Economy roundup: interest rates, job market, and more

The Federal Reserve made its latest cut to their benchmark interest rate this past Wednesday, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell saying there are, “strongly different views” within the central bank on what to do next. The key interest rate, which helps set other interest rates across the economy, is now below 4 percent for the first time since late 2022. Opposing views inside the central bank’s interest rate setting committee stems from the uncertainty being felt across the economy due to the government shutdown, as typical economic data like the monthly reports on job creation, inflation, and consumer spending are not being released. While consistent cuts to interest rates encourage borrowers to spend more frequently, something financial markets hope for, they also can stoke inflation — which recent data suggests may be on the rise once again. Today on AirTalk, we check in on the U.S. economy with Susan Schmidt, Portfolio Manager at Exchange Capital Resources in Chicago. We also want to hear what you think about your personal economy. Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

How often should you post your boyfriend online?

British Vogue recently published a story that dared to ask the question: is posting your boyfriend online embarrassing? The story then points out a shift the author saw in heterosexual women, posting their boyfriends less often after having made that the norm during the early days of social media platforms like Instagram. So what gives? Is posting boyfriends cringey now? An example of heterofatalism? Helping us dig into these questions, and the phenomena at-large, is Damona Hoffman, dating coach and host of the “Dates and Mates” podcast and author of “F the Fairy Tale: Rewrite the Dating Myths and Live Your Own Love. We also want to hear from you: Have you become more self-conscious about posting about your partner? Do you find it weird when friends constantly post their partners? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

Charcuterie 101: The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills shares how they put together a good spread

Although Halloween is meant for the assortment of candy you leave on your porch, for this week’s Food Friday, we thought we would focus on an assortment of goods you can enjoy with a nice glass of wine… charcuterie! Whether you're into the different kinds of cheese, cured meats, or any other additions, the variety of a charcuterie board leaves a lot for folks to enjoy. This Food Friday, we sit down with Dominick DiBartolomeo, owner of The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, to discuss the charcuterie boards they provide.

FilmWeek: ‘Nouvelle Vague,’ ‘Love+War,’ ‘Ballad of a Small Player,’ and more!

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainer, Tim Cogshell, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.

Films:

Nouvelle Vague In Select Theaters|Streaming on Netflix Nov 14

Love+War Laemmle Monica Film Center|Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu Nov. 7 

Ballad of a Small Player Streaming on Netflix 

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain In Select Theaters     

Anniversary In Select Theaters     

Stitch Head In Select Theaters     

Wisdom of Happiness Laemmle Royal [West LA]     

The White House Effect Streaming on Netflix 

Hallow Road In AMC Theaters   

Chainsaw Man–The Movie: Reze Arc In Select Theaters     

The Wrecker Available on VOD    

Feature: A new TCM book shares some Pre-Code classics

Despite only lasting four short years from 1930 to 1934, the pre-code era of Hollywood’s Golden Age produced films that pushed the boundaries of cinema and storytelling, even by today’s standards. Hollywood classics including King Kong (1933), Freaks (1932), and Grand Hotel (1932) all came out during this time, just before the enforcement of the Production Code in 1934. Films of the pre-code era explored themes of sexuality, outlaws, racial identity, and class disparity. In a new book released in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, film historians and creators of Pre-Code.com, share their 50 must-see movies from the pre-code era. Joining us on FilmWeek to discuss some of the best films of the early 1930s, is Kim Luperi, film historian and co-author of the book Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood’s Untamed Era (1930-1934).

Kim Luperi will be at Book Soup in West Hollywood Sunday, November 2 for a book signing event. You can get more information about the event here.