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Opinion: Free speech wins in 303 Creative Supreme Court ruling protecting our client’s expression

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

June is finals month. After a long journey, multiple ups and downs, and a lot of hard work, merits are tested one last time and a winner is crowned. Students and NBA fans know this. Lawyers like me do, too: In one of its final opinions of the term, the U.S. Supreme Court decided 303 Creative v. Elenis — holding that government can’t force people to say things they don’t believe. This is a win for free speech. And unlike an exam grade or NBA title, it’s a big win for all Americans.But things were a little bumpy early on. Lorie Smith is a Denver-area graphic artist. She launched 303 Creative to love her neighbors while promoting causes close to her heart. Like most artists, Lorie works with all people but can’t express all messages. For Colorado officials, that was a problem. Lorie learned that officials would misuse state law to force her to say things about marriage she doesn’t believe if she were to start making wedding websites with marriage stories that she reported and wro...

Pedestrian struck and killed by cement truck in Ontario

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

A pedestrian, possibly a bicyclist, was struck and killed by a cement truck in Ontario Friday morning, officials said.The incident was reported around 8:35 a.m. near the on ramp of the eastbound 60 Freeway at Archibald Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.The driver of the cement truck stayed at the scene, but advised officers that he believes he struck the victim while he or she was in a crosswalk.A pedestrian was struck and killed by a cement truck in Ontario on June 30, 2023. (KTLA) The driver then pulled over on the on ramp, where a bicycle was seen stuck underneath the truck, aerial video from Sky5 showed.A yellow tarp, presumably covering the body, was seen closer to the crosswalk.The on ramp was shut down amid the investigation, the CHP indicated.No further details about the crash were released.

Where to see fireworks shows in Southern California

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

Colorful fireworks will fill this sky during the upcoming holiday weekend and into the workweek for Independence Day.While environmental regulations have caused some to cancel their fireworks shows, others are scheduled to go as planned. Fourth of July cookouts won’t be as expensive compared to last year, new study says Here is a roundup of a few fireworks shows happening across Southern CaliforniaLong BeachThe city of Long Beach will host a free fireworks show at Queensway Bay in downtown Long Beach. Guests can view the fireworks display along the waterfront beginning at 9 p.m. Harbor Breeze Cruises is also offering a ticketed viewing experience of the show.More information about the fireworks show can be found here.Huntington BeachThe Orange County-based city will host a ticketed fireworks experience at the Huntington Beach Pier. Tickets for the show are $30 and can be purchased here.PasadenaAmericaFest at the Rose Bowl was replaced with the 2023 season opener soccer match betwe...

The world's largest cruise ship nearly ready to set sail

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

The world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, successfully completed its initial round of sea trials and sailed the open ocean for the first time.The massive 1,198-foot ship is almost ready to start sailing from Florida early next year.The ship returned to the Meyer Turku, Finland shipyard, where it's under construction.Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Courtesy of Royal Caribbean)Icon of the Seas Rendering (Royal Caribbean)Icon of the Seas Rendering (Royal Caribbean)Icon of the Seas Rendering (Royal Caribbean)Icon of the Seas Rendering (Royal Caribbean)Icon of the Seas Rendering (Royal Caribbean)Icon of the Seas Rendering (Royal Caribbean)Later this year, the ship will be pushed to its limits in a second round of sea trials, Royal Caribbean said.In addition to 18 guest decks and 2,805 staterooms, the ship features the largest water park at sea — with six record-breaking waterslides and seven pools. The ship's Frightening Bolt will be the tallest waterslide ...

Boss of Desserts: Why Tiramisu by Arsenio Is Loved by TikTok Stars

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

The culinary world can often feel like a maze brimming with tantalizing treats and infinite choices. Amid this sea of indulgences, every so often, a star rises and shines brightly above the rest. Today’s culinary supernova is Tiramisu by Arsenio, the heavenly dessert brand that has captured not only the hearts and taste buds of TikTok stars but also A-list celebrities of the City of Angels.Chef Arsenio, the mastermind behind the brand, has been crafting the most delightful desserts for years in his native Armenia. His reputation transcended borders, and when he decided to move to the United States, it was only natural for him to start anew by focusing on what he knew best: his beloved Tiramisu. The passion Arsenio exudes in his craft is palpable, and his dedication to personally hand-making each dessert, instilling as much love as possible in every single creation, is truly inspiring. To him, seeing people of all ages relish his sweets is the ultimate reward.And what a reward ...

Former Professional Soccer Player Leverages Technology to Revolutionize Healthcare in Underserved Communities

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

A Journey of Inspiration: From the Soccer Field to the Operating RoomIn a remarkable testament of resilience and inspiration, David Elkhoury, a former professional soccer player, has embarked on an inspiring journey that combines his passion for medicine with cutting-edge technology. Currently in his second year of medical school, David focuses on transforming healthcare in underserved communities, ushering in a new era of medical innovation and compassion.A Stellar Athletic Career Fosters Excellence in MedicineDavid’s journey from accomplished athlete to aspiring medical doctor is a testament to remarkable achievements and unwavering determination. This transformative experience not only molded him into an exceptional athlete but also sparked a profound desire to positively impact others. Driven by an unwavering purpose, David envisions a future wholly dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of those he encounters.Passion for Medical Innovation: Changing Lives, ...

Addyson Nixon Injured in Pedestrian Crash on Las Tablas Road [Templeton, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

15-Year-Old Girl Struck While Walking Her Dog Near Hawley StreetTEMPLETON, CA (June 30, 2023) – Thursday evening, a pedestrian crash on Las Tablas Road left Addyson Nixon with injuries.According to the CHP, the incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. from Hawley Street in the city of Templeton.Officers said a 2018 Nissan SUV hit the teenager while walking her dog three blocks away from her residence.Eventually, medical responders arrived at the scene and transported the girl to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo. The teen girl was later identified as 15-year-old Addyson Nixon of Templeton.Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Nissan driver, Janet Brown, did not sustain any injuries.At this time, Nixon’s relatives started a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses. A statement from the page also claimed that her dog suffered minor non-life-threatening injuries.The California Highway Patrol said that drugs or alcohol did not play a role in the incident. No further detail...

Brazil’s ex-President Bolsonaro barred from election until 2030

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

By Mauricio Savarese and Carla Bridi | Associated PressSAO PAULO — A panel of judges voted Friday to render far-right former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ineligible to run for office again after concluding that he abused his power and cast unfounded doubts on the country’s electronic voting system.The decision, once all judges have voted, will forbid Bolsonaro from running until 2030, upending the 68-year-old’s political future and likely erasing any chance for him to regain power.Four of the seven judges on the nation’s highest electoral court agreed that Bolsonaro abused his authority by using government communication channels to promote his campaign and sowing doubts about the vote. One judge voted against, and two judges had yet to vote.“This decision will end Bolsonaro’s chances of being president again, and he knows it,” said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo. “After this, he will try to...

Protests: French president urges parents to keep teens home

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

By Sylvie Corbet, John Leicester and Alex Turnbull | Associated PressPARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron urged parents Friday to keep teenagers at home and blamed social media for fueling rioting that has spread dramatically across France following the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old driver.In the face of a growing crisis that hundreds of arrests and massive police deployments have failed to quell, Macron held off on declaring a state of emergency, an option that was used in similar circumstances in 2005. Instead, his government ratcheted up a law enforcement response that has resulted in 875 arrests.The interior minister ordered a nationwide nighttime shutdown of all public buses and trams, which were among the targets of three consecutive nights of urban unrest. Macron also zeroed-in on social media platforms that have relayed dramatic images of cars and buildings being torched and other acts of violence.Social networks are playing a “considerable role” in ...

Santos returns to court for first time since entering plea

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

By Mark Morales | CNNEmbattled Rep. George Santos appeared in federal court on Friday, where prosecutors unveiled they had delivered the defense roughly 80,000 pages of documents earlier this week.Santos – back in court for the first time since pleading not guilty to a 13-count indictment alleging fraud related to Covid-19 unemployment benefits, misusing campaign funds and lying about his personal finances – showed no emotion throughout the hearing in Long Island, sitting with his hands folded in front of him.Santos’ attorney, Joseph Murray, noted that Congress’ August recess would be a good time to review the cache of documents.The next hearing will take place on September 7, one week before Congress is back in session. Murray argued he wanted his client to be able to return to session.Murray told the judge that the defense and prosecutors had a “good working relationship,” when discussing when to set a next court date.As he left the table, Santos wished prosecutors a “happy fourth...