WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate's top Democrat on Monday asked a government watchdog to investigate whether cuts at the National Weather Service affected the forecasting agency's response to catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer asked the Department of Commerce's acting inspector general Monday to probe whether...
Israeli Guilt Over Gaza Lurks Beneath Silence and Denial
In a Haaretz opinion piece, Ofri Ilany explores the psychological toll of Israel's war in Gaza, describing a personal encounter with a friend that devolved into argument — rooted, Ilany believes, in suppressed collective guilt over the ongoing destruction in Gaza. Though not discussed directly, he argues, that guilt manifests...
Trump Criticized for Using Antisemitic ‘Shylock’ to Describe Bankers
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump drew criticism for using the antisemitic term "Shylock" to describe some bankers during remarks on his signature tax-cut and spending legislation that just passed Congress. "Think of that: No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases,...
Iran President Says Open to Dialogue With US, Accuses Israel of Assassination Attempt
WASHINGTON - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he believes Iran can resolve its differences with the United States through dialogue, but trust would be an issue after U.S. and Israeli attacks on his country, according to an interview released on Monday. "I am of the belief that we could very...
Shy but Sweet Field Survivor, Poppy the Pup, Now Up for Adoption
After surviving alone in a field for months, a clever little dog named Poppy is now looking for a place to call home. Believed to be a chihuahua-terrier mix, Poppy is about 2 to 3 years old and weighs roughly 20 pounds. Rescuers say the small dog had been living...
Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Douglas Wayne Brittain
July 7, 2025 Most Wanted Person of the Day Suspect Name: Douglas Wayne Brittain Suspects Date of Birth: May 2, 1974 Physical Description: White male, 5'9", 200 lbs., Brown Hair, Brown Eyes. Charges: Revocation of post release community supervision Warrant Number: R16900013-1B Synopsis of the Case: Douglas Wayne Brittain is...
Tesla Slides as Musk’s ‘America Party’ Heightens Investor Worries
Tesla shares fell nearly 8% on Monday after CEO Elon Musk's plans to launch a new U.S. political party reignited concerns about his commitment to the company's future as it struggles with declining sales. Musk unveiled the 'America Party' over the weekend after a public dispute with President Donald Trump...
US-Backed 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire Envisages Gradual Return of Hostages, Official Says
The U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the conflict, an official familiar with the negotiations has said. The plan is subject to approval by both parties involved in the...
Trump to Terminate Deportation Protection for Thousands of Hondurans and Nicaraguans in US
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will terminate deportation protections for thousands of Hondurans and Nicaraguans in the U.S., according to U.S. government notices posted on Monday, part of a broad effort by President Donald Trump to strip legal status from migrants. The terminations, effective September 6, would...
One Killed, Dozens Wounded in Russian Strikes on Kharkiv in Ukraine
KHARKIV, Ukraine - At least one person was killed and 71 wounded in Russian drone attacks on the northeast Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, officials said on Monday, and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for more support from Kyiv's allies. One person was also killed in a drone attack on the southern...