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...
Fresno Police Arrest Suspect in Stabbing That Left Man Critically Injured
A man is in custody after a stabbing left another man critically injured in northeast Fresno earlier this week, police said. Officers responded to Saint Agnes Medical Center at 5:15 a.m. Monday after a victim arrived with multiple stab wounds. Investigators learned the victim had been asleep in a parked...
Madera County Authorities Seek Next of Kin for North Fork Man
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating the next of kin of a man who died last month. Tony Martin Wynne, 66, of North Fork, died on June 14. Despite ongoing efforts, authorities say they have not been able to identify or locate any...
Bitcoin Hits Fresh Record High
NEW YORK - Bitcoin rallied to a fresh all-time high on Thursday helped by rising demand from institutional investors as well as friendly policies of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The world's largest cryptocurrency rose to a fresh record high of $112,743.49. It was last up 1.7% at...
Froot Loops Maker WK Kellogg Agrees to $3.1 Billion Deal From Italy’s Ferrero
WK Kellogg on Thursday agreed to be bought by the owner of Ferrero Rocher in a deal worth around $3.1 billion, uniting two of the world's most recognizable consumer brands to weather a tough spending backdrop marked by persistent inflation. Deal making in the snacking space has picked up pace...
China Signals Willingness to Sell Fighter Jets as Iran Eyes J-10 Aircraft
China says it is open to selling its J-10 fighter jets to “friendly countries,” fueling speculation that Iran could soon upgrade its aging air defenses in response to recent Israeli airstrikes, Newsweek reported. Following reports that Iranian defense officials are in talks to purchase China’s J-10C multi-role fighters, Chinese defense...