California News Roundup: New Online Game, Lawsuit Against Ford, and Abduction Attempt Foiled

Strategic Insights -

A diverse range of news emerged from California on Tuesday, with the introduction of a new online game by the California Lottery, a lawsuit filed by State Farm against Ford Motor Co., and the foiling of an abduction attempt.

Key Takeaways:

  • The California Lottery introduced a new online game, Daily Derby, which allows players to select three horses and win prizes by matching their finishes and times.
  • State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. sued Ford Motor Co., alleging that the automaker and a supplier hid ignition switch problems that caused vehicles to catch fire, resulting in millions of dollars in insurance claims.
  • A social worker, Lucie Whitcomb, was abducted while escorting a 14-year-old girl, but managed to escape and track down her abductor, Troy Lee Mendenhall, who allegedly staged the kidnapping at the 14-year-old's request.
  • Orange County District Attorney Michael Capizzi announced his candidacy for California attorney general, becoming the second Republican to enter the race.

Statistics:

  • The new online game, Daily Derby, is available on regular lottery terminals.
  • State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. paid out millions of dollars in insurance claims resulting from ignition switch problems.
  • The abduction attempt occurred on Saturday, with Whitcomb being forced to drive to an oil refinery and eventually escaping.
  • Mendenhall was arrested after allegedly confessing to the crime and telling police that he was asked by the 14-year-old to stage the kidnapping.
  • Two Republicans have announced their candidacy for California attorney general: Michael Capizzi and David Stirling.

Sources:

  • Bee news services
  • State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.
  • California Lottery
  • Los Angeles Police Department
  • Orange County District Attorney's Office