Opinion: Elon Musk bought himself a starring role in Trump’s second term. What could go wrong?

“A star is born — Elon!” Donald Trump shouted early Wednesday morning, giving thanks to Elon Musk for helping him win the presidential election. When you’re a star , they let you do it, as Trump once said, speaking of mauling women. Now Trump and Musk, self-styled stars, are a match made in some kind of Book-of-Revelation living nightmare. With Trump’s victory, the duo seem to have put themselves safely out of the reach of the law. Over the last months, as Musk, the richest man in the world, has poured millions into Trump’s campaign by way of his America PAC, Trump has promised to bring Musk into government. In September, Trump said he would create a “government efficiency commission” for Musk to lead. This task force would carry out a complete audit of the finances and performance of the entire federal government, with a view to smashing it to smithereens — that is, “making it more efficient.” “I’d put [Musk] in the Cabinet, absolutely, but I don’t know how he could do that with all the things he’s got going,” Trump also said. “But

Calmes: Coming soon to Washington — America’s dark ages

God help us. I can’t do better than those words, uttered last year by Donald Trump’s longest-serving White House chief of staff, retired Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, when he dolefully contemplated Trump returning to power. This is not going to be a standard day-after reflection on how the election is over, the voters have spoken and now we can look forward to the next president’s leadership of our nation and hope for the best. That’s what I felt eight years ago, after Trump had upset another Democrat who would have been the first female president. Opinion Columnist Jackie Calmes Jackie Calmes brings a critical eye to the national political scene. She has decades of experience covering the White House and Congress. In 2016, having covered presidents of both parties as they came and went, I naively believed that even the narcissist Trump would be humbled by the august power and responsibility of being the leader of the free world. That he would grow in the job. He wasn’t, and he didn’t. We know that now — after his tens of thousands of lies in

What went wrong for Harris: Trying to ‘turn the page’ while still in office

WASHINGTON —  In the end, Vice President Kamala Harris could not overcome a central contradiction: She was the “turn the page” candidate who served with Joe Biden, the oldest and one of the least popular presidents in history. “I don’t think there necessarily was path here for her. If you’re the vice president of an administration people want to fire, you’re way behind the 8-ball to start,” said David Axelrod, former President Obama’s lead strategist. Voters in the world’s western democracies were bruised and angry after a life-changing pandemic, several years of price surges and a migration crisis. Many threw incumbent parties out, in some cases handing added power to previously fringe movements. Americans were no different. Three in four voters prioritized the candidate Tuesday “who could bring needed change,” according to exit polling. (Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images) “The previous four years, my eyes didn’t lie to me,” said CT Tilghman, a 50-year-old arborist from Reading, Pa. “We’re seriously off track with where we’re going and what we’re doing.” President-elect Trump, though he had been in office before and committed a host of previously

Viral video from Anaheim street takeover leads police to suspected hit-and-run driver

Viral footage of a street takeover in Orange County helped authorities identify the driver of a hit-and-run that sent two people to the hospital, Anaheim police said. A livestreamer captured the entire incident on Kick.com on Friday around 2 a.m. as a black Dodge Charger spun doughnuts around a crowd of spectators, drifting dangerously close as a passenger in a white hoodie leaned halfway out of the car posing for pictures. “This s— is fire bro,” the streamer says in the background. But excitement quickly turns to horror as the driver suddenly turns into the crowd, running over people. The crowd swarms the car, people begin jumping on the front windshield, the video shows. “There’s still a guy under it,” the streamer shouts. Minutes later, sirens can be heard as police arrive on scene at the intersection of State College Boulevard and Orangewood Avenue. Police said that the driver fled the scene before they arrived, but using social media footage and other tips, they identified the suspected driver as Hassan Hamid Ali. The 20-year-old Torrance man was arrested Sunday night and was booked on suspicion

Opinion: Foreign interference is now the norm, and it could fuel more violence under Trump

While there have been no credible claims of fraud contributing to Donald Trump’s victory on Tuesday, and the vote does not appear to have even been close, the election was marred by foreign interference, a commonplace occurrence in every U.S. election since 2016. There was a steady stream of disinformation and multiple attempts by Russia to meddle in the electoral process this year. In the lead-up to the election, the Federal Bureau of Investigation singled out Russia as the “most active” foreign threat, noting that Moscow was conducting influence operations with the goal of undermining confidence among Americans in the integrity of our elections. On election day, bomb threats were conveyed to polling sites in battleground states Georgia, Michigan, Arizona and Wisconsin, with the FBI stating that the hoax threats emanated from Russian email domains. Two polling sites in Georgia had to be temporarily evacuated, and it remains unclear whether this deterred any voters. In early September, an indictment against two RT (formerly Russia Today, a Kremlin propaganda outlet) employees detailed a scheme to funnel $10 million to finance prominent right-wing commentators in the United

Quincy Jones | 60 Minutes Archive

Quincy Jones | 60 Minutes Archive – CBS News Watch CBS News In 1986, music legend Quincy Jones spoke to Ed Bradley for a 60 Minutes profile. Jones, who collaborated with multiple artists over the years, died this week at the age of 91. In this excerpt, Bradley asks him about getting “the best out of people that you produce.” Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Will there be any legal challenges before 2024 election certification process?

Will there be any legal challenges before 2024 election certification process? – CBS News Watch CBS News The 2024 presidential election results will be certified in January and some questions remain about potential legal challenges. Hofstra University law professor James Sample and former Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar join CBS News with more. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Stocks surge after Trump wins 2024 presidential election

Stocks surge after Trump wins 2024 presidential election – CBS News Watch CBS News The stock market reacted favorably to news of former President Donald Trump winning the 2024 presidential election. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O’Grady breaks down how the U.S. economy is at the core of the election results. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Mountain fire: Evacuations, road closures, shelters in Ventura County

High winds have meant planes are unable to help fight the Mountain fire in Ventura County. (KTLA) The Mountain fire in Ventura County has grown to 1,500 acres and injured several people who were hospitalized, according to the county’s fire department. The high winds mean retardant-dropping airplanes are unable to aid in the firefighting effort. Here is what you need to know: Road Closures Northbound Lewis Road at Las Posas Eastbound Highway 118 at Wells Road Westbound Highway 118 at Tierra Rejada Road Evacuation Orders North Lewis Rd to Los Posas Country Club to North of Loop Drive (Camarillo Heights Area) Unincorporated Somis West to Saticoy Country Club East to Balcom Canyon Road South to Highway 118 Temporary Evacuation Point Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo Large Animal Evacuation Center Ventura County Fairgrounds. 10 E. Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA 93001 Small Animal Evacuation Center Ventura County Animal Services (Camarillo Airport) 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, 93010 Source: County of Ventura More to Read Sign up for Essential California The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning. You may occasionally receive promotional

‘Parece que vamos a ganar’: Ysabel Jurado lidera el escrutinio en el distrito 14 de Los Ángeles

HIGHLAND PARK —  El ingreso a la contienda electoral de Ysabel Jurado surgió después del escándalo de racismo en contra de la comunidad oaxaqueña y afroestadounidense, revelado por Los Angeles Times en octubre de 2022; anoche, en una fiesta colmada de jóvenes de diferentes razas y culturas celebraban que esta abogada filipina supera en el escrutinio preliminar a Kevin De León, actual concejal del distrito 14. —¿Está feliz con el número de votos a su favor? —pregunto.—Sí, no sé los números exactos, pero son más de los que esperábamos, parece ser muy positivo. Y parece que vamos a ganar —responde Jurado. Esta abogada, de 34 años, inició la jornada electoral emitiendo su voto en la biblioteca pública de Arroyo Seco, sobre la calle Figueroa, antes de acudir a la iglesia católica St. Dominic’s, en Eagle Rock, de donde partió hacia una taquería en Boyle Heights, entre otros lugares que visitó durante el día de las votaciones. La candidata del distrito 14 del Ayuntamiento de Los Ángeles, Ysabel Jurado, se registra para emitir su voto en la biblioteca Arroyo Seco, en Highland Park. (Brian van der Brug

As with Trump’s last term, California will lead the liberal resistance

The last time Donald Trump was president, California led the liberal resistance to his agenda. Now it is poised to reprise the role. In fact, as Trump’s return to power came into focus late Tuesday, California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said he already had a plan to do so — that the state was “1000% focused” and ready to fight, in court and beyond, for California’s progressive way of life. “We will use the full force of the law, the full authority of the office, to defend and protect California’s progress, our people, our values,” said Bonta, who is eyeing a run for governor. “We’ve been spending months, in some cases over a year,” Bonta added, “planning on potential attacks and our responses to them across all the different issues and areas — from attacking our environment to attacking reproductive freedom, our common sense gun laws, our LGBTQ+ community, our civil rights, different constitutional rights.” California sued the first Trump administration more than 100 times — often successfully — and Bonta said a similarly litigious approach was almost certain during the former president’s second term.

Disneyland adds alcoholic beverages to the menu at another restaurant 

Disneyland’s “dry park” label continues to fade as alcoholic beverage offerings expand in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. A selection of wine, beer and hard seltzer will be available at Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for guests who purchase the Nighttime Gathering fireworks dining package. The dining package costs $89 per guest, excluding theme park admission and park reservations. It includes food, a specialty drink in a souvenir cup, unlimited fountain drinks and premium fireworks viewing at the Falcon Overlook patio. Disneyland releases distribution schedule for its popular candy canes Guests who purchase alcohol must consume it inside Docking Bay 7, according to Disneyland officials. The restaurant will not serve alcohol throughout the day or to guests who aren’t part of the Nighttime Gathering event. Before 2019, Disneyland was considered a “dry park” with no alcohol on its premises, except for the exclusive Club 33 restaurant. Since then, the “Happiest Place on Earth” has expanded its alcoholic beverage offerings. The “dry park” label began to go away when Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and the park’s first bar, Oga’s Cantina, opened in

Hollywood Unlocked CEO elected to Stockton City Council

Jason Lee, the founder of the entertainment news and gossip site Hollywood Unlocked, has won the District 6 seat on Stockton’s City Council. “THANK YOU!!!” he posted on Instagram late Tuesday night. “Deeply honored to have earned the support and trust of my neighbors, the voters of my hometown, and you.” LeBron James, Jeff Bezos and more react to Trump’s election win “Now I begin the work of creating safer and stronger communities, improving our quality of life and charting our next chapter. Heck, forget the next chapter. We will write a whole new book!” he continued. “Stockton–thank you.” Lee, who grew up in Stockton, moved to Los Angeles in the early ’00s. He appeared on the reality show “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood” in 2015 and was a recurring cast member on the sketch series “Wild ‘N Out.” He later launched the “Hollywood Unlocked with Jason Lee” podcast, which had him hanging out with celebrities like Kanye West, Kevin Hart and more. He’s known for his friendships with Rihanna, Cardi B and Tiffany Haddish. Jason Lee and Tiffany Haddish attend an evening of music

Photos: Mountain Fire threatens homes, property in Ventura County

A brush fire fueled by Santa Ana winds is torching homes and property in the Camarillo and Somis areas of Ventura County, California. Sky5 aerial view of homes destroyed in the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of homes destroyed in the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Residents evacuate horses from the path of the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Residents evacuate horses from the path of the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of a brush fire in Somis, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of a brush fire in Somis, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of a brush fire in Somis, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of a brush fire in Somis, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of a brush fire in Somis, California on Nov. 6, 2024. (KTLA) Sky5 aerial view of a brush fire in Somis, California on

Here’s how each California county voted in the 2024 presidential race 

Donald Trump won the presidency for a second time in Tuesday’s election but voting in California showed strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris.  More than five and a half million Californians chose Harris (57.3%) over Trump (40.1%) who trailed by more than a million and a half votes Wednesday morning. An interactive map showing the county-by-county breakdown shows the strongest support for Harris along the coast dominating in Los Angeles, San Diego and Sonoma counties. Click any county on the map below for voting details in that area Trump had a stronger showing further inland in Kern, Tulare and San Bernardino counties. Orange County also slightly favored Trump along the Southern California coast.

How the markets are reacting to Trump’s 2024 election win

How the markets are reacting to Trump’s 2024 election win – CBS News Watch CBS News The markets are reacting to former President Donald Trump’s presidential election win after his 2024 race against Vice President Kamala Harris. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger has more. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Trump’s win could lead companies to push up prices. Here’s why.

How the 2024 election could impact the U.S. economy and inflation – Expert analysis How the 2024 election could impact the U.S. economy and inflation – Expert analysis 04:45 As President-elect Donald Trump readies to return to the Oval Office, U.S. retailers that depend on foreign suppliers are prepared to pass along the cost of his proposed import tariffs to consumers, potentially leading to higher prices for a range of products. Americans stand to lose between $46 billion and $78 billion in spending power each year on products including apparel, toys, furniture, household appliances, footwear and travel goods due to the new tariffs, the National Retail Federation stated in findings released Monday.  “Retailers rely heavily on imported products and manufacturing components so that they can offer their customers a variety of products at affordable prices,” NRF Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said in a statement. “A tariff is a tax paid by the U.S. importer, not a foreign country or the exporter. This tax ultimately comes out of consumers’ pockets through higher prices.” 5 ways Trump’s next presidency could affect the

How to get equity out of your home with refinance rates high again

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. There are effective ways to get money out of your home without getting stuck with a high refinance rate now. Getty Images When the Federal Reserve issued a larger-than-expected cut to its federal funds rate in September, hope was high that relief was imminent. And, for a brief time, it appeared to be. Right before the Fed issued its 50 basis point cut, mortgage rates plunged , hitting their lowest level in more than two years. And with additional cuts expected for when the Fed meets again this week and in December, it appeared that cooler rates were on the horizon. Unfortunately, for many borrowers, that hasn’t been the case. Without an October Fed meeting and with a series of complex factors like unemployment , inflation , and more, interest rates rose again on mortgages and mortgage refinance loans — and they’re now even higher than they were before the Fed began this recent rate-cutting campaign. This has left borrowers hoping to access equity via

Justice Dept., special counsel in talks about how to wind down Trump prosecutions

By Andres Triay, Robert Legare November 6, 2024 / 2:47 PM EST / CBS News What’s next regarding Trump’s legal issues What happens to Trump’s legal issues after projected election win 04:13 Washington — The Justice Department and special counsel Jack Smith’s office are engaged in active discussions about how to wind down the ongoing federal prosecutions against President-elect Donald Trump , according to two people familiar with the talks. At the center of the discussions is the Justice Department’s longstanding policy against prosecuting a sitting president and the need to enable a smooth transition to a second term in the White House for Trump, the sources said. Regulations governing the special counsel dictate that the upper echelons of the Justice Department, including possibly Attorney General Merrick Garland, are to be consulted on major decisions in an investigation overseen by a special counsel. Smith’s office declined to comment. Garland appointed Smith in November 2022 to take over the Justice Department’s investigations involving Trump. The president-elect was indicted on federal charges in two separate cases brought by Smith last year, the first involving his alleged mishandling

Essayli’s Lead Grows Over Union-Backed Challenger

One-term Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Norco, saw his lead grow Wednesday over Democratic challenger Christopher Shoults in the battle for the 63rd District seat. With more than 40% of votes tabulated from Tuesday’s election, the spread between the incumbent and Shoults widened to 15%, though Essayli had not yet declared victory. There was also no comment from the challenger’s camp. Essayli, a former federal and state prosecutor, was first elected in 2022 and has established himself since then as a firebrand on the conservative side. Shoults has cast himself as a moderate Democrat willing to “work with anyone in either party to get things done.” Essayli has stood firm against tax hikes and has been an outspoken advocate for cuts in gasoline taxes, tougher anti-crime measures, controls on illegal immigration and proposals to make lawmakers more accountable, especially when they’re caught breaking the law, as in cases of drunken driving. “Democrats also want to strip away parental rights,” he said in a campaign statement. “A high school student under 18 needs their parent’s permission to get their ear pierced, but Democrats want them to be able

Several Congressional Races Too Close to Call

With Southern California in the national spotlight over the battle for control of the House of Representatives, numerous local congressional races remained too close to call Wednesday as vote-counting continued. In Orange County’s 45th congressional district, incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Huntington Beach, held a narrow lead with 52.5% of the vote over Democrat Derek Tran. Steel had an edge of about 11,000 votes. It was unclear how many ballots still remain to be counted in the various congressional districts. The 45th District race featured heated exchanges, with Steel, who is Korean, at one point saying she was “more Vietnamese” than Tran, an Army veteran who said his “parents fled the Communist regime in Vietnam.” Vietnamese voters are a key Republican bloc in the district, and Steel in the past has allied herself politically with former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, who resigned his seat and pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge last week. In the 47th Congressional District, Republican former Assemblyman Scott Baugh held a roughly 3,000-vote lead over Sen. Dave Min, D-Irvine. Baugh had 50.6% of the vote as of Wednesday morning, while