Author: West Coast Times
Former US President Barack Obama has criticized Donald Trump’s administration over the war in Iran and rising consumer prices. Obama made the remarks while campaigning for Democrats ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Speaking to crowds in Ohio on Saturday, Obama urged voters to use the election to limit what he described as harmful decisions by the current administration. “This election is our last best chance to at least rein in some of the foolishness of this administration,” Obama said. Meanwhile, Trump defended his record at a rally in Georgia. He praised his administration’s immigration and tariff policies and…
Thousands of voters in Tulare County, California, received extra mail ballots for the November midterm election after a printing error, according to a report published on October 20. The issue drew concern from residents who feared they might be accused of trying to vote twice. Election officials said safeguards were in place to stop duplicate ballots from being counted. The problem came to light on October 13, when voters began calling and visiting the county election office in Visalia. They wanted to know why they had received more than one ballot. The confusion grew as residents tried to understand whether…
The dispute over media access at the White House grew stronger on Saturday as President Donald Trump defended his administration’s decision to restrict some major news outlets from participating in the presidential press pool. The latest clash came as Trump departed the White House for a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. During a brief exchange with reporters, he faced questions from Akayla Gardner, a White House correspondent for MS Now, about the administration’s handling of press access. Gardner asked Trump whether he only wanted news organizations that support him to be included in the press pool. Trump rejected that claim and…
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has been released from federal custody after appearing in court on charges linked to a shooting investigation in Minnesota. Christian Castro appeared before a federal judge in McAllen, Texas, on Friday. He is accused of making false statements to investigators about the events that led to the shooting of a Venezuelan man during an immigration enforcement operation earlier this year. Federal prosecutors allege that Castro provided inaccurate information about the incident when questioned by investigators. According to the indictment, he claimed he was attacked before opening fire during an encounter outside a Minneapolis…
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on Friday to federal stalking charges tied to the death of top health insurance executive Brian Thompson. The unexpected courtroom decision brings a major turn to a high-profile case that sparked deep debates across the nation. Mangione, 28, addressed the court during a federal hearing in Manhattan. He admitted to shooting Thompson outside a Midtown hotel in late 2024. Thompson served as the chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare. He had traveled to New York to attend an annual investor meeting for the company. In a formal statement, Mangione explained how he tracked Thompson prior to the…
Heavy rain caused part of the roof at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in New Jersey to collapse on Monday, forcing emergency crews to respond after two people became temporarily trapped inside the building. The incident happened at about 11:16 a.m. at the store in Oakhurst, located in Ocean Township. Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and emergency medical teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the partial roof collapse. According to local authorities, 27 people were inside the store when part of the ceiling gave way during the severe weather. Two people became partially trapped beneath the fallen structure…
The global spotlight remains fixed on the 2026 Met Gala as reactions and fashion discussions continue to spread across Hollywood and the wider entertainment industry. The event, held in New York, has once again set social media on fire with bold looks, dramatic style choices, and strong public attention from fans around the world. The Met Gala is widely known as one of the biggest nights in global fashion. Each year, it brings together top actors, musicians, designers, and public figures. The 2026 edition has continued that tradition, with strong online engagement and ongoing media coverage days after the red…
LA28 Cultural Olympiad is preparing a major citywide arts celebration that will showcase the culture, creativity, and communities of Los Angeles before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Organisers say the programme will involve more than 300 local arts organisations and community groups across the region. The Cultural Olympiad will include events linked to music, film, fashion, food, visual arts, theatre, and live performances. The project is part of a long Olympic tradition that combines sport with culture in host cities around the world. According to LA28 officials, the programme is designed to celebrate the real identity of Los Angeles…
Off the coast of Northern California, an ecological disaster is unfolding beneath the waves. An explosion in purple sea urchin populations has decimated 90% of the state’s kelp forests. These “underwater rainforests” are vital for carbon sequestration and providing habitat for diverse marine life. Divers and scientists are now engaged in a massive “urchin cull” to allow the kelp to regrow. We investigate the causes of this imbalance—ranging from the loss of natural predators like sea otters to warming ocean temperatures—and the efforts being made to restore the emerald canopies of the Pacific.
Washington State has recently implemented landmark protections for delivery and rideshare drivers, offering a middle ground between “independent contractor” and “employee.” These benefits include paid sick leave and a guaranteed minimum wage while on active duty. The move follows years of legal battles and serves as a potential blueprint for other states. We speak with drivers and platform representatives to see how these changes have impacted the cost of services and the quality of life for the thousands of people who power the West Coast’s on-demand economy.
