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Newsom signs budget with bills to streamline environmental approval for clean energy

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off on the state’s $311 billion budget Monday along with a package of what he called California’s most ambitious environmental review reforms in half a century to speed approval of clean energy projects.The governor, expected to be a future White House contestant, touted the 2023-2024 budget for the fiscal year that began this month as a model of Democratic financial stewardship, noting it built reserves and closed a nearly $32 billion shortfall.“We’ve proven a paradigm: You don’t have to be profligate to be progressive,” Newsom said.A key part of that budget was a package of bills aimed at streamlining permitting and project reviews for clean energy and other infrastructure construction that the governor bargained with lawmakers for in finalizing the state budget last month. The governor has said it will cut project timelines by three years or more while creating thousands of jobs.The infrastructure legislation builds on ...

LA billionaire sells San Diego Union-Tribune to owner of Southern California News Group

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

The majority owner of the Southern California News Group has bought the San Diego Union-Tribune from Los Angeles billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong for an undisclosed amount.The U-T purchase by investor Alden Global Capital, announced Monday, July 10,  comes during turbulent times in the newspaper industry as audience and advertising are increasingly absorbed by search and social media companies. The U-T will be operated by Alden-controlled MediaNews Group, which also runs the 11 newspapers of the Southern California News Group.“This valued acquisition enables MediaNews Group to advance its stewardship in California as the largest provider of news and information across the state as we continue our commitment to ensure newspapers remain viable well into the future,” said Sharon Ryan, executive vice president of California for MediaNews Group.Alden’s purchase will grow the California reach of MediaNews Group which owns the Southern California News Group and more th...

Powerball jackpot rises to $675 million ahead of Monday's draw

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

(KRON) -- The Powerball jackpot for tonight's drawing has increased to an estimated $675 million thanks to strong ticket sales across the country, according to the California Lottery. The jackpot has been rolling since April, enabling the California Lottery to raise an estimated $47 million for public schools. Family contracts COVID on board Ruby Princess cruise The jackpot has rolled over 34 times since April and California Lottery has sold more than $117 million in Powerball tickets in that timeframe. The more than 23,000 stores and other retail locations that partner with California Lottery have earned an estimated $6.9 million in commissions and bonuses.If someone wins the jackpot in tonight's drawing, they'll have the choice between an annuitized prize worth an estimated $675 million or a lump sum payment of $340.9 million. A winner who selects the annuity option would get one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% annually.Both prize options are...

Wimbledon 2023: Pegula eyes 1st GS semifinals. Swiatek and Djokovic back in action

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Jessica Pegula has reached the quarterfinals in five of her last 10 major tournaments. Making it past that point has been an issue.The 29-year-old American gets another shot at the semifinals when she faces Marketa Vondrousova at Wimbledon on Tuesday.Winning in the fourth round at Wimbledon this year means the fourth-seeded Pegula has reached the quarterfinals at each of the four Grand Slam tournaments.“To say that I’ve done that at all four is something I’ve wanted to say. Obviously I hope I can do more than that,” Pegula said.Vondrousova, the runner-up at the 2019 French Open, has knocked off three seeded opponents in a row ahead of Tuesday’s match on No. 1 Court.In the other women’s quarterfinals match on Tuesday, top-ranked Iga Swiatek of Poland faces Elina Svitolina of Ukraine. Svitolina said she is “really thankful” for Swiatek’s support of Ukrainians.On Centre Court, though, Svitolina hopes to keep her momentum going. The 2019 semif...

All aboard! Metrobar hosts grand opening of railcar bar in Northeast DC

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

Metrobar will open the sliding doors this week on a new railcar bar and allow patrons aboard after years of anticipation.Located in the bustling Bryant Street development in Northeast D.C., railcar 5058 won’t be heading to a specific destination, but will begin serving beer, wine and spirits from local vendors this Wednesday.“We’ve always wanted to celebrate what makes D.C. great, celebrate our culture, our history, and also celebrate local vendors,” said Metrobar co-owner Jesse Rauch.The design inside railcar 5058 pays homage to Metro with a retro feel and a bit of modern charm, as highlighted by its hexagon floor tiles and original train seats that have been reupholstered.Decked out with a 22-foot-long bar, people can walk up and order cocktails from inside or outside the train. View this post on Instagram A post shared by metrobar (@metrobardc)If you’re looking for a cocktail while aboard, Rauch suggests the “Metro Fashioned,” which is Metrobar’s version of the cl...

2023 Home Run Derby Competitors

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

Monday, July 10At T-Mobile Park, SeattleFirst Round MatchupsLuis Robert, Chicago White Sox vs. Adley Rutchman, BaltimoreAdolis Garcia, Texas vs. Randy Arozarena, Tampa BayPete Alonso, N.Y. Mets vs. Julio Rodriguez, SeattleMookie Betts, Los Angeles vx. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., TorontoSource

How extreme heat takes a toll on the mind and body, according to experts

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Southwestern U.S. is bracing for another week of blistering temperatures, with forecasters on Monday extending an excessive heat warning through the weekend for Arizona’s most populated area, and alerting residents in parts of Nevada and New Mexico to stay indoors. The metro Phoenix area is on track to tie or to break a record set in the summer of 1974 for the most consecutive days with the high temperature at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius). Even the morning low temperatures are tying historic records, with the airport logging 91 F (32.8 C) to match the warmest low set in 2020.Along the U.S.-Mexico border, federal agents reported that extreme temperatures over the weekend contributed to 45 people being rescued and another 10 dying. With so many consecutive days of excessive heat, forecasters, physicians and local health officials throughout the Southwest are recommending that people limit their outdoor exposure and know the warning si...

Israeli parliament gives initial OK to piece of contentious judicial overhaul, protests planned

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s parliamentary coalition gave initial approval early Tuesday to a contentious bill to limit the Supreme Court’s oversight powers, pressing forward with a judicial overhaul plan that has polarized Israel. The legislation is one of several bills proposed by Netanyahu’s ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox allies. The plan has provoked months of sustained protests by opponents who say it is pushing the country toward authoritarian rule. Mass protests were expected later Tuesday in response to the vote.Lawmakers held the first of three readings of a bill that would curb the high court’s ability to scrutinize the “reasonability” of decisions made by elected officials. That standard was implemented by the Supreme Court earlier this year to strike down the appointment of a Netanyahu ally as interior minister because of a past conviction for bribery and a 2021 plea deal for tax evasion.Critics say removing that stand...

Phoenix says it will take more time to clear homeless encampment

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix is making progress in complying with a court order to close a large homeless encampment known as “The Zone,” but it will take more time to clear, clean and keep people from setting up tents again in the area, a lawyer representing the city said at a trial Monday.Attorney Justin Pierce said during opening statements that portions of the encampment on the edge of downtown Phoenix have been cleared since a judge declared the area to be a public nuisance, but other blocks still need to be addressed. He said the process takes time, including making sure those who live there have somewhere else to go. The city is developing a space nearby with tents and temporary restroom facilities as an alternative, has increased the number of police officers working in the area and has nearly tripled its funding on confronting issues of homelessness, Pierce said. “We can’t simply wave a magic wand and have it all be gone,” Pierce said. “We have to go through a process.”The purpos...

Dusty Baker buys his All-Star coaches blazers after getting them suits last year

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:34 GMT

SEATTLE (AP) — Dusty Baker and the All-Star Game are tailor made for each other.After buying suits for his All-Star coaches last year, Baker purchased sports jackets for Tuesday night’s game.“We look like a band this year because we got ’em all the same blue blazer,” the 74-year-old Houston Astros manager said Monday. “And so the only thing is, as the leader of the band, I didn’t wear mine. So I just had to let people know I was leader of the band.”Baker wore a green and black flannel zippered jacket to Monday’s news conference. He is managing the American League All-Stars for the second straight year.Houston lost to Atlanta in the 2021 World Series, then defeated Philadelphia last year for the title.Phillies manager Rob Thomson was unaware of Baker’s gesture last year.“So now I feel bad,” Thomson said.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsSource