Cargill’s new chocolate alternative, which avoids cocoa markets that sent the price of candy on a rollercoaster ride in recent years, just tastes chocolaty.

Kernels of the grape-seed-derived product called NextCoa, shown off in one of Cargill’s Minnesota corporate kitchens on a recent Friday, elevated fresh-baked cookies to taste like they ...Read more

For years, vacant homes in large U.S. cities have conjured up images of derelict, abandoned properties in need of loving attention and a full-time resident. In San Diego, a June ballot measure is taking aim at a very different kind of vacant dwelling by proposing to heavily tax second homes — from the coast to the suburbs — that all share ...Read more

Carl’s Jr. began in 1941 as a hot dog cart on the corner of Florence and Central in Los Angeles and grew into one of the region’s best-known burger chains. Eight decades later, the now-global chain is struggling in its old neighborhood.

The high costs of doing business in California, festering labor issues, fierce competition and crime have...Read more

Hotel rooms in Los Angeles and other FIFA World Cup host cities could sit empty, despite high expectations that the global sporting event would be a boon to the city.

The soccer tournament, which has sold more than 5 million tickets so far, has historically triggered a surge of international and domestic tourism and infused host cities with an...Read more

SPRINGFIELD — When federal immigration officers flooded Chicago neighborhoods last fall, walk-ins at Erick Camargo’s hair salon in Chicago plunged from about 40 customers per day to as few as five.

At the height of Operation Midway Blitz, Camargo locked the doors during business hours to keep agents from entering. Some barbers worked out of...Read more

LOS ANGELES — Waymo said it's pausing its robotaxi services on freeways in the U.S. as it updates its software to improve performance around construction zones and flooded roads.

Before the suspension, freeway operations were available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Miami. The company said that street and other off-highway ...Read more

NEW YORK — As a radio professional who grew up aspiring to work at CBS News Radio, anchor Steve Kathan understood the weight of the words he wrote and recorded Friday on the final broadcast of "World News Roundup."

"America's longest running newscast signs off for the last time," Kathan said in the small dimly lighted studio in the CBS ...Read more

The Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday overhauled rules that strengthen regulatory oversight of rural county fair horse-racing meets that in 2024 were wracked with doping scandals.

The revised regulations also turn some decisions over to the Nevada Gaming Control Board chair and coordinates policies with those of the Association of Racing ...Read more

Cargill has locked out more than 1,700 union workers from a key meatpacking plant in Colorado after pay negotiations between the massive food company and Teamsters members reached an impasse.

The employees, who are not getting paid, say Minnetonka-based Cargill is refusing to provide adequate raises after months of bargaining. Cargill said it ...Read more

The blame game over surging gas prices is heating up as Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested Chevron could be gouging its customers.

California's governor, who is not shy about promoting his positions with provocative posts, warned Memorial Day travelers on X against pumping gas at Chevron.

"Californians, if you're hitting the road this holiday weekend...Read more

SeaWorld is giving the people what they want: sharks and beer.

Starting this summer, SeaWorld is reopening the immersive Shark Encounter exhibit and offering $1 beer, seltzer and IPAs, among other new promotions, aiming to grow attendance.

Few San Diegans can remember the heyday when, under the leadership of Anheuser-Busch Co., guests — 21 ...Read more

It took several full-page ads, an 11th-hour bid and ostensibly a premium price, but Tribune Publishing has swooped in and struck a deal to buy the employee-owned Daily Herald suburban newspaper.

The board of Paddock Publications, which operates the Daily Herald, sent an email to employees Thursday afternoon announcing that an asset purchase ...Read more

Summer is shaping up to be bleak for the U.S. consumer.

Americans have been struggling for months with high gas prices and persistent inflation and consumer sentiment has hit a record low. The boost some got from tax refunds is fading. Now retailers including Walmart Inc. and Lowe’s Cos. are warning that fuel costs driven by the Iran war may ...Read more

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s been a rough start to 2026 for Honda Motor Co. with its first financial loss in 70 years, an electric vehicle strategy in shambles, and its Formula One team mired at the back of the grid with engine issues.

The Indianapolis 500 is a great place to reset.

The brand is retooling its flexible Ohio factory to produce gas-...Read more

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — Stellantis NV's five-year, nearly $70 billion business turnaround plans, which include new products for all four of its North American brands, could be a boon to its under-utilized U.S. plants, according to experts.

Antonio Filosa, CEO of the maker of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram, detailed the plans to investors on ...Read more

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced recently the state has launched a $1 billion rebate program to boost the sales of electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks.

The rebates range from $7,500 to $120,000 and can also be applied to electric drayage trucks, electric semis, box trucks, delivery vans and other fleet vehicles. Newsom said the move was ...Read more

WASHINGTON — The United Auto Workers union on Thursday laid out its "demands" to the Trump administration ahead of trade negotiations between the United States and Mexico on May 25.

The talks will be part of a previously scheduled formal review of the United States-Canada-Mexico agreement, commonly known as USMCA. President Donald Trump ...Read more

California is counting on the growth of offshore wind generation to help the state meet its ambitious goal to derive 100% of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2045 or earlier.

But late last month, state energy officials and offshore-wind advocates were blindsided after learning one developer abruptly withdrew plans to build a big wind...Read more

There was a time when a man’s vehicle said something about him. A pickup truck meant you could haul lumber, tow a horse trailer, or help a friend move a couch without first checking whether the couch had Bluetooth compatibility. A sedan meant you had surrendered to adulthood, but could complain about fuel economy as though discussing the fall ...Read more

As Lexus continues to delve into its expansive consumer base’s wants and needs, the Lexus TX earned its nameplate with its expansive space and comfort.

The lower-priced three-row SUV doesn’t bring as great off-road capabilities to the table as the LX does, but it still can move people in comfort and style — just the ticket. The Lexus TX ...Read more