The New York Times is publishing seven confidential memos that were exchanged among the justices of the Supreme Court over five days in the winter of 2016. They tell a pivotal story. The memos show how the justices stumbled into a new way of conducting their work in major cases...
Oil Surges, Stocks Ease From Record Highs on Tenuous US-Iran Ceasefire
Wall Street eased from record highs on Monday and oil prices spiked as increasing tensions over the crucial Strait of Hormuz gave rise to concerns that the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire might not hold. All three major U.S. stock indexes were modestly lower in early trading, putting the Nasdaq on course...
Seized Iranian Ship Likely Carrying Equipment Deemed Dual-Use by US, Sources Say
The Iranian-flagged container ship Touska, which was boarded and seized by U.S. forces on Sunday, is likely to have what Washington deems dual-use items that could be used by the military onboard, maritime security sources said on Monday. The small container ship, which is part of the Islamic Republic of...
Haunted by ‘Dark Thoughts,’ Louisiana Father Kills 8 Children
Eight children were killed and two other people were gravely wounded in a shooting spree that spanned at least three locations in Shreveport, Louisiana, and ended with the gunman shot dead after a police chase Sunday morning, authorities said. The gunman, Shamar Elkins, 31, had mental health problems and had...
Fresno County Tumey Fire Reaches 85% Containment After Overnight Progress
A wildfire burning in Fresno County has grown to 1,200 acres and is 85% contained as of early Monday, according to CalFire. The blaze, named the Tumey Fire, started Sunday along Panoche Road and remains active. The cause is under investigation. Crews made significant progress overnight, increasing containment to 85%...
FBI Director Kash Patel Sues the Atlantic Claiming False Reporting About Drinking, Absences
FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick following the publication of an article on Friday alleging the director had a drinking problem that could pose a threat to national security. The magazine's story, initially titled “Kash Patel's Erratic Behavior Could Cost...
Madera Police Arrest Man on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop
A man was arrested on multiple drug-related charges following a traffic stop conducted during a night patrol, the Madera Police Department said late Sunday. Police said an officer initiated the stop near North D Street and East Central Avenue, where he contacted Pablo Pimentel. During the investigation, officers found Pimentel...
Iran Sends Mixed Signals on Talks After US Seizes Ship
Iran on Monday sharpened its threats to retaliate for the United States’ seizure of an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, adding to pressure on the fragile ceasefire set to expire this week. Iranian officials have sent mixed messages about potential peace talks with the United States. President...
EU to Widen Iran Sanctions to Those Who Block Hormuz
The European Union will expand the criteria of its Iran sanctions to include those responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely shut for nearly two months upending global energy and commodities markets, two EU diplomats said. Tehran effectively closed the strait after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran...
Israeli Soldier’s Desecration of Crucifix in South Lebanon Draws Condemnation
A photo showing the desecration of a crucifix smashed by an Israeli soldier in a southern Lebanese village home to Christians drew widespread condemnation on Monday from Israeli leaders, the United States and church leaders. A photo that emerged online over the weekend shows a soldier taking the blunt side...