Tag: California News

California Fines Church $1.2 Million for Worship; Now the Supreme Court Must Decide if the Constitution Still Stands

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Advocates for Faith & Freedom, in partnership with the American Center for Law & Justice, has filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari asking the United States Supreme Court to overturn more than $1.2 million in fines imposed on Calvary Chapel San Jose and Pastor Mike McClure for the simple act of gathering to worship. This case stands as one of the clearest examples of government overreach against a church in modern American history. During COVID, California forced churches to close, restrict worship, and enforce mandates that violated Calvary Chapel’s sincerely held beliefs. At the very same time, the state allowed widespread exemptions for secular operations such as restaurants, athletic programs, and government offices.

Calvary Chapel chose obedience to Scripture over obedience to shifting political orders. The county retaliated with rapidly escalating fines that soared to $5,000 per day, ultimately exceeding $1.2 million, along with coercive demands for sworn compliance with orders later deemed unconstitutional. In addition to the $1,228,700 judgment, Santa Clara County is seeking $1,098,244 in attorneys’ fees and $45,753 in costs, which remain stayed pending appeal. If imposed, the total financial burden on Calvary Chapel would exceed $2.37 million – a staggering sum designed to punish a church for worshipping God during a crisis. The petition emphasizes that the Supreme Court has already ruled in Tandon v. Newsom that government cannot treat religious gatherings worse than comparable secular activities. California ignored that mandate and continued to target churches. “Government officials may not weaponize emergencies to suspend the First Amendment,” said Erin Mersino, Vice President and Chief of Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation for Advocates for Faith & Freedom. “California imposed some of the most aggressive restrictions on churches in the country, and this case is about ensuring the government never does this again.”

Source: California Fines Church $1.2 Million for Worship; Now the Supreme Court Must Decide if the Constitution Still Stands – Christian Newswire

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:6

CA Makes More Per Gallon of Gas in Taxes Than Oil Companies Do in Profit

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When it comes to gas and oil prices, Democrats in California are facing increasing push-back, as the U.S. Oil and Gas Association and others blast claims that the Iran conflict, President Trump, or so-called corporate greed are responsible for the state’s prices, which are among the highest in the nation.  Advertisement Governor Gavin Newsom’s Press Office thought it would test its luck against Chevron, writing on X, “While America suffers, Chevron profits.”

For emphasis, the governor posted a picture of a Reuters article stating that Chevron expects to earn between $1.6 billion and $2.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026.  However, they got absolutely destroyed by a community note pointing out that the State of California actually makes more profit per gallon of gas than any gas company does in the state.

Source: CA Makes More Per Gallon of Gas in Taxes Than Oil Companies Do in Profit

Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.
Luke 6:30

Of gray whales that enter San Francisco Bay, nearly 18% die there, scientists find

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Gray whales migrate from Arctic waters full of food to the lagoons of Baja Mexico—but as the climate crisis gathers pace, they have been sighted foraging in unexpected places. Recently, some have begun to explore the dangerously busy waters of San Francisco Bay. Scientists at the Marine Mammal Center and the California Academy of Sciences investigating an unexpectedly high death toll among gray whales have found that almost 20% of individuals seen entering the Bay died there, in large part due to boat strikes. The team’s study appears in Frontiers in Marine Science.

Source: Of gray whales that enter San Francisco Bay, nearly 18% die there, scientists find

Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.
Luke 9:16-17

Ireland Out of Gas

Things have been dicey for a while on the Emerald Isle. But great googly moogly, do they look just awful right now. Mass protests have broken out across the country over the cost…

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Tornado touches down in Northern California, no damage reported, officials say

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A tornado briefly touched down in Northern California Sunday afternoon as high winds and thunderstorms continued, officials said. The National Weather Service said the tornado happened at about 2:05 p.m. in an unpopulated area of Tehama County, located about four miles southeast of Vina. Weather officials said this area is rural grassland. The preliminary determination is that it was an EF-U tornado that touched down for about one minute. Officials say wind gusts, path width and length are unknown.  Maritza Arreola captured a video in the area of Highway 99 and Hamilton Nord Cana Highway. 

Maritza Arreola Officials added that there has not been any damage or injuries reported. Based on video the NWS viewed, it says no structures were impacted and that a damage survey team will not be sent to the area.  This all plays into the EF-U rating, which is when the tornado has an unknown strength. Since there is no damage to survey, officials would not be able to assign a rating, officials said. If there is damage reported, officials will further evaluate the tornado.  Radar aligned with the NWS video, which indicated a storm cell with rotation.  A Tornado Warning was issued around the time the tornado touched down. Earlier this week, down in the San Joaquin County area, a Tornado Warning was issued, but there were no reports of a tornado.  California averages about nine tornadoes a year, but they usually are rated EF-U to EF-1 and happen in the Central Valley. 

Source: Tornado touches down in Northern California, no damage reported, officials say – CBS Sacramento

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
Hebrews 8:6

House Democrats call on Eric Swalwell to drop out of California governor race amid sexual assault allegations

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House Democratic leadership on Friday called on Rep. Eric Swalwell to drop out of the race for California governor in the wake of allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer. Swalwell denied the allegations and called them “false.”

In a statement Friday night, House Democratic leaders called for a “swift investigation” into the allegations and for Swalwell to immediately end his campaign. They called for accountability, but stopped short of urging him to resign from Congress. 

“This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California said. “All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”

Swalwell threatened to take legal action against the woman, who detailed the alleged encounters to the San Francisco Chronicle, which published a story Friday. 

The woman, who was not named, said Swalwell started pursuing her shortly after she was hired to work in his district office in Castro Valley in 2019. She alleged he sent her inappropriate photos of himself via Snapchat, requested nude photos of her and asked her to perform oral sex on him in a parking lot. She also alleged that after going out for drinks with Swalwell in September 2019, she woke up naked in his hotel bed with little recollection of the night.  

Source: House Democrats call on Eric Swalwell to drop out of California governor race amid sexual assault allegations – CBS News

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
1 Corinthians 15:22

Justice Department says it has prosecuted $500 million in healthcare, COVID fraud claims in 3 states

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Article Dig Deeper The Justice Department said this week that it has wrapped up health care fraud investigations in three states which had cost Americans over $500 million among the respective parties. The announcement comes the same week that the Justice Department created its National Fraud Enforcement Division, which is a major step in the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on misuse of public funds. The Justice Department said it has finished its healthcare fraud investigations in California, Florida and Nevada and secured either guilty pleas, settlements or sentences.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the department, working closely with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, is supercharging efforts to take down every fraudster and bring them to justice,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “In one day, the Department prosecuted the theft of a half-billion in taxpayer dollars. All those ripping off the American people are on notice.” The largest haul came from California, where a scheme defrauded American consumers of $269.1 million, according to the Daily Signal. Paul Randall, 66, of Orange, pleaded guilty this week for his role in the pharmacy plot. Two others pleaded guilty in the scheme in 2024 and 2025.

Source: Justice Department says it has prosecuted $500 million in healthcare, COVID fraud claims in 3 states | Just The News

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

California dairy recalls raw milk cheese linked to severe strain of E. coli

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Raw Farm is recalling its raw milk cheddar cheeses amid an outbreak of a dangerous strain of E. coli, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

As of Friday, the FDA reported that the cheeses are linked to nine people in three states who developed E. coli O157:H7, a severe type of the bacteria that can cause stomach cramps, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. The cases are in California, Texas and Florida.

The California dairy company previously refused to recall its products when the FDA’s investigation began in mid-March.

Three people have been hospitalized and one person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening E. coli complication that can cause kidney failure. Over half of the illnesses are in children under 5 years old. No deaths have been reported.

To find a potential link, the FDA interviewed eight of the infected people about what they ate the week prior to infection. All of them reported eating raw dairy products.

The FDA is testing samples for E. coli, but hasn’t confirmed a positive test result so far. Raw Farm President Aaron McAfee said that won’t happen.

“We’re not related to this outbreak,” he said.

McAfee said the voluntary recall was “made under protest” and “simply a moment in time where this was the right decision for Raw Farm and our consumers.”

“RAW FARM continues to contest the epidemiological links provided by the FDA,” the company said in a statement released Thursday.

Raw milk products are made from dairy that hasn’t been pasteurized, a process that heats it enough to destroy bacteria.

Source: California dairy recalls raw milk cheese linked to severe strain of E. coli

By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
1 John 4:13

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Florida Farm Bill

SEBRING, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 290, the Florida Farm Bill, legislation that strengthens Florida’s agricultural industry, protects consumers, and reinforces the state’s commitment to…

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Wife of California Gov. Newsom says Evangelicals pulling us back

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A newly resurfaced COVID-era interview with the wife of California Gov Gavin Newsom has gone viral for her claim that Evangelicals are pulling us back as a country

Source: Wife of California Gov. Newsom says Evangelicals pulling us back | U.S.

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:36

State records show 89 hospice companies at one Los Angeles office plaza. We went to look for ourselves.

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Advocates said the Van Nuys building looked like an example of “clustering” — a red flag for hospice fraud.

Source: State records show 89 hospice companies at one Los Angeles office plaza. We went to look for ourselves. – CBS News

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
John 13:20

News From Chicago

Breaking News from around Chicago 2 men shot and killed in Greater Grand Crossing Around 11:20 a.m., Chicago police said a group of give men approached two other men in…

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10-year-old suspect detained after 7-year-old stabbed at Mountain View school

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A 10-year-old child was detained after a 7-year-old was stabbed at an elementary school in Mountain View, authorities said.

Source: 10-year-old suspect detained after 7-year-old stabbed at Mountain View school – CBS San Francisco

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
Psalm 86:5

Elon Musk Offers To Pay TSA Salaries As DHS Shutdown Drags On

Elon Musk recently offered to personally cover the salaries of TSA agents as a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown stretches into its second month, leaving tens of thousands of federal workers without pay.“I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives…

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Louisiana Roblox Programmer Arrested on 40 Child Porn Counts, Illegal Sex Doll Found

Louisiana authorities arrested 30‑year‑old Jamie Borne after probation officers allegedly discovered a child‑sized sex doll and electronic devices suspected of containing child sexual abuse material during a routine visit to his New Orleans home. The probationer told investigators he worked as a Roblox programmer. | Border / Cartel Chronicles Source: Louisiana Roblox Programmer Arrested on…

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Outspoken pro-life Christian, cultural icon Chuck Norris dies at 86

Renowned American actor and martial artist Chuck Norris — who often bucked Hollywood trends by speaking about his strong Christian faith and staunch pro-life views — died Thursday, March 19, at age 86 after suffering from a medical emergency while vacationing in Hawaii. Norris’ family confirmed his death Friday in a post on Instagram and said he…

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Officials downplay risk of Iranian drone attacks off California after FBI memo, but Newsom says state is “prepared”

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FBI memo warning that Iran may try to launch drones at California in a seaborne “surprise attack” raised concern Wednesday — but officials tell CBS News there is no known, specific threat underpinning it.

Source: Officials downplay risk of Iranian drone attacks off California after FBI memo, but Newsom says state is “prepared” – CBS News

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
2 Timothy 1:9

Mike Johnson warns of encroaching Sharia law in US

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La , warned of what he characterized as an encroaching threat from Sharia law in the United States, which he said is incompatible with the U S Constitution Source: Mike Johnson warns of encroaching Sharia law in US | Politics

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Scottish Parliament rejects assisted suicide in historic vote

Liam McArthur has lost his bid to legalize assisted suicide in Scotland after an hours-long final debate in which more members of the Scottish Parliament stood up to speak against the proposals than Source: Scottish Parliament rejects assisted suicide in historic vote | World

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Democrats dismiss House hearing on Sharia threat in US

Multiple Democratic lawmakers were dismissive of a Tuesday congressional hearing about the growing threat of Islamic Sharia law in the U S , claiming it was a distraction from the greater dangers Source: Democrats dismiss House hearing on Sharia threat in US | Politics

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Thousands of Inland Empire homes without natural gas after water seeps into service lines

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More than two thousand homes and businesses in Ontario were without natural gas for several days after a water main break led water to seep into gas lines over the weekend.

Source: Thousands of Inland Empire homes without natural gas after water seeps into service lines – CBS Los Angeles

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
Hebrews 8:6

Suspected suicide bombings terrorize Maiduguri, Nigeria

Terrorists said to be members of Islamic extremist group Boko Haram on Monday (March 16) bombed three areas of Maiduguri, Borno state in northeast Nigeria, killing at least 23 people and wounding more than 100 others, sources said. Source: Suspected suicide bombings terrorize Maiduguri, Nigeria – Christian Daily International

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UK House of Lords votes to allow abortion up to birth

The UK House of Lords has voted to allow a controversial clause on abortion legislation that removes criminal penalties for women ending their own pregnancies at any stage, including up to birth. Source: UK House of Lords votes to allow abortion up to birth – Brussels Signal

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Confusion over abortion rights in Northern Ireland highlighted by reported case

The case of a schoolgirl reportedly sent from Northern Ireland to England for an abortion, and reportedly left traumatized by the experience, shows how confusion remains about abortion rights, an evangelical advocate for mothers and children has told Christian Daily International. Source: Confusion over abortion rights in Northern Ireland highlighted by reported case – Christian…

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Recent News on Prominent Christian Figures & Cultural Impact (March 11 – March 18, 2026)

The week brought poignant tributes to a civil-rights giant, urgent papal appeals for peace amid Middle East tensions, a major realignment in global Anglicanism, and ongoing signs of a “Quiet Revival” among younger generations. Reports continued to reference the lingering “Charlie Kirk Effect” from his 2025 assassination, while new data highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s unexpected…

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Human trafficking a rising problem in Cameroon

Human trafficking in Cameroon has been impeded by social stigma, inadequate financial resources, as well as lack of clarity in the laws. During a workshop on human trafficking organized by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Kumbo Diocese Christopher Bello said Cameroon is a source, transit and destination for human trafficking, noting this modern…

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Recent Abortion News (March 11 – March 18, 2026)

Abortion policy continued to evolve at the state level this week, with new restrictions signed into law, high-profile legislative failures, court victories on religious-freedom grounds, and ongoing preparations for 2026 ballot battles. Both pro-life and pro-choice groups remained active, framing developments around fetal protections versus access and health impacts. Here are the major stories: 1.…

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Orange County man dies after venomous rattlesnake bite

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An Orange County man died after being bitten by a rattlesnake while mountain biking at an Irvine trail.

Source: Orange County man dies after venomous rattlesnake bite – CBS Los Angeles

How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7

Recent News on Christian Persecution (March 11 – March 18, 2026)

Advocacy groups including International Christian Concern (ICC), Open Doors, and Persecution Relief released multiple reports this week documenting fresh incidents of violence, arrests, and systemic discrimination. The global picture remains unchanged: roughly 388 million Christians (about 1 in 7 worldwide) continue to face high or extreme levels of persecution according to the 2026 World Watch…

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Religious minorities in Bangladesh blame Islamist hardliners for recent violence

Interfaith leaders held a protest rally in front of the National Press Club in the capital, Dhaka, on March 13. Religious minorities in Bangladesh are coming together to denounce rough treatment they have received in the wake of national elections last month. People belonging to minority religions and cultural groups have suffered intimidation, violent attacks,…

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Gen Z Christian Influencer Sees Faith Resurgence Among Young Americans

A 22-year-old Christian influencer named Bryce Crawford says more young Americans are rediscovering faith as frustration with ‘fake stuff’ and social media culture drives a search for deeper meaning. Crawford, who overcame anxiety and depression through his faith at age 17, is helping trailblaze a faith revival among young adults by spreading the gospel and…

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Pastor beaten unconscious in attack in central India

Hindu nationalists in central India last month led a mob that assaulted Christians at worship in a house church, including women and children, and beat the pastor unconscious, sources said. Source: Pastor beaten unconscious in attack in central India – Christian Daily International

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‘Where will we go?’ Eviction threat puts thousands of Christian families at risk in Pakistan’s capital

Thousands of Christian families living in informal settlements in Pakistan’s federal capital say they fear losing their homes after authorities issued verbal directives last week ordering residents to vacate government land, triggering protests and raising concern among human rights advocates about the possible displacement of an already marginalized community. Source: ‘Where will we go?’ Eviction…

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The National Congress of Honduras begins dialogue with churches to promote Bible reading in schools

The National Congress of Honduras has launched a series of meetings with representatives of the Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church as part of efforts to promote Bible reading in the country’s schools. The initiative is being coordinated by a special legislative commission tasked with developing a national plan and an implementation manual. Source: The…

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Suspected Iran-Linked Terror Group Targets Jewish Sites Across Europe

A previously unknown terrorist organization with suspected links to Iran has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Jewish targets across Europe, raising alarms among security officials and Jewish communities. Source: Suspected Iran-Linked Terror Group Targets Jewish Sites Across Europe – Worthy Christian News

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Casitas Fire reported in Los Angeles County on March 7

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First discovered: 9:58 a.m. March 7

Source: Breaking: Casitas Fire reported in Los Angeles County on March 7 | Fresno Bee

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.
Philippians 3:10

This week in Christian history

Events from this week in Christian history include the death of William Arthur, the release of volume 1 of The Fundamentals, and King Charles II s advancement of tolerance for non-conformist Source: This week in Christian history: ‘The Fundamentals’ released | Church & Ministries

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‘Almost 400 million Christians worldwide face persecution or violence’

Christians remain the most persecuted religious group globally, the Holy See’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva has warned, urging governments to strengthen protections for freedom of religion. Source: ‘Almost 400 million Christians worldwide face persecution or violence,’ Holy See warns – Christian Today

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Christian couple separated from daughters after ‘religious extremism’ accusations lose appeal

Going to church three times a week is evidence of “religious extremism”. A Swedish couple that have been separated from their two eldest daughters for nearly four years due to alleged “religious extremism” have had an appeal rejected by the European Court of Human Rights. Source: Christian couple separated from daughters after ‘religious extremism’ accusations…

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California child molester cleared for release under elderly parole program

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A California child molester once called “the monster parents fear most” was cleared for release under an elderly parole program despite widespread community opposition.

Source: California child molester cleared for release under elderly parole program | Fox News

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Pentagon identifies six airmen killed in plane crash in Iraq

A squadron operations chief who had recently earned her wings as a pilot, a major overseeing flight training for dozens of airmen, and a young boom operator remembered for his “million-dollar smile” were among six US Air Force airmen killed when an aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, the Pentagon said. Source: Pentagon identifies…

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