WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has approved $30 million in funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the State Department said on Thursday, calling on other countries to also support the controversial group delivering aid in war-torn Gaza. "This support is simply the latest iteration of President Trump's and Secretary...
Wonderdog Still Barking: Justin Wilson Thrives With Boston Red Sox
Of the several Wonderdogs who made it to The Show, only Justin Wilson remains. Wilson, one of the star pitchers for Fresno State's 2008 College World Series championship team, is in his 13th Major League Baseball season. He is pitching this year for Boston. He attributes his lengthy career —...
Anna Wintour to Step Down From Vogue Editor-in-Chief Role, Media Reports Say
Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour on Thursday told employees that she will be seeking a new head of editorial content at American Vogue, according to several media reports. Wintour has begun the search for a new head of editorial content to oversee daily operations at the American edition of Vogue, one...
Feds Charge Bullard High Teacher With Child Porn, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
A federal grand jury Thursday charged a former Bullard High photography teacher with sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child sexual abuse images, and sending obscene material to a minor. Between November 2024 and February 2025, 37-year-old Ray Waller allegedly exchanged obscene images with a minor over phone, according...
New Data Clarifies a Lingering Question on 2024 Turnout
In the wake of November’s election, many Democrats blamed low turnout for Kamala Harris’ defeat. It wasn’t entirely without reason, as turnout dropped in Democratic areas, but many months later it is clear the blame was misplaced. Newly available data, based on authoritative voter turnout records, suggests that if anything,...
US Announces New Fentanyl-Related Visa Restriction Policy
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday announced a new visa restriction policy aimed at stopping the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. "Imposing visa restrictions on drug traffickers, their family members, and close personal and business associates will not only prevent them from entering...
Trump Administration Has ‘No Imminent Plans’ to Refill Nation’s Emergency Oil Reserve
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration has no imminent plans for refilling the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday. The emergency oil reserve is currently at its lowest levels since the 1980s after President Joe Biden tapped the stockpile to help lower prices amid market...
Why Is Usually Sleepy Fresno County Schools Superintendent Race Suddenly Hot?
What's typically a low-key race for Fresno County Superintendent of Schools is gearing up to be a high-profile election in 2026 as the incumbent, Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher, faces a challenger with substantial name recognition. Cantwell-Copher's opponent is Dr. Eimear O'Brien, the former Clovis Unified superintendent who reportedly is already drawing...
Tulare County Authorities Seek Leads After Armed Robbery in Earlimart
Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Wednesday night at a gas station in Earlimart. Just before 9:30 p.m., deputies responded to the Speedway Gas Station in the 200 block of East Sierra Avenue, where two armed suspects reportedly entered the store. Authorities...
US Justice Department to Probe Hiring Practices at University of California
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Justice Department will investigate hiring practices at the University of California system to examine whether its efforts to boost faculty diversity run afoul of anti-discrimination laws, the department said in a statement on Thursday. The probe is the latest move against colleges and universities by President...