HOUSTON - Oil prices fell more than 2% on Thursday, as investors weighed the potential impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on global economic growth. Brent crude futures settled at $68.64 a barrel, down $1.55, or 2.21%. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude finished at $66.57 a barrel, down by $1.81,...
Higher Premiums and Lost Coverage: How Trump’s Budget Will Change Health Care in California
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. The new federal budget signed into law by President Donald Trump is expected to raise some health care insurance premiums and force millions off coverage, reverberating the most in lower-income families and communities that are already struggling. Trump’s...
Fresno County Fire Destroys Structures, Contained at 20 Acres
A fast-moving vegetation fire burned through 20 acres and destroyed multiple structures north of Reedley on Wednesday afternoon, according to CalFire. Crews responded just before 2:30 p.m. to the area of Jefferson Avenue between Columbia and Buttonwillow avenues. The first engine on scene reported 2 to 3 acres burning with...
State Department Says Reorganization Plan Moving to Implementation
WASHINGTON -A plan to reorganize and streamline the U.S. State Department is moving into the implementation phase following a Supreme Court decision and will be carried out quickly, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Thursday. "When something is too large to operate, too bureaucratic, to actually function, and...
Fresno Suspect Caught After Jumping Out of Second-Floor Window, 2 Others Arrested
Three people were arrested after a standoff and search at a northeast Fresno apartment led to the discovery of firearms, ammunition, and gang-related materials, the Fresno Police Department reported. Officers responded around El Paso and Angus avenues on Tuesday morning following reports of a group of armed individuals arguing outside...
Tesla Has Applied to Arizona for Robotaxi Service Certification, State Transport Department Says
Tesla reached out to Arizona late last month to start a certification process for an autonomous vehicle ride-sharing service, and a decision is expected by the end of this month, the state's transportation department said on Thursday. "They have expressed interest in operating within the Phoenix Metro area," Arizona's Department...
Evacuations Ongoing as San Luis Obispo’s Madre Fire Scorches Tens of Thousands of Acres
A massive wildfire burning along Highway 166 near New Cuyama has scorched more than 80,000 acres and is about two-thirds contained, CalFire reported Thursday morning. The Madre Fire, which began on July 2, has burned 80,786 acres and is 67% contained. The cause remains under investigation. The blaze, burning in...
US Senate to Vote on Trump Aid, Broadcasting Cuts as Deadline Looms
WASHINGTON - The Republican-led U.S. Senate is due to vote next week on President Donald Trump's request to slash $9.4 billion in spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting, setting up a showdown with Democrats that could complicate annual budget talks. Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the chamber's Republican...
Kyiv Received Political Signals for US Aid Resumption, Zelenskiy Says
KYIV - Ukraine has received all necessary political signals for U.S. military aid to resume, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday after what he described as constructive talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskiy told a news conference in Rome that Ukraine had a timetable and details of upcoming weapons...
US Health Department Widens Immigrant Benefit Restrictions
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is widening its interpretation of a law banning most immigrants living in the United States from receiving federal public benefits to include 13 new categories of programs including Head Start preschool programs for low-income children. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said on...