This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. No one wants to see health insurance premiums rise. Individuals, small businesses and large employers are already under inflationary pressures. But it will be far worse if health insurance companies fail to help address rising costs facing healthcare...
Poetry, Trivia, and Other Pick-Me-Ups: 7 Podcasts to Boost Your Spirits
There are many reasons to feel overwhelmed right now, and a steady diet of news podcasts may be exacerbating that mental state. If you need a break, these seven podcasts offer different kinds of pick-me-ups — including poetry interludes, comedic discussions of obscure trivia, and science-based tips on how to...
Israeli Military Kills Three Palestinian Men in Gaza, Health Officials Say
The Israeli military killed three Palestinian men in Gaza on Saturday in two separate air strikes, local health officials and medics said, the latest round of deadly violence despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that is now more than five months old. Palestinian health officials said one man was killed in an...
Rallies Planned in Thousands of US Cities for ‘No Kings’ Protest Against Trump
Thousands of rallies are expected across the United States on Saturday in the latest "No Kings" protest against the policies of President Donald Trump and his administration. Organizers say that more than 3,200 events are planned in all 50 states for what they hope will be the largest single-day nonviolent...
Thieves Steal 12 Tons of KitKat Chocolate Bars in Europe
Twelve tons of KitKat chocolate bars went missing in Europe last week after thieves made off with the truck transporting them, Swiss food giant Nestle said on Saturday. KitKat, which is made by Nestle, said the truck carrying 413,793 bars of its new range set off from central Italy to...
At CPAC, a Generational Divide Over Republican Support for Israel
When former Congressman Matt Gaetz opened his speech by aligning with a Republican faction "loyal to only one nation," his message to the Conservative Political Action Conference was clear: It was a veiled swipe at perceived Israeli influence over U.S. politicians, even without naming Israel outright. A month into the...
A New Homelessness Strategy Is Sweeping California
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Maybe the way out of California’s homelessness crisis is to prevent it in the first place, rather than focusing only on people who have already lost their housing. That’s the thinking behind a program in Santa Clara County...
Bank of America Agrees to Pay $72.5 Million to Settle Epstein Accusers’ Lawsuit
Bank of America agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a civil lawsuit brought by women who accused the bank of facilitating their sexual abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, court records showed on Friday. Lawyers for the bank and the women had told Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff this month...
Fresno Could Usher in April With Sprinkles and Light Sierra Snow
After what shapes up as a postcard-perfect weekend with sunny skies and highs in the upper 80s, Fresno might see the return of rain. The National Weather Service in Hanford is predicting a 20%-to-30% chance of light rain Tuesday through Thursday for Fresno. In addition, NWS said in its Friday...
Secret Service Agent Assigned to Jill Biden Shoots Self in Leg
A U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to former First Lady Jill Biden accidentally shot himself in the leg early on Friday near Philadelphia International Airport, according to a source familiar with the incident. In a statement that did not mention Biden, the Secret Service said the incident occurred just after...