The autopsy report for an unarmed black man who was killed by Los Angeles police officers shows he was shot in the back at close range.

It is a quarter of a century since Straight Outta Compton, the seminal gangsta rap album, made a 25 sq km area of Los Angeles synonymous with gang violence and murder.

Who wouldn't want to spend hours in a room with Brad Pitt? Apparently, not members of the Los Angeles Criminal Court.

Air New Zealand's new Los Angeles Koru Lounge is a sleek and stylish space that compares favourably with the best airport lounges worldwide.

Got a spare few hours before flying out of LAX? Try this hub of food and fun, writes Jesse Mulligan.

Josh Burgess checks into a 'bohemian chic' studio apartment in Hollywood.

Police say they followed proper protocol when they demanded ID from an actress while investigating an emergency call alleging lewd conduct.

Django Unchained actress Daniele Watts says she was 'handcuffed' and detained by police in LA, after she kissed her white husband in public.

Put a serious dent in your wallet at one of these top shopping haunts.

Leena Tailor gets on her bike and works up a taste for Santa Monica fare.

Herbalife shares fell the most in three months after billionaire Bill Ackman vowed to show Enron-like fraud at the seller of supplements and weight-loss shakes.

The man who became an internet-sensation after his mug shot went viral on social media has had to face court in California, according to multiple media reports.

Whale Rider star Keisha Castle-Hughes will pay tribute to the film that catapulted her to international fame during a visit to New Zealand this week.

‘Handsome felon’ Jeremy Meeks has been taken on by a Hollywood talent agent.

For the first time since the US housing crash, new condos are sprouting in Boston, Seattle and LA as developers bet on the return of the riskiest type of residential real estate.

A Cold War-era U-2 spy plane was the cause of a major collapse in air traffic control systems in California which delayed hundreds of flights.

A Kiwi barricaded himself and other terrified passengers into a secure luggage area after a gunman opened fire metres away at Los Angeles Airport yesterday.

Hollywood is the city of dreams and nightmares for many a wannabe actor seeking fame and fortune.

Disney fans are flocking to the amusement park in droves following its five-year, US$1.4 billion upgrade.

Real life Bling Ring victim Rachel Bilson has spoken out against Sofia Coppola's new film.

The Pacific Coast sand stretches 5.6km between Venice Beach and Malibu and the well-heeled town of Santa Monica sits in the middle facing the best sunsets in California, writes Megan Singleton.

Megan Singleton summons up the courage to enter the Museum of Death in LA, and ponders the Dark Tourism trend.

A week after the violent death of Christopher Dorner, a small crowd gathered at police headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.

It's famous in hip-hop and notorious for gang violence. So naturally Sarah Gooding had some intimidating preconceptions when approaching South Central Los Angeles for the first stop of her USA adventure.

When in LA, join the beautiful people and head to one of the many rooftop bars for a cheeky cocktail or two. Here are five that should be on your to-do list.

When in LA, join the beautiful people and head to one of the many rooftop bars for a cheeky cocktail or two. Here are a selection that should be on your to-do list.