USC Provost C.L. Max Nikias to succeed Steven Sample as president

C.L. 'Max' Nikias, the second in command, will become the university's 11th president in August.

C. L. "Max" Nikias, USC's provost and second-in-command, will become its next president, succeeding Steven B. Sample on Aug. 3 at the helm of the 34,000-student university, school officials announced Thursday.

Capitol Democrats' reform plan unlikely to get past Republicans

Key to the plan is to ask voters to allow a simple majority to pass a state budget. But a two-thirds vote in Sacramento is needed just to put the proposal on the ballot.

Legislative leaders Thursday unveiled a long-promised plan to overhaul state government, the linchpin of which is asking voters to allow a simple majority of lawmakers to pass a budget.

L.A. City Hall fears ripple effect of layoffs

The workers in 4,000 targeted jobs can oust those in lesser posts. The maneuvering could take 7 months.

For decades, no matter how grim the budget was, Los Angeles officials avoided laying off even small numbers of workers who had Civil Service protection. That changed Thursday.

Couple plead no contest in hit-and-run that killed USC student, injured another

Claudia Cabrera and Josue Luna face at least three years in prison in the 2009 crash near campus that left Adrianna Bachan, 18, dead and her friend Marcus Garfinkle seriously hurt.

A husband and wife pleaded no contest Thursday in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a USC student and severely injured another as they walked home last year from a fraternity party near campus.

Pledge of Allegiance's God reference now upheld by court

In 2002, the U.S. 9th Circuit of Appeals had ruled that the pledge's use of 'One nation under God' made it unconstitutional. The panel now says no federal law requires students to recite it.

The Pledge of Allegiance to "one nation underGod" doesn't violate a citizen's right to be free of state-mandated religion, a divided federal appeals court ruled Thursday in reversing one of its most controversial decisions.

Cortines to reassign three teachers in Black History Month incident

Instructors won't be fired, though they used 'very poor judgment,' superintendent says.

Los Angeles schools Supt. Ramon C. Cortines said Thursday that he will reassign three South Los Angeles elementary school teachers who were suspended for having their students display pictures of O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul in a Black History Month parade.

Laptops could be key to an earthquake early-warning system

Seismologists envision a 'Quake Catchers' network of volunteers using their computers to precisely map tremors.

If Elizabeth Cochran allowed herself to dream, the future would look something like this:

Gavin Newsom to enter California lieutenant governor race

A Democrat, the mayor of San Francisco is expected to make the announcement Friday. He has been lining up support and collecting donations for the statewide run.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will announce Friday that he is running for California lieutenant governor, according to people who were contacted by him.

He's still able to bank on family

Raul Menjivar's income from installing hardwood floors went away, but his caring parents didn't. They've become his life raft as he studies to become a teacher.

With bill collectors hounding him and the rent chronically late, Raul Menjivar swallowed his pride and moved back home with his parents.

Sex offender violated parole but wasn't sent back to prison

John Albert Gardner III, charged with killing Chelsea King, violated parole in 2007 by living near a school. Officials opted against returning him to prison because he complied with relocation orders.

The sex offender charged with murdering Chelsea King violated parole in 2007 by living near a school, but state officials opted against sending him back to prison because he complied with orders to relocate, according to a summary released Thursday by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Lakers roundtable: Examining the team's ups and downs

Times reporters discuss Lakers' struggles, team meeting and the Western Conference race.

Merlin Olsen: a fearsome Ram of gentle charisma

The Hall of Fame defensive lineman— and, later, TV star— is remembered as even more impressive off the field.

The Hall of Fame defensive lineman— and, later, TV star— is remembered as even more impressive off the field.

UCLA defeats Arizona, 75-69, in Pac-10 tournament

Reeves Nelson finishes with 19 points and 11 rebounds in his first game since undergoing eye surgery.

Promoter's anger at MGM/Mirage could keep Manny Pacquiao out of Las Vegas

For Joshua Clottey, a career-defining opportunity comes against Manny Pacquiao

Clottey, a 15-2 underdog in Saturday’s WBO welterweight title fight, is ready to give Pacquiao‘the fight of his life.’

Joshua Clottey has already addressed all questions about his desire out of the ring.

MLS players vote to strike if deal isn’t reached

Players decide overwhelmingly to walk out if a new bargaining agreement with the league isn’t reached by March 25.

Major League Soccer players have voted overwhelmingly to go on strike if a new bargaining agreement with the league is not reached by the season opener March 25.

Angels center fielder Torii Hunter vows to watch what he says to reporters

Dealing with fallout from his remarks about race and baseball in a USA Today article, he meets with team officials Thursday.

Torii Hunter is one of baseball's most accessible and quotable players, but the center fielder emerged from a lengthy closed-door meeting with Manager Mike Scioscia , General Manager Tony Reagins and team executive Tim Mead Thursday vowing to be more guarded with reporters and his choice of words.

Jered Weaver sharp in Angels' loss to Arizona

Right-handed pitcher gives up one run and three hits in three innings of a 4-1 loss to Diamondbacks. Mike Napoli hits third homer of spring.

Arizona 4, Angels 1

Jonathan Bernier expected to start for Kings against Dallas

The goalie was recalled from Manchester of the American Hockey League on an emergency basis and is likely to replace Jonathan Quick, who is with his wife for the birth of their first child.

Jonathan Bernier is likely to start in goal for the Kings on Friday night against the Stars while Jonathan Quick is in Los Angeles awaiting the birth of his first child, a girl.

Jamal Crawford leads Atlanta past Washington

Crawford scores 29 points to help the Hawks beat the Wizards, 105-99, and avoid a three-game losing streak.

—Jamal Crawford scored 29 points and the Atlanta Hawks avoided a three-game losing streak by beating the Washington Wizards, 105-99, Thursday night.