Associated Press - Randolph Record

09 Jan

‘Full House’ star Bob Saget has died at 65 in Florida

Associated PressNewsBob Saget

LOS ANGELES — Bob Saget, a comedian and actor known for his role as a widower raising a trio of daughters in the sitcom “Full House,” has died, according to authorities in Florida. He was 65. The Orange County, Florida, sheriff's office was called Sunday about an “unresponsive man” in a hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, according to a sheriff's statement on Twitter. “The man was identified as Robert Saget" and death was pronounced at the scene, the statement said, adding that detectives found “no signs of foul play or drug use in this case. A “#BobSaget" concluded…

08 Jan

For celebrations, English fizz is on the rise

Associated PressFeaturesbubbly, celebration, champagne, english sparkling wine, sparkling wine

LONDON — English sparkling wine has been gaining prestige in recent years, with some experts comparing it to Champagne in taste and quality. Globally, the sector is still relatively small: IWSR Drinks Market Analysis reports that sparkling wine produced in the U.K. represents about 0.2% of total global sparkling wine volume. But sales are growing: U.K.-produced sparkling wine volume rose by almost 11% from 2015-2020, the report said. ”Maybe 10 years ago, there were only two or three wines which might have been known outside of the U.K. or certainly recognized by wine critics as well,” says Jonathan White, spokesman…

06 Jan

New hi-tech photo brings Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ up close

Associated PressWorldAmsterdam, Night Watch, Rembrandt, Rijksmuseum

AMSTERDAM — Rembrandt van Rijn’s iconic and huge painting “The Night Watch” is now also a supersized museum photo delivered right to your laptop in unsurpassed detail. The Amsterdam Rijksmuseum on Monday put on its digital portal what it called “the most detailed photograph of any artwork” ready for assessment by scientists and art lovers alike. It is expected to draw widespread interest especially since the museum is closed because of coronavirus measures. The 717-gigapixel photo allows viewers to zoom in on Captain Frans Banninck Cocq and see how the 17th-century master put the tiniest of white dots in his…

01 Nov

Redistricting debate begins in earnest at NC legislature

Associated PressGovernment, News

RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly is starting to debate some redistricting maps drawn by lawmakers for the state's legislative and congressional seats. Senate and House committees were scheduled to meet Monday to consider boundaries redrawn based on 2020 census figures. The Senate panel was likely to advance a Republican-penned map for the U.S. House delegation that redistricting experts estimate would give the GOP a good chance to win 10 of the state's 14 seats. And the House committee was slated Monday to take up a state House map that likely would help Republicans retain their majority in that…

29 Oct

Youngkin’s school warnings intensify the GOP’s suburban push

Associated PressNewssuburban, warning, Youngkin

ASHLAND, Va. — Glenn Youngkin wants voters in Virginia to hear an urgent message: Your children are in danger. In a speech in Northern Virginia’s suburbs last week, the Republican candidate for governor highlighted the murky case of a student who allegedly committed sex crimes in two area schools. He said the incidents, which have sparked community outrage, are the result of failed Democratic leadership. “What other tragedy awaits Virginia’s children?” Youngkin asked from the podium, flanked by a collection of parents and schoolchildren. On the eve of the Nov. 2 election, Youngkin’s message represents a new front in his…

28 Oct

Democrats still critical of Republican redistricting proposals despite increased transparency

Associated PressNewsdemocrats, proposal, redistricting, republicans, transparency

RALEIGH — A decade ago, North Carolina Republicans redrew their legislative districts to help their party in a way that a federal court ruled illegally deprived black voters of their right to political representation. A partisan state court later struck down Republican-drawn maps as based on pure partisanship. As the once-a-decade redistricting process kicks into high gear, North Carolina is one of at least three states where Republicans say they are drawing maps without looking at racial and party data. Democrats are incredulous, noting that veteran lawmakers don’t need a spreadsheet to know where voters of various races and different…

28 Oct

HUDSON: Americans shouldn’t accept the status quo

Rep. Richard HudsonOpinionseditorial, opinion, rep. richard hudson, status quo

On Feb. 2, 1977, President Jimmy Carter addressed the nation from the White House. He had been in office for two weeks and inflation was already beginning to impact American families. Famously wearing a cardigan sweater, he said energy shortages would be permanent while urging Americans to lower their thermostats to 55 degrees and make sacrifices. This address was followed by several years of hyperinflation, gas lines, and as President Carter called it, “a crisis of confidence.” By 1980, America was fed up and sent an eternal optimist and problem solver to the White House. President Ronald Reagan didn’t accept…

21 Jul

Amazon to end testing for COVID-19 at warehouses this month

Associated PressBusiness, NationAmazon

Amazon will stop testing workers for COVID-19 at its warehouses at the end of this month, citing the availability of vaccines and free testing. The company began testing warehouse workers last year when tests were more difficult to secure. Warehouse workers, who were considered essential, packed and shipped orders throughout the pandemic. Amazon disclosed in October that nearly 20,000 workers, or about 1.4% of its total workforce, had been infected with COVID-19 by that point in 2020. Vaccines began to roll out about two months later and in May, employees who uploaded a picture of their vaccine cards to an…

19 Jul

Judge questions treatment of suspended horse trainer Baffert

Associated PressNewsBob Baffert, horse trainer, Kentucky Derby, Medina Spirit

NEW YORK — A New York judge was sympathetic Monday to horse trainer Bob Baffert’s claims that his May suspension by the New York Racing Association — after Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a postrace drug test — was unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon at a Brooklyn hearing repeatedly pressed a lawyer for the racing association to explain why the suspension was issued before Baffert was given a chance to defend himself. Henry Greenberg, arguing on behalf of the racing association, said Baffert will get a hearing after the association announces the length of his suspension by…

07 Jul

Paul carries Suns past Giannis, Bucks in NBA Finals opener

Associated PressSportsChris Paul, NBA

PHOENIX — Chris Paul waited 16 years to get to the NBA Finals, bringing with him a team starving for its first championship. The setting was entirely new. The performance was same ol’ Chris Paul. “Just knew he’s ready,” Phoenix forward Mikal Bridges said. “He’s prepared his whole life for this moment and it shows out there on the court.” Paul had 32 points and nine assists in an NBA Finals debut that was well worth the wait, Devin Booker scored 27 points and the Suns beat the returning Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Milwaukee Bucks 118-105 on Tuesday night in…