Wage theft often goes unpunished despite state systems meant to combat it
Many wage theft victims are never paid a dime. Others are left waiting for months or even years, an investigation by CBS News found.
Wage Theft
California wage theft: Is the state following its own rules?
In a KCAL News investigation: What is owed, what employers are accused of doing, and how the state itself may have broken the law by letting this go on for far too long. Senior Reporter Ross Palombo has the shocking data and details.
Long Beach carwash workers finally get long-awaited paychecks
On Tuesday morning, 22 former Long Beach car wash workers finally got their paychecks after a five-year wage theft investigation.
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Outspoken critic of District Attorney George Gascón announces candidacy
17-year prosecutor John Hatami claimed that Gascón is trying to divide people with politics while failing to help the true victims of the criminal justice system.
Piles of trash cover SoCal beaches after series of storms
Mounds of debris could be seen all over Long Beach Wednesday evening, with yet another storm bearing in on the area overnight. Along with the accumulation of branches, seaweed and other naturally occurring refuse, one could also find tennis shoes, bicycle parts, recyclables and even pieces of a bedroom furniture set amongst the junk.
Political newcomers compete for Nury Martinez's vacated council seat
Former Council President Nury Martinez resigned in disgrace after an infamous recording was made public back in October.
Multiple people injured after pursuit ends in crash in Downtown LA
Los Angeles Fire Department officials say that multiple people were injured after a pursuit ended in a collision in the 800 block of S. Hope Street Wednesday evening.
"I'm over it;" Residents fed up with a foot of snow expected to coat mountain communities overnight
Mountain residents already reeling from the impact of a series of powerful storms since the beginning of the year are bracing for yet another round of snowfall, with up to a foot expected to fall overnight.
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Outspoken critic of District Attorney George Gascón announces candidacy
17-year prosecutor John Hatami claimed that Gascón is trying to divide people with politics while failing to help the true victims of the criminal justice system.
SoCal storm could bring isolated thunderstorms
Light to moderate rain fell across the Southland Wednesday morning, with a second wave of rain expected later in the afternoon. Heavier overnight rain into early Thursday morning could result in isolated thunderstorms. Snow is possible in mountain passes.
Piles of trash cover SoCal beaches after series of storms
Mounds of debris could be seen all over Long Beach Wednesday evening, with yet another storm bearing in on the area overnight. Along with the accumulation of branches, seaweed and other naturally occurring refuse, one could also find tennis shoes, bicycle parts, recyclables and even pieces of a bedroom furniture set amongst the junk.
Political newcomers compete for Nury Martinez's vacated council seat
Former Council President Nury Martinez resigned in disgrace after an infamous recording was made public back in October.
Multiple people injured after pursuit ends in crash in Downtown LA
Los Angeles Fire Department officials say that multiple people were injured after a pursuit ended in a collision in the 800 block of S. Hope Street Wednesday evening.
Los Angeles News
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Outspoken critic of District Attorney George Gascón announces candidacy
17-year prosecutor John Hatami claimed that Gascón is trying to divide people with politics while failing to help the true victims of the criminal justice system.
Piles of trash cover SoCal beaches after series of storms
Mounds of debris could be seen all over Long Beach Wednesday evening, with yet another storm bearing in on the area overnight. Along with the accumulation of branches, seaweed and other naturally occurring refuse, one could also find tennis shoes, bicycle parts, recyclables and even pieces of a bedroom furniture set amongst the junk.
Political newcomers compete for Nury Martinez's vacated council seat
Former Council President Nury Martinez resigned in disgrace after an infamous recording was made public back in October.
Multiple people injured after pursuit ends in crash in Downtown LA
Los Angeles Fire Department officials say that multiple people were injured after a pursuit ended in a collision in the 800 block of S. Hope Street Wednesday evening.
"I'm over it;" Residents fed up with a foot of snow expected to coat mountain communities overnight
Mountain residents already reeling from the impact of a series of powerful storms since the beginning of the year are bracing for yet another round of snowfall, with up to a foot expected to fall overnight.
Orange County News
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5 homes evacuated after car crash causes gas leak in Laguna Beach
Crews evacuated five homes in Laguna Beach after a car crashed into a gas meter, causing it to leak.
Southern California cities adjusting to worsening King Tides
While scientists claim that King Tides are not a direct result of climate change, they have worsened because of the rise in sea levels.
Veteran wounded while volunteering in Ukraine returns home to Orange County
Gio Roman, 29, was wounded when the Humvee he was traveling in was struck by an RPG, causing him to lose his right eye and sustain other significant injuries.
Fullerton PD release video from violent pursuit crash and fatal police shooting
The suspect was wanted for an armed robbery in San Bernardino County. He was unarmed at the time of the shooting but officers found two replica firearms in his car.
Orange County woman hospitalized after being knocked out inside of Target
An Orange County woman was rushed to the hospital after a group of middle schoolers threw a bucket over her head, causing her to fall inside a Tustin Target.
Inland Empire News
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Mojave train crash: Union Pacific says no crew was inside cab during derailment
San Bernardino Fire said they responded to the cargo train derailment in a remote area of Kelso.
2 killed in helicopter crash near Perris identified
Two Murrieta residents killed in a plane crash have been identified.
2 killed in Hemet helicopter crash; Pilot delivered organs in spare time, family says
A helicopter crashed Friday around 12:40 p.m. in Riverside County at the base of hills in Lakeview, leaving two people dead.
Yucaipa couple arrested for allegedly crashing cars for insurance payout; posted videos to Youtube
The Yucaipa couple allegedly had their child in the car during many of the allegedly intentional collisions.
Potholes continue to plague SR-71 in Pomona
Lately, the CA-71 in Pomona has resembled a maze rather than an open road as potholes continue to pop up all over the freeway after a series of storms.
KCAL News Investigations
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Downtown Rebound: Pandemic business recovery in Los Angeles
The COVID crisis shut down the entire country including California, hitting downtowns nationwide including Los Angeles. Now new data is giving us a clearer picture of the past and a new view of how far we've come in L.A.'s "downtown rebound."
Marijuana and driving: California lacks legal THC limit
It's been seven years since California legalized marijuana for adults. But the state still has no legal limit on how much is too much before you get behind the wheel of a car.
L.A. homeless count: Numbers questioned due to app problems
There are new questions about the accuracy of this year's Los Angeles homeless count. It was just completed last month, but some volunteers are telling KCAL News about problems trying to report the numbers.
California wage theft: Is the state following its own rules?
In a KCAL News investigation: What is owed, what employers are accused of doing, and how the state itself may have broken the law by letting this go on for far too long. Senior Reporter Ross Palombo has the shocking data and details.
KCAL News Investigates: Millions in LAUSD sanitizer goes to waste
More than a million dollars' worth of hand sanitizer purchased by the LAUSD to keep kids safe had to be disposed of because it's expiring. The issue was discovered by KCAL News Investigative Reporter David Goldstein.
National News
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Flag football moves one step closer to becoming an Olympic sport
For years, the NFL has been pushing for flag football, which is played as a five-on-five non-contact sport, to be included as an Olympic event in order to grow interest in the game worldwide.
Twitter removes tweets about 'Trans Day of Vengeance'
Twitter says it has removed tweets showing a poster promoting a 'Trans Day of Vengeance' protest in support of transgender rights in Washington, D.C.
Melissa Joan Hart says she helped children "trying to escape" Nashville shooting
"We helped a class of kindergartners across a busy highway that were climbing out of the woods, that were trying to escape the shooter situation," she said.
Dozens of swimmers under investigation for harassing dolphins in Hawaii
Harassing marine mammals is a violation of the federal Marine Mammal Act, and could result in up to $11,000 in fines and/or a year in prison.
FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved selling naloxone without a prescription, setting the overdose-reversing drug on course to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.
Politics
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Outspoken critic of District Attorney George Gascón announces candidacy
17-year prosecutor John Hatami claimed that Gascón is trying to divide people with politics while failing to help the true victims of the criminal justice system.
Political newcomers compete for Nury Martinez's vacated council seat
Former Council President Nury Martinez resigned in disgrace after an infamous recording was made public back in October.
Twitter removes tweets about 'Trans Day of Vengeance'
Twitter says it has removed tweets showing a poster promoting a 'Trans Day of Vengeance' protest in support of transgender rights in Washington, D.C.
Judge rules Pence must testify before grand jury about any illegal acts by Trump
Pence has said that he's ready to fight the subpoena all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.
California lawmakers OK potential fines for high gas prices
California lawmakers on Monday approved the nation's first penalty for price gouging at the pump, voting to give regulators the power to punish oil companies for profiting from the type of gas price spikes that plagued the nation's most populous state last summer.
Consumer News
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On Your Side: Saving on auto loans
With used and new car prices still soaring, it can be difficult to get a good deal in this market. On Your Side's Kristine Lazar has some tips.
On Your Side: Common credit mistakes
March is National Credit Education Month. On Your Side's Kristine Lazar has the ABCs of credit and insider tips on how to boost your score.
Tech Talk: Travel gadgets to improve your next trip
The best travel gadgets can make your trips more organized, manageable, and unforgettable -- just better through and through. Tech expert Jessica Naziri has some of the best travel gadgets for every type of traveler and journey.
Artificial sweetener erythritol linked to increase in heart attacks, strokes
A commonly used artificial sweetener is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to Cleveland Clinic research.
Go-To Girlfriend: Spring Break must-haves
It's spring -- which means Spring Break -- which means travel time! Lifestyle expert and the "Go-To Girlfriend" Sadie Murray has some Spring Break beauty and style must-have items.
Health News
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STEAM: Meet a physical therapist changing lives
In this week's STEAM profile, KCAL News Meteorologist Evelyn Taft introduces us to physical therapist Gabrielle Shrier.
FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved selling naloxone without a prescription, setting the overdose-reversing drug on course to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.
Artificial sweetener erythritol linked to increase in heart attacks, strokes
A commonly used artificial sweetener is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to Cleveland Clinic research.
On Your Side: ADHD medication shortage
A nationwide shortage of medications used to treat ADHD is entering its sixth month with no end in sight. On Your Side's Kristine Lazar has a look at the problem, and what could help end it.
Proposed bill would ban sale of Skittles in California
Soon, Californians may no longer be able to "taste the rainbow" if a proposed bill is enacted.
Business News
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California court rules for Uber, Lyft in ride-hailing case
A California appeals court has ruled companies like Uber and Lyft do not have to treat their drivers as employees.
Regal theater locations shutting down: 6 in SoCal to close
Thirty-nine Regal movie theaters, including three in Los Angeles and Orange counties, will close as the chain's parent company goes through bankruptcy.
Vivienne Westwood, fashion designer and style icon, dies at 81
British fashion designer and style icon Vivienne Westwood has died aged 81, according to an official statement from her eponymous company.
3M plans to end manufacturing and use of PFAS by end of 2025
St. Paul-based 3M announced Tuesday that the company will stop the manufacturing and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - also known as "forever chemicals" - by the end of 2025.
EPA to consider tougher locomotive emissions rules
The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday it will consider adopting stricter rules on locomotive emissions in response to concerns by California regulators.
Sports News
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Westbrook has season-high 36 points, Clippers beat Grizzlies
Russell Westbrook had a season-high 36 points, Robert Covington also had a season best with 27 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 141-132 on Wednesday night to open a two-game set.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis lead Lakers past Bulls 121-110
LeBron James scored 25 points in his return to the starting lineup, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls 121-110.
Flag football moves one step closer to becoming an Olympic sport
For years, the NFL has been pushing for flag football, which is played as a five-on-five non-contact sport, to be included as an Olympic event in order to grow interest in the game worldwide.
Dodgers, Angels meet for annual Freeway Series with new MLB rules on display
While Tuesday's game ran just over three hours, a bevy of new rules are expected to impact the length of games throughout the season, with average Spring Training game times down nearly 25 minutes from the 2022 average of 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Markstrom reigns over Kings as Flames win 2-1
Jacob Markstrom was spectacular on Tuesday making 32 saves to backstop the Calgary Flames to a critical 2-1 victory over the red-hot Los Angeles Kings.
Entertainment News
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Melissa Joan Hart says she helped children "trying to escape" Nashville shooting
"We helped a class of kindergartners across a busy highway that were climbing out of the woods, that were trying to escape the shooter situation," she said.
Actor Jonathan Majors arrested on domestic violence charges in New York City
Majors' criminal defense lawyer said he is "completely innocent and provably the victim of an altercation with a woman he knows."
Composer Nicholas Lloyd Webber, son of Andrew Lloyd Webber, dies at 43
"We are all totally bereft," Webber said in a statement.
Reese Witherspoon, husband Jim Toth filing for divorce
The pair announced their impending divorce via an Instagram post.
Rap artist Afroman sued by officers who raided his home
Seven law enforcement officers have sued rap artist Afroman.
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Coldwater Canyon Park | Look At This!
It's a beautiful open space for hiking and recreation but also a host to a major environmental movement. Tonight, Desmond Shaw takes a look at Coldwater Canyon Park and the headquarters of the "Tree People."
17-year prosecutor John Hatami announces bid for District Attorney
Prosecutor John Hatami has been an outspoken critic of current District Attorney George Gascón and hopes to oust the incumbent.
4 hospitalized after pursuit ends in crash in Downtown LA
Sky-CAL was over the end of yet another pursuit that came to a crashing end this week, leaving four people injured in Downtown Los Angeles.
Constant storms cause buildup of trash along Southern California coastline
Lesley Marin reports from Long Beach, one of the many Southern California coastal communities left dealing with a sudden buildup of mounds of trash on beaches after a series of powerful storms.
Political newcomers compete for Nury Martinez's vacated council seat
Former Council President Nury Martinez resigned in disgrace after the infamous recording was made public back in October. Tom Wait reports.
Latest Galleries
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The 95th Academy Awards
Check out this behind-the-scenes look ahead of the 2023 Oscars at the Dolby Theatre.
Shots from the 2023 Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club
A series of shots from the first day of the Genesis Invitational professional golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades.
65th Annual Grammy Awards from Crypto.com Arena
A look at some of Sunday's most memorable moments from music's biggest night at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
65th Grammy Awards - Red Carpet
The Grammys will be broadcast live from Los Angeles, starting at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, on CBS television stations and will stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
The victims of the Monterey Park mass shooting
The men and women killed during the tragic Monterey Park mass shooting left behind sons, daughters and friends, all of whom continue to grieve their loved ones.
