SYDNEY — The Australian state of New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, passed new laws Wednesday that further restrict gun ownership and empower police to shut down protests, in response to last week’s terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration. The state legislation comes just 10 days after...
Fresno Underpass Closed Due to Flooding
The Wishon Avenue underpass south of Shields Avenue is closed due to flooding, the city of Fresno reported Wednesday. Officials warned drivers to seek alternate routes as the closure may last for the duration of the storm. — Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
Fresno, Slow Down and Breathe This Holiday Season
If you thought the holidays were about joy and togetherness, Fresno is here to remind you otherwise. The traffic alone is a master class in human impatience. Costco, Walmart, Target (pick your poison) are packed with last-minute shoppers scrambling for gifts or snacks for holiday parties. Add in nearly an...
Fresno Highway Connector Closed Due to Flooding
The northbound Highway 41 connector ramp to eastbound Highway 180 is closed due to flooding, Caltrans reported Wednesday. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes. Officials expect the ramp to reopen by 12:30 p.m. — Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
Steam Down for Thousands of Users, Downdetector Reports
Steam experienced a possible outage Wednesday, with thousands of users reporting issues, according to Downdetector.com. More than 7,000 users had reported problems with the platform as of 10:40 a.m. PT, according to Downdetector, which tracks outages by collecting status reports from multiple sources. Most users reporting issues say they’re experiencing...
$1.7 Billion Powerball Jackpot Offers a Chance at a Festive Fortune
The U.S. Powerball jackpot has climbed to $1.7 billion ahead of Wednesday night's drawing, putting one of the biggest lottery prizes in American history within reach — just in time for Christmas. The jackpot swelled after Monday's drawing produced no winners, allowing the payout to climb. The next drawing was...
Oil Steady on US Data, Geopolitical Tension
Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday, as investors weighed U.S. economic growth and assessed the risk of supply disruptions from Venezuela and Russia, though prices were on course for their steepest annual decline since 2020. Brent crude futures were down 23 cents, or 0.4%, at $62.15 a barrel at 11:40...
Trump’s Seizures of Oil Tankers Challenge Maritime Rules and Customs
President Donald Trump’s recent actions against tankers near Venezuela, the dramatic seizure of a vessel called Skipper and the detention of another called Centuries, appear to bend international maritime laws and customs, legal experts say. Countries have authority to seize vessels in their territorial waters. But policing international waters can...
Heavy Rain Sparks Semi Crash in Merced County
Heavy rain led to slick roads and reduced visibility in Delhi, contributing to a traffic collision involving a big rig, the California Highway Patrol reported Wednesday. The CHP said the truck’s trailer lost control after the driver braked for slowed traffic. The agency highlighted the dangers of wet conditions and...
Fresno County Authorities Ask Public for Help in Murder Investigation
Detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating the 2023 murder of Cassandra Munoz, 33. Deputies found Munoz deceased with injuries consistent with homicide on the morning of Dec. 24, 2023, near Adams and Highland avenues, east of Fowler. Got a Tip? No arrests have been made, and...