Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff

By ZEKE MILLER, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weeks-long delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transiton of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers. “This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day,” said Susie Wiles, Trump’s designate to be White House chief of staff. Related Articles National Politics | President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction National Politics | Democrats stick with Schumer as leader, their strategy for countering

A judge has once again rejected Musk’s multi-billion-dollar Tesla pay package. Now what?

By TOM KRISHER, Associated Press DETROIT (AP) — For a second time, a Delaware judge has nullified a pay package that Tesla had awarded its CEO, Elon Musk, that once was valued at $56 billion. On Monday, Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick turned aside a request from Musk’s lawyers to reverse a ruling she announced in January that had thrown out the compensation plan. The judge ruled then that Musk effectively controlled Tesla’s board and had engineered the outsize pay package during sham negotiations. Lawyers for a Tesla shareholder who sued to block the pay package contended that shareholders who had voted for the 10-year plan in 2018 had been given misleading and incomplete information. In their defense, Tesla’s board members asserted that the shareholders who ratified the pay plan a second time in June had done so after receiving full disclosures, thereby curing all the problems the judge had cited in her January ruling. As a result, they argued, Musk deserved the pay package for having raised Tesla’s market value by billions of dollars. McCormick rejected that argument. In her 103-page opinion, she ruled

Is Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughing

By JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. What happened at Enron? Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt

South Korea lifts president’s martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The South Korean government early Wednesday lifted the martial law imposed by President Yoon Suk Yeol during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Police and military personnel were seen leaving the grounds of parliament following the bipartisan vote, and the declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting. Yoon, who appeared likely to be impeached over his actions, imposed martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Less than three hours later, parliament acted, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.” In all, martial law was in effect for about six hours. The president’s surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own party. Lee

Some GOP senators seem tepid on Hegseth nomination as allegations pile up

Some GOP senators appear tepid on Hegseth Some Republican senators appear tepid on Hegseth amid new misconduct claims 09:54 Washington — A number of Republican senators have expressed concern about Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Defense Department, potentially putting his intended nomination at risk.  Hegseth, who has been meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill this week to try to build support ahead of his confirmation hearings, has faced a round of negative stories involving allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement at veterans’ charities , repeated intoxication and infidelity.  “Some of these articles are very disturbing. He obviously has a chance to defend himself here, but some of this stuff is, it’s going to be difficult,” Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told reporters Tuesday. “Time will tell.”  Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, also said he found the allegations “disturbing” but added, “We all love a good redemption story.” Cramer suggested Hegseth’s alleged behavior stemmed from alcohol abuse, adding that “almost everything else can come from that one abuse.”  Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, who noted he

Trump cites Hunter Biden pardon in motion to dismiss New York criminal case

By Graham Kates Updated on: December 3, 2024 / 5:41 PM EST / CBS News Trump team to push for “hush money” dismissal Trump lawyers to push for “hush money” dismissal after indefinite sentencing delay 04:48 Donald Trump’s lawyers pointed to an unlikely person in demanding a judge dismiss the president-elect’s New York criminal case: Hunter Biden . Trump’s attorneys said in a court filing made public Tuesday that President Joe Biden’s controversial pardon of his son echoed Trump’s complaints about the prosecution. “Yesterday, in issuing a 10-year pardon to Hunter Biden that covers any and all crimes whether charged or uncharged, President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,'” they wrote, before claiming Trump was treated similarly. In the filing, which was submitted Monday night, they formally demanded a New York judge throw out the president-elect’s criminal case and nullify a unanimous jury’s conclusion that Trump committed dozens of felonies. Their argument struck at the quality of the case against Trump, but centers largely on a wholly unique argument in the history of America’s legal system. Trump’s lawyers

Army vet, former Long Beach detective wins $44M Powerball jackpot

“I’m a very fortunate human being.” That was the message Jerry Heath had for the California Lottery after winning a life-changing $44.3 million Powerball jackpot. Heath, a retired Long Beach police detective and U.S. Army veteran, purchased his winning ticket at a Ralphs in Dana Point for a drawing held in August. A graduate of Cal State Long Beach — previously Long Beach State College — Heath said he came from humble roots and a low-income upbringing. He said he plays the lottery for fun and to support the overarching mission to support California’s public education system. The money, Heath says, won’t change his priorities or the person he is today. “I can’t forget where I came from now that I’m a multimillionaire,” Heath said. “I don’t really travel; playing the lottery is my only luxury.” He told Lottery officials that he plans to share the winnings with his daughter and grandchildren, while still allowing himself the excitement of playing lottery games. He was a daily lottery player before winning the Powerball — now he has his sights set on SuperLotto Plus, a game exclusive

The holidays feel rushed this year. Here’s why

Christmas, as we know, is always December 25th.  But Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November—a date that floats sometimes as early as November 22nd… or this year… the latest it could possibly be, which was November 28th.  Let’s rewind.  Remember when Halloween was on a Thursday and November 1 was a Friday? That set in motion a calendar that squished the rest of the holidays. We were almost an entire week into November before we saw a Thursday, which made the fourth Thursday come way at the end of the month—the latest it can actually be.   The end result is a feeling that we have one less week—and one less precious weekend when we all have events—between Thanksgiving and Christmas—just 27 days.     In 2023, we had five weekends between the holidays. This year we have only four weekends.   Add to that, Christmas is landing smack in the middle of a week, and people may be feeling extra cheated by not being able to bookend the holidays around a weekend. Since many people take off Christmas week—or New Year’s week—having the holidays land

Head of L.A. Animal Services steps down amid understaffing, high euthanasia rates 

After a tumultuous stint characterized by issues including shelter overcrowding and high euthanasia rates, Staycee Dains, the general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, has stepped down.  The city’s animal services department is one of the largest of its type in the country, serving about 60,000 animals every year.  Staff, volunteers and partners were notified of Dains’ departure in an email sent out on Monday that stated her resignation was effective Nov. 30. According to the Los Angeles Times, she has been on paid leave since this past August after being hired in June 2023.  In September 2023, Dains did her first on-air interview with KTLA 5’s Kacey Montoya, where she said she was appointed by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass to “fix the systemic issues that are happening” in the city’s six shelters but did note she inherited an understaffed agency.  Most popular pet names of 2024 revealed In a follow-up interview the next March, Montoya found there were more volunteers, but some said they were confused under Dains’ leadership, including one incident where a letter was sent to thousands of volunteers claiming that dogs

Nathan Hochman officially sworn in as L.A. County District Attorney

Nathan Hochman was officially sworn in as the 44th Los Angeles County District Attorney on Tuesday in a ceremony held on the front steps of the Hall of Justice. Hochman replaces former District Attorney George Gascón, who lost his reelection bid in a landslide in November. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger officially swore in Hochman. During the ceremony, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and other local leaders spoke. Among many issues Hochman has inherited from the previous DA, none may be more high-profile than the Menendez brothers’ murder case. In October, Gascón announced that he would support resentencing the brothers, who have spent nearly 35 years behind bars for killing their parents. Lyle Menendez, then 21, and Erik Menendez, then 18, admitted to fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and their mother, Kitty Menendez, after fearing their parents were about to kill them to stop people from finding out that Jose Menendez had sexually abused Erik Menendez for years, according to the Associated Press. The resentencing recommendation could provide the brothers a

Toddler dies in ‘gun-related accident’ involving his 7-year-old brother in Rancho Cucamonga

A toddler from Crestline was killed in what authorities called a gun-related accident involving the child’s 7-year-old brother in a parking lot of the Foothill Crossing Shopping Center in Rancho Cucamonga. (Google Maps) A toddler was killed in the parking lot of a shopping center in Rancho Cucamonga on Monday in what authorities called a “gun-related accident” involving the child’s 7-year-old brother. San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies responded at 3:53 p.m. to a report of a shooting in a parking lot of the Foothill Crossing Shopping Center in the 8200 block of Day Creek Boulevard, and found a 2-year-old boy with a gunshot wound, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The child was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Deputies determined that before the shooting, the toddler and his 7-year-old brother were inside a truck when the older child found a firearm in the glove box. Officials did not say whether the boys were alone in the truck. The names of the children were not released. Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the the sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division

Man smuggled weapons to North Korea after coming to California as student, feds say

Although Shenghua Wen entered the United States on a student visa, eventually settling in San Bernardino County, law enforcement officials say he had a more nefarious purpose: exporting shipments of firearms, ammunition and other military items to North Korea. Federal authorities on Tuesday arrested Wen, 41, at his Ontario home, alleging he acted as an operative for the North Korean government, smuggling illicit goods concealed inside shipping containers from Long Beach. Wen, who authorities said is a Chinese national living illegally in the U.S. after overstaying his visa, has been charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which deals with sanctions and frozen foreign assets. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Wen’s federal public defender did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It is illegal to supply North Korea with certain technologies and military supplies without U.S. government approval, according to U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada. “North Korea engaged in a scheme to circumvent and evade those restrictions,” Estrada said at a news conference Tuesday morning. “It’s essential we keep sensitive materials, including military equipment

Schiff to be sworn in Monday as California’s next Senator

Sen.-elect Adam B. Schiff will be sworn in as California’s next U.S. senator on Monday, replacing Sen. Laphonza Butler, according to sources familiar with the arrangements. Butler, a Democrat, was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to temporarily fill the seat of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein after Feinstein’s death in September 2023. Schiff was elected last month, both to serve out the remainder of Feinstein’s term and to serve a full six-year term beginning in January. A spokesperson for Schiff, a Burbank Democrat who previously served nearly a quarter of a century in the House, said he was grateful for Butler’s assistance in the transition process, and for the support of Newsom and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York. A spokeswoman for Butler said she will remain in office until the swearing-in. Former Assemblymember Laura Friedman, a Democrat, won election in Schiff’s House district and will be sworn in to take his old seat next month. Schiff and Butler are following a similar transition schedule as Sen. George Helmy and Sen.-elect Andy Kim, both Democrats of New Jersey. Helmy, former chief of

Luis Fonsi conquered Latin music. With rom-com ‘Say a Little Prayer,’ he’s ready for his close-up.

Under the bright lights of the 2024 Latin Grammys stage, Luis Fonsi was as nervous as he’s ever been. “I’ve won Latin Grammys before, but it’s not like it happens every day,” said the 46-year-old musician via Zoom. “I’m trying to compare it to the previous times I’ve been nominated. But for some reason… I don’t wanna say that it meant more than the other awards. There was something special going on.” That November night in Miami, Fonsi’s 12th studio album, “El Viaje,” beat out efforts by Mexican indie artist Caloncho, Colombian American diva Kali Uchis and others to take home the golden gramophone for pop vocal album. He pauses for a moment and continues, “You know, I’ve had success with singles. But now to sort of get recognition for the whole shabam — it’s something I’ve never won before. This album was not me trying to do a radio-friendly single and then write an album around that song. There was a story to tell from day one.” “El Viaje,” is centered around the worldly journey of his career — naming each track after a

Nuevos despidos en TelevisaUnivision anunciaron la salida de Maity Interiano y otros talentos de la cadena ¿Qué sigue?

Tras haberse mencionado en el sitio web Deadline un día antes sobre los recortes que se aproximaban en TelevisaUnivision, hoy se dio a conocer la salida de algunos de sus talentos en pantalla entre los que se incluye la comunicadora hondureña Maity Interiano, el chef venezolano Jesús Díaz conocido como “Chef Yisus”, además del reportero de Primer Impacto Roger Borges y los comunicadores Eduardo Padilla y Carolina Peguero, quienes formaron parte del equipo de noticias de la plataforma de streaming Vix. La lamentable noticia llega un día después que Deadline publicó que “Televisa Univision, que como todas las compañías de medios tradicionales enfrenta el desafío de la cancelación de servicios por cable y un mercado publicitario inestable, está despidiendo a varios cientos de trabajadores en un proceso de reestructuración”. La medida se hizo pública cuando el director ejecutivo Daniel Alegre anunció, según Deadline, “una renovación del equipo directivo de la compañía” e hizo alusión a los recortes en un memorándum a los empleados esta mañana (2 de diciembre). Aunque no se reveló un número preciso de despidos, una persona familiarizada con las reducciones le dijo

What drives home equity loan interest rates?

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. There are a few different factors that can impact the home equity borrowing rates you’re offered. Getty Images After years of home values ticking upward, most homeowners now have a valuable financial resource at their disposal: their home’s equity . Right now, the average homeowner has about $320,000 in home equity that can be tapped into at an affordable rate. That, in turn, has led home equity lending to become an attractive option for funding everything from major expenses to home improvements or even debt consolidation.  And, when you add in the fact that home equity borrowing rates are much lower than most other lending options, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners opt for this type of borrowing over credit cards and personal loans. But while home equity rates tend to be lower than the alternatives, the cost of borrowing against your home’s equity can vary significantly based on a range of factors, so it’s important to understand what drives these rates if you

E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s is over, CDC says

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has ended, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday. The outbreak sickened at least 104 people in 14 states, about a third of whom were hospitalized. One person, an 88-year-old man, died in Colorado . The total number of illnesses was likely much higher, according to the CDC.  The outbreak was announced on Oct. 22. It usually takes several weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. The illnesses started on Sept. 12 and continued until Oct. 21. “The process to reach this point has at times felt long, challenging and uncertain,” McDonald’s said in a Tuesday statement. “But it is critical that public officials examine every possible angle, and we are deeply grateful that they moved quickly to identify and, in partnership with McDonald’s, contain the issue. We’d like to thank them once again.” Investigators determined the E. coli outbreak was linked to slivered onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. Taylor Farms, the onion distributor, initiated a recall in late October. McDonald’s initially removed Quarter Pounders from menus in several states

What is Hegseth’s strategy to win senators over ahead of confirmation hearings?

What is Hegseth’s strategy to win senators over ahead of confirmation hearings? – CBS News Watch CBS News CBS News’ Nikole Killion has asked Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, about the allegations made against him involving sexual and financial misconduct. Killion reports from Capitol Hill on his responses as a potential government shutdown looms. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Travel Tuesday offers big savings for those who missed Cyber Monday

What to know about Travel Tuesday deals What to know about Travel Tuesday deals 02:23 Cyber Monday may be over, but when it comes to saving money on travel the best deals are to be had the following day. Travel Tuesday, the lesser known of the post-Thanksgiving deal days, offers those planning a holiday vacation or trip a chance to save big on the price of their plane ticket, hotel or cruise.  “You will be wowed on Travel deal Tuesday,” Lyndsey Schwimmer, consumer travel expert at airfare tracking site Hopper, told CBS News’ Kris Van Cleave. “We see more deals on this day than on Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined.” Hopper is credited with observing the first Travel Tuesday in 2017. Since then, the discount day has grown in popularity among consumers. Over the last two years, it’s seen a five-fold jump in online searches, according to Hopper. The travel industry is taking notice as well.  “We see Black Friday, Cyber Monday, now Travel deal Tuesday,” Schwimmer said. “We’re seeing travel brands across the industry offer deep discounts on this day.” According to Hopper