After years of pursuing legal action against the former CEO of Healthcare Conglomerate Associates for corruption and fraud, the district attorney's office of Tulare County secured a sentence against Dr. Yorai "Benny" Benzeevi. Healthcare Conglomerate oversaw Tulare Regional Medical Center — now Adventist Health Tulare — and South Inyo Hospital....
Trump Rewards Legal Defense Team, Picks Lawyer Todd Blanche as No. 2 Justice Official
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Todd Blanche, an attorney who led the legal team that defended the Republican at his hush money criminal trial, to serve as the second-highest ranking Justice Department official. A former federal prosecutor, Blanche has been a key figure on Trump's defense team both...
Abu Ghraib Torture Victims Win Landmark Case Against US Contractor
A federal jury in Virginia has ordered U.S. military contractor CACI Premier Technology to pay $42 million to three Iraqi men tortured at Abu Ghraib prison. This landmark verdict, coming after 16 years of litigation, marks the first time a civilian contractor has been held legally responsible for the abuses...
Warren Slams Biden Admin for Failing to Hold Israel Accountable on Gaza Aid
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, has joined the growing chorus of Democratic voices criticizing the Biden administration's handling of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. Warren denounced the administration's failure to penalize Israel for the dire situation in Gaza and endorsed a joint resolution of disapproval in Congress. White House Ultimatum and...
Central Valley Fuego FC, Fresno’s Pro Soccer Team, Departs USL League One
Fresno's professional soccer team, Central Valley Fuego FC, announced on Thursday through its website and social media that the club is exiting USL League One. The Division III league is operated by the United Soccer League. The statement reads: "After careful consideration, Central Valley Fuego FC and USL League One...
California Enacts New Climate Rules. Will They Boost Gas Prices?
In one of its most controversial decisions, California's air board voted tonight to revamp a key climate change program, which could increase gas prices in a state already facing some of the nation's steepest costs at the pump. The California Air Resources Board approved major changes to its Low Carbon...
Trump Chooses Former Rep. Doug Collins to Run Veterans Affairs
NEW YORK — Doug Collins, a former congressman from Georgia, is President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to run the Department of Veterans Affairs. “We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform,” Trump said in a statement Thursday. Collins is a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve...
Former Judge Appears in Fresno Court as Defendant. Top Defenders Represent Him.
A retired Fresno County judge facing sexual assault charges is now represented by two legal heavy hitters. Adolfo Corona appeared in court Thursday afternoon, entering through the front door used by most court attendees. The Fresno County District Attorney's Office charged Corona in July with a felony count of sexual...
Suicides in the US Military Increased in 2023, Continuing a Long-Term Trend
Suicides in the U.S. military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend that the Pentagon has struggled to abate, according to a Defense Department report released on Thursday. The increase is a bit of a setback after the deaths dipped slightly the previous year. The number of suicides and the...
Average Rate on 30-Year Mortgage in US Slips to 6.78%
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. edged lower this week, ending a six-week climb. The rate slipped to 6.78% from 6.79% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. That's still down from a year ago, when the rate averaged 7.4%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate...