July 1 - July 7, 2012
Friday, Jul. 6
Democrats managed to secure the needed 21 votes to fund initial construction of the high-speed train, a project that has generated heaps of criticism given its cost and questionable need - not to mention the state's precarious fiscal condition.
Average monthly job growth is considered a significant metric on which to assess the race for president. Anything over 175,000 favors Obama; under 100,000 favors Romney. It's now at 131,000.
Billionaire Ron Burkle, Hollywood showbiz site The Wrap, and the parent company of Nikki Finke's Deadline are all having a look at the trade paper, according to the NY Post.
Stocks open sharply lower, drop in gas prices could be nearing an end, state Senate prepares big vote on high-speed rail, and small banks struggle to repay TARP money.
The economy is barely on simmer. Only 80,000 jobs were added to U.S. payrolls in June, while the unemployment rate held steady at 8.2 percent.
Thursday, Jul. 5
The suit, filed in federal court, claims that a new law banning sales of foie gras is vague because it does not define the extent to which a goose can be force-fed.
The idea, as being proposed in Ontario and Fontana, is to restructure mortgages for homeowners who are underwater - that is, those who owe more than their homes are worth.
Big drop in weekly jobless claims, mortgage rates hit another record low, and Field Poll finds 54 percent of likely voters support Brown's plan to raise taxes.
Tuesday, Jul. 3
A curious push-pull at today's session in which members voted to raise revenues - as well as eliminate revenues.
Any prospects for a ballot measure this fall appear dead. Gov. Brown and Democratic lawmakers couldn't come to terms on changes to the state pension system.
Second-quarter numbers varied significantly, with location days for features up 9.1 percent from a year earlier and television down 15.4 percent.
The Dow gained another 72 points in today's holiday-shortened session and is within 57 points of getting back over 13,000. Don't try figuring this one out.
The death of Andy Griffith brings to mind his searing performance in Elia Kazan's 1957 drama, a remarkably prescient examination of media and political manipulation.
Good month for car sales, real estate firm Douglas Emmett received tax breaks after CEO contributed to assessor's campaign, L.A. still lags in online job openings, and new CEO for the parent of the Hollywood Reporter.
Monday, Jul. 2
If the bills are signed into law by Gov. Brown, California will become the first state to prohibit lenders from pursuing a foreclosure and a mortgage modification at the same time.
While it's true that low-skilled factory workers don't know the first thing about software engineering, many businesses simply lack the urgency to hire anyone - even folks who are qualified for the job. But why?
Would-be scribes take note: There's only one Aaron Sorkin. Only 4,338 writers reported earnings in 2011, according to the Writers Guild. That's the lowest level in at least six years.
Doesn't exactly instill confidence in public attitudes about the new law.
Manufacturing index tumbles in June, several thousand people protest against Walmart, British retailer weighs the future of Fresh & Easy, and Facebook executives decide to stay on Nasdaq exchange.
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The funeral for Mark Lacter will be held Sunday, Nov. 24 at 12 noon at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90045. Reception to follow.
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