MARIETTA, Ga. — Heavy smoke was causing low visibility Wednesday along Interstate 20 east of Atlanta as chemicals continued spewing from a beleaguered chlorine facility, and emergency officials warn that smoke from the disaster scene is projected to move toward Georgia's capital city after sunset Wednesday. Shelter-in-Place Recommendations Three days...
A Minimum Wage Increase for California Health Care Workers Is Finally Kicking In
California health workers this month will finally get a long-promised minimum wage increase. It'll kick in this month, according to a letter state health officials sent to the Legislature Tuesday, describing a process that should trigger the pay boost. "The health care minimum wage increases shall be effective 15 days...
Fresno Poet Juan Felipe Herrera Gets MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’
Fresno poet and author Juan Felipe Herrera was one of 22 people awarded a 2024 MacArthur Fellowship, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced Tuesday. The fellowships, known informally as MacArthur "genius grants," are awarded to scientists, artists, musicians, historians, and others who have exemplified creativity and have...
Reese Witherspoon Is Teaming With Bestseller Harlan Coben on Her First Suspense Novel
NEW YORK — Reese Witherspoon's latest literary news marks a new direction for the Oscar-winning actor, producer and founder of her own book club. Grand Central Publishing announced Wednesday that the "Legally Blonde" and "Big Little Lies" star is teaming with the bestselling thriller writer and Netflix producer-creator Harlan Coben...
Fresno State Grad Student Advocates for Survivors, Fosters Healing and Empowerment
Survivor advocacy has been a lifelong passion for Fresno State graduate student Veronica Zarate Cortez, who has dedicated her academic and personal journey to supporting those affected by trauma. “Since I was little, I always wanted to do something to help people,” Zarate said. “The idea of understanding why people...
Prosecutors Say They May Bring Additional Charges Against New York City Mayor and Indict Others
NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors said Wednesday they are pursuing "several related investigations" that could lead to additional corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and indictments for people in his orbit. Prosecutors made the disclosure as the first-term Democrat attended a court hearing days after he was...
Harris and Trump Are Tested by the Mideast, Helene and the Port Strike in the Campaign’s Final Weeks
WASHINGTON — A trio of new trials — a devastating hurricane, expanding conflict in the Mideast and a dockworkers strike that threatens the U.S. economy — are looming over the final weeks of the presidential campaign and could help shape the public mood as voters decide between Democrat Kamala Harris...
Pennsylvania Town Grapples With Trump Assassination Attempt Ahead of His Return
BUTLER, Pa. — Donald Trump is going back to Butler, where the world last saw him pump his fist and beseech followers to "fight," even as blood streaked his face from a would-be assassin's bullet. In announcing his return, the former president and current Republican nominee said he planned to...
Boomers Believe Younger Generations Could Afford Homes — If They Try Harder
Today's younger homebuyers face a variety of challenges, from high home prices to elevated interest rates. However, 57% of baby boomers surveyed in a new study by Clever Real Estate believe they could achieve their homeowner dreams, they just need to put in more effort. The majority of baby boomers...
Israel Reports 8 Combat Deaths as Troops Battle Hezbollah in Lebanon and Fears of a Wider War Mount
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israel's ground incursion into Lebanon to battle Hezbollah militants left eight Israeli soldiers dead Wednesday, while the region braced for further escalation as Israel vowed to retaliate for Iran's ballistic missile attack a day earlier. The Israeli military said seven soldiers were killed in two...