Instagram launched a dedicated iPad application on Wednesday, placing its short-form video feature Reels at the center of the redesigned interface as parent company Meta intensifies competition with TikTok. The app addresses longstanding complaints about Instagram’s iPad experience, which previously required using a scaled-up iPhone version with blurry visuals and...
Epstein Victims Urge US Congress to Pass Bill Requiring Release of Documents
WASHINGTON — Victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein demanded on Wednesday that the U.S. Congress pass legislation forcing the release of all unclassified records related to the disgraced financier held by President Donald Trump's administration. "This is about ending secrecy wherever abuse of power takes root," said Anouska De...
California, Oregon and Washington Form Health Alliance Amid Federal Vaccine Tensions
U.S. states of California, Oregon and Washington said on Wednesday they have launched a new health alliance to provide unified vaccine recommendations amid growing tensions over federal immunization policies and public health directives. Under the West Coast Health Alliance, the states said they will make joint recommendations on who should receive...
Garnet Fire in Fresno County Grows to Nearly 30,000 Acres in Sierra National Forest
A lightning-sparked wildfire in the Sierra National Forest has burned nearly 30,000 acres and remains just 12% contained, officials said Wednesday morning. The Garnet Fire, which started Aug. 24, has scorched 29,718 acres in Fresno County, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service. About 1,851 personnel are assigned...
Trump Says May Send US Troops to New Orleans, Louisiana to Fight Crime
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he may send federal troops to Louisiana to combat crime, following its actions in Washington. Trump, speaking to reporters at the start of a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, said his administration was determining now whether to send troops to Chicago or to...
California Authorities Report Fewer Fatal Crashes Despite Rise in DUI Arrests
California Highway Patrol officers reported a significant decline in fatal crashes over the Labor Day weekend, citing a nearly 50% drop compared to the same period last year. From Friday to Monday, CHP officers made 45,829 enforcement contacts across the state, issuing 34,331 citations, including 19,798 for speeding. DUI arrests...
Hegseth Says Boat Strike Is Start of Campaign Against Venezuelan Cartels
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned in an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday that a deadly U.S. military strike on a boat officials said was carrying drugs in the Caribbean was the start of a campaign against Venezuelan cartels that President Donald Trump has blamed for bringing fentanyl into...
Hot Mic Picks up Putin and Xi Discussing Organ Transplants and Immortality
BEIJING — When Russian President Vladimir Putin walked shoulder to shoulder with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, a hot mic caught them discussing organ transplants and the possibility that humans could live to 150 years old. The moment came as Putin and Xi walked with North Korea's Kim Jong...
Far-Right Israeli Minister Calls for West Bank to be Annexed
JERUSALEM — The far-right Israeli finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, called Wednesday for the country to annex most of the occupied West Bank, where around 3 million Palestinians live, a move that would deepen Israel’s mounting international isolation. Smotrich’s announcement came after a growing numbers of countries, including long-standing Israeli allies...
Fresno County Wildfire Near Coalinga Grows to 5,000 Acres, Prompts Evacuation Order
See the update on the Salt 14-2 Fire here. Original Story A wildfire burning in Fresno County has grown to 5,000 acres and forced evacuations as crews battle steep terrain and strong winds, authorities said. The Salt 14-2 Fire, which started Tuesday along Jacalitos Creek Road near Coalinga, was 5%...