Authorities in the Southern California city of Palmdale are investigating the death of a 24-year-old black man found hanging from a tree, which they originally described as an apparent suicide, prompting outrage in the community.

Authorities say a toddler found nearly naked in a rainy California park was protected by a pack of dogs.

A former Las Vegas-area lawmaker has pleaded no contest to charges stemming from a freeway chase and a fight with police in Southern California.