Category: Los Angeles

What does Fed rate cut say about the economy? What does the Fed’s interest rate cut say about the state of the economy? 04:00 U.S. inflation rose 2.6% on an annual basis last month, representing an uptick from September when the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates amid signs of cooling prices and a weaker labor market.  That matched forecasts from economists polled by FactSet that the Consumer Price Index rose 2.6% in October. The CPI rose 2.4% in September, when the Fed ushered in a jumbo rate cut of 0.5 percentage points, followed by a second rate cut this month. The slight rise on a month-over-month basis signals that the Fed’s battle to tame inflation to its goal of a 2% annual rate might take a bumpy path over the next months. Some types of goods and services, from housing to insurance products, are still experiencing sharply higher prices, crimping consumers’ budgets and creating economic headwinds.  “Looking ahead to the next six months, we foresee consumers and businesses still spending but doing so more prudently amid still-elevated costs and rates,” noted EY chief economist

What to know about 23andMe private data collected amid company’s financial issues – CBS News Watch CBS News The DNA testing company 23andMe is facing serious financial concerns and has announced major restructuring. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O’Grady explains what happens to the private consumer data the company has collected if it decides to sell that information. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Supporters of Measure G declared victory this week, eking out a win with roughly 51% support. While the Los Angeles County charter changes didn’t get as much attention as other high-profile measures on the ballot, make no mistake: This wonky governance reform package may be the most transformative decision county voters have made in decades. By 2026, the county will for the first time have an ethics commission to regulate conflicts of interest and lobbying and investigate misconduct by elected officials and county employees. This is long overdue for a government with a $45-billion budget and 100,000 employees. A recent investigation triggered by the federal corruption case against former Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas found significant problems in the county’s contracting process, prompting investigators to recommend a new ethics and compliance officer and other measures to prevent conflicts of interest. In addition, in 2028, voters will elect an executive to lead the county government. The position — in effect a county mayor — is also long overdue. For more than a century, L.A. County has been governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, which was fine when

A Glendale man owed an Orange County couple $80,000, so he shot the husband, kidnapped and killed the wife, set their bodies on fire and returned to their home to steal almost $250,000 worth of luxury goods, authorities allege. It is under these extreme and violent circumstances that Huangting Gong, 30, could face the death penalty, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Gong was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport by Brea police on Nov. 5 and faces a long list of charges, prosecutors say. They include two felony counts of murder, one felony count of kidnapping, two felony counts of arson of property, and two felony counts of first-degree burglary. His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 2. Huangting Gong, 30, was arrested in the deaths of a Brea couple. (Orange County District Attorney’s Office) The D.A.’s office will convene a committee to determine whether to pursue the death penalty. Otherwise, Gong faces a maximum sentence of life without parole. He is accused of killing Kuanlun Wang, 37, and his wife, Jing Li, 37, in two separate, vicious attacks. He allegedly met Wang

Updated on: November 13, 2024 / 6:31 AM EST / CBS/AP Discovering unknown family through DNA tests Discovering unknown family through DNA tests 09:42 In 1965, a Norwegian woman gave birth to a baby girl in a private hospital. Seven days later she returned home with a baby. When the baby developed dark curls that made her look different from herself, Karen Rafteseth Dokken assumed she just took after her husband’s mother. It took nearly six decades to discover the true reason: Rafteseth Dokken’s biological daughter had been mistakenly switched at birth in the maternity ward of the hospital in central Norway. The girl she ended up raising, Mona, was not the baby she gave birth to. The babies – one born on Feb. 14 and the other on Feb. 15, 1965 – are now 59-year-old women who together with Rafteseth Dokken are suing the state and the municipality. In their case, which opened in the Oslo District Court on Monday, they argue that their human rights were violated when authorities discovered the error when the girls were teenagers and covered it up. They claim

Could self-flagellating Democrats and their gleeful critics please calm down for one stinkin’ minute? Before remaking an entire party based on one election loss — albeit a devastating one — let’s look at some numbers. As the final votes are tallied, it appears that President-elect Donald Trump has received 75.1 million votes while Vice President Kamala Harris received 71.9 million. That is a victory margin of just about 2 percentage points. In 2020, when President Biden beat then-President Trump, he received nearly 81.3 million votes to Trump’s 74.2 million, a victory margin of 4.5 percentage points. Did Republicans call for introspection? Did they spill barrels of ink wondering where they went wrong? Did they slit their wrists in frustration and vow to start courting the college-educated “coastal elites” they’d spent years vilifying? Oh please. We all saw what happened next. Led by Trump, Republicans engaged in a systematic and illegal scheme attempting to overturn the results of the election. To this day, they cling to the fantasy that Trump won. I laugh when Trump tells his rally-goers that he received more votes in 2020 than

The election is over, and no more ballots can be cast. But campaigns in tight congressional races across California are scrambling to make sure their supporters’ votes are counted. Through the increasingly common process known as “ballot curing,” campaigns are contacting voters whose ballots were not counted because of a technicality and giving them a chance to correct their mistakes. That could mean asking them to correct their address or add their signature to an envelope they forgot to sign. The stakes are especially high in California’s battleground districts, where voters could determine which party will control the House of Representatives next year. Of the 12 congressional races nationwide where the Associated Press has not yet called a winner, six are in California. Republicans need only two wins to achieve a majority in Congress — and obtain the elusive trifecta of being in charge of the House, Senate and the presidency. In several tight races across California, both parties are rallying volunteers to help them reach voters and fix any problems with their ballots. They are fanning out across Orange and Riverside counties where Republicans

Oscar flashback: Jamie Foxx wins his first and so far only golden guy as Ray Charles Jamie Foxx went into the 2005 Oscar ceremony the heavy favorite to win the lead actor award for his performance as Ray Charles in “Ray.” Sure enough, presenter Charlize Theron called out his name. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Quite a lot has changed since February 2005: YouTube hadn’t yet launched, Hurricane Katrina wouldn’t hit until August, and Disneyland was about to celebrate its 50th anniversary. But things were happening on Feb. 27, 2005, at the 77th Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. It was the first Oscar ceremony where more than one Black performer was vying for the lead actor trophy. And one of them took home the golden statue: Jamie Foxx. You can call him ‘Ray’ Foxx went into the evening the heavy favorite to win for his performance as Ray Charles in “Ray.” Oscar voters love biopics, and Charles (who died several months before the film was released) was a beloved musical icon. Foxx also was nominated in the supporting actor category for his

“Gladiator II,” the enjoyably dumb sequel to the brawny Ridley Scott epic that won the best picture Oscar nearly a quarter-century ago, has just finished its premiere screening on the Paramount Pictures lot. Paul Mescal, the actor charged with donning a breastplate and replacing Russell Crowe, is mingling with the crowd, who, given the movie’s length and dinner-hour start time, are almost too busy scarfing down pizza and pasta to notice. I’m talking with a Paramount publicist who is giving me a history lesson on how the Romans filled the Colosseum with water in order to stage a naval battle. Scott orchestrates something like this in the movie, pitting the crews of two ships, one manned by Roman soldiers, the other by gladiators, against each other. Only, this being a Ridley Scott movie, he adds an extra element — sharks. “There’s no way they used sharks in real life,” I say. The publicist protests, and another studio rep joins the conversation. “Someone asked Ridley about that and he answered, ‘Sharks are cool. Did the Romans actually use them? Who the f— cares?’” Who the f—

WASHINGTON —  President-elect Donald Trump will meet with his former rival President Biden at the White House on Wednesday, a routine part of the transition process that became fraught in 2020 as Trump tried to overturn the election. Trump did not extend the same courtesy to Biden in 2020, hampering the transition, as he refused to concede that Biden won that election. Trump’s obstinacy continued for weeks, culminating with Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump urged on an angry mob that stormed the Capitol in an attempt to halt the election certification. Since Trump won the presidency last week, Biden and his team have made a point of highlighting their cooperation, which they see as a teachable moment in a public civics lesson. Vice President Kamala Harris, who took over as the nominee after Biden withdrew from the election in July, campaigned on the idea that Trump would be a threat to democracy. “This is part of the process, when we talk about a peaceful transfer of power,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday. “This is what you’re seeing, kind of the beginning of

The House races with no projected winner yet These are the House races that still don’t have a projected winner 03:33 Washington — House Republicans are moving forward with their leadership elections Wednesday, though majority control still hangs in the balance as a number of key races have yet to be determined.  Still, Republicans are operating as if they’ve secured control of the lower chamber for another two years. CBS News has characterized control of the House as lean Republican.  The election for the No. 4 leadership spot, House Republican Conference chair, is the only competitive race, after Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York was offered a role to serve in President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.  Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida. Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan and Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana announced Monday they are running for conference chair.  House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, both from Louisiana, said the day after the election that they would seek to return to their leadership roles in the next Congress, which begins in January.  In a

By Kaia Hubbard Updated on: November 13, 2024 / 6:02 AM EST / CBS News GOP to vote on Senate leader Wednesday Republicans to vote on Senate leader Wednesday, GOP appears poised to retain House majority 02:56 Washington — Senate Republicans are meeting Wednesday to elect a new leader to represent the conference after  Minority Leader Mitch McConnell — the longest serving leader in the Senate history — opted to step down from the post.  Meeting behind closed doors on Wednesday morning, the Republican senators are casting secret ballots to elect their new leadership, as three candidates vie for Senate Republican leader, with President-elect Donald Trump’s shadow looming over the race.  Whip John Thune of South Dakota, former Whip John Cornyn of Texas and Sen. Rick Scott of Florida are gunning for the top role, having worked behind the scenes for months to win support from their colleagues. But the leadership race took on new meaning following the 2024 elections, which saw Republicans take control of the Senate for the 119th Congress. With Trump’s return to the White House next year, and the possibility that Republicans

November 13, 2024 / 5:57 AM EST / CBS/AP 11/12: CBS Evening News 11/12: CBS Evening News 19:48 Fernando Valenzuela, the beloved Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ace who helped the team win the 1981 World Series, died of septic shock last month, according to his death certificate. TMZ Sports obtained the document on Tuesday. Valenzuela died on Oct. 22 at age 63 , a few weeks after stepping away from his job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast and days before the Dodgers began their run to the team’s eighth World Series championship. No cause of death was provided at the time. Fernando Valenzuela prepares to throw out the first pitch before the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles.  Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office listed septic shock as the immediate cause of death. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs when organs malfunction, leading to dangerously low blood pressure. Each year, at least 350,000 people in the U.S. die of the condition, according to the Centers

Updated on: November 13, 2024 / 5:35 AM EST / CBS/AP Third plane hit by gunfire in Haiti Third plane hit by gunfire in Haiti; FBI investigating 01:51 Port-au-Prince, Haiti — The Federal Aviation Administration prohibited U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after gangs shot three planes and the United Nations also Tuesday temporarily suspended flights to Port-au-Prince, limiting humanitarian aid coming into the country. Bullets hit a Spirit Airlines plane when it was about to land in the capital Monday, injuring a flight attendant and forcing the airport to shut down. Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane. On Tuesday, JetBlue and American Airlines announced that post-flight inspections found their planes also had been shot Monday while departing Port-au-Prince. American suspended flights to the capital until Feb. 12. The shootings were part of a wave of violence that erupted as the country plagued by gang violence swore in its new prime minister after a politically tumultuous process. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the agency documented 20 armed clashes and more roadblocks affecting

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Five women from different parts of California gathered to speak out against the planned mass deportations proposed by President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday near the border. The small demonstration was staged on the beach less than 100 yards from the barrier that separates the U.S. from Mexico. “It is really important that we stand in solidarity with those who put food on our table, keep our homes, keep our buildings clean,” said Flor Martinez, one of the demonstrators. Deported veterans worry Trump will ‘stonewall’ bill meant to bring them home Martinez told Border Report she was brought to this country by her undocumented parents and understands the pain of family separation. “I was brought here when I was 3 years old, my mother is on the other side of that border,” she said. “If we have to stand arm to arm in front of ICE buses, as they try to take our community members away, we will, no more family separation.” Flor Martinez is from San Jose, California. (Salvador Rivera/Border Report) Martinez insisted that those facing deportation are actually a

CAMINO AL LATIN GRAMMY —  Hace unas semanas cuando le preguntamos en el Museo del Grammy de Los Àngeles a Manuel Abud, CEO de la Academia Latina de la Grabación, el por qué habían decidio que el cantante colombiano Carlos Vives sea la Persona del Año de la edición 25 de los Latin Grammy, su respuesta fue inmediata. “¡Carlos Vives es un tipazo! para ponerlo en términos técnicos”, nos respondió sin pensarlo dos veces y en tomo de emoción que adornó con una sonrisa. Está claro que eso no es suficiente para ser elegido a tan importante designación de la Academia Latina de la Grabación. Pero más que ser un “tipazo”, Vives es un ser humano respetuoso, amable el que ha tenido la fortuna de convivir o de escuchar sus palabras en vivo y en directo, sabe de lo que le estamos hablando. La energía que Vives irradia va más allá de los escenarios, de los éxitos musicales, de sus obras benéficas y su labor social, de la cordial relación con sus colegas, sus amigos, sus fans, su familia, su esposa y el que se le

Republican Scott Baugh Tuesday evening conceded to Sen. Dave Min in Orange County’s 47th Congressional District after the Irvine Democrat’s lead increased to 5,732 votes. “It has become clear that despite running a strong campaign, connecting with voters, and mobilizing an incredible volunteer effort — that effort is going to come up a little short,” the former assemblyman said in a statement after Min’s lead increased to 50.9%-49.1%, 164,372-158,460 “I am grateful to an outstanding campaign team and the most dedicated supporters any candidate could ask for. I’m appreciative of the voters that supported me and even those that did not, and most of all I am grateful for my wife, Wendy and my son, Jackson.” After Decision Desk HQ called the race in favor of Min at 6:46 p.m., 83 minutes before Baugh conceded, Min wrote on social media at 7:44 p.m., “I know many of us are anxious about the future of our country, but we cannot give up on America. In Congress, I will fight to protect our democracy, safeguard our freedoms and expand economic opportunity.” Decision Desk HQ bill itself as

A 41-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder was reported missing after last being seen Tuesday in an unincorporated area near Perris. Jessica Lopez was last seen at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday walking near Cedar and Markham streets, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Lopez is Latina, 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs 130 pounds, has brown eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a long-sleeved shirt, red plaid pajama pants and black Adidas tennis shoes. Anyone who has seen Lopez or knows of her whereabouts was asked to call sheriff’s dispatch at 800-955-2444.

A burglary attempt at a Long Beach restaurant last week marks the fifth time the Mexican food grill has been hit since opening three years ago.   The Nov. 6 incident unfolded in the early morning hours, with the establishment’s surveillance cameras capturing two hooded suspects exiting an Infinity and attempting to smash their way through the restaurant’s front glass with what appeared to be a crowbar.   “Then they start knocking on the glass,” Cynthia Zaragoza explained to KTLA’s Carlos Saucedo. “They’re unable to break it.”   Because La Esquinta Mexican Grill on Willow Street has been broken into many other times, the owner invested in shatterproof glass. Even with these types of protections, it hasn’t stopped criminals from targeting the restaurant.   Family desperate to find ‘Gossip Girl’ actress who vanished in Southern California “It’s a huge setback,” Zaragoza said. “I mean, it’s not like we’re making thousands in profits with everything, the cost of living being so high. It’s hard to come back from this.”   Owner Erik Vasquez told KTLA in Spanish that despite the setbacks, he is still pulling through

At Templetons Jack Creek Farms, theres less than one day between the end of pumpkin season and the beginning of Christmas tree sales. This year, the farms co-owners, Becky Sumpter and Mandy Evenson, predict they may sell out more quickly than usual. We might sell out our first day this year, Evenson said. Few farmers on the Central Coast still attempt Christmas tree farming as limited varieties can tolerate the climate. The vast majority of the Christmas trees that are purchased on the Central Coast are grown up in Oregon and Washington because they have the cooler weather. They have a climate that trees are better suited toward, Sumpter said. Jack Creek Farms offers two varieties: Monterey Cyprus and Monterey Pine. This year, 40 trees are within the 5-7 foot range, while the others are smaller. I only have a small, dedicated patch on my farm. Each year that I harvest a tree, I’ll replant a tree right back, Sumpter said. Another reason there are fewer trees this year is due to harsh weather over previous years. We’ve just had the last several years of

A local man who was found guilty of multiple sex crimes was back in a San Luis Obispo courtroom on Tuesday. Nathan Abate, who was convicted last month of rape by force or fear, rape by intoxication and oral copulation of a minor, was originally scheduled to be sentenced. Instead, the judge heard impact statements from both sides. There wasn’t an empty seat in the courtroom as both victims and Abate’s friends and family waited to address the judge. The prosecution invited up multiple women who said they were victims of Abate. All asked for the maximum sentence. “He will serve his time and go free, but we will not. We are serving the sentence he gave us,” said one woman identified as “Amanda.” Many of the women became emotional while recounting what happened to them, saying that as a result of Abate’s actions, they are still unable to trust people and now assume any man in their lives is capable of doing what he did. Many mentioned still being in therapy trying to process what happened and how it has impacted their lives. Following