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Former newspaper columnist sues California sheriff’s department over son’s jail suicide

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

Former Southern California News Group columnist David Whiting is suing the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for the apparent in-custody suicide of his 35-year-old son in 2022.David Whiting’s son, Sean, was mentally ill and should have been more closely monitored in jail, says the wrongful death suit filed Dec. 22 in federal court. Whiting choked to death in his cell, with parts of an orange and its peel found jammed in his throat with other food.Less than two hours before Whiting’s death, an Orange County Superior Court judge ordered him released from jail, where he was in custody for allegedly violating a temporary restraining order. The lawsuit by David Whiting alleged his son should have been in a jail mental health ward, but instead was placed in the general population after the court hearing.The department’s “decision to place a suicidal inmate with severe mental illness in the general population and give him a snack with an orange was outrageous and utterly negligent,” state...

Barabak: Rossmoor Democrats say Biden should not be ashamed of his age

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

WALNUT CREEK — For those who doubt Joe Biden’s capacity to be president, Herb Klar has a suggestion: Swing by his neighborhood sometime.“They don’t come to Rossmoor and see all the octagenarians … and see how lively and bright and competent we all are,” said Klar, 76, a retired clinical social worker, who was sporting a Golden State Warriors hoodie on a crisp afternoon on the east side of San Francisco Bay.Old age, he said, “is seen as a kind of freakishness.”Biden is the oldest president in American history, making every day in office a milestone of sorts. He is attempting something never before tried: Winning reelection to a second term that would end when he is 86 years old.The prospect horrifies Republicans. It also creates no small amount of stomach churn for Biden’s fellow Democrats.“So many people as they get into their 80s start to lose some of their cognitive ability,” said Lee Herschman, who happens to be 86...

Ukraine is targeting Russian border regions, seeking to disrupt life and embarrass Putin

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

Russia said Wednesday it shot down 12 missiles fired at one of its southern regions bordering Ukraine, as Kyiv’s forces seek to embarrass the Kremlin and puncture President Vladimir Putin’s argument that life is going on as normal despite the 22-month war.The situation in the border city of Belgorod, which came under two rounds of shelling on Wednesday morning, “remains tense,” said regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov, writing on Telegram. “Air defense systems worked,” he said, promising more details about possible damage after inspecting the area later in the day, part of a New Year’s holiday week in Russia.Ukraine fired two Tochka-U missiles and seven rockets at the region late Tuesday, followed by six Tochka-U missiles and six Vilkha rockets on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.The Soviet-built Tochka-U missile system has a range of up to 120 kilometers (75 miles) and a warhead that can carry cluster munitions. Ukraine has received some cluster munitions from the Un...

Iranian deputy governor calls explosions that killed over 20 people at ceremony for slain general a ‘terroristic’ attack

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian deputy governor calls explosions that killed over 20 people at ceremony for slain general a ‘terroristic’ attack.Source

Sure, it might be cold and dark, but traveling to wintry places can be magical

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

Planning a trip this winter? Yes, it’s tempting to look for sunny spots where you can lie on a beach or play golf. But some of my favorite winter vacations have been to northerly destinations at their coldest, darkest times of year.I don’t ski, so I’m not looking for powder. But I have seen northern lights in Alaska, explored an ice cave in Iceland, and stood outdoors in 20-degree weather watching migrating cranes in Nebraska.I’ve been to Detroit in December, Canada for Christmas, Finland in February. And I’ve taken visitors around my hometown, New York City, in January, when holiday crowds are gone and prices are lower.Here are some tips and ideas for planning a trip in the depths of winter.CITIESThere’s a reason New York City runs Restaurant Week prix fixe menus and 2-for-1 Broadway specials Jan. 16 to Feb. 4: It’s a way to drum up business at a slow time of year. Hotels and theater tickets also dip in price in January and February. Plus, you can get reservations that are otherwis...

At least 20 people killed in blasts at ceremony honoring slain Iranian general, state-run news agency says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — At least 20 people killed in blasts at ceremony honoring slain Iranian general, state-run news agency says.Source

Rescuers race against time in search for survivors in Japan after powerful quakes leave 73 dead

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

SUZU, Japan (AP) — Japanese rescue workers and canine units searched urgently through rubble Wednesday ahead of predicted bitter cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes killed at least 73 people in western Japan. Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas were shaken by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock on Wednesday — one of dozens that have followed Monday’s magnitude 7.6 temblor centered near Noto, about 300 kilometers (185 miles) from Tokyo on the opposite coast. The quake set off tsunami warnings, followed by waves measuring more than 1 meter (3 feet) in some places.The first 72 hours are especially critical for rescues, experts say, because the prospects for survival greatly diminish after that.“More than 40 hours have passed. This is a race against time, and I feel that we are at a critical moment,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. “We have received reports many people are still waiting for rescue under collapse...

1 person injured, dog killed in Adams County house fire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — An overnight fire in Adams County remains under investigation Wednesday morning.Adams County Fire tweeted about the blaze just before 3 a.m. It happened at a single-family home east of Federal Boulevard in the 2600 block of 80th Avenue.One person was rescued from the home and rushed to the hospital. Crews have not released an update on their condition. Second person dies after house fire near Fort Collins Adams County Fire said one dog was rescued from the home but has since died.Fire investigators, crime scene investigators, and Adams County Sherriff's Office deputies remained on scene through the early morning hours while crews worked to put the fire out.So far, there has been no word on what caused the fire.80th Avenue is open to traffic.

US national debt hits record $34 trillion

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

London (CNN) — The US government’s debt has topped $34 trillion for the first time, just weeks ahead of looming deadlines for Congress to agree to new federal funding plans.Data published by the Treasury Department showed that “total public debt outstanding” rose to $34.001 trillion on December 29. That figure, also known as the national debt, is the total amount of outstanding borrowing by the US federal government accumulated over the nation’s history.The milestone comes just three months after the US national debt surpassed $33 trillion, as the budget deficit — the difference between what the government spends and what it receives in taxes — ballooned.Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a fiscal watchdog, called the record figure “a truly depressing ‘achievement.’”“Though our level of debt is dangerous for both our economy and for national security, America just cannot stop borrowing,” she said in a statement Tuesday.M...

Series of Fronts to Lead to Up and Down Rain Chances

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:56 GMT

Following a nice lull in active weather across South Florida, with a streak of lows in 50s, that wave of cold weather will come to an end while rain chances rise.Lows across most of South Florida this morning reached the 50s once again but lows in the 50s going forward will hard to come by over the next 7 days. Some inland locations may still reach the upper 50s tonight but it certainly won’t be as common.One front crossed through the area yesterday and another one will arrive tomorrow. In between these fronts, temperatures will remain mild while skies will be mostly cloudy this Wednesday.Then on Thursday, the front will cross through midday with limited moisture. Besides spotty showers in spots, it will be a mostly dry day with times of sun and clouds.Temperatures will be warmer into the upper 70s for highs courtesy of a southwest wind in the morning.Behind this first out of three future fronts, temperatures are only forecast to drop by a degree or two with another warmup ahe...