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Budget troubles won’t change California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s goals for 2nd term, he tells AP

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Throughout the various crises in California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first term — devastating wildfires, the bankruptcy of the nation’s largest utility, the deadly COVID-19 pandemic — the state’s record-smashing budget surpluses were always there to smooth things over.Now, as Newsom moves to build his national profile for political aspirations beyond the governor’s office, looming multibillion dollar deficits could threaten to unravel the things on which he’s staked his reputation, including free kindergarten for every 4-year-old and free health care for low-income residents regardless of their immigration status.On Monday, after signing a budget that cut, delayed and borrowed to cover a $31.5 billion deficit, Newsom convened hundreds of agency officials, department heads and deputies for an all-day meeting to stress the importance of protecting those commitments. “I have a sell-by date, three and a half years. The clock’s tic...

FBI director set to clash with Republicans on the Trump case, Hunter Biden and more

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the FBI will face some of his harshest critics in Congress on Wednesday as he testifies before a House committee that is leading several investigations into claims that the law enforcement agency unfairly targets conservatives.FBI Director Chris Wray’s appearance before the House Judiciary Committee is expected to be contentious. Republicans are prepared to aggressively question the director on several fronts, including the recent indictment of former President Donald Trump, the ongoing investigation into President Joe Biden’s son and the push for a new FBI headquarters. It’s just the latest display of the new normal on Capitol Hill, where Republicans who have long billed themselves as the champions of police and “law and order” are growing deeply at odds with federal law enforcement and the FBI, accusing the bureau of bias dating back to investigations of Trump when he was president. The new dynamic has forced Democrats into a new posit...

Even in states that have them, few US adults support full abortion bans, AP-NORC poll finds

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

The majority of U.S. adults, including those living in states with the deepest limits on abortion, want it to be legal at least through the initial stages of pregnancy, a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds.The poll was conducted in late June, one year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, undoing a nationwide right to abortion that had been in place for nearly 50 years. While the laws have changed over the past year, the poll found that opinions on abortion remain much as they were a year ago: complex, with most people believing abortion should be allowed in some circumstances and not in others. Overall, about two-thirds of Americans say abortion should generally be legal, but only about a quarter say it should always be legal and only about 1 in 10 say it should always be illegal.By 24 weeks of pregnancy, most Americans think their state should generally not allow abortions.That’s true for 34-year-old Jaleesha Thoma...

‘Succession’ likely to lead Emmy nominations, but Hollywood strikes could cloud ceremony

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — HBO may dominate Wednesday morning’s Emmy nominations with its elite trio of “ Succession,” “The White Lotus” and “The Last of Us,” but the dominant theme darkening the scene is the ongoing writers strike and the looming possibility that actors may soon join them.“Succession” and its deeply dysfunctional dynasty of one-percenters is a lock to be nominated for best drama, which it has won two of the past three years. It’s nearly as certain to have multiple nominees across the acting categories, with stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin probable for best actor nods and Sarah Snook a likely frontrunner among the best actress nominees.The show led last year with 25 nominations for its third season, and given the Emmys’ soft spot for series’ final seasons, it could see a similar number for its concluding fourth.“ The White Lotus ” and “ The Last of Us ” are also probably shoo-ins for best drama, a category that HBO has wo...

Stormy Wednesday could bring heavy rain totals. Dangerous Heat in U.S. Southwest and Southeast. Deluge in Vermont

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

Much of the Chicago area in a level 2 of 4 or a slight risk for seeing excessive rainfall—some areas could see totals in excess of 3 inchesMuch of the Chicagoland area is likely to see 1-2” of rain, but some areas could receive totals in excess of 3”Southwestern desert residents are feeling the extreme heat wave this week with 100°+ temperatures and Excessive Heat warnings. The region has had no monsoon activity, which can help offset the heat. (In Arizona, the monsoon season began in mid June and can bring powerful storms and heavy bursts of rainfall.

National League snaps All-Star Game losing streak, tops AL 3-2 behind Elias Díaz homer

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

SEATTLE — Elias Díaz hit a two-run homer off Félix Bautista in the eighth inning, and the National League snapped a nine-game losing streak in the All-Star Game with a 3-2 win over the American League on Tuesday night.The NL won for the first time since an 8-0 victory in 2012 in Kansas City thanks to Díaz, a catcher who became the first Rockies player to win the All-Star MVP award.Díaz, who was non-tendered by the Pirates at the end of 2019, drove a 2-2 pitch from Baltimore’s hard-throwing closer deep to left to put the NL in front. Díaz was the lone representative for Colorado in his first All-Star Game appearance.He has nine homers this season, but hadn’t hit a long ball since June 23 against the Los Angeles Angels.“This means a lot to me, to my family,” he said. “Being in the ASG for me is amazing.”For most of the night, the All-Star Game was a pitchers’ duel highlighted by a couple big hits and some excellent defense.It got nervous for the NL in the ninth. Wander Franco flied ou...

Attempted murder suspect arrested after man found shot in Fairfax

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

A suspect was arrested Tuesday for attempted murder after a man was found shot in the Fairfax district.The suspect was identified as Sasan Limodim, 36, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.On Monday, officers responded to reports of a shooting near the 100 block of North Vista Street around 1:15 p.m.Arriving officers found a man with two gunshot wounds on his lower back. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was later listed in stable condition, police said.The suspect, Limodim, fled the scene before officers arrived.On Tuesday around 11 a.m., detectives located and arrested Limodim near the 7500 block of Beverly Boulevard. Woman snaps selfie before allegedly stealing thousands worth of jewelry in Irvine The suspect was booked on charges of attempted murder and is being held on $2 million bail.The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective S. Kazarian at 213-922-8237 or the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247. Anonymous tip...

Aces coast to easy win over Mercury

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jackie Young scored 23 points to lead three players with at least 20 points and the Las Vegas Aces coasted to a 98-72 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night.Chelsea Gray had 21 points and 11 assists and A’ja Wilson 20 with eight rebounds in the rout. Kelsey Plum, coming off a franchise record 40-point game, added 17 points for Las Vegas (18-2), which came into the game leading the league in scoring at 93.6 points a game.The Aces’ third sellout of the season included Mike Krzyzewski and Bob Arum sitting with Las Vegas owner Mark Davis. Saturday’s All-Star game in Las Vegas is also sold out. There were also a host of NBA stars in attendance, with some, like four-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, greeting Wilson coming out of halftime.Michaela Onyenwere scored 18 points off the bench for the Mercury (4-15), who are last in the league in scoring at 77 points a game.MYSTICS 93, STORM 86WASHINGTON (AP) – Brittney Sykes scored 26 points and the short-handed Myst...

Iowa Republicans pass bill banning most abortions after about 6 weeks during special session ordered by Gov. Reynolds

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Republicans pass bill banning most abortions after about 6 weeks during special session ordered by Gov. Reynolds.Source

Young scores 23, Gray 21 and Wilson 20 as the Aces keep rolling with a 98-72 win over Mercury

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:21:12 GMT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jackie Young scored 23 points to lead three players with at least 20 points and the Las Vegas Aces coasted to a 98-72 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night.Chelsea Gray had 21 points and 11 assists and A’ja Wilson 20 with eight rebounds in the rout. Kelsey Plum, coming off a franchise record 40-point game, added 17 points for Las Vegas (18-2), which came into the game leading the league in scoring at 93.6 points a game.The Aces’ third sellout of the season included Mike Krzyzewski and Bob Arum sitting with Las Vegas owner Mark Davis. Saturday’s All-Star game in Las Vegas is also sold out. There were also a host of NBA stars in attendance, with some, like four-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, greeting Wilson coming out of halftime.Michaela Onyenwere scored 18 points off the bench for the Mercury (4-15), who are last in the league in scoring at 77 points a game. Brittney Griner added 13 and Diana Taurasi had 11 moving her within 86 points of 1...