The homebuying world is still trying to figure out how the market will work after Aug. 17. That day, the settlement between the National Association of Realtors and the U.S. Department of Justice will come into effect, changing how homebuyers' agents get paid. That change has Realtors and brokerages scrambling...
AI May Save Us, or May Construct Viruses to Kill Us
Opinion by Nicholas Kristof on July 27, 2024. Here’s a bargain of the most horrifying kind: For less than $100,000, it may now be possible to use artificial intelligence to develop a virus that could kill millions of people. That’s the conclusion of Jason Matheny, president of the Rand Corp.,...
Displaced by Park Fire, Some Wonder if They’ll Have a Home to Return to
CHICO, Calif. — Paul Mozzino was working an afternoon shift at a Trader Joe’s grocery store in Chico, California, last week when he heard a chorus of phones pinging simultaneously with alerts about a nearby wildfire. “Oh God, not again,” Mozzino, who had evacuated from a fire before, recalled thinking...
Republicans and Democrats Name Members of Trump Assassination Inquiry
WASHINGTON — House leaders on Monday appointed 13 lawmakers to serve on a newly formed bipartisan congressional task force to investigate the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, choosing mostly members with significant military or law enforcement experience. Rep. Mike Kelly Names Panel Chair Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., who...
Electric Cars Help the Climate. But Are They Good Value?
Electric vehicles cost more to buy than gasoline cars, and they may lose value more quickly. Even for people eager to own a car with no tailpipe emissions, it’s reasonable to wonder whether it makes sense to buy one now. The answer may well be yes, but there are a...
Can’t Find a Doctor? California Bill Would Punish Insurers for Giving Customers Outdated Info
Over the years, licensed therapist Sarah Soroken has heard from her patients again and again about what a miserable experience it can be to find a mental health provider who actually takes their insurance. But one patient stands out. Soroken said she was working at Kaiser's Vallejo Medical Center in...
Toyota Tacoma’s New Safety Features: A Crash Course in Crash-Avoidance
Rear-ending a car or dodging a jaywalking pedestrian can turn your morning commute into a disaster movie. That’s why Toyota is rolling out the big guns with the 2024 Tacoma and the new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). We're talking crash-avoidance tech that's sharper than a samurai sword and...
Russia Is Relying on Unwitting Americans to Spread Election Disinformation, US Officials Say
WASHINGTON — The Kremlin is turning to unwitting Americans and commercial public relations firms in Russia to spread disinformation about the U.S. presidential race, top intelligence officials said Monday, detailing the latest efforts by America's adversaries to shape public opinion ahead of the 2024 election. Russia Poses Greatest Threat in...
Fresno Extends Free Movie Tickets Offer for Seniors to Beat the Heat
The city of Fresno has added two more weeks of free movies for senior citizens to beat the heat and enjoy classic movies. The cool-down films will be shown at the Regal Clovis 8, 2301 Villa Ave. in Clovis. For the July 29-Aug. 4 schedule and movies, click here. They're...
Israeli Military Detains 9 Soldiers Over Alleged Abuse of a Detainee at a Shadowy Military Facility
SDE TEIMAN BASE, Israel — The Israeli military said Monday it was holding nine soldiers for questioning following allegations of "substantial abuse" of a detainee at a shadowy facility where Israel has held Palestinian prisoners throughout the war in Gaza. The military did not disclose additional details surrounding the alleged...