SACRAMENTO, Calif. – This year’s state budget makes a major investment in firefighting statewide including the conversion all 3,000 seasonal firefighters to full-time responders.

Hundreds of currently seasonal firefighters with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) are expected to complete the transition to full-time status by early next year stated a press release Friday from State Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire.

“We know that firefighters have been facing deteriorating conditions, longer and hotter fire seasons, and overwhelming fatigue as they battle the largest mega fires in American history,” said State Senator McGuire. “This year’s budget is a historic first that will pivot away from an antiquated seasonal staffing model and implement what our communities need right now—an all-hands-on-deck approach with every CAL FIRE firefighter full-time and prepared to respond 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.”

Over the last decade, the state has almost doubled the number of Cal Fire personnel statewide from 6,700 to over 12,000 and Cal Fire boasts the largest aerial firefighting force in the world, capable of reaching anywhere in the state within 20 minutes.

An additional 2,100 firefighters are already expected to be hired over the next 48 months thanks to funding from a previous budget agreement added State Senator McGuire’s Office.

Eight of of the most destructive fires in California state history have sparked in the last five years and the largest wildfire this year is still burning in eastern San Luis Obispo County.

“The conditions CAL FIRE firefighters are facing is like nothing we’ve ever seen before, and we needed the state to have our backs so that we can keep fighting these blazes morning, noon and night, every season of the year,” explained Tim Edwards, President of CAL FIRE local 2881. “While we have more work ahead, the progress we’re making is remarkable. This year’s budget action – and the expanded resources over the last several years – are game changers to make the Golden State more wildfire safe.”

Notably, while the impact of recent sweeping changes to the California Environmental Quality Act on housing was extensively reported, exemptions to the public disclosure law are now included for wildfire fuel breaks, shady fuel breaks, roadside fuel breaks, and prescribed burns explained State Senator McGuire’s Office Friday.

Those new exemptions for fire mitigation efforts come as more than $4 billion has been allocated for vegetation management projects statewide to reduce the risk of larger and more dangerous wildfires.

By Kaanita Iyer, CNN

(CNN) — A federal judge on Friday found that the Department of Homeland Security has been making stops and arrests in Los Angeles immigration raids without probable cause and ordered the department to stop detaining individuals based solely on race, spoken language or occupation.

US District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, ordered that DHS must develop guidance for officers to determine “reasonable suspicion” outside of the apparent race or ethnicity of a person, the language they speak or their accent, “presence at a particular location” such as a bus stop or “the type of work one does.”

Friday’s ruling comes after the ACLU of Southern California brought a case against the Trump administration last week on behalf of five people and immigration advocacy groups, alleging that DHS — which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement — has made unconstitutional arrests and prevented detainees’ access to attorneys.

The ruling is limited to the seven-county jurisdiction of the US Central District of California, which includes Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Frimpong said in her ruling that the court needed to decide whether the plaintiffs could prove that the Trump administration “is indeed conducting roving patrols without reasonable suspicion and denying access to lawyers.”

“This Court decides—based on all the evidence presented—that they are,” Frimpong wrote.

Frimpong went on to say that the administration “failed” to provide information about the basis on which they made the arrests. The temporary restraining order also applies to the FBI and the Justice Department, which were also listed as defendants in the lawsuit and have been involved in immigration enforcement.

In Friday’s ruling, Frimpong also ordered DHS to maintain and provide regular documentation of arrests to plaintiffs’ counsel.

In a hearing Thursday before she ruled, Frimpong appeared skeptical of the government’s arguments. The government said in court that DHS agents initiate stops based on intelligence or “trend analysis,” not on race or ethnicity. Frimpong repeatedly pressed the government to provide evidence that arrests were based on actionable intelligence rather than targeting areas where undocumented immigrants are presumed to gather.

“It’s hard for the court to believe you couldn’t find one case with a report of why someone was targeted,” she said Thursday.

In a separate temporary restraining order, Frimpong blocked DHS from denying the detainees’ access to counsel, including visits and calls, in a holding facility referred to as “B-18” in court documents.

Immigration advocacy groups had raised concerns that detainees in B-18 weren’t afforded the opportunity to contact a lawyer. They also claimed that the detainees were held in inhumane conditions, such as not having access to beds, showers or medical facilities.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin condemned the ruling in a statement, saying, “A district judge is undermining the will of the American people.”

Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has moved aggressively to crack down on immigration.

Last month, the Trump administration called for ICE to expand deportation efforts in Democratic cities and “do all in their power” to achieve mass deportations. Trump also ordered the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles last month in response to protests against his administration’s immigration raids. The administration previously sued the city of Los Angeles over its so-called “sanctuary city” policy.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, celebrated Friday’s ruling in a post on X, saying, “California stands with the law and the Constitution — and I call on the Trump Administration to do the same.” Similarly, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass hailed the ruling as “an important step toward restoring safety, security and defending the rights of all Angelenos.”

Mohammad Tajsar, senior staff attorney for ACLU of Southern California, said in a statement, “No matter the color of their skin, what language they speak, or where they work, everyone is guaranteed constitutional rights to protect them from unlawful stops.”

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNN’s Hannah Rabinowitz and Josh Campbell contributed to this report.

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OXNARD, Calif. – Hundred of people in Ventura County gathered at Oxnard City Hall Friday to rally after Federal Immigration Agents carried out sweeps at two cannabis farms Thursday in Carpinteria and Camarillo. About 200 people were taken.

“To see how many folks showed up today who feel that anger, who feel that frustration, who feel that heartbreak of watching the videos, of joining the frontlines, of seeing the national guard, seeing ICE, seeing border patrol show up to our communities,” said Rapid Response Coordinator at 805 Undocufund, Beatriz Basurto. “It’s been so overwhelming but it’s tremendous to see that how many people are willing to show up for the undocumented community here.”

Emotions were high as speeches were given outside city hall demanding the release of those taken on Thursday and demanding change.

Many people showed up with signs and flags and made it known that their voice would be heard.

“Change comes when we come in power and we come in big crowds, we showed yesterday in camarillo we showed resistance,” said rally attendee we showed power through the crowds that came through during the early morning.”

Following speeches, community members and cars marched up and down the streets of downtown Oxnard, chanting and yelling “say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcomed here” before returning back to city hall.

The emotion and the energy continues to be extremely high and will continue to be that way moving forward.

The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at July 11, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 11 drawing

12-23-24-31-56, Mega Ball: 01

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from July 11 drawing

Midday: 8-4-6

Evening: 3-4-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from July 11 drawing

Midday: 8-0-5-7

Evening: 2-0-2-4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from July 11 drawing

Midday: 4-0-7-6-0

Evening: 5-1-9-5-3

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Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from July 11 drawing

07-11-15-56-59, Cash Ball: 02

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from July 11 drawing

9 a.m.: 02

1 p.m.: 01

6 p.m.: 11

11 p.m.: 06

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from July 11 drawing

06-22-23-30-39, Bonus: 27

Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Keno

Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.

Claiming by Mail

Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:

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Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center

1800 Washington Boulevard

Suite 330

Baltimore, MD 21230

For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.

Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less

Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:

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Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD

MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD

Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD

Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD

Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD

Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.

When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.

Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.

Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.

Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.

Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.

MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.

Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Maryland Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for July 11, 2025

By Jeanne Sahadi, CNN

(CNN) — A typical 401(k) plan only offers stock and bond funds that invest in publicly traded companies. But private companies — traditionally the domain of institutional and high-net-worth investors — have become a significant part of the overall investing market. Do they belong as an option in workplace retirement plans, given that they are often more expensive and less transparent than publicly traded securities?

It’s a question that’s been getting a lot of attention as the private investment industry and others seek to “democratize” access to such investments. And it’s an issue receiving pushback from some lawmakers and consumer advocates, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee.

Most recently, Warren sent a letter and a series of questions to Empower, one of the largest workplace retirement plan recordkeepers, probing its recently announced decision to offer plan sponsors the choice of including private equity as an investment option for their employees.

In its response to Warren earlier this week, Empower — which serves roughly 90,000 corporate, government and nonprofit employers — likened the desire to give people access to private markets to the creation of 401(k)s decades ago. “The 401(k) democratized access to the public markets in unprecedented fashion and without it, many people would have no access to investing,” Empower CEO Ed Murphy wrote. “Today, we are facing a similar moment.”

Murphy, noting that there are far fewer publicly traded companies today than 30 years ago, cited the growth in capital going towards private companies and the estimated $13 trillion in assets in the global private equity market. “This structural shift means fewer opportunities for everyday investors saving in defined contribution plans — especially those seeking exposure to innovative or fast-growing companies.”

He also stressed that the new investment option it would offer would have guardrails. “Private markets investing is not for everyone and Empower is not suggesting that it is. Empower is not advocating for unregulated or unmanaged access to complex asset classes. … It’s a carefully monitored gateway.”

Among the guardrails Murphy said would be in place: “(T)he investment manager advising to these investments in accordance with the participant’s financial goals and risk tolerance, are selected by the plan sponsor and must be subject to ERISA’s high standards and adhere to those standards.”

More specifically, Empower told CNN in an email that only participants with managed accounts will have access. (A managed account is run by an investment professional who will, among other things, manage your investments within your workplace plan in keeping with your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.)

And, the company added, the private investments would only be a portion of a larger collective investment trust that a person could select. The other portions of the CIT would be in public securities.

“We believe that professionally managed solutions are the best way to offer private assets, as they offer an additional layer of analysis and fiduciary protection,” the company said.

Warren asks Empower to try again

In her reply to Murphy’s letter, released Saturday, Warren said she shares his stated goal of helping everyone, regardless of income or net worth, to “‘build lasting financial security through well-designed, responsibly managed investment opportunities.’”

But, she wrote, “Your response did not meaningfully address how you would shield plan participants, and our financial system, from the structural risks inherent in private markets. Ultimately, you did not explain why providing retirees with the option to invest their hard-earned life-savings in risky, expensive private markets benefits anyone other than private funds.”

Nor, Warren said, did the company offer “details about your partnerships with private firms, your fees, and your incentive structures.”

Warren ended her letter by asking Empower to address her specific questions by Friday, July 25, 2025.

So … to be continued.

In the meantime, the Office of the Investor Advocate at the Securities and Exchange Commission said that in fiscal year 2026 it plans to explore issues “surrounding the inclusion of alternative investments, such as private equity and private credit, in retirement savings plans and their implications for retail investors.”

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