procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.

Charles, 75, has withdrawn from public duties while he has cancer treatment, though he's appeared frequently in photos carrying on meetings with government officials and dignitaries and was even seen going to church.

Kate, on the other hand, had been out of view, leading to weeks of speculation and gossip. Attempts to put rumors to bed by releasing a photo of her on Mother's Day in the U.K. surrounded by her three smiling children backfired when The Associated Press and other news agencies retracted the image because it had been manipulated.

Kate issued a statement the next day acknowledging she liked to “experiment with editing” and apologizing for “any confusion” the photo had caused.

The former Kate Middleton, who married William in a fairy-tale wedding in 2011, has boosted the popularity and appeal of the British monarchy worldwide more than any royal since Princess Diana.

The princess is the oldest of three children brought up in a well-to-do neighborhood in Berkshire, west of London. The Middletons have no aristocratic background, and the British press often referred to Kate as a “commoner” marrying into royalty.

Kate attended the private girls’ school Marlborough College and then University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she met William around 2001. They were friends and housemates at first, then their relationship came to be in the public eye when they were pictured together on a skiing holiday in Switzerland in 2004.

Kate graduated in 2005 with a degree in art history and a budding relationship with the prince.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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2024-03-23T05:08:12+00:00
Here's what State Farm customers should do if their policy isn't renewed https://ktla.com/news/california/heres-what-state-farm-customers-should-do-if-their-policy-isnt-renewed/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 20:00:39 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3008084 State Farm General Insurance Company announced Wednesday that it plans to non-renew 30,000 property insurance and 42,000 commercial apartment policies in California.

The 42,000 commercial apartment non-renewals represent a complete withdrawal from the commercial apartment market in California. The other 30,000 non-renewals would impact homeowners, rental dwellings, and other property insurance policies, according to State Farm.

The announcement applies to California customers only. The company said those impacted will be notified between July 3 and Aug. 20.

So, what should State Farm customers do if the company’s latest announcement impacts their policy?

Here’s what insurance experts recommend:

  • Customers should shop for another insurance policy by asking for recommendations from trusted sources or seeking an independent insurance agent.
  • Utilize the California Department of Insurance shopping tools available on their website.
  • Compare multiple policies, shop smart and choose the best coverage that suits your needs.
  • Call the state’s insurance consumer hotline at 800-927-4357.
  • Buy insurance through the California Fair Plan if you strike out in the normal marketplace.

Regardless of the latest announcement, State Farm said that it will continue working with the Department of Insurance, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other policymakers as they pursue reforms “to establish an environment in which insurance rates are better aligned with risk.”

In February, the state’s insurance department announced proposals to reform California’s insurance regulations. The new proposal would allow insurance companies to switch from using historical data to catastrophe modeling, meaning companies would calculate projections of future risk when raising rates and pass on the cost of reinsurance to consumers.

The new changes are expected to take effect at the end of the year.

Last year, State Farm announced it would stop accepting new insurance applications for all business and personal property in California.

Since then, other companies like Allstate have announced similar moves.

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2024-03-22T23:43:31+00:00
LASD, family seeking public assistance to locate missing man https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lasd-family-seeking-public-assistance-to-locate-missing-man/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 01:32:29 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3009127 The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help to locate a missing man.

Authorities say 30-year-old Joel Jacob Flores Gonzalez was last seen around 3 a.m. on March 20 in the 2700 block of Glenwood Avenue in South Gate.

He is described as a Hispanic man standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 195 pounds. Gonzalez was last seen wearing a black shirt and gray pants.

The missing man has a tattoo of prayer hands with a rosary and the name “Damian” on the left side of his chest. On the right side of his chest, he has another tattoo of two elephants with the name "Petra."

  • Joel Jacob Flores Gonzalez, 30, has been missing since March 20. He was last seen in Southgate. His family is extremely concerned for his well-being. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)
  • Joel Jacob Flores Gonzalez, 30, has been missing since March 20. He was last seen in Southgate. His family is extremely concerned for his well-being. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)

Gonzalez's family is extremely concerned for his well-being and they're asking for the public's help to locate him.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500.  

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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2024-03-23T02:21:10+00:00
Man appears to brandish gun during fight at high school in Pomona https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-appears-to-brandish-gun-during-fight-at-high-school-in-pomona/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:47:04 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3007427 A man appeared to pull a gun out and point it toward a crowd after a fight broke out at a high school in Pomona on Thursday, according to video submitted to KTLA by a parent of a student.

The video shows a frantic scene in which a man appears to brandish a firearm during a fight at Diamond Ranch High School. The school hadn't responded to a request for comment as of 9 a.m. Friday, although it confirmed the incident in a message to parents Thursday evening.

The school told parents a car of non-students pulled up and assaulted a student when school ended on Thursday. The man who allegedly brandished the gun was not a student, the school said.

"We are working with the local authorities to provide information to help them apprehend the suspects," the message reads in part.

The school said law enforcement officials would be on campus on Friday to ensure the safety of its students.

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2024-03-22T16:58:56+00:00
Adoption fees waived at spcaLA pet adoption centers for National Puppy Day https://ktla.com/news/local-news/adoption-fees-waived-at-spcala-pet-adoption-centers-for-national-puppy-day/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 21:08:48 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3008448 In honor of National Puppy Day, adoption fees will be waived Friday at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. or spcaLA, adoption centers.

“Thanks to Howard’s Appliances and The Lab Sunset, pet adoption fees for all pets at all spcaLA Pet Adoption Centers are waived on Friday, March 22nd! Come meet your new friend for life,” the organization’s website said.

Though adoption fees are waived for the day, all other adoption requirements apply. The complete list of requirements can be found on the spcaLA website.

Those interested in adoption can visit one of spcaLA's adoption centers in Hawthorne and Long Beach.

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2024-03-22T21:08:50+00:00
‘Dangerous’ felon at large after walking away from halfway house in Orange County https://ktla.com/news/local-news/dangerous-felon-at-large-after-walking-away-from-halfway-house-in-orange-county/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:42:08 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3005241 Authorities are searching for a dangerous convicted felon after he walked away from a halfway house in Orange County. 

The man was identified as Ike Souzer, 20, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities said Souzer is considered “extremely dangerous and violent” and should not be approached.

Souzer was released from custody on March 20 after pleading guilty to felony vandalism. He was sentenced to 90 days in county jail and placed on probation for two years afterward.

He checked into the halfway house that day, called Project Kinship in Santa Ana, but left the premises and never returned. He did not notify his probation officer of where he may have been headed.

Souzer’s criminal history involves stabbing his mother to death when he was 13 years old, attacking three correctional officers, and manufacturing a shank while being housed at the Orange County Jail, said the DA’s office.

Ike Souzer, 20, in a booking photo from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Ike Souzer, 20, in a booking photo from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

He had previously walked away from Project Kinship in April 2022, after being released on electronic monitoring from jail. 

After a countywide manhunt during that incident, he was eventually located and arrested at a homeless encampment in Anaheim.

Souzer remains at large and is considered a "significant public safety threat." Anyone who spots him is asked to avoid approaching him and to call 911 immediately.

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2024-03-22T00:42:08+00:00
March Madness deals up for grabs https://ktla.com/news/local-news/march-madness-deals-up-for-grabs/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:30:25 +0000 https://ktla.com/?p=3007862 Brackets may already be busted, but you can still grab a deal while the madness continues.

Grubhub is joining the excitement, and offering deals on fast food favorites like Taco Bell, Popeyes, Wendy’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and more.

From March 21 to April 8, the following freebies will be offered through Grubhub:

  • BOGO on Cantina Menu items from Taco Bell
  • Free Baconator from Wendy’s
  • Free 6-piece wings from Popeyes
  • BOGO on chicken wings from Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Discounts off your totals from Pizza Hut, 7-Eleven, Chili's, Wendy's, Jersey Mike's & Applebees

The deals continue on Grubhub throughout the whole tournament, with more offers the closer we get to crowning a new champion.

TGI Fridays is offering six free boneless wings to any customers willing to show them their failed bracket from March 19 through April 8 (with food or non-alcoholic drink purchase).

Wendy's is celebrating March Madness by offering customers a $1 Dave's Single or a $2 Dave's Double exclusively via the Wendy's app from now through Wednesday, April 10, the company said in a news release.

Buffalo Wild Wings said in a press release that when a March Madness men's or women's game goes into overtime, the restaurant will give free boneless wings to Blazin' Rewards members.

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2024-03-22T19:30:26+00:00