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Florida gas prices climb ahead of Fourth of July travel
This Independence Day, Floridians will set new travel records — and gas prices rose to the occasion.Why it matters: If you're among the 4.5 million expected to hit the road, brace yourself (and your wallet) for higher gas prices.Zoom in: The average price for regular gas in Florida is $3.46, per AAA. That's almost 20 cents more expensive than last year's average. Local averages aren't much better. Tampa Bay sits at $3.49, while South Florida ranges from $3.40 to $3.50.What they're saying: "Gas prices remain pretty volatile," says Mark Jenkins, an AAA spokesman. "Although we have seen some price swings in recent weeks, it's not likely significant enough to impact people's travel plans."
City of Atlanta reaches $2 million settlement with students tased during 2020 protests
Atlanta will pay $2 million to settle litigation filed by two college students who police pulled from their car and tased in 2020.State of play: Atlanta's law department said the officers involved returned to work, and Atlanta's Civil Service Board overturned the disciplinary action they were facing. They added that a prosecuting attorney agreed that the officers should not face criminal charges.Catch up quick: Body camera footage from 2020 showed Atlanta police damaging the vehicle carrying Messiah Young and Taniyah Pilgrim.It happened while the two were stuck in traffic caused by protests over George Floyd's death.
California's restaurant surcharges are here to stay
Restaurant surcharges aren't leaving menus in California.Why it matters: Dining out has become more expensive for customers and restaurant owners, fueling debates about legislation aimed at eliminating vague fees tacked onto diners' bills.Driving the news: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed emergency legislation Saturday allowing restaurants and bars to charge additional fees that are "clearly and conspicuously" explained on menus and other displays.It essentially exempts eateries from the law banning "junk fees" at businesses — including ticket vendors, delivery apps and hotels — that went into effect Monday.Threat level: Restaurant owners have argued banning such surcharges would result in employee pay cuts and higher menu prices for diners.But many diners oppose such service charges. A recent San Francisco Chronicle survey found more than 81% of 1,000 respondents believe restaurant surcharges should be illegal.The bottom line: Diners can still expect to see service charges on their checks, but they shouldn't be a surprise.
Where to catch fireworks for the Fourth of July
It's not July Fourth without fireworks, and cities across Massachusetts will be setting them off this week.Here's where to catch tomorrow's shows.BostonThe Boston Pops July Fourth Spectacular: Singer Darlene Love and the Mavericks will perform along with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.When: 8pm - 11pm. Fireworks start at 10:30pm.Where: Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles EsplanadeProtip: If you want to avoid the crowds, you can watch the show on Bloomberg.com or WHDH.FalmouthWhen: Dusk. Fireworks last for a half hour.Where: Falmouth Heights BeachRain date is Friday.LowellWhen: 6pm. Fireworks start at 9pm.Where: LeLacheur ParkMarblehead:When: Harbor illumination starts at 9pm. Fireworks at 9:15pm.Where: Marblehead HarborNewtonWhen: 1pm-10pm. Fireworks start at 9:10 p.m.Where: Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports ComplexPlymouthWhen: Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.Where: Pilgrim Memorial State ParkSalemWhen: 4pm-10pm. Fireworks start at 9:15pm.Where: Derby Wharf (Salem Maritime National Historic Site)WinthropWhen: Fireworks start at 9:15pm.Where: Coughlin ParkProvincetownWhen: Fireworks start around dusk, usually shortly before 9pm, per the Cape Cod Times.Where: MacMillan Pier
Exclusive: Redactive AI raises $7.5M seed round
An Australia-based security startup has raised a $7.5 million seed funding round to help major corporations use generative AI without fear of bots spilling their secrets, the company exclusively shared with Axios. The big picture: Companies haven't yet figured out how to bring AI agents or chatbots into their workflows...
New security bug threatens to be as widespread as Heartbleed
A newly discovered open-source vulnerability could be as widespread as Heartbleed or Log4j, researchers warned Monday. Why it matters: Many companies are short-staffed during the Fourth of July week, meaning vulnerable systems may not get patched quickly enough to prevent all possible attacks. Zoom in: Researchers at Qualys discovered a...
Chevron decision crushes Washington's approach to cyber regulations
The U.S. Supreme Court has turned the Biden administration's plans to clean up critical infrastructure's cyber hygiene inside out. Why it matters: Critical infrastructure organizations have failed to implement basic security practices like multifactor authentication on their own — leaving them easy targets for attacks without new regulations. Driving...
New York bodega workers contend with wave of violence
Bodega owners in New York, many of whom are Latino, are equpping themselves with guns and panic buttons after a series of violent incidents. Why it matters: Bodegas, considered part of New York culture, are already facing rising rent prices and gentrification. Driving the news: Just in the past few...
Latinos eye seats in non-Hispanic majority U.S. House districts
A growing number of Latino U.S. Congressional incumbents and challengers are seeking seats in non-Hispanic majority districts — a phenomenon that was rare a decade ago. Why it matters: The shifting political landscape illustrates how Latinos are increasingly dispersed around the U.S. and how more Latino candidates are appealing to voters across racial and ethnic lines.
Powell says he's not focused on Trump, support for Fed independence "very high"
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said he is not focused on the possibility that former President Trump might be re-elected and could chip away at the central bank's political independence. Why it matters: When Trump was in office, he publicly lambasted Powell, whom he appointed — once suggesting the central...
Boston Celtics sale could break records
The Boston Celtics are for sale, just weeks after winning their record 18th NBA championship. Why it matters: The Celtics could fetch the highest price in pro sports history. Catch up quick: The club was purchased in 2002 for $360 million, including $200 million in equity, by a group that included venture capitalist Wyc Grousbeck, his telecom tycoon father Irv, and private equity investor Steve Pagliuca.
Trump's sentencing for N.Y. criminal conviction delayed
Former President Trump's sentencing in his New York hush money case was pushed back as his lawyers seek to have his criminal conviction tossed, according to a Tuesday court filing obtained by MSNBC. Why it matters: Trump is seizing on the Supreme Court's landmark immunity ruling on Monday to challenge...
Rudy Giuliani disbarred in New York for lying about 2020 election
Rudy Giuliani, ex-lawyer to former President Trump, on Tuesday lost his license to practice law in New York. Why it matters: The order from New York's Appellate Division First Department is the latest in a string of events tied to Giuliani's alleged actions to help Trump overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Donovan Mitchell staying in Cleveland
All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN and others have reported. Why it matters: The $150 million deal keeps one of the NBA's best players on a roster vying for continued postseason success in a lately strengthened Eastern Conference. ESPN's Brian...
CNBC launches sports vertical amid broader biz shift
CNBC on Tuesday will announce the launch of CNBC Sport, a new coverage area that will be helmed by new and existing CNBC talent. Why it matters: This is CNBC's first announcement related to a broader plan to shift its editorial and business focus to cross-platform verticals led by subject-matter experts.
Activists launch more campaigns, win fewer seats
Shareholder activists launched a record 86 campaigns in the second quarter, driving the number of first-half campaigns to a record 147, Barclays says. The big picture: Companies managed a strong defense against the heavy flow of attacks, with activists capturing fewer board seats this proxy season. Between the lines: The...
Where to spend the Fourth of July in the Puget Sound region
With the Fourth of July just days away, it's time to craft the perfect plan to watch some drone art and sparkly explosions in the sky.State of play: From the San Juan Islands (where you can observe Anacortes' sparks from a safe distance) to Seafair's classic fireworks display, here's where to get the most bang for your buck (though most are free!) on Thursday.Gas Works Park, Lake Union ParkThe classic choice for Seattle fireworks, Seafair's 4th of July features an evening of music and fireworks you can take in from either Gas Works Park or South Lake Union Park from...
Psilocybin facilitators sue Oregon Health Authority over access
Three psilocybin facilitators and a doctor specializing in end-of-life care are suing the Oregon Health Authority, alleging current psilocybin law discriminates against the terminally ill and others who need care in their homes. Why it matters: Workers in Oregon's first-in-the-nation psilocybin industry have been bucking against high prices, and are...
The Score: Warriors lose Klay Thompson, Sharks snag Macklin Celebrini
The Golden State Warriors dynasty as we know it is over.State of play: Franchise legend Klay Thompson is reportedly joining the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal, ESPN reports.In return, the Warriors are getting two future second-round picks from the Mavericks, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.With Thompson's expected departure plus the waiving of Chris Paul, the Warriors reportedly plan to sign De'Anthony Melton, who last played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Charania reports.Melton's a versatile defender who also shoots relatively well (36.9%) from 3-point range.Between the lines: The Warriors had been in talks to acquire nine-time all-star Paul George...
32% of Native American mortgage applications were denied in Arizona
About a third of Indigenous Arizonans who applied for a mortgage last year were denied — nearly four times the denial rate for white Arizonans, according to a Zillow analysis of federal data.Why it matters: Policy experts tell us long-standing financial barriers coupled with high interest rates and inflation are boxing out would-be buyers of color from one of the most important American wealth-building tools: homeownership.By the numbers: About 32% of Native American mortgage applications in Arizona were denied in 2023, compared with about 16% of Black or Latino applicants and 8% of white applicants, per Zillow's analysis.Zoom out: This...
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