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Selected items of news and notes from the media, our in box and other LA Observed sources. Posted some days, often in the morning.
President Obama is announcing on national TV this morning that the United States and Cuba will restore full diplomatic relations, with an American embassy in Havana and eased travel restrictions. An exchange of prisoners is part of the arrangement, which was negotiated in part by Pope Francis. NYT
The latest data dump from unknown hackers posted thousands of emails stolen from Sony Pictures co-Chairman and CEO Michael Lynton. Deadline
Hollywood Assesses Amy Pascal's Survivability. THR
Landmark Theatres said Thursday's New York premiere of "The Interview" at Sunshine Cinema had been canceled, an action taken after the hackers threatened "9-11" style attacks on theaters that screen "The Interview." Sony informed theaters they were free to halt showings. The Department of Homeland Security said there was no “credible intelligence” of a plot against movie theaters in the U.S. LAT, Re/Code
Carmike Cinemas Drops 'The Interview' THR
Employees say Arclight has pulled "The Interview" from its screens, but the company claims no decision has been made. Deadline
Theater Owners Showing ‘The Interview’ Put Themselves At Potential Legal Risk. Deadline
Two former Sony Pictures employees filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court in Los Angeles alleging the studio was negligent by ignoring warnings that its computer system was prone to attack. LAT
Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the city will purchase 7,000 cameras for LAPD police officers to wear while on patrol, making Los Angeles a laboratory in the use of devices that bring the promise of more transparent policing but also concerns about civilian privacy. LAT, DN, KPCC
LAPD officials also announced reforms to improve the accuracy of the department's crime statistics, which have been criticized for underreporting. LAT
A court-appointed panel will now be asked to monitor the use of force by sheriff's deputies in Los Angeles County jails, part of a far-reaching settlement to a lawsuit alleging brutal beatings of inmates. LAT
Emails show City Attorney Mike Feuer’s Office worked with hotel advocates on the minimum wage ordinance. DN
Workers at Los Angeles City Hall were briefly evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a party in City Councilwoman Nury Martinez's office set off a smoke alarm. LAT
The board of American Apparel fired chief executive Dov Charney "for cause" and announced a new CEO. LAT
Los Angeles is officially one of four cities representing the United States' bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the U.S. Olympic Committee announced last night. LA Weekly
Camille Cosby defends her husband of 50 years: "He [Bill Cosby] is the man you thought you knew." LAT
In his own words, LAFD Battalion Chief David Perez describes how firefighters knocked down the Da Vinci construction fire on Dec. 8. Downtown News, DN
After his Town Hall LA speech, Times publisher Austin Beutner spoke with Jon Regardie about how the paper needs to change and become the civic conscience. Downtown News
Patric Kuh's top ten best news restaurants. Los Angeles Magazine
From Lycos to Ask Jeeves to Facebook: Tracking the 20 most popular web sites every year since 1996. Washington Post
The Dodgers removed bearded reliever Brian Wilson from the roster, will eat his $9 million contract. ESPN
