WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court began hearing arguments on Tuesday in a challenge on free speech grounds to a Colorado law banning psychotherapists from conducting "conversion therapy" that aims to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. The dispute pits Colorado's authority to forbid a healthcare practice it...
Reactions to Two-Year Anniversary of Hamas Attack on Israel
Tuesday marked the two-year anniversary of Palestinian militant group Hamas' attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. Following are reactions from around the world: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: "Two years ago today, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched an abhorrent large-scale terror attack...
Trump’s Threat to Invoke Insurrection Act Escalates Showdown With Democratic Cities
Donald Trump's threat to invoke a federal anti-insurrection law to expand his deployment of military personnel to U.S. cities has intensified the legal battle between the president and Democratic-led cities, as hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas on Tuesday prepared to patrol the streets of Chicago. Trump told reporters on...
Pentagon’s Hegseth OKs US Navy Next-Generation Fighter, Sources Say
WASHINGTON — After months of delay, the Pentagon will select as soon as this week the defense company to design and build the Navy's next stealth fighter, a U.S. official and two people familiar with the decision said, it will be a multibillion-dollar effort for a jet seen as central...
Merced Police Searching for at-Risk Missing Modesto Woman
Police are searching for a Modesto woman reported missing after she was last believed to have traveled to Merced by public transportation on Monday. According to the Merced Police Department, 32-year-old Sydni Sherrill’s family reported her missing on Monday and expressed concern for her well-being. Investigators believe Sherrill arrived in...
Bondi Says DOJ Ending ‘Weaponization of Justice’ as It Pursues Trump Critics
WASHINGTON — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi told a Senate panel on Tuesday that the Justice Department was ending the "weaponization of justice" even as several political adversaries of President Donald Trump face federal investigations and prosecutions. Bondi, appearing before the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee, said the department under Trump...
Gaza Talks Turn to Key Sticking Points Between Israel, Hamas
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — Delegations from Israel and Hamas held their first day of indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday on U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to halt the war in Gaza, wrestling with contentious issues such as demands that Israel withdraw and Hamas disarm. Israel and Hamas have both...
Authorities Still Searching for Missing Coalinga Woman Last Seen in San Luis Obispo County
Authorities are asking the public for help locating a 50-year-old woman from Coalinga who has been reported missing under suspicious circumstances, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office posted on social media. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Isabel Lucas Velasco’s disappearance on Sept. 13, authorities said. Velasco, described...
Trump Bailout for Trade-Hit US Farmers Expected This Week
The Trump administration is expected to announce a plan as soon as Tuesday to bail out U.S. farmers stung by trade disputes and big harvests, with the initial outlay potentially totaling up to $15 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. The plan, however, could be difficult to roll...
Fresno Motorcycle Stop Uncovers Warrant and Hidden Loaded Gun
A routine traffic stop for speeding on a motorcycle in Fresno uncovered more than officers expected, authorities said Monday. California Highway Patrol officers said the rider had an outstanding warrant out of Lancaster for auto theft. During the stop, officers also found a loaded, concealed, and unregistered firearm hidden in...