California State

San Diego, CA

Axios

Restaurant surcharges aren't leaving menus in California. Why it matters: Dining establishments have become more expensive for customers and owners, which fueled debates about legislation aimed at eliminating hidden fees tacked onto diners' bills. Driving the news: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed emergency legislation Saturday allowing restaurants and bars to charge...

Service fees are still on the menu at California restaurants

Norfolk County, MA

Axios Boston

A jury in Norfolk County failed to reach a verdict in the case against Karen Read, who was accused of hitting her boyfriend with an SUV and leaving him to die.Why it matters: The high-profile trial that captivated New Englanders ends without a resolution as to whether Read  killed her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, or was framed by police, as her supporters contended.Because the hung jury results in a mistrial, Read could be tried again.What they said: "To continue to deliberate would be futile and only serve to compromise [jurors'] deeply held beliefs," the jury's note to...

Judge declares mistrial in Karen Read case with jury at impasse

Virginia State

Axios Richmond

Hundreds of new laws take effect in Virginia on Monday. Here's a roundup of some of the most notable or interesting ones.Animals🐻 Anyone can claim roadkill like deer or bears to use however they want.🐱 Declawing cats is now illegal unless it's for health reasons.👨‍💻 Localities can create a public online animal cruelty registry that includes people convicted of felony animal cruelty crimes.Casino🎰 Richmond is no longer eligible to host a casino, and any city with a failed casino referendum has to wait three years before trying again.Petersburg will take Richmond's spot.Crime📝 The definition of a hate crime has expanded...

The new Virginia laws going into effect on July 1

Columbus, OH

Axios Columbus

We're just days away from the Fourth of July, which means many of you are getting ready to fire up the grill.Yes, but: If you want to kick back and let somebody else prepare your patriotic plate this year, we've got plenty of ideas.What we did: We rounded up reader recommendations for the best hot dogs in Central Ohio.Vote for your favorites before noon Wednesday in the survey below:What's next: Check back Friday for the next round.Disclaimer: As always, this "food fight" is fun, casual, and totally not scientific.If you don't see your favorite listed, hit reply and voice your frustrations to our complaints department — but please be kind.The bracketBracket: Axios Visuals

Round 1: Vote for the best hot dog in Columbus

Data: CDC; Map: Rahul Mukherjee/AxiosThe annual summer COVID wave has begun in Virginia.Why it matters: People congregating indoors to avoid extreme heat and upcoming July 4 travel are expected to drive up infections.Between the lines: Experts say this summer's surge could stay mild, but it still poses a risk, especially to immunocompromised people and other medically vulnerable residents.There's also the unknown role that the new so-called FliRT variants, which are accounting for the majority of infections, might play these next few months.Plus, cases are likely undercounted since not everyone gets tested.The big picture: Virginia is one of 39 states where cases...

COVID is on the rise again in Virginia

Des Moines, IA

Axios Des Moines

A team of cops will patrol Des Moines parks to issue fireworks citations over the Fourth of July this year for the first time since state lawmakers reversed an 80-year ban on them in 2017.Why it matters: Despite being illegal in DSM, annual forays of celebratory explosives have caused widespread damages to public property, including $20,000 in shattered downtown library windows.They also increase risks of fires or injuries and their noise can be problematic for people with PTSD and animals, chief Dana Wingert told City Council last year.State of play: DSM police received thousands of complaints about fireworks but have...

Des Moines officers will patrol parks for fireworks violators

Denver, CO

Axios Denver

Temperatures are rising, so keeping cool is necessary. And what gives you a pleasant chill better than some ice cream?The big picture: We've picked five of our favorite ice cream shops across Denver to enjoy this summer.Bonnie Brae Ice Cream (799 S. University Blvd.)The candy-colored shop is a throwback to simpler, dare we say, funner, times.High Point Creamery (215 S. Holly St.)Here they offer a slightly more upscale dessert experience, with unique flavors like their signature basil with blackberry swirl and coconut creme brûlée.Liks Ice Cream (2039 E. 13th Ave.)The rare place you can smell before you see, this Capitol Hill staple has been serving up treats since 1976.Sweet Cow (3475 W. 32nd Ave.)If you're dairy free, this shop, which has multiple locations across the metro area, serving flavors like vegan almond joy, vegan chocolate chip, and Larry's vegan chocolate peanut butter madness.Sweet Cooies (3506 12th Ave.)This hole-in-the-wall creamery sits in a small but cute Congress Park shopping district.Five more places to try:Gelato BoyEiskaffeeLittle Man Ice CreamNuggs Ice Cream ShopSadboy Creamery

Try these five Denver ice cream shops this summer

Georgia State

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Coffee County, GA

Douglas, GA

Daily Coffee Press

A 49-year-old woman from Douglas was recently arrested for allegedly submitting a life insurance policy for her ex-husband without his knowledge. According to a Coffee County Sheriff’s Office incident report, detectives met with a man on May 7 at the Coffee County Law Enforcement Center concerning a reported case of insurance fraud.

Georgia woman charged for allegedly filing life insurance policy application on ex-husband

Missouri State

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CJ Coombs

The first time my family walked into a Ponderosa Steakhouse was in the late 1960s. It was new and the experience was great. Like other new restaurants, if the management doesn't stay on top, the quality of service can decline. The location we went to did change through the years, but in the beginning, it was great.

The 1960s: the Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses are still around in some states

Newark, NJ

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Morristown Minute

NEWARK, N.J. – Eight individuals associated with the "793 Bloods" street gang, a subset of the national Bloods gang, have been charged for their roles in a Newark-based drug trafficking organization, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Eight '793 Bloods' Gang Members Charged in Newark Drug Network

Chicago, IL

Axios Chicago

Chicago's minimum wage for tipped workers jumps today from $9.48 to $11.02 per hour. Why it matters: It's the first tangible benefit of the One Fair Wage ordinance, which was passed last year to close the pay gap between tipped and non-tipped workers.The regular minimum wage jumps to $16.20.Yes, but: The new rule is causing concern among some restaurant owners and confusion among consumers.How it works: Each year the city's tipped minimum wage will grow by 8% until it matches the regular minimum wage in five years.Currently if workers' wages plus tips don't bring them to the regular minimum wage...

New tipped minimum wage draws mixed predictions

Indianapolis, IN

Downtown Indianapolis is home to a dish that is pretty close to the perfect summer meal. Where to go: Vicino, the newish Italian spot on Mass Ave that replaced Hedge Row. What to order: The watermelon salad ($14). It's summer in a bowl. Crunchy, fresh cubes of watermelon are tossed...

Summer in a bowl at Vicino on Mass Ave

ShowPlace Icon in the South Loop shut down Sunday night. Why it matters: The theater, operated by Chicago-based Kerasotes Theaters, has served movie-goers on the near South Side since 2009. Its shuttering leaves only a handful of theaters left for the millions of people who live south of Roosevelt Road....

ShowPlace Icon abruptly closes in the South Loop

Portland, OR

Portland is a great place to bike after all, ranking fifth among large U.S. cities in PeopleforBikes' best places to bike list. Why it matters: Portland's bike town image has taken a hit in recent years, with a decline in bike commuting that's been slow to recover, and a steady rate of bike fatalities.

Portland ranks fifth among best large bike cities

Rogers, AR

Axios NW Arkansas

It's been over a week, and I'm still thinking about the beef shawarma wrapped in pita bread. And the Syrian cheese. And the falafel. Don't make me pick.State of play: I tried Toot Beirut at the Village on the Creeks center in Rogers, and it's a new favorite. We should all be grateful for a place that adds diversity to our culinary scene in an area where one has to hunt a little for this style of cuisine.Those unfamiliar with Middle Eastern food should get their first taste here. If you like chicken, you are bound to like chicken shawarma....

Monday Munchies: Must-try Middle Eastern food in Rogers

Indiana State

Weekdays, 4-6pm Half off starters, dips and spreads, wine by the glass and craft cocktails. $1 off epic tacos, $4.75 chips & queso and $1 wings (six minimum) $2 off all speciality cocktails, draft beer and wine. 🍾 Seasons 52. Monday-Thursday, 3-6pm $6 select wine. $7 select cocktails. $12.50...

25+ Indianapolis-area happy hour specials

Nashville, TN

Axios Nashville

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center's negotiations with Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration for a new venue on the East Bank have hit an apparent hiccup.A sticking point is how to divide millions of dollars in infrastructure costs.State of play: O'Connell's administration is already offering to give TPAC the property adjacent to the new Titans stadium for free and charge the arts nonprofit virtually nothing in annual rent.O'Connell's top development aide Bob Mendes told the Metro Council earlier this year the infrastructure costs would be divided among Metro, TPAC and chief developer The Fallon Company.Zoom in: The estimated long-term infrastructure costs for...

TPAC's deal with Metro needs "additional time"

Saint Johns County, FL

Hastings, FL

Jacksonville Today

Eight people have been arrested on drug charges stemming from an undercover investigation at a convenience store in Hastings, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

8 arrested in Hastings drug and gambling bust

Chicago Happenings

What is more summery than an icy, sweet frozen drink? If the heat wave is getting to you, try whipping up this simple frozen strawberry lemonade. All you need is your choice of lemonade and some frozen strawberries. You can use store-bought lemonade, make your own from scratch, or a powdered version. As for strawberries, frozen ones are the easiest choice. If you'd rather use fresh, add at least two cups of ice until you reach a nice, frozen consistency.

2-Ingredient Frozen Strawberry Lemonade: Beat the Heat!

New York City, NY

The e-Texan

New York – As Trump anticipates his sentencing on July 11th in the New York hush money case, Florida Judge Aileen Cannon made a ruling this Monday. Despite rejecting Trump’s legal team's request to dismiss several charges in the classified documents case, she conceded on a minor point. She removed a portion of the charges that referenced an uncharged allegation, but upheld the other charges.

Legal expert says Trump should not be jailed after New York guilty verdict because he is ‘too old’

NewsBreak

The Covenant School shares renovations following 2023 mass shooting

The Covenant School opened its doors Tuesday and thanked the community for 15 months of support following the March 2023 shooting that killed three students and...

The Covenant School shares renovations following 2023 mass shooting

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