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Longtime LA politician guilty on federal corruption charges

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A longtime Los Angeles politician was convicted Thursday on federal corruption charges in a scheme in which prosecutors said he promised to help steer a multimillion-dollar government contract to the University of Southern California if his son got a scholarship and a teaching job.Suspended Democratic City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas — a former legislator, county supervisor and a fixture in local politics for decades — was found guilty in U.S. District Court of seven felonies, including conspiracy, bribery and fraud. The jury’s verdict marked a stunning fall for a once-commanding figure in Los Angeles County politics known for his involvement in civil rights and racial issues.Marilyn Flynn, who was dean of USC’s School of Social Work from 1997 to 2018, pleaded guilty last year to one count of bribery in the case. Prosecutors said that as part of the plot, she concocted a scheme to funnel $100,000 that Ridley-Thomas provided from campaign funds through the ...

California’s Newsom starts tour to boost red-state Democrats

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom dropped $10 million on a new political action committee Thursday, pledging to boost Democrats in the reddest of red states ahead of the 2024 election and what could be a future run for president.Newsom launched the Campaign for Democracy using money left over from his 2022 campaign for governor, where he easily won reelection against a little-known Republican opponent. In a video announcing the committee, Newsom pledged to take on “authoritarian leaders” he says are “directly attacking our freedoms,” including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.“What’s happening in those red states?” Newsom asked. “That’s not who we are. It’s un-American. It’s un-democratic.” Newsom blamed those governors for banning books and targeting transgender children. Republicans, meanwhile, have criticized Newsom for using taxpayer money to pay for women in other states to come to California for abo...

Nimmo’s 2-run double sends Scherzer, Mets past Marlins 5-3

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

MIAMI (AP) — Brandon Nimmo broke a seventh-inning tie with a two-run double, sending Max Scherzer and the New York Mets past the Miami Marlins 5-3 on Thursday.Scherzer (1-0) coughed up a three-run lead but threw six solid innings in a matchup with NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara as the Mets improved to 41-21 on opening day — the best record in baseball.Garrett Cooper tied it 3-all in the sixth with a two-run homer off Scherzer. Jacob Stallings led off the inning with a single and scored on Luis Arraez’s double.Nimmo had three RBIs from the leadoff spot after re-signing with the Mets in the offseason for $162 million over eight years. He ripped a low slider from reliever Tanner Scott (0-1) into center field to put New York ahead 5-3 in the seventh, propelling the Mets to their 41st win in the past 53 openers. Nimmo also had a sacrifice fly that scored Daniel Vogelbach for a 1-0 lead.Before the opener, the Mets placed Justin Verlander on the injured list with a strained...

Rangers rally after deGrom struggles to beat Phillies 11-7

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Robbie Grossman and Brad Miller homered in a big comeback for Texas after prized acquisition Jacob deGrom struggled in his debut, and the Rangers beat the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies 11-7 in the season opener Thursday.Grossman, a free-agent addition who earned the starting left field job in spring training, hit a three-run homer that tied the game at 5-5 in the middle of a nine-run outburst in the fourth inning. An inning later, Miller became the first Rangers player in 11 years to homer in consecutive season openers. His two-run shot made it 11-6.While deGrom struck out seven without a walk, the two-time National League Cy Young Award winner allowed five runs on six extra-base hits in his 3 2/3 innings. He threw 49 of 73 pitches for strikes. DeGrom signed a $185 million, five-year contract in free agency and made his fourth career start on opening day — he threw 17 scoreless innings in his three openers for the New York Mets, his team for ...

Wildfire sparks at Rocky Mountain Arsenal near stadium

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (KDVR) — As high winds hit the Front Range and sparked multiple wildfires around the region, another sparked at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.The fire was reported near Quebec Street and Dick's Sporting Goods Park, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. South Adams Fire was responding to the scene. Police were also assisting visitors who need to exit the park.FOX31 has a crew headed to the scene and is working to learn more about the size and potential impact.

Denver weather: Wind, high fire danger stays Friday

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — Denver's weather will stay windy and warm on Friday keeping fire danger high as the mountains see more rounds of scattered snow showers. Weather tonight: Clear, breezyTemperatures will cool to the 30s in Denver overnight with breezy winds. The lower elevations will see less wind than during the day on Thursday with winds staying gusty in the higher elevations. South Metro Fire prepared for triple response in red flag conditions Thursday The eastern half of Colorado will stay dry overnight with scattered snow showers in the mountains. Weather tomorrow: Windy, mildTemperatures will cool to the mid-50s on the Front Range Friday afternoon with more gusty winds. Winds will gust up to 40mph in metro Denver. Another fire weather warning will be in place for Denver and parts of southern Colorado from noon through 7 p.m. The mountains will continue to see scattered snow showers with 1 to 10 inches of accumulation expected by late Friday night.Looking ahead: Less wind,...

Debate over Park Hill golf course continues days before April 4 vote

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — The 155 acres of land that were formerly the Park Hill golf course remains a big topic of debate. Ballot issue 2O will decide whether or not the land can be developed. Westside Investment Partners purchased the golf course after it closed in 2018, with plans to develop it. For the developers to build, measure 2O needs to pass to end the conservation easement. "We can’t ignore the reality that there’s no backup plan for this site, and Denver does not have the resources to buy or maintain this land," said Denver councilmember Kendra Black, who supports the measure. DPS board president: Anderson violated several board policies If passed, the developers plan to build 2,500 to 3,200 housing units, 25% of which would be affordable housing, a large park and a grocery store. "This community can’t wait any longer for affordable places to live, a grocery store or a new park and places for kids to play safely," Black said. Former mayor opposes ballot measure 2ONot everyone i...

Wildfire evacuations lifted for town northeast of Colorado Springs

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

SIMLA, Colo. (KDVR) -- A wildfire burning northeast of Colorado Springs prompted mandatory evacuations of the entire town of Simla. Elbert County said the fire burning south of Simla threatened approximately 500-700 acres. The town evacuation was lifted about an hour later around 6:10 p.m. The fire was about 50% contained as of around 6:30 p.m., according to the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management.A shelter opened at the Elbert County Fairgrounds at 95 Ute Ave. in Kiowa.Elizabeth Fire said that Elbert County Road and Bridge cleared 25 feet of vegetation to help stop the fire from getting into Simla.Red flag warnings are in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday night as winds have been high with low humidity.

‘Super Mario Bros. Movie’ voice cast level up to bring beloved Nintendo game to big screen

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

Most of us have played “Super Mario Bros.” at some point in our lives, or maybe you grew up with the games. Well, we’re all winning now, because in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the beloved Brooklyn plumber and his crew are starring in a new animated movie with a big-name cast.You know this crew. Super Mario Bros. are moving from that old Nintendo screen to the big screen.Jack Black (as Bowser, voice): “We will destroy the Mushroom Kingdom!”With a whole new storyline and everything.Anya Taylor-Joy (as Princess Peach, voice): “Bowser is coming.”Chris Pratt (as Mario, voice): “I’m not afraid. I’ll do anything for my brother.”A Brooklyn plumber named Mario, played by Chris Pratt…Chris Pratt: “How many times do you get in your lifetime to take your child to a movie when the lead character has nostalgia for both you and your child?”…travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess. That’s Anya Taylor-Joy.Anya Taylor-J...

Tablé by Antonio Bachour in Miami’s Design District serves up exquisite French cuisine

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:47:31 GMT

You don’t have to go to a museum to enjoy works of art. A new French restaurant in Miami’s Design District is placing aesthetically astounding creations on your plate. Gaze and be amazed at the creations available at Tablé.At Tablé by Antonio Bachour, the food looks as good as it tastes.Chef Antonio Bachour: “I want everything perfect: the decoration of the plate, unique and clean.”Chef saw a clear space for his place in the SoFlo food scene.Chef Antonio Bachour: “I decided to open Tablé because I think Miami needs a restaurant like this with high quality, a lot of technique.”That quality and technique is home-grown. Nothing is outsourced in this restaurant.Chef Antonio Bachour: “We make everything in-house. We make all the bread in-house, all the puff pastry in-house, everything. We don’t buy nothing from outside.”It’s all about first impressions at Tablé. You’ll be hooked at first glance.Chef Antonio Bachour: “I like the people, when they come, they s...