Category: Sacramento

Hostage envoy Roger Carstens is in Syria making the first known in-person U.S. in-person contact with the caretaker government and seeking help in finding missing American Austin Tice.

Saturday, December 21, 2024 12:26AM A local English teacher is giving her students a delicious assignment, leading to a lesson on various cultures. CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — A local English teacher is giving her students a delicious assignment, leading to a lesson on various cultures. For 10 years, Carol Vande Kerkhoff has taught English at Clovis East High School and, for the last couple of years, has taught an innovative and delicious way of helping students grow as writers. “I just want them to grow a little bit more as writers than when I first got them in August,” explained Mrs. Vande. Every one of these students showed up to Carol’s classroom at Clovis East High School on Thursday morning with their favorite dish as part of a much larger writing assignment. “I adopted this assignment where they choose a recipe that is important to them and their family and they have to write an essay about it,” said Mrs. Vande. Mrs. Vande says the prompt allows students to dig deep into their writing. “They end up telling me personal vignettes that are very meaningful

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KFSN) — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) rates will once again be going up. The California Public Utilities Commission voted Thursday to approve two new hikes. The approval marks the fifth and sixth rate increases for the utility in 2024. PG&E says the hikes will be used to help fund vegetation management and extend the operation of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in San Luis Obispo County. The latest price increase will be rolled out on customers’ bills across a 12-month period starting in 2026. According to The Utility Reform Network, also known as TURN, PG&E Customers are already paying an average of $50 more than at the beginning of the year. “I can’t even afford to buy Christmas presents this year or put up Christmas lights because the rates are so extreme. I can’t even afford PG&E,” said Don King with the ‘Stop PG&E’ group. The exact increase you’ll see on your bill is unclear at this time, but customers can expect to pay more through 2026. Dozens who face climbing electricity costs attended the meeting in hopes the commission will

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency this week months after the bird flu began spreading in the Central Valley. It’s a move Dr. Crystal Heath says was overdue. She’s a veterinarian and the executive director of animal advocacy non-profit, Our Honor. “I’m surprised that it didn’t happen sooner. I mean, we’ve lost 50% of the laying flocks, and it has affected more than 50% of California dairy herds. I’m surprised it took Gavin Newsom this long to act,” Dr. Heath. The governor’s office was unavailable for an interview Thursday, but said a news conference will be held Friday to answer questions. A previous press release said the emergency declaration will help streamline and expedite the state’s response. Anja Raudabaugh, the CEO of Western United Dairies says the resources needed include personal protective equipment, testing sites, education, and outreach. Also, more research on how the virus spreads. “There are a number of suspects that scientists think may be happening, but we don’t know how it’s spreading. The wind, the fog, the rain, dust,” explained Raudabaugh. “These are culprits that

Friday, December 20, 2024 2:38AM The Smash Bros pride themselves on making hand-crafted meals made with locally sourced ingredients. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The flavors at a Fresno bistro never fall flat. Burgers that hang over the bottom bun have been a smashing success at Smash Bros Bistro on Bullard and Fresno in northeast Fresno. What’s up with the name though? “I guess ’cause we were smashing on our days off last year. We had other jobs at other restaurants. We started doing these smash burgers,” explained co-owner Matt Simons. “I think there’s more flavor in a smash burger because you end up getting that color. It’s called the Maillard reaction.” “We don’t smash it completely all the way. So, it’s not just a meat crisp. It does have a skirt but the meat still has texture, so a little bit of thickness to it,” added co-owner Jonny Aviles. “And then we do shaved onions, a heavy amount of them.” Folks can’t get enough of their Brussel sprouts. “We just chuck’em right in the fryer and then pull them out. And then we have our

From a startup to a transformative tech leader, discover how talabat champions innovation, sustainability, and community connections in the MENA region

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Dennis Schroder got traded from a team that’s trying to lose to one failing to put the winning ways of their early-season halcyon days back in the bottle. If they play like they did on Thursday, the Warriors’ bottle is shattered. The 51-point margin of defeat is tied for the fourth-biggest blowout loss in franchise history. After starting 12-3 this season, the Warriors have now lost nine of their past 11 games, sliding squarely into play-in territory. They’re “reeling,” head coach Steve Kerr said. Their latest loss was a 144-93 atrocity in which the Grizzlies completely outclassed them from start to finish. The Warriors (14-12) waved the white flag halfway through the third quarter after they fell behind by 46. “I don’t like the ‘panic’ word,” Steph Curry said postgame. “I like: accept where you’re at and buck up, try to figure out how to change the momentum of the season. ‘Panic’ kind of means you don’t have an answer. I think we do have answers. Obviously it’s just a sense of urgency.” The brutal blowout was a tough welcome for Schroder

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Warriors got an early Christmas present and aren’t waiting to unwrap it. The Warriors inserted Dennis Schroder into their starting lineup days after acquiring him from the Brooklyn Nets. They could have brought the lead guard off the bench and gradually introduced him to lineup configurations, but are rather committing to him right away. “We’re all in,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “We believe in Dennis, he’s happy to be here, and we’re excited about the partnership. Now it’s time to get to work.” Schroder started Thursday night’s game alongside Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. It’s the 15th different starting lineup the Warriors have used this season. Kerr has been constantly searching for the right lineup combinations since De’Anthony Melton — packaged in the deal for Schroder — went down with a season-ending knee injury. When the trade went down, Kerr called Schroder to joke that he’s kicked his ass on three separate continents and told him he’d start with Curry. The Warriors expect Schroder to play both with Curry and as the lead guard on

A new government funding bill proposed by Republican lawmakers and supported by President-elect Donald Trump failed Thursday in a House vote after a previous bipartisan agreement was scuttled Wednesday amid opposition from Trump. A Friday midnight deadline is looming to pass the bill, known as a continuing resolution, in order to avoid a government shutdown. Nikole Killion has the latest from Capitol Hill.

CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett analyzes President-elect Donald Trump’s influence on his party and how it will impact the next four years. Garrett also breaks down Democratic losses and political polarization in the U.S.

Central Valley TV Pedestrian on Motorized Scooter Killed After Collision With Vehicle News Published 3 days ago on December 19, 2024 MODESTO – Traffic safety officers with the Modesto Police Department investigated a collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian in a motorized scooter Wednesday afternoon. The collision happened shortly before 5:00pm on Briggsmore Avenue near Coffee Road. Early indications suggest the scooter and vehicle were traveling west on Briggsmore Avenue when the collision happened. Life-saving attempts were made but the pedestrian did not survive. The involved motorist remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Westbound Briggsmore Avenue was closed for the duration of the investigation. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact Officer Kyle Johnson at johnsonk@modestopd.com. Carlos Rodriguez is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist specializing in public safety and natural disasters. His passion for local news stems from a deep commitment to his community, with a selfless mission to inform the citizens of the valley. As he worked on assignment for 19 days at the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, he spent most of his

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two new baby lizards have hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo, the first of their species to be bred there, zoo officials said Thursday. Perentie lizards, or Varanus giganteus, are native to Australia and one of the world’s largest lizards, dwarfed only by the Komodo dragon and a few others. This photo provided by the Los Angeles Zoo shows one of two newly born perentie lizards at the zoo, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Jamie Pham/Los Angeles Zoo via AP) “It is incredibly rewarding for our team to experience success breeding this species,” zoo curator Byron Wusstig said in a statement. “This species is not endangered, but it is rarely seen in zoo settings outside of Australia.” The LA Zoo is one of only three institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that have successfully reproduced them, Wusstig said, and it is the first time the zoo has bred the perentie lizard species in its history. Zoo officials said the baby lizards are doing well, eating, and being closely observed by staff. They will be raised off-exhibit

Students and parents at Amy Parks Elementary School near Dallas came together to give their school custodian a new set of wheels after his car was recently stolen and wrecked.

The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Luigi Mangione, is in New York City where he faces federal murder charges. He was extradited from Pennsylvania on Thursday. CBS News crime and public safety unit coordinating producer Anna Schecter has more.

During the holidays, there are 33 delivery planes a day which fly in and out of Anchorage, Alaska, carrying about 80,000 packages.

2024 was the biggest global election year in history. Here in the U.S., politics and the presidential election dominated headlines. CBS News’ Major Garrett breaks it all down.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Two men have been charged with the disappearance and murder of 26-year-old Micaela Navarro in Fresno. 37-year-old Christopher Stephens was arrested and charged with her murder and 29-year-old Ryan Sutter is charged as an accessory after the fact. Her family now fighting for closure and accountability. “She was a light in our lives, her love for singing and her passionate spirit touched so many people, and we are here today to honor her memory and demand justice for her,” said Shawntee Ashberry, the victim’s mother. The case is moving forward, even though Navarro’s body has not been found, more than a year after she went missing. A photo of 26-year-old Micaela Navarro, who was reported missing in 2023. The search for her body is ongoing after two men were charged in her murder on Wednesday. “This will be our second holiday season without Micaela, its a time of year that she loved, a season when her voice would fill the room, and her passion would brighten everyone’s spirits,” said Ashberry. “Now, her absence lives a void that cannot be filled.” Fresno

The House rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s new plan Thursday to fund federal operations and suspend the debt ceiling a day before a government shutdown, as Democrats refused to accommodate his sudden demands and the quick fix cobbled together by Republican leaders. In a hastily convened evening vote punctuated by angry outbursts over the self-made crisis, the lawmakers failed to reach the two-thirds threshold needed for passage – but House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared determined to try again before Friday’s midnight deadline. “We’re going to do the right thing here,” Johnson said ahead of the vote. But he didn’t even get a majority, with the bill failing 174-235. The outcome proved a massive setback for Trump and his billionaire ally, Elon Musk, who rampaged against Johnson’s bipartisan compromise, which Republicans and Democrats had reached earlier to prevent a Christmastime government shutdown. It provides an preview of the turbulence ahead when Trump returns to the White House with Republican control of the House and Senate. During his first term, Trump led Republicans into the longest government shutdown in history during the 2018 Christmas season, and interrupted the

By Angeline Jane Bernabe Friday, December 20, 2024 6:47AM Bluey will be coming to Disney theme parks and on Disney cruises in 2025 for special meet-and-greets and experiences. Fans of Bluey can soon meet the beloved character in person on land and at sea. On Thursday, it was announced that families will be able to interact with Bluey and her sister, Bingo, at Disney U.S. theme parks and on Disney Cruise Line voyages. The popular young blue heeler pup can be found at Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and Disney Cruise Line at sea for special meet-and-greets, to an interactive and clue-filled game that ends in a dance party featuring Bluey’s signature moves, according to a press release. “Bluey has become a household name for families around the world, and we are thrilled to bring her story to life in new ways,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said in a statement shared in a press release about the news. “We can’t wait to watch our youngest guests and their families make memories with Bluey in our parks and on

Thursday, December 19, 2024 11:54PM This week’s Paws on 30 guest is Mocha Cookie Crumble, a female 2-year-old Husky mix from Fresno Animal Center. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — On Thursdays, we like to recognize the amazing rescues in Central California and help animals find their forever homes with a segment we call Paws on 30. This week’s Paws on 30 guest is Mocha Cookie Crumble, a female 2-year-old Husky mix from Fresno Animal Center. Mocha Cookie Crumble enjoys doing a few laps in the play yard with her friends and taking long strolls. She is wonderful with other dogs and loves attention from humans. Mocha Cookie Crumble’s holiday wish is to cuddle up next to the tree on Christmas morning in her forever home! Mocha Cookie Crumble’s adoption fee is waived and includes her spay, vaccinations, flea/tick medication, and a microchip. To learn more on how to adopt, click here. Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Amazon workers on strike coast-to-coast less than a week before the Christmas holiday. Thousands of Amazon workers from Georgia to California were out on the picket lines Thursday morning. That includes employees at the Amazon warehouse in southwest Fresno. Action News spoke with a woman who says she’s worked for the company for six years in inventory and shipment packing. “We need to recognize that Amazon really is the bigger problem enforcing these things on us that we should be able to talk about and fight against and not have to be silenced for,” said the woman, who did not want to be shown on camera. She says she supports unionizing because of safety concerns when it comes to meeting Amazon’s demands. “It’s hard to make those rates when you have to constantly bend down, kneel down and then try to get up. Overpacked bins also cause hand injuries at times that some of us don’t even report because they’re just little injuries we don’t take into account,” said the employee. Members from the General Teamsters Union Local 431 and president