Sightly more Americans apply for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain relatively low

• February 20, 2025

By MATT OTT, Associated Press

Slightly more Americans applied for jobless benefits last week, but layoffs remained in the same recent healthy range.

The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits rose by 5,000 to 219,000 for the week ending Feb. 15, the Labor Department said Thursday. Analysts projected that 215,000 new applications would be filed.

Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered a proxy for layoffs.

The four-week average, which evens out some of the week-to-week volatility, fell by 1,000 to 215,250.

Some analysts say they expect layoffs ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency to show up in the report in the coming weeks.

Despite showing some signs of weakening during the past year, the labor market remains healthy with plentiful jobs and relatively few layoffs.

Earlier this month, the Labor Department reported that U.S. employers added 143,000 jobs in January, significantly fewer than December’s 256,000 job gains. However, the unemployment rate ticked down to an even 4%, signaling a still very healthy labor market.

Late in January, the Federal Reserve left its benchmark lending rate alone after issuing three cuts late in 2024. Fed officials are closely monitoring inflation and the labor market for signs of a potentially weakening economy. They expect only two rate cuts this year, down from previous projections of four.

Last week’s consumer prices report that showed that inflation accelerated last month, creating some doubt about whether the Fed will be moved to cut rates at all this year.

The consumer price index increased 3% in January from a year ago, up from a 3 1/2 year low of 2.4% in September. The new data shows that inflation has remained stubbornly above the Fed’s 2% target for roughly the past six months after it fell steadily for about a year and a half.

Overall, while layoffs remain low by historical standards, some high-profile companies have announced job cuts already this year.

Workday, Dow, CNN, Starbucks, Southwest Airlines and Facebook parent company Meta have all trimmed their workforces already in 2025.

Late in 2024, GM, Boeing, Cargill and Stellantis announced layoffs.

The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the week of Feb. 8 rose to 1.87 million, an increase of 24,000 from the previous week.

​ Orange County Register 

Republicans are pursuing separate paths to get Trump’s priorities through Congress

• February 20, 2025

By KEVIN FREKING, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader John Thune teed up a vote this week on a budget plan that sets the stage for a massive boost in defense and border security spending, and leaves a looming tax cut fight for later this year.

The move is designed to give President Donald Trump an early policy win and put pressure on House Republicans to join rather than pursue a separate, more comprehensive effort that also risks taking far longer to pass, if at all.

Trump undercut the Senate GOP’s efforts on Wednesday, calling on both chambers to pass the House budget resolution. “The House Resolution implements my FULL America First Agenda, EVERYTHING, not just parts of it,” Trump wrote on social media.

Yet Thune is proceeding as planned, despite Trump’s stated preference for the House effort.

“If the House can produce one big beautiful bill, we’re prepared to work with them to get that across the finish line, but we believe the president also likes optionality,” Thune said.

The resolution is not a bill and does not get signed into law by the president, but its passage unlocks a process that allows Republicans to enact their priorities later this year even if Democrats unanimously oppose it.

Here’s what to know.

What’s in the Senate plan?

The budget resolution, authored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, the Republican chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, sets the stage for about $342 billion in increased spending on border security, defense and the Coast Guard.

Graham said the spending would take place over four years and be paid for with reduced spending elsewhere in the federal government, though the resolution itself does not specify how those cuts would occur.

The budget resolution advanced out of committee last week on a party-line vote. It directs the Senate Homeland Security Committee to increase spending by up to $175 billion, the Senate Armed Services Committee to spend up to $150 billion more and the Senate Commerce panel to increase spending by about $20 billion. This is on top of the annual spending that Congress provides through a separate legislative process.

“Build the wall, deport illegal aliens, and create additional detention space so we don’t have to release illegal immigrants into the community,” Graham said. “And God knows the military needs more money in these dangerous times.”

What happens this week?

The Senate proceeded to Graham’s budget plan on Tuesday evening, opening it up to 50 hours of debate. Once the debate time has expired — but before a vote on final passage — senators will hold what’s known in Congress as a “vote-arama.” It’s a whirlwind series of votes over several hours in which senators seek to amend the plan.

The votes often last into the early morning hours before exhausted lawmakers decide they’ve had enough and move to a final vote.

The amendments often are designed to force lawmakers from the other party to take difficult votes on hot-button issues that could prove difficult to explain in the next election cycle.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Republicans should “get ready for a late night and an early morning.”

“We are going to make sure the people back home know that Elon Musk is firing VA doctors and food safety inspectors — for no cause whatsoever — and illegally defunding the programs that Americans care about,” Murray said.

A long way to go

Once a budget plan is approved, committees would draft legislation consistent with their instructions to find savings or increase spending in programs under their jurisdiction. But the formal work needed to advance those recommendations can’t take place until both the House and Senate pass identical budget plans.

At some point, Republicans in the House and Senate will have to resolve their differences for them to use the tool that will allow the package to pass with a simple majority in the Senate and sidestep a Democratic filibuster. For now, they are competing with each other to win Trump’s favor.

Where the House stands

The House does have momentum for its efforts after a few weeks of delay. The chamber’s Budget panel has advanced its more comprehensive budget plan to the floor on a party-line vote. Speaker Mike Johnson’s office said it will come up for a vote in the full chamber next week when the House returns to Washington.

Their plan would allow committees to provide for up to $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $300 billion in new spending. It would also instruct committees to make at least $1.5 trillion in spending reductions elsewhere in the federal government over the next decade. And it would lift the debt ceiling so that the U.S. can borrow and continue paying its bills.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog, estimates that the House budget plan would allow for a nearly $4 trillion debt increase over the next decade.

Johnson can spare only one defection if Democrats are unanimous in opposing the plan next week, creating a high-wire act for his leadership team.

Some Republicans have raised concerns about the level of spending cuts that could occur with programs like Medicaid. But those lawmakers will also feel pressure to help Trump enact his priorities or face his wrath for not going along.

​ Orange County Register 

Taco Bell partners with Milk Bar on a Birthday Cake Churro

• February 20, 2025

Taco Bell doesn’t usually serve churros, but the fast food giant will be offering them for a limited time.

Taco Bell is partnering with Milk Bar on a Birthday Cake Churro. The treat is filled with birthday cake frosting and topped with confetti sprinkles. They sell two for about $2.99 or one for $1.99 at participating locations, according to a news release.

Milk Bar is a New York-based bakery that has a location at 7150 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles. It previously collaborated with Taco Bell on a Strawberry Milk Truffle in 2022. It will have its own take on churros, Churro Birthday Cake Truffles, the news release said.

Sweets on Taco Bell’s regular menu include Cinnamon Twists and Cinnabon Delights.

Other limited time items at Taco Bell include Cheesy Dipping Burrito.

Taco Bell, which is based in Irvine, plans to announce many of its menu innovations for 2025 at a fan event, Live Más LIVE, in New York City on March 4.

Information: tacobell.com

​ Orange County Register 

Senate pushes toward confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI director

• February 20, 2025

By ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate was set to vote Thursday on whether to confirm Kash Patel as FBI director, a decision that could place him atop the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency despite concerns from Democrats over his qualifications and the prospect that he would do President Donald Trump’s bidding.

Patel cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee last week by a 12-10, party-line vote and is set for consideration by the Republican-controlled Senate on Thursday afternoon.

He is expected to be confirmed unless more than three Republican senators defy Trump’s will and vote against him, which is seen as unlikely. Trump has already secured approval for most of his nominees despite initial Republican skepticism to several of his choices.

Patel, a Trump loyalist who has fiercely criticized the agency that he is poised to lead, would inherit an FBI gripped by turmoil. The Justice Department in the last month has forced out a group of senior FBI officials and made a highly unusual demand for the names of thousands of agents who participated in investigations related to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Trump has said that he expects some of those agents will be fired.

Republicans angry over what they see as law enforcement bias against conservatives during the Biden administration, as well as criminal investigations into Trump, have rallied behind Patel as the right person for the job. Democrats, meanwhile, have complained about his lack of management experience compared to others who have held the director’s job and highlighted incendiary past statements that they say call his judgment into question.

“My prediction is if you vote for Kash Patel, more than any other confirmation vote you make, you will come to regret this one to your grave,” Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said this week.

Patel’s eyebrow-raising remarks on hundreds of podcasts over the last four years include referring to law enforcement officials who investigated Trump as “criminal gangsters,” referring to some Jan. 6 rioters as “political prisoners” and pledging to “come after” anti-Trump “conspirators” in the government and media.

At his confirmation hearing last month, Patel said Democrats were taking some of his comments out of context or misunderstanding the broader point that he was trying to make, such as when he proposed shutting down the FBI headquarters in Washington and turning it into a museum for the so-called deep state. And Patel denied the idea that a list in his book of government officials who he said were part of a “deep state” amounted to an “enemies list,” calling that a “total mischaracterization.”

FBI directors are given 10-year terms as a way to insulate them from political influence and keep them from becoming beholden to a particular president or administration. Patel was selected in November to replace Christopher Wray, who was picked by Trump in 2017 and served for more than seven years but who repeatedly angered the president and was seen by him as insufficiently loyal. He resigned before Trump took office.

A former federal defender and Justice Department counterterrorism prosecutor, Patel attracted Trump’s attention during his first term when, as a staffer on the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee, he helped author a memo with pointed criticism of the FBI’s investigation into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Patel later joined Trump’s administration, both as a counterterrorism official at the National Security Council and as chief of staff to the defense secretary.

​ Orange County Register 

Best eyelash curler

• February 20, 2025

Which eyelash curler is best?

Who doesn’t want long, fluttery eyelashes? If your mascara alone isn’t giving you the lashes you want and you’d rather not mess with false lashes, an eyelash curler can make all the difference. A curler creates a curve in your lashes that helps them look longer and thicker and gives the appearance of opening up your eyes, so they look wider.

Our top pick by Brilliant Beauty is made of stainless steel for added durability and includes a satin travel pouch to keep the curler safe when you’re on the go.

What to know before you buy an eyelash curler

Types of eyelash curlers

Eyelash curlers are available in different types. They all effectively curl your lashes, but one type may be a better option than the others depending on your preferences.

• Traditional eyelash curlers feature scissor-like handles and a curved clamp at the end. You separate the handles to open the clamp and carefully place it around your upper lashes. When you close the clamp, your eyelashes are curled along its curve.
• Heated eyelash curlers feature a battery-operated wand with a comb head at the end. When you turn the curler on, the head heats up and you run the comb over your lashes, holding them in place to give them a gentle curl.
• Spring-tension eyelash curlers are best if you have fragile lashes that break if you close a traditional eyelash curler over your lashes too firmly. The curler features a spring that makes it more difficult to close the clamp, so your lashes aren’t held too tightly.

Material

Eyelash curlers are usually made of either plastic or metal. Plastic eyelash curlers are a good option if you have sensitive skin or eyes. They’re not as durable as metal eyelash curlers, so you have to replace them more frequently. Metal eyelash curlers are extremely durable, so they last longer. They’re also less likely to break during travel.

What to look for in a quality eyelash curler

Handle design

If you’ve had trouble using an eyelash curler in the past, choose a model with an ergonomically designed handle. This allows you to hold the curler comfortably so your hand is steady and you don’t have to worry about pinching your skin. If you aren’t a fan of handles with scissor-style finger holes, opt for a curler with basic paddles for easier curling.

Pad thickness

Eyelash curlers have pads along the clamp to cushion your lashes and help curl them. Curlers with a thicker pad usually provide a more natural-looking curl and are less likely to break your lashes. Those with thinner pads typically provide a more dramatic-looking curl, although in some cases, they can crimp lashes rather than curl them. A curler with a thin pad is more likely to break your lashes.

Replacement pads

The pads along an eyelash curler’s clamp can break down over time. While you can buy replacement pads, some curlers include them. Many include a single replacement pad, but some curlers offer up to five or six additional pads.

How much you can expect to spend on an eyelash curler

Eyelash curlers usually range in price from $1 to $34. Those that cost $1-$5 can be made of plastic or metal, but they aren’t the highest quality. Curlers that range from $5-$20 are usually made of solid metal and are of much higher quality. If you’re willing to pay more than $20, you can find heated eyelash curlers and mechanical curlers from high-end cosmetic brands.

Eyelash curlers FAQ

Is an eyelash curler bad for your lashes?

A. If you use too much pressure when you close the clamp or tug on the curler when the clamp is closed, it’s possible to damage or even pull out your lashes. If you’re careful and use an eyelash curler properly, it’s safe to use it daily.

What’s the best way to clean an eyelash curler?

A. If there’s makeup residue on your eyelash curler, dampen a cotton ball with makeup remover and run it over the curler. Oil-based cleansers can also work well. Next, wipe the curler down with a rag dampened with warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a towel.

What’s the best eyelash curler to buy?

Top eyelash curler

Brilliant Beauty Lash Prodigy Eyelash Curler With Satin Bag and Refill Pads

What you need to know: Combining performance, versatility and affordability, it’s one of the best options on the market.

What you’ll love: Made of surgical-grade stainless steel, it’s suitable for both home and professional use. The curve design can fit all eye shapes and sizes. It effectively curls lashes without pulling or tugging and includes two replacement pads and a travel pouch.

What you should consider: The replacement pads can be a little short. Some users found the pins inside the clamp mechanism were prone to falling out.

Top eyelash curler for the money

Kaasage Eyelash Curler With Advanced Silicone Refill Pads

What you need to know: Boasting a generous warranty, solid performance and five replacement pads, this is a great value.

What you’ll love: It features a stainless steel mechanism and silicone pads. The handles are easy to grip and can be used for outstanding control, and the curler includes a lifetime warranty. The spring-loaded design works for most eye shapes.

What you should consider: Some users find the curler pinches the skin. It may not be the best choice if you have smaller eyes.

Worth checking out

JAPONESQUE Go Curl Pocket Eyelash Curler

What you need to know: This is a new take on the same old eyelash curler.

What you’ll love: Featuring a slim, compact design that makes it easy to take on the go, it’s curling pad is made of silicone and it comes with replacement pads. The flip-down easel makes sure you don’t put too much pressure on your lashes. This curler is good for individuals with large eyes.

What you should consider: Some users found the hinge broke within a few months. There can be a learning curve to get used to the innovative design. It doesn’t fit deep-set eyes well.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

​ Orange County Register 

CIF-SS girls basketball playoffs: Wednesday’s scores, updated schedule for Saturday’s semifinals

• February 20, 2025

The scores from Wednesday’s games for the Orange County teams in the CIF-SS girls basketball playoffs, plus the schedule for the semifinals Saturday, Feb. 22.

CIF-SS GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS

OPEN DIVISION

Pool A, Third round, Wednesday

Sierra Canyon 69, Sage Hill 33

Pool B, Third round, Wednesday

Mater Dei 69, Fairmont Prep 56

Pool A, Fourth round, Saturday

Sage Hill (0-2) at Bishop Montgomery (0-2), 7 p.m.

Pool B, Fourth round, Saturday

Mater Dei (2-0) at Etiwanda (2-0), 7 p.m.

Fairmont Prep (0-2) at Windward (0-2), 7 p.m.

DIVISION 1

Quarterfinals, Wednesday

Moreno Valley 73, San Clemente 62

Brentwood 70, Esperanza 44

DIVISION 2AA

Quarterfinals, Wednesday

Portola 66, Buena Park 62

Oak Park 64, San Juan Hills 49

Semifinals, Saturday

Portola at Oak Park, 7 p.m.

DIVISION 2A

Quarterfinals, Wednesday

Rolling Hills Prep 55, Sonora 45

Rosary 87, Notre Dame Academy 48

Semifinals, Saturday

Oak Hills at Rosary, 7 p.m.

DIVISION 3A

Quarterfinals, Wednesday

El Toro 62, Ramona 23

Semifinals, Saturday

El Toro at Gahr, 7 p.m.

DIVISION 4AA

Quarterfinals, Wednesday

Savanna 55, Heritage Christian 51

Tesoro 50, Maranatha 44

Serra 54, La Quinta 26

Leuzinger 47, Tustin 40

Semifinals, Saturday

Savanna at Tesoro, 7 p.m.

DIVISION 4A

Quarterfinals, Wednesday

Kennedy 49, Oxford Academy 48

Semifinals, Saturday

Kennedy at Pilibos, 7 p.m.

DIVISION 5AA

Quarterfinals, Wednesday

Hillcrest 39, Loara 35

Nordhoff 46, Costa Mesa 41

Santa Ana 48, Rancho Alamitos 27

Semifinals, Saturday

St. Pius X-St. Matthias at Santa Ana, 7 p.m.

DIVISION 5A

Quarterfinals, Wednesday

Bolsa Grande 34, Arroyo Valley 29

Semifinals, Saturday

Bolsa Grande at Rosemead, 7 p.m.

​ Orange County Register 

Best paella pan

• February 20, 2025

Which paella pan is best?

Originally from Valencia, a rice-growing region in Spain, paella is a slow-cooked dish of meat, seafood and vegetables that are all simmered with saffron. This deeply flavored culinary masterpiece uses a pan that is wide and fairly shallow. This exposes as much of the rice as possible to the bottom, allowing it to form the crispy crust — the socarrat — that paella is famous for.

The Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Paella Pan is the pan professionals choose when cooking at home. It’s durable, well-made and nonstick with proper seasoning and care.

What to know before you buy a paella pan

Material

This dish’s high cooking temperature and long duration of cooking require that a paella pan be durable and able to heat evenly.

There are several materials to choose from.

• Carbon steel: Carbon steel is the traditional material for paella pans designed to last for generations. They heat evenly and hold that heat for a long time, but they need special care to prevent rust and remain nonstick.
• Cast iron: Cast iron is great for use over an open flame, but it is very heavy. It also requires specific seasoning and care. You can get enameled cast iron, which is easier to care for.
• Nonstick steel: These pans are not traditional, but they do provide a nonstick surface. Make sure you select a pan that is PFOA-free.
• Stainless steel: These pans work well and look great, but they don’t release food as easily and can be expensive.

Capacity

Paella pans are traditionally large, up to 32 inches in diameter, but they can be as small as 8 inches. Regardless of the size, the pan should have straight sides that are no more than 3 inches deep. This shallow surface helps achieve the perfect texture of rice, meat, seafood and vegetables.

Nonstick vs. raw materials

While nonstick pans make food release more easily, some cooks prefer to limit the number of potential chemicals leaching into their food. Look for raw materials, such as steel or cast iron.

What to look for in a quality paella pan

Stay-cool handles

It is hard to find stay-cool handles on a paella pan. These are usually coated with something that minimizes heat transfer from the pan. If you don’t want to fuss with pot holders, this is a useful feature. However, keep in mind that even stay-cool handles can get warm, and proceed with caution.

Dimples

The dimples on the bottom of a paella pan look like the dimples on a golf ball. These shallow indentations promote even heating.

Lid

Lids are optional because they are not traditionally used to prepare paella. However, if you plan to use your pan for other dishes where a lid would come in handy, this is a nice addition to have.

Free from harmful chemicals

Many people avoid nonstick cookware due to the potential for chemicals to leach into food. The newest generation of these slippery pans uses coatings that are PFOA-free and nontoxic, with no chance of food contamination.

How much you can expect to spend on a paella pan

When it comes to these pans, the lower the price, the lower your expectations should be. Expect to spend $25-$250.

Paella pan FAQ

What else can you prepare in a paella pan?

A. If you don’t have the space — or patience — for a unitasking kitchen tool, don’t worry. Use your paella pan to prepare:

• Stir-fries.
• Shallow-fried chicken.
• Egg dishes.
• Gratin.
• Pancakes.
• Sautéed vegetables.
• Jambalaya.
• Curries.
• Pork chops.
• Steaks.
• One-skillet meals (on the stovetop or in the oven).

Can paella pans be used on induction burners or backyard grills?

A. Some paella pans are safe for use on all surfaces, including induction burners and backyard grills. If you want a versatile pan that can be used on every cooking surface, cast iron is your best bet. It is heavy, but its durable construction and ability to be nonstick with proper care make it a good choice.

Do paella pans require special care?

A. Some paella pans do require special care to retain or develop a nonstick surface. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care that are included with your pan.

What’s the best paella pan to buy?

Top paella pan

Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Paella Pan

What you need to know: Once this pan is seasoned, it releases every morsel easily.

What you’ll love: The deep sides of this pan accommodate large batches of paella. It weighs 7.6 pounds and feels substantial. The handles are oven-safe at high temperatures. This pan works on all surfaces, including induction burners.

What you should consider: It is the most expensive option, so if you don’t make paella often, you might want to choose a different pan.

Top paella pan for the money

Ecolution Sol Paella Pan

What you need to know: This slightly smaller pan is good for people with less storage space who still want a well-constructed pan.

What you’ll love: It’s a 15-inch nonstick pan that uses Hydrolon, a water-based, nontoxic coating, on durable carbon steel. Dimples on the bottom distribute heat evenly. The handles are chrome-plated to stay cool, and the pan is dishwasher-safe. The packaging is made from 70% recycled material.

What you should consider: It feels less substantial than more expensive models.

Worth checking out

Garcima Carbon Steel Paella Pan

What you need to know: It’s a pan that makes paella for a group of six to 10 people.

What you’ll love: The carbon steel distributes heat evenly through dimples hammered into the bottom of the pan. It heats quickly and is great for cooking eggs too. It comes with recipes and is made in Spain.

What you should consider: Because it is raw steel, it requires additional care.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

​ Orange County Register 

Girls basketball roundup: Rosary, Savanna, Tesoro and Kennedy reach CIF semifinals

• February 20, 2025

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Sophomore guard Isabella Holmes scored 26 points, including eight 3-pointers, to lead Rosary’s girls basketball team to an 87-48 victory at Notre Dame Academy of Los Angeles in the CIF-SS Division 2A quarterfinals Wednesday.

Kylie Yoon, a sophomore forward, added 15 points for the No. 2 seeded Royals (17-13), who play host to Oak Hills in the semifinals Saturday.

Holmes made 8 of 13 attempts from beyond the arc.

Rosary qualified for the SoCal regional playoffs by reaching the semifinals.

In other quarterfinal games Wednesday:

In Division 4AA:

Savanna 55, Heritage Christian 51: Dyanna Cruz scored 21 points and Scarlett Valentin added 16 to lead the host and top-seeded Rebels (21-5). Savanna plays at Tesoro in the semifinals Saturday.

Tesoro defeated host Maranatha 50-44 in another quarterfinal.

In Division 4A:

Kennedy 49, Oxford Academy 48: Sophomore Ariana Navarro had 16 points, eight rebounds and six steals to lead the visiting Fighting Irish (17-12). Kennedy will play at Pilibos of Los Angeles in the semifinals Saturday.

In Division 5AA:

Santa Ana 48, Rancho Alamitos 27: Kalleigh Solis scored 20 points to pace the visiting Saints (15-12). Santa Ana will play host to St. Pius X-St. Matthias in the semifinals Saturday.

In Division 5A:

Bolsa Grande 34, Arroyo Grande 29: The host Matadors (16-10) advanced to Saturday’s semifinals at Rosemead.

​ Orange County Register