WASHINGTON — U.S. construction spending unexpectedly rebounded in August, likely lifted by home renovations as higher mortgage rates continued to weigh on single-family homebuilding. The Commerce Department's Census Bureau said on Monday that construction spending increased 0.2% after an upwardly revised 0.2% gain in July. Economists polled by Reuters had...
Some National Guard Troops Being Withdrawn From Chicago and Portland, Officials Say
The Pentagon is withdrawing some National Guard troops from Chicago and Portland, weeks after President Donald Trump deployed them to combat what he described as increased crime, two U.S. defense officials familiar with the decision said on Sunday. One of the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said 200 California...
US House Speaker Says ‘Nothing to Hide’ in Epstein Files
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday he believed the approaching vote on releasing Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein should help put to rest allegations that President Donald Trump had any connection to the late sex offender's abuse and trafficking of underage girls. "They're doing...
Newsom’s Gas Price Crusade Morphs Into Bid to Keep Refiners Open
This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Earlier this week, I pulled my 24-year-old SUV into a Sacramento gas station for its weekly — more or less— fill-up. It was 14.5 gallons at $4.05, plus the ever-mysterious 9/10 of a cent, per gallon. I could...
Fresno State’s Punishing Defense Rains Down on Wyoming in Win
It was a defensive slog in a cold November rain for Fresno State and Wyoming. To the delight of the rain-soaked Red Wave, the Bulldogs held Wyoming to 184 yards (77 passing), in a 24-3 football win Saturday night at Valley Children's Stadium in front of an announced 35,076 fans....
Was Rep. Adam Gray’s Vote to End Shutdown a Show of Courage or Betrayal?
Rep. Adam Gray suddenly became one of Congress’ most-watched members Wednesday when he broke ranks with House Democrats by siding with Republicans to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Joining only five other House Democrats in the landmark vote, Gray now faces the ire of some in his...
RFK Jr. Discussed Scaling Back the Role of FDA Chief Makary, WSJ Reports
Trump administration officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have discussed scaling back the role of Marty Makary, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. Kennedy considered appointing a leader to run the agency’s daily...
Clovis Prepares Backup Funding Plan After SNAP Scare
Although the federal government has reopened, the city of Clovis never wants a repeat of the SNAP snafu. During the shutdown, food benefits were in jeopardy. It took a ruling by federal judges for the Trump administration to continue funding the program used by millions. The Clovis City Council wants...
‘Big Tell’ Will Showcase Local Filmmakers’ Short Docs at Tower Theatre
The Big Tell Showcase, now in its ninth year, will be featuring short documentaries produced by local filmmakers next Wednesday at the Tower Theatre in Fresno. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the films start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free and available at TheBigTell.org. The Big Tell is...
Fresno County Authorities Investigate Fatal Shooting in Auberry
Fresno County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a fatal shooting after a person was found dead along a rural roadway Friday afternoon. Dispatchers received a report around 11:30 a.m. of someone suffering from a gunshot wound, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies searched the area, and at about 12:20 p.m.,...