California says two air contaminants may pose ‘unacceptable’ higher cancer risk

California says two air contaminants may pose ‘unacceptable’ higher cancer risk

Two toxic contaminants present in California’s ambient air appear to be much stronger carcinogens than previously known, state environmental health officials announced Thursday. The draft finding from the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment says that acrolein and ethylene oxide may pose an estimated cancer risk more than 10 times higher than benzene, a … Read more

As electric bills rise in the AI boom, states take aim at utilities’ profits

As electric bills rise in the AI boom, states take aim at utilities’ profits

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The artificial intelligence boom is leading to fights in some states over growing utility profits, as governors, attorneys general and others protesting rising electricity bills say cash-strapped residents are stuck in a broken system. Officials and lawmakers in at least six states — Arizona, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania — are … Read more

Thousands flock to the National Mall for prayer rally

Thousands flock to the National Mall for prayer rally

WASHINGTON — Thousands of people streamed onto the National Mall for a daylong prayer rally Sunday headlined by President Trump and billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation under God.” Against the backdrop of the Washington Monument, worship music blared from a stage that made clear the event’s Christian focus. Arched stained-glass windows, set … Read more

Hawaii’s worst flooding in years leaves farmers struggling

Hawaii’s worst flooding in years leaves farmers struggling

WAIALUA, Hawaii — The reddish-brown mud that smothered Bok Kongphan’s Hawaii farm has hardened in the tropical sun. Irrigation tubes lie in a tangle where his lemongrass, cucumber and okra once flourished. His niece, Jeni Balanay, lost her crops too —bitter melon, tomato and a mustardy green called choy sum. The leaves of her recently planted banana, … Read more

How Hollywood’s production crisis became a key issue in the L.A. mayor’s race

How Hollywood’s production crisis became a key issue in the L.A. mayor’s race

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who serves the 4th District, makes her way across an empty, unnamed backlot, presenting her case to be the city’s next mayor. “Studio lots like this one used to be filled with people, costumers, electricians, set medics, caterers, thousands of Angelenos making a living,” she says in the video … Read more