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Tuesday hottest in decades or centuries. Wednesday hotter?

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

By MELINA WALLING and SETH BORENSTEIN (Associated Press)The planet’s temperature spiked on Tuesday to its hottest day in decades and likely centuries, and Wednesday could become the third straight day Earth unofficially marks a record-breaking high. It’s the latest in a series of climate-change extremes that alarm but don’t surprise scientists. The globe’s average temperature reached 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit (17.18 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday, according to the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer, a common tool based on satellite data, observations, and computer simulations and used by climate scientists for a glimpse of the world’s condition. On Monday, the average temperature was 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit (17.01 degrees Celsius), setting a record that lasted only 24 hours.For scientists, it’s a sweaty case of I-told-you-so.“A record like this is another piece of evidence for the now massively supported proposition that global warmin...

When Missouri drivers can expect construction on I-70 to start

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The largest item in the nearly $50 billion state budget this year includes the long-awaited widening of Interstate 70 and work on the 200-mile stretch will start this summer. Back in January, Gov. Mike Parson asked lawmakers to approve money to expand I-70 in Columbia and suburban areas of Kansas City and St. Louis, but during debate this past session, that plan nearly tripled. Now that the governor has signed off on the plan, billions of dollars will be spent over the coming years to improve the major interstate. "We're actually kind of behind other states in the investment into the interstate system, the reconstruction and expansion of it," Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation Patrick McKenna said. "Instead of taking 30 years and piecemealing it, let's take advantage of this time and get the entire project done."It's being called a big win for Missourians. If you drive, I-70 from outside St. Louis, to Columbia and then on to the suburbs of K...

Colorado Rapids acquire left back Andrew Gutman from Atlanta United for $400,000 in GAM plus incentives

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

Like the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange to signify trading was open, once 9 a.m. struck on the opening day of the Major League Soccer secondary transfer window, the Colorado Rapids announced they had completed a significant move.On Wednesday the Rapids acquired Andrew Gutman, a 26-year-old seasoned left back from Atlanta United FC, in a deal that could fetch upward of $650,000 in General Allocation Money and additional assets. Colorado will pay the “Five Stripes” $300,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM), $100,000 in 2024 GAM, and gave up an international roster slot. Additionally, Atlanta could receive up to $150,000 in conditional GAM if multiple incentives are hit.The Rapids will be on the hunt this summer for fresh players as the team looks to avoid the dreaded “Wooden Spoon,” mockingly awarded to the supporters of the team with the league’s worst record. Colorado currently sits in that spot with a record of 2-10-8 on 14 points.Re...

68 people killed in crashes on California highways over Fourth of July weekend

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

Dozens of lives were lost in crashes on California highways over the long Fourth of July weekend.The California Highway Patrol released sobering totals that showed 68 people were killed during the agency's Maximum Enforcement Period, which went into effect Friday evening. Nearly half of all those killed were not wearing seatbelts, CHP said. Man loses part of hand in July 4 fireworks mishap The CHP Maximum Enforcement Period was in place from Friday through the July 4 holiday, with increased law enforcement officers looking out for drunk or speeding drivers.In total, across the multi-day enforcement period, CHP officers issued 9,700 citations for speeding and made 1,224 arrests on suspicion of driving under the influence. That's an average of one arrest every five minutes, CHP said. Why have traffic fatalities increased in California? CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee called the results of the weekend long enforcement period "concerning."“All of these deaths were preventable, and th...

Illegal fireworks suspected in fire that torched Corona yard

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

A fire possibly caused by fireworks torched the backyard of a home in Corona Tuesday night.Residents say a neighbor was setting off illegal fireworks during a 4th of July party when the blaze began. Flames could be seen burning 20 feet into the air in a video shared with KTLA. Barbara Tucker’s neighbors alerted her of the blaze around 9 p.m. Ring video provided by Barbara Tucker shows firefighters responding to a blaze at her Corona home on July 4, 2023. (KTLA) What’s left are blackened tree stumps and damage to the south side of Tucker’s home of 45 years. Trees she planted when she first moved in are now gone.“Now look at it, it’s destroyed by fireworks,” Tucker told KTLA.Tucker's Ring camera captured some of the chaos as neighbors rushed to help placate the flames.Moments later, firefighters arrived and told Tucker and her husband they had to leave.Despite warnings ahead of the holiday on the dangers of setting off illegal fireworks, the blaze was one of many to break out in the I...

Dozens of stray pets brought to Orange County animal shelters following July 4th

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

Although humans may enjoy the festivities of July 4th, the holiday can be a very anxious and scary time for pets.More pets go missing during the Fourth of July weekend than at any other time of the year, according to American Kennel Club.OC Animal Care in Tustin has been busy dealing with at least 57 stray dogs who were brought to shelters during the holiday.During the celebrations, “the sudden noises and unfamiliar experiences can cause dogs to panic, resulting in them escaping from their homes or yards in search of safety,” explained OC Animal Care officials.Some of the dogs have since been reunited with their owners, including Shadow, who ran away from Yorba Linda.Other pets, however, have not been so lucky and remain separated from their loved ones. For owners still searching for their lost pets, there are several resources. “If you're looking for your dog, one of the best things that you could do right now is check out our website at ocpetinfo.com,” advises Jackie Tran, with OC...

15-year-old boy faces attempted murder charges after stabbing in San Bernardino County

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

A 15-year-old boy was arrested and is facing charges of attempted murder after a stabbing last month in Twentynine Palms, authorities announced Wednesday.  The incident occurred on June 14 at around 11:30 p.m. in the 6400 block of Desert Queen Avenue, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.  Deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station responded to the scene on reports of a stabbing and located a 15-year-old male victim suffering from a large stab wound to his upper chest. The teen was later rushed to the Desert Regional Medical Center for medical treatment and no further information was provided on his condition.  The suspect in the stabbing had already fled the area by the time deputies arrived.   Video of deputy slamming woman to ground in Lancaster released by L.A. County Sheriff’s Department An investigation into the stabbing eventually led to the identification of another juvenile teen from Twentynine Palms.  “On Jul 4,...

Man Killed in Pedestrian Accident on McCarran Boulevard [Reno, NV]

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

Male Pedestrian Pronounced Dead after Fatal Collision near Sierra Highlands DriveRENO, NV (July 5, 2023) – Thursday night, one man was killed in a pedestrian accident on McCarran Boulevard.Authorities responded to the scene shortly before 8:10 p.m., near Sierra Highlands Drive on May 18th.Officers say the driver of a vehicle struck a pedestrian in the area. Upon impact, the driver fled the scene without rendering aid or contacting police.First responders took the pedestrian to a local hospital where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Although, crews have not yet released his identity.Following preliminary duties, police described the involved vehicle as a small sports utility vehicle.At this time, a reward is offered for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect. Reno police officials continue to investigate the fatal accident on McCarran Boulevard.No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this delicate moment. Deepest condolences and sy...

Quinn discusses what Karlsson-less Sharks might look like, and Bordeleau’s ‘incredible opportunity’

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

SAN JOSE – San Jose Sharks coach David Quinn said he’s starting to get excited about next season following the team’s hectic week of transactions but knows more moves could be on the way, including the departure of Erik Karlsson.More than a week after he won his third career Norris Trophy – and reiterated his desire to play for a Stanley Cup-contending team – Karlsson remains a Shark as general manager Mike Grier continues to chip away on a possible trade involving the all-star defenseman. Karlsson is coming off a 101-point season.Such a seismic move would figure to have a dramatic impact on how the Sharks generate offense, particularly from the back end with no true heir apparent to take over those heavy minutes and play that same dynamic role.Quinn, entering his second year as San Jose’s coach, has thought about what the Sharks might look like without Karlsson but doesn’t want to harp on something that hasn’t happened yet — and may not for a while.“I’m not the ge...

Police: Toxic gas leak in S. Africa kills at least 16 people

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:56 GMT

By Mogomotsi Magome and Gerald Imray | Associated PressJOHANNESBURG — At least 16 people, including three children, died when toxic gas leaked from a cyclinder near Johannesburg, South African police said Wednesday.Emergency services said that as many as 24 people might be dead. It wasn’t immediately clear why there was a discrepancy in the death toll.Search and rescue teams were still working through the area trying to ascertain the extent of the casualties.The incident happened in an informal settlement in the city of Boksburg on the eastern outskirts of Johannesburg, the South African Police Services said.Emergency services spokesman William Ntladi said the deaths were caused by a leak from a gas cylinder being kept in a shack in the Angelo settlement. He said the leak had stopped and teams were searching a 100-meter (100-yard) radius around the cyclinder to check for more casualties.The bodies were still lying on the ground “in and around the area,” Ntladi said...