The United Nations was shocked, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday, when a Fox News host called for the world body to be bombed over U.S. President Donald Trump's difficulties with an escalator and a teleprompter. Jesse Watters had privately apologized to U.N. global communications chief Melissa Fleming after...
5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits off the Oregon Coast West of Bandon
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake was detected off the Oregon Coast Sept. 25. The earthquake occurred at 11:45 p.m. approximately 143 miles off the coast of Bandon, and at a depth of 6.2 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This incident comes just over two weeks after a 5.8 earthquake struck...
US Says Financier Howard Rubin and Assistant Have Been Indicted on Sex Trafficking Charges
The retired financier Howard Rubin has been indicted on sex trafficking charges for allegedly coercing women to fly to New York to perform sex acts with him, including in what he called a sex "dungeon" in his Manhattan penthouse, prosecutors said on Friday. Between at least 2009 and 2019, Rubin...
Drone Maker DJI Loses Lawsuit Against Pentagon Claim of Chinese Military Ties
A U.S. judge on Friday rejected a bid by China-based DJI, the world's largest drone maker, to be removed from the U.S. Defense Department’s list of companies allegedly working with Beijing’s military. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman in Washington, D.C., said the Defense Department had substantial evidence...
Close National Parks if Government Shuts Down, Former Superintendents Plead
WASHINGTON — During the government shutdown of 2019, the Trump administration kept national parks open to the public, even though a majority of the staff was furloughed. Without enough rangers to welcome visitors and enforce rules, the parks suffered. Joshua trees in California were cut down to make room for...
Visalia Police Arrest Wanted Felon With Active Spousal Rape Warrant After Early-Morning Pursuit
Visalia police arrested a wanted felon early Friday after a vehicle pursuit that ended at a local residence, authorities said. Around 2:40 a.m., a Visalia officer attempted to stop a vehicle near Linwood Street and Myrtle Avenue for a mechanical violation. The driver, later identified as Quentin Osborne, 54, failed...
Eurovision Members to Vote on Whether to Exclude Israel
LONDON — For weeks, the world of the Eurovision Song Contest has convulsed with debate over whether Israel should take part in next year’s competition given the growing humanitarian crisis amid its military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Broadcasters from countries including Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands have said in...
Trump-Appointed Prosecutor Indicts Comey, California Sen. Schiff May Be Next
In a move that has stirred national controversy, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on Thursday for allegedly making false statements to Congress and obstructing justice. The charges stem from Comey’s 2020 testimony about leaks related to the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation. The indictment was brought by Lindsey Halligan, the...
ClovisFest Returns With Hot Air Balloons, Cultural Performances, Kids’ Activities
Thousands of visitors are expected to gather in Old Town Clovis this weekend for the 50th Annual ClovisFest and Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly, a two-day festival featuring balloons, culture, food and family activities. Presented by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and Table Mountain Casino Resort, the festival runs Saturday...
Clovis Man Arrested After $130K Skid Steer Stolen in Madera County Recovered
A stolen skid steer valued at $130,000 was recovered and a suspect arrested following an investigation by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the equipment was reported stolen Tuesday from Road 620 in Ahwahnee. The Madera Special Investigation Team identified the suspect as Michael Chujun Wu, 57, of Clovis...