California
US bombs Iran: California leaders react
LOS ANGELES – The United States bombed three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, President Donald Trump announced, with several California leaders criticizing the President over whether he had the authority to call for t
US bombs Iran nuclear sites as Trump joins Israel’s push to cripple program
US bombs Iran
What we know:
The President called the attacks a “spectacular” success that “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities.
Israel-Iran conflict
The backstory:
Israel launched attacks on Iran on June 13, saying that they had bombed the country to try and limit their nuclear capabilities. Iran retaliated, and the two countries have been trading missile attacks for days.
Trump had debated whether the U.S. would join Israel in their air assault of Iran. Earlier this week, Trump said that he would make a decision within the next two weeks. On Saturday, he apparently made his decision.
California leaders react to Iran bombings
What they’re saying:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday said that the state’s Threat Assessment Center “is actively monitoring for any potential impacts in California,” and that there were no credible threats. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced on X that in response to the attacks, the Los Angeles Police Department is “stepping up patrols near places of worship, community gathering spaces and other sensitive sites.”
In the wake of the attacks, many other California leaders are speaking out against the President, saying that the bombings were unconstitutional, as Congress has the sole authority to declare war. Others praised the President’s decision.
Here’s what they’re saying:
Rep. Nanette Barragán (D – Los Angeles): “Trump did not have the authority to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites without Congressional approval. He should have pursued diplomacy, not escalation. Now we face serious risk of retaliation.”
Rep. Ken Calvert (R – Corona): “Like President Trump, I have consistently said Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. I support his decision to use the force and precision of the U.S. military in coordination with our ally Israel to uphold this redline with tonight’s targeted strike.”
Rep. Judy Chu (D – Monterey Park): “President Trump just illegally bombed Iran with no authorization from Congress. This is unacceptable and unconstitutional, and risks dragging the U.S. into another endless war.”
Rep. Gil Cisneros (D – Covina): “We need a diplomatic solution, not an escalation of tensions. Our nation does not want another endless war.”
Rep. Vince Fong (R – Bakersfield): “President Trump’s decisive action to eliminate the nuclear capabilities posed by the Iranian regime was a necessary one to prevent a real and catastrophic threat. Iran can NEVER be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. We’re grateful for the bravery of the U.S. Air Force and all our military personnel. May God protect them and all Americans in harm’s way as we continue the necessary work to preserve peace and stability.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D – Los Angeles): “Trump’s unilateral decision to strike these facilities may lead the U.S. into a war with Iran — without Congressional authorization. Under our Constitution, the power to declare war rests with Congress. Period. He chose to launch this strike on his own, knowing full well it could provoke retaliation and put American lives at risk. Now, the American people and Congress are left to deal with the fallout of a reckless decision we had no role in. President Trump has broken his promises of peace, undermined our allies, and once again shown that he lacks the credibility and steady leadership this moment demands. The Islamic Republic of Iran is an oppressive and dangerous regime that supports terrorism, targets Americans, and silences its own people. It should never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon — plain and simple. That would be a direct threat to peace and security around the world. However, we must not forget the Iranian people are not our adversaries. They deserve compassion, dignity, and the same human rights we fight for everywhere.”
SUGGESTED: Read full remarks of what Trump said about bombing Iran
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D – Los Angeles): “These strikes were unconstitutional and all involved should be subpoenaed and appear before Congress and the courts.”
Rep. Young Kim (R – Anaheim): “The military’s targeted actions tonight against Iranian nuclear sites are necessary to deter Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and save lives. I thank our military for their service in this critical operation to restore peace through strength and am glad they are safely on the way home.”
Rep. Mike Levin (D – San Juan Capistrano): “We cannot allow any president to entangle the United States in another deadly and open-ended war without constitutional authority. Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Our national security and the safety of our allies demand strength, resolve, and clear strategy. But strength in a democracy begins with the Constitution. Had the president come to Congress, a majority may very well have authorized a strike. But that is not what has happened.”
Rep. Luz Rivas (D – Los Angeles): “Tonight, I’m thinking of the safety of our troops, our nation, and the world. Donald Trump’s erratic action is unauthorized and unconstitutional. It is my hope that this does not increase escalations and engage our country into a prolonged military conflict and war in the Middle East. Congress needs answers in a classified briefing as to why this action was taken, the potential threats as a result of this action, and the adverse effects to follow. Let us be clear – this is once again Trump putting his ego before our troops, Americans, and peace.”
Rep. Norma Torres (D – Pomona): “Donald Trump illegally attacked a foreign country, putting American lives at risk — our troops, our families, our communities. He bypassed Congress & the Constitution. Now, the American people will be forced to pay the price for his recklessness. This is not leadership.”
The Source: Information in this story is from President Donald Trump’s address to the nation on June 21, 2025, X posts from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass; statements from Rep. Jimmy Gomez, Rep. Mike Levin and Rep. Vince Fong emailed to FOX 11; X posts made by Rep. Nanette Barragán, Rep. Ken Calvert, Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Gil Cisneros, Rep. Vince Fong, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Young Kim, Rep. Mike Levin, Rep. Luz Rivas and Rep. Norma Torres; and previous FOX 11 reports.
California
First look: Space Shuttle Endeavour in ready-to-launch position at California Science Center
LOS ANGELES – This fall, space fans will get to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour like never before in its new permanent home at the California Science Center in the Exposition Park area.
What we know:
The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center officially opens on November 13.
Also, an introductory film includes footage from Endeavour’s final launch before being retired in 2011.
“We felt from the beginning this is the most impressive way to see the space shuttle and it gives people views that almost no one ever got a chance to see,” said Jeff Rudolph, President & CEO of the California Science Center.
What they’re saying:
Since 2012, Los Angeles has been home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. It has been on display horizontally at the California Science Center.
But the vision was always to have it on display upright.
“It’s really exciting and everyone who sees it is in awe and that’s really what we were trying to do was create that real sense of emotional high and inspire people to learn more,” said Rudolph.
This is the only display of its kind and it can’t be duplicated. The orange tank attached to the shuttle is the last mission-ready one in existence.
“I think what we’ve done is present something that is going to be a truly life-changing and transformative experience for education,” said Kenneth Phillips, Curator for Aerospace Sciences at the California Science Center.
Visitors will also be able to see inside the space craft that carried astronauts to space 25 times, including Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to go to space and now-Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
When the exhibit opens to the public in November, visitors will be able to ride up an elevator alongside the space shuttle and view it from the top.
“That’s the view that nobody but the crew saw. That was a very special vantage point. Nobody got to do that,” said Phillips.
What’s next:
The California Science Center expects the exhibit to be popular. Tickets will go on sale well before the opening.
California
5.6 earthquake strikes near Ukiah, triggers alerts across Northern California
Redwood Valley, Calif. — A 5.6 magnitude earthquake shook Northern California on Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The quake was centered 7 miles north of Redwood Valley in Mendocino County, north of Ukiah, and east of Highway 101. It had a depth of 5.0 miles.
A ShakeAlert notification went off on many people’s phones moments before the earthquake hit at 8:10 a.m., initially forecasted as a 6.1 magnitude quake by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and downgraded moments later.
People across Northern California felt the quake. Reports came in from as far away as Eureka, Redding, Sacramento, and the Bay Area. Most people reported light to moderate rolling and shaking.
Since the initial quake, several aftershocks have hit the same area. Three smaller quakes between 2.6-2.7 magnitude were detected in the same area between 8:17 a.m. and 9:06 a.m., and are expected to continue.
So far, there have not been any reports of major damage or injuries.
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California
DOJ charges 10 Southern California defendants in largest federal healthcare fraud crackdown in US history
Laura Ingraham: Fraudsters beware!
The Department of Justice announces the largest healthcare fraud takedown in U.S. history, charging 455 defendants across 45 states. They allegedly stole $6.5 billion from Medicare and Medicaid through wound care schemes and other fraudulent claims. Some funds were used for luxury homes and vehicles like a $135,000 Maserati.
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Federal authorities on Tuesday charged 10 Southern California defendants in a series of healthcare fraud schemes, including one case involving nearly $270 million in fraudulent Medi-Cal claims and another that allegedly defrauded Medicare out of approximately $27 million.
The charges were part of the Justice Department’s broader “2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown,” which resulted in charges against 455 defendants nationwide in schemes involving more than $6.5 billion in alleged fraud.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche described the operation as “the greatest combined federal and state effort in combating healthcare fraud in history.”
“Fraudsters can no longer rip off American taxpayers,” Blanche said during a news conference announcing the initiative. “If you seek to harm or cheat Americans, we will find you, seize any assets and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI ADDS 2 FUGITIVES TO ‘MOST WANTED FRAUDSTERS’ LIST AMID HISTORIC $6.5B HEALTHCARE TAKEDOWN: PATEL
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks during a news conference announcing what federal officials described as the largest healthcare fraud takedown in U.S. history, resulting in charges against 455 defendants nationwide. (Ken Cedeno / AFP via Getty Images)
In the Central District of California, federal prosecutors brought criminal charges against 10 defendants accused of defrauding government-funded healthcare programs or abusing their positions as medical professionals to illegally prescribe controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said five individuals were arrested in the greater Los Angeles area for allegedly participating in a scheme that involved submitting nearly $270 million in fraudulent claims to Medi-Cal for expensive prescription drugs.
Among those charged was Christina Mareik, 61, also known as Christina Marie Sanchez Hernandez, of Whittier.
HOSPICE FRAUD USES STOLEN IDENTITIES FOR FAKE PATIENTS
The Justice Department announced charges against 10 Southern California defendants in connection with multiple healthcare fraud schemes. (Department of Justice)
Prosecutors allege Mareik helped facilitate fraudulent prescriptions that generated nearly $270 million in claims to Medi-Cal, which ultimately paid out more than $178 million.
According to prosecutors, the claims involved expensive drugs containing low-cost generic ingredients that were either not medically necessary or were never provided to the purported recipients.
Authorities said Mareik also sent thousands of fraudulent prescriptions to a co-conspirator and caused the submission of fraudulent prescriptions under her own name.
LOS ANGELES HOSPICE FRAUD REACHES BILLIONS AS MEDICARE PROVIDERS SCAM FEDERAL SYSTEM WITH FAKE COMPANIES
Federal prosecutors allege Southern California defendants participated in schemes that defrauded Medicare and Medi-Cal of hundreds of millions of dollars. (Department of Justice)
Mareik was arrested June 17 and charged with healthcare fraud.
The charges also include a San Fernando Valley man accused of operating hospice care companies that fraudulently billed Medicare approximately $27 million, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors also charged Oren David Shachar, 59, of Van Nuys; Abraham Shin, 66, of Corona; and Jeannie Choi, 57, of Torrance.
The three defendants face a 16-count indictment alleging they conspired to defraud Medicare out of approximately $27 million.
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The charges include conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, monetary transactions involving criminally derived property exceeding $10,000, and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
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