California man allegedly lived in airport for months because he was afraid to fly: report

A California man who told police that the coronavirus pandemic left him afraid to fly has been arrested on charges that he hid in a secured area at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport for three months.

2nd try a success for Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit as rocket reaches space

Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit reached space on Sunday, eight months after the first demonstration flight of its air-launched rocket system failed, the company said.

California turns stadiums into COVID vaccination sites

The San Francisco 49ers offered up the use of Levi’s Stadium to Santa Clara County to help with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations. It's just one of the stadiums that will open up for public use.

Freshman and sophomores can't return to Stanford for winter quarter

Less than 48 hours before winter quarter begins, students received an email from the university president that freshmen and sophomores will not be able to return to campus. The email cited the continuing surge in COVID-19 cases, lengthening public health restrictions and how those restrictions likely will affect the on-campus undergrad experience.

UC San Diego places COVID-19 test kits in vending machines throughout campus

The students living on campus are required to be tested at least once a week, with no more than nine days between two tests, and testing is available free to students.

'Not good enough': Just 1% of Californians immunized amid slow vaccine rollout

Distribution hiccups and logistical challenges have slowed the initial coronavirus vaccine rollout in California, setting a pace that’s "not good enough," Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

COVID-19 outbreak infects 44 staff members at Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, 1 dead

Additionally, the hospital says a holiday-spirited costume that was air-powered and worn by a staff member who was briefly in the emergency department on Christmas day may have played a role in the 44 infections.

LA Sheriff Superspreader Task Force detains 900 during NYE party busts

The LA County Sheriff Department’s Superspreader Task Force shut down at least five New Year's Eve parties across the county, resulting in at least 900 people being detained, 90 arrests and/or citations, and the recovery of at least six guns.

Man called most prolific serial killer in US history dies

The man authorities say was the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history with nearly 60 confirmed victims, died Wednesday in California, officials said. Samuel Little was 80.

Christmas Eve milestone: California tops 2 million confirmed cases of coronavirus

California’s infection rate — in terms of number of cases per 100,000 people — is lower than the U.S. average but its 40 million residents means it outpaces other states in sheer numbers. More than 23,000 Californians have died since the pandemic began.

'God given right:' Christmas carolers in California defy orders, sing without masks

 "Everything that's been inflicted upon us right now is unconstitutional and illegal. We have every right to be out here singing to the Lord, singing to Jesus, celebrating Christmas," said Francine Knittel.

‘She was shattered’: 33-year-old new mom dies from COVID-19 before holding her newborn daughter

A new mother died from COVID-19 more than a month after giving birth to her only daughter, and because of the 33-year-old’s coronavirus infection, she was never able to hold the baby girl.