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Massachusetts politics could have a rollercoaster 2024 as Beacon Hill buckles up for the ride

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

If 2023 is any sort of guide to what will play out on Beacon Hill this year, it’s clear that politicians will have to buckle up for a potential financial rollercoaster with no clear exit path.From fragile state revenues to finding a way to prepare for a more than $900 million bill for shelters in Massachusetts, taxpayers, lawmakers, and lobbyists are likely gearing up for a 2024 filled with difficult decisions and easy answers that are few and far between.Expect the opening salvos of the year to focus on fiscal 2025 as Gov. Maura Healey outlines and eventually files her state budget proposal.With tax collections this fiscal year continuing to come in below expectations, many will be watching to see how Healey shapes her financial plan, including whether state spending will remain flat, grow, or shrink.Alongside the main budget, Healey has pledged to file early this year a standalone spending bill that attempts to address the emergency shelter system’s $224 million budget gap by usin...

Prosecutors: No need for another trial of crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

NEW YORK — A second trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried on charges not in the cryptocurrency fraud case presented to a jury that convicted him in November is not necessary, prosecutors told a judge.Prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan in a letter Friday that evidence at a second trial would duplicate evidence already shown to a jury. They also said it would ignore the “strong public interest in a prompt resolution” of the case, particularly because victims would not benefit from forfeiture or restitution orders if sentencing is delayed.They said the judge can consider the evidence that would be used at a second trial when he sentences Bankman-Fried on March 28 for defrauding customers and investors of at least $10 billion.Bankman-Fried, 31, who has been incarcerated since several weeks before his trial, was convicted in early November of seven counts, including wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and three conspiracy charges. He could face decades in pri...

Ticker: Boeing says inspect bolts on 737 Max jets; UnitedHealth Group sells business in Brazil

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

Boeing is asking airlines to inspect its 737 Max jets for a potential loose bolt in the rudder control system, the airplane maker and Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.The agency said Boeing issued its inspection guidance to airlines after an international operator found a bolt with a missing nut during routine maintenance.In a separate case, Boeing also discovered an undelivered aircraft that had an unproperly tightened nut. The company said it was recommending the inspections out of an abundance of caution — and would continue to update customers and regulators on the progress. There have been no in-flight incidents caused by the condition to date, Boeing said.UnitedHealth Group sells business in BrazilUnitedHealth Group said it has agreed to sell its large health care business in Brazil to a private investor in a deal that’s expected to close in the first half of next year.The Minnesota-based health care giant did not disclose a sale price for the division, which it...

Healthy-scratch Trent Brown has caused Patriots issues for weeks

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

Patriots left tackle Trent Brown is inactive Sunday against the Bills despite having been removed from the injury report Friday.The Patriots gave Brown a pay bump worth $2 million in added incentives in September with the goal to keep him on the field. Since Brown missed time with knee and ankle injuries at midseason, meaning he wouldn’t receive all of his increased pay, they’ve had trouble keeping him motivated over the final weeks of the season, according to a source.Brown has been more outspoken with the media in recent weeks, as well. He was upset about a report from Sports Illustrated that he’s “perpetually late.” He’ll be a free agent after the season.Vederian Lowe and Andrew Stueber, who was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, are the Patriots’ available left tackles. Stueber is set to make his NFL debut if he gets on the field.Here’s the full list of Patriots inactives:S Jabrill PeppersQB Nathan Rourke (emergency third Q...

8 places to get bottomless mimosas in San Diego

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- Champagne toasts are a staple in celebrating special occasions, whether it be birthdays or ringing in the New Year. Mix this sparkling wine with juice -- orange, cranberry, or others -- and you've got a mimosa. This classic drink, which originated in France, has become a go-to for brunch enthusiasts. Where to get brunch New Years Day across San Diego County Most credit 1925 bartender Frank Meier, who worked at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, with creating the fuzzy cocktail. He was said to have even served Ernest Hemingway, a well-known novelist and short story writer. Fast-forward to present day, restaurants and brunch havens of all sorts have taken it up a notch by offering bottomless mimosas to patrons. What this means is the cocktail is provided at a flat rate with unlimited refills, though there tend to be time restrictions at most places. The San Diego restaurant scene has obliged to the demand of endless champagne and juice. Here are eight places across the city wher...

College Football Playoff semifinals could set betting records

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sportsbook director Jay Kornegay is anticipating massive crowds at Westgate’s Las Vegas location this weekend and Monday to bet on the two College Football Playoff semifinal games.Part of it is timing. Last season’s games were on New Year’s Eve; this season’s are on New Year’s Day.The other part is the field. Michigan, ranked first by the CFP committee, faces No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl and No. 2 Washington plays No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl.“We expect the handle to double, possibly triple, what we did last year mainly because the games are being played on New Year’s Day rather than New Year’s Eve,” said Kornegay, Westgate’s vice president of race and sports operations. “Certainly, the participants have huge fan bases.”Kornegay said the betting increase not only will happen at the Las Vegas book, but at its locations throughout the country. Westgate has books in eight states besides Nevada.“The volume level is going to be cranked up proba...

Off-duty police officer is killed in North Carolina after witnessing a crime

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — An off-duty police officer was shot and killed in North Carolina after witnessing a crime at a gas station and approaching the two suspects, officials said.The police sergeant, Philip Dale Nix, was a 23-year veteran of the Greensboro Police Department, according to a Sunday news release from the agency. Three men have been arrested in the case, including Jamere Justice Foster, 18, who is charged with first-degree murder and larceny, according to police.During a news conference Saturday night, Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson didn’t specify what crime Nix witnessed or provide additional details about the events leading up to the shooting. Police were searching for two men in their 20s and a black Chevrolet Equinox, according a statewide alert by the the Greensboro Police Department. The Blue Alert was sent about two hours after the shooting and canceled roughly two hours later. A Blue Alert is used when a law enforcement officer has been seriously injured...

18-year-old charged with killing officer who witnessed crime at North Carolina gas station

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — An 18-year-old suspect has been charged with killing an off-duty police officer who witnessed a crime at a North Carolina gas station, authorities said. Jamere Justice Foster, 18, was charged with felony first-degree murder, misdemeanor larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny following the death of Greensboro Police Sgt. Philip Dale Nix. Police said Foster stole $83.45 worth of beer from a Sheetz gas station in Colfax on Saturday, Dec. 30, and Nix was shot while trying to confront the suspect.Another off-duty Greensboro officer and a Guilford County paramedic immediately rendered aid, but Nix died at a local medical facility. Lawmakers, law enforcement react to killing of Greensboro police sergeant “He was a loving husband, father, son and brother with 22 years of service to the department and this community,” said Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson during a press conference. “We ask for prayers for the family of the fallen officer and our Greensboro ...

Wonder Works Noon Year's Eve Event

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

Executive director Rachel Weber of Wonder Works Noon Year's Event joins WGN Weekend Morning News to share more on their event at the Children's Museum in Oak Park for those who can't quite stay up until midnight.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.

Weekend Break: Great Lakes Sports Hub

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:58:31 GMT

Join WGN's Christine Flores at the Great Lakes Sports Hub in Crown Point, Ind for Weekend Break.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.