Category: Sacramento

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department on Thursday formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in a historic shift in generations of U.S. drug policy. A proposed rule sent to the federal register recognizes the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. The plan, approved by Attorney General Merrick Garland, does not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. The Drug Enforcement Administration will take public comment on the proposal to move marijuana away from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. It moves pot to Schedule III, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids. EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above is from a previous broadcast and will be updated. The move comes after a recommendation from the federal Health and Human Services Department, which launched a review of the drug’s status at the urging of President Joe Biden in 2022. Biden also has moved to pardon thousands of people convicted federally of simple possession of marijuana and has called on governors and local leaders to take similar

Thinking of trying out online dating? Here’s a breakdown on whether or not dating apps are worth your time.

By MOLLY QUELL (Associated Press) THE HAGUE (AP) — South Africa told the United Nations’ top court on Thursday the situation in Gaza has reached “a new and horrific stage” as it sought emergency measures to halt Israel’s military operation in the enclave’s southern city of Rafah. It was the third time the International Court of Justice held hearings on the conflict in Gaza since South Africa filed proceedings at The Hague-based court in December accusing Israel of genocide. “Seven months ago South Africa could not have imagined that Gaza would be largely wiped off the map,” the country’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusimuzi Madonsela, told the panel of 15 international judges Thursday. During hearings earlier this year, Israel strongly denied committing genocide in Gaza, saying it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas fighters. The country says Rafah is the last stronghold of the group. Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union. Palestinians displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip walk through a makeshift

By MARK SHERMAN (Associated Press) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a conservative-led attack that could have undermined the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The justices ruled 7-2 that the way the CFPB is funded does not violate the Constitution, reversing a lower court and drawing praises from consumers. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the majority opinion, splitting with his frequent allies, Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, who dissented. The CFPB was created after the 2008 financial crisis to regulate mortgages, car loans and other consumer finance. The case was brought by payday lenders who object to a bureau rule that limits their ability to withdraw funds directly from borrowers’ bank accounts. It’s among several major challenges to federal regulatory agencies on the docket this term for a court that has for more than a decade been open to limits on their operations. The CFPB, the brainchild of Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, has long been opposed by Republicans and their financial backers. The bureau says it has returned $19 billion to consumers since its creation. Unlike most federal agencies, the consumer

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, COLLEEN LONG and FARNOUSH AMIRI (Associated Press) WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has blocked the release of audio from President Joe Biden’s interview with a special counsel about his handling of classified documents, arguing Thursday that Republicans in Congress only wanted the recordings “to chop them up” and use them for political purposes. The dispute over access to the recordings is at the center of a Republican effort to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress and more broadly to hinder the Democratic president’s reelection effort in the final months of the closely contested campaign. “The absence of a legitimate need for the audio recordings lays bare your likely goal — to chop them up, distort them, and use them for partisan political purposes,” White House counsel Ed Siskel wrote in a scathing letter to House Republicans ahead of scheduled votes by two House committees to refer Garland to the Justice Department for the contempt charges over the department’s refusal to hand over the audio. “Demanding such sensitive and constitutionally-protected law enforcement materials from the Executive Branch because

Attorney General Merrick Garland took questions from reporters Thursday as two Republican-led House committees consider a contempt of Congress resolution against him. Garland has defied the committees’ requests for audio recordings of former special counsel Robert Hur’s interview with President Biden in a classified documents investigation.

Wall Street continues a rise driven by impressions of a resilient economy and likely cuts to interest rates this year.

A Florida woman faces potential years in prison after ammunition was found in her luggage, joining four other Americans arrested for similar offenses this year. Kris Van Cleave reports.

Thursday, May 16, 2024 1:22PM A bill to set standards for the batteries is advancing to the Senate. NEW YORK CITY — There’s a movement in Washington, D.C. to prevent lithium-ion battery fires as a bill to set standards for the batteries is advancing to the Senate. One of its biggest supporters is FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. We’ve been talking and learning about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries for years, specifically uncertified devices as they can create explosive fires that are not just destructive, but many times deadly. These intense blazes are also extremely challenging for firefighters to put out. The House passed a bill to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a safety standard for rechargeable batteries and require a certification that they are legitimate. New York Congressman Ritchie Torres helped introduce the legislation last year. Commissioner Kavanagh has also been on Capitol Hill herself pushing for it. She posted Wednesday night that she’s grateful for the bipartisan support. The next step would be for Senate approval. Just last week, there was a battery fire on the 67th floor of a high-rise

LIVE: Trump’s team to cross-examine Michael Cohen at hush money trial WATCH LIVE Welcome, Manage MyDisney Account Log Out Thursday, May 16, 2024 1:20PM A proposed four-story apartment complex in northwest Fresno will not move forward — for now. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A proposed four-story apartment complex in northwest Fresno will not move forward — for now. There were cheers from the audience at Wednesday night’s Planning Commission meeting after a unanimous vote to uphold an appeal from neighbors. Those opposed said the planned complex at Herndon and Prospect avenues would impact traffic, did not meet fire safety codes and would tower over other structures in the area. The land was re-zoned in 2014 to urban neighborhood residential, and the Planning and Development Department argued the project complied with height requirements and could meet fire and parking codes. Ultimately, the commission ruled due to significant growth over the last decade, increased traffic could be detrimental to the public. Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved. Top Stories

Amid a dramatic two weeks of resignations and allegations made against the Miss USA organization, Miss Hawaii USA Savannah Gankiewicz – who had originally placed as the first runner-up at the 2023 Miss USA pageant – has stepped up to be crowned Miss USA. “While this decision was not made lightly, I firmly believe that this opportunity was meant for me and I am ready to make a positive impact with this organization that I hold dear to my heart,” said the 28-year-old, who was crowned by the governor of Hawaii Josh Green at a ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Wednesday. “I am dedicated to taking action and making a difference. With my background as a certified mental health first aid responder and training in anti-bullying suicide prevention, I understand, the importance of prioritizing your well-being and advocating for those in need. I believe that the true change starts from within and I am determined to lead by example and empower the class of 2024 and beyond,” she said addressing a crowd in a hotel in Waikiki, a small aquarium in the background. Gankiewicz has

The DOJ says it shields Attorney General Garland from contempt of Congress. By Alexander Mallin Thursday, May 16, 2024 12:52PM Stream New York’s #1 news – Accuweather – original content 24/7 WASHINGTON — The Justice Department on Thursday informed House Republicans that President Joe Biden has formally asserted executive privilege over the audio of his interview with special counsel Robert Hur, a move that DOJ says effectively shields Attorney General Merrick Garland from any criminal exposure as the Republican lawmakers move toward trying to hold him in contempt of Congress. Citing what it describes as as “extraordinary” cooperation and “good faith” efforts to provide Republicans will all relevant materials from Hur’s investigation into President Biden’s handling of classified documents while out of office, the department argued disclosing the audio would set an untenable precedent where high-profile figures under criminal scrutiny would second-guess cooperating with the government in the future. “The Attorney General must draw a line that safeguards the Department from improper political influence and protects our principles, our law enforcement work, and the people who carry out that work independently, without fear or favor,”

SANTA CLARA – Nothing is more deliciously presumptuous than the NFL’s annual schedule release. Not the overhyped draft. Not the free agency splurges. When a franchise like the 49ers commands a maximum of six prime-time games, its roster screams must-see TV. There is a long way to go, however, until Week 17, when a potential No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs could be at stake. That is when the 49ers host the Detroit Lions in the regular season’s penultimate game – a rematch of the Niners’ NFC Championship-clinching comeback. Sure, we all knew months ago what opponents lurked in the 49ers’ path to a Super Bowl encore next Feb. 9 in New Orleans. The schedule release is becoming a bigger deal annually, not only to entice broadcast partners to leak a game or two for their high-priced investments, and not only because it delivers dates and times. Every team now has a treasure map to the Lombardi Trophy loot, and fans can now plan their tailgates and trips. Here are 10 things to know about the 49ers’ 2024/25 schedule: 1. THE GAUNTLET It’s always

RED BLUFF— The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office is making a significant stride in enhancing its operations with the addition of 60 new body-worn cameras to its department. The Board of Supervisors approved Sheriff Dave Kain’s signing an agreement with LensLock Inc. for cameras. The deal is for $295,329.40 and will terminate 60 months after it is signed. According to county staff, AB443 funds will be used to purchase the cameras. The Small, Rural, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agency Body-Worn Camera Program Grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance will reimburse the Sheriff’s Office up to $150,000 with an equal County match amount of $150,000.00. Staff emphasizes that the Bureau of Justice Assistance seeks applications to fund law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, and correctional agencies. The aim is to purchase or lease body-worn cameras to establish or expand comprehensive BWC programs. By implementing this technology, the sheriff’s office can enhance the management, sharing, and integration of digital evidence. It can also optimize how prosecutors leverage BWC footage to improve operations and use BWC footage to enhance officer training and constitutional policing practices. The transfer and bid

CORNING —   A mix of professionals and student volunteers will paint murals at the Corning City Pool this summer. The City Council Tuesday approved the murals at its meeting this Tuesday. Local artist Toni Gaylord will oversee the project. She said the inspiration for these murals came from a brainstorming meeting organizers had with students from Corning High School. Each mural will feature iconic symbols unique to Corning and the surrounding beauty and nature of Tehama County. “Our intent was to create a bioscape that would be add to the aesthetics of the park and as well as connect the community as a whole,” Gaylord said. Gaylord says she can finish the project in about a week but is excited for the students to volunteer when they have time. One audience member, who said he went to art school, volunteered to help with the project. Executive Director and Grant Administrator Job Training Center Carrie Ferchaud shared that the city pool was selected for this project because of its offers high visibility and community input. The mural will be installed May 28-June 2. Ferchaud said this

The Tehama District Fair is over now, and I hope you had a chance to visit the Floriculture Building to see the pride and pleasure entries of many dedicated gardeners. Thanks to everyone who shared their special plants.  Also, we’re so proud of the Juniors who entered exhibits—wonderful designs of budding gardeners.  In Division 159, “Container Plants Grown for Foliage,” Class 2, I entered one of my favorite cacti, the Star Plant, better known as Bishop’s Cap, Astrophytum myriostigma. Common names for the Bishop’s Cap are sand dollar cactus, sea urchin cactus, star cactus and star peyote.  My Bishop’s Cap has five (5) ribs without thorns to stick you.  Some cacti have more ribs than mine, and some can grow additional ribs later.  I’ve had my cactus for several years with no additional ribs; however, the ribs have changed in coloring over the last few years.  My plant has gone from green ribs to ribs with undulating lines of white, dark green, and brownish colors. The colors remind me of the awesome, beautiful Northern Lights. However, it’s not a natural coloring for the cactus. The

The National Park Service said the two people entered a closed area, removed objects from cabinets and may have damaged historic artifacts.

Xi Jinping welcomes Vladimir Putin to Beijing – talking peace in Ukraine amid a backdrop of war and growing tension with the U.S. and NATO.

President Robert Manuel said efforts to come to a “shared resolution” with the DePaul Divestment Coalition were not successful.

Local media reported that the victim said he had been unable to call out for help “because of a spell that his captor had cast on him.”

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Megan Fox, 38; Tori Spelling, 51; Janet Jackson, 58; Pierce Brosnan, 71. Happy Birthday: Share your thoughts and you’ll gain momentum. Appeal to those who can contribute to your plans. Take the initiative this year to make a difference. Your dedication, insight and persistence will propel you to connect with people willing to go the distance and help you complete your mission. A stubborn stance can be an asset when used correctly. Know your target market and do what you do best. Your numbers are 5, 12, 20, 27, 33, 36, 47. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Remain calm; don’t get fired up over something you cannot change. Use your energy to enhance your health and physical appearance or to do something nice for someone you love. A positive response and a helping hand will win favors and make you feel good about yourself. 3 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t apply pressure. Start the process, do the work yourself and, as you move forward, you’ll attract attention and the help you need to finish what you start. Be the driving