Top of the Times: January 29, 2015

Thursday, January  29,  2015

Top of the Times

LOCAL NATION WORLD BUSINESS SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH LIVING TRAVEL

Plunging oil prices choke off Bakersfield boom Tiffany Hsu Only 14 drilling rigs are active on land in California, down from 48 in June. This week, Kern County supervisors declared a fiscal emergency, citing lower property tax revenue from oil properties.   2 dead, dozens hurt in explosion at Mexican maternity hospital   Mother and child die in Inglewood apartment fire   NBC scores a record haul from Super Bowl ad sales   US & World   Obama again seeks to end budget cuts made in sequester deal   One small attempt at tax reform illustrates the challenges ahead   Winter snow cover must be weighed against springtime lack, scientists say     advertisement Business   Sumner Redstone isn't heard from during Viacom earnings call   Taft Building, an aging Hollywood hot spot, gets a makeover OneWest Bank takeover spurs email fight   New dating apps cut to the chase, set up dates quickly   Sports   For New England Patriots' LeGarrette Blount, walking off works out Lakers' Kobe Bryant has shoulder surgery, to be out about nine months Kings come up big at end against Chicago Blackhawks Clippers make key stops at the end, beat Jazz, 94-89 Ducks FYI: They're doing it with defense Status of UCLA's Tony Parker for Utah game is uncertain   Super Bowl job is meaningful for players who have worked outside NFL   Reliever Sergio Santos will try to extend career with Dodgers     advertisement   Health   Break from the bustle of L.A. with a hike in Elyria Canyon Park   So, how do I become vegan?     Opinion   A higher gasoline tax would throttle back economic growth   Lacking a foreign policy vision, Obama administration muddles along