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Editorial: Biden hedges on G7 trip amid debt crisis

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

To whichever aide whispered in Joe Biden’s ear, “Mr. President, the debt ceiling is a big deal,” thank you.If he or she had not, Biden would be heading to Asia with the current fiscal crisis in his rear-view.As it is, the G7 summit in Japan is still on the agenda, but as The Hill reported, the White House on Tuesday left open the possibility that Biden could cut short the weeklong trip as debt talks remain at a standstill.National Security spokesman John Kirby confirmed that Biden will leave as planned on Wednesday, “We’re re-evaluating the rest of the trip now.”Now Congress knows how East Palestine, Ohio must have felt as Biden put anywhere-but-there on his itinerary after a fiery train crash rocked the town.“It’s difficult for me to tell you exactly what to anticipate at this point,” Kirby said. “Given where we are right now, it’s also incredibly prudent and responsible for the president to take a look at the rest of the trip.”We’re sorry, but you don’...

Solomon: AI innovation brings host of legal challenges

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

In our increasingly digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) has made a huge impact. AI is both exciting and, to be honest, deeply troubling, at the same time. Anyone who doesn’t temper their hope for AI with some of the harsh realities on the horizon hasn’t been paying attention.AI has the potential to bring about incredible advancements in various fields, but it also poses some important legal challenges. One big issue we’re facing today is the need for regulations that strike a balance between innovation and ethics, making sure AI is used responsibly. As we look at the legal implications of AI and its potential problems, it’s clear that it needs, without delay, a strong legal framework.AI has been growing rapidly in recent years and has transformed industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. But here’s the rub, as Shakespeare would have said: legal systems haven’t kept up with AI’s lightning-fast development.As a result, we already see gaps in...

Mary Ann Esposito’s great focaccia hack

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

One of my usual Saturday chores is the weekly refrigerator clean out of leftovers and this time I found some broccoli and  yellow squash. What to do?I had some Parmigiano Reggiano cheese rinds and a few cherry tomato stragglers plus some tomato sauce made earlier in the week. Sounded like the topping for a focaccia so I made the dough (store bought dough will work too) and topped it with the leftovers.A few sprinkles of oregano, some salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil finished it off. Every taste that was old was new again.

Sweet Sunday Rolls perfect treat for weekend breakfast

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

There may be little time in the schedule to prepare homemade breakfasts and enjoy a leisurely morning meal on weekdays. But once the weekend arrives, home cooks can experiment with tasty treats that fill homes with decadent aromas and rouse late sleepers from their slumber.French toast or pancakes may be popular weekend breakfast options, but why not switch things up with another sticky and sweet option? “Sweet Sunday Rolls” from “The Contented Vegan” (Head of Zeus) by Peggy Brusseau are quick to prepare and perfect for a relaxing morning meal when time allows. Enjoy with tea or coffee.TAG GOES HERESweet Sunday RollsINGREDIENTS1/2 cup desiccated (shredded) coconut1/2 cup lightly packed soft light brown sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon10 1/2 ounces all-purpose or whole-wheat flour, plus extra for dusting your work surface2 teaspoons baking soda1 teaspoon cream of tartar2 3/4 ounces coconut oil, plus a little extra for greasing the dish5 ounces plant milk2/3 cup...

Dear Abby: Reader gives meatloaf recipe western twist

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

Dear Abby: I have seen you mention in your column your cookbooklets of favorite recipes. I hope the meatloaf recipe is included. Years ago, I cut out your meatloaf recipe, and it’s been a staple at my house ever since. I did make one significant change: I use ground bison instead of beef. It’s healthier and tastes great. Thanks, Abby, for your years of entertaining, wise words. — Nancy in OregonDear Nancy: I’m pleased you have enjoyed preparing (and eating!) that meatloaf, and I was intrigued that you substituted bison for the beef. I’m pleased to share the recipe again, and yes, it’s included in my cookbooklet set. I have made it for years.The cookbooklet set features recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, vegetable and side dishes, main courses and delicious desserts (which are my downfall). The set can be ordered by sending your name and address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mt. Mor...

MTS work stoppage may impact bus service across San Diego

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- A Metropolitan Transit System work stoppage may impact several bus routes across San Diego, transportation officials said.A rally broke out Tuesday as bus drivers were seen picketing outside of the MTS South Bay transportation service, located at 3610 Main Street in Chula Vista, due to ongoing negotiations between Transdev and its bus operators.Bus routes out of the South Bay Division that could be affected include: 1, 3, 5, 27, 28, 35, 225, 701, 704, 705, 709, 712, 901, 904, 905, 906, 907, 909, 916, 917, 923, 929, 932, 933, 934, 950/950A, 955, 961, 962, 963, 967, 968, 992.If the work stoppage continues, weekday minibus routes 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 833, 838, 944, 945, 946, 964, 965, 985 could be impacted. On weekends, 832, 833, 838, 945, 965 Saturday service and 832, 833, 838 routes on Sundays may be affected. City Council votes to sue SeaWorld San Diego The East County Bus Division service, which is also operated by Transdev, may be impacted as well.Minibus and Access ...

Jokic leads Nuggets past Lakers 132-126 in West opener

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic recorded his sixth triple-double of the NBA playoffs with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists, powering the Denver Nuggets to a 132-126 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the opener of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night.Behind Jokic’s sizzling start and strong finish, and Jamal Murray’s 31 points, Denver beat the Lakers in the opener of the West finals for the first time ever.After a slow start, Anthony Davis had 40 points and 10 rebounds, and LeBron James finished with 26 points, 12 boards and nine assists. Austin Reaves chipped in 23 points and fuelled L.A.’s desperate fourth-quarter run that nearly erased Denver’s 14-point cushion after three.The Nuggets led by as many as 21 but the Lakers pulled within three points twice in the fourth quarter, once on Reaves’ 3-pointer at 124-121 and again on James’ pair of free throws that made it 129-126 with 1:12 remaining.“Yeah, it took us a half to get into the game,” James sa...

Stock market today: Japan rises on GDP data; rest of region shaky

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were trading mixed Wednesday as Japan’s benchmark jumped on the news of solid economic growth data, while the rest of the region was mired in uncertainty. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 gained nearly 0.7% in early trading to 30,039.41. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.5% to 7,198.90, after a better-than-expected wage increase report. The wage price index rose 3.7% year on year. But that could mean an interest rate hike in coming months, according to some analysts. South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.6% to 2,494.20. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.1% to 19,957.89, while the Shanghai Composite was virtually unchanged at 3,291.23. Japan’s encouraging GDP data released earlier in the day showed consumption was rebounding after COVID-19-related restrictions were eased and borders opened to tourists. Japan’s economy, the world’s third largest, grew at an annual pace of 1.6% in the quarter through March, according to the Cabinet O...

Takeaways from AP report on racial disparities in states’ victim compensation programs

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

Thousands of Americans each year turn to state-run programs that provide financial assistance to victims of violent crime. The money is used to help with funeral expenses, physical and emotional therapy, lost wages, crime-scene cleanup and more.While interviewing people for a story on gun violence in Philadelphia, The Associated Press heard from victim after victim that they had received a form letter denying them access to the funds. In many cases, the state said they or their loved one had contributed to their own victimization. The AP sought to find out from the Pennsylvania program — and then programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia — who was being denied aid, and why. While the programs hand out millions of dollars each year nationwide, the AP found that Black victims were disproportionately denied in many of the states that provided racial data — and often for subjective reasons rooted in implicit biases that are felt across the criminal justice system.A look at ...

Military aims for October to begin draining Hawaii fuel tanks that poisoned water

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:13 GMT

HONOLULU (AP) — The U.S. military on Tuesday proposed an October start date for a plan to drain a World War II-era fuel tank facility that poisoned 6,000 people when it leaked jet fuel into Pearl Harbor’s drinking water 18 months ago.Fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility leaked into a U.S. Navy drinking water well supplying water to 93,000 people in 2021. The episode poisoned about 6,000 people — mostly military personnel and their families — on and around the Hawaii naval base. It also prompted Honolulu’s water utility to shut down nearby wells that provided about 20% of the city’s water supply.After the spill, the state of Hawaii ordered the military to drain and close the tanks. Last year, the military said it expected to remove fuel from Red Hill in July 2024 after it finished repairs to prevent leaks.The military said it a news release that it would begin removing 104 million gallons (394 million liters) of fuel from the facility on Oct. 16 and fin...