A handful of states rolled out plans to use their own funds to provide benefits as the SNAP federal food aid program runs dry. The Trump administration says the federal government won’t fund the program for low-income households in November because of the prolonged federal shutdown. That could leave about 1 in 8 Americans scrambling to pay for food. Both Democratic and Republican governors are launching programs in states including Delaware, Louisiana, New Mexico and Vermont. The federal government says they won’t be reimbursed. It’s also not clear how quickly the benefits can reach recipients. Louisiana’s effort excludes “able bodied” adults who aren’t caring for children.
Jurors have convicted a California animal rights activist for taking four chickens from a major Perdue Farms poultry plant. Zoe Rosenberg was found guilty Wednesday of trespassing and conspiracy. She says she was rescuing the chickens but prosecutors say broke the law. The 23-year-old activist faces more than five years in prison. She was charged with one count of felony conspiracy, one count of trespassing to interfere with a business, one count of trespassing on land where an animal is behind held for human consumption, and one count of tampering with a vehicle.
A federal appeals court has blocked an order that required a senior Border Patrol official to brief a judge on Chicago immigration sweeps. The court intervened on Wednesday before Greg Bovino’s first late afternoon meeting with U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis. She wanted daily briefings after seeing video and other images of confrontations between immigration agents and the public. Ellis' order was an unprecedented bid to impose real-time oversight on the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Bovino is chief of the Border Patrol sector in El Centro, California, and is leading efforts in Chicago.
Jurors convict Illinois deputy of killing Sonya Massey but can't agree on first-degree murder charge
An Illinois jury has convicted a sheriff’s deputy of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 to report a suspected prowler. The jury announced the verdict against Sean Grayson on Wednesday. Grayson arrived at Massey’s home in Springfield after she reported a prowler early on July 6, 2024. Massey was holding a pan of hot water and Grayson’s attorneys argued that he was afraid she would throw it at him. Grayson faces a sentence of four to 20 years in prison or probation when he is sentenced Jan. 29.
A Democratic congressional candidate in Illinois has been accused of blocking a federal agent's vehicle during September protests outside a federal immigration building near Chicago. The felony indictment unsealed Wednesday indicts Kat Abughazaleh and five others of conspiring to impede an officer. Abughazaleh called the indictment “political prosecution” and an attempt to silence protests against the Trump administration. Federal prosecutors accuse the group of surrounding a vehicle driven by a federal agent, banging on it and attempting to stop it from entering the facility. Among the others named in the indictment are three other Chicago-area politicians.
DENVER (AP) — Colorado officials filed a lawsuit Wednesday claiming the relocation of U.S. Space Command to Alabama was illegally motivated by President Donald Trump's desire to punish Colorado for its mail-in voting system.
Jurors convict animal rights activist Zoe Rosenberg after she took 4 chickens from a California processing plant.
Authorities in face shields and other protective gear have been searching for three monkeys that escaped from a truck that overturned on a Mississippi highway earlier in the week. Officials say animal experts from Tulane University examined the crashed truck and determined three monkeys had escaped after Tuesday's crash on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, Mississippi. Those searching for the monkeys on Wednesday were scouring fields near the crash site Wednesday. Video recorded after the crash showed monkeys crawling through tall grass beside the interstate. It remained unclear who owns the monkeys, who was transporting them and where they were being taken when the truck crashed.
Children in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood got to enjoy their first pumpkin patch festival, complete with pizza, a bouncy house, and face painting. The Wednesday event brought excited squeals to an area better known for its open drug use and homelessness. The Tenderloin is home to about 3,000 children, mostly from immigrant families. The idea came from parents served by Compass Family Services, which helps homeless families. The nonprofit's CEO considered taking children to visit a pumpkin patch elsewhere in the city, but decided to bring the pumpkin patch to them instead. She said joy is a form of resilience.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota judge has ordered Greenpeace to pay damages of $345 million, reducing an earlier jury award after it found the environmental group and related entities liable for defamation and other claims in connection with protests of an oil pipeline nearly a decade ago.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The widow of a beloved Utah fashion designer who was fatally shot during a June “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City demanded Wednesday that someone be held accountable for her husband's death after more than four months without any charges filed in the case.
Appeals court blocks order that required a senior Border Patrol official to brief a judge on Chicago immigration sweeps.
A pair of court rulings declaring some of Florida’s gun restrictions unconstitutional are creating some confusion in the notoriously firearm friendly state. This month, a circuit court judge ruled the state's prohibition on people under the age of 21 from carrying a concealed firearm is unconstitutional. Last month, an appeals court overturned the state's ban against openly carrying guns. Now, some activists say the recent court rulings are strengthening their call to expand gun rights in the state and adding more pressure on legislators to clarify the legal landscape.
Microsoft says users of its Azure cloud portal may be not be able to access Office 365, Minecraft or other services due to issues with its global content delivery network services. The tech company posted a note to its Azure status page that its teams are currently deploying a fix to address the outage.
Attorneys for Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator being held by immigration authorities in California, are challenging his detention in court. Hamdi, who is Muslim, was detained Sunday by ICE officers at San Francisco's airport. His lawyers say the arrest was triggered by his criticism of the Israeli government. U.S. officials claim comments Hamdi made after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks celebrated the violence. His legal team said Wednesday it filed a writ of habeas corpus demanding that the government justify why he is being held. His team also asked a judge to block Hamdi’s removal while the case is adjudicated. A Homeland Security spokesperson called the filings a “desperate Hail Mary attempt.”
North Dakota judge says Greenpeace must pay $345 million in pipeline lawsuit, cutting jury's amount nearly in half.
The National Transportation Safety Board wants the owners of nearly 2,000 Learjets — which have long been associated with the rich and famous — to urgently inspect their landing gear to make sure they won’t collapse as happened in a fatal crash in February involving a private jet owned by Mö…
A Pennsylvania man whose murder conviction was overturned after he served 43 years in prison hoped to walk free this month, but instead found himself in immigration custody. Subramanyam Vedam was an infant when his family moved to the U.S. so his father could teach at Penn State University. The Trump Administration plans to act on a 1999 deportation order despite his murder conviction being overturned because Vedam also has a drug conviction from the 1980s. His lawyers say the years he wrongly spent in prison should outweigh that. They have asked the Board of Immigration Appeals to reopen the case.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier will not receive his salary while on leave due to his arrest on federal gambling charges. Nor will Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, who has also been placed on leave by the league after his arrest on gambling-related charges last week. That's according to two people with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because details were not released publicly. Both of their salaries are being withheld while the cases play out. Additionally, Rozier’s attorney says that a federal lien filed with regard to the player’s tax bill in 2021 was satisfied.
Illinois deputy found guilty of murder in the shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 asking for help.
Illinois congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh among 6 indicted for blocking ICE vehicle during Chicago-area protest.
DETROIT (AP) — Making electric vehicles and their batteries is a dirty process that uses a lot of energy. But a new study says that EVs quickly make up for that with less overall emissions through two years of use than a gas-powered vehicle.
Russian mobsters sentenced to 25 years in prison for foiled plot to assassinate Iranian dissident journalist in New York.
The NCAA is delaying a rule change that will allow athletes and athletic department staff members to bet on professional sports.
Marco Andretti said Wednesday he is retiring from racing, a decision that likely means the “Andretti Curse” at the Indianapolis 500 will never end.
In long-awaited cuts just months after completing its $8 billion merger with Skydance, Paramount has begun layoffs set to impact about 2,000 employees. Paramount initiated roughly 1,000 of those layoffs company-wide on Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly comment on behalf of the company. The rest of the cuts would be taken at a later date, they said. In all, 2,000 job reductions amount to about 10% of the company’s total workforce.
The Trump administration has been signaling that it may have finally reached a deal with China to keep TikTok running in the U.S., with the two countries finalizing the details as soon as Thursday. President Donald Trump is visiting South Korea, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to try to de-escalate a trade war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS’s “Face the Nation” Sunday that the two leaders will “consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea.” The deal would mark the end of months of uncertainty about the fate of the popular video-sharing platform in the U.S.
The NFL’s Salute to Service Award nominees range from Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey to a member of the Patriots security staff, an Eagles game day employee and the Dolphins head groundskeeper. The NFL and USAA announced this year’s nominees on Wednesday. The award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni “who make exceptional efforts to honor and support military and veteran communities.” San Francisco All-Pro tight end George Kittle was the 2024 winner. Commanders tight end Zach Ertz, Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd, Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson and Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen are also among the 32 nominees.
Uber said Wednesday that the San Francisco Bay Area will be the first market for its specially built autonomous taxi, which is expected to launch in late 2026. The San Francisco-based ride-hailing company said in July it was developing a robotaxi with the electric car company Lucid and the self-driving technology company Nuro Inc. Uber said it plans to have 100 test vehicles on the road in the coming months. Within six years, Uber plans to deploy 20,000 or more Lucid-based autonomous taxis in multiple locations. The vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber and available to riders through the Uber app.
Rescuers have saved a pet dog that fell off an oceanside bluff in San Francisco and spent more than 20 minutes clinging to a narrow ledge. Officials say the dog was playing with another pooch on Tuesday at Fort Funston, which is a coastal park with steep bluffs. Firefighters say the dog slipped on some vegetation, lost its traction and fell over the cliff. One rescuer rappelled down, attached a harness to the dog and held it as they were pulled back up top together. Rescuers then reunited the dog with its owner.
Even while warning about national security and human rights abuse, the U.S. government across five Republican and Democratic administrations has repeatedly allowed and even actively helped American firms to sell technology to Chinese police, government and surveillance companies, an Associated Press investigation has found. And time after time, despite bipartisan attempts, Congress has turned a blind eye to loopholes that allow China to work around its own rules, such as cloud services, third-party resellers, and holes in sanctions passed after the Tiananmen massacre. This reluctance to act reflects the tremendous wealth and power of the tech industry, which is more visible than ever under the Trump administration.
In California’s 45th lawsuit against the federal government, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom are challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s cancellation of next month’s food benefits for millions of Americans.
Lawmakers including U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-San Mateo, are questioning how demands to the electricity grid — caused by the increasing number of data centers powering artificial intelligence technology — will impact Americans’ energy bills.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer off Shohei Ohtani, Shane Bieber pitched four-hit ball into the sixth inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays shook off their epic 18-inning loss to even the World Series with a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4. Ohtani redefined the concept of short rest by taking the mound just more than 17 hours after he reached base nine times in Game 3, but he gave up four runs and six hits while pitching into the seventh. The Blue Jays reclaimed homefield advantage and guaranteed the World Series trophy will be won at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Air traffic controllers are missing another paycheck due to the ongoing government shutdown, raising concerns about financial stress affecting their work. A number of isolated flight delays have been reported since the shutdown began as more controllers call out sick. The Federal Aviation Administration was already short on staff before the shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels emphasize the pressure on controllers. Some are taking second jobs to make ends meet. The shutdown is also hindering efforts to reduce the shortage of controllers. Though pressure is mounting on Congress, Democrats and Republicans have shown little sign of being able to reach a deal to fund the government.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California animal rights activist on trial for taking four chickens from one of Perdue Farms' major poultry plants said Tuesday that she was rescuing Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea from abuse while prosecutors say she broke the law.
This time, Shohei Ohtani was just ordinary. A night after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar treated baseball fans to one of the greatest performances in World Series history, he looked just fine on the mound and struggled at the plate. Ohtani was tagged for four runs and six hits in the Dodgers’ 6-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, who tied the best-of-seven series at 2. He struck out six and walked one over six innings.
A federal judge has ruled acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in Southern California is serving in the role unlawfully. Essayli has been acting as the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California since late July. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright on Tuesday disqualified Essayli from serving in the role and from supervising the criminal prosecutions in three cases. But the judge said he can remain as First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Essayli says that means he remains the top prosecutor in the district. The decision represents another setback to the Trump administration’s effort to extend handpicked acting U.S. attorneys beyond the 120-day limit set by federal law.
Toronto Blue Jays shake off 18-inning loss, top Shohei Ohtani and Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2 in Game 4 to even World Series.
Officials say monkeys escaped captivity when a truck carrying them overturned on a Mississippi highway. The Jasper County Sheriff's Department says all but one of the escaped monkeys were killed, warning they were “aggressive.” It's unclear how many monkeys were in the truck. Video shows monkeys crawling through tall grass on the side of Interstate 59 just north of Heidelberg, Mississippi. The truck was carrying Rhesus monkeys, which are commonly used in medical research. The sheriff’s department initially said the monkeys were carrying diseases. Tulane University in New Orleans, which had housed the monkeys, says they were not infectious.
The ex-wife of a Los Angeles Angels employee says the MLB team failed her former husband, who is serving 22 years for his role in the fatal overdose of one of the team's star pitchers. Camela Kay testified Tuesday that her husband Eric Kay, the team’s communications director, had pills in 2019 that she heard were reportedly intended for pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Camela Kay testified in a civil trial for a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of the late pitcher seeking to hold the Angels responsible for his 2019 fatal drug overdose.
New sleeveless sacred undergarments for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are now available in the U.S., exciting many women in the faith. The typical two-piece garments, worn under modest clothing, are offered in a more breathable fabric, which is especially beneficial for those with medical issues or living in warmer climates. Amanda Shirley, a church member, says she appreciates the consideration for women's needs. The garments, designed by both men and women within the church, aim to provide comfort while fulfilling religious obligations. Demand is high, with long lines at Utah stores. The church has a history of adapting garments to meet changing needs.
A new lawsuit by Democratic state officials seeks to uncork emergency money to help tens of millions of Americans keep buying food for their families after federal SNAP funding is expected run dry Saturday due to the U.S. government shutdown. The lawsuit involves a $5 billion pot of federal money that President Donald Trump's administration says can't be used to fund SNAP benefits. Additionally, funding for a group of Head Start preschool programs is set to run out Saturday. Aid for mothers to care for their newborns through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, could run out the following week.
Court disqualifies Trump-appointed US attorney in Southern California from overseeing multiple criminal cases.
OpenAI said it has reorganized its ownership structure and converted its business into a public benefit corporation. Two crucial regulators, the California and Delaware attorneys general said they would not oppose the changes. The new structure could allow the ChatGPT maker to raise money and profit more easily from its AI technology while remaining under nonprofit control. On Tuesday, the company also announced a new agreement with Microsoft, giving the tech giant a roughly 27% stake in OpenAI's for-profit corporation. For over a year, OpenAI's proposed changes have drawn scrutiny from regulators and advocates concerned about AI's societal impacts.
A California woman on trial for taking four chickens from one of Perdue Farms’ major poultry plants has put animal treatment at slaughter houses in the national spotlight as the defense argues she rescued the birds from abuse. The case is heading into closing statements on Tuesday. If convicted, Zoe Rosenberg could land in prison for more than five years. But rather than her defense focusing on if she took the chickens in 2023, it’s centered on her justification for doing so. Prosecutors have argued that this case isn’t about why she took the chickens, but that she broke the law by doing so.
Man convicted of raping and killing his neighbor is put to death in record 15th execution this year in Florida.
A North Carolina man who told authorities he had killed his children and that his children's bodies were in the trunk of a vehicle at his home has been charged with four counts of murder. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and court records show Wellington Delano Dickens III was charged Tuesday and is being held without bond in the county jail. The news release says sheriff's deputies found human remains in Dickens' garage after he dialed 911 on Monday evening. The sheriff’s office says it believes the dead are Dickens' biological children ages 6, 9 and 10, as well as his 18-year-old stepchild.
An autumn heat wave accompanied by gusty winds raised the wildfire risk for Southern California, with forecasters warning that grass and brush are still dangerously dry despite recent rains. The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued red flag warnings for increased fire danger in mountain and foothill areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Wednesday evening. The region’s notorious Santa Ana winds could bring gusts of up to 45 mph. Temperatures in the low 90s will be hotter than normal for late October, with some records possible.
The Dodgers have won a thrilling 18-inning game against the Toronto Blue Jays, taking a two-to-one lead in the World Series. Freddie Freeman hit a home run to secure the 6-5 victory for Los Angeles. Shohei Ohtani had another impressive performance, reaching base nine times. The game lasted over six hours and saw 609 pitches thrown. Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw came out of the bullpen in the 12th inning. Los Angeles used a record 10 pitchers in the game.

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