NEW YORK — Today she travels the world, attends a red-carpet movie premiere and sits on panels with astronauts, former presidents and feminist icons. But in the years after 9/11, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh was just a New Jersey teenager, writing a blog from her bedroom. She used the blog to connect...
James Dean Revival Spurs Debate on Raising the Digital Dead
LOS ANGELES — The men bringing James Dean back to life for a forthcoming film are aiming not just to give his digital likeness a role, but a whole new career. Dean’s planned appearance in the Vietnam War movie “Finding Jack,” and the possibility of future parts, comes as digital de-aging and...
Masked Gunmen Attack Protesters in Iraq Holy City; 18 Killed
BAGHDAD — Masked gunmen opened fire at Iraqi protesters in the Shiite holy city of Karbala on Tuesday, killing 18 people and wounding hundreds, security officials said, in one of the deadliest single attacks since anti-government demonstrations erupted earlier this month. The overnight attack came as Iraqis took to the...
Mea Gulpa: Firestone Invites Fresnans to Chill With Brewer
Firestone Walker Brewing Company wants Fresno to know it loves having the city as its neighbor. David Walker — president of the company that crafts such brands as 805 and Firestone DBA — is mortified about a disparaging comment made by his brewery's communication director about Fresno over the weekend....
Walmart Is Getting Rid of Greeters, Worrying the Disabled
As Walmart moves to phase out its familiar "greeters" at some 1,000 stores nationwide, disabled workers who fill many of those jobs say they're being unfairly targeted. Walmart told greeters around the country last week that their positions would be eliminated on April 26 in favor of an expanded, more...
History or Hatred? Selling Hitler's Belongings and Nazi Artifacts Stirs a Backlash
He has auctioned the journals of Nazi death camp doctor Josef Mengele for $300,000, Adolf Hitler's telephone from the Führerbunker for $243,000 and Hitler's ring featuring a swastika made of 16 rubies for more than $65,000. And just before Thanksgiving, a Hitler-inscribed propaganda photograph that shows the architect of the...
CA Democratic Party Chief Sings New Tune on In-N-Out
The California Democratic chairman who supported a boycott of a burger chain now yearns for a double-double. I’m all in for a double-double - no cheese - as long as no one tells my Rabbi... And then I want the onions grilled! https://t.co/HasLoT5hdD — EricBauman (@EricBauman) September 4, 2018 Last...
Madonna's Rambling Aretha Franklin Tribute Earns Backlash
NEW YORK — The backlash was swift for Madonna's rambling, egocentric tribute to Aretha Franklin at the MTV Video Music Awards, with media and Queen-of-Soul fans wondering why she got the gig in the first place. Dressed in flowing black with grandiose flourishes of African jewelry, Madonna's send-off came before...
Muslim Candidates Run in Record Numbers But Face Backlash
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — A liberal woman of color with zero name recognition and little funding takes down a powerful, long-serving congressman from her own political party. When Tahirah Amatul-Wadud heard about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's stunning upset over U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley in New York's Democratic primary last month, the first-time candidate...
Fresno State Students Fear Tweets Backlash: Zante
Fresno State has been a hotbed of free speech in recent years. Professors, students, and community members have all voiced extreme opinions that stir up controversy both locally and nationally. While I strongly disagree with the opinions and methods used by Professor Jarrar regarding former First Lady Barbara Bush —...