SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois will soon outlaw advertising for firearms that officials determine produces a public safety threat or appeals to children, militants or others who might later use the weapons illegally, as the state continues its quest to curb mass shootings. Gun-rights advocates say the plan, which Democratic Gov....
Court Filing Compares DeSantis’ Retaliation Against Disney to Autocratic Actions in Russian and China
ORLANDO, Fla. — Saying Gov. Ron DeSantis has followed the autocratic examples of governments in Russia and China, a group of mostly Republican former high-level government officials has called the Florida governor's takeover of Disney World's governing district “severely damaging to the political, social, and economic fabric of the State.” The...
3 Killed When Firefighting Helicopters Collide Near Palm Springs, Officials Say
CABAZON, Calif. — Three people were killed when two firefighting helicopters collided in Southern California on Sunday while fighting a blaze in Riverside County. One of the helicopters landed safely. “Unfortunately, the second helicopter crashed and tragically all three members perished, which included one Cal Fire Division chief, one Cal...
Authorities Capture Suspects in Spree of Lake Tahoe Break-Ins: A Mama Bear and Three Cubs
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — California authorities have captured four suspects in multiple break-ins at homes around South Lake Tahoe: a mama bear and three of her cubs. DNA has confirmed the large female black bear and her three little accomplices were responsible for at least 21 instances of property damage...
Shocking Finish for US Women in Knockout World Cup Match vs Sweden
MELBOURNE, Australia — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The...
Orange County Judge Arrested on Suspicion of Killing Wife in the Couple’s Home
SANTA ANA — A Southern California judge was arrested on suspicion of killing his wife in the couple's home, authorities said Friday. Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson was arrested late Thursday after police received reports of a shooting at the home and found the judge’s wife, Sheryl Ferguson,...
Judge to CA Murder Suspect on Run for 40 Years: ‘You Knew You Were Running From Something’
TAMPA, Fla. — A judge in Florida has ordered a 65-year-old California fugitive held without bond in connection with the death of a woman nearly 40 years ago. Donald Santini was arrested by U.S. marshals in California last month, and extradited to Florida. He had used at least 13 aliases over...
Pac-12 on the Brink As Big Ten Clears Path for Oregon, Washington: Sources
In a crushing blow to the Pac-12, the Big Ten has cleared the way for Oregon and Washington to apply for membership and join the conference, four people with familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday. The Ducks and Huskies still must officially apply for membership and...
Seattle’s Open Prostitution Market Draws New Scrutiny After Latest Harrowing Abduction
SEATTLE — A vanload of church volunteers drove along a main street in north Seattle one night last month with sandwiches, water bottles and blankets for homeless people. They didn't find any — but they did see dozens of barely clothed women walking along the road or leaning into traffic...
California High Court Says Monterey Can’t Enforce Local Oil Well Ban
SACRAMENTO — The California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Monterey County cannot enforce a voter-approved ban on new oil and gas wells, a decision that comes amid an ongoing battle over how the state should address the health and climate impacts of fossil fuel extraction. The ruling comes a day...