University of California is under fire from the Federal Government: Here's how UC is responding

SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom have officially launched statewide plans to commemorate California’s 175th year of statehood, highlighting the Golden State’s legacy of innovation, progress, and diversity. The celebration will culminate on September 9, 2025, marking 175 years since California joined the Union in 1850.

An L.A. judge denied the prosecutor’s attempt to cancel a resentencing petition, clearing the way for a potential release of Erik and Lyle Menendez. L.A. District Attorney Nathan Hochman accused the infamous brothers of telling numerous lies and questioned their self-defense claims.

UPDATE: As of April 27, 2025, four of the children previously listed below are no longer listed as missing. Dumorrgon Sullivan, Dorian Locke Vallinmaki, Ari Anderson, Antonia Thompson, and Hannah Geraci have been removed from the below listings.

This story was originally published by InvestigateWest , a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to change-making investigative journalism. Sign up for their Watchdog Weekly newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. Reach Whitney Bryen at 208-918-2458 or [email protected]. Reach Kaylee Tornay at 503-877-4108 or [email protected].

ANTIOCH, CA — A beloved East Bay institution is preparing for its final service. Mac’s Old House, a classic Italian restaurant known for hearty portions of prime rib and minestrone soup, will close its doors on June 22 after 42 years, the owners announced on social media.

An analysis by the National Alliance to End Homelessness shows that as many as 9 million people could become homeless if the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ends rental assistance.

HOUSTON, TX — After 16 years of serving Uptown shoppers, Gallery Furniture is closing its Post Oak Boulevard location in Houston, according to Furniture Today. The Texas-based chain, led by owner Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, cited increased crime near the Galleria Mall and disruptive construction of the Uptown Bus Rapid Transit line as key reasons for the closure.

Disclosure: State of Alabama-based writer. This article is a work from cited sources for informational purposes and is used with permission. No affiliate links are included. U.S. Attorney Sean Costello of the Southern District of Alabama announced on April 4, 2025, that Randy Pressley, a 45-year-old Alabama resident, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme involving six counts of wire fraud and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen goods.

LOS ANGELES, CA — In response to looming federal funding cuts, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), headquartered in Los Angeles, is launching a competitive emergency grant cycle to support HIV service providers across the U.S. The initiative aims to help programs serving transgender communities and at-risk women and youth maintain critical care.

The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James has returned to Florida from a patrol that saw them seize more than 44,550 pounds of Mexican Cartel cocaine and 3,880 pounds of Mexican Cartel marijuana worth about $510 million. US Attorney General Pam Biondi says the seizures represent more than a half-billion-dollars of lost profits by the Gulf Cartel (CDG), the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS), and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

From 1977 to 1984, ABC-TV aired the sitcom, Three's Company, featuring John Ritter, Suzanne Sommers, and Joyce DeWitt as roommates sharing an apartment in Santa Monica, California. Sadly, both Ritter and Sommers have since passed away. But DeWitt is still with us, and a healthy 76 years old today.

Beloved actor/director Peter Bonerz, now 86, is best known for his role as dentist Dr. Jerry Robinson on TV's classic sitcom, The Bob Newhart Show (CBS, 1972-1979). However, before he found mainstream fame on camera, which eventually was followed by a behind-the-scenes career switch, Bonerz faced early life and career struggles.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — White Pony Express (WPE), based in Contra Costa County, is urgently seeking $350,000 in donations by May 31 to continue its life-saving food rescue operations. Due to recent federal funding cuts, WPE faces a one-third budget shortfall—threatening fresh food deliveries to over 100 nonprofits across the region.

On May 23, 2025, Father Knows Best former child star Lauren Chapin will be 80 years old. A triumphant survivor, Chapin has faced several personal and professional challenges. This is her story.

Mexican Cartels are out more than $91 million in expected profits after US Federal Agents seized several huge shipments of methamphetamines from smugglers caught attempting to bring them across the border into Texas last month.

LAREDO, TX — Laredo has earned the unfortunate title of the least healthy city in Texas, ranking as the 18th most unhealthy city in America, according to a report by Quote.com.

CALIFORNIA — If you're mapping out warm-weather plans, two California cities are topping the charts for 2025 summer getaways. According to Historic Tours of America, San Francisco ranks as the #1 summer destination in the state, praised for iconic landmarks like Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island, and Pier 39.

CALIFORNIA – Jack in the Box announced April 23, that it will close 150 – 200 underperforming restaurants nationwide. The Southern California-based company introduced its 'JACK on Track' plan, which includes selling select real estate holdings, discontinuing dividend payouts, reducing debt, and closing stores.

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a dedicated foster-based dog rescue in Massachusetts, has recently introduced a small young dog named Vago who is searching for his forever family. When Vago was first discovered in August, he was in dire condition. As the rescue explains, he was found "all alone wandering the streets of Mexico, starving, matted and covered in fleas, ticks and infection." Despite these challenges, Vago's resilient spirit has shown through, and today he is described by the rescue as a “completely transformed dog," though still working on reaching his ideal weight. At 3-4 years old and 13.5 pounds, he's proven to be the perfect package of personality and affection.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently recognized National Crime Victims' Rights Week, but his commitment to crime victims faces criticism following the rejection of funding for Proposition 36, according to critics.

NEWARK — Joseph Schwartz, 65, of Suffern, New York, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for his role in a $38 million employment tax fraud scheme involving nursing homes he operated across the country, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

This article was originally published on ChaChingQueen.com, a site my wife and I own. AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

The Trump administration is asking Congress to eliminate funding for Head Start, a move that would cut early education for more than half a million of the nation’s neediest children and child care for their families.

SAN MATEO, CA — Rakuten’s latest study, conducted with The Harris Poll, highlights a growing gap between consumer expectations and retailer assumptions as shoppers face tightening budgets.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under mounting scrutiny across U.S. boardrooms, with a surge in anti-DEI shareholder proposals marking a major shift in the 2025 proxy season, according to The Conference Board.

Within the past few days, the US State Department has issued urgent travel advisories to US residents about a Mexican destination that is popular with US tourists: Los Cabos / Cabo San Lucas/La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

STORM PREDICTION CETNER FORECASTS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM NORTH-CENTRAL TEXAS INTO SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS & EXTREME NORTHWEST LOUISIANA. METRO AREAS INCLUDE Dallas, TX...Fort Worth, TX...Arlington, TX...Plano, TX...Garland, TX...

According to WRIC 8 News, the Richmond FBI has a warning for parents. It is against groups that are part of a violent network targeting children and manipulating them into recording themselves committing illegal and violent acts.

MURFREESBORO, TN — In-N-Out Burger is making its long-awaited debut in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, adding a new location near the bustling Clari Park development. Situated on Medical Center Parkway, the restaurant will be nestled between Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, making it an exciting addition to the area's growing restaurant scene.

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a dedicated foster-based dog rescue in Massachusetts, recently introduced Bree, a charming young pup looking for a forever home. Approximately 9 to 10 months old, this medium-sized dog has already captured hearts with her gentle demeanor. Despite her initial shyness, Bree's foster family reports that she possesses a blend of caution and courage. "She is a timid girl who still gets a little nervous around new people but is brave enough to welcome pets and affection," they share. With patience and understanding from her future forever family, Bree will continue to blossom in confidence.