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  • The Daily Brief: Evidence Admission Fight Begins in Mangione Trial, Another Top Prosecutor Disqualified, and more.

The Daily Brief: Evidence Admission Fight Begins in Mangione Trial, Another Top Prosecutor Disqualified, and more.

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Good Afternoon! It’s Monday, December 1.

Sunny skies were seen across Los Angeles for the first day of December, with temperatures reaching a high of 70°. More sun is expected on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to drop slightly and peak at 66°.

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Mangione Launches High Stakes Fight to Suppress Key Evidence in CEO Murder Case

A pivotal week of suppression hearings opened in Manhattan Criminal Court as Luigi Mangione’s defense team moved to block core evidence tied to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Attorneys are seeking to toss items taken from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, including a 3D printed gun, a homemade silencer and a notebook, along with statements he made to police. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage and testimony from NYPD and Pennsylvania witnesses as both sides prepared for a lengthy battle over what the jury will ultimately be allowed to see.

Appeals Court Removes Alina Habba After Ruling Her Appointment Was Illegal

A federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Alina Habba was unlawfully appointed as New Jersey’s acting U.S. attorney, ordering her disqualification from the role while allowing the underlying criminal case to proceed. The decision follows similar findings involving other Trump-era appointments, including Los Angeles acting U.S. attorney Bill Essayli, and raises new questions about the administration’s efforts to bypass Senate confirmation.

Stockton Mourns After Mass Shooting at Children’s Birthday Party

A children’s birthday celebration in Stockton turned tragic Saturday night when gunmen opened fire inside a banquet hall, killing three children ages 8, 9, and 14 along with a 21-year-old. Eleven others were injured in what the San Joaquin County Sheriff called an act of reckless inhumanity. Officials believe multiple shooters were involved, though no arrests have been made. A vigil on Sunday brought clergy, families, and city leaders together as the community searches for answers and investigators continue the hunt for those responsible.

Christmas Tree Lane Shines Again in Altadena After Eaton Fire

Altadena’s historic Christmas Tree Lane will glow once more as the community celebrates its 105th lighting ceremony, nearly a year after the Eaton Fire devastated the area. Volunteers have restored the mile-long stretch of illuminated cedars with more than 10,000 lights and a memorial honoring the lives and homes lost. The event brings carolers, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa, offering residents a powerful symbol of healing and resilience.

Zootopia 2 Dominates the Thanksgiving Box Office

Disney’s Zootopia 2 jumped to the top of the Thanksgiving box office with a $158 million domestic haul and a record breaking global debut, driven in part by its massive opening in China. The holiday weekend underscored a strong year for family friendly films, with titles like Wicked: For Good, Lilo and Stitch and more pulling in big numbers even as several major studio releases stumbled. The success highlights that moviegoing, especially for families, remains a reliable draw during the holiday season.

Courtesy Disney

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