DAMASCUS/JERUSALEM - Powerful airstrikes shook Damascus on Wednesday, targeting the defense ministry as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze communities in southern Syria and demanded they withdraw. Reuters reporters heard warplanes swoop low over the capital and unleash a series of massive strikes on central Damascus. The cityscape was blanketed...
Open Mic Contest Offers Fans a Chance to Perform at Outside Lands 2025
For the first time in its 17-year history, Outside Lands is inviting fans to take the stage. The 2025 edition of the iconic Golden Gate Park music festival, running Aug. 8–10, will feature an open mic contest hosted by Bay Area group Rainbow Girls. Winners will get the chance to...
So Your Doctor Is a DO. Does That Matter?
By most measures, osteopathic medicine is a profession in its prime. The number of doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, has grown 70% in the past decade and is expected to continue expanding. More than a quarter of all medical students in the United States are training to become DOs,...
Fresno Man Found Dead After Hike Near Courtright Reservoir
A 68-year-old Fresno man was found dead Monday morning after becoming separated from his hiking group near Courtright Reservoir, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Robert Gretsch was reported missing just before 9 p.m. Sunday. Authorities were told that he was an experienced hiker equipped with the necessary supplies...
Former US Army Soldier Pleads Guilty in Phone Company Hacking, Extortion Case
A former U.S. Army soldier pleaded guilty on Tuesday to hacking telecommunications companies' databases, stealing records, and demanding ransoms for the stolen data, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Cameron John Wagenius, 21, defrauded at least 10 organizations by obtaining login credentials for their private computer networks, stealing data, and...
Fresno City Attorney Briefly Ineligible to Practice Law, Cites State Bar Error
The California State Bar said Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz was ineligible to practice law for a two-week period this month. Janz said it was an error. Either way, as of Monday, Janz was back in full standing as an attorney. “I’m glad the issue was resolved quickly and confirmed...
Grass Fire East of Sanger Contained at 21 Acres, CalFire Says
A grass fire that sparked Tuesday afternoon east of Sanger was contained at 21 acres, according to CalFire. Crews responded just before 12:30 p.m. to reports of a vegetation fire burning along Piedra Road between Frankwood Avenue and Wilderness Drive. When they arrived, the blaze had consumed 2 to 3...
Age Is Just a Number: 80-Year-Old Conquers Death Valley to Mt. Whitney Ultramarathon
When runner Bob Becker, at 77 years old, attempted to complete the "world's toughest foot race" out of Death Valley for the fourth time in his life, his time didn't meet the 48-hour requirement. Footage from Outside Magazine in 2022 showed the Florida man bear crawling across the finish line....
What to Know About the Epstein Files, a Perfect Recipe for Conspiracy Theories
WASHINGTON — The assertion by Elon Musk last month that Donald Trump was named in the FBI files concerning disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein signaled a loud, public crack in the president’s support system. That crack has become a chasm in recent days after the administration suddenly reversed course on its...
US Military to Remove 2,000 National Guard Troops From Los Angeles
WASHINGTON - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the removal of half of the 4,000 National Guard troops who had been sent to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel during a spate of protests last month, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the...