The California Public Utilities Commission voted to allow Southern California Edison to raise electric rates to cover payments made to victims of the 2017 Thomas wildfire, which was sparked by the utility’s equipment. Despite public opposition, the commission approved the rate hike, with customers covering $1.6 billion of the $2.7 billion paid to victims. Edison plans to spread the cost over 30 years to minimize the impact on customers.
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Cybersecurity Breach Affects U.S. AgenciesThe Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies have been hacked due to vulnerabilities in Microsoft's SharePoint service, attributed to Chinese state actors, Linen Typhoon and Violet Typhoon. Microsoft and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are coordinating responses, including software updates, while monitoring for any data exfiltration. Want More Context? 🔎
Read moreWashington — Todd Blanche, the second-highest-ranking Justice Department official, is set to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell to discuss Jeffrey Epstein, following her conviction for facilitating his abuse of underage girls. Blanche emphasized the DOJ's commitment to uncovering the truth, stating, "No one is above the law," as he reaches out to Maxwell for insights. Want More Context? 🔎
Read moreHouse Speaker Mike Johnson Calls for Transparency in Epstein Case House Speaker Mike Johnson has urged for "full transparency" regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, expressing concerns over the Trump administration's handling of the matter. Amid pressure from both parties, he emphasized the need to bring all involved in Epstein's crimes to justice, while some House Republicans have sought to subpoena the Justice Department for further information. Want More Context? 🔎
Read morePolice in Arizona have arrested Roger Neil Schmidt Sr., 64, for the 1984 cold-case murder and sexual assault of two teenagers in Northern California. Schmidt, identified through forensic genetic genealogy, was charged with murder and sexual assault after DNA collected matched the profile; he is expected to be extradited to Shasta County. Want More Context? 🔎
Read moreTom Geoghegan and James FitzGeraldBBC NewsGetty ImagesJeffrey Epstein in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2004The Trump administration faces pressure regarding the "Epstein files" linked to sex crimes by Jeffrey Epstein, amid reports of Trump's name appearing in investigations. Although named, Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing, and recent releases have not provided new revelations, while speculation persists about potential unreleased documents implicating high-profile individuals. Want More Context? 🔎
Read moreThe U.S. fertility rate fell to an all-time low of 1.599 in 2024, down from 1.621 in 2023, as women increasingly delay childbirth or choose not to have children, mirroring trends in Western Europe. Officials express concern, prompting initiatives like expanded IVF access, but experts suggest these measures may not address broader issues such as parental leave and affordable childcare. Want More Context? 🔎
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