The proof is in the photos, argues a lawyer for fallen music mogul Phil Spector, who is asking a state appellate panel to overturn Spector's murder conviction "on the grounds that the judge was a participant in a multimedia presentation used by prosecutors in their closing arguments," according to the LA Times. more ›

Though he is serving a 19 years to life sentence in prison for the second-degree murder of Lana Clarkson, Phil Spector is facing new legal woes as he's being sued by 1960's group "The Ronettes" for royalties, according to KTLA. Spector's ex-wife, Ronnie Greenfield, along with the other band members are suing their former manager and producer for $150,000 in unpaid royalties and a million dollars in "damages." more ›

After a jury found Phil Spector guilty of actress Lana Clarkson's murder, a judge today sentenced the music producer to 15 years to life for second-degree murder and four years for personal use of a gun. "Six years ago, Phil Spector was barely a blip on the American celebrity radar screen," explained the Associated Press of his past. "Although his music lived on, his name and face were only dimly recalled by rock music aficionados until a shooting at his Alhambra mansion propelled him to notoriety." A lottery was done for people who wanted to witness the sentence, noted the LA Weekly. "Deptartment 106 is packing out with media, D.A. types and lottery-drawn spectators," they said. more ›

A jury today found music producer Phil Spector guilty of second-degree murder. He stood accused for the death of Lana Clarkson, 40, who was found shot to death in his home in Alhambra in 2003. His first trial in 2007 ended in jury deadlock. A sentencing hearing, which could lead to at least 18 years in jail, has been set for May 29th more ›

After some nine days and 32 hours of deliberations, the jury presiding over the Phil Spector trial have come to a verdict, which will be announced at 1:30 p.m. "Spector faces at least 18 years in prison if convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Lana Clarkson, an actress shot in the legendary music producer’s Alhambra mansion six years ago," reported the LA Times. "A lesser charge, involuntary manslaughter, carries two to four years in prison... The panel of six men and six women includes three gun owners, seven people who reported knowing someone who committed suicide and one man who said he was a fan of Spector." more ›

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Whats even more shocking than Jamie Lynn Spears being preggers? That it may not be Casey Aldredge's baby. Thats right, reports are that the real daddy is an older man that would surely be charged ith statutoryw rape charges if revealed - Showbiz Spy more ›

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Even OJ didn't lose custody of his children, yet somehow Britney Spears has to turn her spawn over to K-Fed. An LA court commissioner today ordered that Spears' ex, Kevin Federline, will be granted full physical custody of their two young sons beginning Wednesday - which we believe is still Prince Spaghetti Day. What did the commish have to look at regarding Britney's behavior over the years? Well lets see - she shaved all... more ›

This week, Phillyist saw the waters of a landmark fountain run red for a Showtime marketing stunt, the Phils pull ahead, and some serious nostalgia. They also got a chance to review an awesome tribute album, reminded folks to see the King, and appreciated their beautiful skyline. more ›

Who made this weekend festival weekend? There are about a million different events going on around the city this weekend, so enjoy the fall weather and get out there! One strike against pirated movies: the MPAA is filing a lawsuit against internet video sharing sites cinematube.net and ssupload.com, claiming that these sites infringe upon the MPAA's copyright. Kiefer Sutherland could be facing up to 18 months of jail time for his drunk-driving arrest. Next... more ›

The Phil Spector jury, after 6 ballots, concludes that they are deadlocked at 10 and 2. Spector watched, leaning back, chin down, eyes fixed and unblinking. Mistrial for Phil! Once again, a celebrity gets into hot water and walks away relatively unscathed. Lana Clarkson -- pictured here, in an early appearances as a trophy wife in Fast Times at Ridgemont High -- didn't walk away at all. Her last minutes were spent in Phil... more ›

After seven days of deliberation, word came from the Phil Spector jury today that they were deadlocked. But the judge isn't ready to let them go yet. more ›

It's starting to feel a little like Fall: an "unseasonably strong and cold storm system" is headed our way. Bundle up! How green was Burning Man this year? Elsa Wenzel from CNet's News.com explains her perspective: "As a first-time Burner, I've finally shaken the playa dust from my shoes and mind to conclude that it was perhaps the most and the least eco-friendly mega-event I've attended." With a name like Inland Empire, you deserve... more ›

Only one major event for the Los Angeles Fire Department today in which 30 firefighters quickly fought a three-story commercial building at 515 S. Los Angeles St. Lindsay Lohan lawyers claim she's innocent in the crash involving Raymundo Ortega and his black Mercedes, citing that Ortega made an illegal U-Turn to snag a parking space putting him in Lohan's tracks. The case will go to trial in April. Five oriental fruit flies have been... more ›

In her closing arguments, defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden showed a video montage of witnesses who said they couldn't put the gun in Phil Spector's hand. The defense is trying to convince the jury that Lana Clarkson, a marginally talented, fairly beautiful actress/model whose career was on the wane, left her crappy job at the House of Blues with the wealthy record producer late one night, got to his house, found a handgun and... more ›

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), charged with managing the electricity grid in California, has issued a Flex Alert for both tomorrow and Thursday due to the current hot weather and demand for electricity, which is approaching capacity. Flex it by turning off unnecessary lights, turn ing AC up to 78 degrees or higher and not using major appliances until after 7:00 PM Free jazz tonight at Hollywood and Highland along with a wine... more ›

The jury in the Phil Spector trial took a field trip to his home in Alhambra today. Only one member of the media -- Linda Deutsch of the AP -- was allowed in. Everyone else set up camp down the street and waited until she came out with her report. more ›

Michael Bay, the #11 box-office earning film director, testified for the prosecution in the Phil Spector trial Monday. His appearance sent a shock of excitement through the ice-cold courtroom; I swear even Dominick Dunne perked up. Michael Bay said he remembers Lana Clarkson. He knew her from his days directing videos and commercials for Propaganda, back when he was the kind of guy who had to direct TV ads instead of blowing shit up,... more ›

Yesterday the defense team called Nicole Spector, Phil Spector's daughter, to the stand. Her testimony (all 2 minutes of it) was designed to show that the music producer is right-handed, which would seem to counter some of the prosecution's forensic evidence. Nicole was composed and smiled warmly at the jury. But... 1. In recounting Phil Spector's dad-ishness -- he'd pick her up from high school, join her at her mom's house for dinner, then watch... more ›

Looks like a visit to the Pyrenees may be ahead for the jurors in the Spector trial -- Phil Spector's Pyrenees Castle, that is. The defense wants all 12 jurors (and 6 alternates) to come and see the room where Lana Clarkson died. But getting them there is complicated -- the judge will also come along, and the court reporter, and sheriffs deputies, not to mention the lawyers for both sides. If all the details can be arranged. more ›

This week the prosecution rested its case against Phil Spector, who is accused of murdering Lana Clarkson on February 3, 2003 with a tidy shot to the head. more ›

In the middle of detailed testimony from yet another well-credentialed forensic scientist, a sandy haired attorney entered the back of the Phil Spector courtroom with his Nancy Sinatra-esque client this morning. He was here yesterday, and their appearance could only mean one thing: former madame Jody "Babydol" Gibson was present to petition the court. Judge Fidler quickly sent the jury out of the room. On Tuesday, the judge said that the self-proclaimed "supermadam" wouldn't... more ›

How many drinks does it take to get drunk? That depends, according to defense witness Dr. Robert Alan Middleburg, a toxicologist/criminalist with a list of credits that took 20 minutes to ennumerate Tuesday. Dr. Middleburg had come to the stand to talk about why a urine test is no good for testing how drunk someone might be. (If you want to know, we can explain. Piss tests begone!) The prosecution decided to throw him... more ›

Monday afternoon Punkin Pie's testimony dragged on as the prosecution demonstrated that her memory has more holes than a Stevie Nicks shawl. By the time she was able to recount exact conversations -- telling the court her best friend, Lana Clarkson, said in the weeks before her death: "I’m really sick of these people in this town. I hate this town. And I hate the people in it. And I don’t want to be... more ›

The facts: Phil Spector, motherf***ingawesome record producer and somewhat legendary kook, is on trial for the 2003 murder of Lana Clarkson, a struggling actress. One Feburary night, Spector ended up at the House of Blues' VIP Room -- oh, sorry, "Foundation Room" -- where Clarkson was working. He picked her up, she went home with him, and about an hour later ended up with a bullet in her head. The prosecution says Phil Spector... more ›

- LA Weekly wins seven awards from the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies awards. - Tomorrow is “Community Day” at all California Whole Foods — 5% of the day’s net sales statewide are gonna go toward California coastal Cleanup Day, which happens on Sept. 15, 2007. - Cook like a fireman with the Los Angeles Firefighters Family Cookbook. - Changes are coming to this year's Sunset Junction festival with a new "route." - Big Blue... more ›

- Jimmy Kimmel's Jake Byrd, the fake fan who howls "nooooo" at the end of the announcement that Paris is going to go back to jail fools the AP - TV Tattle - Barry Manilow, Superior Court spokesman, separated at birth? - LA Observed - Local tv news websites overwhelmed with Paris coverage - Franklin Ave. - Famed forensic scientist Henry Lee accused of talking to the Chinese press as the Phil Spector trial,... more ›