A group of Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit on Wednesday challenging new U.S. restrictions barring them from using federal grant funding to provide legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault if they are immigrants living in the United States illegally. The lawsuit marked the latest legal action...
Stocks Mixed, Gold Hits Record as US Government Shuts Down
NEW YORK/LONDON — U.S. stocks and the dollar treaded water in choppy trade on Wednesday, while gold struck a record high as the U.S. government shut down much of its operations, delaying the release of crucial jobs data which could muddy the interest rate outlook. U.S. private payrolls data that...
White House Warns Layoffs Are Imminent if Shutdown Drags On
The White House warned on Wednesday that worker layoffs are imminent as the first day of the government shutdown unfolded, even as Vice President JD Vance insisted no final decisions have been made. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters government agencies are already preparing for cuts. "Unfortunately, because...
Fresno’s Alcohol-Free Day Party Grand Rising Returns With Bigger Lineup
Fresno's Grand Rising, a wellness-focused day party that swaps cocktails for cold brew and nightclubs for community connection, returns Saturday at Invictus Ink with new vendors, activities and expanded space for guests. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organizers have already sold most of the 300 tickets...
Gaza Aid Flotilla Braces for Blockade as Vessels Approach
Several unidentified vessels were seen approaching the international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza on Wednesday night, two sources on board told Reuters. It was not clear who operated the vessels. Their approach comes hours after the flotilla said that Israeli "warships" approached some of its boats and engaged...
California Ends Solo EV Access to Carpool Lanes, Here’s What to Know
A new era in commuting begins in California on Wednesday when solo drivers in electric and hybrid cars will no longer be allowed to use the state’s carpool lanes — a perk that’s been in place for nearly two decades. The change affects more than half a million decal holders statewide,...
Who Are the New Attorneys for Accused Arsonist Bobby Salazar?
The Fresno restaurant owner accused of paying a biker club member to torch one of his eateries has hired several new lawyers, court records show. A federal judge on Monday let Bobby Salazar, 63, remain free on a $1 million bond after meeting two conditions: securing the bond through property...
US States Sue Zillow, Redfin Over Rental Listings
Zillow Group and Redfin were sued on Wednesday by five U.S. states for allegedly conspiring to thwart competition in online rental listings, including when Zillow paid Redfin $100 million to stop running apartment ads. Attorneys general of Virginia, Arizona, Connecticut, New York and Washington filed their antitrust lawsuit in the...
Trump Order Pledges That US Will Defend Qatar in Event of Attack
President Donald Trump has pledged to treat any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to the United States' own security, according to a document published on Wednesday that says U.S. forces could step in to defend the Middle Eastern nation. The executive order - which appears to significantly deepen...
The Clock Is Ticking for Those Hoping to Be California’s Next Governor
This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Over the last half-century or so, California has had six elections for governor when the office was being vacated. Understandably, such incumbent-free elections to run the nation’s most populous and economically powerful state have drawn serious candidates, mostly...