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Biden budget vs. House GOP: Values on display in debt fight

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — For President Joe Biden, his federal budget is a statement of values — the dollars and cents of a governing philosophy that believes the wealthy and large corporations should pay more taxes to help stem deficits and lift Americans toward middle class stabilityIn the view of his chief congressional critics led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the budget is also the arena where they intend to challenge the president with values of their own — slashing the social safety net, trimming support for Ukraine and ending the so-called “woke” policies rejected by Republicans.It’s the blueprint for a summer showdown as Biden confronts Republicans over the raising the debt ceiling to pay off the nation’s accrued balances, a familiar battle that will define the president and the political parties ahead of the 2024 election.“I’m ready to meet with the speaker any time — tomorrow, if he has his budget,” Biden said while rolling out his own $6.8 trillion spending proposal Thursday ...

Is inflation still surging? Jobs report will provide clues

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — A month ago, the government dropped a bombshell jobs report that showed that America’s employers added a sizzling half-million-plus positions in January — twice the December gain and far more than economists had expected. The February jobs report, to be released Friday, will be closely watched by economists who are eager to know whether the January blowout was a one-time blip or some sign of a strengthening economy. The answer could heavily influence what the Federal Reserve does in the coming months. A second month of robust hiring could amplify fears that inflation is re-accelerating after months in which it had appeared to be steadily easing. The Fed, in response, would likely pursue a more aggressive pace of rate hikes beginning with its next policy meeting in two weeks.Some economists say they think the central bank will announce a substantial half-point increase in its key short-term interest rate, rather than a quarter point hike as it did at its meeti...

Class 2A state boys hockey quarterfinal: Gavyn Thoreson nets hat trick as Andover tops Lakeville South

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

Three straight second-period goals helped Gavyn Thoreson and the Andover boys hockey team keep their hopes for a second consecutive Class 2A state title going Thursday night.Thoreson had two of those goals and assisted on another as the fourth-seeded Huskies defeated No. 5 seed Lakeville South 5-2 in the day’s final Class 2A quarterfinal matchup at Xcel Energy Center.He added a goal late in the third period to complete the hat trick.The three-goal outburst put Andover on top 3-1 at the second intermission. The Cougars cut that gap to one when sophomore forward Will Kortan scored just 56 seconds into the third, but the Huskies got a goal from junior Brooks Cogswell with 6:06 remaining that held up after a review for a high stick.Andover forward Ben Doll, left, forward Gavyn Thoreson, center and defenseman Tristen May-Robinson (7) celebrate after Doll scored a goal during the second period of a Class 2A quarterfinal game of the State Boys Hockey Tournament at Xcel Energy Center in St....

Grand Marais homicide allegedly stemmed from victim, 77, stalking suspect’s young daughter

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — Authorities in northeastern Minnesota on Thursday identified a 77-year-old former Grand Marais mayoral candidate who was allegedly killed by the father of a young girl he had been accused of stalking.Lawrence Vincent Scully died after being found with “multiple areas of trauma to the head” in his home at 1109 E. Fifth St. late Wednesday afternoon, said Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen.While he would not formally identify the suspect prior to an expected arraignment Friday, Eliasen confirmed the homicide stemmed from an earlier conflict that included an application for an order for protection.Booking records show that a 27-year-old man who sought an order against Scully in 2018 was registered at the Cook County Jail at 5:11 p.m. Wednesday. The suspect allegedly reported the incident to authorities at approximately 4:48 p.m.Eliasen did not offer any further details on the altercation or Scully’s injuries, saying that the “motive and circums...

Kim Gardner's chief trial assistant leaving the Circuit Attorney's Office

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner's chief trial assistant for the circuit attorney's office is leaving. Marvin Teer announced that he decided to step away from the office. This comes as the office is facing immense pressure and scrutiny from the Missouri legislature and the attorney general's office.Teer had defended St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner and her office for how they handled Daniel Riley's ankle monitor violations. On Feb. 18, Riley crashed into another vehicle, and that second vehicle hit 17-year-old Janae Edmondson, causing her to lose both legs.The reason for Teer's departure is unknown at this moment.The St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office released the following statement about Teer's resignation:"Judge Marvin Teer has been an invaluable leader at the CAO, and has led his team with integrity. Judge Teer will continue to be an asset to the office and as the office transitions his role, he will continue to provide support. We wish him the best as h...

Running for Heroes honored fallen St. Louis firefighter K-9 Balko

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

ST. LOUIS – FOX 2 has learned of a national effort to show Balko, a St. Louis Fire Department K9 that died in the line of the duty last week, will not be forgotten.Early Sunday evening, Morgan, a 12-year-old girl in New Jersey, will run a mile carrying a firefighter ‘Red Line’ flag. Morgan just ran last Sunday night with a police ‘Blue Line’ flag to honor Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso, the 32-year-old Chicago police officer shot and killed in the line of duty on March 1.Morgan is one of seven young runners from across the United States who run a mile to honor fallen first responders. They’re part of a charity called Running 4 Heroes.Former St. Louis Airport police officer Bernadene Loemker, who is on the organization’s board of directors, knew Balko had to be recognized. Police: Accused Schnucks shooter has medical condition, may be with girlfriend “Now, I can honestly say, I totally get it,” Loemker said. “I don’t think the rest of the world does, which is why it was so important...

Kiszla: Maybe ailing Gabriel Landeskog and these wonky Avs can’t go full throttle in pursuit of another Cup until next year

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

While you can be certain Gabriel Landeskog wants to get back on the ice alongside Colorado teammates with all his heart and soul, there are 56 million reasons why the Avs should not risk the long-term health of their captain in pursuit of a championship that now feels like a long shot.Amid a frustrating season for the reigning NHL champs that has felt as wonky as Landeskog’s chronically injured knee, the 30-year-old forward would be foolish to attempt hoisting the Cup again on one good leg.Don’t do it, Gabe. You gritted teeth and battled on without complaint to win a championship nearly nine months ago. And that injured knee has been barking at you ever since.Was the forever shine of a championship ring worth the pain? Absolutely.But with six seasons remaining on a $56 million contract, it would be nuts for Landeskog to come back one shift before his long-ailing knee is 100%, and a return to full health allows him to be the Captain Gabe unafraid to set up shop in the heat of a goali...

Commissioner Johansson co-hosts the meeting of the EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

Today, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson (pictured) will co-host the meeting of the EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova that will take place for the first time in Brussels. The meeting will be co-chaired by Commissioner Johansson and ministers from Spain, Romania, Slovakia, Lithuania, Czechia, Poland, Finland, Germany, France, and the Minister of Interior of Moldova, Ana Revenco. This is the fifth meeting of the hub since it was launched in July 2022, and the first at ministers' level.  Ahead of the meeting, Commissioner Johansson and Minister Revenco will hold a press point at 9:30 CET which will be broadcast live on EbS. During the meeting, ministers will take stock of the achievements of the hub and discuss priorities for future cooperation on internal security.Russia's brutal aggression against Ukraine has a significant impact on the security situation in Europe and beyond. Due to its geographical location, Moldova has a key role to ...

CHP calls off pursuit of grand theft auto suspect out of Riverside

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

Authorities with the California Highway Patrol chased a driver suspected of grand theft auto out of Riverside Thursday night. Law enforcement agencies in the Inland Empire initiated the pursuit, where the driver was clocked at speeds near 100 miles an hour. CHP picked up the chase as it traveled on the westbound 60 Freeway, before the driver transitioned onto the southbound 57 Freeway through Lemon, then onto the 60 Freeway again. Sky5 video showed the suspect weaving through traffic, nearly losing control at times. Pursuit suspect seen driving at a high rate of speed on the westbound 60 Fwy Mar. 9, 2023 (KTLA)Pursuit suspect seen driving on the westbound 10 Fwy with CHP closely trailing Mar. 9, 2023 (KTLA) Suspect seen on the westbound 10 Fwy getting dangerously close to another driver Mar. 9, 2023 (KTLA)Suspect seen on 10 Fwy toward Santa Monica shortly before CHP ground units backed off Mar. 9, 2023 (KTLA).CHP ground units eventually made the decision to back off while a law enf...

Suspect in Lincoln Heights police shooting identified; 3 officers recovering

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:37 GMT

Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday identified the 32-year-old man accused of shooting three police officers during an investigation in Lincoln Heights Wednesday night. The suspect, identified as Los Angeles resident and parolee Jonathan Magaña, was found dead after a barricade situation that lasted several hours.  The shooting took place sometime after 6 p.m. near the intersection of Mission Road and North Broadway. Officers were in the area searching for the 32-year-old when he ran inside a house and then barricaded himself in a nearby shed.  Authorities set up a perimeter and called in a police K-9 unit. After officers called out to Magaña and he refused to surrender, a chemical agent was deployed where he was holed up.  “Unfortunately, that suspect responded to the chemical agent by opening the shed and opening fire on the officers,” LAPD Commander Stacy Spell said at a news conference. “The officers then returned fire and as a resu...