PHOENIX — Arizona was already expected to be one of the most closely contested states in November's U.S. presidential election. But a ruling this week instituting a near-total abortion ban supercharged the state's role, transforming it into perhaps the nation's most critical battleground. This Sunbelt state with a fierce independent...
Convicted Killer of College Student Kristin Smart Attacked at California Prison for Second Time
COALINGA — Paul Flores, the convicted killer of college student Kristin Smart, was stabbed Wednesday at a California prison, the second time he has been attacked by a fellow inmate in the past year, officials said. Staff witnessed the stabbing shortly before 3:30 p.m. in the recreation yard at Pleasant...
House Advances Reauthorization of US Spy Program as GOP Upheaval Threatens Final Passage
WASHINGTON — House Republicans on Friday advanced a bill that would reauthorize a crucial national security surveillance program, a second attempt just days after a conservative revolt prevented similar legislation from reaching the floor. Speaker Mike Johnson brought forward a Plan B that, if passed, would reform and extend a...
While California Politicians Skirmish Over Housing, the Shortage Keeps Growing
The current session of the California Legislature, like all recent sessions, has featured the state’s perpetual conflict over its acute shortage of housing. Gov. Gavin Newsom and most legislators are striving to eliminate perceived constraints on construction of new housing – particularly laws and zoning policies in cities – while...
Tennessee Lawmakers Send Bill to Ban First-Cousin Marriages to Governor
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Republican-led Tennessee Legislature has overwhelmingly voted to send GOP Gov. Bill Lee a proposal that would ban marriage between first cousins. The House cast a 75-2 vote Thursday on the bill after the Senate previously approved it without any opposition. Opposition to the Bill But a...
Instagram Blurs Nude Messages to Protect Teens, Fight Sexual Extortion
LONDON — Instagram says it's deploying new tools to protect young people and combat sexual extortion, including a feature that will automatically blur nudity in direct messages. The social media platform said in a blog post Thursday that it's testing out the features as part of its campaign to fight...
Ohtani’s Ex-Interpreter Charged With Stealing $16M in Betting Case
LOS ANGELES — Federal authorities charged the former longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday with federal bank fraud, alleging that he stole more than $16 million from the Japanese sensation to cover gambling debts. Ippei Mizuhara served as Ohtani’s interpreter after Ohtani came to the...
Fresno Monopoly is Coming. You Have a Chance to Make It Your Own.
The makers of the classic board game Monopoly are releasing an official Fresno edition. And, they want a Community Chest of suggestions for local versions of Boardwalk and the other 39 squares. Flanked by the best-known mascots in town and Rich Uncle Pennybags, Mayor — i.e. the elected chairman of...
US Measles Cases Are up in 2024. What’s Driving the Increase?
Measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad are raising health experts' concern about the preventable, once-common childhood virus. One of the world's most contagious diseases, measles can lead to potentially serious complications. The best defense, according to experts? Get vaccinated. Here's what to know about the year — so far...
Harvard Again Requiring Standardized Test Scores for Those Seeking Admission
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard University announced Thursday that it is reinstituting standardized tests as a requirement for admission beginning with the class of 2029, joining other colleges that are again mandating tests for those hoping to enter the schools. In June 2020, Harvard began a temporary test-optional policy under which...