Category: Los Angeles

Anyone looking for clarity regarding this year’s particularly diffuse and opaque awards season will likely not find it in the nominations for the 40th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, announced Wednesday morning. Rather, the nominating committees chose to recognize a broad array of films, from splashy awards-season favorites to little-known titles from the festival circuit. The nominees, with budgets ranging from $112,000 to $28 million, come from 17 different countries. Sean Baker’s “Anora,” a melancholy comedy of self-discovery about a stripper in Brighton Beach, earned six nominations, including feature, director and lead performance. Jane Schoenbrun’s “I Saw The TV Glow,” a trippy tale of identity and fandom as two outcasts bond over their love of a television show, also took in six nominations, including feature, director, lead performance and screenplay. Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn in the movie “Anora.” (Neon) Sean Wang’s coming-of-age story “Didi” earned four nominations. “Sing Sing,” “Janet Planet” and “The Apprentice” each brought in three noms, while “Big Boys,” “La Cocina,” “A Different Man,” “The Fire Inside,” “Ghostlight,” “In the Summers,” “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell.” “Jazzy,” “My Old Ass,” “Nightbitch,”

It seems that Barry Keoghan is no longer in Sabrina Carpenter’s good graces. The “Saltburn” star and the “Espresso” singer have split after a year of dating, according to several reports. Representatives for Carpenter, 25, and Keoghan, 32, did not immediately respond Wednesday to The Times’ requests for confirmation. “They are both young and career-focused, so they’ve decided to take a break,” an “insider” told People , which was first to report the split on Tuesday. Entertainment Tonight, citing its own source, said the actor and the singer “have been on and off for a while, and right now they are not together.” Carpenter is currently focused on navigating her skyrocketing fame, the outlet reported, adding, “There’s a chance they will get back together.” Still, Us Weekly reported on the break-up with more finality, noting that the pair “had a little bit of a break a few months ago” and, with this more recent split, their friends don’t believe they’re getting back together. The break-up reports come exactly a year after Carpenter and Keoghan were seen having dinner together in 2023. The pair first crossed

SACRAMENTO —  California lawmakers are rushing to introduce legislation that reaffirms the state’s role as a reproductive rights “haven” as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House and abortion-rights advocates warn of an uncertain future. Abortion remains legal in California, home to the strongest reproductive rights in the nation — unlike in some states, there is no required waiting period or counseling before the procedure, and minors can get abortions without parental involvement. In 2022, voters solidified abortion access in the state constitution after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right, limiting healthcare for millions of women. But as Trump prepares to take the White House again, California’s Democratic leaders are adamant that not enough has been done to secure reproductive access in case of further federal rollbacks. “The truth is, this is an urgent and dangerous situation,” California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said at a news conference in Sacramento on Monday, pointing to renewed legal challenges to the distribution of abortion pills. “The right-wing extremists continue to wage attack after attack on our bodily autonomy at the expense of the health

Here comes “Black Doves,” premiering Thursday on Netflix. How is this thriller different from other thrillers? It does what most do, in terms of action and suspense and complicated plotting, and does them very well, but what’s more interesting is that it’s also what might be called a “thriller of the heart.” To begin with, it’s the one with Ben Whishaw — he’s played Hamlet and Richard II (and also Marilyn Monroe) — and Keira Knightley, whom you’ve loved since “Bend It Like Beckham,” and Sarah Lancashire (“Julia,” “Happy Valley”), who, like Knightley, is an OBE, or officer of the Order of the British Empire. I’m sure Whishaw will get to be one eventually if he wants it. And it’s a Christmas story, not a “Die Hard”-type “at Christmas” story, but a legitimate, if twisted Yuletide tale, with arcs, in their unusual way, fitting for the season. Sentimental without irony, it manages to balance relatable relationships with hot- and cold-blooded murder. (It’s something of a feat.) There are Christmas trees, too, and Christmas presents, and Christmas music, and children in a nativity play, and a

Why would anyone want to be a critic? As I’ve admitted before, it wasn’t in my case an aspiration but a series of accidents that only in retrospect seem inevitable. When I was growing up, the most visible critics were those who appeared on television, like Rex Reed, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, and local broadcasters like Stewart Klein from New York’s Channel 5. John Simon fit the acerbic bill so well that he even appeared on an episode of “The Odd Couple,” along with the more gentlemanly example of Los Angeles Times theater critic Daniel Sullivan. Statler and Waldorf from “The Muppet Show” made a long-running joke of dyspeptic critics. Never once in my teenage years did I point to the TV and say, “Mom and Dad, that is what I want to be when I grow up.” They already thought I was odd enough. Why compound their image with an outlandish ambition? Theater critic isn’t a category of profession, like doctor, teacher, firefighter or astronaut, that young people imagine. Today, as newspapers and magazines are slipping into extinction, I wonder if anyone under

Wendy’s is giving away the gift of free Frosty treats this holiday season. On Wednesday, the chain announced that its Frosty Key Tags will be available for purchase in its restaurants and app from Dec. 9 until Feb. 15, 2025. For $3, customers can get unlimited free Jr. Frosty treats with purchase from Dec. 9, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2025. Panda Express customers can get free merch when they purchase a meal: Here’s what you need to know Proceeds from each Frosty key tag will directly benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a nonprofit organization that works to find permanent homes for children in foster care in the United States and Canada. Customers interested in placing a bulk order for key tags can do so on the foundation’s website. The foundation has helped find forever families for more than 14,800 children. The Frosty keychains were first sold nationwide in 2014, raising millions of dollars for the foundation to date.

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday will vote to cement protections for undocumented immigrants by officially making L.A. a sanctuary city. The vote reaffirms the council’s unanimous decision last month. After President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in November, officials in California and other Democrat-led states are preparing for him and his administration to follow through on promises to crack down on undocumented migrants. Trump has even claimed he will use the military to enact mass deportations. Officials voting on ordinance to formally make Los Angeles a ‘sanctuary city’  In Los Angeles, however, those deportation squads won’t receive any local help. “We will not be participating in any roundups of anybody with [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] or any other agency,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Once the bill is signed by Mayor Karen Bass, it will go into effect in 10 days, almost assuredly before Trump takes office in January. “I think it’s important to send a message to Angelenos, all Angelenos, and we are a city of immigrants,” Bass said.

WASHINGTON —  The Supreme Court’s conservatives said Wednesday they are inclined to uphold state laws in half the nation that prohibit the use of hormone treatments for transgender teens. Led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., they said there is an evolving medical debate over the use of puberty blockers and sex hormones for adolescents who suffer from gender dysphoria. “My understanding is the Constitution leaves this to the people’s representatives rather than the nine of us,” Roberts said, adding that none of them are doctors. Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh agreed. “There is obviously an evolving debate” about the risks and benefits of these medical treatments, he said. “England is pulling back. That’s a yellow light.” He said there were risks and benefits to the use of these hormones, but said the court should not decide which side is correct. “It just seems to me the Constitution doesn’t take sides on how to resolve this,” he said. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Amy Coney Barrett appeared to agree. Justice Neil M. Gorsuch did not voice a view. But the court’s three liberals

BEIRUT —  Middle East observers would be forgiven for thinking they were in a time machine when Syria’s rebels blitzed last week through the country’s northwestern regions, capturing Aleppo in a stunning advance that has reignited the country’s long-dormant civil war. Over the past seven days, the rebels — long considered a fractured, hopelessly compromised force — have routed Syrian army troops from their bases and positions, making gains in Idlib, Aleppo and Hama provinces. The offensive represents the most serious threat since 2019 to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his backers in Iran and Russia. After an initial retreat, loyalist forces are regrouping, with reports of Syrian army units and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias mobilizing toward Hama to stay the opposition’s advance. Meanwhile, Russian warplanes have launched airstrikes on overrun neighborhoods of Aleppo and pounded rebel-held areas to the north. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a watchdog group with a network of activists in the country, says more than 600 people have been killed in the recent fighting, including more than 100 civilians. The clashes have brought back to attention a civil war that has

A British band kicking off its West Coast tour in San Francisco this week hit a bump in the road when a gunman robbed the members’ tour van at a Vallejo gas station. But as consummate professionals, the group said itwill continue its tour. “Just been robbed at gun point 10 minutes into the US tour,” the band, Sports Team, wrote in an Instagram post. “Man runs in saying some guys are smashing into a van. Ran out to try to stop it and find masked guys ransacking the van.” The post-bunk band is set to release a new album in February and has tour stops in San Diego, Los Angeles and Portland later this month. The band played the first show of its tour in San Francisco on Monday and made the drive to its next gig in Sacramento. But the members stopped first at a Vallejo gas station Starbucks on Tuesday, where the tour gods were not smiling down on them. One of the masked men pulled out a gun when the band members tried to stop the robbery, according to the band’s

December 4, 2024 / 1:10 PM EST / AFP SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew completes spacewalk SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew completes historic civilian spacewalk, here’s what to know 02:54 President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced he intends to nominate Jared Isaacman, the online payments billionaire and the first private astronaut to ever perform a spacewalk, as the next NASA administrator. The nod could spark questions about potential conflicts of interest, given Isaacman’s extensive financial ties to Elon Musk, who is set to co-chair a government efficiency commission and is one of Trump’s closest advisers. Isaacman, 41, the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, has emerged as a leading figure in commercial spaceflight through his high-profile collaborations with Musk’s SpaceX. His achievements include stepping out of a Crew Dragon to gaze at Earth from the void of space, while clutching the spacecraft’s exterior, back in September. “I am delighted to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot and astronaut, as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Jared will drive NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way

Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor drunk-driving charges stemming from his arrest in July, when a California Highway Patrol officer found the former USC standout asleep behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce that was blocking traffic near Los Angeles International Airport. Addison entered not-guilty pleas Tuesday on the charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with 0.08% blood-alcohol level, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court records. A pretrial conference hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 9. If he’s found guilty, Addison could face up to six months in jail, $1,000 in fines and have his license suspended up to 10 months. According to the NFL’s policy and program on substances of abuse, discipline for first-time violators of law involving alcohol could face a three-game suspension without pay, with some “aggravating circumstances” allowing for a harsher penalty. “Any disciplinary actions that come my way I’m going to stand tall, face it, get through it and shake back,” Addison said at the start of training camp in late July. “Whatever’s out there for me, I’m going to

SEOUL —  The morning after South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law — then stood down — his political future was swiftly unraveling. Opposition lawmakers have filed insurrection charges against Yoon and are also moving to impeach him. Some in his own conservative People Power Party have called for his expulsion from the party. People shout slogans and hold a sign reading “Stop” during a rally Wednesday against President Yoon Suk-yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press) The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, a key force in the mass protests that ousted corrupt conservative President Park Geun-hye in 2017, has called on its 1.1 million members to strike until Yoon resigns. “Considering what happened yesterday, I don’t think he’s going to voluntarily step down,” said Ha Sang-eung, a political scientist at Sogang University in Seoul. “But it’s also going to be very difficult for him to dig in his heels and wait it out.” Here’s what may come next for the South Korean president. Impeachment On Wednesday afternoon — less than 17 hours after Yoon’s short-lived declaration of martial law

A lawsuit brought against The Willows school by two sets of parents and the nonprofit group Protection for the Educational Rights of Kids that deals with the school’s former coronavirus vaccine mandate will be decided by an arbitrator rather than a jury. Plaintiffs Paul and Dee Barshon, as well as Yotam Shochat and Shira Aflalo, along with PERK, allege the private Culver City school breached a contract by forcing their children to be taught an inferior education by taking lessons remotely because the students were not vaccinated against the coronavirus. During a Tuesday hearing, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kerry Bensinger granted a school motion to compel arbitration, having received no opposition from the parents. None of the children still attend the school . In the suit filed Jan. 12, the plaintiffs maintain that the school’s vaccination rule exceeded its authority because it is up to the state Department of Public Health to make such regulations for students. The parents and PERK also contend that The Willows improperly disallowed religious or other exemptions to taking the shot. The plaintiffs also argue that the enrollment contract

“The Substance” is up for Film Independent Spirit Awards for Best Feature and Best Lead Performance in nominations that were announced Wednesday. Producers Tim Bevan, Coralie Fargeat and Eric Fellner are nominated for Best Feature for “The Substance.” Demi Moore is nominated for Best Lead Performance for her role in “The Substance.” “Anora” and “I Saw the TV Glow” led all nominations with six each. In the television categories, “Shogun” received the most nominations with five, followed by “Baby Reindeer” and “English Teacher” with four apiece. Other nominees for Best Lead Performance include Amy Adams in “Nightbitch,” Mike Madison in “Anora” and Colman Domingo for “Sing Sing.” “Anora” and “Sing Sing” are also nominated for Best Feature. “This year’s inspiring group of Spirit Award nominated artists show the essential nature of independent art being produced today,” said Brenda Robinson, Chair of the Board of Directors for Film Independent. “Through their dedication, bravery and unique voices they have created indelible works that will be celebrated for years to come, and we’re honored to be supporting them on that journey.” The Film Independent Spirit Awards takes place

CBS News Live CBS News New York Live NEW YORK – UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a shooting Wednesday morning outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the NYPD says. Police said the 50-year-old was shot once in the back and once in the leg in what appears to be a targeted attack. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West, but did not survive his injuries. “I want to be clear, at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,”  NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference later Wednesday morning. A spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare told CBS News the shooting took place during the company’s investors conference. It was scheduled to be livestreamed from a hotel ballroom starting at 8 a.m. but has now been canceled.   “It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes and, as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind,” Tisch said. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target.” UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a shooting

Dec 4: CBS News 24/7, 10am ET – CBS News Watch CBS News United Healthcare CEO shot and killed outside New York apartment; North Carolina residents battle freezing conditions. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Inside France’s impending no-confidence vote – CBS News Watch CBS News A no-confidence vote will be held in France Wednesday in a bid to remove French Prime Minister Michel Barnier after Barnier tried to force through a budget bill without a vote. CBS News reporter Elaine Cobbe has more. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

The principal of a San Bernardino school for students in juvenile detention has been honored with an esteemed award for her services.  Monica Hatcher, the principal of the Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center and A.R.I.S.E. Secure Youth Treatment Facility, was presented with the Tim Fitzharris Award, which honors a non-probation professional who has made an extraordinary contribution to corrections, recognizing their impact on individuals, communities and systems of care. Hatcher, whose career in the justice system spans over two decades, showed “dedication to improving the lives of at-risk youth” through transformative programs, according to Chief Probation Officers of California.  “Monica’s leadership and dedication to providing quality education, her constant efforts to enhance technology access and implement innovative learning experiences have left an enduring mark on youth and their families,” said San Bernardino County Chief Probation Officer Tracy Reece. “She is a true gift for San Bernardino County and especially to the youth in our justice system who are working to get their lives turned around.”  Shoplifter inspires new clothing line from Southern California boutique Among the programs Hatcher has instituted include Positive Behavior Intervention

Firefighters responding to a house fire in Norwalk helped rescue multiple cats Tuesday night. The fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. at a home on the 13300 block of Newmire Avenue. Arriving Los Angeles County firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the residence but still managed to rescue the cats and provide oxygen treatment to the animals on-site, freelance media firm KNN reported. Several cats were rescued from a house fire in Norwalk Tuesday night. (KNN) It was unclear exactly how many cats were rescued from the home but video showed firefighters returning to their truck for more oxygen tanks. It was unclear if any residents were injured in the fire. A neighbor told KNN that the property had caught fire in the past but the Fire Department has not confirmed that information.

NYPD update on UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting NYPD gives update on search for gunman in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO 14:37 Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot to death Wednesday outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, where the company was hosting an investor day.  Thompson, 50, was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealth Group’s insurance arm, in April 2021. He first joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and had previously served as CEO of the company’s government programs, including Medicare and retiree coverage, and community and state programs providing Medicaid and other types of coverage to millions of individuals.  In his most recent role as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, he was responsible for leading growth across the company’s global, employer, individual, specialty and government benefits businesses, according to a 2021 company statement announcing his appointment.  Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot to death Wednesday outside the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan, where the company was hosting an investor day. UnitedHealth Group “Brian’s experience, relationships and values make him especially well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments