southern California
Coverage of southern California in the Nexus archive.
- Multi-city robbery spree in Southern California ends in deadly police chase
A Long Beach man was sentenced to over 26 years in federal prison for participating in a multi-city armed robbery spree in Southern California, which led to a police chase that killed an innocent motorist. The spree included robberies at a Downey liquor store and a Compton gas station.
- $65K-a-year private school that replaces teachers with AI makes bold boast in SoCal expansion
The Alpha School, a $65K-a-year private school with locations in California and New York, replaces teachers with an AI platform and claims students learn 10 times faster than at Harvard-Westlake. The school is expanding in Southern California and asserts it delivers better results than the renowned institution.
- Heat wave across Southern California has firefighters on high alert
A heat wave has triggered a Heat Advisory in Southern California, prompting firefighters to remain on high alert due to increased risk of brush fires. Multiple brush fires have already been reported, including one near the 5 Freeway in Sylmar.
- 4 SoCal vacation spots you can get to with single tank of gas or one electric vehicle charge
AAA is promoting four Southern California vacation spots accessible with a single tank of gas or one electric vehicle charge amid high fuel prices.
- 'Los Rugrats' cartel boss charged with narco-terrorism in Southern California
A cartel boss in Southern California has been charged with narco-terrorism under the name 'Los Rugrats,' which authorities say is inspired by the Nickelodeon animated series 'Rugrats' about toddlers.
- Heat advisory through Friday; isolated thunderstorms possible Sunday
Southern California's extreme heat will continue through Friday, with cooler temperatures and possible thunderstorms arriving this weekend. Forecasters note the high-pressure ridge contributing to the heat, and KTLA's Kirk Hawkins highlighted the intensity of summer conditions in interior areas.
- El Niño is here, and it’s already scrambling fisheries throughout the Pacific
El Niño is disrupting global fisheries, with Peru canceling its anchovy season, India anticipating smaller mackerel catches, and Southern California experiencing a surge in tuna fishing. The phenomenon, linked to warmer ocean temperatures, shifts marine ecosystems by altering nutrient availability and fish migration patterns, creating instability for fishers and potential price fluctuations for consumers.
- Southern California clean-heat rule survives key legal challenge
Southern California's clean-heat rule, aimed at reducing emissions from industrial heating sources like gas-fueled boilers and water heaters in factories and large buildings, survived a key legal challenge. The region, known for its poor air quality, implemented the rule to address pollution from these sources in 2024.
- Buckle up, LA. This heat could be with us for a while
Southern California is experiencing a heat wave with triple-digit temperatures expected in inland areas, driven by a high-pressure system and Santa Ana winds. Heat advisories remain in effect until Friday, with elevated fire risks due to dry conditions. The Coachella Valley faces extreme heat warnings, with temperatures reaching 116°F.
- Luxury vehicles including Lamborghini, Porsche and BMW seized in SoCal theft bust
Ventura County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men suspected of stealing luxury vehicles in Southern California. Authorities seized vehicles including Lamborghini, Porsche, and BMW models worth $1.3 million.
- Luxury vehicles including Lamborghini, Porsche and BMW seized in SoCal theft bust
Ventura County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men suspected of stealing luxury vehicles, including models from Lamborghini, Porsche, and BMW, in Southern California. Authorities seized vehicles totaling $1.3 million in value.
- Auto theft ring in L.A. amassed $1.3M in high-end, luxury vehicles
Two men were arrested for an organized vehicle theft ring targeting luxury and high-performance cars in Southern California, which had accumulated over $1 million in suspected stolen vehicles. The investigation began after a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray valued at $105,000 was stolen from a Thousand Oaks dealership.
- Woman missing a month found dead steps from her Southern California home
A 55-year-old woman reported missing from Piñon Hills on May 25 was found dead in a desert area near her home in Southern California over a month later. Loretta 'Kay' Colwell Pilitsis was last seen near her residence on Locust Road before disappearing.
- Over 400 people arrested during chaos at Newport Beach July 4th celebrations, police say
A Fourth of July celebration in Newport Beach, Southern California, turned chaotic, leading to 402 arrests and several officers injured, according to police.
- Southern California authorities bust organized vehicle theft operation, recover over $1 million in luxury cars
Southern California authorities, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a sting operation that led to the arrest of an organized vehicle theft ring and the recovery of over $1 million in luxury vehicles.
- Heat advisory issued as Southern California temps near triple digits this week
Southern California is experiencing a heat advisory with temperatures nearing triple digits, ending the comfortable Fourth of July weather. A meteorologist from KTLA noted a shift in the weather pattern leading to challenging conditions this week.
- You could get fined $63 for ‘daylighting’: Here’s what you need to know
California's Daylighting Law prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk's approach side to improve pedestrian safety. Violators in Los Angeles County face a $63 fine, with enforcement now active after a grace period. The law aims to reduce intersection-related pedestrian deaths, which account for 36% of such fatalities statewide.
- After the Fourth, SoCal's hot weather is making a bad air-quality situation worse
Southern California's hot weather is exacerbating poor air quality, with sluggish fallout from fireworks contributing to the issue.
- After the Fourth, SoCal's hot weather is making a bad air-quality situation worse
Southern California's hot weather is exacerbating a bad air-quality situation. The heat has slowed the dissipation of fireworks fallout.
- L.A. County heat advisory: When will high temperatures peak in SoCal?
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for parts of Los Angeles County, with temperatures expected to reach between the 80s and low 100s in valleys and inland areas. The advisory applies to regions away from coastal areas in Southern California.
- Fireworks-ignited explosions and raging fires injure several across SoCal over July 4 weekend
Fourth of July fireworks sparked dangerous explosions and raging fires across Southern California, leaving several injured and displacing families. The incidents occurred over the July 4 weekend and involved multiple dangerous incidents linked to fireworks.
- Fireworks-ignited explosions and raging fires injure several across SoCal over July 4 weekend
Fourth of July fireworks caused dangerous explosions and raging fires in Southern California, resulting in multiple injuries and family displacements over the July 4 weekend.
- Fireworks smoke lingers as triple-digit heat heads to Southern California
Smoke from Fourth of July fireworks caused poor air quality in Southern California Sunday morning, with an air quality alert initially set for 10:45 a.m. but expected to extend into the afternoon. Forecasters warned the smoky air could linger, compounded by approaching triple-digit heat.
- California’s Fourth of July plunges into hell as stores looted, police horses charge and fires break out
Fourth of July celebrations in Southern California turned chaotic as unruly crowds overwhelmed fireworks displays and looted stores. Police horses were deployed, and fires broke out amid the unrest.
- Californians offered free Lyft rides to avoid drunk driving on Fourth of July
Southern Californians can receive free Lyft rides during the Fourth of July to prevent drunk driving. The initiative aims to encourage safe transportation alternatives for those celebrating the holiday.
- 4th of July forecast for Southern California calls for sunshine, warm temperatures
The 4th of July in Southern California is expected to have sunny and warm conditions. The National Weather Service predicts generally quiet weather with stable temperatures and minor warming on Independence Day.
- Police target illegal fireworks across SoCal in holiday crackdown ahead of 4th of July
Police in Southern California are increasing enforcement against illegal fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July to ensure public safety as the country celebrates its 250th birthday.
- Several Southern California airports receive funding to improve safety, infrastructure
Sixteen California airports, including several in Southern California, will receive $107 million in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to modernize infrastructure and improve safety. The funding is part of the Airport Improvement Program, which supports projects like runway and taxiway rehabilitation, airport signage, and lighting upgrades.
- Get ready for even more air quality advisories this July 4 weekend
Southern California air quality officials warn of hazardous air during the July 4 weekend due to fireworks-related particle pollution. The advisory affects areas including downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, and northern Orange County, with health risks for people with respiratory conditions. The advisory lasts from 5 p.m. July 4 until 3 p.m. July 5.
- Southern California woman charged with attempted child kidnapping reported missing for months
A Southern California woman charged with attempted child kidnapping remains missing after her family reported her disappearance nearly two months ago. Courtney Perrone, 41, was last seen on May 17 in the 3900 block of South Budlong Avenue and left in a white 2014 BMW.
- What to know about the challenges ahead for the children rescued from an Ohio home
16 children were rescued from a home in Ohio under severe neglect, with some unable to speak or write. Four family members were arrested, and the state faces foster care shortages, similar to past cases in Michigan and California.
- What to know about the challenges ahead for the children rescued from an Ohio home
Police in Ohio rescued 16 children from a home in deplorable conditions, with some unable to speak or write, including an 18-year-old developmentally disabled individual. Seven children were hospitalized, and Ohio faces a shortage of foster families to accommodate their severe trauma recovery needs.
- Inland Empire city latest in SoCal to detect West Nile virus in mosquito samples
San Bernardino in Southern California has detected West Nile virus in mosquito samples, joining a growing list of cities in the region. The infected mosquitoes were collected in San Bernardino, marking the first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample detected this year in the area served by the county’s Environmental department.
- Mom pregnant with twins killed after horror SoCal crash when 25-year-old ran stop sign
A woman pregnant with twins was killed instantly in a Southern California crash caused by a 25-year-old who ran a stop sign. The incident resulted in the deaths of the mother and her unborn children.
- 2 rare blooms set to stink up Southern California botanical garden
Two Titan Arums, also known as Corpse Flowers, are set to bloom at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles County. The rare plants will emit a strong odor, offering visitors two opportunities to experience the phenomenon.
- Elderly man targeted, scammed out of $84,000 in Southern California; 1 arrested
A 70-year-old man from Camarillo, Southern California, was scammed out of $84,000 by a suspect who impersonated a McAfee Security representative. The victim reported the theft in May 2026, and police have arrested the suspect.
- Santa Monica’s iconic Gap store to be torn down, replaced with homes
Santa Monica’s iconic Gap store, Southern California’s first, will be demolished and replaced with homes. The store is closing permanently.
- Amber Alert issued for parts of SoCal for 3-month-old baby abducted in Bay Area, CHP says
An Amber Alert was issued for a 3-month-old baby abducted in the Bay Area, prompting Southern California residents to remain vigilant. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the alert was active in parts of the region.
- At least 5 arrested as part of federal sex trafficking investigation across SoCal
At least five people were arrested in South Los Angeles as part of a federal crackdown on sex trafficking along the Figueroa Corridor. The operation is part of a broader investigation targeting sex trafficking in Southern California.
- Pasadena restaurant rallies support for Venezuelan earthquake victims
A Pasadena restaurant is raising money for Venezuelan earthquake victims, offering comfort and support to Venezuelans in Southern California. The establishment has become a hub for community efforts to aid those affected by the disaster.