En ‘IF’, John Krasinski cambia el terror inclemente por la fantasía sentimental

Cuando se estrenó “A Quiet Place” (2018), una película de terror sobre una familia que tenía que sobrevivir ante el asedio constante de monstruos nocturnos en un futuro apocalíptico, todo el mundo quedó sorprendido. Y no solo por la eficacia de una producción absolutamente atemorizante cuyo nivel de inclemencia se salía de lo que se ofrece normalmente en Hollywood, sino también porque todo eso había brotado de la mente de una persona que no parecía inclinarse hacia tendencias semejantes. Además de tenerlo en el reparto, el filme había sido dirigido, escrito y producido por John Krasinski, el carismático y afable actor que, a lo largo de ocho años, se puso en la piel de Jim Halpert, uno de los personajes más populares (y relajados) de la serie cómica “The Office” en su versión estadounidense. Aunque muchos lo ignoraban, ya para entonces, Krasinski había dirigido y escrito otras dos películas, claro; pero estas -”Brief Interviews with Hideous Men” (2009) y “The Hollars” (2016)- eran comedias dramáticas que pasaron casi desapercibidas y que no llevaban ni por asomo a adivinar lo que sucedería luego con su carrera

Secret FBI files: Former L.A. city attorney lied to federal investigators and likely obstructed justice

Then-Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer lied to government investigators and likely obstructed justice during a massive federal probe into a fraudulent lawsuit orchestrated by his office, according to an affidavit by an FBI agent that was made public this week. Feuer, who has not been charged with any crimes, maintained his innocence this week. He has long denied knowing about the fraud behind the lawsuit involving exorbitant Department of Water and Power bills and has similarly denied knowledge of a hush money payment to a Beverly Hills legal assistant who threatened to expose the scheme. Not only did Feuer know about the legal assistant’s threats, but he “impliedly directed” one of his top deputies to handle her demands, FBI Special Agent Andrew Civetti wrote in the Jan. 31, 2020 affidavit in support of a warrant to search Feuer’s Apple iCloud account. As federal agents investigated the city attorney’s office and its role in the fraudulent lawsuit, Feuer misled the FBI about the timeline of events and the extent of his office’s role in the scheme, Civetti said in the affidavit. “Multiple sources of evidence

Chris Pratt mourns his ‘Guardians’ stunt double Tony McFarr: ‘Never forget his toughness’

Chris Pratt is mourning the loss of Tony McFarr, the stunt performer who helped bring to life his action scenes in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Jurassic World” and other films. The Marvel star paid tribute to McFarr on Instagram hours after news broke Thursday of the stunt performer’s death. The Orange County medical examiner’s office in Florida confirmed McFarr’s death to The Times. He was found dead Monday, and a cause of death is pending. He was 47. “We did several movies together. We golfed, drank whiskey, smoked cigars, and spent endless hours on set,” Pratt said in a statement to his Instagram story. “I’ll never forget his toughness.” Pratt shared behind-the-scenes photos of him and McFarr (born Antonio McFarr) in matching outfits on the sets of the films “Passengers” and “Jurassic World.” McFarr first became Pratt’s stunt double in the latter, which premiered in 2015. He was credited as Pratt’s stunt double in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” in 2017and “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” in 2018, according to IMDB. The Marvel and “Garfield” star celebrated McFarr’s resilience on set, recalling how the stunt

California psychedelics bill that would bring ‘magic mushrooms’ into the mainstream fails – again

SACRAMENTO —  Another attempt to make psychedelics legal in California has, once again, failed. Senate Bill 1012 by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) was the latest attempt to bring psychedelics into the mainstream by legalizing psychedelic-assisted therapy for Californians. It stalled Thursday when Democrats who control the Senate Appropriations Committee culled hundreds of bills. “We’ve been working for four years to legalize access to psychedelics in California, to bring these substances out of the shadows and into the sunlight, and to improve safety and education around their use,” Wiener said in a statement. “We’re in a terrible budget year, where all bills with significant costs are at risk. Nevertheless, it’s disappointing for this bill not to move forward.” Wiener vowed to continue the fight, emphasizing the “massive promise” psychedelics have in their ability to help people heal and get their lives back on track. Veterans groups were among the list of supporters. The total ongoing cost of the bill wasn’t entirely clear, but projections were in the low millions. The legislation called for creating three new government entities to regulate psychedelic-assisted therapy and determine who could

Mayor Bass and Labor Leaders Urge Angelenos to Vote “No” on Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act

Mayor Karen Bass Thursday urged residents not to be misled and to vote “no” on a state ballot measure in November that aims to change state and local government rules for imposing taxes, fees and other charges. The state ballot measure known as the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” has qualified for the November 2024 ballot, state official announced earlier this year. It was proposed by the California Business Roundtable, the California Business Properties Association and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Opponents of the measure say it would threaten some $2 billion in existing fees and charges, and $2 billion in voter-approved measures. One of those opponents is Bass, who on Thursday morning joined City Council President Paul Krekorian and labor groups in a news conference to warn L.A. voters about negative consequences if the measure is approved. “The measure is trying to trick you into believing that government does not need any money to function,” Bass said. “Schools don’t need any money, hospitals don’t need any money. And so, if this measure were to pass, it would cripple our ability to provide the

Metro to Increase Transit Police in Response to Recent Attacks

Responding to a recent violent attacks tied to the region’s transit system, Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board of Directors Chair Karen Bass said Thursday she has ordered an “immediate surge” in public safety personnel on buses and trains to increase their visibility and deter crime. “The spike in violent crime on Metro that we have recently seen against operators and riders has been absolutely unacceptable,” Bass said during a late-morning news conference Thursday. “And I know that all of my colleagues here today would agree. “Yesterday, as chair of the board of Metro, I directed an immediate surge of law enforcement personnel on Metro buses and rail cars and stations,” she said. “Today, we are following that action with a motion to work to make Angelenos, our riders and our operators feel safe on the system.” Bass said that motion, which will go before the Board of Directors next week, will “increase the daily planned deployment of public safety personnel on Metro and direct public safety personnel to be physically present on buses and trains and proactively patrol areas as well.” The motion will

Lack of law enforcement presence criticized by Metro leaders

Board members of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority held a press conference Thursday morning to discuss a rash of high-profile crimes across the Metro bus and train lines and announce plans to increase law enforcement presence throughout the system. The board, which is comprised of local elected officials including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, were critical of the presence — or lack thereof — of law enforcement personnel contracted to provide safety resources to riders. “Let me begin by being absolutely unequivocally clear: the spike in violent crime on Metro that we have recently seen against operators and riders has been absolutely unacceptable,” Bass said. “And I know that all of my colleagues here today would agree.” Bass, who serves as chair of the Metro board, said she directed an “immediate surge” of law enforcement personnel on Metro buses, trains and station to address the concerns of drivers and passengers. LAPD officers patrol Union Station on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 in Los Angeles. (Getty Images) Metro contracts its law enforcement service to the Los Angeles

Homeless man accused of attacking female jogger in Santa Monica

A homeless man with a criminal record is accused of attacking a woman along the beach in Santa Monica and attempting to drag her into a public restroom. The alleged attack occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on Monday in the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk. “The victim, a Venice resident, was jogging southbound on the beach path when the suspect grabbed her ponytail from behind, knocking her to the ground,” police said in a statement. “He then pulled her several feet toward the restrooms.” 2 stabbed in another night of violence along L.A.’s Metro system Police believe the suspect, Malcolm Ward, 48, intended to sexually assault the woman inside the Bicknell restrooms. Several witnesses intervened in the attack and called 911, police said. Officers responded “within minutes” and found both the victim and Ward near the restrooms and took him into custody. The victim suffered minor injuries, police said. The public restrooms along Ocean Front Walk at Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica are seen on May 16, 2024. (KTLA) The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Ward with felony counts of kidnapping, assault

Michael Cohen faces sharp questioning at Trump trial to end the week

  9:31 AM / May 16, 2024 GOP lawmakers accompany Trump to court Former President Donald Trump speaks to the press on arrival at his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  ANGELA WEISS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Trump strode into court just before 9:30 a.m., his shoulders hunched and a stern look on his face, with the biggest entourage yet trailing behind him. Several Republican members of Congress are joining the former president in court, the latest in a line of GOP officials who have come to show their support for the party’s presumptive presidential nominee. Rep. Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, Andy Biggs and Bob Good were among the group of members seen at the courthouse as Trump arrived.  Back in Washington, the House Oversight Committee delayed a planned hearing “to accommodate members’ schedules,” a committee aide said. Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott joined Trump in court last week, which seemingly kicked off the trend. Following Scott’s visit, Vivek Ramaswamy, Rep. Byron Donalds and Sens. J.D. Vance and Tommy Tuberville have attended in recent days.

Best early Memorial Day deals at Walmart

By Kaylyn McKenna Updated on: May 16, 2024 / 5:46 PM EDT / Essentials CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. You can save $50 on Bose Sport Earbuds at Walmart ahead of Memorial Day. Bose via Walmart Summer is almost here — and Walmart is starting the season with tons of price rollbacks ahead of Memorial Day. The retailer has plenty of deals to help you refresh your home, clean your space and prepare for grilling season. Right now at Walmart, you can score deals on bedding , vacuums and new TVs, along with savings on tons of other top-selling products at the retailer this week.  Best early Memorial Day deals at Walmart                                         The experts at CBS Essentials have selected the top Walmart deals and clearance offers ahead of Memorial Day 2024 . You can also shop everything on sale right now by

Best deals on robot vacuums ahead of Memorial Day

By Brittany Vincent, Rachel Center Updated on: May 16, 2024 / 5:43 PM EDT / Essentials CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Amazon/Getty Images Looking to wrap up your spring cleaning ahead of Memorial Day this year? Don’t bother sweeping the floors  or vacuuming  by hand if you don’t have to. Let a robot vacuum tackle that task for you.  These impressive pieces of smart home tech tackle everything from dirt to pet messes and tangled human hair. Many are intelligent enough to map out your home and avoid obstacles. This lets you focus on more important things, like choosing a new  mattress  or shopping for  patio furniture  during some of this year’s amazing Memorial Day sales . The only catch? Robot vacuums are pricey. The best way to cut down on the expense is to catch one on sale. Knowing that robot vacuums get discounted before this long weekend holiday, CBS Essentials has been fast at work, rounding up the best robot vacuum deals around.

Best lawn mower deals to shop ahead of Memorial Day

By Jason R. Rich Updated on: May 16, 2024 / 5:37 PM EDT / Essentials CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Amazon, Lowe’s Maintaining a perfectly manicured lawn throughout the spring and summer is easier than ever using one of the newest and most feature-packed lawn mowers, whether it’s a traditional push mower, riding mower or a cutting-edge robotic lawn mower .  With Memorial Day on the way, many retailers are already offering great deals on lawn mowers that you can take advantage of right now. From advanced cutting technology to improved battery life, these mowers are not only efficient but easy to use. Plus, shopping early can help you avoid the seasonal rush and ensure you get the best model for the best price. Once you’ve got your lawn under control, don’t ignore the rest of your home. Be sure to check out our coverage of 10 ways you can upgrade your patio for spring . Lawn mower deals

Oaks Christian sophomore Max Emberson wins Southern Section individual golf title

Sophomore Max Emberson, of Oaks Christian, shot 8-under 64 to win the Southern Section individual golf championship on Thursday at Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course. He held on for a one-stroke victory over Nixon Lauritzen of Temescal Canyon. Emberson finished second at the Northern regional qualifier on Monday. The top four team scores advance to CIF/SCGA Regional tournament on May 22 at Serranos Golf Course. San Marcos, Palm Desert, Orange Lutheran and Oaks Christian move on. Emberson shot 1-under 70 last year as a freshman to tie for 12th at the state championships. He’s a resident of Thousand Oaks and continues the strong tradition of outstanding golfers from Ventura County. More to Read

Savannah Gankiewicz is sworn in as the new Miss USA amid resignation controversy

The Miss USA tiara has been passed on — perhaps earlier than expected. Savannah Gankiewicz was sworn into the role Wednesday in a ceremony in Honolulu, following former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s shocking resignation last week. “While this decision was not made lightly, I firmly believe that this opportunity was meant for me and I am ready to make a positive impact with this organization that I hold dear to my heart,” said the 28-year-old Miss Hawaii, who originally placed as first runner-up, per CNN. Gankiewicz is the program director of What Makes You Feel Beautiful, a philanthropic organization focused on body positivity, self-esteem and mentorship for teenage girls from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds in Maui. “I am dedicated to taking action and making a difference. With my background as a certified mental health first-aid responder and training in anti-bullying suicide prevention, I understand the importance of prioritizing your well-being and advocating for those in need,” she said. “I believe that the true change starts from within and I am determined to lead by example and empower the class of 2024 and beyond.” Her words were

Trump pays close attention to Cohen cross-examination

Former President Donald Trump appears attentive in court as his defense team questions his former attorney Michael Cohen. Cohen already testified against Trump in the “hush money” criminal trial in New York. CBS News’ Errol Barnett and Katrina Kaufman break down the latest in Cohen’s testimony.

Sunland Pharmacy owner says her store has been burglarized for the 4th time this year

A pharmacy owner in Sunland said she was victim to a smash-and-grab on Thursday, marking the fourth time her store has been burglarized this year. The Los Angeles Police Department was alerted to the break in on the 8400 block of Sunland Boulevard at about 4:10 a.m. The four male suspects, who remain at large, broke through a glass door and left Sunland Pharmacy with multiple bags of items. The owner of a Sunland Pharmacy said the store has been burglarized four times this year. (Lusine Sargsyan) The men were gone by the time officers arrived. No description of the men was made available. 5 arrested for escaping with $200,000 worth of jewelry in smash-and-grab theft The owner, Lisa Sargsyan, said it was the fourth time her business was burglarized so far in 2024. She told KTLA she believes the suspects are the same that hit the pharmacy last month. Nancy Fontan assisted with this report.

Edna Mode’s house from ‘The Incredibles’ is listed on Airbnb

Superheroes Unite! In honor of “The Incredibles” 20th anniversary, Pixar and Airbnb are welcoming guests into Edna Mode’s ultra-chic mansion. But please leave your capes at home. Beginning May 24, users will be able to check in to stay inside a recreation of the character’s home as an experience, but for an overnight stay. Airbnb ‘nightmare’: Tenant leaves Los Angeles home after 570 days The home, based in Los Angeles, is tucked away behind a closed gate near the Sunset Strip. Airbnb described the home as a functional yet fabulous mansion perfect for a superhero designer. Superheroes Unite! In honor of “The Incredibles” 20th anniversary, Pixar and Airbnb are welcoming guests into Edna Mode’s ultra-chic mansion. (Airbnb) Superheroes Unite! In honor of “The Incredibles” 20th anniversary, Pixar and Airbnb are welcoming guests into Edna Mode’s ultra-chic mansion. (Airbnb) Superheroes Unite! In honor of “The Incredibles” 20th anniversary, Pixar and Airbnb are welcoming guests into Edna Mode’s ultra-chic mansion. (Airbnb) Superheroes Unite! In honor of “The Incredibles” 20th anniversary, Pixar and Airbnb are welcoming guests into Edna Mode’s ultra-chic mansion. (Airbnb) Superheroes Unite! In honor of

Downey adopts ‘neutral’ flag policy, will stop flying LGBTQ+ Pride flag

The city of Downey will no longer fly the LGBTQ+ Pride flag after the City Council voted to adopt a “neutral flag policy” restricting the types of flags allowed to be flown on city property. The Downey City Council adopted the new policy during Tuesday’s regular scheduled council meeting.  The vote passed with a 3-2 majority. Mayor Mario Trujillo and Councilmember Horacio Ortiz were the dissenting votes. The Downey City Council meets on May 14, 2024 to discuss a change in its policy to allow for the LGBTQ+ Pride flag to be flown on city property. As part of that resolution, only the U.S. flag, state flag, city flag and the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag are allowed to be flown on city property, including Downey City Hall. Downey first flew the Pride flag three years ago during the month of June, recognized nationally as Pride Month. Its previous policy allowed for certain “commemorative flags” to be flown for specific historic events or causes if approved by the Council. Wednesday’s action now removes that part of the equation entirely. Trujillo spoke damningly of the