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The new year is bringing a taste of the South to Las Vegas, as Bojangles—known for its fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and sweet iced tea—continues its expansion in the region.

Bojangles’ Rapid Growth in Las Vegas

A fourth Bojangles location opened in early January at 4503 Paradise Road, Suite 350, near East Harmon Avenue. This restaurant offers dine-in and takeout service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Further expansion is planned with a new location slated for The Linq on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Strip location will mark a first for the chain, featuring a full bar and live entertainment. LV Petroleum recently announced these new locations as part of a larger plan to launch a total of 20 Bojangles restaurants across the Las Vegas Valley.

The first Bojangles in Las Vegas opened in January 2025 on South Rainbow Boulevard. A second location followed last fall on South Decatur Boulevard, and a third debuted in December on St. Rose Parkway in Henderson.

LV Petroleum, a Las Vegas-based developer and operator of travel centers, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants, is the principal behind the expansion deal. Bojangles itself currently operates approximately 880 locations across the United States, having been founded in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The expansion suggests a belief in the viability of a Southern-style quick-service restaurant in the Las Vegas market. If successful, this could lead to further expansion by Bojangles, or potentially encourage other regional chains to consider the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the first Bojangles open in Las Vegas?

Bojangles opened its first store in Las Vegas in January 2025 on South Rainbow Boulevard.

How many Bojangles locations are planned for the Las Vegas Valley?

LV Petroleum is working to launch 20 Bojangles restaurants across the Las Vegas Valley.

What will be different about the Bojangles on the Strip?

The Bojangles location at The Linq will offer a full bar and live entertainment, a first for the chain.

As Bojangles continues to establish itself in Las Vegas, will this expansion alter the city’s dining landscape?

Twelve-year-old Kennedy Green is preparing to compete in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show this weekend with her Pekingese, Lincoln. This marks a significant moment for the young competitor and her canine partner as they enter one of the most well-known dog shows in the world.

A Young Competitor on a National Stage

Kennedy Green will be showcasing Lincoln in the upcoming competition. Danny New introduced Kennedy and Lincoln, highlighting their participation in the event. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show attracts competitors and dog enthusiasts from across the country.

The Significance of Westminster

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has a long history, dating back to 1877. It is considered a benchmark of excellence in the world of purebred dogs. Participation in the show represents years of dedication to breeding, training, and responsible dog ownership.

What’s Next?

Following the introduction, Kennedy and Lincoln will participate in the judging rounds this weekend. Depending on their performance, they could advance through the competition. It is possible that Lincoln could be recognized among the best Pekingese, or even contend for the coveted “Best in Show” title.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Kennedy Green?

Kennedy Green is 12 years old.

What breed of dog is Kennedy Green showing?

Kennedy Green is showing a Pekingese named Lincoln.

When is the competition taking place?

The competition is taking place this weekend.

What does it mean to you when a young person dedicates themselves to a discipline requiring patience, training, and a strong partnership with an animal?

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain secured a hard-fought victory over Alexander Zverev of Germany in the Australian Open semifinals, winning 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5. The match, lasting 5 hours and 27 minutes, stands as the third-longest in Australian Open history and the second-longest in a men’s major semifinal.

A Test of Endurance

Alcaraz’s path to the final was fraught with challenges, including debilitating cramps and a bout of vomiting during the third set. He required a medical timeout to address the cramps, a decision that drew criticism from Zverev, who expressed his displeasure with the allowance of medical timeouts for cramping issues.

Despite the physical setbacks, Alcaraz managed to rally, attributing his success to unwavering self-belief and a strategic intake of pickle juice to combat the cramps. He ultimately broke Zverev’s serve in the fifth set to close out the match, improving his record to 60-0 when leading two sets to love.

What’s at Stake

Alcaraz will now face either No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion, or No. 4 Novak Djokovic, who is seeking a record 25th major title, in the final on Sunday. At 22 years old, Alcaraz has the opportunity to become the youngest man to achieve the career Grand Slam, and is pursuing his seventh major title overall.

Zverev, who lost to Sinner in last year’s final, continues his pursuit of a first major title. He had an opportunity to serve for the match in the fifth set but was unable to capitalize.

“Believing. Believing all the time,” Alcaraz said after the match. “I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what struggles you’re going through.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the match?

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5.

How long did the match last?

The match lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes.

What is at stake for Alcaraz in the final?

At 22, Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest man to capture the career Grand Slam and is seeking his seventh major title.

Given the grueling nature of this semifinal, and the caliber of his potential opponents, what do you think will be the biggest factor in determining the Australian Open champion?

The Emirates-Indonesia Cardiology Hospital in Surakarta, Central Java, has been designated a center of excellence for heart disease treatment. This designation, announced by Indonesia’s Health Ministry, highlights the hospital’s use of internationally standardized medical technology.

New Center of Excellence for Cardiac Care

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has directed hospital staff to fully utilize the advanced medical equipment already in place to support complex procedures. He stated a preference for “complex but advanced” treatments, noting the existing quality of the hospital’s equipment. The hospital was built with a grant from the United Arab Emirates government.

Beyond infrastructure, Minister Sadikin stressed the importance of improving the skills of medical personnel. A structured mentoring system is planned to ensure high-quality service delivery to the public. Dr. Sardjito General Hospital will provide this mentorship, implementing a five-year technical assistance program to prepare staff and facilitate knowledge transfer in cardiac care.

The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri, affirmed his country’s ongoing support for the hospital. The UAE government is also considering providing additional medical supplies to support the hospital’s operations.

Improving Access to Cardiac Services

Collaboration between Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, the Surakarta city government, and the UAE government is intended to reduce lengthy referral times for cardiac services. The hospital is also envisioned as a potential model for improving cardiovascular referral services across the region, while maintaining international quality standards.

The hospital is already prepared to serve patients covered by BPJS, Indonesia’s national health insurance program. The facility was inaugurated by Prabowo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Emirates-Indonesia Cardiology Hospital?

The hospital is designated as a center of excellence for heart disease treatment, utilizing internationally standardized medical technology.

Who is providing support for the hospital’s operations?

The hospital receives support from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the Surakarta city government, and the government of the United Arab Emirates.

What role will Dr. Sardjito General Hospital play?

Dr. Sardjito General Hospital will provide a five-year technical assistance program to support the readiness of the hospital’s human resources and facilitate knowledge transfer in cardiac care.

How might improved access to specialized cardiac care impact public health in the region?

PHOENIX—With no Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) members present, Doris Freeman voiced the concerns of many at a recent public hearing: a proposed 14 percent rate increase from Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s largest utility. Freeman, like others in attendance, argued she simply cannot afford the increase.

Rising Rates, Rising Concerns

APS, which reported over $600 million in profit in 2023, is seeking its third rate increase in four years. Freeman, a retiree on a $23,000 annual income, explained that previous increases have already doubled her monthly bill to $130. She has been forced to limit her air conditioning use, and her unit recently broke, a repair she fears she cannot afford even before a potential rate hike. “People are unable to make ends meet,” Freeman stated, adding that she is in the same predicament.

Others who spoke at the hearing echoed Freeman’s fears, stating they may be forced to choose which bills to pay or even face homelessness. Sandy Bahr, president of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon chapter, emphasized the human impact of the ACC’s decisions, stating that, in some cases, they are “a matter of life and death.”

Data Centers and Energy Demand

The proposed rate increase comes as energy demand in Arizona surges, driven not by residential growth but by an increasing number of data centers and APS’s commitment to power them with natural gas. The situation is compounded by cuts in federal funding for clean energy initiatives and programs assisting low-income families with energy costs. This week, the Department of Energy rescinded a conditional commitment of a $1.8 billion loan to APS for renewable energy, transmission, and energy storage projects, a loan initially approved during the final days of the Biden administration.

Ted Kelly, director and lead counsel of U.S. Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund, argued that the decision to halt the loan is counterproductive. “Arizona needs more low-cost power to keep up with its growing economy and rein in rising bills,” Kelly said. “Instead, the Department of Energy is killing much-needed clean power projects and pouring money into aging coal plants that are expensive, unreliable and dirty.”

Across the country, electricity rates are increasing due to the energy demands of artificial intelligence and data centers. Phoenix is the third-largest data center market in the U.S. Experts and environmentalists allege the ACC has been unduly influenced by APS and its parent company, Pinnacle West, through substantial financial contributions to commission elections, and that the commission fails to adequately consider the impact of its decisions on residents. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has labeled the rate case “blatant corporate greed” and has intervened in the proceedings.

APS’s proposal includes establishing formula-based rates, which would allow the utility to increase charges annually without a full hearing process. Amanda Ormond, a former director of the Arizona Energy Office, explained that regulations exist to protect customers, as utilities are monopolies. APS spokesperson Ann Porter stated the utility understands the financial strain on customers and that current rates are based on costs from three to four years ago, with wood power poles alone costing 71 percent more than in 2021. APS offers assistance programs for customers struggling with bills.

A Community in Crisis

Electricity is becoming increasingly unaffordable, Ormond said, with potentially deadly consequences. Hundreds of people die each summer in Phoenix due to extreme heat, and the inability to afford air conditioning exacerbates this risk. Contributing factors include cuts to federal clean energy funding, the potential dismantling of Arizona’s renewable energy standards, and APS’s shift towards natural gas, including plans for a 400-mile pipeline from Texas and a new natural gas plant in Gila Bend.

The proposed infrastructure expansion is driven by the demands of data centers, with requests for new connections exceeding 19,000 megawatts, far surpassing the APS system’s current capacity of over 9,000 megawatts. APS has proposed a “growth pays for growth” plan, where large users would fund the second phase of the Gila Bend plant, but this requires approval. Winslow Mayor Roberta Cato testified that APS is unwilling to invest in infrastructure for her city unless businesses commit to locating there, creating a Catch-22 that hinders economic development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is APS proposing?

APS is asking the Arizona Corporation Commission to approve a 14 percent increase in customer rates, which would be its third increase in four years.

Why is energy demand increasing in Arizona?

Energy demand is increasing due to the growing number of data centers in the state and the utility’s commitment to power them with natural gas.

What is the Attorney General’s position on the rate increase?

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has called the rate case “blatant corporate greed” and has filed to intervene in the proceedings.

How will these proposed rate increases impact Arizona communities?

The Supreme Court heard arguments on January 21, 2026, in a case with significant implications for presidential power and the independence of the Federal Reserve. The case, brought by Lisa Cook, a member of the Fed’s Board of Governors, stems from her firing by President Donald Trump in August 2025. A lower court temporarily reinstated Cook to her role on September 9, 2025.

The Core of the Dispute

The dispute centers on the scope of presidential authority to remove members of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. The Federal Reserve Act states that board members are appointed to 14-year terms and can only be removed by the president for “cause.” However, the statute does not define what constitutes “cause,” leading to disagreement over the extent of the president’s power.

The Department of Justice investigated Cook, alleging false statements made on mortgage applications in 2021, allegations Cook has denied. The government argued that this provided sufficient cause for her removal. However, the lower court ruled Cook was entitled to “due process” – notice, an explanation of the evidence, and an opportunity to respond – before termination.

Why This Case Matters

This case is not a typical employment dispute. Unlike the vast majority of U.S. workers who are employed “at-will” and can be fired for any reason, Cook’s position is protected by the Federal Reserve Act. The Fed’s independence is crucial, as former Fed governors have argued, to ensure effective monetary policy and maintain the stability of the U.S. dollar in the global economy.

Justices, including Brett Kavanaugh, have previously expressed support for insulating the Federal Reserve Board from direct presidential oversight. The court’s focus during oral arguments appeared to be on the importance of maintaining the Fed’s independence from political interference.

What Could Happen Next

The Supreme Court could rule narrowly, simply allowing the lower court to proceed with a full determination of the facts in Cook’s case. This would be the most cautious approach, given justices’ concerns about the incomplete record. Alternatively, the court could offer guidance on the meaning of “cause” under the Federal Reserve Act. If it does, it may look to the historical context of the 1935 amendment to the Act, which reinstated the “for cause” provision after a series of Senate hearings on Fed independence.

If the court defines “cause” as requiring inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office – as suggested by legal scholars – it would likely strengthen the protections afforded to Fed governors. A ruling upholding the lower court’s decision on due process would also reinforce the requirement for a fair process before a Fed governor can be removed. However, even with a clear definition of “cause,” the court could still find that Cook’s actions met that standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Federal Reserve?

The Fed serves as the U.S. central bank and sets monetary policy, including a key interest rate that influences borrowing costs, as stated in the source.

What does “at-will” employment mean?

According to the source, the vast majority of U.S. workers are employed “at-will,” meaning they can be fired for any reason and without advance notice.

What is “due process”?

The source explains that “due process” requires some notice, an explanation of the evidence against someone, and an opportunity to respond before their termination.

As the Supreme Court deliberates, how might the outcome of this case reshape the balance of power between the executive branch and the Federal Reserve?