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Trump and allies boost calls for Justice Dept. takeover in new attack on democratic institutions

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

In the two-and-a-half years since the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, Congress passed a bipartisan law closing loopholes in the complex process of choosing a new president that Donald Trump tried to exploit in his push to stay in office after losing the 2020 election.Candidates for crucial swing-state election posts who backed Trump’s push to overturn the 2020 election all lost their bids in last year’s elections. And, this week, federal prosecutors filed four felony charges against the former president for his role in the scheme to overturn President Joe Biden’s win.But while those avenues for electoral mischief may be blocked or severely constrained in 2024, the prosecution — along with another federal indictment accusing Trump of mishandling classified information after leaving office — is providing additional urgency among conservatives for a plan to make over the U.S. Department of Justice.That’s a step democracy advocates warn could mark a new assau...

Russia’s war with Ukraine has generated its own fog, and mis- and disinformation are everywhere

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — On the battlefields of Ukraine, the fog of war plagues soldiers. And far from the fighting, a related and just as disorienting miasma afflicts those who seek to understand what’s happening in the vast war.Disinformation, misinformation and absent information all cloud civilians’ understanding. Officials from each side denounce devious plots being prepared by the enemy, which never materialize. They claim victories that can’t be confirmed — and stay quiet about defeats. None of this is unique to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Any nation at war bends the truth — to boost morale on the home front, to rally support from its allies, to try to persuade its detractors to change their stance. But Europe’s largest land war in decades — and the biggest one since the dawn of the digital age — is taking place in a superheated information space. And modern communications technology, theoretically a force for improving public knowledge, tends to multiply the confusion ...

Concert review: Earth, Wind & Fire outshine Lionel Richie at the X

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire — two of the biggest R&B acts of the ’70s and ’80s — kicked off a joint tour Friday at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center and thrilled the crowd of about 13,000 with an evening of hit after hit after hit.Like Richie’s first group the Commodores, EWF were often classified as a funk band, but they’ve always been so much more, dabbling in soul, disco, rock, jazz and Latin jazz. And despite the 2016 death of band founder/leader Maurice White, the three core members — Verdine White (bass, vocals), Philip Bailey (vocals, percussion) and Ralph Johnson (vocals, percussion) — have kept the group going strong. In terms of infectious energy and sheer joy, they easily bested Richie (more on him in a bit).With 11 musicians on stage, EWF conjured a wall of sound that gave their numerous hits true power. The group’s cover of the Beatles’ “Got to Get You Into My Life” (which Paul McCartney wrot...

San Bernardino County students can now ride public transit for free

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

San Bernardino County students can now ride public transit for free whether to access school, activities or just getting around town.The K-12 Student Free Fare Program allows free rides for students every day and on every bus system in the county, according to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.Transit providers include Omnitrans, Victor Valley Transit, Mountain Transit, Basin Transit and Needles Area Transit.The one-year pilot program is sponsored by SBCTA and was approved by the Board of Directors in March 2023.County officials hope the free fares will not only allow children to easily access school, practice and activities, but will also foster a sense of independence.“We are very excited about this program,” said SBCTA Board President Dawn Rowe. “ It provides a financial break to families and gives them more options. Whether riding to school, for after-school fun, or for a weekend outing, kids ride free.” Public warned of increased coyote sightings at Chino par...

West Nile virus found in mosquitos and birds in Contra Costa, Napa counties

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — A third dead bird and a third group of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District said Friday. The discoveries mark the latest in a string of infected animals and insects across the Bay Area.The bird was found in Oakley, while the mosquitos were trapped in Brentwood. Earlier in the day, officials in Napa County also said they had confirmed West Nile among mosquitos in Calistoga. The announcements come after Contra Costa County officials found the virus among two groups of mosquitos from Discovery Bay and two dead birds from Martinez and Brentwood last month.“Statistically, this is the time of year when we typically see the highest risk of human cases,” Steve Schutz, the district’s scientific programs manager, said in a news release.West Nile can be transmitted to animals and people through a mosquito bite. Typically, the virus only causes mild, flu-like symptoms, but older adults ...

Caltrain fatally strikes person in San Francisco

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO — A Caltrain struck and killed a person Friday night in San Francisco, according to the commuter rail line.The fatality, Caltrain’s seventh of the year, happened around 7:30 p.m. between the 22nd Street and Bayshore stations, Caltrain said in a statement. Ninety-six passengers were on board.As of 8:30 p.m., emergency personnel were at the scene and train service was stopped in the area. There were no immediate reports of other injuries.Related ArticlesCrashes and Disasters | Letters: COVID closures | Population stabilization | Caltrain to Hollister | Hawkish Biden | Age and honesty | Demonstrable lie Crashes and Disasters | Silicon Valley mayors will be stomping grapes at Italian Family Festa Crashes and Disasters | Taylor Swift fans flocked to local transit after Friday’s curfew-defying Eras Tour show at Levi’s Stadium Crashes and Disasters | Want to see the future of Bay Area transport...

Alfonso Rivas, Bryan Reynolds have huge performances as Pirates beat Brewers 8-4

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Alfonso Rivas is wasting no time making a favorable impression on his new team.Rivas had a three-run homer and a triple among his three hits in his second game with Pittsburgh to help the Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 on Friday night. The Pirates acquired Rivas from San Diego on Tuesday as part of a trade that sent pitcher Rich Hill and first baseman/designated hitter Ji Man Choi to the Padres.“It felt good today,” Rivas said. “I haven’t had one of those days in a while, so it’s good to know that it’s still in there.”Bryan Reynolds also went 3 for 5 with a homer and a double. Henry Davis and Josh Palacios also went deep for the Pirates. Milwaukee’s Carlos Santana, acquired from the Pirates last week, homered against his former team. Mark Canha went 3 for 5 with an RBI.The Pirates were coming off a 14-1 loss at Milwaukee but capitalized on some good fortune to take command early this time. Rivas hit his three-run homer in the first and Davi...

Twins hit 3 solo HRs and top the slumping D-backs 3-2; Taylor’s tiebreaker came in the 7th

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Michael A. Taylor homered to lead off the seventh inning, the third solo shot of the game for the Minnesota Twins in a 3-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.“We had good at-bats. We were able to hit some balls out of the ballpark, but there were a lot of hard balls hit,” Taylor said. “It could’ve looked very different, I think.”Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler went deep against Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly, who otherwise cruised through six innings with nine strikeouts against the club that leads the major leagues in whiffs.“He’s such a perfectionist,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “He’s disappointed. I knew it when I took him out of the game.”Taylor greeted Scott McGough (1-7) with an opposite-field drive off a 1-2 fastball into the flower boxes above the limestone facade beyond right field that put the Twins in front.Jhoan Duran recorded his 20th save in 24 tries for the Twins, the flame-throwing closer’s ...

Mega Millions players miss out as jackpot climbs to $1.55 billion

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

Another Mega Millions drawing, another night without a jackpot winner.The numbers drawn Friday night were: 11, 30, 45, 52, 56 and the gold ball 20.Because no one matched all six numbers and won the estimated $1.35 billion jackpot, the top prize increased to $1.55 billion for the next drawing Tuesday night.The leftover prize is the all-time highest jackpot in the history of the Mega Millions lottery contest. The top jackpot ever won in the U.S. was $2.0 billion in a Powerball draw last year.There now have been 31 straight drawings without a jackpot winner. The last time someone won the Mega Millions jackpot was April 18. Why the winner of the $1.1B Mega Millions jackpot would take home way less The $1.55 billion prize would be for a sole winner who chooses the annuity option with payment stretched over 30 years. Most winners opt for a lump-sum payment, which would be an estimated $757.2 million on Tuesday.In Friday's draw, however, there were some winners in California who got a go...

Hit rewind with this new Y2K speakeasy coming to San Diego

Published Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:30:47 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- While video stores have become a relic of the past, a new speakeasy pop-up coming to downtown San Diego is hitting rewind on the clock.The Back 2 The Video Store speakeasy -- opening on Aug. 12 -- is throwing it back to the early aughts with a nostalgic, immersive cocktail experience inspired by video rental chains like Blockbuster.Featuring everything from lava lamps and pog-playing stations to photo moments based on memorable scenes, the hidden video store bar will blast you back in time while also serving up delicious Y2K-era movie-themed cocktails and mocktails. Popular chicken pie eatery in North Park celebrates anniversary with delicious deal The concept of the speakeasy pop-up is the brainchild of the event advertising platform Bucket Listers, spearheaded by the company's Head of Experiences Derek Berry.During the interactive experience, guests can roam the store with a "classic membership" card in hand, browsing shelves of modeled after those full of VHS tapes...