Free Republic

A central figure in one of the most iconic moments in American sports has died.Mark Pavelich, a member of the "Miracle on Ice" USA Hockey team, was found dead Thursday morning at a mental health treatment center, the Star Tribune reports. He was 63.USA Hockey confirmed Pavelich's death Friday.Pavelich is the second member of Miracle on Ice team to die, following the death of Bob Suter in 2014.The cause of Pavelich's death is not known, per the Star Tribune, though emergency dispatch audio reportedly disclosed that Pavelich had not been seen since 8 p.m. Wednesday, and responding personnel said he...

<p>Citing California's uncertain financial status, state lawmakers Wednesday shelved legislation proposing billions of dollars in bond measures for libraries, seismic safety, air and water quality, and other public projects.</p> <p>Assemblyman Darrell Steinberg, the Sacramento Democrat who chairs the Assembly Appropriations Committee, said the panel's action sends a strong message that legislators will not place new bond measures before voters during the state's budget crisis.</p>