The Israeli military said Tuesday that it had killed one of Iran’s highest-ranking leaders, Ali Larijani, in an overnight airstrike near Tehran, dealing another severe blow to a power structure already decimated by three weeks of U.S.-Israeli strikes. The killing of Larijani — who became Iran’s de facto leader after...
First Amendment Advocates Oppose Fresno Council’s Facial Recognition Idea
First Amendment groups say that a proposed Fresno City Council resolution to explore keeping sex offenders from attending City Hall meetings in person using facial recognition technology would, if implemented, violate California law. David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, said that while he understands the councilmembers' concerns,...
Some Kings County Farmers Call ‘BS’ on State Proposal to Let Small Pumpers Off Hook
A proposal for the state Water Resources Control Board to exclude “small pumpers” in the Tule and Tulare Lake subbasins from the groundwater reporting and fee requirements required under probation, elicited strong reactions from some Kings County farmers. “It’s just a divide and conquer BS strategy, that’s all they’re trying to...
Los Angeles Chef’s Fall Sends Shockwaves Through Restaurant Industry
One morning last week, the staff of pop-up restaurant Noma Los Angeles gathered just before opening for a meeting with the chef, René Redzepi. Redzepi was there, teary-eyed, to announce that after 20 years at the peak of the world’s culinary scene, he was stepping down from Noma — the...
Judge Leans Toward Trial In Fresno’s Bid To Evict Granite Park Operator
A Fresno County Superior Court judge appears to be leaning toward a trial in the city of Fresno's effort to evict a nonprofit from operating the Granite Park Sports Complex. The city is seeking to remove the nonprofit Central Valley Community Sports Foundation over failing to pay rent and violating...
US Average Diesel Prices Cross $5 a Gallon as Middle East War Tests Global Economy
U.S. average retail diesel prices crossed $5 a gallon for only the second time ever on Monday as the war in the Middle East squeezes supplies of the industrial fuel, according to fuel markets tracker GasBuddy. Economists have warned that surging diesel prices could slow global economic activity as the...
Kennedy Center Board Votes to Close for 2-Year Renovation Project
The board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted Monday to shutter the institution for a two-year renovation project after President Donald Trump warned them that the building was in “very bad shape” and had been on “the verge of collapse” before he took over. Shortly...
Trump Upset as US Partners Reject Call for Hormuz Warship Escorts
Several U.S. allies rebuffed Donald Trump's call on Monday to send warships to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, drawing criticism from the U.S. president, who accused Western partners of ingratitude after decades of support. The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is in its third week with no end in...
Number of US Troops Wounded in War Against Iran Rises to About 200
The number of U.S. troops wounded in the war against Iran has risen to about 200, the U.S. military said on Monday, as the conflict entered its third week. The U.S. military's Central Command said the vast majority of those wounded had suffered minor injuries and 180 troops had already...
US Considers Withholding HIV Aid Unless Zambia Expands Minerals Access
LUSAKA, Zambia — The State Department is considering withholding lifesaving assistance to people with HIV in Zambia as a negotiating tactic to force the government of the southern African country to sign a deal giving the United States more access to its critical minerals. “We will only secure our priorities...