The New England Patriots five game skid is over after a 21-18 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Bailey Zappe led the Patriots to three first half touchdowns. That's all the scoring they needed to fend off a late comeback attempt by the Steelers. The Steelers fall to 7-6 but are still in the hunt to make the playoffs. As for the Patriots - - this will end up being the light in a bleak season. 

Photo credits: Joe Sargent 

Rockaway, New Jersey resident Declan Lopez is spending her after school time learning about atomic mass of different elements.

She is a member of an international society for people with high IQs called Mensa.

Declan's mother was curious to know what her daughters IQ was and it led to her finding out through the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence that her daughters IQ is 137 --being the 99th percentile.

Declan's mother made sure to support her by providing lessons on different subjects to grow her love of knowledge.

The girl is also involved in sports such as karate and soccer -- with the support of her father.

Her parents find her happiness and health most important for her to be able to grow and live to her full potential.

Photo credit: CNN

According to a survey done by vehicle dealer -- Gunther Volvo Cars Daytona Beach -- three Californian freeways made the top three out of one-hundred of the most loathed freeways in the country!

In third place it was Interstate 405 due to it being the most congested freeway nationwide.

The survey also noted that the 405 is a symbol of gridlock nightmare since its path runs through the heart of LA.

In second place it was Interstate 5 that got high ranked due to endless constructions and traffic during rush hour.

The survey noted it as a big commuter frustration when it comes to taking this freeway.

Ranked in first place for most loathed freeway in the nation is... US Route 101!

The reasons that add the 101 to first place is the consistent congested traffic that causes delays and challenges for those navigating through it. 

Photo credit: LA Daily News

Tis the season of loving and cheer -- Target has discounted meals this year. Brought back again -- is the companies mission -- 25 dollar meals filled with nutrition. Ham's a dollar a pound -- potatoes four pennies an ounce. A heartwarming gesture according to shoppers accounts. December 25th is the deals last day. Till then -- both online or in store customers can go to pay. With budgeting tips so less money you'll lose.

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest with co-host Rita Ora from New York City's Times Square. There will be satellite locations in Los Angeles  and there will be a Spanish Language countdown live from San Juan Puerto Rico's Convention Center. The new year's celebration will feauture artists like Coco Jones - Ellie Goulding - Janelle Monae -  Ludacris - Thirty Seconds to Mars and more! Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest will begin on A-B-C at 8 p.m. Eastern time on December 31st.

Netflix's "Squid Game:The Challenge" has officially crowned a winner. 55-year-old Mai Whelan took home the top prize of four-and-a-half-million-dollars during Wednesday's season finale. Netflix has announced "The Challenge" will return for a second season. The reality show competition is based on the Korean hit series "Squid Game" and features nearly identical sets and games from the show--which are set to be returning for season two. 

Photo credit: Joe Scarnici

Christopher Nolan's record-breaking film "Oppenheimer" is set to release in Japan in 2024 -- months after the rest of the world.

The movie was at the center of attention over the summer -- and part of that came from it being released on the same weekend as Barbie -- creating the fan-made meme Barbenheimer.

But these posts received backlash in Japan -- and the Warner Bros. Film Group apologized for embracing the memes that showed images like a mushroom cloud over Margot Robbie's head or Cillian Murphy carrying Barbie on his shoulder against a burning background.

Critics argued that these posts made light of the nuclear attacks on Japan that killed at least over a 100-thousand people instantly.

Even a rival hashtag in Japan was trending called #NoBarbenheimer.

Despite the controversy -- Oppenheimer is now set to release but no specific release date has been announced yet. 

Photo credit: Harper's BAZAAR

A company based in the United Arab Emirates says it found a way to reduce carbon emissions -- using waste from date palm trees.

Here's how it works.

The palm tree waste that is left over creates a material named Palm Strand Board -- PSB for short -- and it can replace plywood in furniture, flooring, walls, doors and shelves.

The director of the company Desert Board says PSB is recyclable and just as durable as regular board and, unlike plywood, it doesn't contain the carcinogen formaldehyde-- which is a chemical that is highly toxic and flammable at room temperature.

The company says every ton of PSB is equivalent to capturing roughly 882 pounds of carbon.

At the University of Wolverhampton in the UK, the head of the School of Architecture and Built Environment Paul Hampton says this is meaningful step towards the use and integration of eco-friendly principles by reusing sustainable materials. 

Photo credit: Planet Natural

Disney is continuing its Storyliving project -- announcing that it's planning to build a 15-hundred acre community called Asteria in Chatham County, North Carolina. Disney says the community will consist of over four-thousand homes and will be designed to encourage exploration of the region's natural beauty. This is the second planned community under the Storyliving by Disney project following the announcement of the planned community of Cotino in Rancho Mirage in 20-22. Both communities are intended to draw on Disney's massive number of intellectual properties and Disney says it will continue to explore additional future locations

December 7th 19-41 - the date that changed not just American history but the overall outcome of the World War II. KCSN went to campus to ask students what significance this day holds to them. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service in 1941and since 1994 it has been named National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year -- Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the over 2000 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Photo Credit: CNN

According to census data the highest earning degree is in engineering -- with the highest-median income at almost 100-and-12 thousand dollars a year. It's followed by computers, mathematics, and statistics -- earning around 100-thousand dollars, then physical and related sciences at 85-thousand, business with 80-thousand, and social sciences with 79-thousand. On the other hand the lowest median income fields include visual and performing arts, education, pyschology, literature, and languages.

Photo Credit: VOX

Rides -- dining -- and improved experiences are coming to Knotts Berry Farm! All of the new attractions will come to Camp Snoopy -- which is the first time in ten years the themed area received an update. Snoopy's Tenderpaw Twister Coaster and Sally's Swing Along will be the newest additions. Existing rides will be rethemed into new experiences -- and will be named after the titular best friend of Charlie Brown. Additional experiences will also include a new theater -- updated dining -- and a terrace looking over a waterfall. 

Photo Credit: Flickr

Great news for Taco Bell fans, it looks like there menu is welcoming back there double decker taco for those people who can't decide between a crunchy or soft taco. The popular fast-food chain just announced on Tuesday about the nationwide comeback for a limited time only. The large amount of love towards this product that has been shared through social media platforms could not be ignored. The company listened to their customer feedback to bring back this item even after losing to a vote to bring back one of their retired items. Even better, Uber One and DoorDash are offering specials for Taco Bell in honor of this epic return. The double decker is now available for $2.99, but Taco Bell has not said yet how long this "retired" taco would be around.

Photo Credit: Taco Bell

It's the holiday season and students are gearing up for it. Here are their takes on what they are most looking forward to about the holidays this year. {Interviews}. This time of year, it's important to remember the good in life

Photo Credit: PBS Learning Media

Zac Efron who rose to fame as teen for his leading role in the Disney Channel movie "High School Musical" is being honored next week at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Efron was born in San Luis Obispo and is well known for his role as Troy Bolton in the Emmy winning High School Musical Trilogy and will be starring in upcoming film "The Iron Claw."  Efron's star is being unveiled on Monday December 11th at eleven thirty A-M. 

Photo Credit: IndieWire

A Youtuber and former Olympian was sentenced to six months in prison after intentionally crashing his plane for views.

Trevor Jacob admitted to crashing his plane on purpose for a video in 2021.

Viewers were suspicious about the crash-- as Jacob was already wearing a parachute-- and had a camera and selfie stick when he jumped.

Jacob lied to investigators and the Federal Aviation Administration about the location of the crash.

He was told after the crash to preserve the site and inform the National Transportation Safety Board of the location-- instead he used a helicopter to remove the plane from the crash site-- then dismantled and disposed of the plane to end the investigation.

Jacob ended up pleading guilty earlier this year-- and he has since apologized for the stunt.

He ultimately had his pilot license revoked by the FAA. 

Photo credit: CNN

The International Ice Hockey Federation will now mandate neck guards for all players.  The I-I-H-F says that neck guards will be mandatory at the Winter Olympics and World Championships following the death of Pittsburgh Penguins player. The 29-year-old died after experiencing a cut on his neck following a collision with another players' ice skate during a game against the Sheffield Steelers in England back in October. The English Ice Hockey Association and the Canadian Hockey League will start mandating neck guards in their competitions as well. Hugo Maldonado Garcia, KCSN News.

Photo Courtesy: ESPN

While many organizations are looking for solutions against the climate crisis, one man has a unique idea. Kyle de Bouter is the founder of his company Brikole, which is a startup circular business that recycles discarded nets from the industrial tuna finishing industry. The idea came about when he realized he could make a living for himself while helping to clean up waste and create jobs. In Seychelles -- a small island in the Indian Ocean off East Africa -- they constantly look for ways to counteract climate change, and this small company is a good place to start. Seychelles is also embracing the idea of the blue economy -- defined as a sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit economies, livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health. The former president of Seychelles James Alix Michel championed the activity by inventive young entrepreneurs to improve society by recycling fish nets. Alexa Garcia, KCSN News.

Photo Courtesy: World Atlas

Nationally recognized online disinformation researcher Dr. Joan Donovan has accused the university of shutting down the project she led in order to protect its relationship with Mark Zuckerberg. The allegations raise questions about the influence Facebook might have over independent research. Meta, Facebook's parent company, has sought to defend itself against research that suggests it may be harming society. Donovan led studies of media manipulation campaigns for Harvard's Technology and Social Change Research Project. The school shut the project down last year. Donovan alleges the university began restricting her research after the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative donated $500 million to fund a university-wide center on artificial intelligence. Hard is strongly disputing her claims and says the narrative is full of inaccuracies and baseless insinuations. 

Photo Credit: Entrepreneur

The Heisman Trophy finalists have finally been announced. This year the nominees include three quarterbacks Jayden Daniels from LSU, Bo Nix from Oregon, and Michael Penix Junior from Washington. With the final spot given to Ohio State University wide receiver Marvin Harrison Junior. The Heisman trophy is awarded to college's best football player based on votes from media members and former winners. The past few Heisman winners include Caleb Williams from USC and Joe Burrow from LSU. Because of Penix Junior and Nix, the Pac-12 has two finalists since 2010. Plus, Penix Junior is the only finalist to be competing in the college football playoffs. The winner will be announced this Saturday night in New York.

Photo Credit: CNN

CSUN Faculty and other employees are rallying today ahead of a possible strike. KCSN's Cooper Ignatian says the faculty is not afraid to strike.

Photo Credit: Cooper Ignatian

Winning is sweet and for one lottery player the reward was even sweeter. Master's Doughnuts, a local shop in Oxnard, just sold a customer a winning ticket for one-point-seven million dollars. And this isn't the first time they've done it! Owner Michelle Senna says about 10 years ago her shop sold a million dollar scratcher and the lines for tickets get real long when the jackpots are high. If you're thinking of getting a ticket before the next Mega Million's drawing tonight at eight, maybe swing by Master's Doughnuts to get a sweet treat while you're at it.

Apple and Paramount are in talks to potentially bundle their respective steaming services. The opportuinity would allow users to purchase Apple TV plus and Paramount plus at price point - - rather than paying for each separately. The market for streaming services is highly competitive -- as Netflix - - Hulu  - - Max and Disney plus have all seen price increases. Netflix is the only service to turn a profit to date. The talks between Apple and Paramount are still in the early stages - - as they look to fight against some of their major competitors  

The holiday season brings time for family and cheer. But finals and higher prices on goods have put an extra strain in the pockets of some CSUN students. Despite inflation rates being close to the lowest they have been this year, students at CSUN are finding new ways to spend their money this season. Companies like Amazon have extended their Cyber Monday deals for 11 days and others will start discounts very soon. 

Photo credit: Good Housekeeping

Film fans are going to have to wait a little longer for The Cinerama Dome to reopen. The theatre won't open next year as expected -- and instead the space redesign's may open the second quarter of 2025. The Cinerama and Arclight chain closed it's door in April 2021 -- due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- which put the Pacific Theatres Exhibition into bankruptcy. The Cinerama Dome itself still remains under the ownership of former parent company Decurion.

Photo credit: Los Angeles Magazine

Target is partnering with online retailer Sèchey to bring popular non-alcoholic drinks to stores this holiday season. Drinks in the lineup include two celebrity-backed companies, which are model Bella Hadid's Kin Euphorics and Katy Perry's De Soi,  and other alcohol-free cocktails and wines from brands like NOPE and Surely. Sales of non-alcoholic beverages recently became a nearly half-billion dollar industry as younger people ditch alcohol for healthier options. Target retail analylists say this is good for the younger generations that Target already attracts and creates interest in the grocery side of business. 

Photo credit: Jenelle Fong

Props from Amazon Prime Video's new movie Candy Cane Lane are not going to waste. Instead the inflatable Santas, snowmen, and yards of lights used to decorate the sets are now being used to decorate eight Habitat for Humanity homes in South LA. New homeowners say they feel more secure and safe and the holiday decor is just the icing on the cake. Candy Cane Lane stars Edie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross and premieres globally today. 

If you have never thought of living Kevin's adventures, it is ok because the iconic Plaza Hotel if offering its guests the chance to live their own version of the 90s hit movie -- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

The hotel names the holiday package -- Home Alone 2: Fun in New York -- which offers  a four-hour private limousine ride passing by some of the filming locations such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall.

Just like in the movie -- guests will have the chance to eat a very cheesy New York pizza and Home Alone-inspired ice cream sundae -- containing 16 scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce. 

If you cannot make it during the holidays -- the hotel offers this package year-round according to availability! 

Photo credit: the explorer

The Winter Soldier is getting into politics. Marvel star Sebastian Stan is set to play a young Donald Trump in the upcoming film The Apprentice. Alongside Stan -- Maria Bakalova will play the late Ivana Trump -- and Jeremy Strong will portray Roy Cohn -- a lawyer Trump considered to be a mentor. A synopsis says the film is a mentor-protege story filled with larger than life characters and explores power and ambition in a world of corruption and deceit. The Apprentice is still in its early stages of development and no release date has been confirmed.

Photo Credit: Variety

What and WHO they found. When Lake Mead shrunk -- authorities found four sets of body remains in different parts of the lake.

Investigators have been able to identify three of the victims but one remains unknown.

Now the F-B-I has created simulated images of the man's faces based on the findings inside a barrel that had been corroded.

Officials believe the person was killed in the mid 70s to early 80s based on clothing and footwear that was found.

They also believe he was a homicide victim who died of a gunshot wound.

Investigators stated that the barrell was probably dropped hundreds of yards off the shore but was exposed after the lake's elevation dropped to it's lowest level of 1-thousand-and-40 feet above sea level.

Officials hope that with the new images they will be able to identify the man -- and anyone with information should call the Clark County coroner's office in Nevada. 

Photo credit: CNN

At the University of North Dakota, there is a doctoral program that was introduced in 2020 that addresses Indigenous health and it's the first of its kind in the United States.

According to the university's website, this program was designed to offer students a deeper understanding of the unique health challenges in the Indigenous communities.

They often face barriers in health care, such as low income, cultural differences, and geographic isolation.

The interim chair of the doctoral program Melanie Nadeau says the university's goal is to develop graduates who will go out and connect with the Indigenous community.

Graduates from this program say this was the best decision of their lives, and now have the knowledge to understand the struggles of Indigenous people and their health. 

Photo credit: CNN

Meta says it removed thousands of fake accounts that seemed to be based in China.

The accounts were used to comment on American political affairs -- such as abortion rights and healthcare -- and while it's not clear what their intents were -- the fake accounts were removed before having any engagement with real accounts.

This action comes amid warnings from tech firms about the spread of Chinese propaganda aggressively targeted at Americans ahead of the 20-24 U-S election.

Chinese officials have continuously denied that any misinformation networks operate within their borders and says rumor campaigns are routinely launched against China to spread disinformation. 

Photo credit: Reuters

New York Jets star quarterback -- Aaron Rodgers -- seems to be back on the field for some training.

In a social media post by the Jets yesterday -- it was shown that Rodgers was taking practice snaps before throwing the ball.

Jets head coach -- Robert Saleh -- had previously said that the QB might be out for the whole year due to his injury in the team's season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

Saleh says Rodgers is back as a progress in his rehab as he can only practice throws with teammates but no contact is included. 

Photo credit: ESPN

The iconic So-Cal chain has revealed menu items off of its not-so-secret-menu such as Animal Style items, The flying Dutchman meal, and the Triple-Triple burger. In-N-Out also detailed what used to be known as the "Wish Burger" is not your regular veggie burger. It is actually two buns filled with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and their infamous spread sauce, with no actual burger patty inside. The restaurant can also complete meals upon special request such as toasted buns and burgers cut into quarters. A popular order is actually a meat patty with no salt for dogs.

Photo Credit: Reddit

The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties took place and they formally adopted a damage fund, where several countries pledged million of dollars to help nations hit hardest by a climate crisis. COP-28 President Sultan Al Jaber from the United Arab Emirates said the motion passed without objection. Countries like the UAE and Germany pledged one hundred million dollars while the U.S. pledged seventeen and a half million dollars. The U.S. has been criticized for their small contribution. This development come after years of conversation over who should pay for climate impacts. Al Jaber pledges full transparency in the process going forward. 

Photo Credit: Powell Tate

The Rock band Phish has announced they'll be taking the stage at the Sphere venue for a limited time. The shows will take place next year from April 18th to April 21st. Each show will feature completely different unique setlists and visuals. Phish fans can begin the presale ticket request process now at ticket.phish.com. Tickets for the public goes on sale on December 15 at 10 am. 

This year definitely was full of good music for all types of listeners. Spotify wrapped the year and social media was over flowing with screenshots of their top artists and songs, and artists themselves shared their own top lists on the music platform. Going to campus, I was expecting to hear well-known names and popular songs but to my own surprise I found out new artists and bands and why they are important to their fans. Students weren't surprised at all to have them as their number one this year. They were happy to share their favorites with KCSN.

Starting a day, hyping yourself up or learning a new language with a favorite artist are the main reasons these artists made the top of their lists in 2023. As Spotify said at the end of the wrap, same time next year.

Photo Credit: CNET

Listen up! You'll Thirty-one more locations will be closing in states after filing bankruptcy including California -- four locations in Pennsylvania -- three in Ohio -- Virginia and Washington. A number of other states like Michigan and Connecticut will have some stores removed. It is clear that Rite Aid has not been doing so well -- with news of their bankruptcy. This follows after Rite Aid's struggle to compete with other big-box chains like Walmart -- Target and Costco which have all found easier avenues to help their customers find alternative ways to pharmacy chains. As of lately the majority of pharmacy sales comes from customers filling prescriptions, but even those profits have dropped from lower reimbursement rates of prescription drugs. 

Photo Credit: AP News

After tens of thousands of liters of sewage leaked in Laguna Beach-- a section of the Orange County beachfront has been restricted.
The Orange County Health Care Agency has closed the Laguna Beach coastlines between Laguna Avenue and Blue Lagoon. Until water reaches acceptable standards-- officials say that any water-contact are prohibited.

Photo Credit: Orange County Register

{A heavy snowstorm that hit Ukraine led to 10 deaths. At least 11 regions and 400 settlements are without electricity and thousands remain without power in Ukraine. More than 1,500 responders tried to reach people in need of search and rescue. Basic services and infrastructures have been comprised due to the extreme weather. The storm was said to be caused by a low pressure system over eastern Europe where the winds reached up to 65 miles per hour on Sunday. 

Photo Credit: CNN

Today is Travel Tuesday. Which offers deals on hotels, flights, rental cars, and even vacation homes. If you are going to book a trip for this year, then today is the day to get it done. And with Winter break just around the corner, I went around campus to ask CSUN students what their plans are and if they will be traveling this year.

It seems that a select few are going to be traveling this year; most students are going to be taking it easy over the break.

Photo Credit: Facebook

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its 2024 nominees. Tight end Antonio Gates and defensive end Julius Peppers are the only two modern-era players to be on the list in their first year of eligibility. In order to be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the player must not have been an active player for five consecutive seasons. The semifinalists include Darren Woodson, Eric Allen, and London Fletcher. The list was reduced from 173 to 25, and will be cut again to 15. The final class will be announced at the NFL honors in February.

Photo credit: EY

A lack of affordable housing and access to mental health and addiction treatment has brought the federal homeless count to 580,000 just last year. Records obtained by The Associated Press show attempts to clear encampments in cities across the nation as pressure has grown to address what residents say are dangerous and unsanitary living conditions. But there appears to be little reduction in the number of tents on the sidewalks, parks and freeway off ramps. Homeless people and advocates say the sweeps are cruel and a waste of taxpayer money as they believe the answer lies in more housing and not crackdowns.

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

"Are you ready for it?"

Yes, we are all ready Taylor! The popstar announced via a post on her Instagram account that the movie --Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film -- will be available to rent or buy on streaming platforms starting on her birthday: December 13th. On the caption, she said that she is happy to include fan favorites songs such as "Wildest Dreams," "The Archer," and "Long Live" in the extended version of the movie. Swift has also just finished her shows for the Eras Tour of 2023 and will take a break until February 7th, when she will resume the tour in Tokyo, Japan. One last surprise she had for her fans was the announcement that she will reset the list of surprise songs for her 2024 shows.

Photo Credit: CNN

Tesla secured a victory against the Swedish workers after a court ruled that the company can get the license plates for their cars. Postal workers in Sweden were not delivering the plates in support of the Swedish Tesla workers that are trying to unionize. The Swedish transport agency must agree within seven days to give back the plates or they could face a fine of up to one million Swedish crowns. Tesla workers have been on strike in Sweden since October, but still have not been recognized as a union by Tesla. Elon Musk says the action of the workers is insane.

Photo Credit: CNN

The family of a man shot and killed by a CHP officer has filed a lawsuit. The attorney representing Jesse Dominguez's family says the 34-year-old was mentally ill when he wandered away from his sober living house and onto the 105 freeway earlier this month. Luis Carrillo is asking for anyone with video of the shooting to contact his office in South Pasadena. 

Photo Credit: KTLA

The parents of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer say they're planning to sue the county for knowingly endangering the lives of law enforcement. Clinkunbroomer was killed while sitting in his patrol car outside the Palmdale Sheriff's station. 29 year-old Kevin Salazar was taken into custody in an armed standoff two days later. Clinkunbroomer's parents say their son was so tired from forced overtime he was vulnerable to an attack. The claim also says Sheriff Robert Luna is disregarding the safety of his troops by continuing to force his deputies to work "mind-numbing" overtime, resulting in the deaths of Ryan and likely other deputies. A statement from Sheriff Luna expressed condolences to the family.

Photo Credit: AP News

The S-N-L Comedy Group Please Don't Destroy has a new Movie called On Peacock titled -- Please Don't Destroy -- Treasure of Foggy Island. The trio of Martin Herlihy (HER-lee), John Higgins and Paul Briganti embark on an adventure to find a legendary treasure. Along the way'll meet other actors of S-N-L fame -- and heavy criticism. Critics are giving it really mixed reviews -- some saying the comedy of the trio doesn't work stretched out -- while others say this a okay dip into longer-form content. You'll have to stream it to find out if the trio made a mountain out of this molehill.

Photo Credit: Buzzfeed

Black Friday deals have been showing up a bit early compared to last year- which may mean that retailers are concerned about demand during this coming holiday season. Retailers are expecting to have bigger discounts on items like apparel- electronics- and furniture - compared to the Black Fridays in the past. So- as the holiday season approaches- you might want to take advantage of the record low deals this year.

Photo Credit: Yahoo Finance

A man who seemed to have lived pretty humble his entire life left an unexpected three-point-8 million dollars after his recent passing in June. Geoffrey Holt left his fortune behind to the small town of Hinsdale, New Hampshire where he lived since 19-68. It appeared Holt lived off of just social security checks for the last fifteen years of his life. Holt lived in a trailer park and was known to live a simple life. The fortune left by Holt was put towards the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the funds will be used to support town projects -- programs and organizations that will help boost health -- education -- recreation -- and cultural benefits to all residents in the town.

Photo Credit: CNN

The student was told to chop his hair due to an implemented school policy. After the fact -- a letter was sent to school officials demanding the school get rid of their hair policy. The A-C-L-U said it wants to accommodate the student to allow him to wear his hair below his shoulders for cultural reasons. In August the boy was told to cut his hair and the month after his mother asked for an exemption due to cultural and religious beliefs. Men in the Wyandotte Nation cut their hair only when mourning the loss of someone. The A-C-L-U also said the assistant principal sent an email to the boy's mother to cut his hair or he would be sent home. The Wyandotte Nation says the school and school district should take a closer look at its rule governing boys and understand the hair length has a unique history behind it.

Photo Credit: CNN

Sony announced a sixth Karate Kid movie is on the books to release late 20-24! It is featuring Ralph Macchio as Daniel Larusso and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han. Macchio played the Karate Kid himself in the first three installments of the franchise while Jackie Chan played the sensei in the 20-10 remake. The co-stars announced on YouTube that they are on the search for an actor to play the next Karate Kid. The character will be a teenager from China moving to the East Coast of the United States. Season six of Cobra Kai -- a spin-off of the original three movies starring Macchio as Daniel Larusso -- has yet to wrap up filming due to the writers and actors strikes. The crossover between the first three and most recent movies will surely have many fans excited. Although, it may leave viewers  wondering where Daniel's arc will go in the final season of Cobra Kai as his students prepare for battle at the biggest karate tournament in the world.

Photo Credit: People

Actress Melissa Barrera was one of many celebs who previously reposted social media content over the Israel-Hamas conflict. In one post she wrote -- 'Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp" on Instagram claiming the events in Hamas is a genocide. Since then -- Spyglass fired the actress from her lead role alleging her posts crossed a line of antisemitism. Now -- the latest on the Scream franchise is that Jenna Ortega will not be returning for the horror sequel either. Ortega says it conflicts with her work schedule on set for 'Wednesday.' While this was her reason for leaving the franchise -- fans online are saying otherwise. Users on X find it hard to believe the star would announce her departure from Scream 7 -- after Barrera's firing. With the two main actresses leaving the franchise -- its hard to see what direction the next film will be taken in.

Photo Credit: People

{A year's old "Pizzagate" theory resurfaced on X earlier this week and people are calling Elon Musk's choice to reply to the post - dangerous.

An X user attempted to link the founder of Media Matters - a progressive media watchdog - to the owner of the "Pizzagate" restaurant.

Musk replied to the post saying "Weird." Many say that by replying -- Musk called the post to the attention of his 160-million followers on the platform.

"Pizzagate" is an anti-Hillary Clinton conspiracy theory brought about on 4chan, Reddit, Twitter and other platforms in 2016.

Believers imagined a pedophilia ring was being run out of a Washington DC pizza shop which involved Clinton and other Democrats.

It led to Edgar Maddison Welch's decision to fire an assault riffle inside the supposed pizzaria in December 2016.

No one was hurt and Welch later plead guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison. 

Photo credit: CNN

When we think of expiration dates -- our smartphones rarely come to mind, but what if I told you they can expire?

The way phones' expiration date work is according to its system updates, so every time a new system update is released but not available for you phone, that is one of the moments you realize your phone has expired its tech value.

Some of those updates include not only new features but fixes bugs and improve security for the phone user.

The ultimate moment you will know your phone has expired is when service providers dropped your phone model.

Besides all these reasons, the best known expiration way is when the phone battery starts to go down.

According to USA today -- the lifespan of a regular smartphone battery is two and half years.

So don't worry too much as your phone won't turn moldy, it will just be outdated. 

Photo credit: Robots.net

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with friends and family.

Featured by good food and good times.

I went around the campus to ask students what they are thankful for and what Thanksgiving means to them.

 Family seems to be the most important thing for everyone.

This year I am thankful for my friends, family, good health, and good food.

What are you guys thankful for this year?

Photo credit: LA Times

Pest Gnome, which is a company specializing in connecting people to pest exterminators in their area has ranked the most roach-infested cities in the country. Houston made the number one spot on the list with San Antonio following second while LA made the thirteenth spot. Although roaches play an important role in our ecosystem, they can pose a health risk to humans. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports they are known to transfer disease pathogens. The company says roaches thrive in heat and humidity and to prevent roaches from taking over your home, it is best to seal any points of entry, clean up crumbs, fix leaky pipes and use Raid and roach motels.

Photo Credit: Pest Gnome

Celebrating the blessings over the past year at the Thanksgiving Day table may cost a bit more this year. The beloved side dishes like pumpkin pie-green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole are expected to be more expensive compared to last year. New research reveals California as the most expensive place to buy a pumpkin pie. Pies in cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Oakland cost over nine dollars. Luckily, the most important part about Thanksgiving is gathering with loved ones and expressing gratitude for the good things in life.

Photo credits: Country Living Magazine

Grab your popcorn and get ready because Cinema West is set to revive the once-closed ArcLight movie theater in El Segundo -- aiming to create a luxurious movie-going experience. The project promises a 16-screen theater with upscale features, like recliner seating, a restaurant and a bar. Expected to open in summer of 2024, this space will showcase classic films and indie favorites, taking the movie experience to a whole new level!

Photo credits: USA Restaurants

Apple TV plus has announced that it will be streaming "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" this holiday season to celebrate the special's 50th anniversary. On November 18 and 19, the holiday classic will be available for streaming to non-subscribers for free, and will continue to be available all December long. The movie has been exclusively available on the streaming service after the company acquired the rights to the films in 2020. The Thanksgiving-based special originally aired on CBS in 1973, and features Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang.

Photo credits: Lee Mendelson Film Productions 

Lead contaminated applesauce is making kids across America ill. The U.S. Food and Drug administration is now screening cinnamon imports after the pouches have been reported to be the likely suspect of contaminating 34 children across 22 states with lead poisoning. The agency has not yet been able to collect and directly test samples of the cinnamon in the product. Food Science Professor Joanne Slavin says the agency does not regulate the levels of heavy metals in the products. The suspected lead-infected products include WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, as well as Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. Children who may have consumed these products should test for any high lead levels.

The CSUN campus will not be holding classes on Thursday and Friday next week for Thanksgiving, so the students are going home for the holidays. They're not the only ones! According to Triple AAA, more than fifty-five million Americans will travel 50 miles or more to make it back home, which is an increase of about two percent from last year. The average commute time for CSUN students is 15-60 minutes. For those going home this holiday season, expect an uptick in traffic, and avoid the 10 if possible. 

Photo credits: Los Angeles Times 

All I want for Christmas is -- a new Mariah Carey Barbie? Well, Mattel announced a new doll that resembles the Grammy winner -- just in time for her upcoming "Merry Christmas One and All" tour. The singer can't get Kenough of the doll  -- saying her younger self would "flip out!" The new Barbie will cost 75 dollars and is available to buy on the online Mattel shop. 

Photo credits: Mattel

The Leonid meteor shower is going to peak this weekend. You can expect to see 10 to 15 meteors per hour in a sparkling display. The moon will also be 23 percent full, meaning it will be easier to catch the meteors in action. The best time to view the shower is after midnight in any time zone. As Rihanna once said, it'll be like diamonds in the sky. 

Photo credit: NBC News 

Artificial Intelligence has made it's way to dating apps -- scamming multiple users with AI generated women asking for money. ABC 7 reports that victim Jim was pursuaded to make a investment of sixty-thousand dollars. A crypto account was created by the woman with the victims name but when he tried to take out money-- a tax fee of one-thousand dollars was going to be charged and experts confirmed it to be a scam. The visuals on the screen such as the handwritten notes and faces were found to be computer generated. CNN reports that The Federal Trade Commission showed a loss of 1.3 billion dollars in 2022. Dating experts say if the online romance is moving too quickly--it could be a red flag. 

Photo credits: CNET 

Having to walk to the kitchen for a snack while you're watching your favorite TV program can be frustrating.

A device - which is being tested by Professor Alan Chalmer of Warwick University - will allow viewers to taste a variety of food on their screen by recreating them into liquid form.

Chalmers says the flavor that goes into someone's mouth corresponds to a number on the device which offers five different tastes.

The tastes are - sweet - sour - bitter - salty and umami. He says the food agency approved food-safe chemicals to make up the flavors.

By adjusting the levels - you can have a liquid that tastes like fettuccine alfredo to your desired desert such as chocolate cake in just a few sips.

Photo credit: Dezeen

This Hound Dog is leaving the building! A former Elvis impersonator has adopted the last left dog --whose name is also Elvis -- at the Chicago shelter. He chose to adopt Elvis after the rock star after he saw a news story about the dog and decided it was fate. The impersonator and his partner are proud to welcome this new member into their family.

Photo Credit: Fox 59 News

The W-H-O will launch the new Commission on Social Connection, with its mission to address the global epidemic of loneliness by reviewing the latest science and creating ways for people to deepen their social connections.

Various studies say that adults, children and the elderly deal with loneliness, which can lead to poor physical health and even run the risk of dying early.

Of course, people can find their own ways to feel better and beat loneliness. I asked students on campus about what they do to feel less isolated.

The goal of the Commission of Social Connection is to identify ways for people to feel less isolated and help the community to tackle this ongoing health problem. 

Photo credit: psychology today

Hundreds of Starbucks workers have walked off their jobs today during the companies promotional annual event where Starbucks hands off Holiday-themed reusable cups with customers coffee purchases. Starbucks Worker Union members call for improved staffing and schedules. CSUN students tell us what they think of the strike. Although dozens of workers are rallying in New York many of Starbucks stores remain open.

Photo Credit: ABC7 Chicago

Target is facing slumped sales after quarters reports a 4.9 % decrease for the second quarter in a row. The company is expecting a weak holiday as consumers decline to buy goods like furniture, electronics, and some clothing Target expect sales to drop more by this holiday season. Consumers aren't spending as much as pre-pandemic levels due to inflation, higher interests rates, and student loan repayments. Target has closed nine stores due to rising retail crime threating the safety of guests and workers. 

Photo Credit: Yahoo Finance

During the first meeting in over a year between President Biden and President Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader hinted at bringing new PANDAS to California. The loveable black and white fur balls were first gifted in 1972 to the National Zoo in Washington as a symbol of the U-S China friendship. However, as tensions rose between the two countries, the Chinese public called for a return of their giant pandas. Signs of cooperation between Biden and Xi at the summit of Indo-Pacific leaders yesterday might turn the tides of history and bring the gentle giants back.

Photo Credit: NPR

Homelessness is a growing issue in Los Angeles. The story of Richard Clark is unfortunately not a new case - there are thousands of stories around the city and county just like his. Clark ended up on the street due to injury that prevented him from working. However, he found a temporary home at North Hollywood's Tiny Homes Village around year ago. One Tiny home is just 64 square feet with two beds but for Clark, it is a major improvement over the park benches. Los Angeles now has 11 tiny homes villages built by the city and operated with government funds. Temporary housing should offer a safer and calmer spot than the streets, but according to recent police, fire, and paramedic records, care is still needed by the unhoused when they are taken off the streets. Most of the calls received from Tiny Homes are about assaults, threats, weapons, suicides and overdoses. It's also believed that the main problem is a lack of mental support. LAPD reports show that about a quarter of the calls coming from two of three tiny home villages in North Hollywood are about suspected overdose or suicide attempts. The President of Hope of the Mission says the Tiny Homes staff is not equipped to handle the different types of situation, since previously unhoused people experience different types of trauma and mental health issues. There is also a lot of worries that this type of temporary housing is being used as permanent housing due to the lack of affordable housing in LA  3 to 4 month stays are turning into 3 to 4 years.

Photo Credit: CNN

Understanding soil moisture helps in many ways: with growing crops, saving water for irrigation, and making sure soils are drought resilient. But measuring soil moisture is a little tricky. Sensors in the ground can only analyze small volumes and satellites can only give readings every week or so. But with Cosmos-UK, a program created in 2013, cosmic radiation neutron sensing techniques can be used to measure for over a 200 mile radius and in real time. Natural cosmic radiation from space interacts with the Earth's atmosphere and creates neutrons, which helps count how much water there is in the soil. Cosmos-UK officials say they can use their data to predict soil moisture in the future climate and can help predict the effects of climate change.

Photo Credit: EurekAlert!

Shohei Ohtani has won AL MVP for the second consecutive year -surprising no one - but this time he's made history. Ohtani becomes the first player in MLB history to win multiple and consecutive - unanimous MVP's. The 29-year-old sensation began his journey to Cooperstown back in 2018, taking home AL rookie-of-the-year honors, and appearing in 1-14 out of 100 and 62 possible games. 5 years later, he's left no-doubt that he is the best player in baseball and perhaps the most exciting aspect about him: he's a free agent. One lucky team this off-season will acquire his talents and instantly catapult themselves into MLB conversation for years to come. Although a UCL injury will sideline him from pitching until 2025, his 44 home runs last year instantly erase any questions about his value. One thing is for certain: Ohtani IS baseball right now, and he isn't giving that up anytime soon. 

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

Due to the deal reached during the SAG-AFTRA strike -- performers and actors are able to go back to work -- and they're not the only ones making a return. Abbott Elementary is back in session. Creator and star Quinta Brunson announced on X -- formerly Twitter -- that the show will now begin filming its third season. And they're not the only ones. The Crown season 6 -- The House of the Dragon season 2 -- Squid Game: the Challenge -- Bridgerton -- Season 3 -- and Yellowstone -- final episodes were one of many shows greenlit to make a return. It's a bright future in Hollywood.

Photo Credit: Vox

Coming up this holiday season- Metrolink's Holiday Express Train will return with four new trips and increased capacity.  The exclusive ride will take place over four Saturdays in November and December at train stations in Simi Valley-Burbank-Laguna Niguel-Perris and Cucuamonga.Tickets are now on sale on the Metrolink website for twenty-five dollars per person-while children two years old and under can ride for free if they sit on a parent's lap. The holiday express feature festive decor--carolers-- and activities suitable for all ages. Ticketholders are advised to arrive 45 minutes before the express's departure. 

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

Store employees can add one more thing to be thankful for. More retailers have announced they will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. A consumer behavourist and workplace expert says this is a way for employees to demonstrate their care for employees. A Seattle University Chairperson also says it is not crucial for people to physically shop in stores because of online shopping and in-store sales. Many of the major retailers closing on the holiday for the first time are - Best Buy - J-C Penny - Khol's and Walmart. Popular grocery stores closing are Kroger and Albertsons. 

Photo Credit: CBS News

A student in Newport Beach was suspended for speaking his mind. One family is outraged over the outcome after their son was suspended for saying "Free Palestine" to another student. The Palestinian family says two weeks before the suspension, their son was bullied and told quote -- "to go back to where he came from." The principal -- who's desk was seen with a book supporting Israel filed paper work against the Palestinian student saying he made threatening remarks towards a young lady. In a video posted to social media by one of the students' family members --  a school official can be heard saying he could not comment on the situation due to not knowing the full story. Even with the full story not being known the student was still suspended. In a letter sent to parents from the school district over the weekend -- the story was reported to be incomplete and inaccurate with further elaboration on the incident. 

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

So today, I asked a few students their opinions on if pineapple on pizza should even be a thing and also what were their thoughts on this very different pizza topping.

*Responses*

Not many people wanted to comment on this topic. but the verdict is in, at least two CSUN students think the tropical pizza topping sounds good after all.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Pet psychics might be able to tell you what's going on in your cat or dog's mind. As of lately -- pet owners have taken the community of pet psychics seriously -- though many -- if not most -- dismiss claims that this can work. People usually go to pet psychics to ask questions about their pet's behavior -- as well as to learn how it prefers to be taken care of in old age. Pet psychics NOW get questions that are a lot more simple -- like is my dog happy? Some can talk to farm animals such as horses and pigs. Many remain skeptical and are reluctant to try it -- largely because many pet psychics can overcharge at rates of one-hundred-dollars an hour for a phone session. The idea of people communicating telepathically with pets is a controversial one for many -- and believing in it is usually a matter of finding successful cases. This will almost certainly continue to be a topic of debate.

Photo Credit: The Today Show 

The reality star and business woman has been named G-Q Man of the Year. One of the reality star's iconic photos from the issue is the Tycoon of the Year which shows her posing in a tie eating a bag of Cheetos. During the magazine interview for the feature ---she was joined by momager Kris Jenner and sisters Kourtney and Khloe. They covered a number of topics like her SKIMS business--family--and her late father Robert Kardashian. Kardashian was given the title "Tycoon"  since SKIMS became part of the NBA's official underwear and she launched a men's line. The star also talked about her divorce and what she wants for her four children -- saying she wants them all to be loved and heard. The latest issue of GQ drops Nov 28th.

Photo Credit: People 

CSU Skilled Trades workers are on strike today to protest for a new contract and better pay. They say they feel they are not being paid fairly and that C-S-U has done bad faith negotiating. I went out to speak with some employees who voiced their thoughts and hopes after the strike ends. Due to this strike, there might be delays on work in classrooms, student housing and other campus facilities.

Photo credits: CSUEU Organization

YouTube has long prohibited technically manipulated content and now it announced that will soon require creators to add a label saying that the content includes manipulated or synthetic content by the use of AI tools. YouTube Vice Presidents of Product Management Jennifer Flannery O’Connor and Emily Moxley says that this warning is important when there is a discussion of sensitive topics, such as elections, ongoing conflicts and public health crises, or public officials. Youtube says that users who do not comply with the new policy will face penalties such as content removal or suspension from YouTube’s Partner Program, which is the program that allow creators to monitize on their content. It also announced that content that violates guidelines can be restricted or removed from the platform. The platform’s music partners will also be able to request the removal of AI-generated music that immitates artists’ voices.

Photo Credit: Billboards

The Teamsters Local 2010 Group, which consists of Skilled trade workers like plumbers, carpenters, painters, and electricians, is on strike for one day across 22 CSU campuses today. According to the labor group, the CSU has denied pay step raises for these workers for 28 years. Scott Andrew Carneghi says CSUN housing has an extremely low amount of workers, and the ones that do work are paid 26 percent less than UC schools. Carneghi says the CSU offered a 15 percent increase over 3 years. He says that while this strike is only for today, a longer 3-day long strike could be expected in the Spring if an agreement is not reached soon.

Photo Credit: Matthew Bragulla

The main concern now isn't if anyone can narrow Trump's imposing lead over his rivals, but whether Florida Governor Ron DeSantis or former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley can surpass the other to compete one on one with the former president. Many Republican strategists say there must be one real challenger to face Trump. They believe DeSantis' struggle to connect with voters has opened a lane for Haley to eclipse the Florida governor. Haley critics argue she has boxed herself in and is rising primarily because she is merging the most moderate and college-educated voters in the "Never Trump" campaign. DeSantis allies maintain that the Florida governor has more room to pick off Trump voters in today’s GOP who may be uncertain about Trump.

Photo Credit: NBC News

The US Army is aiming to characterize their military service as honorable by setting aside the convictions of 110 black soldiers. In 1917, the US had just entered WWI when the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment -- also known as the Buffalo Soldiers -- arrived in Houston to serve at an Army construction site. The soldiers were met with racist taunts and physical violence. A group of more than 100 black soldiers seized weapons and marched into the city where clashes erupted and 19 people died. The Army convicted 110 soldiers in the months that followed. Now, the Army has set aside all of the court martial convictions of the Buffalo Soldiers 106 years later.

Photo Credit: CBS News

Turkey Day Fixins is Baskin Robbins latest wacky flavor. The ice cream features pieces of cornbread, sweet potato and spices and is finished off with swirls of cranberry sauce. CSUN students tell us if they would try this new Turkey Day Flavor. This flavor is available all month long. BR says it's the perfect compliment to a Thanksgiving dinner. 

Photo credits: Baskin Robbins

Three former New Mexico State basketball players accused of sexually assaulting their teammates in 2022 have been criminally charged. The players -- Deshawndre Washington, Doctor Bradley, and Kim Aiken  Junior faced 37 charges, all of which are felonies in New Mexico. Charges included criminal sexual penetration -- multiple counts of false imprisonment and criminal sexual contact and multiple counts of conspiracy charges. The alleged assault happened between August and November 20-22,  which led to the cancellation of New Mexico's remaining season. Basketball coach Greg Heiar was fired after players Deuce Benjamin and Shak Odunewu reported the assault to him and he did not look into it. The players filed a lawsuit -- which New Mexico State settled in June for eight-million-dollars.

Photo credit: New Mexico State University

Perdue has created Chix Mix -- a snack made from most of the ingredients the company feeds its chickens. The company says the snack is vegetarian and antibiotic-free -- just like the feed they give their chickens. The chicken feed has grains -- mostly corn and soybeans -- as well as vitamins -- minerals -- and amino acids. The snack for humans contains corn -- wheat puffs -- and edamame -- with some barbecue spices. Perdue removed what it is called routine use of all human antibiotics in 20-14 -- and other producers followed suit. This product will not likely drive revenue for the company -- but is intended to combat criticism from consumers. It will be available for a limited time starting November 17.

Photo credit: CNN

The new ruling from the Vatican's doctrine department says a person who identifies as transgender can be baptized like any other adult, as long as there is not risk of scandals or disorientation to other Catholics. Children who identify as transgender can also be baptized if they are willing and prepared to do so. The document also says transgender people, including those that had gender reassignment procedures, can become godparents and witnesses in Catholic weddings. Children from same-sex couples can also be baptized. LGBTQ+ issues were up for major discussion during the Vatican's recent synod. An executive director of a Catholic LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the United States says the Vatican's affirmation for transgender people signals Pope Francis' desire for an approach to LGBTQ+ issues.

Photo Credit: AP

The traditionally conservative state of Ohio has become the 24th state to legalize recreational cannabis -- which could have a national ripple effect. Ohio is considered to hold large political influence and some analysts believe Ohio's approval of marijuana legislation could be the tipping point for federal changes. Just last August -- officials at the U-S Department of Health and Human Services recommended that the D-E-A lower marijuana to a schedule three drug -- which includes ketamine and anabolic steroids. A Gallup poll released this week found that support for legalization continues to grow -- with a record 70-percent of Americans believing cannabis should be legal. Ohio's new marijuana laws will take effect December 7th.

Photo Credit: CNN

Authorities have now arrested a man in connection to a torso of a woman found in a dumpster yesterday morning. At around six A-M on Wednesday a homeless man looking for recyclables discovered a women's remains in a dumpster and reported it to the police. Now 35-year old Samuel Haskell is being charged with one count of murder in connection to the crime. Authorities believe the torso is Haskell's wife but they say the remains are hard to positively identify. Police are also looking for Haskell's in-laws. The investigation has been going on since Tuesday night-- when someone reported seeing body parts in a bag outside a home. But when the authorities arrived to investigate-- the bags were gone. Haskell is now being held at Valley Jail in Van Nuys on 2 million dollar bail.

Photo credit: LA Times

The oil and gas company Shell is suing Greenspace for over two million dollars in damages acticists boarded a oil production vessel. The environmental activists boarded the vessel in January near the Canary Islands to protest drilling and stayed on board for almost four thousand nautical miles. A Shell spokesperson says they have the right to protest -- but how they did it was unlawful and extremely dangerous. Greenspace says the claim is the largest legal threat in the organizations history -- but says Shell offered to reduce it to 1.4 million dollars if the group agrees to never protest the company again. Greenspace said they would only do so if Shell complied with a 20-21 court order to cut emissions by 45 percent. Both organizations are now preparing for court.

Photo Credit: CNN/Getty Images

Veterans Day traces its roots back to World War One. Back then it was called Armistice day and it was commemorated on November 11th at 11:11 in the morning, the same date that World War 1  fighting ended. While Memorial Day honors the ones who gave their lives in the name of service, Veterans Day celebrates the service of the ones who made it back. Many of us have to navigate life with disabilities, and many of us will have to see the doctor more often but with the use of our hard earned benefits, we strive to make large changes in our lives. I went from working in fighter jets as a structural mechanic in the Navy, to an aspiring journalist and novelist. I talked to Maddie at an event at the Veterans Resource Center at CSUN. She spent 21 years in the Air Force. There is also Danny Baca. He tells us about his service in the marines and what drives him in his new chapter in life. Wishing all Veterans a blessed day.

Photo Credit: CNN

Nintendo recently released the Super Mario Brothers movie and now they're working on another adaptation. The Legend of Zelda is drawing the sword and making the massive leap towards a live-action Hollywood movie. The classic Zelda was first released in 19-86 and it follows hero Link in his journey to defeat the pig-like monster named Ganon. And yes just like Mario -- Link must also save the Princess Zelda. Famed Nintendo game designer Shigeru Miyamoto says he's been working on the film for many years and now it's finally in development. The movie will be co-produced by a comic book movie icon -- Avi Arad. Some of his films include Spiderman, X-men and Ironman As for who's directing -- Wes Ball -- mostly known for his involvement in the "Maze Runner" franchise. The release date and cast will be announced in the future.

Photo Credit: CNN

Are you ready to be like Shaq in that audio clip. Get ready for this! Panda Express has teamed up with the fiery minds behind the popular YouTube interview show "Hot Ones." Starting today at select markets across the country -- Panda Express will be offering a flaming hot spin on their much loved bourbon chicken. The item can be found at six restaurants in the L-A County. The popularity of the show has led to it's own line of signature sauces. Panda Express chefs say consumers have been clamoring for complex, innovative and adventurous flavors which is what led to this partnership.

Photo Credit: People

The Black Widow star teamed up with Feeding America to address the ongoing issue of food insecurity for children. Feeding America is the largest known hunger-relief organization in the US.The cause is one that is very close to her heart as she has said  food isn't just fuel to live- it's fuel to grow. And with her advocacy --  she's doing just that! In a blog post Johansson revealed she and her brother thrived off of free school lunches when they were younger. Now as an adult, she has showed her gratitude towards those free meals by fully supporting the free lunch programs for schools.

Photo Credit: People

In a 20-15 book "Cleaning the Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless" two former Disneyland Custodians said parks guests are pooping while standing in line for rides. Authors Ken Pellman and Lynn Barron shared details about these poop-in-queue phenemenons saying when these things would happen it was known as Human Code H. After working there and experiencing this often bodily fluids no longer bug them. From now on it would be a good idea to try using the restroom before entering any long standby lines.

Photo Credit: Yahoo News

Knott's Berry farm has reopened Xcelerator after a two-year break. The Orange County Register reported the ride initially closed in October 2021 to receive a new paint job and reopened briefly. However, the ride closed again in Marth 2022 for maintenance. Following the coaster's reopening, more people have posted videos of enjoying the ride once again on Social Media.

Photo Credit: Theme Park Insider

What started as one male and three female hippos has now expanded to 169.

Following Escobar's death in 1993, authorities relocated most of the animals in his private collection except the hippos.

The three ton animals were too difficult to transport and populations skyrocketed with the absence of natural predators.

Columbia's minister of environment and sustainable development said the new phase to control the hippo population involves sterilization, relocation and "ethical euthanasia."

The sterilization will cost the country an average of $10,000 per animal and will begin next week. 

Photo credit: CNN

Meta is now prohibiting political advertisers from using the company’s new artificial intelligence tools.

The AI usually helps users to generate text, backgrounds and other marketing content, but the company is restricting its use on ad campaigns related to elections, politics and social issues.

A public note says the restriction goes for ads for Housing, Employment or Credit, Health, Pharmaceuticals or Financial Services as well.

The restrictions come as policymakers and societal organizations have increasingly warned about how AI-generated content could be disruptive on democracy.

In August, the Federal Election Commission started a process that could regulate or prohibit the use of AI in political ads altogether.

Photo credit: Search Engine Land

Three men in Massachusetts were arrested and authorities seized over 220 pounds of fentanyl-laced pink pills shaped like hearts.

Since this drug bust, it has placed concern in parents and officials about substances that are shaped like candies being given to teenagers and young adults.

I asked CSUN students about what we can do to prevent and warn people about candies disguised as fentanyl.

 According to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Justice Department is focusing on stopping the distribution of fentanyl and putting the epidemic to an end. 

Photo credit: CNN

Kahlua and Absolut Vodka is releasing a fragrance called Blend Number 83, the year the espresso martini was created (1983). Pernod Ricard says its perfume mixes notes of dark chocolate, sugarcane rum, arabica coffee and a night musk scent. CNN reports espresso martinis have been on the rise among drinkers for the past several years and broke through last year when it entered the top ten list of most-ordered cocktails at US bars. The fragrance comes in a 1980s inspired martini coupe-like bottle and will cost $105.

Photo Credit: Entrepreneur

A West Hollywood woman is allegedly responsible for stealing actress Lily Collins' wedding and engagement rings. Andreea Catalina Rosca is also known by her fake I-D name Nicole Morri, from Washington. She is wanted for at least two burglaries for stealing jewelry and credit cards out of lockers at a hotel spa and yoga studio. Rosca stole Collins' jewelry back in May and is known for committing thefts. Officials say there is no sign of forced entry. She currently remains at large as the case is still under investigation.

Photo Credit: Brides

USC head coach Lincoln Riley announced he has fired their defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. The Trojans have given up an average of 34 points per game his season. Grinch came over to USC from Oklahoma with Riley in 2021. The team is current 7 and 3 with two games remaining against Oregon and UCLA. If the Trojans want to make the Pac-12 championship, they must win these two games and get help from their conference peers. Riley says that the team is laser focused for their opportunities ahead so had to make the decision. Grinch and his defense have been ranked in the bottom 30 in almost each category.  Riley named defensive line head coach Shaun Nua and linebackers coach Brian Odom as co-defensive coordinators for the remainder of the season.

Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports

If you like beards or hate cancer, No Shave November is a great cause to grow with. The  event is meant to bring awareness to men's health issues -- particularly cancer. Doctors report that one in 80 men develop prostate cancer, a diagnosis affecting both older and younger populations. Anyone can participate by embracing your hair, which many cancer patients loose through treatment. The organization encourages you to donate the money you would normally spend on grooming to cancer research and treatment foundations. No Shave November even has their own fund  you can donate too that is distributed to a dozen different non-profits.

Photo credits: Joel Beckwith RIT

As the strike continues, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers warned the union about a cancellation of movies if a deal is not agreed upon  by the end of the week. This could mean movies like Challengers, Bad Boys 4 Venom 2 and more will be delayed until 2024 or 2025. Giselle Lomeli went on campus to ask CSUN students about their thoughts on the matter.

Photo credits: Washington Post

Mitch McConnel warns republican senators not to sign a bill restricting sources for campaign finnacing. Republican Missouri Senator -- Josh Hawley -- proposed a bill that would ban publicly-traded companies from giving money to large political action committees. McConnell held a private meeting with multiple republican senators, telling them very bluntly not to sign onto this bill. He says they may face heavier competition from the center-right. He shares a list of many republican senators, who benefited from corporate interest funding, including Hawley himself. Despite his republican affiliation, Hawley is more aligned with democrats on this issue . Hawley says corporate influence on election is just wrong and bad for voters

Photo credits: AP

MAX is changing their monthly payment plans into three subscription tiers. For 9.99 a month -- you can stream in H-D with ads. For 15.99 a month, there's Ad Free HD streaming, and for 19.99 subscribers can watch ad free and in 4k. I asked CSUN film students if the 4k subscription plan was worth the price, and their responses were unanimous.

While the students were not too keen about paying an extra 48 dollars year for a slight bump in video quality -- they were interested in the benefits the middle tier had to offer.

Analytics from Medium show the streaming service's target demographic is people between 25 and 44 years old with disposable income. While undergraduate college students may not be the main target audience, they soon might not be in the audience due to the increase of prices.

The three tiered subscription service is expected to begin next month.

Archaeologists in Germany have discovered a skeleton with a metal prosthetic hand. The prosthetic was used to replace four fingers. Carbon dating was used to estimate the time of death to be between 1450 and 1620 - - making the prosthetic hand almost 6-hundred years old. The skeleton was discovered in the town of Freising  - - which so happens to be the locations of several battles during the middle ages

Photo credit: CNN

Sea stars have stumped scientists since they were discovered. The sea star has a layer of tube feet that allow them to move around on the ocean floor, but scientists can't figure out where their head is. New genetic research suggests that sea stars actually don't have torsos. Instead what we thought were feet are heads. Scientists say the sea star is completely missing a trunk and is best described as just a head crawling along the sea floor. Thanks to new genetic sequencing methods from UC Berkeley, more questions might get answered about other echinoderms on the ocean floor. 

Photo credits: WorldStrides

A beef wellington served fresh, with murder baked inside. Suspect Erin Patterson is charged with three counts of murder for poisoning a meal she prepared for her ex husband and former in-laws. Patterson became the lead suspect after everyone in attendance of the lunch grew violently ill with exception to herself. Her ex-husbands parents, aunt, and uncle-in-law were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Only the brother in law survived after two months of treatment. Toxicology reports the victims consumed deathcap mushrooms. Patternson says she is innocent, and will appear in court tomorrow.

Jean Jacques  "JJ" Wallis spends most of his time looking for extreme adventures as a professional skydiver.  He was introduced to air sports early in life,  acquiring his skydiving license straight out of High School. He then created an online community in 2017 called BASE for fans who seek the same adrenaline pumping activities as him. The site's extreme popularity clearly paid off because Wallis is now working in film and TV, making his 20-year-old passion a career. Recently, he was able to lend his skills in the recent films in the "Mission Impossible" franchise.

Photo Credit: CNN

Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy award winner Cher will be closing out this years Macy's Day Parade! The busy singer recently just dropped her first album in five years, titled Christmas, and is releasing a 25th anniversary edition of Believe. This year's parade will feature 16 giant character balloons, 26 floats, 12 marching bands, 700 clowns, and eight performance groups. Some special appearances will include singer Brandy, some Muppets from Sesame Street, and US Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles. The parade will are on NBC and stream on Peacock.

Photo credits: Universal Pictures

The U-S Senate Commitee on Banking--Housing--and Urban Affairs recently approved the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act in a bipartisan vote--moving it forward for full senate approval. Although federal marijuana legalization is still a distant prospect-- there have been efforts to address industry challenges. The federal government has taken steps to ease certain restrictions on marijuana.

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The 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline has received millions of calls, text and online messages since it's launch in the summer of 20-22. However -- a new study suggests the mental resources is far from reaching it's full potential. Research done by JAMA Network open say many people have used the hotline but only a quarter say they would use it again. Reason being -- the stress came from the standardized set of questions about negative feelings and distress. Another person said they felt the questions were too robotic and that he didn't feel that connection. The findings were based on a national survey of about 5-thousand people from June.

Photo Credit: ABC News

This year -- Walmart shoppers can save money on some grool deals. The cast of "Mean Girls" -- including Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert, Daniel Franzese and Rajiv Surendra -- teamed up with the store in a commercial to let you know all about those deals. The ad helped to promote this year's shopping event and also gave a look into the year 20-23 for the "plastics." The deals that were promoted shared that Walmart will go live online by Nov. 8th. References to the iconic film are made like the jingle bell rock scene and the movie's famous slang -- which gave a fun touch of nostalgia for fans of Mean Girls. Though stars like Rachel McAdams as Regina George or Lizzy Caplan as Janis Ian were not present in the ad -- rapper Missy Elliot made a cameo! Walmart has teased that more should be expected from the ad-campaign.

Photo Credit: Motherly

An announcement from Disney -- says the company is planning on acquiring Comcast's remaining third stake in Hulu for 8-point-six-billion-dollars. The statement also says that this purchase will only further Disney's plans within the streaming platform realm. The whole process is expected to be completed in 2024. Disney began bidding in Hulu's shares in 2019 under an agreement that gave the streaming platform a market value of 27-point-5-billion-dollars. This purchase decision comes after the entertainment giant having its CEO - Bob Iger - openly discuss selling of its ABC division and finding a strategic partner for ESPN. The ultimate goal of Disney is to transition from the linear television business into the streaming business. 

Photo Credit: Variety

The second person to undergo a pig-heart transplant has died nearly six weeks following the procedure. The University of Maryland Medical Center says the heart began to show signs of rejection in the recent days. The reason for the statement is that doctors involved in the procedure said that immediately after the surgery -- they believed the heart function was excellent and showed no signs of infection or rejection. Doctors said organ rejection is the most significant challenge with transplants. 

Photo Credit: UPI

Daylight Saving Time will end this Sunday, November 5th! This means that we can get an extra hour of sleep, but we should not forget or we might think we are late for important events. I went around and asked students on the CSUN campus about preparing for this upcoming time change.

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As confusing and bothersome time savings can be it can also be beneficial to stay on track with our time during the day. Just don't forget to change your clocks!

Photo Credit: San Fransisco Chronicle

A new study found that men between the ages of 18 and 22 using their phones more than 20 times a day have a 21 percent higher risk for lower sperm count. Men who use their phones one to five times a day have a much higher sperm count and concentration. On the bright side -- there is no decline in the shape and motility of the sperm. Chief scientist officer --  Alison Campbell says the network of fertility clinics not involved in the study- said the findings were fascinating but should not cause alarm or a change in habits. And if men are trying to improve their sperm health they can exercise, eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol. 

Photo Credit: Yahoo News

An excruciating "face" on Jupiter and a ghostly skeletal nebula shaped like a hand are just a couple of the eerie astronomical objects recently spotted by NASA missions.The Juno mission - which is exploring the biggest planet in our system - Jupiter - captured swirling clouds and storms formed a Picasso-like face. Next - two X-ray telescopes discovered the "bones" of a glowing cloud in the shape of a hand - which formed after the collapse of the star. These two phenomena are spectral and look like out of the world but at the same time beautiful and breathtaking. 

Photo Credit: CNN

The United Kingdom is the place to be this summer if you love the music of the 80s and 90s. The upcoming Isle of Wight Festival will be hosted in Newport England at Seaclose park, and among the headlining acts are American punk legends Green Day, 80s pop duo Pet Shop Boys, and the British experimental band The Prodigy. Other musical acts that people will be able to find include Scouting For Girls, Suede, and DJ Jo Whiley. The event will take place from June 20th to the 23rd.

Photo Credit: BBC

No matter what team you are a fan of - you just can't help but be in awe of what Lebron James is doing on a basketball court at 38 years old. The Lakers pulled off an improbable victory in overtime against the Clippers Wednesday night - ending their 11 game losing streak to the in-city rival. Lebron dominated with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists - needing every bit of it in the 19-point comeback. Although D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis scored 27 a piece, it was James' 12 points in the 4th quarter that fueled the team. Austin Reaves contributed 7 of his 15 points in overtime, and sealed the game with a beautiful alley-oop pass that Lebron slammed for a monster dunk - bringing the Crypto Crowd to its feet. Father Time eventually comes for us all - but Lebron continues to prove that age is just a number.

Photo Credit: CNN

Cats have more facial expressions than they do lives. A study published in the journal Behavioural Process shows two U-S scientists counted two-hundred-76 different facial expressions when interacting with other felines. A Lyon College psychologist told C-N-N that cat communication is more complex than previously assumed. To collect data - 53 cats of both genders were filmed for one-hundred-94 minutes at a local cat cafe and where one-hundred-86 different interactions were gathered. During the study - facial muscle movements were read in order to determine the different types of expressions. 

Photo Credit: CNN

Apple has introduced its next generation family of custom made processors the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Pro Max. The company says the M3 speeds are now up to two point five times faster than its M1 family of chips. The new 14-inch and 16-inch iMacs and Mac book Pro laptops were also announced and are said to have the new chips. CEO Tim Cook presented how an analysis could be conducted on an M3 device and help detect early stage cancers or help prevent pandemics. The prices for Mac books are ranging from $1599 to $2499 while iMacs are a bit cheaper, costing $1299. 

Photo Credit: Apple

Many celebrities celebrated the Halloween festivities by dressing up as iconic and popular characters. Some characters being from popular movies and TV shows and even as other famous people. KCSN's Alexa Garcia asked CSUN students about their plans for tonight.

Photo Credit: People

Students at Stamford high school found swastikas drawn on campus for the second time since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7th. The Stamford Police Department says the drawings "appear to be an act of vandalism" with no threats to individuals. The school district said it's taking steps to implement "anti-bias programming" in the district's middle and high schools. It's also asking families to immediately contact a school administrator if they become aware of any more anti-Semitic incidents.

Photo Credit: Stamford Advocate

The World Series begins tonight. In what turned out to be a surprising matchup, the American League Champion Texas Rangers, led by Corey Seager will  be taking on the National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, led by Corbin Carroll. Nathan Eovaldi and Zac Gallen will be on the mound tonight to kick off the fall classic.  Both teams have turned their franchises around after losing over one-hundred games just two seasons ago. Now they each find themselves just four wins away from raising the commissioner's trophy.

Some thing may be too good to be true, as Gen-Z is more likely to fall for online scams than seniors. Scammers are most often financially motivated, which have made over 200 million dollars from people under 20 years old, whether its giving social security numbers, credit cards, or bank details. Multiple platforms improve security by creating two-step verification, scanning your fingerprint or using face I-D to access information.

Photo credits: Noam Galai

Google's new Frightgeist Halloween costume tool uses Google Trends technology to predict this year's most popular costumes. Users can discover the top costumes in the nation, but also in their area. Currently, the number one costume for 2023 is Mattel's iconic Barbie, with princess, Spider-Man, witch and fairy costumes at the top. Also popular are Wednesday Addams, dinosaur, cowboy, ninja and bunny costumes which finish up the top ten.

Researchers at the C-D-C released a report on Thursday -- showing healthcare workers face the worst mental health outcomes over other industries. The report was based on a survey conducted between 20-18 and 20-22 -- in which nearly 50 percent of healthcare workers report feeling burnt out. The announcement follows a separate report released in September -- which found healthcare workers -- especially nurses -- face an increased risk of suicide. The new findings come shortly after the largest ever healthcare worker strike earlier this month. C-D-C chief medical officer  Dr. Debra Houry says our nation's health workers are suffering and we must act.

Photo credits: Psychiatrist.com 

If you plan on trick or treating tonight -- try not to get blown away. If you're in the north L-A county, Malibu Coast, or San Gabriel Mountains, you might be seeing winds ranging from 35 to 50 miles per hour. These areas are under a fire weather watch, with Southern California Edison keeping an eye on the 5 million consumers in those affected spaces. They're prepared for a potential public safety power shutdown and have issued some guidelines for staying safe. Be sure to keep emergency supplies like a flashlights and fresh batteries ready. If you see any down powerlines, don't touch it or anything that might also be touching it. And be sure to call 911 immediately. 

Photo Credit: Newsbreak

Lifeline Animal services is giving out cards with Halloween candy and information about dogs in Fulton and Dekalb County. They say educating the community on the personalities of each dog, and their options to help get them homes, can get them out of the shelter. This comes as both counties are facing serious overcrowding issues.. DeKalb County is hurting the most, with 450 spots for over 560 dogs. Lifeline is trying get that number down within 60 days through adoption, fostering, or euthanasia. They hope this outreach can help find these animals homes.

Photo Credit: Lifeline Animal Project

Los Angeles residents should prepare for a fruitful surprise as millions of fruit flies will be dropped on the city over the next six months. After invasive and destructive Mediterranean fruit flies were found in Leimert Park-  The California Department of Food and Agriculture set forth a plan to eradicate the species. This includes using small planes to drop millions of sterile flies across metro LA. Officials expect the sterile flies to slowdown the reproduction of offspring- hopefully mitigating the buzz in the city. 

Photo Credit: KTLA

The small town - Avdiivka - is on the frontline since 2014 - when pro-Moscow separatists seized large portion of the Donbas region. It's been 9 years since the town has been at the constant shelling from the occupied side. But recently - Moscow has launched an offensive attack - sending waves of soldiers and armored vehicles and intensifying situation in the city.10 to 15 bombs are dropped everyday.  Many residents of Avdiivka fled before the full-scale invasion - leaving the town with a pre-war population of about 30,000 - 1,600 are all that remain. The situaition is tense and people can no longer leave on their own and have to wait to be evacuated by special forces. Just elderly people and mostly men stayed at the city. But Ukrainain police is still working and trying to help those who are left to be safely evacuated. 

Over twenty people are dead from the Category 5 Hurricane that touched down in Mexico Wednesday morning. Otis has toppled landlines  and caused power outages. With little to no cell reception it's making it near impossible for families in Los Angeles to contact their loved ones. Those who do get through however -- its not good news. The storm has devastated homes and businesses in Acapulco and has left families scrambling.

he site is allowing you to remove your phone number, email, and home address from searches that contain your name. You can file a request to have your personal information taken down from certain Google searches by searching your name and clicking the three dots found in the corner of the website holding your information. Press "remove result" and click "it shows my personal contact info"--Fill out some additional information and send in your request. This feature can be found in Google's Beta Version. 

Photo credits: KTLA 

We've all been there -- you're getting ready for your exciting first date -- not knowing what to expect -- and when you finally arrive -- to your surprise it's -- The Cheesecake Factory. That's what a new poll that went viral on the duvalpromo Instagram page shows what women's worst first date pick is. At number two is Applebees, followed by Chilis, Chipotle, and Olive Garden. But C-SUN student's can't believe it. So what do C-SUN students think are the worst first date places? So now you know -- don't take C-SUN students to the Northridge Mall if you want it to last.

Scholastic says school districts can opt out of offering a large range of the diverse books, including those discussing racism and LGBTQ issues. The publisher said it has a collection of 64 titles it supports but are likely to be restricted. The Miami New Times reports public school districts in Florida  banned more than 14-hundred books last school year.

Not only one but three bears have been caught ringing a doorbell through a doorbell-camera system in San Bernardino County. It was almost one in the morning when they rang the door before running away. The bears have also sniffed, scratched and licked the doorbell camera, which was all captured in film. Due to the frequency of bears showing up in residential areas, the  National Park Service advises talking calmly to the bear, so it knows you’re human and not prey, getting as big as possible and being calm. The organization also says you should not run or climb a tree to escape the bear or allow the bear to eat your food.

A diet of Mediterranean food including fish, veggies and fruits has been showing signs of reducing post-traumatic stress disorder. The link in the journal Nature Mental Health --comes from the fact the brain and gastrointestinal system send signals to each other. A professor at Wake Forest University says It's been shown poor gut health can lead to mental illness. The Mediterranean diet is mostly composed of fiber and omega-three fatty acids-- which are known to support gut health. a professor at the University of Colorado says the diet can help reduce inflammation -- which is a risk factor for depression and it helps cut out processed foods.

Photo Credit: CNN

Protection from crime, dangerous weather or financial stability are top concerns for people when finding a new city to call home. The personal finance company -- Wallet Hub -- updated it's safest cities in America list. They compared 182 cities across 41 safety-related metrics. The highest ranked city was Irvine in Orange County earning the 33rd spot. Popular cities in the state like Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area were amongst the lowest on the list. San Bernardino is dead last out of all the California cities. But what's the highest ranked the city in the U-S? That spot goes to Nashua in New Hampshire. 

Photo Credit: TripSavvy

Joseph Emerson, a 44-year-old commercial pilot from Alaska Airlines has been arrested for trying to shut down the engines on a Horizon Air jet in mid-air. Emerson was riding in an extra cockpit seat on a flight from Everett - Washington to San Francisco where he said to the flight crew "I'm not OK" and tried to cut the engines. After a brief struggle - Emerson was put in wrist restraints and seated in the rear of the aircraft. The plane had to be diverted to Portland where it landed safely. He later told police he had taken psychedelic mushrooms as his mental health had worsened.  Alaska Airlines says neither the gate agents nor flight crew noticed anything unusual with Emerson at the time of boarding. Alaska added that Emerson has been relieved of all duties.

Photo Credit: NBC News

A startup known as Sand to Green started a trial in Morocco five years ago to transform parts of the desert into arable land -- and succeeded in growing rosemary -- geranium -- vetiver -- and citronella. The company did this by desalinating brackish water in the desert -- and using it to plant a variety of fruit-producing trees through drip-irrigation. The soil is then regenerated through a mixture of compost, biochar and microorganisms -- which prepares the soil and helps it retain its water. Desertification -- the process in which formerly fertile land degrades -- has caused about a third of the Earth's land to lose its arability. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification found that the global economy was slated to lose $23 trillion -- while actions taken to reduce degradation would only cost $4.6 trillion. 

Photo Credit: CNN

Robotaxi company Waymo One unleashed driverless cars in Los Angeles earlier this month. The 24-7 taxi service allows passengers to ride in a self-driving car with no driver. Waymo is already in San Francisco and Phoenix. The recent launch in Los Angeles led to protests yesterday outside Google's headquarters in Venice. A Teamster union rep says L-A has a huge homelessness problem and on top of that they're getting rid of potential driver jobs. Safety remains a concern for many of the protesters and there isn't a lot of data on self-driving cars just yet. The D-M-V says as of October 13th there have been nearly 700 autonomous vehicle collision reports.

Photo Credit: LA Times

The music streaming giant - Spotify - doubled their stock setting it at a market value of 33-point-22 billion dollars. Earlier in the year - the company laid off two percent of its employees to help change the podcasting component. Spotify's Chief Financial Officer Paul Vogel - says podcasting is a big global business and their company is now a part of it.  The profit boost also succeeded because of the lower marketing spend and less personnel costs. Prices were also raised for subscription plans - which increased the monthly bill for listeners.

Photo Credit:The Verge

The Marvel's Spider-Man 2 video game was released last week with character Miles Morales being the main protagonist. Morales is fictional character that is recognized by fans as one of the few Latino superheroes out there in pop culture today. The game included two scenes which had gamers pointing out how the Insomniac Games mixed up the Latin flags. The company says its  they are working on correcting the mistake but no deadline has been announced as of now for when this mix-up will be resolved.

Photo Credit: Youtube

The U-S Food and Drug Administration is reviewing an application for a self-administered nasal flu spray called FluMist. The drug maker company AstraZeneca asked the F-D-A to allow adults ages 18 to 49 to be able to give the vaccine themselves or to children aged two, according to a usability study showing there is no need for medical providers. If approved, this could become the first flu vaccine cleared for self-administration. Patients would still need to go through an online pharmacy to get the vaccine and would be shipped to their home in temperature-controlled packaging. The F-D-A is expected to make a decision whether to clear FluMist for self-administration within the next three months of next year. Once approved, it will become available for the 2024-2025 flu season.

Photo Credit: CNN

The big news from the NHL - they changed their decision on Pride tape and signs this Tuesday. The league made an official statement after consultation with the NHL Players' Association and Player Inclusion Coalition - they have decided players will now have an opportunity to voluntarily represent the social causes - by sticking tape or wearing jerseys. Back in June - NHL announced that - how they referred - "specialty" jerseys are no longer allowed to wear during warmups - practices - or games and during nights that has meaning like Pride or military appreciation. But - this Saturday - Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott became the first NHL player to use Pride tape on his stick in defiance of the NHL ban by wrapping the tape around the top of his stick.

Photo Credit: CNN

The Tau fruit fly is an invasive breed from Asia and is reeking havoc on swaths of produce in the Santa Clarita Valley. California agricultural officers are now searching for signs of an infestation in Stevenson Ranch. Insect researchers say the bugs attack the fruit and lay their eggs under the skin. Maggots develop and destroy the fruit. Parts of the Inland Empire, San Bernardino and Riverside are also under quarantine. Experts say outdoor produce is safe to be eaten -- but people are asked to keep fruit and vegetables on their property to keep the flies contained. A professor at U-C Davis estimates the bug has eaten 19-billion-dollars in produce since 20-20.

Photo Credit: Phys.org

Tinder has introduced a new feature that lets friends and family recommend profiles. Tinder Matchmaker allows users to invite up to 15 people to sign into the app and look over possible matches for 24 hours. But they can't message the users on your behalf. Instead -- any swipe action they do will just show up as recommendations.

Photo Credit: SlashGear

Barbie -- Spider-man and Wednesday Addams are the most popular costume ideas in the U-S this year -- thanks to recent movies that have been big hits. The Barbenheimer trend might inspire mashups of costumes from the two movies -- such as a pink suit and tie with a top hat and a pipe. "Wednesday" came out after last year's Halloween  -- so people haven't had an opportunity to dress up as the beloved character yet. Spiderman also continues to grow in popularity each time a new movie comes out --  "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" being the latest. Other movies that came out this year -- such as the fifth Indiana Jones film -- may also inspire costumes ideas.

Photo Credit: HGTV

For the first time in her adult life --  singer Britney Spears feels she is finally getting her life back. Or as the pop star refers to as her "Womanhood". She says this is the freedom she has asked for since breaking free from her long time conservatorship. Her memoir "The Woman In Me" shares multiple experiences about living life in the public eye and even details on her romantic relationships. Spears even recounts her past struggles in life like how she fought  her thirteen year long court-ordered conservatorship. The singer reveals she is now healing by trying to have fun and searching for joy on her own terms. The book just dropped this week.

Photo Credit: The Times

It's taken a while....Taco Bell wins its fight to end the "Taco Tuesday" trademark battle after a small Jersey Shore restaurant caves in.  Gregory's Restaurant and Bar in Summers Point, New Jersey owned the "Taco Tuesday" trademark in that state for 40 years and was refusing to give it up.  It was the only holdout in the U.S. and was facing mounting legal bills brought on by Taco Bell's lawsuit....but it finally forfeited it's trademark of the slogan.  It means any restaurant anywhere can now use the term "Taco Tuesday" without fear of getting a cease and desist letter.  Taco Bell is thrilled, saying "Taco Tuesday" should belong to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos.

Photo Credit: KGAB

The Musée Grévin Museum in Paris revealed its latest wax figure last week -- a full-body sculpture of Dwayne Johnson. But many found the sculpture to be too light skinned to represent the actor. The public accused the museum of "whitewashing," but others like C-SUN student Julissa Contreras think the opposite. "I feel like people look into it too much. Like, I don't think it's that deep. Maybe if he said that it was bothering him, himself, then maybe it would be like, 'Oh, why would they do him like that?'" The actor himself stepped into the conversation and said he was reaching out to the museum to work on updating the figure -- starting with its skin color. C-SUN student Idrissa Jones put herself in the actor’s shoes. "I would probably feel a little upset about that Cuz I mean especially like as a figure as a person like people probably look up to like it's hard to like I guess stand behind what you Have built for if like people are representing you wrong." The actor himself stepped into the conversation and said he was reaching out to the museum to work on updating the figure -- starting with its skin color. The Instagram account for the Musee Grevin featured an Insta story saying its artists are already working on improving the waxwork of the actor. Lauren Hannah K-C-S-N News.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has agreed to a three year one-hundred-86-milion dollar contract extension. Earlier in the year it was unclear if the Greek freak was going to extend his contract or not. He had made it clear to the front office that he had some concerns about how serious the team was to win another championship. The Bucks then made a huge deal to acquire Damian Lillard and make themselves the front-runners to win a title. The former finals MVP seemed to like the direction of the team and is going to stay in Milwaukee. The bucks begin their season Thursday against the 76ers.Cooper Ignatian, KCSN News.

She is the third guilty plea in the past week along side two attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell. Ellis pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements in an unscheduled hearing in Atlanta. This felony stems from election lies that Trump lawyers peddled Georgia lawmakers. Ellis was sentenced to five years probation and has to pay five-thousand in restitution. Ellis delivered a tearful statement while pleading guilty expressing remorse and disavowing her involvement in the overturn of the 20-20 presidential election.

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

A Nashville teacher made headlines this month after removing a student's shirt because it had the letters of her historically Black sorority. Since this incident, there has been a debate on whether her actions were wrong or justified. While many members of the Divine Nine -- the nine Black Greek-letter organizations -- did not support her actions, some understood the passion that drove her reaction. Many Divine Nine sororities and fraternities were founded during a time when racism and discrimination against African Americans was pervasive. These organizations came to life that reflected their culture and not only enhanced college experiences, but also uplifted the Black community. Prominent civil rights leaders were also members of a Divine Nine fraternity, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B. Du Bois. Lawrence Ross -- author of The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities -- says people should research more about the houses' histories, but also be respectful of the organizations' cultures and traditions.

Photo Credit: News One

The Chicago Field Museum collected over one-thousand dead birds that sadly crashed into the McCormick Place Lakeside Center last week, located on the shore of Lake Michigan. There are a combination of factors that likely contributed to this incident, one of them being the high volume of birds set to migrate for the winter. Annette Prince, the director of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, says when winds began to pick up on Wednesday, the birds set off at the same time. There was also foggy and low cloud conditions and could bring the birds into confusion with lights and buildings. Eventually, the birds fatally crashed into the Chicago building, even during the day time. To help reduce the number of avian collision deaths, it is encouraged to implement bird-friendly glass and reduce light pollution.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley announced he has fired their defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. The Trojans have given up an average of 34 points per game his season. Grinch came over to USC from Oklahoma with Riley in 2021. The team is current 7 and 3 with two games remaining against Oregon and UCLA. If the Trojans want to make the Pac-12 championship -- they must win these two games and get help from their conference peers. Riley says that the team is laser focused for their opportunities ahead so had to make the decision. Grinch and his defense have been ranked in the bottom 30 in almost each category.  Riley named defensive line head coach Shaun Nua and linebackers coach Brian Odom as co-defensive coordinators for the remainder of the season.

Three men in Massachusetts were arrested and authorities seized over 220 pounds of fentanyl-laced pink pills shaped like hearts. Since this drug bust, it has placed concern in parents and officials about substances that are shaped like candies being given to teenagers and young adults. I asked CSUN students about what we can do to prevent and warn people about candies disguised as fentanyl. RESPONSES According to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Justice Department is focusing on stopping the distribution of fentanyl and putting the epidemic to an end.

The new ruling from the Vatican's doctrine department says a person who identifies as transgender can be baptized like any other adult, as long as there is not risk of scandals or disorientation to other Catholics. Children who identify as transgender can also be baptized if they are willing and prepared to do so. The document also says transgender people, including those that had gender reassignment procedures, can become godparents and witnesses in Catholic weddings. Children from same-sex couples can also be baptized. LGBTQ+ issues were up for major discussion during the Vatican's recent synod. An executive director of a Catholic LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the United States says the Vatican's affirmation for transgender people signals Pope Francis' desire for an approach to LGBTQ+ issues.

Photo credit: AP

Authorities have now arrested a man in connection to a torso of a woman found in a dumpster yesterday morning. At around six A-M on Wednesday a homeless man looking for recyclables discovered a women's remains in a dumpster and reported it to the police. Now 35-year old Samuel Haskell is being charged with one count of murder in connection to the crime. Authorities believe the torso is Haskell's wife but they say the remains are hard to positively identify. Police are also looking for Haskell's in-laws. The investigation has been going on since Tuesday night-- when someone reported seeing body parts in a bag outside a home. But when the authorities arrived to investigate-- the bags were gone. Haskell is now being held at Valley Jail in Van Nuys on 2 million dollar bail.

Photo Credit: LA Times

The U-S Army is aiming to characterize their military service as honorable by setting aside the convictions of one-hundred-and-ten black soldiers. In 19-17 -- the U-S had just entered WWI when the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment -- also known as the Buffalo Soldiers -- arrived in Houston to serve at an Army construction site. The soldiers were met with racist taunts and physical violence. A group of more than one-hundred black soldeirs seized weapons and marched into the city where clashes erupted and 19 people died. The Army convicted one-hundred-and-ten soldiers in the months that followed. Now - the Army has set aside all of the court martial convictions of the Buffalo Soldiers one-hundred-and-six years later.

Photo credits: USA Today