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SFGATE •

A casual in-flight chat exposed a Calif. 'trophy room' of illegal wildlife

A casual conversation on a flight led to the unraveling of a sprawling case of hunted protected and endangered animals, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Tuesday.

A casual conversation on a flight led to the unraveling of a sprawling case of hunted protected and endangered animals, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Tuesday.

The case, which resulted in guilty pleas, fines and probation for three California residents, began in November 2023 when two...
SFGATE •

Northern Calif. wildlife sanctuary investigated over alleged animal neglect

A Butte County wildlife sanctuary is under criminal investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife over allegations of animal welfare violations. The probe follows mounting concerns from animal advocates and state and federal officials regarding the care provided to both native and exotic species.

A Butte County wildlife sanctuary is under criminal investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife over allegations of animal welfare violations. The probe follows mo...
SFGATE •

Protests against Elon Musk and mass layoffs spread across California

Demonstrators in cities and small towns across California are targeting Tesla dealerships in a growing wave of protests against the aggressive push from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the White House to sharply downsize the federal government.

Demonstrators in cities and small towns across California are targeting Tesla dealerships in a growing wave of protests against the aggressive push from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the White House to sharply downsize the federal government.

On Wednesday night, hund...
SFGATE •

Dire situation in Joshua Tree and Yosemite leads to weekend protests

Protests erupted at two of California’s most iconic national parks over the weekend as demonstrators in Yosemite and Joshua Tree rallied against sweeping layoffs they say will cripple park operations.

Protests erupted at two of California’s most iconic national parks over the weekend as demonstrators in Yosemite and Joshua Tree rallied against sweeping layoffs they say will cripple park operations.

In Joshua Tree, locals and business owners, including photographer Casey Kiernan and climbing gu...
SFGATE •

Tip-off led to Australian woman's 44-pound SFO meth bust, DA says

Yasmin Van Tongeren, 25, was arrested on Friday while attempting to board a flight to Brisbane, Australia. According to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, baggage screeners at SFO uncovered 20 sealed bags of meth hidden in her suitcase, along with vacuum-sealed packaging materials and coffee-stained cloths — a smuggling tactic to mask drug scents.

Yasmin Van Tongeren, 25, was arrested on Friday while attempting to board a flight to Brisbane, Australia. According to San Mateo Co...
SFGATE •

Court rules bakery violated civil rights by refusing same-sex wedding cake

A three-judge panel in the 5th Appellate District Court unanimously ruled that Cathy Miller’s policy of denying the cake was intentionally discriminatory, reinforcing that businesses cannot deny services based on sexual orientation under the state’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. The ruling overturned a 2022 decision by Kern County Judge Eric Bradshaw, who had found in Miller’s favor. Another appeal is now headed to the California Supreme Court.

A three-judge panel in the 5th Appellate District Court...
SFGATE •

One of the strictest homeless camp bans in the U.S. just passed in the Bay Area

Fremont has enacted one of the most restrictive homeless encampment bans in California, sparking backlash from advocates and nonprofits who fear the ordinance could criminalize efforts to help those who are unhoused.

Fremont has enacted one of the most restrictive homeless encampment bans in California, sparking backlash from advocates and nonprofits who fear the ordinance could criminalize efforts to help those who are unhoused.

The move follows a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling this past...
SFGATE •

Bay Area wakes to rare snowfall as a surging atmospheric river moves in

Video from the 4,265-foot peak around 4:45 a.m. showed icy roads and snow-covered vehicles near the James Lick Observatory as blustery winds and dense fog turned the summit into a winter wonderland. But the cold snap wasn’t just a fleeting sight at higher elevations. Chilly conditions continue across the Bay Area, with temperatures dipping into the 30s and 40s in some inland valleys — a sharp contrast to the stormy weather ahead.

Video from the 4,265-foot peak around 4:45 a.m. showed icy roads...
SFGATE •

Denmark wants to buy California. The perks? Free healthcare and pastries

First, President Donald Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland.  Now, Denmark is flipping the script with its own offer for one of America’s richest and most populous states.

First, President Donald Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland.  Now, Denmark is flipping the script with its own offer for one of America’s richest and most populous states.

A satirical petition making the rounds in Denmark suggests that if the United States is in the business of acquiring its Greenland territory...
SFGATE •

Ultrarare seaplane spotted over San Francisco

The Philippine Mars, one of the last surviving World War II-era Martin JRM Mars flying boats, touched down in San Francisco Bay on Sunday, marking the first leg of its final journey to a museum in Arizona.

The Philippine Mars, one of the last surviving World War II-era Martin JRM Mars flying boats, touched down in San Francisco Bay on Sunday, marking the first leg of its final journey to a museum in Arizona.

Dwarfing modern seaplanes, the Philippine Mars is a 117-foot-long, nearly 76,000-pound...
SFGATE •

SF Zoo's giant panda job listing has locals bamboozled

The job has a low salary range for the Bay Area — $67,000 to $72,000 per year — but the qualifications required are far from small. Applicants must have at least five years experience in giant panda care at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institution, specifically working with small and large carnivores and other high-priority conservation species. A degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management or a related field is also required. Whoever secures the role may find themselves l...
The Independent •

RFK Jr wants to promote raw milk as HHS secretary – experts say it’s dangerous

Robert F Kennedy was announced as Donald Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services secretary on Thursday (November 14), alarming public health experts who have questioned his stance on vaccines, chronic disease and chemicals in food.Days before the presidential election, Kennedy shared his wish list for the FDA, which included ivermectin, stem cell therapy and raw milk.In recent months, public figures from Marjorie Taylor Greene to “trad wife” influencer Hannah Neeleman, have joined the ra...
The Independent •

What is South Korea’s 4B movement? Interest spikes after US election

The South Korean 4B movement has seen a spike in interest amid the results from the 2024 US presidential election.On Wednesday (November 6) morning, Republican candidate Donald Trump claimed victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Throughout his 2024 reelection campaign, the former president has celebrated the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v Wade, a ruling that ended a nationwide right to abortion. It was also reproductive rights that propelled many women to the polls on Elect...
The Independent •

There was no second date after I found his MAGA Instagram: Dating and politics

There was something off about my date. A flinch at a Trump joke, a strange look when I mentioned my immigrant parent. I had a sinking feeling that he was on the opposite end of the political spectrum. When I got home, I did the natural thing and checked his Instagram. Sure enough, the accounts he followed were a veritable who’s who of MAGA pundits. Let’s just say that as a progressive woman who values her rights, he didn’t make it past the first date.As the 2024 presidential election looms, poli...
The Independent •

Drag brunch continues to reign as a go-to Pride activity

For bartender Justine Musselman – who’s worked at Dromedary: Coming Out in Bushwick, Brooklyn, for the past four years – the bar’s weekly drag brunch is the only reason she will wake up early on a Sunday. “I have been working at drag brunch for as long as I’ve worked at Dromedary, and despite the inconvenience of that shift, I refuse to give it up,” she told The Independent.

Every Sunday afternoon, drag performers Emi Grate and Nancy Nogood put their chemistry on full display for both Bushwick
The Independent •

Star Wars fans are all grown up and have replaced Comic Con with raves

As the first notes of John Williams’ “Imperial March” resounded from Catch One nightclub’s speakers, a sea of smartphones went up to record the moment. As it was the first piece of Star Wars’ iconic score we had heard all night I couldn’t help but capture it too, my arm lifting up alongside those pumping their stuffed Baby Yodas in the air. Others waved technicolour lightsabers in the air as if they were the famed Oscar-winning conductor himself. Twin Darth Vader helmets stared each other down i
The Independent •

Gen Z and millennials are more likely to experience ‘money dysmorphia,’ study says

A new report indicates almost half of young adults experience “money dysmorphia”.

According to a report from Qualtrics commissioned by Intuit Credit Karma, 29 per cent of Americans say they often find themselves comparing their financial situation to others, sparking feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. While surveying 1,006 US adults above the age of 18 from 18 to 26 December 2023, researchers found that these feelings were found predominantly among younger adults, specifically 43 per cent o
The Independent •

Will the TikTok ban spell the death of the influencer?

Craving what we don’t have has been a compulsion long before the surge in social media marketing-fueled consumption. Once upon a time, our material desires were cultivated through in-person interactions, in-store shopping, or word-of-mouth. Not long after, face-to-face became face-to-catalog, with consumers flipping endlessly through product pages, before television ads intensified their appetite for more, using fictional characters and celebrity actors as aspirational models for who the custome
The Independent •

Met Gala 2024: Best dressed stars on the red carpet

Fashion’s biggest night is here, with famous faces showing up and showing out at the 2024 Met Gala with their best takes on this year’s theme: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”

On Monday evening, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City will be flooded with celebrated musicians, transformative designers, actors, and influencers to honour The Costume Institute’s spring 2024 exhibit. This year’s gala will co-chaired by stars including Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez, and B
The Independent •

The battle against IVF isn’t protecting children. It’s devastating families

When you’re a teenager, you have a basic understanding of how you came into the world. You don’t tend to ask your parents questions about your conception. At least, I didn’t because I wasn’t inclined to die of mortification.

Growing up, I’d only heard that my parents had tried for a child for a long time, so when my 70-something-year-old grandmother made a passing comment about how I’d had a twin in the womb, I took it as another one of her jokes. Offbeat and out there, but classic grandma.

I
The Independent •

The Los Angeles edition of the Willy Wonka Experience was an absurdist fever dream

Standing outside a graffitied warehouse in Los Angeles’ Arts District, I didn’t know what to expect from a recreation of Glasgow’s disastrous Willy Wonka event. I had heard a lot about the bungled children’s experience, which included AI-generated characters, sparse and low-budget sets and costuming, and a sad Oompa Loompa who had become somewhat of a local celebrity since the event. Unlike what happened in Glasgow, this event was primarily marketed to grown adults, capitalising off of the meme
The Independent •

Researchers find that ‘superpowers’ are real - they’re just not what we expect

Researchers have found that superpowers may be real, but they may not be what we expect.

In research collected for her upcoming book Superpowered, author Erika Engelhaupt revealed that scientists have found what can be considered “superpowers” in humans. Although they may not be endowed with the ability to run faster than the speed of sound or fly high up in the sky, research indicates that some humans possess abilities far beyond the norm that may be considered “super.”

From the Sherpa people
The Independent •

Tourist pleads guilty after throwing chicken Betty White into an alligator pond

An Australian park guest pled guilty to taking a chicken from its enclosure and tossing it to its death in an alligator-infested pond on January 2024 at the Oakvale Farm and Fauna World at Salt Ash in New South Wales.According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the guest – Peter Smith – reached over a concrete rock wall within a sanctuary at the farm to snatch a white Chinese silkie bantam chicken named Betty White. He then hid the animal inside his shirt as he went over to the alligator...
The Independent •

Brad Pitt issues warning after imposters arrested for scamming women out of $350,000

Brad Pitt representative issued a warning to fans after five imposters were arrested in Spain after defrauding two women out of $362,000 by posing as the actor. According to a statement released on September 23 by Spain’s Interior Ministry, five people have been arrested and face fraud and money laundering charges with three of the online swindlers arrested last November and two more arrested in July.The statement revealed that the imposters reached out through an online Brad Pitt fan page, exch...
The Independent •

Olympian forgot to scan food at Walmart checkout – she was arrested and lost her job

An Olympian was arrested after a debacle at a Walmart self-checkout station.On 28 March, former Olympic athlete Meaggan Pettipiece’s life was turned upside down after scanning her ham and asparagus at a Walmart self-checkout machine in Indiana. After security saw she failed to scan the items – worth $67 – they called the police, even though she paid $176 for the other groceries.During her arrest, she told officers that she wasn’t aware the machine hadn’t registered the items, but they continued...
The Independent •

What is ‘hoa hoa hoa’ season? How ‘Twilight’ soundtrack evokes cold weather nostalgia

With fall having arrived in full force, many social media users have taken to declare that “hoa hoa hoa season” has arrived. Inspired by the aesthetics of the first movie of the Twilight saga and its soundtrack, particularly “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation, scoring sweeping shots of foggy pine trees and cold grey skies, vocals singing “hoa hoa hoa” at the beginning of the song have in recent years become emblematic of cold weather nostalgia. This year, social media users are saying goodbye to...
The Independent •

September 21st becomes one of the most popular wedding dates thanks to song

More couples than ever are choosing the 21st of September for their wedding date because of the popular Earth Wind & Fire song, “September.” When lead vocalist Maurice White first sang the iconic lyrics, “Do you remember the 21st night of September? Love was changin’ the minds of pretenders while chasin’ the clouds away,” he likely had no idea that these words would inspire so many to say “I do.”According to wedding platforms like The Knot and Zola, there has been a marked increase within the pa...
The Independent •

Zoo admits that their pandas are actually ‘painted dogs’

A Chinese zoo has admitted that the pandas in their exhibits were, in fact, “painted dogs.” According to the New York Post, visitors at the Shanwei Zoo realized they were being bamboozled when the so-called pandas began panting and barking. Pandas are native to China and an international symbol of the country. In one visitor’s video, one of the “pandas” was visibly panting while resting on a rock in a fence, while another clip had a panda with a long tail strolling about.“It’s a PANdog,” one vie...
The Independent •

Digital dating is on the rise — but can you find the ‘one’ with AI?

In the age of ghosting, gaslighting, and general dating app fatigue, finding “the one” (or at least someone halfway decent) has become a Herculean task. As tech advancements continue to turn the dating scene on its head, it was only a matter of time before people began test-driving the latest frontier, AI, as a new love interest.The rise in AI dating comes on the heels of a 2023 survey reporting that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are open to the idea of exploring AI romantic companion...
The Independent •

What is a Brat summer? How Charli XCX’s album became part of presidential race

It’s a Brat Summer, and the vice president’s newly launched presidential campaign is the latest to join the fun.“Kamala IS brat,” the singer - born Charlotte Aitchison - shared with her 3.6 million followers on X, referencing her blockbuster sixth studio album, Brat. With the album sparking the “Brat summer” trend on social media, it is no surprise that the 21 July post went viral among Gen Z, garnering over 18 million views and 244,000 likes.But what does a Brat summer mean?When Charli XCX’s si...
The Independent •

Why America’s third places are making a comeback

In the past year, loneliness, isolation, and a lack of connection have all been declared as causes of a major public health crisis, with the US Surgeon General being one of many to raise the alarm that Americans are more disconnected now than ever. Some believe that this crisis - an aftershock of the Covid-19 pandemic - is symptomatic of a decline in physical community spaces where quality connections can blossom.

Sociology professor Ray Oldenburg dubbed these physical community spaces as “thir
The Independent •

Why does Gen-Z prefer soft-launching their relationships?

As summer comes to a close, be prepared to see a wave of soft launches on your social media feeds.

“Soft launch September” was dubbed by The Cut back in 2021 as the natural precursor to “cuffing season,” defined as the period between fall and winter when lonely singletons get “cuffed” or “tied down” by a serious relationship or at least a relationship long enough to last the cold weather. But unlike cuffing season, the soft launch trend is specific to social media, as summer flings take things
The Independent •

Woman named Barbie Oppenheimer encounters difficulties amid Barbenheimer craze

A woman named Barbara “Barbie” Oppenheimer is reportedly having a tough time checking into hotels.

Barbara Oppenheimer - a retired Boston University professor and grandmother of five based in Newton, Massachusetts - has had quite the summer amid this year’s “Barbenheimer” frenzy.

In an interview with Slate, Oppenheimer revealed that numerous people thought she was joking when she would say her name outloud. The retiree recalled a specifically confusing moment during a recent vacation, saying:

Recent Articles

SFGATE •

Technical failures tank California bar exam relaunch, leading to March retakes

California, the second-largest bar exam jurisdiction after New York, saw 12,235 aspiring attorneys complete the test in 2024. Tuesday’s test debuted California’s hybrid, two-day licensing exam created by Kaplan Exam Services — one that removed components of the national bar exam for the first time in decades. But for many, the rollout was anything but smooth.

California, the second-largest bar exam jurisdiction after New York, saw 12,235 aspiring attorneys complete the test in 2024. Tuesday’s t...
SFGATE •

Highway 101 crash causes major Caltrain delays

A truck crash on Highway 101 early Thursday morning brought down power lines and spilled 160 gallons of fuel, causing major delays for Caltrain service between San Francisco and South San Francisco.

A truck crash on Highway 101 early Thursday morning brought down power lines and spilled 160 gallons of fuel, causing major delays for Caltrain service between San Francisco and South San Francisco.

The crash occurred around 5 a.m., causing a loss of power along the corridor and forcing Caltrain to...
SFGATE •

San Francisco mayor orders 34,000 city workers back to office 4 days a week

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is ordering thousands of city employees back to the office at least four days a week, part of a move to strengthen city services while injecting life into the city’s struggling downtown.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is ordering thousands of city employees back to the office at least four days a week, part of a move to strengthen city services while injecting life into the city’s struggling downtown.

In a memo obtained by SFGATE, Lurie set an April 28 deadli...
SFGATE •

Fatal fall onto BART tracks at Civic Center causes major Bay Area delays

LATEST, Feb. 25, 10:40 a.m. A person died after falling onto the BART tracks at Civic Center Station on Tuesday morning, causing major delays across the system, San Francisco police confirmed.

LATEST, Feb. 25, 10:40 a.m. A person died after falling onto the BART tracks at Civic Center Station on Tuesday morning, causing major delays across the system, San Francisco police confirmed.

San Francisco fire crews responded to 1150 Market St. at 8:45 a.m., where rescue teams removed the person from t...
SFGATE •

Muni shutting down subway for repairs, disrupting Bay Area service

FILE: The entrance to the platforms at the new Chinatown station of the SFMTA Central Subway line on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, before its opening. The Chinatown-Rose Pak Station will close for several weeks for maintenance.

FILE: The entrance to the platforms at the new Chinatown station of the SFMTA Central Subway line on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, before its opening. The Chinatown-Rose Pak Station will close for several weeks for maintenance.

San Francisco’s Central Subway tunnel will close fro...
SFGATE •

California heats up after rain, but a cooldown is on the horizon

California is in for a sharp weather shift this week, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal averages. Some inland areas could push near 80 degrees by midweek, a stark contrast to the damp, chilly conditions just days ago.

California is in for a sharp weather shift this week, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal averages. Some inland areas could push near 80 degrees by midweek, a stark contrast to the damp, chilly conditions just days ago.

The sudden warmup comes as a ridge o...
SFGATE •

Billion-dollar Emeryville hospital set to replace Alta Bates as emergency center

The 1.3 million-square-foot campus, slated to fully open by 2033, will initially house 200 beds, with emergency services, intensive care, labor and delivery, outpatient clinics and imaging, the health network said to SFGATE in an email. Sutter acquired a 12-acre site at Horton and 53rd streets to develop the new complex, where outpatient and acute care services are expected to open as early as 2028.

The 1.3 million-square-foot campus, slated to fully open by 2033, will initially house 200 beds,...
SFGATE •

Bay Area in for a dry spell before likely March showers

The Bay Area is settling into a dry, mild pattern after a stormy start to February, with above-normal temperatures inland and little rain expected through next week.

The Bay Area is settling into a dry, mild pattern after a stormy start to February, with above-normal temperatures inland and little rain expected through next week.

A brief period of high pressure is expected to build over Northern California on Friday, bringing highs in the mid-60s to low 70s in the valleys, while coastal areas...
SFGATE •

Protests against Elon Musk and mass layoffs spread across California

Demonstrators in cities and small towns across California are targeting Tesla dealerships in a growing wave of protests against the aggressive push from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the White House to sharply downsize the federal government.

Demonstrators in cities and small towns across California are targeting Tesla dealerships in a growing wave of protests against the aggressive push from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the White House to sharply downsize the federal government.

On Wednesday night, hund...
SFGATE •

After Moss Landing Power Plant reignites, officials brace for more flare-ups

At 6:30 p.m., the North County Fire Protection District and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of a fire at the Moss Landing Moss 300 building, Fire Chief Joel Mendoza said during a Wednesday press briefing.

At 6:30 p.m., the North County Fire Protection District and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of a fire at the Moss Landing Moss 300 building, Fire Chief Joel Mendoza said during a Wednesday press briefing.

“The first engine arrived on s...
SFGATE •

Big changes in the forecast for SF Bay Area weather

A weak cold front is moving through the Bay Area on Wednesday, bringing light rain to the North Bay and scattered showers drifting south through the morning. San Francisco is expected to get some rain, but totals will be minimal, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

A weak cold front is moving through the Bay Area on Wednesday, bringing light rain to the North Bay and scattered showers drifting south through the morning. San Francisco is expected to get some rain, but totals will...
SFGATE •

Tip-off led to Australian woman's 44-pound SFO meth bust, DA says

Yasmin Van Tongeren, 25, was arrested on Friday while attempting to board a flight to Brisbane, Australia. According to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, baggage screeners at SFO uncovered 20 sealed bags of meth hidden in her suitcase, along with vacuum-sealed packaging materials and coffee-stained cloths — a smuggling tactic to mask drug scents.

Yasmin Van Tongeren, 25, was arrested on Friday while attempting to board a flight to Brisbane, Australia. According to San Mateo Co...
SFGATE •

Court rules bakery violated civil rights by refusing same-sex wedding cake

A three-judge panel in the 5th Appellate District Court unanimously ruled that Cathy Miller’s policy of denying the cake was intentionally discriminatory, reinforcing that businesses cannot deny services based on sexual orientation under the state’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. The ruling overturned a 2022 decision by Kern County Judge Eric Bradshaw, who had found in Miller’s favor. Another appeal is now headed to the California Supreme Court.

A three-judge panel in the 5th Appellate District Court...
SFGATE •

Heading to Tahoe this weekend? Here's what to expect

While the worst of the storm is expected to clear out by Friday night, road conditions could remain treacherous due to lingering ice and ongoing snow removal efforts. Caltrans has implemented chain controls on all Sierra highways and is warning drivers to expect delays.

While the worst of the storm is expected to clear out by Friday night, road conditions could remain treacherous due to lingering ice and ongoing snow removal efforts. Caltrans has implemented chain controls on all Sierra highway...
SFGATE •

One of the strictest homeless camp bans in the U.S. just passed in the Bay Area

Fremont has enacted one of the most restrictive homeless encampment bans in California, sparking backlash from advocates and nonprofits who fear the ordinance could criminalize efforts to help those who are unhoused.

Fremont has enacted one of the most restrictive homeless encampment bans in California, sparking backlash from advocates and nonprofits who fear the ordinance could criminalize efforts to help those who are unhoused.

The move follows a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling this past...
SFGATE •

Winter storm cuts off vital Sierra route

A major winter storm has forced the closure of U.S. Highway 395 in Mono County, shutting down a critical transportation route along the Eastern Sierra. The highway is closed in both directions from Gorge Road, about 18 miles north of Bishop, to June Lake Junction.

A major winter storm has forced the closure of U.S. Highway 395 in Mono County, shutting down a critical transportation route along the Eastern Sierra. The highway is closed in both directions from Gorge Road, about 18 miles north of...
SFGATE •

Bay Area wakes to rare snowfall as a surging atmospheric river moves in

Video from the 4,265-foot peak around 4:45 a.m. showed icy roads and snow-covered vehicles near the James Lick Observatory as blustery winds and dense fog turned the summit into a winter wonderland. But the cold snap wasn’t just a fleeting sight at higher elevations. Chilly conditions continue across the Bay Area, with temperatures dipping into the 30s and 40s in some inland valleys — a sharp contrast to the stormy weather ahead.

Video from the 4,265-foot peak around 4:45 a.m. showed icy roads...
SFGATE •

Flash floods, 30-foot waves: Bay Area braces for intense atmospheric river

This winter’s barrage of atmospheric rivers isn’t letting up, with the latest storm set to hammer the Bay Area starting late tonight, bringing heavy rain, fierce winds and dangerous surf through Friday morning.

This winter’s barrage of atmospheric rivers isn’t letting up, with the latest storm set to hammer the Bay Area starting late tonight, bringing heavy rain, fierce winds and dangerous surf through Friday morning.

The storm is expected to intensify late Wednesday and deliver widespread dow...
SFGATE •

Denmark wants to buy California. The perks? Free healthcare and pastries

First, President Donald Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland.  Now, Denmark is flipping the script with its own offer for one of America’s richest and most populous states.

First, President Donald Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland.  Now, Denmark is flipping the script with its own offer for one of America’s richest and most populous states.

A satirical petition making the rounds in Denmark suggests that if the United States is in the business of acquiring its Greenland territory...
SFGATE •

Ultrarare seaplane spotted over San Francisco

The Philippine Mars, one of the last surviving World War II-era Martin JRM Mars flying boats, touched down in San Francisco Bay on Sunday, marking the first leg of its final journey to a museum in Arizona.

The Philippine Mars, one of the last surviving World War II-era Martin JRM Mars flying boats, touched down in San Francisco Bay on Sunday, marking the first leg of its final journey to a museum in Arizona.

Dwarfing modern seaplanes, the Philippine Mars is a 117-foot-long, nearly 76,000-pound...
SFGATE •

SF Zoo's giant panda job listing has locals bamboozled

The job has a low salary range for the Bay Area — $67,000 to $72,000 per year — but the qualifications required are far from small. Applicants must have at least five years experience in giant panda care at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institution, specifically working with small and large carnivores and other high-priority conservation species. A degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management or a related field is also required. Whoever secures the role may find themselves l...
SFGATE •

Person killed behind Bay Area Whole Foods, police say

A person was found fatally shot behind a Whole Foods Market in Redwood City early Thursday morning, according to police.

A person was found fatally shot behind a Whole Foods Market in Redwood City early Thursday morning, according to police.

Officers responded to a report of a person lying in the roadway on Adams Street near Jefferson Avenue at approximately 1:40 a.m., Capt. Ashley Osborne of the Redwood City Police Department said in a statement to SFGATE. When officers arrived at the scene,...
SFGATE •

3 iconic skater brands to close Bay Area stores amid bankruptcy

Billabong, Volcom and Quiksilver — once staples of surf and skate culture — are closing all of their U.S. retail stores, including locations in the Bay Area. The closures follow Liberated Brands’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing this week.

Billabong, Volcom and Quiksilver — once staples of surf and skate culture — are closing all of their U.S. retail stores, including locations in the Bay Area. The closures follow Liberated Brands’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing this week.

More than 100 stores natio...
The Independent •

Life-sized Taylor Swift cake collapses on its way to international baking competition

A life-sized Taylor Swift cake collapses on its way to an international baking competition, Cake International. According to BBC, artist and baker Elza Baldzhiyska planned on showing off the Swift cake at the competition taking place near Birmingham on November 1. The cake captured the pop star, 34, rocking her iconic pink-and-blue jeweled Versace bodysuit and those glittering knee-high boots—her go-to look for the Lover era on tour, now reimagined in frosting and fondant glory. However, as the...
The Independent •

Two women realize they were swapped at birth 50 years ago after DNA test

A DNA test led two women to discover that they were switched at birth 50 years ago. Two women in England have just learned they went home with the wrong families after being born in the same hospital in 1967—making it the first confirmed case of a baby switch by the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS).The discovery began in 2021 when Tony, after receiving a DNA home-testing kit for Christmas, learned he had a sister—but not the one he’d grown up with, the BBC reports. His test results pointed t...
The Independent •

There was no second date after I found his MAGA Instagram: Dating and politics

There was something off about my date. A flinch at a Trump joke, a strange look when I mentioned my immigrant parent. I had a sinking feeling that he was on the opposite end of the political spectrum. When I got home, I did the natural thing and checked his Instagram. Sure enough, the accounts he followed were a veritable who’s who of MAGA pundits. Let’s just say that as a progressive woman who values her rights, he didn’t make it past the first date.As the 2024 presidential election looms, poli...
The Independent •

Two police dogs found dead in handler’s car after ventilation system failed

Two police dogs tragically died in their handler’s car after a cooling pod failed when the engine was turned off.On Thursday, 31 October, a New South Wales police officer left two German shepherds, Xtra and Soldier, in his car at 10:30 am while attending a training development day just 300 meters away in southern Sydney. When he returned two hours later, at 12:30 pm, he was met with a tragic discovery – both dogs had died.Police reported on Friday (1 November) that an engine failure likely cause...
The Independent •

Woman finds homeless teen asleep in her yard – her response won people’s heart

A woman found a teenager sleeping in her yard, and her response has since gone viral on social media. In a series of TikTok videos, user Elly Pimentel shared how she helped an unhoused teenage boy who kept sleeping in her yard. Athough she initially hesitated before sharing anything about the teen online, Pimentel posted bits of their exchange on TikTok in the hopes that her community might offer some guidance.The clips, which were posted in September, have since sparked an outpouring of advice,...
The Independent •

World’s fattest cat Crumbs dies weighing 38 pounds weeks after his stint at fat camp

The world’s fattest cat, Crumbs, died a few weeks after attending a feline fat camp. After gaining viral fame as “Kroshik” — the Russian word for “Crumbs” — the cat was put on a weight-loss regimen following his rescue from the basement of a Russian hospital. Crumbs had been raised on a diet of biscuits and soup, which led him to weigh 38 pounds. Since his rescue, he’d been making notable progress at a specialized veterinary center in Perm, Russia, losing 7 pounds. Tragically, his journey was cu...
The Independent •

Mom issues warning after daughter suffers second-degree burns from gluing fake nails

A mother has issued a warning after her daughter suffered second-degree burns while gluing on fake nails. In a video shared on TikTok, a mother named Jessica Klick shared how her 11-year-old daughter Sienna was at a friend’s house when they decided to try on some fake nails that her friend had received as a gift. While applying one of the fake nails, a few drops of glue accidentally landed on Sienna’s cotton sock. “Apparently, nail glue reacts with cotton and wool and causes instantaneous heat....
The Independent •

Mother goes viral after concerned neighbor stops her during morning jog

A mother was stopped by a concerned neighbor during her morning jog and footage of it has gone viral.In a sweet clip shared on TikTok, novice runner Anna Grace Boswell was heading out for a morning jog – preparing for a half-marathon she’d signed up for three weeks prior – when her neighbor, Stanley, ran over to Boswell to make sure she wasn’t running from danger. She caught the funny moment via her front door security camera. “CACKLING,” the mother of two wrote in the caption, “Protect my neigh...
The Independent •

Bridgerton Ball turns into royal flop as attendees demand refunds for $150 tickets

Dozens of Bridgerton fans in Detroit have been left outraged after they arrived at a “Bridgerton Ball experience” to find undercooked food, no dancing – and a lone violinist.Some fans had paid $250 for a “Duke and Duchess” package, including valet service, dinner and music, but the reality was quite different – and was so disastrous that the event has been compared to the ill-fated Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience that made headlines in March. Other people, including those who had paid $150 for a...
The Independent •

Princess Theodora of Greece finally weds American fiancee after postponing twice

Princess Theodora of Greece has finally married her American fiancé, Matthew Kumar, in a royal wedding. After two previous postponements, the 41-year-old tied the knot with the Hollywood lawyer, 34, in a lavish ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, the same church where her parents, King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie, were married on 18 September 1964. According to an official statement, the couple chose the venue to honor Greek culture and the princess’s family. “The couple’s des...
The Independent •

Tourist pleads guilty after throwing chicken Betty White into an alligator pond

An Australian park guest pled guilty to taking a chicken from its enclosure and tossing it to its death in an alligator-infested pond on January 2024 at the Oakvale Farm and Fauna World at Salt Ash in New South Wales.According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the guest – Peter Smith – reached over a concrete rock wall within a sanctuary at the farm to snatch a white Chinese silkie bantam chicken named Betty White. He then hid the animal inside his shirt as he went over to the alligator...
The Independent •

Lana Del Rey secures marriage license to wed alligator tour guide Jeremy Dufrene

Lana Del Rey has reportedly secured a marriage license for wedding with alligator tour guide boyfriend Jeremy Dufrene. The artist has known the Louisiana boat captain for years but rumors of their relationship only recently went public.Now, People has confirmed that the 39-year-old “West Coast” singer obtained a marriage license on September 23 at the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Dufrene. The pair must marry within 30 days of receiving their license.According to Facebook, Del Rey has shared p...
The Independent •

Jeremy Allen White seen kissing The Bear co-star weeks after last with Rosalia

Jeremy Allen White was spotted kissing his The Bear co-star weeks after his last outing with Rosalía.White, 33, was first linked to the Spanish pop star, 32, in October 2023 – the pair were last seen in public together in July this year at a pop-up event for The Bear’s third season in Los Angeles.In paparazzi photos shared by various outlets on Thursday (September 26), White was seen kissing Molly Gordon, who plays his character Carmy Berzatto’s love interest Claire Dunlap in the FX kitchen dram...
The Independent •

Coast guard airlifts 8-year-old boy from cruise ship after falling ill on board

The U.S. Coast Guard had to airlift an 8-year-old boy from a cruise ship after he became severely ill. According to a press release, Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders were notified of the emergency on Tuesday (24 September) at around 7 a.m. local time when the Royal Princess ship was about 20 miles west of Eureka, California. Crew members – including aviation survival technician Philip Morie and helicopter pilot Lt. Katherine McDonnell – were notified that “an 8-year-old male passeng...
The Independent •

Brad Pitt issues warning after imposters arrested for scamming women out of $350,000

Brad Pitt representative issued a warning to fans after five imposters were arrested in Spain after defrauding two women out of $362,000 by posing as the actor. According to a statement released on September 23 by Spain’s Interior Ministry, five people have been arrested and face fraud and money laundering charges with three of the online swindlers arrested last November and two more arrested in July.The statement revealed that the imposters reached out through an online Brad Pitt fan page, exch...
The Independent •

Olympian forgot to scan food at Walmart checkout – she was arrested and lost her job

An Olympian was arrested after a debacle at a Walmart self-checkout station.On 28 March, former Olympic athlete Meaggan Pettipiece’s life was turned upside down after scanning her ham and asparagus at a Walmart self-checkout machine in Indiana. After security saw she failed to scan the items – worth $67 – they called the police, even though she paid $176 for the other groceries.During her arrest, she told officers that she wasn’t aware the machine hadn’t registered the items, but they continued...
The Independent •

What is ‘hoa hoa hoa’ season? How ‘Twilight’ soundtrack evokes cold weather nostalgia

With fall having arrived in full force, many social media users have taken to declare that “hoa hoa hoa season” has arrived. Inspired by the aesthetics of the first movie of the Twilight saga and its soundtrack, particularly “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation, scoring sweeping shots of foggy pine trees and cold grey skies, vocals singing “hoa hoa hoa” at the beginning of the song have in recent years become emblematic of cold weather nostalgia. This year, social media users are saying goodbye to...
The Independent •

‘Octomom’ Natalie Suleman announces arrival of first grandchild

“Octomom” Natalie (formerly Nadya) Suleman shared that she had recently become a grandmother. On Instagram, the 49-year-old media personality posted a photo showing a baby girl’s tiny foot peeking from underneath a pink blanket. Without revealing which of her 10 sons the daughter belonged to, Suleman gushed over the latest addition to her huge family.“Thank you my son and my lovely daughter in law for giving us this beautiful gift!” the mother of 14 wrote in the caption. “We are so blessed that...
The Independent •

Tana Mongeau claims she was offered millions to endorse a political candidate

Tana Mongeau recently claimed she was offered millions of dollars to endorse a political candidate. On an episode of her Cancelled podcast host, the influencer revealed she was offered “whatever you want” to promote an unnamed cryptocurrency, and continuing with the topic of endorsements, she added that she was “hypothetically” offered millions to endorse a political candidate.“I hypothetically was just offered a lot of money to endorse a political party. Like, millions,” she told her podcast co...
The Independent •

September 21st becomes one of the most popular wedding dates thanks to song

More couples than ever are choosing the 21st of September for their wedding date because of the popular Earth Wind & Fire song, “September.” When lead vocalist Maurice White first sang the iconic lyrics, “Do you remember the 21st night of September? Love was changin’ the minds of pretenders while chasin’ the clouds away,” he likely had no idea that these words would inspire so many to say “I do.”According to wedding platforms like The Knot and Zola, there has been a marked increase within the pa...
The Independent •

Who is Olivia Nuzzi? The reporter on leave for ‘personal relationship’ with RFK Jr

New York Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi was recently put on leave after disclosing her “personal relationship” to former Independent presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Since joining the magazine’s staff in 2017, the 31-year-old reporter has garnered a reputation for her vivid, incisive features on political figures as well as deeply reported presidential campaign stories. At times, Nuzzi has become a part of the story, such as when she wrote about texting with Rudy Giuliani in 2019 or...
The Independent •

Zoo admits that their pandas are actually ‘painted dogs’

A Chinese zoo has admitted that the pandas in their exhibits were, in fact, “painted dogs.” According to the New York Post, visitors at the Shanwei Zoo realized they were being bamboozled when the so-called pandas began panting and barking. Pandas are native to China and an international symbol of the country. In one visitor’s video, one of the “pandas” was visibly panting while resting on a rock in a fence, while another clip had a panda with a long tail strolling about.“It’s a PANdog,” one vie...
The Independent •

‘Life is fragile and short’: Healthy mother’s shocking near-death experience

A Utah mother has issued a warning to other seemingly healthy women after suffering a heart attack on a treadmill. In May, Justine Carter’s casual treadmill workout resulted in a shocking near-death experience, with the 33-year-old experiencing a heart attack 12 minutes in. At first, she started having shortness of breath, then a pain in her back extended to her chest, and moments later she began violently vomiting. At the time, Carter assumed she had come down with some sort of flu, but things...
The Independent •

A vegan Fyre Fest? Vegandale visitors leave New York event ‘cranky and miserable’

Vegandale visitors were left ‘cranky and miserable’ after the festival struggled to keep up with tickets and resources. The popular traveling food and music event, which is expected to attract 100,000 people across North American cities this year, sparked widespread backlash from thousands of attendees who showed up at Citi Field in Queens on Saturday. Attendees had paid from $15 for general admission to $90 for V.I.P. access, eager to sample some vegan delicacies and listen to New York rapper G...
The Independent •

Utah man bought cruise ship on Craigslist – now it’s sinking after $1m restoration

A Utah man spent $1 million renovating a cruise ship he bought off Craigslist – only for it to sink. In an interview with CNN Travel, technology entrepreneur Chris Willson admitted that he and his partner Jin Li spent 15 years renovating a 293-foot vessel called the Aurora after purchasing it off Craigslist in 2008. From a swimming pool to an indoor theater, the ship boasted many amenities and tons of space for guests, with 85 cabins. After learning more about its history, like how it was origin...