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Mitch McConnell briefly leaves news conference after freezing up mid-sentence

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell briefly left his own press conference on Wednesday after stopping his remarks mid-sentence and staring off into space for several seconds.McConnell approached the podium for his weekly press conference and began speaking about the annual defense bill on the floor, which he said was proceeding with “good bipartisan cooperation.” But he then appeared to lose his train of thought, trailing off with a drawn-out “uh.”He then appeared to freeze up and stared vacantly for around 20 seconds before his colleagues in Republican leadership, who were standing behind him and could not see his face, grabbed his elbows and asked if he wanted to go back to his office.He did not answer, but slowly walked back to his office with an aide and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, a former orthopedic surgeon who is the No. 3 Republican in the Senate. McConnell later returned to the press conference and answered questions from the p...

State Auditor asks AG to weigh-in on legal action against Legislature in pursuit of audit

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio threatened to pursue legal action against the state Legislature Wednesday as she tries to audit that branch of government, escalating a feud with Democratic lawmakers who have refused to participate and setting up a complicated legal dispute.But whether DiZoglio, the House, and Senate actually end up before a judge remains unclear.The issue appears to hinge at first on a sign-off from Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who is responsible for representing state agencies before the courts. That could be the Auditor’s office, or it could be the Legislature. It likely can’t be both.DiZoglio sent a legal memo earlier Wednesday asking for the state’s top prosecutor to “support our effort.”A former member of both the House and the Senate, DiZoglio said state law, historical precedent, and an “informed analysis” of the Constitutional separation of powers doctrine backs an audit of the Legislature that goes beyond just finances and spending.DiZoglio is also lookin...

Stellantis CEO dangles a potential factory relaunch as autoworkers say a strike is possible

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

By COLLEEN BARRY (AP Business Writer)MILAN (AP) — Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares on Wednesday dangled a potential relaunch of a shuttered Illinois factory if it can be made more competitive as the United Auto Workers Union says a strike is possible.UAW President Shawn Fain is looking for major gains, including cost-of-living pay increases, in talks with Stellantis — along with Ford and General Motors — and has warned that workers at all three automakers could walk off the job. Fain’s campaign to become UAW’s president leveraged the fate of the Jeep assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, whose 1,350 workers were laid off. Tavares told reporters during an earnings conference call that the Belvidere factory, which was shut down indefinitely in the spring, could get a new production line depending on factors like the success of Stellantis’ launch of fully electric vehicles in the U.S.“So far the decision is not made,” Tavares said, adding t...

As Tim Anderson’s production at the plate picks up, the Chicago White Sox shortstop isn’t worried about trade talk

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

Tim Anderson came up in a big spot Sunday against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.Facing flamethrower Jhoan Duran with two outs, Zach Remillard on third and the game tied in the 10th, Anderson lined a run-scoring double to the gap in right-center.While the Chicago White Sox couldn’t hold on, losing in 12 innings, the hit was signature Anderson.The shortstop has had a productive second half, hitting .366 with four RBIs in his last 10 games.“Just feeling more like myself and trying to get back to what I normally do,” Anderson said Tuesday.He went 1-for-4 with a run in Tuesday’s 7-3 loss to the Cubs in the City Series at Guaranteed Rate Field.Anderson has six multihit games since the All-Star break and nine in his last 20 games.“His all-around game has been better,” manager Pedro Grifol said Friday in Minneapolis. “The ball is jumping off his bat. He’s been playing really good defense, consistent. Slowing the game down. Runs the bases...

Recipe: Easy strawberry cake is the summer stuff of angels

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

By Carla VigosLaguna Woods Globe cooking columnistI am more of a savory cook than a dessert maker. I don’t like anything that is too sweet.This easy dessert is always a crowd pleaser because it is light with just enough sweetness to satisfy. I have made it for over 40 years.You know how you can forget about old recipes? Well, that was me. I recently remade this dessert for a party and got such rave reviews that I chose it to be this month’s recipe to share.For questions or comments, contact me at [email protected] Angel Food CakeINGREDIENTSAngel food cake mix (I use Betty Crocker)Sugar free strawberry jello, .06 ounces1/2 cup very hot water1 pound frozen strawberries, partially thawed8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawedOptional extra strawberries, slicedPROCEDUREMake the angel food cake in an angel food cake pan. Let cool completely.Instead of buying frozen strawberries, I buy fresh strawberries, core them and freeze in a single layer, then bag after frozen. It saves m...

Patriots trying to be ‘proactive’ in extending impending free agents

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots locked up two players to extensions since minicamp concluded in June, but they still have a long way to go with key players across the roster set to play on contract years this season.One of those players is one of the team’s best defenders, safety Kyle Dugger, who expressed his desire to stay in New England after Day 1 of Patriots training camp on Wednesday.“I’m just trying to play ball,” Dugger said. “That’s just what it is. I’ll let my agent handle that, and I gotta focus on the field. …“I would love to play ball here. As far as everything else, I kind of leave that to my agent.”Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots’ Matt Groh details Dalvin Cook’s ‘unique’ situation in free agency New England Patriots | Mac Jones ‘good’ with Bill Belichick after agreeing to ‘fresh start’ for Patriots season New England Patriots | Patriots enter training camp in good h...

The Red Chickz to sling Nashville hot chicken in Carlsbad

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- With a hot summer comes some fiery news for spicy chicken lovers in North County as a new restaurant is set to open its doors. The Red Chickz will soon be serving hand-breaded, made-to-order Nashville hot chicken inside The Shoppes at Carlsbad. Empanadas eatery serving artisanal Argentinian pastries opens in North County Whether your taste buds prefer extreme heat or moderate spice, this crunchy hot chicken can be enjoyed at eight varying heat levels. It starts at a "Flavorful Plain" and escalates all the way up to a daring "Hotter Than You" spice blend.You can enjoy The Original Sandwich or opt for the Chicken Tenders or Whole Wings, all served with potato wedges. There are also options for chicken lovers who enjoy the combination of sweet and spicy. Choose from the Chicken & Waffle or the Chicken & French Toast, which can also come as a sandwich.For those who prefer veggies over meats, you might go for the Nashville hot Cauliflower Sand...

Padres release 2024 Spring Training Schedule

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres released their Cactus League schedule Tuesday for 2024 Spring Training in Peoria, Arizona.The team's abbreviated 23-game schedule will be the Padres' 31st spring in Peoria, team officials said.San Diego's spring slate will kick off with a Feb. 22 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Peoria Sports Complex. San Diego Padres release schedule for 2024 season In total, the club will play 13 spring games in Peoria, where they will be the designated home team for 12 of those.Twelve games on the Padres' spring slate will be against American League teams, including the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles angels, Oakland A's and Seattle Mariners.The other 11 spring games will be against National League opponents like the Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers and the San Francisco Giants. Padres to play in first-ever MLB games in Korea You can find the team's full 2024 sche...

Fire burns 105 acres on MCAS Miramar

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- A fire caused by a military explosion broke out on Tuesday at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, according to officials.The fire, which has since been extinguished, started at two acres in East Miramar around 2:34 p.m. and jumped to 105 acres by 4:52 p.m., MCAS Miramar said.MCAS Miramar says the fire was caused by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal detonation during training. It happened in the Sycamore Canyon and spread quickly due to the wind and heat.The smoke was visible for miles in the surrounding communities like Poway and Santee. Motorist reported seeing flames from the State Route 67 in Lakeside. Man dies on hiking trail Multiple agencies responded to the fire, including two helicopters and two Type 3 Strike Teams from San Diego Fire-Rescue.No injuries or structural damage were reported, officials said.

A new millipede species is crawling under LA. It’s blind, glassy and has 486 legs

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:54 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The City of Angels, a metropolis of freeways and traffic, has a newly discovered species named in its honor: The Los Angeles Thread Millipede.The tiny arthropod was found just underground by naturalists at a Southern California hiking area — near a freeway, a Starbucks and an Oakley sunglasses store. About the length of a paperclip but skinny as pencil lead, it’s translucent and sinuous like a jellyfish tentacle. The creature burrows four inches below ground, secretes unusual chemicals and is blind, relying on hornlike antennas protruding from its head to find its way. Under a microscope, the millipede with its 486 legs and helmet-like head resembles a creature in a Hollywood monster film. “It’s amazing to think these millipedes are crawling in the inner cracks and crevices between little pieces of rock below our feet in Los Angeles,” said entomologist Paul Marek of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He was part of the research team that included scientists...