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New electric vehicle charging network being built by major automakers could lure more buyers to EVs

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

By TOM KRISHER (AP Auto Writer)DETROIT (AP) — The announcement Wednesday that seven major automakers are joining to build a large North American electric vehicle charging network should pull people off the sidelines to at least consider shifting away from gas-powered vehicles.That’s how auto industry analysts see the move by General Motors, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes and Stellantis to build a network of fast-chargers that will rival Tesla’s and will nearly double the number of quick-charging plugs in the U.S. and Canada.“Anything that gets more — and especially more reliable chargers — out there will be a benefit to anybody considering EVs,” said Sam Abuelsamid, an e-mobility analyst for Guidehouse Insights. “It should help sway some people who were on the fence about buying an EV.”The companies said they will share in a multibillion-dollar investment to build “high power” charging stations with at least 30,00...

Andy Pettitte hopes to be a ‘sounding board’ in new Yankees advisory role

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

Only a few days into his new advisory role with the Yankees, Andy Pettitte is already talking shop.The former southpaw, who spent 15 years with the Yankees over multiple stints, spent part of his Tuesday afternoon watching Gerrit Cole throw a bullpen at Yankee Stadium. The two proceeded to have a conversation about grips before Pettitte reintroduced himself to reporters and threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Yankees’ loss to the Mets.“I hope I could be just a good sounding board for some guys,” Pettitte said. “I’ve been through all this, walked through it. I know a lot of times, for me, when I think of just having somebody to just shoot some stuff off of, right? And just maybe a different perspective.”Pettitte’s perspective includes five World Series rings, three All-Star selections and an ALCS MVP award over a career that spanned 18 years. The Yankees drafted Pettitte in the 22nd round in 1990, and he began his career in New Yo...

Patriots OT Trent Brown: Bill O’Brien helping bring back ‘traditional Patriot football’

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

FOXBORO — In his last stint with the Patriots, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien earned the nickname “Teapot” for his frequent, angry outbursts.Informed of O’Brien’s old moniker Wednesday, Pats left tackle Trent Brown had a laugh. The nickname, it turns out, still fits — and Brown’s thankful for it.“I see it,” the 6-foot-8, 380-pounder said with a smile. “I think that’s needed. I think that’s necessary.”Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots training camp Day 1: Mac Jones throws an INT, Hunter Henry stars in red zone New England Patriots | Patriots trying to be ‘proactive’ in extending impending free agents New England Patriots | Patriots’ Matt Groh details Dalvin Cook’s ‘unique’ situation in free agency New England Patriots | Mac Jones ‘good’ with Bill Belichick after agreeing to ‘fresh start’ fo...

For a summer getaway, check out Aspen’s adventurous side

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

Although Aspen, Colorado, is known as a haven for the rich and famous, it’s also a spectacular playground for the adventurous, no matter the depth of one’s pocketbook. Here’s the perfect itinerary to maximize your fun during a long summer weekend in and around this high country town.Take the scenic route to AspenYour adventure begins with a couple of stops as you drive over the Continental Divide on your way to town. Independence Pass (12,095 feet elevation at the summit) is one of the highest paved point-to-point roads in Colorado. (Trail Ridge Road and Cottonwood Pass are slightly higher in elevation.)The pass road began as a trail for miners and pack animals and expanded by 1881 to a stage route connecting Aspen and Leadville. At the summit, make time for a quick hike to the scenic overlook or along one of the adjacent trails. (You can even tackle a couple of thirteeners from here.)Plan to stop again at the small parking area about 3 miles west of the summit to explore Independen...

What are the best seeds to save for growing my own fruits and vegetables?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

Q. Has anyone ever developed a list of vegetables and fruits that can or can’t be grown from seeds from the seeds of what you buy from the stores to eat? If so, what kinds of things do you have to do to have a better chance of getting them to grow? What about seeds and pits from store-bought fruit? Many gardeners like to save seeds for several reasons. As the quality and availability of commercially available seeds continue to decline while prices steadily increase, seed saving can be a worthwhile activity.With a bit of effort and a sense of adventure (a little more about that later), one can certainly save seeds for next year’s garden. As you’ve noticed, you can harvest viable seeds from store-bought sweet peppers and get quite a lot of them from a single pepper. Tomatoes, too, can yield plenty of viable seeds. We did this with a variety pack of “heirloom” tomatoes and the resulting plants produced fruit that was similar to the source fruit.Some fruits and vegetables are usually ha...

How I’m avoiding the crowds (and sky-high prices) this summer

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

Ariana Arghandewal | Bankrate (TNS)The summer travel season can be pricey and stressful, with crowds flocking to popular destinations worldwide. While it may sound exciting to travel to Europe in the summer, the reality may be very different. My social media feeds are filled with clips of tourists packed around the Trevi Fountain, lines around the Louvre and disappointed tourists who missed out on tours that sold out in advance. All of this is avoidable if you’re willing to be flexible with your travel dates and follow where the deals are.Travel is more enjoyable with fewer people around, which is why I’m taking a different approach to summer travel planning. Rather than just staying home, I’ve managed to save money and still enjoy a wonderful summer filled with travel adventures. Points and miles are a big part of my travel booking strategy, but it goes beyond that. Here are four ways I’m avoiding the crowds (and sky-high prices) this summer.I’m avoiding busy travel datesWhile most...

Patriots training camp Day 1: Mac Jones throws an INT, Hunter Henry stars in red zone

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

FOXBORO — By and large, the Patriots’ first training camp practice Wednesday mirrored many before it.Bill Belichick’s defense bested his offense in team drills. The passing game lacked rhythm and chemistry, both of which take time to develop. Most periods consisted of red-zone play and special teams work. And an unrelenting sun beat down on a cheery crowd happy to watch their football team play football again.Practice was, in a word, normal. And for now, normal works.The Pats are actively recovering from their most dysfunctional season under Belichick, one defined by the distrust that cracked relationships between players, players and coaches — including head coach and quarterback — and a few relationships within the coaching staff. Mac Jones gave voice to these notions after practice, saying he and Belichick have agreed on a fresh start, and “trust” is the big focus of training camp.But during practice, Jones’ performance was awfully remini...

Oppenheimer’s inconvenient truth: He was a secret Communist, some historians say

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

J. Robert Oppenheimer may have gone to his grave holding onto a painful secret. He repeatedly denied to the U.S. government that he joined the Communist Party while teaching physics at UC Berkeley, but some historians now say “overwhelming” evidence shows that he was a member and opened himself up to perjury charges by lying about it.A retired Stanford history professor and one of Oppenheimer’s biographers are among the group of historians who are speaking up about the famed scientist’s “secret” party membership, as Christopher Nolan’s film, “Oppenheimer,” renews debate about his legacy and shows him facing post-World War II persecution for his left-wing politics and for having friends, family members and an ex-girlfriend who belonged to the Communist Party.Barton Bernstein, a Stanford University history professor emeritus, and Gregg Herken, author of the 2002 book “Brotherhood of the Bomb,” agree that Oppenheimer was a victim of McCarthy-era excesses. They also say there’s no evid...

Deadly crash closes freeway lanes near border

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

SAN DIEGO — A freeway crash near the U.S.-Mexico border left at least one person dead Wednesday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol said.The crash happened shortly before noon on southbound Interstate 805 near Camino De La Plaza, which is the last U.S. exit.According to CHP's Traffic Incident Information Page, a witness reported seeing a white sedan heading towards the port of entry make a U-turn on the freeway then hit another vehicle, a minivan, head-on while driving the wrong way. FedEx driver pulls man from burning car after crash A Sig Alert was issued by Caltrans for the right two lanes on southbound I-805 north of Camino De La Plaza. The closure was expected to last several hours, according to CHP.At least one person inside the minivan was killed as a result of the crash. It is not yet known how many people were inside both vehicles.A white sedan was one of two vehicles involved in a deadly crash in San Ysidro on July 26, 2023. (KSWB)Exact details on how many people we...

Mexican marines seize 7,200 bottles of liquid meth in mezcal bottles bound for Australia

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:08 GMT

Mexican marines working customs duty said Wednesday they found a shipping container loaded with 7,200 bottles of a clear liquid labeled mezcal but that actually contained liquid methamphetamine. The massive meth shipment was found on a Liberian-flagged vessel at the Pacific coast port of Manzanillo. The container was destined for Australia, according to shipping documents. The marines said the shipment contained 9.5 tons of liquid meth, though the dry weight of the drugs would have been considerably less. The bottles bore the Mezcal Social brand name and were marked “as artisanal mezcal,” an alcoholic beverage made from distilled agave.So far this year, Mexican marines have seized over 124 tons of meth nationwide.It would not be the first time that Mexican cartels, which dominate the international trade in meth, have tried to smuggle the drugs to Australia or in liquid form.In 2022, officials in Hong Kong seized about $5.9 million worth of crystal meth concealed in a shipment of ele...