A 19-year-old student at the University of Southern California was charged Tuesday with making criminals threats and committing an assault with a handgun at a weekend party near campus. >>

The Phoenix area is a magnet for people from the Golden State for two reasons: real estate prices and jobs. >>

At one point during jury selection for Phil Spector's murder trial, defense attorney Bruce Cutler clutched his client's shoulder to emphasize the distinction he was about to draw between the 67-year-old record producer and Paris Hilton. >>

The government acts as both a direct source of funds and a guarantor for private loans. >>

A prosecutor urged jurors this morning to add another name to a list of L.A. serial killers that already includes Richard Ramirez, William Bonin, Charles Manson and Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi. >>

Prosecutors charged three black gang members today with killing two Latino boys and an adult as they talked in the frontyard of their South Los Angeles home last year, saying the assailants picked the victims at random because they could not find any gang rivals to shoot. >>

The L.A. panel puts together a wish list that includes fighting 'mansionization.' >>

Couple's daughter says Laguna incident was caused by frustration over business dealings that are still unclear to authorities. >>

Residents across the I-5 are considering whether to join the city or incorporate their own. >>

Black gang members are charged in last year's shooting of two Latino boys and an adult in what was dubbed the 49th Street Massacre. >>

In net terms, those leaving L.A. County are wealthier than those moving into it, according to tax returns filed in 2005. >>

Mental health officials are given until May 21 to figure out how to stem departure of clinicians. >>

The out-of-court settlement over a Halloween night beating in Long Beach would have them serve three months in custody. >>

Jerry Roberts says he may sue for libel if the paper doesn't disavow a front-page story linking him to a computer that contained pornography. >>

The two incidents, one in Mar Vista and the other in Playa Del Rey, are not believed to be related. >>

A 3.1-magnitude earthquake was felt across the San Fernando Valley this afternoon but caused no apparent damage. >>

Morongo tribe begins a TV campaign that touts a proposal to allow more slot machines. >>

A juror cites defendant's 'lack of remorse.' After a soda was tossed at his car in a parking lot, he struck a pedestrian, injuring him seriously. >>

Lady Harley died seven months ago, but the Siberian husky is still being honored for her riding skills. >>

The final stage of jury selection for the Phil Spector murder trial — choosing alternate jurors — went unfinished Monday, as lawyers faced a jury pool exposed to years of news on the case. >>

Those who empty the trash, bus the tables and operate the rides should be a factor for Disney and Anaheim as they discuss low-cost housing. >>

Two Orange County assemblymen are sponsoring bills seeking to avert episodes of voter intimidation such as the one that allegedly occurred in last fall's election. >>

The west side of Fresno County has dipped as much as 30 feet since 1925, leaving roadways warped and utility poles tilted, according to scientists. >>

The state's 2nd District Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court decision that vindicated the Los Angeles Unified School District in a case against a former principal. >>

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science filed a $125-million lawsuit Monday against Los Angeles County, claiming breach of contract when the county cut its ties between the medical school and Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center last year. >>

A man was shot and killed Monday in an apparent mugging on South Halladay Street near Roosevelt Elementary School, police said. >>

Transportation planners on Monday hired a consultant to examine traffic congestion where the 55 Freeway ends at 19th Street in Costa Mesa. >>

Police Chief William J. Bratton's request to serve a second five-year term has been endorsed by leaders of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, who headed a panel in the 1990s that recommended sweeping reforms of the Police Department. >>

The leader of a San Fernando Valley gang was sentenced Monday to life in prison on racketeering, money laundering and drug trafficking charges. >>