People watch the waves come in after an earthquake was felt widely across Northern California at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Haven Daley) EUREKA, Calif. (AP) — The National Weather Service canceled its tsunami warning for the U.S. West Coast after a powerful earthquake shook parts of California on Thursday. At least 5.3 million people in California were under a tsunami warning after the 7.0-magnitude temblor, the U.S. Geological Survey said in a yellow alert, which predicted localized but minimal damage. The quake was felt as far south as San Francisco, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by smaller aftershocks. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injury. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The quake struck at 10:44 a.m. west of Ferndale, a small city in coastal Humboldt County near the Oregon border, according to the USGS. A tsunami warning was issued shortly after the temblor struck and covered nearly 500 miles (805 km) of coastline, from the edge of California’s Monterey Bay north into Oregon. “It was a strong quake, our building shook, we’re fine but I have a mess to clean up right now,” said a still shaken Julie Kreitzer, owner of Golden Gait Mercantile, a store packed with food, wares and souvenirs that is a main attraction in Ferndale. “We lost a lot of stuff. It’s probably worse than two years ago. I have to go, I have to try and salvage something for the holidays because it’s going to be a tough year,” Kreitzer said before hanging up. Numerous cities had put evacuations in place as a precaution, urging residents to move to higher ground or further inland. Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel said crews were assessing damage from the quake. So far there have been no reports of major damage or injuries. Bergel, who works as a resource aid at a middle school, said lights were swaying and everyone got under desks. “The kids were so great and terrified. It seemed to go back and forth for quite a long time.” She said. Some children asked, “Can I call my mom.” The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, known as BART, stopped traffic in all directions through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland. The San Francisco Zoo’s visitors were evacuated as a result of the earthquake, the zoo said in a post on the social media platform X. The animals have been secured and staff has been moved to higher ground. Shortly after the quake, phones in Northern California buzzed with the now-canceled tsunami warning from the National Weather Service that said: “A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.” Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox?Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNING
Barings Corporate Investors Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.40 Per Share and Special Dividend of $0.10 Per ShareFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Drake Maye’s arrival in New England coincided with a wholesale reset for the Patriots franchise following the departure of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Mac Jones this past offseason. In his eight starts since assuming the reins from veteran Jacoby Brissett, the rookie quarterback has provided encouraging examples of what the Patriots’ revamped front office saw in selecting him third overall in the draft last April. While the Patriots enter their bye week with a 3-10 record and just 2-6 with Maye as the starter, both the coaching staff and his teammates feel they have a quarterback they can build around going forward. “I’m just trying to take it one day at a time, one game at a time,” Maye said this week. “I’m trying to learn from negative experiences or negative plays, learn from turnovers, learn from sacks that I take and see if I can get the ball out and do something better. That’s probably the biggest thing. "Hopefully, the work that we’re putting in and the product that we’re putting out can lead to some positive plays and some positive wins down the road.” Maye is coming off his best statistical performance of the season, completing a season best 80% of his passes (24 of 30) for a season-high 238 yards and a touchdown in New England’s 25-24 loss to Indianapolis. He also had a 41-yard run, showing off a running ability that has him averaging 9.1 yards per carry – best among quarterbacks who have played at least nine games. Maye did have one interception off a tipped ball, but showed his best command of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s scheme to date, spreading the ball around to six different players and consistently getting the Patriots into the red zone. The rub is that the Patriots were just 2 of 6 once they got there, including four trips inside the 10-yard line that yielded only one TD. Lackluster play in the red zone has been a hindrance for a unit that ranks 30th in the NFL in scoring touchdowns inside the 20. Maye said it will be one of his main focal points over the final four games. “It’s tough to go out like that,” Maye said. “You can’t win games going four drives in the red zone that end in field goals. We’ve got to focus in on that. I think that’s been an emphasis of improvement for this offense. We know you have to score touchdowns to win in this league.” Though coach Jerod Mayo agrees there is room for improvement for Maye, he also pointed out that the pieces around him need to do a better job supporting him as well. He pointed specifically to the offensive line, singling out rookie left guard Layden Robinson and rookie tackle Caedan Wallace, as well as fellow lineman and 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange, who is working his way back from a knee injury. “You need a guy like Layden Robinson to show what he can do. We need a guy like Cole Strange before the end of the season to see what he can do,” Mayo said. “You can use Caedan in that same bucket. We need to see what the receivers can do and what they’re going to look like going forward, and that’s the hard part for me. You want to win right now, but at the same time, I think it would be a disservice to go to the end of the season and not know exactly what we have.” That’s not lost on Robinson, who wants to play better for his quarterback who he said has grown exponentially as a leader since earning the starting job. “He always has that confidence about him and you know how he takes control of the huddle,” Robinson said. “He gets in there, and he’s like, ‘All right, let’s go to work,’ basically. We rally behind him.” Results aside, Van Pelt said there are no regrets about initially waiting to elevate Maye to the starting job. “Absolutely not. I think we had the plan going into place, and I think that it’s showing now that that was a good decision for us,” Van Pelt said. “Would he be as developed had he started the first game? Maybe. Could’ve gone the other way as well. I stated in the spring, this is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. "This is about a career, franchise quarterback, and we’re trying to develop him in the right way. And I feel like we did it that way.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
The public naming of Jay-Z as the mysterious celebrity accused in an anonymous civil lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl with Sean “Diddy” Combs came after weeks of behind-the-scenes battling between the star’s lawyer and the Texas attorney representing the woman. Since Combs was charged by federal prosecutors in a salacious sex trafficking probe, numerous civil lawsuits have been filed from people claiming they were victimized by the entertainer. There have also been suggestions that other big names will be swept into the scandal. But the Jay-Z case offers a window into the machinations and big money behind such cases that could be a preview of the potential fallout involving other civil litigation that’s been filed against Combs. In October, Jay-Z received a demand letter from Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee making allegations of misconduct and suggesting a meeting. Legal experts said such letters are a common way to begin settlement discussions. But this letter included picture of a ticking clock and Jay-Z came out swinging. The music mogul responded by filing his own anonymous lawsuit against the attorney in Los Angeles. On Sunday, Jay-Z’s name was made public as the celebrity in the suit, and he responded by blasting Buzbee on social media as a “deplorable human” and an “ambulance chaser in a cheap suit.” Jay-Z has denied any wrongdoing, calling the claims “idiotic.” Buzbee told The Times on Monday that he “won’t be deterred or intimidated,” but wouldn’t commit to whether other celebrities might be named. Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, on Monday sent a letter to a judge in the case asking to either dismiss the allegations against his client or disclose the accuser’s identity. Federal prosecutors have not named any co-conspirators. However, they have repeatedly emphasized their investigation remains ongoing. In a sprawling indictment unsealed earlier this year, they allege Combs for decades used his empire to coerce his victims into sex in gatherings known as “freak-offs.” Combs, who has denied any wrongdoing, was arrested in September after nearly a year of investigation by federal authorities. Jay-Z has not been charged with any crimes and it is unclear whether federal authorities are pursuing this allegation. Legal experts said it’s hard to assess the claims without knowing more about the evidence the plaintiffs have and how Jay-Z and any other celebrities ultimately named can rebut the allegations. “I think [Buzbee] knew there was going to be a fight,” added Laurie L. Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School. “By the time he names them, he better have all of his witnesses, all of the evidence in order because the minute that the name goes out the fight really escalates.” The war between Jay-Z and Buzbee began in October when the attorney filed a lawsuit in New York on behalf of a woman, identified only as Jane Doe, who says she was 13 when she was raped by Combs and an anonymous male celebrity at a party after the MTV Video Music Awards in 2000. The woman, who had been outside Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sept. 7, 2000, trying to talk her way into the awards ceremony, was invited to an after-party hosted by Combs. A driver took her to a large white house with a gated U-shaped driveway and, once inside, she was told to sign a nondisclosure agreement, the suit says. A luxurious party was unfolding inside. Waitstaff carried trays of drinks, loud music blasted throughout the house and partygoers were snorting cocaine and using marijuana, according to the lawsuit. After finishing one drink — a concoction of orange juice, cranberry juice and something bitter — she says she began to feel lightheaded and found an empty bedroom to rest. Combs walked into the room with two celebrities, a man and a woman. He approached her “with a crazed look in his eyes, grabbed her and said ‘You are ready to party!’” the lawsuit states. The lawsuit alleges the male celebrity — identified Sunday by Buzbee as Jay-Z— raped the girl, while Combs and an unidentified female celebrity allegedly watched. Combs then raped the girl as the other two celebrities watched, according to the lawsuit. Before filing the lawsuit, Buzbee wrote Jay-Z a demand letter in which he accused the celebrity of raping “multiple minors, both male and female, who had been drugged at parties hosted by Combs,” according to a lawsuit filed by Jay-Z. The lawyer said that if Jay-Z did not agree to a confidential mediation then he would “take a different course,” according to a lawsuit. Jay-Z responded by filing his own anonymous lawsuit against the attorney last month alleging the lawyer tried to extort a payout in return for not identifying him as a sexual abuser tied to Combs. Attorneys representing Jay-Z said the demand letters included “wildly false horrific allegations.” Buzbee fired back by amending his October civil complaint on Sunday to add Jay-Z, whose given name is Shawn Carter, as a defendant. Jay-Z’s attorney then sent a memo to the judge asking her to either dismiss the case or disclose the accuser’s identity. “Mr. Carter deserves to know the identity of the person who is effectively accusing him — in sensationalized, publicity-hunting fashion — of criminal conduct, demanding massive financial compensation, and tarnishing a reputation earned over decades,” Spiro wrote in the memo. David Ring, a lawyer who has represented victims of sexual assault in high-profile civil cases including against Harvey Weinstein, said it’s not unusual for attorneys to send letters as a way to negotiate with a defendant before filing a case. “Jay-Z here called the lawyer’s bluff and so the victim’s attorney named him in the court filing,” Ring said. Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, said Buzbee either tried to leverage his belief that Jay-Z would want to keep the allegations private or his client didn’t want to be the first person to accuse such a high profile public figure. “This is why I don’t like demand letters in these types of cases and prefer to immediately file a lawsuit. Don’t bark if you’re not going to bite,” Rahmani said. Still, Rahmani said celebrities with connections to Combs are likely on edge. “If I were a celebrity who attended one of Diddy’s ‘freak-offs,’ I would ... have my lawyer on speed dial,” Rahmani said. In a statement issued Sunday by Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment company, he addressed Buzbee directly saying that the attorney had “made a terrible error in judgment thinking that all celebrities are the same.” “I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the project of Brooklyn. We don’t play these types of games. We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children, you seem to exploit people for personal gain,” he wrote. Buzbee responded on Instagram by posting a picture of himself in the Marines, saying that despite what he called a “coordinated and aggressive” effort to intimidate and harass him by people following him and his family, and contacting his clients and former employees, he won’t be backing down. “I also won’t allow anyone to scare my clients into silence,” he wrote. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant and I am quite certain the sun is coming.”The Las Vegas Strip has a knack for signing big name headliners for residencies that tend to draw sell-out crowds. Many of the top residency performers lately are popular artists who can still sell out stadiums and arenas on national concert tours. 💸 💰 Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 💰 💸 Sphere Entertainment's ( SPHR ) Sphere Las Vegas opened with giant rock band U2, which has had global stadium and arena sell-out power for over 30 years. Related: Las Vegas Strip casino signs superstar band for popular residency U2's 40-show U2/UV Achtung Baby Live at the Sphere residency debuted in Sept. 29 2023 and ended March 2, 2024 with every show in the 18,600-seat venue sold out. The Sphere continued to book superstar entertainers for residencies, with jam band Phish completing a short engagement consisting of four sold-out shows in April, followed by Grateful Dead spinoff band Dead & Company, which performed 30 sold-out shows at the Las Vegas Sphere from May 16 through Aug. 10, 2024. Legendary rock band The Eagles, which played stadium and arena sellouts throughout their touring career, claimed to have retired from touring on its "Long Goodbye" tour in the Netherlands on June 15, 2024. TheStreet The Eagles opened their sold-out residency at The Sphere on Sept. 20, 2024, and have stretched the residency out to 28 shows without designating a final show in the residency yet. Other huge sold-out residencies that have rolled through The Strip in the past couple of years have included Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, and Adele. Popular superstar R&B group New Edition is still packing fans into theaters on the Las Vegas Strip as it sold out 15 shows on its residency at Wynn Resorts' ( WYNN ) Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, which just closed on Nov. 2. Fans might think New Edition had finally closed their residency at the Encore Theater, but the group signed on for six more shows in February 2025. New Edition added new shows on its residency at the Encore Theater on Feb. 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, and 22, with all shows set for 8 p.m. Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images The Killers add shows to Las Vegas Strip residency Finally, popular Las Vegas-based rock band The Killers had always wanted to perform a residency at Caesars Entertainment's ( CZR ) Colosseum at Caesars Palace in their hometown and mentioned in fall 2023 that they were ready to sign up for one as soon as there was an opening. Related: Popular singer signs for Christmas residency off Las Vegas Strip The Killers in January 2024 signed up for 10 shows in their first-ever residency on the Strip at the 4,300-seat Colosseum which began Aug. 14 and ended Sept. 1 More Las Vegas : The residency featured the band performing their debut album "Hot Fuss," which includes The Killers' hits "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me," from start to finish to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of the album. The band also has had great success with their hits "When We Were Young," released in 2006, and "Human," released in 2008. The Killers were so popular at Caesars Palace that they will return for their Live In Las Vegas residency Encore Shows, which will be presented at The Colosseum Jan. 22, 24, and 25, 2025, Live Nation ( LYV ) revealed on Nov. 19. Tickets go on sale to the general public Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. Related: Veteran fund manager sees world of pain coming for stocksBrazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was in “stable” condition after emergency surgery yesterday for an intracranial haemorrhage and should leave the hospital next week, his doctors said. Lula, 79, was transported overnight to Brazil’s top medical facility, Hospital Sirio-Libanes in Sao Paulo, after experiencing headaches that medics found were related to a fall he suffered in October. The leader of South America’s largest country regained consciousness following the two-hour operation and was eating and talking, the doctors told a news conference. Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin had taken over Lula’s workload in the meantime. “After successful surgery, the anguish of last night has changed to calm and the certainty that, with the dedication of the medical team and faith and the people’s love, he will soon return to work,” Lula’s wife, First Lady Rosangela Janja da Silva, said on Instagram. The bleeding was linked to a fall Lula suffered on October 19, the hospital said. Lula had hit his head after falling in a bathroom at the presidential residence in the capital Brasilia and received several stitches. After experiencing a headache on Monday, a medical examination with an MRI scan in Brasilia found the intracranial haemorrhage. Lula was swiftly transported to Hospital Sirio-Libanes, where surgeons performed a trepanation — drilling into the skull to relieve pressure. “The bleeding was between the brain and the dura mater membrane,” a thick protective layer under the skull, and was located on the left side, above the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe, said Marcos Stavale, a doctor on the medical team. Through surgery, “the brain was decompressed and neurological functions were preserved,” he said. “He didn’t have brain damage” from the emergency, added another doctor, Roberto Kalil. Back in October, Lula cancelled a planned trip to Russia for a Brics summit following his fall, instead joining the meeting online. He also skipped a UN COP29 climate summit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Lula at the time described his accident as “serious” during a telephone call with an official from his Workers’ Party that was shared on social media. Since then, the Brazilian leader has maintained a busy schedule, including last month hosting the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Brasilia, and last week attending a summit of the Mercosur bloc in Uruguay. Lula has frequently talked about his good health and has said he wants to “live to 120.” The Brazilian leader has faced other health issues in the past. But just as in politics, the hyperactive leftist — who is half-way through his third term — has bounced back from every misfortune. In 1964, when he was a metalworker in a car parts factory, Lula lost the little finger on his left hand in a workplace accident. Lula, who was 19 at the time, said that a press broke and, when he tried to fix it, his finger was crushed. He went on to become a trade union leader before entering politics. Lula was forced to cancel a trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2010 after being admitted to hospital with alarmingly high blood pressure. He was 64 years old at the time and nearing the end of his second term. Doctors said he was suffering from stress and fatigue after a bout of flu. He was discharged from hospital after a few hours and subsequently quit smoking after fifty years. After leaving power in 2011, at 66, he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Doctors announced he had made a full recovery the following year, although his once-booming voice was left with a hoarseness that became a trademark on his campaign trail return. During the 2022 presidential race, which marked his stunning return to power after a year and a half behind bars on corruption charges, some of his opponents questioned his health because of his weak voice. Three weeks after his re-election, he underwent surgery to remove a lesion from his vocal cords. In September 2023, he received a hip replacement to relieve pain that had been bothering him for over a year. Lula suffers from osteoarthritis, or wear and tear on the cartilage that protects joints. The image-conscious president has since published videos of himself doing exercises in the presidential residence. He has not said whether he will run again in 2026 elections, telling CNN last month that “I’m going to think about 2026 in 2026.” “It’s not the youth that’s going to solve the world governance problems. What’s going to solve the world governance problem is the competence of the ruler, the mindset of the ruler, the health of those,” Lula said. “I will be willing to run again. But I hope it won’t be necessary. And I hope that we’ll have other candidates and so that we can have great political renovation in the country and in the world,” he added. Related Story Senegalese president arrives in Doha World leaders pledge to work with Trump after election triumph
MLB NOTES