AEG Live, promoter of the Michael Jackson shows in London, stands to recoup a big chunk of its investment, thanks to insurance and two golden opportunities.

Banks were far more accommodating in 1992, the last time warrants had to be issued, and that laissez-faire stance might have delayed cutting a deal.

Most economists have very little good to say about the June unemployment and payroll numbers.

IOUs ready to be printed, feds tacking illegal workers, swindlers are on the loose, and big Wall Street bonuses are back.

Remember, though, that most of the forecasts had unemployment remaining high well into next year. In L.A., that means a double-digit jobless rate.

So far, it's only on a limited basis - through July 10. Still waiting for word from the other big banks.

A few small institutions say they will honor state-issued warrants from their customers, but the major players have not decided.

This time it's the soap and lotion seller Crabtree & Evelyn, which has locations in Century City, Glendale and Rolling Hills Estates.

Way slower than what the White House had been expecting at the beginning of the year, the result of depending on forecasting models that aren't reliable during a crisis.

IOUs getting readied, state deficit increases overnight, American Apparel probe over workers, and Wal-Mart pushes employer mandate.

Despite the high jobless rate many employers are targeting those still working. Their reasoning? Surviving employees are deemed the top performers.

The studio is in advanced talks with Sony and Fox about somehow merging its home entertainment division.

The urban-music magazine founded by Quincy Jones becomes another victim of the media recession.

Those gas station mini-markets that sell non-packaged items - hot dogs, coffee, fountain drinks - must pass the health codes just like a restaurant

The over-the-top jail term seems more vindictive than purposeful. I mean, the guy is going to die in prison, no matter what. But I seem to be in the minority.

L.A.-based Munger Tolles tops American Lawyer's annual list of best law firms - not necessarily the ones that bill the most hours or generate the most profits per partner.

Drop in home prices slowing down, more charges could be pending in Madoff case, state IOUs ready to be issued, and Hong Kong Disneyland to expand.

Not to question in the slightest Madoff deserving life in prison, but I have to wonder what good is served by such an over-the-top sentence.

Fewer folks from Socal will be getting away, but air travel is expected to be up almost 2 percent from 2008.

''May God spare you no mercy,'' one victim of the Ponzi swindler said during this morning's sentencing hearing in NY.

Budget stalemate continues, new talk about adjusting Prop 13, audit blasts Olvera Street operator, and Zucker unhappy with Universal performance.