This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. In the late 1990s, the late Jay Michael and I coauthored a book, published by the University of California, that explored why and how interest groups employ lobbyists to represent them in Sacramento. Michael was a retired lobbyist...
California Convicted Murderer Kills Wife During Conjugal Visit
A convicted killer serving a life sentence for four Los Angeles County murders killed his wife during a conjugal visit at a Northern California prison, authorities said. David Brinson, 54, killed his wife, Stephanie Brinson, 62, in November at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office...
Will California Finally Exempt Veterans’ Retirement Income From Taxes?
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. California is the only state that doesn't allow any tax exemptions on military retirement income. New bills aim to do that, but analysts say the financial incentive may be too small to get veterans to stay in California....
Report Finds That Stanford Football Coach Mistreated Female Staff Members
STANFORD — Stanford football coach Troy Taylor mistreated female staff members and tried to have an NCAA compliance officer removed after she warned him of rules violations, according to documents obtained by ESPN from investigations into Taylor's conduct. ESPN said more than 20 current and former staffers cooperated with the...
NBA Champion Boston Celtics to Be Sold for a Record $6.1 Billion
The Boston Celtics are being sold for what would be a record-setting initial valuation of $6.1 billion to a group led by Symphony Technology Group managing partner William Chisholm, the sides said Thursday. Record-Breaking Sale in U.S. Sports History The sale — if approved by the NBA's board of governors...
Thanks to Ohtani, MLB Enjoys Huge Success in Japan as 2025 Season Kicks Off
TOKYO — There was the crack of Shohei Ohtani's bat, the roars from the Tokyo Dome crowd and the beeps from the credit card machines at the massive merchandise center selling boatloads of Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs gear. It all must have been music to the ears of...
Students Call On CA Colleges To Protect Campuses From Immigration Enforcement
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Fearing immigration enforcement on or near college campuses during President Donald Trump's second term, students across the state have been demanding university officials offer more protections. Students have been protesting against Trump's pledge of mass deportations at campuses...
Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Donna Sheri Packard
March 20, 2025 Most Wanted Person of the Day Suspect Name: Donna Sheri Packard Suspects Date of Birth: November 4, 1980 Physical Description: Black Female, 5’ 6, 180 lbs., Black Hair, Brown Eyes. Charges: Identity theft Warrant Number: F25901654 Synopsis of the Case: Donna Sheri Packard is wanted on a...
Luka Doncic Scores 31 as Lakers Rout the Depleted Nuggets
LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic had 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in just three quarters of work, and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Denver Nuggets 120-108 on Wednesday night in a matchup of injury-depleted Western Conference contenders. Nikola Jokic (elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle) missed their second...
Federal Authorities Apprehend LA Gang Leader Suspected of Murder, Human Trafficking
LOS ANGELES — U.S. authorities have taken a longtime leader of a Los Angeles street gang who investigators say ran a “mafia-like” criminal enterprise that included murder, human trafficking and extortion while he also worked as an entertainment entrepreneur into custody Wednesday after a brief search, officials announced. Eugene Henley...