Smoke spreading from California fires sparks health concerns
Smoke masks. Eye drops. No outdoor exercise. This is how Californians are trying to cope with wildfires choking the state, but experts say an increase in serious health problems may be almost inevitable for vulnerable residents as the disasters become more commonplace. Research suggests children, the elderly and those with existing health problems are most … Continue reading Smoke spreading from California fires sparks health concerns
NEW YORK | NYPD shakes up sex crime unit after Weinstein, staffing woes
NEW YORK — The New York City Police Department is shaking up its embattled special victims division, where a top detective has twice been accused of interfering in the Harvey Weinstein investigation and a city watchdog says the staff is stretched too thin to properly review sexual assault cases. Deputy Chief Judith Harrison is replacing … Continue reading NEW YORK | NYPD shakes up sex crime unit after Weinstein, staffing woes
WASHINGTON | Son of Iranian-American detainee asks Tehran ‘to show mercy’
WASHINGTON— The family and attorney of an Iranian-American dual national held in Tehran say his health is rapidly deteriorating and are appealing to the Iranian authorities to allow him to leave for medical treatment. Babak Namazi, the son of Baquer Namazi, is asking Iran “to show mercy to my father.” Baquer Namazi, 81, has been … Continue reading WASHINGTON | Son of Iranian-American detainee asks Tehran ‘to show mercy’
JACKSON, Miss | Video: GOP senator spoke of ‘difficult’ voting for liberals
JACKSON, Miss. — A Republican U.S. senator from Mississippi is shown in a new video talking about “liberal folks” and making it “just a little more difficult” for them to vote. A campaign spokeswoman for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith criticized the video, saying the senator was joking. The brief clip appeared on social media Thursday, days … Continue reading JACKSON, Miss | Video: GOP senator spoke of ‘difficult’ voting for liberals
SYDNEY | Rebel Wilson loses bid to keep most of defamation payout
SYDNEY — Rebel Wilson has lost her bid to keep most of the record payout that was awarded to her in a defamation case against an Australian magazine. The actress had sued Woman’s Day magazine last year over a series of articles she said had painted her as a serial liar. The magazine was ordered … Continue reading SYDNEY | Rebel Wilson loses bid to keep most of defamation payout
MAGALIA, Calif | California town’s wildfire evacuation plan raises questions
MAGALIA, Calif. — Ten years ago, as two wildfires advanced on Paradise, residents jumped into their vehicles to flee and got stuck in gridlock. That led authorities to devise a staggered evacuation plan — one that they used when fire came again last week. But Paradise’s carefully laid plans quickly devolved into a panicked exodus … Continue reading MAGALIA, Calif | California town’s wildfire evacuation plan raises questions
ANCHORAGE, Alaska | Study finds healthy group of polar bears in sea near Alaska
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The first formal count of polar bears in waters between the United States and Russia indicates they’re doing better than some of their cousins elsewhere. Polar bears are listed as a threatened species because of diminished sea ice due to climate change. But university and federal researchers estimate a healthy and abundant … Continue reading ANCHORAGE, Alaska | Study finds healthy group of polar bears in sea near Alaska
MAGALIA, Calif | The Latest: San Francisco cable cars halted over smoky air
MAGALIA, Calif. — The Latest on wildfires in California (all times local): 5:40 p.m. San Francisco’s iconic open-air cable cars have been pulled off the streets because of choking air wafting in from a wildfire in Northern California. The city’s transportation agency said Thursday that because of the poor air quality, “all cable cars will … Continue reading MAGALIA, Calif | The Latest: San Francisco cable cars halted over smoky air