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Houthis show no sign of ending ‘reckless’ Red Sea attacks as trade traffic picks up, commander says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

CHRISTIANSTED, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels show no signs of ending their “reckless” attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the top commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East said Saturday, even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.Since Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced just over 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have traveled through the Red Sea region, and none has been hit by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said in an Associated Press interview. He said additional countries are expected to sign on. Denmark was the latest, announcing Friday it plans to send a frigate to the mission that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced during a visit to Bahrain, where the Navy’s 5th Fleet is based, saying that “this is an international challenge that demands collective action.”The narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Gulf of Ad...

Consulting firm McKinsey agrees to $78 million settlement with insurers over opioids

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

Consulting firm McKinsey and Co. has agreed to pay $78 million to settle claims from insurers and health care funds that its work with drug companies helped fuel an opioid addiction crisis.The agreement was revealed late Friday in documents filed in federal court in San Francisco. The settlement must still be approved by a judge.Under the agreement, McKinsey would establish a fund to reimburse insurers, private benefit plans and others for some or all of their prescription opioid costs.The insurers argued that McKinsey worked with Purdue Pharma – the maker of OxyContin – to create and employ aggressive marketing and sales tactics to overcome doctors’ reservations about the highly addictive drugs. Insurers said that forced them to pay for prescription opioids rather than safer, non-addictive and lower-cost drugs, including over-the-counter pain medication. They also had to pay for the opioid addiction treatment that followed.From 1999 to 2021, nearly 280,000 people in the U.S. died f...

Is Chicago the best city to celebrate New Year's Eve this year?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Chances are, you associated New York City with New Year's Eve, largely thanks to its iconic ball drop. However, according to a new survey, the Big Apple isn't the prime spot to ring in 2024. A study published by personal finance company WalletHub, recently reviewed the nation's 100 most-populated cities based on multiple metrics, including entertainment and food options, costs, and safety and accessibility to find the top spot to celebrate the new year.New York City was ranked third overall, thanks in part to its high entertainment and food rank of sixth. But that wasn't enough to propel it passed Orlando, Florida, and San Diego, California, which ranked first and second, respectively. Symptoms of RSV, strep, flu, COVID: How to tell them apart Orlando had the best entertainment and food options, as well as "some of the longest fireworks displays in the country," according to WalletHub.Two Florida cities ranked in the top 10 as did three California cities. T...

What fast food restaurants will be open for New Year's Eve, Day this year?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Whether you need a quick bite before heading to your New Year's Eve party, or a wake-me-up on New Year's Day, you'll have a few options. Here's a look at the restaurants that will be open for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.Before we jump into the list, it's worth noting that hours may vary by location for all chains — you'll want to call ahead or check online before heading out to your restaurant. Arby's: The restaurant chain warns on its website that holidays may impact hours at your local Arby’s. They recommend calling your location for details.Burger King: Hours may vary by franchised location, a Burger King spokesperson tells Nexstar. You can find local restaurant hours here. Chick-fil-A: Since New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday this year, Chick-fil-A will be closed. Restaurants will be open for New Year's Day, but hours may be limited, the company says. Half of states will see a hotter-than-normal start to 2024. Will your region be spared? Chi...

Rapids Notebook: Where things stand for Colorado heading into new year, new era

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

Watching the ball drop on New Year’s Eve for fans of the Colorado Rapids will give even the most cold-hearted ones something to be relieved about. It’s finally, mercifully, the end of 2023: The single-worst year in franchise history.At midnight, those who choose to sing “For Auld Lang Syne” will more likely be raising a final thank you toast to auld acquaintances, cornerstone players (and people) that have since departed the club (captain Jack Price, Diego Rubio and Steven Beitashour) rather than mull over for an umpteenth time how a season went so horribly wrong. But before ringing in both the new year and head coach Chris Armas at the helm, here’s where things stand heading into a hopeful, and at the very least, less-miserable 2024.Armas barnstorms way through DenverShortly after Pádraig Smith addressed media to recap a six-pick 2024 MLS SuperDraft last Tuesday, he and Armas set off on a whirlwind tour to make amends and shake hands. First, it was som...

Beloved Fremont restaurant calls off closure

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

(KRON) – The beloved breakfast restaurant Dino’s Family Restaurant has announced the diner will no longer be closing. On Dec. 16, the owners announced on Facebook that Dino’s would be closing.  Beloved Newark restaurant closes after nearly 54 years The restaurant announced on Facebook on Friday, “We are thrilled to share exciting news about the future of our restaurant. Rest assured, our doors will remain OPEN, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community.”The announcement commends Fremont Mayor Lily Mei for her support and commitment to “help local business thrive.”The restaurant says they are “dedicated to increasing access to local products and services” in an effort to support the local economy. The restaurant also expressed gratitude for the community, “We appreciate your continued support, and while the city is supportive of our endeavors, we want to clarify that we are not in a literal partnership nor receiving direct funding. The city's su...

Sonoma County voters' registrar to change office hours

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

(BCN) -- The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office will change its regular office hours beginning Jan. 3, 2024.According to the office, they will be closed on Wednesdays at 4 p.m., and will be open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beloved Fremont restaurant calls off closure "During critical election periods, such as candidate nominations, days when Vote Centers are open, and during public canvassing, the office will stay open until 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, or later, as required," the office said in a statement Tuesday.The change was aligned with the schedule of the County Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor divisions, according to the office, who added this would provide staff enough time to work, attend meetings, participate in training, take courses, and allow cross-training opportunities across divisions. Those who seek more information can visit SoCoVotes.com.Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.

Wolves dominate Everton for their biggest home win in EPL

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

WOLVERHAMPTON, England (AP) — Captain Max Kilman’s first goal in two years inspired Wolves to a dominant win over struggling Everton by 3-0 in the English Premier League on Saturday.The defender’s opener was followed by Matheus Cunha’s tap in and Craig Dawson’s strike at Molineux.Wolves celebrated with teammate Mario Lemina’s shirt after the midfielder missed the game following the death of his father.For the Toffees, their Christmas holidays decline continued. Four straight wins in December have been followed by three successive league defeats and a League Cup exit. They remain a point above the relegation zone after an insipid and powderpuff performance.Wolves — with nine goals in their last three games — were unbeaten in eight games at home and earned a third straight league win for the first time in almost two years. Wolves remained 11th in an increasingly impressive season.Boss Gary O’Neil stressed pre-game he did not see Everton as a struggl...

RHP Chris Flexen agrees to a $1.75 million, 1-year contract with the White Sox,

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

Chris Flexen agreed to a $1.75 million, one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox, giving manager Pedro Grifol another possibility for his rotation.Flexen played for Seattle and Colorado this season, going 2-8 with a 6.86 ERA in 29 games, with 16 starts. The right-hander is 27-34 with a 4.95 ERA in 120 major league appearances, including 80 starts.To clear a roster spot, Chicago designated catcher Carlos Pérez for assignment on Saturday.The 29-year-old Flexen had an $8 million salary last season. He was designated for assignment by the Mariners on June 27 and then traded to the New York Mets, who promptly designated him for assignment.Flexen signed a minor league deal with Colorado and was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on July 29. He went 2-4 with a 6.27 ERA in 12 starts with the Rockies.The White Sox went 61-101 this year and finished fourth in the AL Central. Their rotation is fronted by Dylan Cease, but he has been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason.Flexen was selec...

Eric Stokes won’t play Sunday due to hamstring issue as Packers’ secondary suffers another setback

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:32 GMT

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes won’t play Sunday night at Minnesota due to a hamstring injury, causing one more obstacle for a secondary that already will be missing suspended cornerback Jaire Alexander.Stokes hadn’t been listed on Friday’s injury report, but the Packers announced Tuesday the hamstring issue would prevent the 2021 first-round pick from Georgia from playing.The hamstring problem had caused Stokes to spend time on injured reserve earlier this season. Stokes has played in just three games all season and was limited to four special-teams snaps in one of them. Earlier in the year, he was dealing with a foot injury that ended his 2022 season prematurely.The Packers (7-8) had announced Wednesday that Alexander would be serving a one-game suspension due to conduct detrimental to the team. That means Alexander and Stokes will be sidelined when the Packers face All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson and the Vikings (7-8) in a game with huge playoff...