Some Democratic California lawmakers want to make it easier for people to sue gun companies for liability in shootings that cause injuries or deaths, a move advocates said Tuesday is aimed at getting around a U.S. law that prevents such lawsuits and allows the industry to act recklessly. But...
Why Do So Many Vaccinated People Get COVID-19?
By LAURA UNGAR AP Science Writer Why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID-19 lately? A couple of factors are at play, starting with the emergence of the highly contagious omicron variant. Omicron is more likely to infect people, even if it doesn't make them very sick, and its surge coincided with...
Despite Big Rainstorms, California Imposes New Water Restrictions
Californians won’t be able to water their lawns for 48 hours after rainstorms or let their sprinklers run onto the sidewalk under mandatory water restrictions state regulators adopted Tuesday as a drought continues despite heavy December rain and snow. The rules could take effect as soon as the end...
‘Our Time Now’: 1st Cambodian American Mayor in US Sworn In
He came to the U.S. as a young refugee, having survived Khmer Rouge’s brutal rule. Now, Sokhary Chau is the nation’s first Cambodian American mayor. The 49-year-old city councilor in Lowell, Massachusetts, was unanimously picked by his colleagues to assume the body’s top post Monday, in the process also...
Gig Worker Bill Author Resigns to Lead Labor Federation
A powerful state lawmaker resigned from the California Legislature on Monday to become the next leader of the nation's largest federation of labor unions. Lorena Gonzalez said Monday she will resign on Wednesday to become the executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, an umbrella group made up of...
California Lawmaker Scraps Bill to Limit Intersex Surgeries
A California lawmaker is withdrawing a bill that would have banned some medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children until they are old enough to participate in the decision. State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, has tried for three years to ban some types of surgeries on...
Former Theranos CEO Holmes Guilty of Fraud and Conspiracy
Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes was convicted on four counts of fraud and conspiracy Monday, ending a lengthy trial that has captivated Silicon Valley. The jury found her not guilty of four other felony charges. On the three remaining charges, the jury was deadlocked. Holmes could now face up...
Officers Wound Man Who Allegedly Shot Delano K-9
McFARLAND — A 38-year-old man was shot and wounded by police in McFarland on New Year's Day after he allegedly shot a law enforcement dog, authorities said. Eduardo Figueroa is expected to survive his injuries, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office. He is being held on $620,000 bail....
CA Supreme Court Rejects Early Releases for Violent Offenders
SACRAMENTO — The California Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday that corrections officials need not consider earlier release for violent felons, even those whose primary offense is considered nonviolent under state law. The ruling stems from inmates' latest attempt to expand the application of an initiative championed by former Gov....
Capitol Rioters’ Tears, Remorse Don’t Spare Them From Jail
Florida business owner Robert Palmer cheered on the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 before he joined the fray. Screaming obscenities, he hurled a wooden plank and a fire extinguisher at police officers trying to ward off the mob. Nearly a year later, Palmer fought back tears when he...