Category: Sacramento

By GEOFF MULVIHILL and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — McKinsey & Company consulting firm has agreed to pay $650 million to settle a federal investigation into its work for opioids manufacturer Purdue Pharma, according to court papers filed in Virginia on Friday. McKinsey has also entered into a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve criminal charges, including that it conspired with Purdue Pharma to aid in the misbranding of prescription drugs. A former McKinsey senior partner has also agreed to plead guilty to obstruction of justice, according to the court papers. McKinsey representatives didn’t immediately respond to phone and email messages on Friday. Since 2021, McKinsey has agreed to pay state and local governments about $765 million in settlements for its role in advising businesses on how to sell more of the powerful prescription painkillers amid a national opioid crisis. The consulting firm also agreed last year to pay health care funds and insurance companies $78 million. The U.S. has been in an addiction and overdose crisis for decades, linked to more than 80,000 deaths in recent years. For the past decade, most

By NASSER KARIMI and JON GAMBRELL, Associated Press TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s capital and outlying provinces have faced rolling power blackouts for weeks in October and November, with electricity cuts disrupting people’s lives and businesses. And while several factors are likely involved, some suspect cryptocurrency mining has played a role in the outages. Iran economy has been hobbled for years by international sanctions over its advancing nuclear program. The country’s fuel reserves have plummeted, with the government selling off more to cover budget shortfalls as wars rage in the Middle East and Tehran grapples with mismanagement. The demand on the grid has not let up, however — even as Iranians stopped using air conditioners as the weather cooled in the fall and before winter months set in, when people fire up their gas heaters. Meanwhile, bitcoin’s value has rocketed to all-time highs after the U.S. election was clinched by Donald Trump. It hit the $100,000 mark for the first time last week, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities

By DIDI TANG, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has updated a decades-old science and technology agreement with China to reflect their growing rivalry for technological dominance. The new agreement, signed Friday after many months of negotiations, has a narrower scope and additional safeguards to minimize the risk to national security. The State Department said the agreement sustains intellectual property protections, establishes new guardrails to protect the safety and security of researchers and “advances U.S. interests through newly established and strengthened provisions on transparency and data reciprocity.” It covers only basic research and does not facilitate the development of critical and emerging technologies, the department said. This includes technologies related to artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which are considered crucial for economic strength and military supremacy. The first such agreement was signed in January 1979 when the two countries established diplomatic ties to counter the influence of the Soviet Union and when China severely lagged behind the U.S. and other Western nations in science and technology. The agreement was last extended in 2018, and given temporary extensions last year and this year to allow

By ILLIA NOVIKOV, Associated Press KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine on Friday, firing 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, describing it as one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year, Zelenskyy said. Russia is “terrorizing millions of people” with such assaults, he said on his Telegram channel, renewing his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. “A strong reaction from the world is needed: a massive strike – a massive reaction. This is the only way to stop terror,” Zelenskyy said. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office next month, has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. In Moscow, the Defense Ministry said the Russian military used long-range precision missiles and drones on

By Leah Sarnoff Friday, December 13, 2024 1:06PM Police have obtained a search warrant for a phone recovered in an alley following the shooting, the backpack and at the hostel. A Florida woman was arrested and charged this week after police say she ended a phone call with her health insurance provider with threats that mimicked wording associated with the suspected UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter. The incident occurred Tuesday when Briana Boston, a 42-year-old woman from Lakeland, was speaking with a representative from Blue Cross Blue Shield after she had been told that her medical claim was denied. In an arrest affidavit obtained by ABC News, police said that near the end of the recorded conversation with the insurance provider, Boston can be heard saying, “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next.” Boston’s apparent threats nearly echo the words that were engraved on the bullet shell casings that authorities recovered from the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot earlier this month. Those engraved words were “deny,” “defend” and “depose.” Boston’s words and the casings both hew closely to the title of a 2010

Friday, December 13, 2024 12:54PM A statewide incentive program launching next week will offer income-eligible Californians up to $2,000 toward the purchase of a new electric bike. LOS ANGELES — A statewide incentive program launching next week will offer income-eligible Californians up to $2,000 toward the purchase of a new electric bike. The California E-bike Incentive Project aims to tackle pollution and increase access to transportation. “The e-bike project is the latest incentive program to prioritize equitable outcomes so that low-income residents are not left behind as we move toward a zero-emissions future,” according to a press release from the California Air Resources Board. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, submit an online application and have an annual household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. For more details on eligibility, visit ebikeincentives.org. A total of $3 million will go toward awarding 1,500 e-bikes. Applications can be submitted starting 6 p.m. on Dec. 18. Applicants must receive approval prior to purchasing an e-bike to receive an incentive. Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved. Top Stories

Friday, December 13, 2024 12:22PM Rhiannon Ally reports on the emergency landing and shows video taken by a passenger on board. NEW YORK — There were terrifying moments for passengers on board a flight out of New York’s LaGuardia Airport after a bird strike forced the pilot to redirect and land at JFK Airport. Crystal Groves Thomas, a passenger on the flight, captured video of the bird seemingly hitting the engine. Officials say the American Airlines flight took off from LaGuardia just after 7 p.m. Thursday heading to Charlotte, North Carolina. Just a few minutes into the flight, a bird struck one of the engines and damaged it. The pilot reported to ATC: “It appears we have an engine failure, but we’re still kind of working through to figure out what’s going on. We hit birds on we hit birds on the on the way out.” The flight was forced to redirect to JFK Airport using just one engine. The Airbus A321 was able to land safely at the airport There were 190 customers and six crew members on board. No one was injured. AA

Prosecutors leading the case against Bryan Kohberger are pushing back against his attorneys’ claims that investigators improperly obtained potentially key evidence — and are asking the judge to deny requests to exclude that evidence from trial. In a series of highly-technical filings posted late Thursday, prosecutors said that the searches of Kohberger’s person and belongings, including his car, phone records, Apple accounts and homes, were appropriate. They noted the “burden of proof is on the defendant to show that the search was invalid.” Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, in connection with the fatal stabbing of four University of Idaho students — Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20 — in an off-campus house in the early hours of Nov. 13, 2022. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. The trial is scheduled for August 2025. SEE ALSO: Idaho college killings to remain a death penalty case, judge rules Lawyers for Kohberger have accused investigators of an overbroad attempt to

As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, his namesake company is expanding its global footprint. Trump’s son Eric Trump, an executive vice president with the Trump Organization, on Wednesday formally announced that the family’s real estate company is partnering with the Saudi Arabian real estate firm Dar Al Arkan to launch a Trump Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Earlier this week, the Trump Organization announced that it had leased its name for two projects in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, increasing the company’s role in a part of the world critical to United States’ foreign policy. “We’re doing projects in Jeddah, we’re doing projects in Oman, we’re doing projects in Riyadh, we’re doing projects all over the region,” Eric Trump said this week at a cryptocurrency conference in the United Arab Emirates. SEE ALSO: Trump is named Time’s Person of the Year and rings the New York Stock Exchange’s opening bell The approach follows a lucrative business strategy the Trumps have embraced for decades — making money by licensing their name to projects rather than constructing or manufacturing them themselves. The recently

CORNING — The Corning City Council waived the first reading of an ordinance regulating what can be displayed on digital signs in the city. City Attorney Collin Bogener said that under this ordinance, digital signs are only allowed in commercial zones and can not display animated images. Scrolling is okay, but no personalized messages or off-site advertising. Off-site advertising will be for that property. According to City Manager Brant Mesker, the Beautification Act does not allow for animated images because they can distract or provide a false sense of urgency or alarm. “So as these are scrolling and messages are interpreted, they are interpreted as messages, and not so much to be animated for show,” Mesker said. Bogener added it is a standard regulation because of the driver distraction aspect. Councilwoman Lisa Lomeli asked why there were restrictions on personalized messages. Chuy Valerio likewise asked a similar question. “Like, why would a personal message be bad for anyone, like a happy birthday, just like the Veterans Hall,” Valerio said. Mesker clarified the VFW sign is county property and would not fall within the ordinance. Councilman

Wellness. Health care. Both are on everyone’s mind these days, and for good reason. Between the soaring cost of health insurance premiums, increasing copays and skyrocketing deductibles, plus the outrageous cost of some medications, it’s enough to give you a heart attack. But lest you think there’s nothing you can do to keep your family’s health care costs under control, I have good news: You can. You have the power. The best way to cut medical costs is to prevent them in the first place. I am talking about small lifestyle changes to save you money and improve your quality of life. How much money are we talking about? Medical financial hardships have affected about 137.1 million adults in the past year, according to recent research. And many Americans are turning to credit cards to help manage those debt burdens. Have you had enough? Ready to cut your medical costs? Awesome. We’ll do this together. STAND UP Sitting on our bottoms — at work, at school, at home, in a car, in a chair, on a sofa, in front of the television — has recently

If your group or agency has changed or canceled an event, write to rsilva@redbluffdailynews.com or leave a message at 737-5042. Events Tehama County Food Share needs shelf-stable milk (powder or boxed; bovine, soy, or nut) to supplement its food pantries this fall. Donations can be brought to Tehama County Together, 345 Hickory St., Suite 2, Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM. For more information, call 530-527-2223. The American Legion Christmas dinner will be held on December 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. $10 per person. Reservations are required. Please RSVP no later than December 7. Call 530 528-1026 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. -noon. Friday Red Bluff Celebrate Recovery: 7 p.m., High Point Assembly of God, 625 Luther Road, 567-8190 Senior Aerobics: 8 a.m., Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. Corning Narcotics Anonymous: 7 p.m., 820 Marin St. City Council: 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 794 Third St., 824-7033 Narcotics Anonymous: 7 p.m., 820 Marin St. Saturday Red Bluff Farmers Market:8 a.m. to noon,  Downtown Red Bluff, EBT, debit and credit cards accepted Corning Spanish-speaking AA meeting: 7 p.m., 820

CORNING —The Corning Police Department issued a “be on the lookout” alert on Wednesday for a man accused of placing a skimming device on one of  7-11’s card readers. According to CPD, around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, an unidentified white person entered the 7-11 at 1425 Solano Street and attached a skimming device to one of the card readers. Law enforcement is investigating the incident and is asking for the public’s help in identifying the male in the photo. If anyone has any information regarding the individual, they are asked to contact the Corning Police Department at 530 824-7000.

Friday, December 13, 2024 7:58AM FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — In this week’s QB&A, NFL Network analyst David Carr chats with Stephen Hicks about Josh Allen’s MVP candidacy, why Jake Haener is the best bet for the Saints at quarterback and what Fresno State needs to do to get into the college football playoff next season like Boise State. For sports updates, follow Stephen Hicks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, December 13, 2024 7:54AM MARIPOSA, Calif. (KFSN) — Rain, shine, or snow, Mariposa is open for business. Storefronts around the town are decked out for the Chamber of Commerce holiday light competition. Inside, owners are ready to welcome visitors and locals heading downtown for holiday shopping. “We’re going to have the parents and the families come in, have a sip-and-shop activity,” said Jillian Navarro, Mariposa Marketplace. “Where they’re going to walk around, drink hot cocoa, drink cider, listen to music, and then the kids will find elves and Santas hidden throughout the store and get prizes.” They welcome the winter weather, hoping more people pass through the town as they head to enjoy playtime in the snow. “We love people to come, walk down the main streets, stop in the local stores,” said Navarro. “Just to kind of go in and out of cold and the warmth, it’s a really good time.” Snow may be fun for play, but snow and rain slick up the roadways California Highway Patrol wants people to be mindful so the fun can go on without mishaps. “We’re just

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A young Latina is now a published author. She dedicates her book to her late father, who inspired her to dream of breaking barriers in the publishing industry. “So I thought, I am going to write about a Latina protagonist, and I just kept putting it off until I heard the quote write the story you want to read,” said author Yeiri Farias. After two years of dedicated writing and long nights, Yeiri Farias published her first romance novel, Love Me Under The Stars. It’s a story about a strong Latina who builds a career and faces difficult life challenges, which lead to an unexpected romance. “I want people to know that there is a different face of Latinas in romance, not just the hardcore, business Latina,” said Farias. As a young Latina who moved to the United States at age 13, Farias says it was important to write a story with characters who embody Hispanic culture. “The culture in the small town, it shows up, the family, the language differences, it shows in the book.” Her boyfriend, Yovani Munoz, has

Friday, December 13, 2024 7:41AM Brochettes Grill in Dinuba offers French, Moroccan, and Mediterranean favorites. DINUBA, Calif. (KFSN) — For this week’s Dine and Dish, we head to Brochette’s Grill in Dinuba where they offer French, Moroccan, and Mediterranean favorites. The tasty offerings here can be best described as street food from the European side of the Mediterranean. The co-owner, Reda, says it’s food inspired by his childhood, “I grew up in Casablanca, Morocco and went to school in France. In France and Europe, Moroccan food is very popular. It’s almost what Mexican food is to the Americans.” His co-owner and wife, Brenda Hernandez-Gomez, says the parallels don’t end there, “I’m Mexican myself and in Mexico, I feel like we have different flavors. I feel like it’s similar to all this.” Brenda says that while their fillings are plentiful, the menu is simple: “We have three items to choose from: a bowl, a baguette, and a pita.” Reda’s says his wife has embraced his food culture, “My wife Brenda mastered this art and that’s impressive because she reminds me of my mother’s cuisine.” Even the

One person was killed when a small plane crashed along Interstate-684 in Westchester County on Thursday night, New York State Police said.

Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, who oversaw Syria’s infamous Adra Prison from 2005 to 2008 under recently ousted President Bashar al-Assad, was arrested in Los Angeles in July.

Nobody on the San Jose Sharks roster is more disappointed that their season series with the St. Louis Blues is over than Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini was dazzling on Thursday night, scoring twice and adding an assist as the Sharks held on to beat the Blues 4-3 to snap a three-game losing streak and finish a long road trip with a 3-3-0 record. Related Articles San Jose Sharks | Georgiev to make San Jose Sharks debut vs. St. Louis Blues San Jose Sharks | Sharks update: Mukhamadullin to play; should ‘heart and soul’ forward be re-signed? San Jose Sharks | Sharks, AHL defenseman mutually agree to terminate contract San Jose Sharks | San Jose Sharks debut catchy sequel video to ‘Holiday Sweater’ San Jose Sharks | Late goal dooms Sharks in first game since Blackwood trade New Sharks forward Nikolai Kovalenko had his first career three-point game with three assists, and goalie Alexandar Georgiev made 16 saves, including five in a tense third period, to win in his San Jose debut. Celebrini assisted on Tyler Toffoli’s first-period goal and scored at the 5:43 and 19:53 marks

By DEE-ANN DURBIN The Federal Trade Commission sued the largest U.S. distributor of wine and spirits on Thursday, saying it is illegally discriminating against small and independent businesses. Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits doesn’t give smaller stores access to discounts and rebates that larger chains receive, putting the smaller stores at a competitive disadvantage, the FTC alleged in the lawsuit it filed in California. “When local businesses get squeezed because of unfair pricing practices that favor large chains, Americans see fewer choices and pay higher prices — and communities suffer,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. Miami-based Southern Glazer’s called the lawsuit “both misguided and legally flawed.” “Alcohol distributors face numerous regulations that dictate how they compete and can price and discount products, and Southern Glazer’s complies with those legal requirements,” the company said. “Southern Glazer’s strongly disputes the FTC’s allegations and will defend itself vigorously in this litigation.” Southern Glazer’s is one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S., with $26 billion in revenue from wine and spirits sales to retail customers in 2023, according to the FTC. It distributes