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Senators unveil bill to avoid shutdown

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

Senate negotiators on Tuesday unveiled a 79-page bill to fund the government until Nov. 17 in hopes of averting a shutdown when current funding expires this weekend.  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) described the measure as a “bridge” to avoid a shutdown and give lawmakers more time to negotiate a longer-term funding solution.  “Senate Democrats and Republicans, together, worked in good faith to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution that will keep the government open beyond Sept. 30,” the Democratic leader said on the floor.  He acknowledged the agreement “won’t have everything that both sides want” but argued it “will help us to achieve our immediate and necessary goal of avoiding a government shutdown.”The bill includes $4.5 billion from an Operations and Maintenance fund for the Defense Department “to remain available until Sept. 30, 2024 to respond to the situation in Ukraine,” according to the measure’s text.  The bill also includes ano...

Centene to cut 3% of workforce; St. Louis impact unknown

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis-based Centene, the country's largest Medicaid managed-care company in the United States, is laying off thousands of employees.The Fortune 500 company made the announcement on Tuesday, calling the layoffs "rightsizing our cost structure." Approximately 2,000 employees will be terminated, accounting for just over 3% of the company's workforce.In contrast, Centene CEO Sarah London received $13.2 million in compensation in 2022, with a base salary of $1.35 million, according to Salary.com. Company president Kenneth Fasola was paid $997,519 last year, part of $9.98 million in compensation.Workers who lose their jobs will receive severance packages and "outplacement services," according to a company spokesperson.Centene is committed to improving the health and health care of the members we serve. We are investing to deliver value for our customers now and into the future, both by leveraging our size and scale and by rightsizing our cost structure. We routinely a...

Judge finds Donald Trump committed fraud with financial statements that exaggerated his wealth, value of his assets

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

NEW YORK — A judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House.Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling in a civil lawsuit brought by New York’s attorney general, found that the former president and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing financing.Engoron ordered that some of Trump’s business licenses be rescinded as punishment, making it difficult or impossible for them to do business in New York, and said he would continue to have an independent monitor oversee the Trump Organization’s operations.A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. Trump has long insisted he did nothing wrong.The decision, days before the start of a non-jury trial in Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Trump’...

Legal action announced after Riverside County correctional deputy accused of sextortion

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

Victims of serious allegations against the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department are coming forward after they say they were sexually assaulted while on home detention.They say it was part of a scheme by correctional deputy assigned to the jail to engage in sex acts with female inmates.Christian Heidecker is seen in a photo released by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Christian Heidecker, 32, was arrested earlier this month and faces eighteen 18 felony charges for engaging in rape, bribery and sextortion. He was placed on administrative leave from the agency, though lawyers representing two alleged victims in the case referred to him as a former deputy.“We’re are here because we’d like other victims to come forward and not to be afraid,” one victim said during a news conference announcing legal action. “We just want justice because, as you see and hear, there’s crimes being done. Inside the jails is horrors being done to us,” another said. The victims were only identified ...

Warning issued for Castaic Lake

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the lake's name. LOS ANGELES - State water managers are warning people to stay out of Castaic Lake due to a potentially dangerous algae bloom.Lab tests this week found an increased level of toxins in the water due to the presence of blue-green algae, the California Department of Water Resources announced Tuesday.People are urged to avoid swimming or recreating in the lake, avoid eating fish or shellfish from it, and avoid any contact with algal “scum” in the water or on shore. “Boating is allowed, but water-contact recreation and sporting activities are not considered safe due to potential adverse health effects,” DWR said.The warning covers the entire lake, with the exception of Castaic Lagoon. People are also urged to keep their pets and livestock out of the water.While blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a natural part of the lake's ecosystem, levels can become elevated through warm water temperatures, storm runoff that c...

Fruit of the Loom brings back iconic mascots for new generation

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

The Fruit Guys are back — sort of.Fruit of the Loom is bringing back its iconic mascots that used to grace our television screens decades ago, this time with a bit more diversity and a new platform.The apple, leaf, and green and purple grapes are back, this time on TikTok, and this time with a new name: the "Fruit People."The Fruit People will be joining the brand's "chief TikToker" in several online campaigns bringing wit and humor in skits that "play off social media trends and daily life scenarios."In their first appearances on social media for the clothing brand, the Fruit People are seen walking into the office in a teaser video, followed by another video in which they discuss ways to "go viral" on the social media site.Fruit Of The Loom reintroduces the “Fruit People,” iconic characters formerly known as the “Fruit Guys,” to social media.But the company promises to create more content on TikTok, introducing the mascots to a new generation of viewers, while recapturing some of ...

Pedestrian dies after being hit by vehicle in Rancho Cucamonga

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

A pedestrian died after he was hit by a vehicle in Rancho Cucamonga, authorities announced Tuesday.Deputies with the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department responded to reports of a man down around Etiwanda Avenue and Napa Street Monday morning around 7:37 a.m.Upon arrival, deputies found the man, identified only as a 41-year-old resident from San Bernardino, lying in the dirt shoulder west of Etiwanda Avenue. Driver killed in fiery Orange County crash During an investigation, deputies determined that the man was walking north on Etiwanda Avenue from Sixth Street and was hit by a vehicle, possibly between Sunday evening and early Monday morning, a news release said.No information about the potential suspects or vehicle involved in the incident was released.The victim’s identity is being withheld until next of kin is notified.Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy V. Peterson or Deputy B. Ogas at 909-477-2800. Anonymous tips...

Man Killed in Mobility Scooter Accident on Fruitdale Avenue [San Jose, CA]

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

Pedestrian Versus Car Collision at Princess Anne Drive Left One DeadSAN JOSE, CA (September 26, 2023) – A pedestrian was killed in a mobility scooter accident on Fruitdale Avenue in San Jose on Friday morning.The fatal collision happened around 10:31 a.m. at 2000 Fruidale Avenue at Princess Anne Drive.According to the SJPD, a 2017 Nissan sedan collided with a man on a mobility scooter crossing Fruidale Avenue. Investigators claimed that the man was crossing outside of a marked crosswalk.Unfortunately, medical personnel declared the pedestrian deceased upon arriving at the hospital. Additionally, his identity has not been released to the public, pending notification from her relatives.Meanwhile, the Nissan driver stayed at the scene and fully cooperated with the investigators. A portion of the area was temporarily shut down to allow for cleanup and preliminary duties.At this time, police are asking those with additional information about the fatal Fruitdale Avenue accident to c...

One Injured in Police Car Crash on Interstate 10 [Vinton, TX]

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

Two-Car Collision near Mile Marker 3 on Interstate 10 Left One Driver HurtVINTON, TX (September 26, 2023) – Early Friday morning, one individual sustained severe wounds after a police car crash on Interstate 10.The collision happened on September 8th, at around 5:30 a.m. around Interstate 10 near Vinton.According to reports, a civilian vehicle failed to yield to a police vehicle and they were involved in an accident. At this time, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. The incident left at least one person severely injured.Emergency crews arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment.Meanwhile, crews shut down the areas surrounding the crash for about four hours. There, they performed cleanup and preliminary duties.An active investigation to determine further information is still currently underway.Make our roads safer by abiding by all traffic laws and following the conditions of the road. Remember that willfully disregarding traffic...

Derrick Shaw and Vera Hampton Killed in Hit-and-Run Collision on 73rd Avenue [Oakland, CA]

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:35 GMT

25-Year-Old Oakland Man Arrested after Fatal Car Collision near Holly StreetOAKLAND, CA (September 26, 2023) – Sunday morning, Derrick Shaw and Vera Hampton lost their lives in a hit-and-run incident that occurred on 73rd Avenue.Shortly before 10:00 a.m., first responders arrived near Holly Street after receiving multiple dispatch calls in the area.According to authorities, the driver of a stolen Lexus was traveling north at excessive speeds along 73rd Avenue, while another vehicle traveling south attempted to make a left turn onto Holly Street.As a result of the collision, the Lexus collided with the passenger side of the turning vehicle, causing the impacted vehicle to collide with another parked car.Medical personnel arrived at the scene and declared the two occupants of the second vehicle deceased. Simultaneously, paramedics transported a 48-year-old Richmond man, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, to a nearby hospital.After the initial collision, the driver of the...