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Presidential libraries warn of fragile state of US democracy

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

By Gary Fields | Associated PressWASHINGTON — Concern for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization has prompted the entities supporting 13 presidential libraries dating back to Herbert Hoover to call for a recommitment to the country’s bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs.The statement released Thursday, the first time the libraries have joined to make such a public declaration, said Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and human rights around the world because “free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home.”“But that interest,” it said, “is undermined when others see our own house in disarray.”The joint message from presidential centers, foundations and institutes emphasized the need for compassion, tolerance and pluralism while urging Americans to respect democratic institutions and uphold secure and accessible election...

There’s a better way to fight wildfires, indigenous groups say

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

Amy Bainbridge and Angus Whitley | Bloomberg NewsMore frequent fires. Smaller, cooler blazes. Nighttime and early morning burns.Those are three important principles of what’s known as cultural burning, a firefighting practice honed by Indigenous people in Australia over the past 60,000 years. The techniques stand in marked contrast to the “hazard-reduction” burns employed in the US, Canada and other places prone to wildfires, including most of Australia. Indigenous advocates say their own methods are more effective, safer and kinder to native flora and fauna.In the wake of Black Summer three years ago, Australian politicians said they’d prioritize Indigenous techniques. It’s since funded a range of grants and says it is continuing to make investments. But Indigenous organizations say far more is needed, especially now, with El Niño conditions bringing warmer temperatures that portend a more severe fire season.Bloomberg Green spoke with two leaders of Australian organizations that pr...

Waymo: Our cars are 'significantly safer' than cars driven by humans

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Waymo, an autonomous vehicle company that operates a fleet of driverless cars in San Francisco, is touting its technology with a new study released on Wednesday.The tech company said its study examined collision causation, and found that driverless Waymo cars are "significantly safer" than regular cars driven by humans. "We’re sharing new research led by Swiss Re which shows Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are significantly safer than those driven by humans. In the over 3.8 million miles that Waymo drove without a human behind the steering wheel across San Francisco, CA and Phoenix, AZ, there were zero bodily injury claims," the company's spokesperson told KRON4.Waymo autonomous vehicles are parked in a staging area on June 8, 2023 in San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)On average, Waymo has about 100 vehicles driving around San Francisco at any given moment, a company representative told the California Public Utilities Commission. The CPUC rece...

Steph & Ayesha Curry to raise $50M for Oakland school district

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) -- Stephen and Ayesha Curry are giving back to Oakland in a big way. For years, their “Eat, Learn, Play” foundation has worked with Oakland and the greater Bay Area community to address issues including childhood hunger and education.The Currys call Oakland their "adoptive home" not just from the Warriors fanbase but because they started their own family there and made connections with the community as a whole.Students at the Lockwood Steam Academy in Oakland unveiled the remodeled schoolyard, alongside Steph and Ayesha Curry on Wednesday. The upgraded playground is part of the Currys’ foundation, and there are more lofty goals. Raging Waters in San Jose will not reopen in 2024 "We're committing over $50 million dollars to the Oakland Unified School District and continue to amplify the systems and services that already exist,” Steph said. One of Curry’s foundation efforts is to improve the school district’s central kitchen – the hub of the food program ...

Paqui 'One Chip Challenge' pulled from shelves following teen's death

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

(KRON) -- Paqui has pulled its "One Chip Challenge" products from store shelves following the death of a 14-year-old boy who died after eating one of the spicy chips. In a statement on its website, the chip company said the challenge is "intended for adults only," and that the chip's packaging has "clear and prominent labeling highlighting the chip is not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or has underling health conditions."Paqui says it has seen an increase in teens and other individuals not heeding the warnings on the packaging. Waymo: Our cars are ‘significantly safer’ than cars driven by humans "As a result, while the product continues to adhere to food safety standards, out of an abundance of caution, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves," the company said.Refunds will be offered on all single-serve One Chip Challenge products, Paqui said.Last week, a Massachusetts teen reportedly di...

Spain’s women’s players maintain plan to strike after salary talks break down before season opener

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The players for Spain’s women’s league maintain they’ll go on strike rather than start the new season after salary negotiations with the league broke down on Thursday.The AFE players union, one of five unions representing the players, said no deal had been reached because “we consider the economic proposal of the Liga F unacceptable.”The players had announced their plan to strike last week. The season was set to kick off Friday.The strike comes with Spain reeling from the consequences of the kiss by the president of its national soccer federation of a player without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final. Since then, the players for Spain’s women’s national team and several dozens more have said they won’t play for their country until the federation changes leadership.The player, Jenni Hermoso, has accused federation boss Luis Rubiales of sexual assault.The minimum salary for the women’s league, called Liga F, is just 16,000 euros ($17,400)...

Heads Carolina, Tails Maryland: Country legend Jo Dee Messina to perform at Great Frederick Fair

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

Hear our full chat on my podcast “Beyond the Fame with Jason Fraley.” Jo Dee Messina performs onstage during the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.(Getty Images/Theo Wargo) Jo Dee Messina performs onstage during the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.(Getty Images/Theo Wargo) toggle audio on and off change volume download audio ...

Deion Sanders makes home debut as No. 22 Colorado hosts longtime rival Nebraska in sold-out game

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion Sanders has the perfect gift for a stadium celebrating its 100th season — fired-up fans once again packing the place.The Colorado coach is completely responsible for the frenzy to come inside Folsom Field.The iconic stadium, which opened in 1924, will be filled to capacity — ticket prices are through the roof — in the home debut for Sanders on Saturday when the 22nd-ranked Buffaloes host longtime rival Nebraska.Sanders is well on his way to restoring the shine to a downtrodden program that’s coming off a 1-11 season. He teased what his overhauled roster was capable of when the Buffaloes (1-0) beat a nationally ranked TCU squad on the road last week. The Colorado-Nebraska game remains one of the hottest regular-season tickets in college football history, with a seat going for an average price of more than $400, according to TickPick. “The light is shining upon us,” Sanders said, “and we’re thankful for that.”This weekend, there could be celebrities s...

Texas A&M will be second SEC team to face Miami at Hard Rock Stadium when they meet Saturday

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

No. 23 Texas A&M (1-0) at Miami (1-0), Saturday, 11 a.m. ET (ABC)Line: Texas A&M by 4 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.Series record: Tied 2-2.WHAT’S AT STAKE?The Hurricanes are trying to capitalize on a dominant season-opening performance against Miami (Ohio) and avenge last season’s 17-9 loss to the Aggies. Texas A&M was 1-1 this time last season in a disappointing 5-7 campaign. Both teams look vastly different from a year ago with new offensive coordinators for both sides and a new Aggies starting quarterback.KEY MATCHUPMiami’s rushing attack vs. Texas A&M’s from seven. Running back Henry Parrish Jr. was Miami’s top performer when the teams met last year, with 16 carries for 85 yards. After rushing for 250 yards as a team last week, Parrish and Miami’s running backs will have a tough test when they go against one of the biggest and most talented defensive fronts in the nation. The Aggies recorded two sacks and five passes de...

Rutgers looks for its seventh straight win against Temple in a New Jersey Turnpike game

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:48:20 GMT

Temple (1-0) at Rutgers (1-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (BTN)Line: No line, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.Series record: Rutgers 22-15.WHAT’S AT STAKE? Both schools saw the early part of their schedules as a chance to pick up wins. Rutgers dominated Northwestern in a rare Sunday game. Temple rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Arkon. Rutgers edged Temple 16-14 on the road last season, scoring its only touchdown on an interception return by Shaquan Loyal. Whoever wins will have a shot at 3-0 with Temple facing Norfolk State and the Scarlet Knights playing at home against Virginia Tech the following week. KEY MATCHUPRutgers offensive line against Temple’s defense. The Scarlet Knights dominated the line of scrimmage against Northwestern, controlling the ball for almost 38 minutes. They opened the game with two 16-play touchdown drives and scored on their first three possessions in taking a 17-0 lead. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt threw for 163 yards and touchdown and ran for anot...