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Automaker cites a steering-system defect in 373,000 Avalons from the 2000-2004 model years. Also, 39,000 of its Lexus LX 470 SUVs from 2003-2007 will be pulled back for an unrelated steering problem.



Toyota Motor Corp. announced another large recall of autos in the U.S. on Thursday, this time for a steering problem in 373,000 Avalon sedans built for the 2000-2004 model years.

Regulators make some interim orders permanent and add new protections for struggling consumers. They get extra time to catch up on utility bills and are required to put up reduced or no new deposits to restore service.



State regulators Thursday put a brake on actions that the state's biggest utilities can take to shut off electric and natural gas service of residents who fall behind on their bills.

The carmaker bets that its vehicles will be worth more than its competitors' models three years down the road, but some industry analysts are skeptical.



It's an enticing offer: Lease a well-equipped Toyota Corolla for just $189 a month for three years.

Ignacio Coronel Villarreal died in a gunfight in an upscale suburb of Guadalajara, authorities say. Separately, dozens of Tijuana law enforcement officers are arrested in an anti-corruption sweep.



In a significant blow against the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel, Mexican troops on Thursday killed one of the group's top figures during an arrest raid in western Mexico.

Southern California authorities are probing the sales tactics of Santa Monica's Goldline International, a key sponsor of Fox News host Glenn Beck.



Standing amid the shiny bling and baubles in his shop in Los Angeles' jewelry district, David Malek said he knows perfectly well why some people have been pouring money into gold. In a word, fear.

Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, high-end restaurants and an artisanal food marketplace will anchor the renovated shopping center, which opens next Friday.



Since designing Santa Monica Place mall more than three decades ago, Frank Gehry has become a world-renowned architect and Santa Monica has become one of the most lively and thriving beach cities.

In April of 1968, the stamped date of the never-before-seen photograph above, J. D. Salinger would have been 49 years old. He was recently divorced, and three years into the seclusion that would span the last 45 years of his life. He has bags under his eyes and grooves in his face but, ever so faintly, he is smiling. The intimacy of his setting—the milky tangle of used blankets and sheets—is offset by the spare thrift of his Cornish, N.H., bedroom, with its humble furnishings: small wastebasket, austere dresser. Bare, blank walls. Pack of smokes. But the most telling detail is on the door, at the left edge: a flash-enhanced glint on the room’s steely lock. It’s a reminder of its tenant’s unflinching mantra: keep out.

Britain's Phillips Idowu added European gold to his medal collection with a
superb performance in Barcelona.

A bold tactical decision earns Martyn Bernard a bronze medal for Britain in
the high jump in Barcelona.

The body of Jarod Newlove was recovered days after his companion, Justin McNeley, was confirmed dead following an ambush in the Taliban-infested Lowgar province.



The second of two American servicemen who disappeared last week in a Taliban-infested area south of the Afghan capital has been confirmed dead as well, a U.S. military official and Afghan authorities said Thursday.

City managers will gather in Sacramento on Thursday to discuss damage control. Some say more residents are seeking salary information from city halls. The Legislature considers reforms as well.



The scandal over high salaries paid to Bell officials has city leaders throughout the state scrambling to limit the political damage.

Cemeteries, parks, malls and garage rooftops provide the settings for summer film screenings.



As we move into the hottest part of the summer, the nights are long and languorous, perfect for seeing a movie. Outside. Perhaps in a cemetery, with a picnic and a live DJ. This is one of the best reasons to live in film-crazy L.A., and Angelenos have a good selection of outdoor locations and programs to choose from. From Agoura Hills to Hollywood, we've got your guide to cinema under the stars.