Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Burbank, CA

Sentinel Colorado · North Hollywood, CA

Nearby: North Hollywood, CA

Driver in deadly Los Angeles metro station crash is arrested on DUI and murder counts

LOS ANGELES | The driver of a minivan that crashed outside a Los Angeles metro station, killing three women and critically injuring two more, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and three counts of murder, police said Wednesday. Authorities said the driver was able to talk but appeared to be in shock after Tuesday’s crash, which hit pedestrians and food vendors at a busy intersection in the North Hollywood neighborhood during the height of the evening commute. Police identified the driver as Ihor Demianenko, 61, who lives in the Valley Village neighborhood. Demianenko was booked early Wednesday and his bail was set at a little over $6 million, records show. He was treated for minor injuries at a hospital, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear if Demianenko had a lawyer who might speak on his behalf. In California, drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be charged with murder under certain circumstances.

Salisbury Post · Hollywood, CA

Nearby: Hollywood, CA

Top toe-tappers

A small-town dance studio with big-time talent is putting China Grove on the national stage. Center Stage Dance Company recently earned one of the dance community’s highest honors when its performance of “Love Turned Blue” was named the Best Lyrical/Modern/Contemporary Number of the 2026 competition season at the Industry Dance Awards, held Oct. 21 at The Avalon in Hollywood, California. The Industry Dance Awards recognize the most outstanding performances from top-tier dance competitions across the country. For Center Stage, bringing home this prestigious honor is more than a trophy. It represents the dedication of its dancers and families, the vision of its choreographers, and the commitment to excellence that drives the studio every day. Accepting the award on behalf of Center Stage were Choreographer Liza Eller and Artistic Director Sydney Overcash, who proudly represented not only their talented dancers but also their hometown of China Grove.

Fortress of Solitude · Hollywood, CA

Nearby: Hollywood, CA

Fairuza Balk Bought an Occult Shop While Filming The Craft — Then the Witch Rumors Started, and She Walked Away From the Press That Branded Her a “Crazy Bad Girl”

Fairuza Balk was never one to shy away from an edgy role. She played Dorothy in the gothic Return to Oz (1985) and a neo-Nazi’s girlfriend in American History X (1998) — but none of her characters stuck quite like Nancy Downs, the vengeful witch from The Craft who delivers the unforgettable line: “We are the weirdos, mister.” With the cult classic having turned 30 in May, we’re looking at Balk’s career, the occult shop that kicked off the witch rumors, why she stepped back from Hollywood, and what this powerhouse of a woman is doing today. Fairuza Balk’s Early Life: From a Bohemian Childhood to Return to Oz Image Credit: Oz Productions Ltd., Silver Screen Partners II, Oz Productions, Walt Disney Pictures Fairuza Balk was born on May 21, 1974 in Point Reyes, California. Her mother was a belly dancer, and her father — a traveling musician — was a founding member of the psychedelic rock band Kaleidoscope.

Fortress of Solitude · Hollywood, CA

Nearby: Hollywood, CA

Winnie Cooper Stepped Away From Hollywood, Co-Proved a Math Theorem That Carries Her Name — Now Danica McKellar Has Two New Christmas Movies This Month

Many child stars struggle to move past the role that made them famous. Others get swept up in Hollywood’s party scene. Danica McKellar fits neither of these stereotypes. While she is probably still best remembered for her role as Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years (87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes) , she went on to become a published math whiz and a Christmas movie staple — with major success in both fields. Let’s revisit how the 51-year-old actress landed her breakout role, what she did after that, and how she’s spending the festive season in 2026, including the two new Christmas movies she has premiering this month! How Danica McKellar Beat Her Sister Crystal to the Role of Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years Image Credit: The Black/Marlens Company, New World Television Born on January 3, 1975, Danica McKellar grew up in California alongside her younger sister, Crystal.

Variety · West Hollywood, CA

Nearby: West Hollywood, CA

JB Smoove Talks Creativity and Fighting AI Fears, Evan Shapiro Breaks Down the Digital Entertainment Economy at Variety’s Business Managers Breakfast

JB Smoove brought his signature creative swagger and Evan Shapiro broke down the digital entertainment economy during lively conversations held as part of Variety‘s annual Business Managers Breakfast presented by City National Bank. The event, held Thursday in West Hollywood, hosted Variety’s 2026 Business Managers Elite honorees and recognized Citrin Cooperman’s Arnie Herrmann as Business […]