Man’s “˜great’ pumpkin wins weigh-off HALF MOON BAY ““ The owner of the gargantuan pumpkin that won first place and $5,900 at the local weigh-off championship Monday is an Oregon commercial pilot who said his hobby has provided him with many rewards. Read more...

According to recent sales figures, rising textbook prices are forcing more students to turn to used materials. The UCLA bookstore’s typically long line has also largely disappeared this quarter, as many students opt to order their books online. Read more...

A gas leak shut down the intersection of Gayley Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard for about two hours Monday morning. Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Randy Judd said the leak, which was reported at about 10:15 a.m., forced the evacuation of nearby buildings including Hollywood Video, L.A. Read more...

The undergraduate student government will discuss amending its bylaws to allow funding for all student groups at its general meeting tonight ““ a discussion most council- members believe will not last long. Read more...

Close to 19 percent of California residents live without health insurance, and State Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Los Angeles, will lead a discussion today at UCLA on the availability of health insurance for all Californians. Read more...

Workers with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority went on strike midnight Monday, shutting down Los Angeles County’s largest bus system and potentially leaving thousands of commuters ““ including UCLA students and workers ““ stranded. Read more...

It was another day on the streets for dozens of employees of the Westwood Ralphs. At times Monday afternoon, there were more temporary employees than customers in Ralphs, as dozens of picketers outside the student-frequented grocery store urged community members to take their business elsewhere. Read more...