Congress on Friday sent to the White House legislation that gives the federal government vast new powers to regulate and restrict cigarettes, the single largest cause of preventable death.

Although Fiat shares were up the news, analysts say the deal carries with it enormous risk for Fiat in trying to revive Chrysler’s aging product line.

Everyone is waiting for the housing market to stabilize, but figures released Wednesday show that California is still mired in a real-estate meltdown.

The Los Angeles Trader’s Expo is being held at Pasadena Convention Center through Saturday, and offers free general admission to those interested in learning more about trading stocks, options, futures, and currency. Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green St. Expo hours are until 10:15 p.m. Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, and 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www.moneyshow.com/caot/schedulesummary.asp

The biggest celebrity and entertainment headlines from the week including David Carradine’s death, The Beatles come together and Whitney Houston announces her come-back.

Actor David Carradine, star of the 1970s TV series “Kung Fu” who also had a wide-ranging career in the movies, has been found dead in the Thai capital, Bangkok.