A California coastal panel on Thursday rejected a long-standing proposal to build a $1.4 billion seawater desalination plant to turn Pacific Ocean water into drinking water as the state grapples with persistent drought that is expected to worsen in coming years with climate change. The state’s Coastal Commission voted...
Inflation Triggers California Minimum Wage Increase in 2023
California's minimum wage will jump to $15.50 per hour next year, Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration announced Thursday, an increase triggered by soaring inflation that will benefit about 3 million workers. The increase is required by a state law passed in 2016. But it comes at a good time for...
Twitter Deal ‘Temporarily on Hold’ Says Elon Musk
DETROIT — Elon Musk said Friday that his plan to buy Twitter is “temporarily on hold” as he tries to pinpoint the exact number of spam and fake accounts on the social media platform, another twist amid signs of turmoil over the proposed $44 billion acquisition. Musk has been vocal...
Crypto Meltdown Prompts Call for More Regulation
WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, responding to the recent sharp decline in the value of cryptocurrencies, said Thursday that additional federal regulation was needed to respond to the wave of speculative investment in the currency whose secrecy is an essential part of its appeal. “We really need a...
Here’s How Astronomers Captured 1st Image of Milky Way’s Huge Black Hole
The world's first image of the chaotic supermassive black hole at the center of our own Milky Way galaxy doesn't portray a voracious cosmic destroyer but what astronomers Thursday called a “gentle giant" on a near-starvation diet. Astronomers believe nearly all galaxies, including our own, have these giant black...
Afghans Still Adjusting to US: New Life, New Struggles
Taliban forces had taken the Afghan capital. Crowds of panicked people thronged the airport. And a young man who had worked as a subcontractor for the U.S. military faced a terrible choice. Hasibullah Hasrat, after having navigated the chaotic streets and Taliban checkpoints to make it inside the airport, could either...
County, Governor Spar Over Protests at Justices’ Homes
Fairfax County officials have rebuffed a request from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to establish a security perimeter around the neighborhoods of U.S. Supreme Court justices living in the county after some have faced protests outside their homes. Youngkin, a Republican, made the request Wednesday in a letter to the county board...
Finland’s Leaders Call for NATO Membership; Russia Warns of Retaliation
Finland’s leaders said Thursday they’re in favor of rapidly applying for NATO membership, paving the way for a historic expansion of the alliance that could deal a serious blow to Russia as its military struggles with its war in Ukraine. The annoucement by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna...
Mansions Destroyed in SoCal Wildfire; Massive New Mexico Blaze Grows
A wildfire that erupted Wednesday afternoon in Southern California raced through coastal bluffs of multimillion-dollar mansions, burning at least 20 homes, fire officials said. The flames were fanned by gusty ocean winds but they were dying down Wednesday night. No injuries were reported but several streets were ordered evacuated....
Newsom Backs Plan to Pay for Some Abortions for Patients from Other States
California taxpayers would help pay for abortions for women who can't afford them under a new spending proposal Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday to prepare for a potential surge of people from other states seeking reproductive care if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. California already pays...