A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, sending tremors across the region and leaving residents shaken. The earthquake, which occurred just 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, follows weeks of hardship for the island, including hurricanes, blackouts, and a deepening energy crisis. While initial reports indicate no major damage or injuries, the quake further complicates the situation in Cuba, where many are still struggling to recover from previous disasters and grappling with ongoing economic difficulties.
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California’s pistachio industry is booming, driven by rising global demand and the crop’s drought-tolerance. This has led to a surge in acreage and production, making pistachios California’s sixth-largest agricultural commodity by value. The industry is learning from the struggles of almond farming and is focusing on sustainable practices, including water conservation. Despite challenges like groundwater regulations, pistachio acreage is expected to continue growing as recently planted trees reach maturity, solidifying its position as a key player in California agriculture.
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Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, argues in his new book, *Dawn’s Early Light*, that a “controlled burn” is necessary to revitalize America. This “burn” would target institutions like the FBI, Ivy League colleges, and the Boy Scouts, which he sees as corrupted and hindering conservative aims. Roberts uses fire imagery throughout the book, comparing progressive policies to Dutch elm disease and advocating for “burning away the rot” of existing institutions. His rhetoric, reminiscent of Trump’s own fiery language, has already proven controversial, and with Trump’s victory, his call for a “controlled burn” is likely to alarm progressives.
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A federal judge has granted a stay of execution to Thomas Creech, an Idaho inmate scheduled to be put to death next week. This comes after Creech survived a botched execution attempt in February, where authorities were unable to establish an IV line despite multiple attempts. Creech’s attorneys argued that another execution would constitute cruel and unusual punishment and violate double jeopardy principles. The judge’s decision grants a reprieve while the court further considers Creech’s appeal, with a supplemental brief due by Friday. This stay effectively suspends preparations for a second execution, as the current death warrant is set to expire on Wednesday.
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Rod Ashby, a US Navy veteran, was devastated after Hurricane Helene destroyed his home and his wife, Kim, went missing. Seeking a new truck to help with the search, he fell victim to a scam, wiring nearly $40,000 to a fake online dealer impersonating a Colorado car dealership. This scam, which targeted other victims, exacerbated the family’s anguish as they grapple with the loss of their home, Kim’s disappearance, and the financial blow. The family has reported the fraud, but retrieving the lost funds remains uncertain. This incident highlights the importance of thorough research and caution when purchasing vehicles online, especially during times of crisis.
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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has voted to change fuel standards in order to reduce emissions and improve air quality, but this decision will lead to a significant increase in gas prices throughout the state, potentially adding 65 cents per gallon. This move is aimed at addressing climate change and reducing fossil fuel consumption, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. However, the price hike has sparked concern among Californians who are already struggling with the cost of living, raising questions about whether this is the best way to encourage the transition to electric vehicles.
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Nancy Pelosi has publicly criticized Bernie Sanders for his claim that the Democratic Party has abandoned working-class families, arguing that the party’s policies actually benefit these families. She also criticizes Joe Biden for staying in the presidential race longer than she believed was necessary, potentially impacting Kamala Harris’s chances of winning the election. Pelosi believes that a primary process might have strengthened Harris’s campaign, but Biden’s immediate endorsement of her limited this possibility. While various reasons have been offered for Harris’s defeat, Pelosi’s perspective highlights the ongoing internal debate within the Democratic Party about its messaging and strategies for future elections.
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Jim McDonnell, former Los Angeles County Sheriff, was sworn in as the new Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department on Friday, earning a base salary of $450,000, making him one of the highest-paid police chiefs in major U.S. cities. This salary, while lower than the initial proposal of $507,509, still exceeds the salary of the previous chief and even surpasses the current LA County Sheriff’s salary. The decision to pay McDonnell such a high salary has been met with criticism, with some arguing that it’s excessive, especially considering the city’s budget constraints. However, the salary is deemed to be in line with the market rate for high-level law enforcement positions, especially in light of recent nationwide trends of officer resignations and retirements.
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Forty-three Rhesus macaques, bred for medical research, escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina after a caretaker left a door unsecured. Despite efforts to recapture the monkeys, many remain at large, exploring the facility’s perimeter and interacting with those still inside. While authorities assure the public that the monkeys pose no health risk, the facility, along with federal health officials and police, are actively working to safely recover the escaped primates. The monkeys, all females weighing about seven pounds, are being encouraged to return voluntarily to avoid scaring them and making them run further.
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Renowned actor Tony Todd, best known for his chilling portrayal of the hook-handed Candyman, passed away at age 69. Todd, whose illustrious career spanned over four decades, garnered recognition for his roles in films like “Platoon,” “The Rock,” and “Final Destination,” as well as numerous television series. He also made a mark in voice acting, lending his distinctive voice to iconic characters like Venom in “Spider-Man 2.” His signature role as the vengeful Candyman, a character that explored themes of racism and social injustice, became a cinematic landmark. Todd’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the horror genre, and his impact on the entertainment industry will be deeply missed.
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John Q. Hosedrinker