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Judge prohibits family separation at US border for 8 years

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

By Elliot Spagat | Associated PressSAN DIEGO — A federal judge on Friday prohibited the separation of families at the border for purposes of deterring immigration for eight years, preemptively blocking resumption of a lightning-rod, Trump-era policy that the former president hasn’t ruled out if voters return him to the White House next year.The separation of thousands of families “represents one of the most shameful chapters in the history of our country,” U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw said moments before approving a settlement between the Justice Department and families represented by the American Civil Liberties Union that ended a legal challenge nearly seven years after it was filed.Sabraw, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, ordered an end to separations in June 2018, six days after then-President Donald Trump halted them on his own amid intense international backlash. The judge also ordered that the government reunite children with their parents w...

Letters: Moving forward | Teaching to hate | Nice set up | National tragedy | Horror minimized | Waste of time

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.Oakland teach-in hasmoved us forwardRe: “Teachers defy the district’s directive” (Page A1, Dec. 7).I applaud the teachers in Oakland who participated in the Teach-in on Palestine despite threats of dire consequences. Teaching critical thinking skills is so needed in these days of misinformation. So is acknowledging history to give context to today’s human struggles.Silencing the truth never makes anyone safer, nor does it support democracy. Had we embraced a more holistic awareness of the Middle East years ago perhaps we’d have peace today. Thank you Oakland teachers for helping move us forward.Elizabeth FisherPleasant HillTeach-in is teachingour kids to hateRe: “Teachers defy the district’s directive” (Page A1, Dec. 7).Yesterday a “teach-in” at Oakland Unified School District used a coloring book “suggested for transitional kindergarten to third grad...

Rep. Comer: Hunter Biden was indicted to ‘protect him’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

By Annie Grayer and Marshall Cohen | CNNHouse Oversight Chair James Comer told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Friday he believes special counsel David Weiss indicted Hunter Biden to shield him from his scheduled deposition next week in front of Comer’s committee.“My concern is that Weiss may have indicted Biden to protect him from him having to be deposed in the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday,” Comer said on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper.”Comer then went further, arguing that Weiss’ entire criminal investigation – which has now indicted Biden in two states and could send him to prison for more than 40 years – “has been about a cover up.”The Kentucky Republican framed the dozen federal charges brought against Biden so far, relating to a 2018 gun purchase and an alleged tax evasion scheme, as “the least little thing.”“Look what he’s done,” Comer said. “Anybody else in America would already be in prison.”In the interview, Comer repeatedly claimed Hunter Biden is guilty of illegal fore...

Overdue, overbudget California high-speed rail just got $3.1 billion boost: Will trains ever roll?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

California’s overdue, overbudget and oft-criticized high-speed rail project just got a $3.1 billion boost of federal cash toward completing what is supposed to be an early phase of the project connecting Merced, Fresno and Bakersfield in the state’s rural Central Valley.President Biden touted the project Friday, and former Gov. Jerry Brown joined former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to celebrate the new federal funding.But the project is nowhere close to being done. Here’s the latest on where it stands and whether we will ever see speedy trains traversing the Central Valley.Q: What’s the situation with high-speed rail funding?A: On Tuesday, officials announced the California High Speed Rail Authority will receive $3.1 billion in federal funding to support construction of a 220-mph, two-track electrified high-speed passenger rail line connecting the cities of Merced, Fresno and Bakersfield. Last year’s infrastructure bill provided the funding that will pay ...

Strong odor reported in area of Chevron Richmond refinery

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

(BCN) -- A strong odor was reported Friday afternoon in the area of Chevron's Richmond refinery, city officials and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said. The air district shortly after 1 p.m. sent out a message on social media about the smell near the refinery."Air District inspectors are on-site investigating and responding to complaints. Staff are in communication with Chevron to determine the cause and identify corrective actions," the district said. Amazon driver robbed at gunpoint in Berkeley The city of Richmond said in an email shortly after 3 p.m. that the city was notified of the incident, which triggered a Community Warning System Level 1 warning. No action is required by the public at this time, city officials said. The air district late last month issued violation notices to Chevron because of flaring from the refinery.Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.

Post-Godzilla SF brought to life in AppleTV+'s 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- What happens after godzilla stomps your city?In 2014, San Francisco was completely destroyed in a battle between titans -- at least on the big screen. The city was home to the climactic battle at the end of "Godzilla" -- an American reboot of the Japanese franchise -- and the first installment in what would soon be known as "The Monsterverse."In the nine years since the movie's release, the new cinematic universe grew, adding classic "Kaiju" creatures like Mothra, Ghidora and King Kong.Now, with the series' latest project, "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," we’re getting a deeper look at the destruction left behind by these strange beasts. The first shot we see of San Francisco in this Friday’s episode is from the Marin Headlands. ATM stolen from CVS after brazen smash and grab: video The Golden Gate Bridge is nothing but a disconnected tower of twisted metal. The city’s skyline is in shambles, but suspiciously… Salesforce Tower is still there.This is the city...

Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis returns from calf injury to face Knicks

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis returned Friday night to face the New York Knicks after missing four games because of a strained left calf.Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said the 7-foot-2 Porzingis didn’t have a minutes restriction.Porzingis is averaging 18.9 points and 6.7 rebounds.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBASource

Biden dings Trump on infrastructure, while he showcases $8.2B for 10 major rail projects

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden went to Las Vegas on Friday to say he’s “putting high-speed rail on the fast track,” and he used the moment to blast Donald Trump — his predecessor and likely 2024 challenger — as a do-nothing politician.“Trump just talks the talk. We walk the walk,” Biden said at a hall for unionized carpenters. “He likes to say America is a failing nation. Frankly, he doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about. I see shovels in the ground, cranes in the sky. People hard at work rebuilding America together.”The president showcased $8.2 billion in new federal funding for 10 major passenger rail projects across the country. He also emphasized the fundamental differences between Trump and himself, a sign that his policy speeches are taking an ever greater political bent with the election now roughly 11 months away.The Democrat said Trump “failed” to deliver on his promises to invest in U.S. infrastructure. Biden countered that his rail funding could ...

South Africa’s Casey Jarvis takes 1-shot lead at Alfred Dunhill Championship

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

MALELANE, South Africa (AP) — Home favorite Casey Jarvis shot a second straight 5-under 67 to take a one-shot lead after two rounds of the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Friday.The 20-year-old Jarvis, who turned professional in August 2022, made six birdies and one bogey to reach 10-under overall at Leopard Creek Country Club.Marco Penge of England was a shot back after matching the lowest round of the day with a 66. He’s one stroke ahead of compatriot Paul Waring and South Africans Christo Lamprecht, Charl Schwartzel and Robin Williams.Jarvis is looking for his first European tour title.“I keep learning out here as the weekends go by,” he said. “I’m just trying to stay patient at the moment and learn as much as I can.”Dean Burmester’s bid for a third straight victory on the European tour took a hit when he finished the day with a 73, leaving him eight strokes off the lead.The No. 77-ranked Burmester is coming off winning back-to-back titles in his home country — at the Joburg...

Prince George’s Co. parent-led school groups demand safer roads after 2 kids killed in crosswalk

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:15 GMT

In November, two young students at Riverdale Elementary School — 10-year-old Shalom Mbah and 5-year-old Sky Sosa — were in the crosswalk on Riverdale and Taylor Road when they were struck and killed by a driver making a left turn. The crosswalk had no crossing guard.Weeks after the tragedy, parent leaders have come together to demand action from Prince George’s County lawmakers.In a letter backed by parent-led groups from 11 county schools, the leaders warn county officials about the dangers of pedestrian safety around the schools and the risks unfilled crossing guard positions can bring.“You can’t ask families to walk to and from school, and then not give them the safe streets,” said Timothy Meyer, President of the Mt. Rainier PTO. “Giving our giving our kids safe routes to and from school is going to require real, long-term commitment from public officials.”Part of that long-term commitment includes safety workers.“Crossing guards [are] a very important par...