Male circumcision opponents propose ballot measure in Santa Monica

A group called MGM Bill wants to make it illegal in Santa Monica to perform a circumcision, even for religious reasons, on a boy under age 18. The group placed a similar measure on the November 2011 ballot in San Francisco.

L.A. school board, union still at odds over budget

The district appeals to the teachers union to take six unpaid days off to help balance the books and save jobs. But parents hold rallies in support of the union, which wants no cuts.

Los Angeles to have its own bill collector

City Council creates the post of inspector general of collections in hope of reaping some of the estimated $541 million owed to the city of Los Angeles in uncollected debt.

Hope for reform of California's prison system?

The Supreme Court ruling will force the state to address the issue. It's a start.

USC study finds big drop in number of children living in L.A. County

The number of children ages 5 to 9 in L.A. County decreased by 21% from 2000 to 2010, compared with an average decline of 8.1% statewide, researchers say.

Family sues Staples Center over toddler's fatal fall after Lakers game

Attorneys say the barrier on a luxury skybox was inadequate to prevent the 2-year-old from falling nearly 30 feet.

U.S. Supreme Court orders massive inmate release to relieve California's crowded prisons

Justice Kennedy cites inhumane conditions, while dissenters fear a crime rampage. Gov. Jerry Brown seeks tax hike to fund transfers to county jails as prison officials hope to avoid freeing anyone.

For water researchers, an atmosphere full of questions

A research project called CalWater is trying to determine why some clouds give up their moisture and others don't as they roll across the mountain ranges that provide the state with much of its water.

Police press search for second man, woman in Dodger Stadium beating

Officials urge news websites to refrain from publishing a leaked photo of suspect Giovanni Ramirez, out of fear of tainting witnesses in police lineup.

Equine virus outbreak spooks horse owners across Western U.S.

EHV-1 has led to the deaths of at least seven horses and the cancellation of horse events from Tulsa to San Diego County. The outbreak apparently began in Ogden, Utah, about a month ago.

Orange County authorities cracking down on Vietnamese cafes

In Garden Grove, Westminster and other cities, some of the coffeehouses include not only loud music and strong java, but nudity, gambling and prostitution. Many in Little Saigon are hesitant to speak out against the establishments.

L.A. housing official is focus of district attorney's inquiry

Prosecutors are looking into whether housing authority board President Beatriz Stotzer's work for a firm that manages apartments for affordable housing developers violates conflict-of-interest rules.

High schools offer grade boosts to students who improve test scores

A voluntary program at 39 L.A. campuses allows students who improve test scores from one achievement category to the next to qualify for a higher grade.

Mother's ordeal feels likes TV drama, but it's not all that simple

Dysfunction isn't the province only of the poor, but most of us are allowed to flail in private. Shanell Walton lives out her struggles in front of social workers, courts and, fortunately, a supportive 'godmother.'

Synagogue bombing suspect pleads not guilty

Transient Ron Hirsch, 60, is charged with four federal felony counts in the April 7 blast at Santa Monica Chabad House.

Conviction in '93 liquor store robbery slaying overturned

A 9th Circuit panel says the defendant's rights were violated when the judge dismissed the only juror holding out against her conviction.

Judge disqualifies drug kingpin's lead attorney

Prosecutors allege that lawyer Jan Ronis, who represents Benjamin Arellano Felix, once worked on behalf of a Mexican drug cartel. The judge says the allegations could create the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Police arrest suspect in beating of Giants fan at Dodger Stadium

Giovanni Ramirez, 31, an ex-convict and documented gang member, is arrested on suspicion of attacking Giants fan Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium on opening day.

When it's time to run for office, fewer women stand up

In Los Angeles as elsewhere, fewer women seek election. More may be looking at careers in business, and they may dislike the coarseness of campaigning.

Support in polls for same-sex marriage could influence Proposition 8 legal battle, experts say

Recent polls showing majority support for same sex marriage could have an effect on judges as the legal fight against Proposition 8 moves through the courts, experts and advocates say.