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Group behind millionaire’s tax files 2024 ballot question paperwork

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

The well funded group behind the state’s millionaire’s tax and responsible for the recently completed rise in the minimum wage have filed paperwork to place another question before the voters.Raise Up Massachusetts, the organization behind the Fair Share Amendment’s presentation as question 1 on last year’s ballot, on March 9, filed paperwork with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance indicating they would organize for another ballot campaign.The new campaign, according to filings, will work toward “building shared prosperity in the Commonwealth through higher minimum wages and fair and adequate taxation” and is named Raise Up Massachusetts 2024.Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Massachusetts State Council Executive Director Harris Gruman is listed as the group’s chair.A spokesperson for Raise Up Massachusetts did not return a request for comment on Sunday.It is unclear what precise policy changes the group will attempt to enact in 2024. What is clear is that...

Anthony Volpe continues trending up, homers in 3-3 tie vs. Boston Red Sox

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

It’s going to be hard to send him back to the minors.Anthony Volpe has yet to disappoint for the Yankees in spring training and the top prospect continued trending upwards in Sunday’s 3-3 tie against the Boston Red Sox.Volpe went 2-for-4 at the plate, hitting his second homer of the spring to right-center field. The Jersey native also blasted an opposite-field double to advance runners on the base paths. Volpe’s batting average after Sunday now sits at .320 and the shortstop has shown his speed by stealing three bases so far.The fan favorite’s defense at shortstop has been another reason why he’s being loved by Yankee fans and it makes the potential decision for the team to allow Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who struggled defensively last season, to start at the position look unreasonable.“I think he’s got all the tools,” said captain Aaron Judge after Wednesday’s game against the Cardinals at the Yankees’ spring complex. “He ...

Dave Hyde: Dolphins’ big trade gives March Madness the feel of February Fever

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

There was already enough to say the Miami Dolphins were going all in even before Sunday’s trade. There was the hiring of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the way they’ve dumped draft picks for big-money stars and even the manner they’ve supported quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.Sunday’s move wasn’t just about going further in, though. It’s the kind of move to help level the field a little against the Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, if they are to play him next January, or Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow or Buffalo’s Josh Allen, if it comes to them to reach the Super Bowl.All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey is a Dolphin now, meaning more than one of last season’s weaknesses becomes a strength and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has a new toy to employ. Ramsey one side, Xavien Howard on the other. Consider the possibilities.The next Super Bowl is in Las Vegas.How do you like that boom-or-bust possibility?I love it. I never liked tank...

San Diego water reservoirs levels at 128%

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego is experiencing one of the top 17 wettest years on record, with more than four inches of rain above normal levels.“The rain is good, the precipitation is good and it’s really helping us get out of a drought," Chris Robbins with the Vallecitos Water District said.“We’ve had three consecutive dry years, and this water year, which started October 1, has been a really fantastic water year. San Diego we are at 128% normal conditions for precipitation," said Efren Lopez , the water resources specialist with San Diego County Water Authority.“The rain will fill the back country reservoirs and make us less reliant on Northern California and the Colorado River," Robbins said. How the recent storms impacted San Diego’s water supply in reservoirs According to state data, the snowpack in the Sierras are more than 200%, which serves as a frozen reservoir and refills reservoirs as the snow starts to melt, but there's concern with more forecasted rain in the Sierras.“If you...

As atmospheric river exits, a new storm threatens California

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (AP) — Wet, miserable weather continued across huge swaths of California on Sunday as an atmospheric river that caused major flooding flowed eastward, while a new storm threatened another onslaught of rain, snow and gusting winds as soon as Monday.The National Weather Service said the next system could exacerbate severe flooding that overwhelmed the area in recent days, prompting a levee failure and widespread evacuations Saturday in farming communities near the state's central coast.The new storm is not expected to bring as much rain, but forecasters warned that “considerable flooding” could occur at lower elevations from additional rain and creeks and streams swollen with snowmelt.“Definitely prepare for some more flooding impacts. The ground is very saturated. We’re already seeing some impacts from some light amounts," National Weather Service forecaster Eleanor Dhuyvetter said.A tornado briefly touched down in Tuolumne County during severe thunderstorms Satur...

As atmospheric river exit, another threatens California

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (AP) — Wet, miserable weather continued across huge swaths of California on Sunday as an atmospheric river that caused major flooding flowed eastward, while a new storm threatened the region with another onslaught of rain, snow and gusting winds as soon as Monday.The National Weather Service said the next system could exacerbate severe flooding that overwhelmed the area in recent days, causing a levee failure and widespread evacuations Saturday in farming communities near the state’s central coast.The new storm is not expected to bring as much rain, but forecasters cautioned that “considerable flooding” could occur at lower elevations from additional rain and creeks and streams swollen with snowmelt.“Definitely prepare for some more flooding impacts. The ground is very saturated. We’re already seeing some impacts from some light amounts,” National Weather Service forecaster Eleanor Dhuyvetter said.A tornado briefly touched down in Tuolumne County duri...

US government: Silicon Valley Bank clients will get funds

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. federal government said all Silicon Valley Bank clients will be protected and have access to their funds, just days after the bank failed and sent its customers panicking. The Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and FDIC announced steps Sunday designed to protect the bank’s customers and prevent more bank runs. “This step will ensure that the U.S. banking system continues to perform its vital roles of protecting deposits and providing access to credit to households and businesses in a manner that promotes strong and sustainable economic growth,” the agencies said in a joint statement.________This is a breaking news update. Earlier story is below.________Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday that the federal government would not bail out Silicon Valley Bank, but is working to help depositors who are concerned about their money.The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures deposits up to $250,000, but many of the companies and wealthy people who use...

North Korea tests submarine-launched missile, Seoul confirms

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Monday it has conducted submarine-launched cruise missile tests, days after its leader Kim Jong Un ordered his troops to be ready to repel its rivals’ “frantic war preparation moves.”The test on Sunday came a day before the U.S. and South Korean militaries begin large-scale joint military drills that North Korea views as a rehearsal for invasion.The official Korean Central News Agency said Monday that the missile launches were meant to confirm the reliability of the weapons system and gauge underwater-to-surface offensive operations of the country’s submarine units.Coming off a record year in missile testing, North Korea’s weapons demonstrations this year include test launches of an intercontinental ballistic missile, short-range missiles and a purported long-range cruise missile system in recent weeks.Experts say North Korea’s escalated testing and threats are meant to claim an ability to conduct nuclear strikes in South ...

March Madness: Alabama earns No. 1 overall seed for tourney

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

Alabama is the overall top seed in the NCAA Tournament after cruising through the end of a season clouded by a murder case over the past two months.The Crimson Tide was awarded the top spot Sunday over Kansas and Houston, each of whom exited their conference tournaments without the titles and missing key cogs on their teams. The defending national champion Jayhawks lost by 20 to Texas on Saturday in the Big 12 tournament. They played without their coach, Bill Self, who went to a hospital emergency room Wednesday night complaining of chest tightness and concerns with his balance. He has been discharged and is expected back this week. Kansas is the No. 1 seed in the West Region. Houston was without leading scorer Marcus Sasser, who went down with a groin injury Saturday. The Cougars are the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region.Play in the 68-team tournament begins Tuesday with two games in the First Four. March Madness gets into full swing Thursday and Friday with 32 games spread over eig...

Former student at Wisconsin college charged in threats case

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:47:28 GMT

A former University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student threatened students, staff members and professors at the university, telling some of them via email before he traveled to the U.S. last week that he planned to kill their children, according to court documents.Arvin Raj Mathur, 32, was in Michigan’s St. Clair County Jail on Sunday following his arrest after traveling from Copenhagen, where he has been enrolled at a university, court records and online jail records show.Federal agents arrested Mathur on Friday night at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and he is being temporarily held without bond, The Detroit News reported. He’s scheduled for a Tuesday detention hearing.Court records state that Mathur “knowingly transmitted in interstate and foreign commerce communications containing threats to injure other persons.” Mathur, a former graduate student in the Department of Anthropology, is charged with interstate or foreign threat to injure after authorities say he email...