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New California budget will cover $32 billion deficit without dipping into state's reserves

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Democrats who control the state Legislature have agreed on how to spend $310.8 billion over the next year, endorsing a plan that covers a nearly $32 billion budget deficit without raiding the state's savings account.The nation's most populous state has had combined budget surpluses of well over $100 billion in the past few years, using that money to greatly expand government.But this year, revenues slowed as inflation soared and the stock market struggled. California gets most of its revenue from taxes paid by the wealthy, making it more vulnerable to changes in the economy than other states. Last month, the Newsom administration estimated the state's spending would exceed revenues by over $30 billion.FILE -Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference, Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Richmond, California. Newsom and state legislative leaders have reached an agreement late Monday, June 26, 2023, on how to spend the state's tax ...

Woman sentenced to 2 years for burning bank with Molotov cocktail

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

A Gardena woman was sentenced to two years in federal prison for setting a Torrance bank on fire using a Molotov cocktail.Teranee Millet, 35, entered a Bank of America on Sept. 20, 2021, and after a dispute with the bank manager over what she perceived to be a prolonged wait, she promised to return and "blow this bitch up," the United States Department of Justice said in a news release. "A few minutes later, Millet returned to the bank branch and threw a Molotov cocktail into the bank, causing a fire in the middle of the bank," the release added. A customer at the bank extinguished the blaze.Millet also threatened another customer in the parking lot and threw a glass bottle at his truck, damaging it.She was identified using surveillance photos and arrested in Georgia three months after the incident at the bank.At the time, she was driving a stolen U-Haul van, which she crashed while being pursued by police. "Inside the van, law enforcement recovered a gym bag containing four packs o...

Alaska Airlines unveils new flights from LAX to Caribbean; Palm Springs to NYC

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

Alaska Airlines is expanding service in Los Angeles by adding brand new flights to the Caribbean this winter.The company announced Tuesday it would be adding the first-ever direct flights to the Bahamas from both Los Angeles and Seattle. The Los Angeles flights will be taking off from LAX and landing at Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. The seasonal flights will officially begin Dec. 15 and wrap up on April 8, 2024, Alaska says.The flights aboard a Boeing 737 aircraft will be offered four times per week and the airline is offering special promotional fares for the inaugural flights, with LAX to Nassau starting at $169 one-way. Alaska Airlines wants to reinvent the check-in experience Incoming flights from LAX will land in the Bahamas in the late afternoon, giving travelers enough time to experience nearly a full day of the island's beautiful beaches and world-famous hospitality.“For those looking to escape to our enchanting white beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant cultur...

Roseanne Barr slammed for Holocaust comments on podcast, host says it was 'sarcasm and satire'

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

Roseanne Barr is under fire for comments she made while speaking to comedian Theo Von. The disgraced actress and comedian appeared on Von's podcast "This Past Weekend" about a week ago.In an over two-minute clip posted to Twitter, Barr and Von are seen talking about former President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. "That's all a lie, the election was not rigged," Barr explained.When Von asked if the election was rigged, Barr exclaimed "Of course not! Thirty-six counties have 81 million people in them. That's the truth and don't you dare say anything against it or you'll be off YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and all the other ones. Because there's such a thing as the truth and facts and we have to stick to it."Then the "She-Devil" actress seemingly compared claims of election fraud to those that deny the Holocaust happened. “Nobody died in the Holocaust, either. That's the truth. It should happen. Six million Jews should die right now, because they cause all the problems in...

This is America's favorite fast food place, according to a new study

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

One of America’s most popular fast-food chains is also its favorite, according to new results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index.Chick-fil-A has again topped the ACSI’s index list for the ninth consecutive year. The ratings were based on benchmarks including the accuracy of food order, variety of food on the menu and food quality, along with others. Chick-fil-A is bringing back this popular menu item for a limited time Jimmy John’s took the second spot, while an aggregate category of smaller companies, like In-N-Out, rounded out the top three. Mega fast-food corporations like McDonald's and Taco Bell ranked low, earning the 23rd and 24th spots, respectively.Here is where other popular fast-food eateries ranked on the list:4th: KFC5th: Papa Johns6th: Domino’s7th: Five Guys8th: Pizza Hut9th: Starbucks10th: Arby’s11th: Dunkin’12th: Panda Express13th: Burger King14th: Panera Bread15th: Chipotle16th: Dairy Queen17th: Subway18th: Little Caesars19th: Popeyes20th” Wendy’s21st: ...

Australian Fashion Brand Lost Woods: Proving Luxury Vegan Handbags can be Plastic-Free

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

A model carries a Lost Woods handbagIn an era of increasing awareness and concern for animal welfare and environmental sustainability, vegan fashion brands have been at the forefront of a profound shift in the industry. Gone are the days where one must sacrifice style for their values – the modern fashion landscape offers an array of animal-free accessory options that are as chic as they are compassionate, proving that compassion never goes out of fashion.Holly Edwards, the Australian visionary behind Lost Woods, is making waves in the fashion industry with her luxury handbag label that embraces compassion and sustainability. Crafted with exquisite precision in Portugal, Lost Woods handbags are redefining the concept of chic accessories by utilizing premium plastic-free vegan leather.Driven by her desire to end animal exploitation and reduce the environmental impact of fashion, Holly explains, “Art and design are great fun, but aesthetics alone are not what drives me. Wh...

The Piven Effect: Jeremy Piven’s Unwavering Star Power in Hollywood

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

The entertainment industry is no stranger to transformative actors, and Jeremy Piven’s career trajectory is a testament to his ability to consistently grab attention. As an award-winning actor  and comedian, Piven is perhaps best known for his iconic role as Ari Gold on the hit show Entourage. Over the years, he has also appeared in many other film and television projects, showcasing his diverse range of acting skills, ultimately a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.As the Piven effect continues to enamor the audience, it’s important to examine the factors that contribute to his undeniable appeal and presence on-screen. From his early beginnings in films like Lucas (1986) to his time on The Larry Sanders Show and beyond, Piven’s charisma and tenacity have left a lasting impression on both his fans and the entertainment industry as a whole.Early Career and BreakthroughsRise in the Entertainment IndustryJeremy Piven  grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and graduated f...

Halo Dog Collar Review: Is it Really Worth the Price? (2023 Upd.)

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

Imagine a world where you can keep your dog safe, train them effectively, and establish boundaries without the need for physical barriers. The Halo dog collar aims to make this a reality by offering a revolutionary approach to pet safety and training using GPS tracking and wireless fencing technology. Want to learn how the Halo collar can make a difference in your dog’s life? Keep reading our Halo dog collar review!Short SummaryHalo 2+ Collar offers advanced pet safety and wellbeing features such as GPS tracking, wireless fencing, customizable boundaries and training assistance.Pros include GPS tracking & comprehensive training program. Cons include high cost & potential durability issues.Final verdict depends on individual needs, research reviews before making an informed decision.Hint: Get the latest pricing and promotions here – Visit The Official Site  Halo Collar GPS System: An OverviewThe Halo collar GPS system is designed for dog owners who want to ensure the sa...

Human remains identified as missing actor Julian Sands

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

(CNN) — British actor Julian Sands, known for his work in shows like “24” and movies like “A Room with a View” and “The Killing Fields,” has been found dead after going missing in the San Gabriel mountains in Southern California in January, investigators announced Tuesday.He was 65.“The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. “We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands.”The actor, who also appeared in “Ocean’s Thirteen” and “Smallville,” had been the subject of an ongoing search in the Mt. Baldy area since he failed to return from a hike on January 13.Sands loved hiking, especially in the area he was last seen, according to his family.“When in LA, the Mt Baldy mountain range was his favourite place, he would go the...

San Jose: After 20 years, Amber India closes Santana Row restaurant, prepares for a big move

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:25 GMT

The Amber India group has permanently closed its restaurant at San Jose’s swanky Santana Row, with its owner saying the decline of in-person work at local offices has “adversely affected” lunch business at the upscale restaurant.Amber India was one of the original tenants at the center, opening in 2003.“Our lease after 20 years came to an end this May, and to renew the lease we would have to pay a much higher rent and were expected to make a lot of changes,” owner Vijay Bist said.So instead of investing in that property, he decided to pivot to a new business plan for the South Bay while maintaining his more traditional restaurant model in Los Altos, where he has a devoted clientele, and in San Francisco, where his Yerba Buena space has proven popular.“As the dining landscape evolves, Amber will evolve with our clients,” he said.The relocated Santana Row restaurant, in Milpitas, will have both production space in the kitchen and front-of-hous...