Texas Gov. Abbott proposes ban on gender-nonconforming behavior in public school classrooms

By Briana Conner Monday, April 22, 2024 11:58PM Gov. Greg Abbott may have proposed banning gender-nonconforming teachers from state public schools during the Young Conservatives of Texas Convention. DALLAS, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott championed conservative policies at a convention in Dallas over the weekend, including his push for school vouchers. His comments took aim at transgender people, which may run afoul of the Constitution. Steven Monacelli with The Observer attended the Young Conservatives of Texas Convention. He recorded audio of the governor referencing the suspension of a male teacher in Lewisville, Texas, who showed up to work in a dress. “This person, a man dressing as a woman in a public high school in the state of Texas, they’re trying to normalize the concept that this type of behavior is OK. This type of behavior is not OK. This is the type of behavior we want to make sure we end in the state of Texas,” the governor said in the recording. The governor added that the example illustrates why Texas parents need school choice. It’s important to note that the U.S. Supreme

Sharks broadcasters set to call first-round NHL playoff games

The San Jose Sharks might have missed the playoffs for a fifth straight year, but two of the team’s broadcasters, Randy Hahn and Bret Hedican, are once again calling NHL postseason games. TNT Sports announced Monday that Hahn and Hedican will call Games 3 & 4 of the first-round series between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. Game 3 is Friday and Game 4 is Sunday. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena and will be shown on TBS and the Max streaming service. Aly Lozoff, a part of Anaheim Ducks broadcasts, will be the reporter for the third and fourth games of the Kings-Oilers series. Starting in Oct. 1991, Hahn has called over 2,100 regular season games for the Sharks, and this is the third straight year that he’ll be calling playoff games for the cable giant. Hedican, a 17-year NHL veteran and a two-time Olympian who won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, joined the Sharks broadcast team full-time in 2014. Game 1 of the Oilers-Kings series is tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, and Game 2

Zach Gelof’s ninth-inning home run lifts A’s over Yankees, 2-0

NEW YORK (AP) — Zack Gelof hit a two-run homer off Victor González in the ninth inning, and the A’s stopped an eight-game losing streak in the Bronx by beating the Yankees 2-0 Monday following the ejection of New York manager Aaron Boone just five pitches in. After former Yankee JP Sears matched former Giant Carlos Rodón with shutout starts, Abraham Toro reached off González (1-1) leading off the ninth when the pitcher slipped while trying to pick up his dribbler between the mound and the third-base line. Gelof hit an opposite-field drive into the right-field seats on a flat sinker for his third home run this season. “To see him go oppo on a lefty, a really good lefty, is a good sign,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. Gelof had entered 3 for 19 against left-handers after hitting .167 (12 for 72) with one homer against them last year. “It’s something that I focused on in the offseason,” Gelof said. Kotsay dropped Gelof to sixth in the batting order for the second straight day after hitting him mostly second or third. Gelof has a

Jury: BNSF Railway contributed to 2 deaths in Montana town where asbestos sickened thousands

By AMY BETH HANSON and MATTHEW BROWN (Associated Press) HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A federal jury on Monday said BNSF Railway contributed to the deaths of two people who were exposed to asbestos decades ago when tainted mining material was shipped through a Montana town where thousands have been sickened. The jury awarded $4 million each in compensatory damages to the estates of the two plaintiffs, who died in 2020. Jurors said asbestos-contaminated vermiculite that spilled in the rail yard in the town of Libby, Montana was a substantial factor in the plaintiffs’ illnesses and death. Family members of the two victims hugged their attorneys after the verdict was announced. An attorney for the plaintiffs said the ruling brought some accountability, but one family member told The Associated Press that no amount of money would replace her lost sister. “I’d rather have her than all the money in the world,” Judith Hemphill said of her sister, Joyce Walder. The jury did not find that BNSF acted intentionally or with indifference so no punitive damages were awarded. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. acquired BNSF in 2010

Key takeaways from the opening statements in Donald Trump’s hush money trial

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, JENNIFER PETLZ and MICHAEL R. SISAK (Associated Press) NEW YORK (AP) — Monday’s opening statements in the first criminal trial of a former American president provided a clear roadmap of how prosecutors will try to make the case that Donald Trump broke the law, and how the defense plans to fight the charges on multiple fronts. Lawyers presented dueling narratives as jurors got their first glimpse into the prosecution accusing Trump of falsifying business records as part of a scheme to squelch negative stories about him during his 2016 presidential campaign. Still to come are weeks of what’s likely to be dramatic and embarrassing testimony about the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s personal life as he simultaneously campaigns to return to the White House in November. Here’s a look at some key takeaways from opening statements: ELECTION FRAUD VS. ‘BOOKKEEPING’ CASE Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying internal Trump Organization business records. But prosecutors made clear they do not want jurors to view this as a routine paper case. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo said the heart of the case is a

49ers’ Lynch ahead of NFL Draft: Trade calls to heat up, NIL damaging draft and more

SANTA CLARA — It’s the favorite time of year for 49ers general manager John Lynch. “I think it represents our organization coming together and working for a common goal as much as anything we do,” Lynch said Monday at a 49ers’ pre-draft press conference. Pre-draft press conferences are mandated by the NFL, and the goal for every team is to get out of them without imparting much in the way of information that could tip off the other 31 teams about their intentions for Thursday (Round 1), Friday (Rounds 2-3) and Saturday (Rounds 4-7). The 49ers have 10 selections, including their first opening-round pick since 2021, the year they traded up to select Trey Lance. They are as follows (round, overall): 1/31, 2/63, 3/94, 4/124, 4/132, 4/135, 5/176, 6/211, 6/215, 7/251. Eight things we learned a little under a half-hour of questions and answers with the 49ers general manager. MOVEMENT IS LIKELY It would be an upset if the 49ers selected 10 players at their usual positions. Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have traded up, and they’ve traded back. Last year, for instance, the 49ers

Sharks hockey ops analysis: Who will return, and who might be done?

SAN JOSE — Before the 2022-2023 season, the San Jose Sharks took 27 players overseas for two regular season games against the Nashville Predators in Czechia. Three others had to stay behind because of injuries. Of those 30 players, only 12 are still in the Sharks organization. More departures are expected soon as Mike Grier completes his second full season as the Sharks’ general manager, an era mostly been defined by the departures of a handful of stars and a staggering number of losses. “The initial phase of (the rebuild) and probably the most painful part of it is over with,” Grier said Saturday, “now we’ve got to build it up.” As the Sharks begin their offseason after finishing last in the NHL standings with a 19-54-9 record, here’s a look at who will likely be back, and who might not, with the players mentioned on the NHL roster or on expiring contracts. FRONT OFFICE It would be somewhat shocking to see owner Hasso Plattner and president Jonathan Becher make a change in hockey operations leadership right now. Since his hiring in July 2022, Grier

Tech review: Dyson is a champ at purifiying the air and keeping you comfortable

By Jim Rossman, Tribune News Service I sleep with a fan blowing to move the air in my bedroom. Over the years I’ve had all sorts of fans, but for the last few years, my choice has been a Dyson fan sitting on a small table. The Dyson fan I’ve been using was the Pure Hot+Cool. The Pure meant it had a HEPA filter, and Hot+Cool means it’s a heater as well as a fan. I loved that the HEPA filter meant I was cleaning the air in the bedroom as I was being lulled to sleep by the cool breezes. Earlier this year, Dyson asked if I wanted to review the latest version, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde ($849.99, Dyson.com), which is quite a mouthful. It has a model number of HP09, so let’s call it that for this review. What is it? The HP09 is a beautiful machine, it is silver, gold and white. If you are not familiar with Dyson fans, they are cylindrical at the bottom, where the air is drawn in and passed through a filter before being forced out

49ers general manager John Lynch on Brandon Aiyuk situation: ‘We’re having good talks’

SANTA CLARA — 49ers general manager John Lynch met with the media to discuss the lead-up to the April 25 NFL Draft, but the biggest topic was a not a prospective rookie, but rather a star receiver currently under contract. All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, 26, has been the subject of much speculation, as he’s entering the final year of his contract and could be dealt if the 49ers can’t find a long-term deal with him. At the end of his opening remarks, Lynch tried to get ahead of the topic. “With B.A., I’ve communicated on many occasions: our wish is that he’s here as part of the Niners for the rest of his career,” Lynch said. “We’re working through that,” Lynch added. Aiyuk has not been around the team, Lynch said. The 49ers have received calls on the star receiver, the executive added. “I’m not going to get in all those details,” Lynch said. “We’re really focused on B.A. being a part of (our team).” Aiyuk’s agent recently took issue with a report that Aiyuk has requested a trade. A trade would most likely

The best sustainable gifts you’ll want this Earth Month

As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below* Each American produces 4.9 pounds of waste a day, adding up to 292 million tons of waste in 2018, according to the EPA. Instead of using one-time plastic items, you may want to seek out more sustainable products. Lucky for you, this shopping guide features a variety of eco-friendly items to help reduce your carbon footprint this Earth Month. The Best Eco-Friendly Gifts Our Place Always Pan Made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum and without any harmful toxins that normal pans have, Our Place’s Always Pan is the best sustainable, non-stick cookware and my favorite thing to cook with in my kitchen. Cariuma Shoes Cariuma uses premium raw materials to yield a smaller footprint and some stylish, comfortable shoes. My personal favorite is the Black Canvas, but the Rose Knit IBI is one to keep an eye on as well. Eco-friendly Detergent Sheets These eco-friendly detergent sheets from the Sheets Laundry Club are sustainable, liquid-free and biodegradable, keeping your clothes clean and fresh for the

Enjoy movie night under the stars at Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre

By Tim Walton Monday, April 22, 2024 7:24PM Shankweiler’s Theatre is the oldest drive-in movie theater in the world, bringing a unique experience to customers for nearly a century. OREFIELD, Pennsylvania — Shankweiler’s Theatre is the oldest drive-in movie theater in the world, bringing a unique experience to customers for nearly a century. Founded in 1934, the theater has survived the Great Depression, two World Wars and 16 United States Presidents. The new owners took over in 2022, bringing the latest films from Hollywood to the 66-foot wide screen. They also play classic films. A recent double feature included the 1996 action film “Twister” with the new release of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”. The drive-in provides a family experience and movie experience unlike any other. The owners call it a DIY Day where moviegoers pick the time they arrive, the location for their car to watch the film, how they sit to watch the film and what kind of movie snacks and meals they want to eat. The experience blends nature and Hollywood with a nostalgic vibe that is accentuated by Shankweiler’s long

Woman in 70s hit by car in west central Fresno, police say

Monday, April 22, 2024 7:21PM A woman in her 70s is in the hospital after being hit by a car in west central Fresno. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A woman in her 70s is in the hospital after being hit by a car in west central Fresno. It happened just before 7 pm Sunday on Olive and Hughes Avenues. Fresno Police say a car heading west on Olive hit the woman. She rolled up on the hood of the car, suffered a head injury and was unconscious when paramedics arrived. The woman was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center. Investigators are working to determine who had the right of way. Drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash, and the driver stayed on scene. Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Best Mother’s Day gifts for every type of mom

As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below* Mother’s Day is almost here and if you’re still hunting down the perfect gift for mom, keep reading. From unique gifts to gifts under $100, here are the best Mother’s Day gifts to shop right now. There are plenty of options to choose from, at various price points. The best Mother’s Day gifts for 2024 Lululemon Everywhere Bag This ABC-favorite product can hold mom’s phone, wallet and keys. It can be slung across her shoulders or worn across her waist. It’s also available in various colors and is designed from water-repellent fabric. SMIRLY Charcuterie Boards A charcuterie board is a must-have for your mom’s at-home soirees. This one comes with multiple accompanying accessories, including bowls and knives, and can hold everything from meats and cheeses to fruits and nuts. Homesick Beach Cottage Candle For the mom who loves candles, buy this long-lasting option. Its burn time clocks in at 80 hours, according to the brand, and she’ll love the subtle bergamot, sandalwood and amber notes.