Palm Desert

Florida Declares State Of Emergency As Red Tide Spreads

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) declared a state of emergency on Monday as a

Paul Manafort's defense rests without presenting evidence

The trial of President Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort is coming to a quieter than expected end.

Keith Ellison Wins Minnesota Attorney General Primary While Facing Abuse Accusations

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) won the Democratic primary for Minnesota attorney

Stranded Parrot 'Turns Air Blue' Cursing Out Firefighter During Rescue Attempt

Jessie the parrot was decidedly unimpressed when a firefighter came to rescue

10 pieces to pack if you're planning a trip within your trip under $50

From cross-country road trips to intercontinental excursions, it’s not out of

At least 17 soldiers dead as Afghan army base overrun by Taliban

Taliban fighters overran a northern Afghan army base, officials said Tuesday, killing at least 17 soldiers with dozens feared captured in a stinging blow to security forces already struggling to push insurgents from eastern Ghazni. The fall of the base in Ghormach district of volatile Faryab province came with security forces - who have struggled to hold back the Taliban since Nato combat troops pulled out in 2014 - already stretched by the days of fighting in Ghazni, a strategic provincial capital two hours from Kabul. Militants gained control of the base after days of heavy fighting, according to army spokesman for northern Afghanistan, Mohammad Hanif Rezaee. He said around 100 soldiers were on the base when it was first attacked Sunday. "It is a tragedy that the base fell to the enemy. Some soldiers were killed, some captured and some fled to nearby hills," Mr Rezaee told AFP. Afghan children ride in a vehicle as they flee their houses following heavy fighting in Ghazni Province Credit: REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail At least 17 were killed in the attack, according to defence ministry spokesman Ghafoor Ahmad Jawed, while a local MP said Taliban fighters captured another 40 in the base, known as Chenaya. "Preparations are underway to launch an operation to recapture the base," said the ministry's spokesman. Tahir Rehmani - head of Faryab's provincial council - said the base fell after the soldiers begged for reinforcements and air support from Kabul but were ultimately ignored. "They were too busy with Ghazni," said Mr Rehmani. Ghazni, further east and which the Taliban first assaulted late Thursday, remains in government hands, officials have said. But the insurgents appeared entrenched there Tuesday, according to residents who said they were burning buildings, killing civilians and firing on security forces conducting a clearing operation. Afghanistan puff Afghan security forces, beset by killings, desertions and under intense pressure, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led Nato troops ended their combat mission in December 2014. The attack on Ghazni is the largest tactical onslaught by the Taliban since an unprecedented truce in June brought fighting between security forces and the Taliban to a brief stop, providing battle-worn Afghans some welcome relief. Analysts have said the insurgents may also be seeking to demonstrate strength as they come under increasing pressure since the ceasefire to join peace talks. The assault in Ghazni and the fall of the base also illustrate the challenges facing Afghan forces as they battle insurgents across the country, said analyst Abdul Hamid Sofof. "The Taliban know this and they make Afghan forces fight on several fronts, making them run thin and vulnerable to their mobile attacks," said Mr Sofof.

Official: Venezuelan general arrested in assassination plot

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The investigation into an assassination attempt on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro using drones has widened to include the arrest of two high-ranking military officers, the nation's top prosecutor said Tuesday.

Owners of Recalled 2019 Subaru Ascent SUVs to Get Brand-New Vehicles

Subaru has recalled 293 of its 2019 Ascent SUVs because they may be missing key spot welds on the B-pillar, which holds the second-row door hinges, according to the National Highway Traffic Safet...

Many Among Us Can Relate to the Thirsty Bear Who Made a Liquor Store Pit Stop

He was denied access — and not just because he was lacking ID

Sixth First Responder Dies Fighting Northern California Wildfires

A sixth first responder has died battling this year's wildfires in California,

Trump calls Omarosa 'that dog'

President Trump on Tuesday continued to lash out at Omarosa Manigault-Newman over explosive claims in his former “Celebrity Apprentice” co-star turned White House aide makes about him in her new book, “Unhinged.”

Unite The Right Organizer Jason Kessler Gets Yelled At By Dad: 'Get Out Of My Room!'

The "master race" strikes again.

Video highlights annoyances of school drop-off lanes

Viral video from author and comedian Susannah B. Lewis parodies frustrations parents go through when dealing with school drop-off lanes.

Relative: Family of 7 on vacation died in Oregon collision

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A family of seven, including five young children, died on a remote Oregon road in a head-on collision on their way to an end-of-summer vacation in Las Vegas, a family member said Wednesday.

Baltimore Police Officer Filmed Punching Man Is Charged With Felony Assault

Two days after resigning from the Baltimore Police Department, a police

Venezuela abandons petrol subsidies as inflation set to hit one million per cent

President Nicolas Maduro said Monday that some of the world's cheapest petrol that Venezuelan drivers enjoy will soon be sold at world market prices to combat rampant smuggling. "Gasoline must be sold at an international price to stop smuggling to Colombia and the Caribbean," Maduro said in a televised address. Venezuela, like most oil producing countries, has for decades subsidised fuel as a benefit to consumers. But its fuel prices have remained nearly flat for years despite hyperinflation that the International Monetary Fund has projected would reach 1 million per cent this year. That means that for the price of a cup of coffee, a driver can now fill the tank of a small SUV nearly 9,000 times. Recently, the average price of a coffee with milk was 2.2 million bolivars, or about 50 cents, local media has reported. Smugglers do brisk business reselling fuel in neighboring countries. Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro take part in a rally in Caracas on Monday Credit: FEDERICO PARRA/AFP Maduro said the government would still provide "direct subsidies" to citizens holding the "fatherland card," a state-issued identification card that the government uses to provide bonuses and track use of social services. He said the subsidy was only available to those who registered their cars in a vehicle census being conducted by the state.

Republicans Plan To Run Close To Trump. A New Poll Shows Why That’s A Bad Idea.

Republicans have made clear they plan to run close to President Donald Trump

What Trump doesn't understand about NFL player protests

Yahoo Sports columnist Jay Busbee sets the record straight on the president's misstatements about the NFL and its players.

Japan emperor expresses WWII 'remorse' as PM avoids war shrine

Japan's Emperor Akihito on Wednesday expressed "deep remorse" about his nation's wartime acts, as Tokyo marked the 73rd anniversary of the end of World War II. The carefully choreographed annual ceremony is the last Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko will attend before the emperor abdicates in April. It was Akihito's father, war-time emperor Hirohito, who announced his decision to surrender in a radio address on August 15, 1945.

Catholic Church Covered Up Child Abuse By 301 Priests In Pennsylvania: Report

Pennsylvania's attorney general released on Tuesday the long-awaited results

The Latest: Crowd protests death penalty at Nebraska Capitol

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Latest on Nebraska's first execution since 1997 (all times local):

Ford to invest $740 million in Detroit train station, city development project

Ford aims to turn the building into a campus of offices for up to 5,000 tech workers and software engineers focused on self-driving vehicles and ancillary technologies and services. The second largest U.S. automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, about 10 miles from Detroit, announced the project in June, but had not previously disclosed costs until a community meeting on Tuesday. The company said Tuesday in a statement it is "working with federal, state and local economic development groups and officials, seeking at least $250 million in tax or other incentives to support the development of the five Corktown sites Ford has purchased." Ford said total investment in the development of the train station and developing 45 acres of vacant land will cost approximately $740 million over the next four years.

Heroic Father Suffers Severe Injuries While Trying to Save Son From Balcony Fall

The father and son both fell over the railing.

11 Things That Surprisingly Don't Affect Your Credit Score

With so many rules to follow and myths to debunk, credit scores can be pretty

Sports Illustrated model posts facial scars caused by terrifying fall

Australian Model Robyn Lawley posted photos on Instagram from an accident where she had a seizure and fell down a flight of steps, resulting in a large scar on her face.

White Nationalist Paul Nehlen Loses GOP Primary For Paul Ryan's House Seat

Paul Nehlen -- a white nationalist so racist and anti-Semitic he was kicked

Is Ford's 10 Millionth Mustang Really Number 10 Million?

We get the lowdown on how the Blue Oval counts its cars.

Donald Trump revokes security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan

Donald Trump has revoked the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan - one of his most vocal critics on national security issues. Announcing the decision Sarah Sanders, the press secretary, accused the former intelligence chief of  "erratic conduct and behaviour", adding he had "leveraged" his security status to make "unfounded, outrageous" allegations about the administration. "Mr Brennan has a history that calls into question his objectivity and credibility," she added. The former intelligence chief reacted by saying he would not back down. "This action is part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics. It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent," he said.  This action is part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics. It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent. https://t.co/TNzOxhP9ux— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) August 15, 2018 Mr Brennan, who served as head of the CIA from 2013 to 2017, has been deeply critical of Mr Trump's conduct.  Last month he called the US president's performance at a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Finland "nothing short of treasonous." This week Mr Brennan levelled a blistering attack against Mr Trump for the president's tweeted criticism of former White House aide Omarosa Manigault Newman, who wrote a book critical of Trump. "It’s astounding how often you fail to live up to minimum standards of decency, civility, & probity. Seems like you will never understand what it means to be president, nor what it takes to be a good, decent, & honest person. So disheartening, so dangerous for our Nation," Mr Brennan wrote. Ms Sanders said the security clearance of other former intelligence officials, including James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence, and ex-FBI director James Comey were also "under review". Former intelligence officials usually keep their security clearance but rarely use it, sometimes providing advice to successors. Former FBI chief Comey has published a book which is highly critical of the president Credit: AP The other officials whose clearances are being reviewed are former CIA director Michael Hayden, former national security adviser Susan Rice, and Andrew McCabe, who served as Trump's deputy FBI director until he was fired in March. Peter Strzok, a fired FBI agent, FBI lawyer Lisa Page and senior Justice Department official Bruce Ohr were also named as under consideration. Democratic members of Congress said it smacked of an "enemies list" among fellow Americans and the behaviour of leaders in "dictatorships, not democracies."  House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi slammed the move as a "stunning abuse of power." Revoking the security clearance of an honorable patriot is a stunning abuse of power & a pathetic attempt to silence critics. This is yet another disturbing attempt by @realdonaldtrump to distract & divert attention from his Admin's #cultureofcorruption, cronyism & incompetence.— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) August 15, 2018 Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, warned that a "dangerous precedent" was being set by "politicising the way we guard our national secrets just to punish the president's critics." In adding John Brennan to his enemies list, Trump demonstrates again how deeply insecure and vindictive he is — two character flaws dangerous in any President. An enemies list is ugly, undemocratic and un-American. I also believe this action to silence a critic is unlawful. https://t.co/bfOhThIWfq— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) August 15, 2018 Several Republicans also weighed in, with Sen. Bob Corker saying: "Unless there's something tangible that I'm unaware of, it just, as I've said before, feels like a banana republic kind of thing." In a phone interview with MSNBC, Mr Brennan called the move an "abuse of power by Mr. Trump." "I do believe that Mr. Trump decided to take this action, as he's done with others, to try to intimidate and suppress any criticism of him or his administration," he said, adding that he would not be deterred from speaking out. Trump's action, critics and nonpartisan experts said, marked an unprecedented politicization of the federal government's security clearance process. It also was a clear escalation in Trump's battle with members of the U.S. intelligence community as the investigation into Russia election meddling and possible collusion and obstruction of justice continues. At least two of the former officials, Mr Comey and Mr McCabe, have said they do not currently hold security clearances. Mr Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, was not on the list. It is understood that Mr Trump's current director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, was not consulted on the decision to revoke Mr Brennan's clearance. Mr Trump first floated the idea of revoking the clearances of Obama era security officials who have been publicly critical of him in July. At the time, the White House accused them of "politicising and in some cases monetising their public service and security clearances" to make "baseless accusations" against the president. In response Mr Clapper described it as a "a very, very petty thing to do".  "The president has that prerogative, but if he chooses to do it for political reasons I think that's a terrible precedent. It's petty retribution for speaking out against the president."

US judge receives death threats in child abuse case

A US judge has received death threats after granting bail to five suspects in a case involving nearly a dozen allegedly malnourished children found at a remote compound in New Mexico. Judge Sarah Backus granted the three men and two women -- described by authorities as Muslim extremists -- bail on Monday on grounds that prosecutors had failed to present clear and convincing evidence that they posed a threat. Prosecutors say the suspects in the case had trained some of the children -- aged between one and 15 -- to use weapons and carry out school shootings.

AP NewsBreak: Pilot who crashed his own home had hangar code

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A man who died when he flew a plane into his own house after he had been arrested for assaulting his wife had full access to his employer's plane because he had earned the firm's trust, the president of the Utah company said Tuesday.

Qatar's emir heads to Turkey for talks with Erdogan

Qatar's emir headed to Turkey on Wednesday for talks with President Tayyip Erdogan who is dealing with a collapse of the lira currency and deteriorating relations with the United States. Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Erdogan are expected to discuss "means of strengthening the existing strategic cooperation between the two countries in various fields", the state news agency QNA reported. Turkey and Qatar have traditionally maintained good ties and Ankara stood by Doha after Saudi Arabia and other Arab states severed diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Qatar last year, accusing it of financing terrorism, a charge Doha denies.

There's A Perfect Word For People Who Say 'I'm Not Racist, But...'

There's a new form of 'splaining in town.

These Are The Chilling Stories Of Abuse Covered Up By The Catholic Church

For decades, stories about clerical sexual abuse committed by Pennsylvania

Government Agencies Coordinated To Arrest Migrants Seeking Legal Status, ACLU Says

Various branches of the federal government worked in tandem to time interviews

China says U.S. solar tariffs violate trade rules, lodges WTO complaint

China's commerce ministry said a U.S. decision to subsidise renewable energy firms and impose tariffs on imported products has seriously distorted the global market and harmed China's interests, firing the latest shot in a broader trade conflict. David Pollard reports.

Five Reasons for the Global Pushback on New Iran Sanctions

From stable oil prices to avoiding war, the deal was working and Washington will not get a better one.

Israel: No criminal action in deadly Gaza 2014 war incident

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military said on Wednesday its investigation into one of the bloodiest incidents of the 2014 war in the Gaza Strip found no criminal wrongdoing by Israeli forces and there were no grounds to prosecute any troops.

Two US Ospreys make emergency landings in Japan: media

Two US military Osprey aircraft made separate emergency landings at airports on Japanese islands on Tuesday, with no injuries or damage reported, local media said. The other Osprey made an emergency landing further south at the US Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Friday afternoon, Kyodo said, quoting government sources. The Osprey, a hybrid helicopter-turboprop with a chequered safety record, has two engines positioned on fixed wingtips that allow it to land and take off vertically.

Nebraska carries out its first execution since 1997

Carey Moore, 60, was put to death at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, a state official told local media at the site. The execution also marked the first time Nebraska has used a lethal injection to kill an inmate since the death penalty was reinstated by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976.

'Stand Your Ground' Shooter Charged After Fatal Altercation Over Parking Space

A Florida man who invoked the state's controversial "stand your ground" law

Man Caught on Camera Spanking Hippo at California Zoo

Police said the intruder could face charges of trespassing.

Twitter Users Mock Jack Dorsey's Rationale For Alex Jones' 7-Day Suspension

Apparently, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey thinks the best way to deal with Alex

Jahana Hayes Could Be Connecticut's First Black Democrat In Congress

With her primary win in Connecticut's 5th Congressional District on Tuesday,

See How The Ford Ranger's Price Stacks Up To Competitors

Ford's new midsize pickup looks to be a serious contender against the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.

Facebook is ‘a surveillance system,’ sci-fi author Cory Doctorow says

The novelist reflects on the way that the social media platform spies on its customers.

The Navy Wants Lots of Ship-Killer Missiles to Fight Russia or China

As recently as 2016 the Navy’s warships were badly out-gunned by Russian and Chinese ships. In 2018, the U.S. fleet was on the cusp of reversing that dynamic.