Energy giant BP has agreed to pay California $102 million as part of a settlement of allegations that it overcharged the state in sales of natural gas, Atty. The $102 million will be divided among the state and local government agencies, the whistleblower and the Justice Department. BP denied any wrongdoing but said it moved to settle the case in part to avoid protracted, costly litigation. The death toll from massive debris flows that buried homes and cars under a torrent of mud and boulders rose to 17 in Montecito. The death toll from massive debris flows that buried homes and cars under a torrent of mud and boulders rose to 17 in Montecito.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 11, 2018 19:50 UTC