Category: Sacramento

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 12:46PM Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman who had been believed to be missing in Los Angeles, crossed the border into Mexico on her own accord and is not the victim of any crime, the LAPD said. LOS ANGELES — Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman who had been believed to be missing in Los Angeles, crossed the border into Mexico on her own accord four days after landing at LAX and is not the victim of any crime, the LAPD said Monday. “To date the investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of any foul play,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said. Detectives reviewed her social media accounts and found a desire expressed to “step away from modern connectivity,” he added. The investigation discovered that while Kobayashi initially checked her bag through to New York, she later instructed it be sent to her at LAX, where she retrieved it on Nov. 11. She later used her passport and cash to buy a bus ticket at Union Station to travel to the San Ysidro border crossing

By ABC7 Chicago Digital Team Tuesday, December 3, 2024 12:30PM Williamson County, Illinois deputies stopped a pregnant woman’s runaway vehicle from going into Crab Orchard Lake after her car brakes malfunctioned. WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. — Southern Illinois sheriff’s deputies stop a pregnant woman’s runaway car from going into a lake. It happened early Monday morning in Williamson County, east of Carbondale. Deputies responded to a 911 call from driver who said her car would not stop. Video shows the deputy pull in front of the woman’s car and put on his brakes to slowly bring the woman’s car to a stop about 0.4 miles before reaching Crab Orchard Lake. No one was hurt, and there is no word what caused the woman’s brakes to malfunction. Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Joe Biden is using the first visit to Angola by a U.S. president to promote Washington’s investments in the sub-Sahara African nation and see a slavery museum where he’ll acknowledge the trafficking of human beings that once linked the two nations’ economies. A centerpiece of his trip is showcasing a U.S. commitment of $3 billion for the Lobito Corridor, a railway redevelopment linking Zambia, Congo and Angola that is meant to make it far easier to move raw materials in the continent and for export. The project also has drawn financing from the European Union, the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, a Western-led private consortium and African banks. The project aims to advance the U.S. presence in a region rich in critical minerals used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies and to counter China’s heavy investments in mining and processing African minerals. President Joe Biden is greeted by Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio as he arrives in the capital Luanda, Angola on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. AP Photo/Ben Curtis The U.S. has for years built relations in Africa through

A Republican-led House committee investigating broad aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects in the US released a final report Monday summarizing its two-year effort, saying it hoped the work would “serve as a road map for Congress, the Executive Branch, and the private sector to prepare for and respond to future pandemics.” In the 520-page report, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic concludes that the coronavirus “most likely emerged from a laboratory in Wuhan, China,” citing factors like biological characteristics of the virus and illnesses among researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in fall 2019. Most US intelligence agencies say the virus was not genetically engineered, but it is still not totally clear how the pandemic started. A US intelligence analysis released last year said either a laboratory or natural origin was possible, and the community remains split on the issue. The US Department of Energy assessed last year that it had “low confidence” in the lab leak theory. No US federal agency believes that the virus that causes Covid-19 was created as a bioweapon. The subcommittee report says that

President-elect Donald Trump said he is “totally against” Japan’s Nippon Steel buying U.S. Steel.

A Michelin-starred chef called on the thieves who stole his van, along with 2,500 meat pies inside it, to embrace the holiday spirit.

Truong My Lan was convicted of swindling money from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) and sentenced to death for fraud totaling $27 billion.

Mamta Bhatt’s body still has not been found, but investigators linked her DNA to the blood found in the couple’s home, police said.

You’ll read this 5 days after the culinary indulgence, the (hopefully) warm, rewarding hospitality and camaraderie of family and friends, the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” for NFL and college football teams (go Ducks), and the onset of Hallmark Christmas movies. However, I’m writing on Thanksgiving Day. The coming days must be devoted to early rising and driving to get “first chairs” for skiing. The most immediate source of thanks is nature’s gift of abundant snow on Mt. Bachelor, allowing for the best early (pre-Thanksgiving) skiing in the nearly quarter-century we’ve been trekking the 300-odd miles north from Red Bluff. That leads to being grateful for 74-year old bodies that can still navigate the groomed runs we’ve come to love so much that we ski them in our minds after the season is over. I told you that to tell you this: What brought us to our Bend, Oregon, home in November was not, ironically, favorable skiing weather. It was medical appointments, tests, lab analysis and review, which leads to thanks for biopsy results labeled “benign,” and a Cologuard “sample” found to

I’ve been writing political opinion nonstop for 20 years. As of today, I’m done. Life was different when the Philadelphia Inquirer gifted me a column in January 2004. Both major parties believed in the rule of law, the peaceful transfer of power, and traditional democratic values. It was beyond unthinkable that either side would condone a plotted coup and morph into a criminal cult. We opinion journalists are not so naive as to believe what we write can change the world. But we generally do hope what we write can perhaps make the world just a wee bit better on any given day by offering some grist for those who have the capacity to think. This was true of the America I loved in my younger life, but I no longer recognize the America we’re stuck with. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that I recognize it all too well – and that, having reached that conclusion, I’ve hit the wall on how to write about it. In the quality time I have left, I won’t expend precious brain cells inveighing in vain about

RED BLUFF – This is the stuff Hallmark movies are made of – the Christmas Parade hosted thousands of attendees for the spectacular kick-off to the holiday season Saturday. Gene and Coral Larrea of Red Bluff brought their two sons Max, 4 and Noah, 3. The family wore matching Christmas attire and enjoyed every bit of the festivities, from catching up with friends to riding on the Prime Lending float. “Santa’s truck was my favorite,” Max said. Aja Mulford came from Paradise to attend with her son, Hudson. She said the parade was a quintessential hometown holiday parade of epic proportions. Steve Alt, who typically performs as Santa, was on hand, riding an antique fire truck with some elves. This year, he donned a cowboy hat and patriotic garb. “Santa is over at the State Theatre,” he said. “This year, I am Santa’s helper. I’m just a proud American who believes in the miracle of Christmas.” Alt passed out million-dollar bills to those who have been good all year. “They are only redeemable in the North Pole,” he added. The parade route was lined at

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated items in your bathroom cabinet — Epsom salt. It’s cheap, it’s unassuming and it has more uses than a Swiss Army knife at a Boy Scout jamboree. But what is Epsom salt anyway? Is it salt? Is it magic? Nope. It’s a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate — nothing close to (actually quite the opposite) edible table salt, which is sodium chloride. Discovered in the town of Epsom, Surrey, England (hence the name), it’s been used for centuries to soothe aches, fertilize gardens and serve as the MVP of budget-friendly household hacks. SOOTHE ACHING MUSCLES Add a cup or two of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Why It Works: The magnesium in Epsom salt helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Skip the overpriced bath bombs and let Epsom salt be your go-to for post-workout soreness or long days spent wrestling your kids into their winter coats. MAKE A DIY BODY SCRUB Mix Epsom salt with a bit of olive oil or coconut oil for an exfoliating scrub that

In this week’s Housing Watch, Action News takes a look at a local program helping families realize a dream. Tuesday, December 3, 2024 7:23AM High home prices and interest rates have kept many first-time buyers from getting their own house. MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — High home prices and interest rates have kept many first-time buyers from getting their own house. The assistance several North Valley families received to help with closing costs made all the difference in being able to afford a home they could call their own. “The American dream is to own a home. Everybody deserves that American dream,” said Syreeta Bolton, an executive of the Merced County Association of Realtors. The association has established a housing affordability fund for families that need some help finalizing the deal. “We pay up to $7,200 in closing costs and this year we’ve helped 8 families and we’ve actually given out $54,000,” said realtor Necola Adams. For this particular program, applicants must live in Merced County They must also qualify under federal guidelines for HUD. In this case, a family of four could make up

Here’s how to make sure you’re the only one taking advantage of steals — not the crooks out for your hard-earned money. Tuesday, December 3, 2024 7:01AM Stores in Old Town Clovis had a little lull on Monday after a bustling weekend. CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — Stores in Old Town Clovis had a little lull on Monday after a bustling weekend. “There’s something for everyone at all different ages and I try to do that,” said Tanya Demanty, who owns Bauble and Thread in Old Town Clovis on Pollasky Avenue. She’s noticed a slight increase in sales compared to last year and said she’s grateful to the people who shop small. “If you wanna have the experience and just kind of stroll around and enjoy the community and all of the different entrepreneurs that have started their businesses, supporting them is a great idea,” said Demanty. But big retailers are also relying on a busy holiday shopping season. This video shows an Amazon fulfillment center in full swing on Cyber Monday. “We actually spend most of the year preparing for the holiday season. But as

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In anticipation of lawsuits against the incoming Trump administration, Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking state legislators to set aside $25 million to create a litigation fund. The money will be set aside for the California Department of Justice to fight the federal government in the courts, the governor’s office said Monday, with the goals of safeguarding “critical funding for disaster relief, health care and other vital services” Californians depend on. During Trump’s first term, California filed more than 120 such suits, costing the state about $42 million. It comes on the first day of the regular 2025-2026 legislative session, in which lawmakers also gaveled in for the special session that Newsom called to “Trump-proof” the state. RELATED: Newsom meets with Biden as part of effort to ‘Trump-proof’ California Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, R-Chico, said the special session is “tone deaf” to the millions of Californians who voted for Trump in the Nov. 5 election. “Gavin Newsom wants to run for president. That’s what this is about. He wants to fight Trump. He wants to be the progressive darling,” he said. “Let’s

Coming into Saturday night’s Northen Section Division II  championship game, Red Bluff coach Jacob Daricek knew that his team had to slow down the Pleasant Valley Vikings’ running game, or it might be a long evening. Unfortunately for the Spartans, the Viking’s running game dominated the game from the start in a 48-21 loss in its first section football final appearance in 25 years. “It’s a good football team. They’re really good, ” he said. “They’re strong and aggressive and they got after us pretty good.” From the outset, the Vikings attacked the Spartans on the ground, scoring the first touchdown on Lucas Benson’s 4-yard run with 9:47 left in the first quarter. After the Spartans went three and out on their opening drive, Brock Coleman scored on a 3-yard TD run to give the Vikings a 14-0 lead with 7:08 remaining in the first quarter. When the Spartans couldn’t respond on their second drive of the night, the Vikings got the ball back, and it looked like Pleasant Valley might score a third touchdown without the Spartans responding. But a poor punt, by the

The Christmas spirit was in full swing in downtown Visalia here as locals geared up for the Candy Cane Lane Christmas Parade. Tuesday, December 3, 2024 2:57AM It was a magical time in downtown Visalia as the 78th annual Candy Cane Lane Christmas Parade kicked off on Monday evening. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — It was a magical time in downtown Visalia as the 78th annual Candy Cane Lane Christmas Parade kicked off on Monday evening. Each year, the event attracts more than 10,000 people. Christine Estes always shows up hours before the parade to get great seats. “We have a family so we are here every year, just to start out the Christmas season, it’s a great family tradition,” said Estes. It is a tradition she hopes to pass on to future generations. “They are special, since we are starting a new family I want traditions for my son to pass down to his new family,” Estes explained. Steve Nelson, the director of downtown Visalians, works behind the scenes for months to plan the event. “it is a big event for downtown, we try to

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KFSN) — California Democrats worked to mount their political fight against President-Elect Donald Trump in Sacramento on Monday. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel introduced legislation to set aside $25 million for the state Department of Justice to sue the Trump Administration. “We’re not going to be caught flat-footed, and so that’s why we’re taking action to make sure that we have resources in place,” Gabriel told Action News. “On day one, California will be ready to defend our values.” Attorney General Rob Bonta made the case that the state needs to protect against reproductive rights. “In California, we’re not going back. We’re moving forward full speed ahead. We’re a reproductive freedom state, and that’s not changing. We will remain so,” Bonta said at a press conference. Governor Gavin Newsom first called for the rare Special Session two days after the election. The governor’s office told the Associated Press that Newsom wants to “Trump-Proof” the state after a rocky, back-and-forth relationship. California filed more than 120 lawsuits against the first Trump administration that began in 2017. Now, Gabriel says Democrats are ready to do it again.

A Reedley landscaper may never be able to walk again after falling from a tree last month. Tuesday, December 3, 2024 2:51AM A Valley family is navigating a new normal after their father and husband was partially paralyzed in a work accident. REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) — A Valley family is navigating a new normal after their father and husband was partially paralyzed in a work accident. Oscar Rios has been landscaping for many years, but had a bad fall last month in Reedley. “Unfortunately he fell from a palm tree,” his wife, Karen Medrano explained. “He fell straight on his back and he suffered severe cervical fractures.” He was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center where he continues to recover – despite difficult odds. “The prognosis of him walking again is very low. His mobility is so limited right now,” Medrano said. Medrano finding the silver lining in a tragic situation. A photo of Oscar Rios at work. “The fact that he can move his arm just a little bit. Things like that. It does give us hope,” Medrano said. “He’s been conscious the entire

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) — A fierce fire destroyed a nearly 130-year-old building in downtown Merced on Monday morning. The fire broke out around 6:30 am at the former Merced County library building on 22nd near M Street. “Tragic ending for a majestic building,” said Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke. A photo from 1897 when the building served as the county’s first high school. (Merced County Historical Society) The Merced County Historical Society says the structure was originally the county’s first high school, which was built in 1897. Sarah Lim, the director of the Merced County Courthouse Museum, says by 1920, students outgrew the school. “After that it was renovated and remodeled into a county library, and it was used from 1920 to 1975,” said Lim. Since then she said the desolate building sat vacant, but was still filled with memories. “It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city of Merced, and its listed in the national registry of historic places,” added Lim. Through the day and into the evening, crews fought the flames and tried to protect nearby buildings. Despite the damage to the

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 2:39AM Stores in Old Town Clovis had a little lull on Monday after a bustling weekend. CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — Stores in Old Town Clovis had a little lull on Monday after a bustling weekend. “There’s something for everyone at all different ages and I try to do that,” said Tanya Demanty, who owns Bauble and Thread in Old Town Clovis on Pollasky Avenue. She’s noticed a slight increase in sales compared to last year and said she’s grateful to the people who shop small. “If you wanna have the experience and just kind of stroll around and enjoy the community and all of the different entrepreneurs that have started their businesses, supporting them is a great idea,” said Demanty. But big retailers are also relying on a busy holiday shopping season. This video shows an Amazon fulfillment center in full swing on Cyber Monday. “We actually spend most of the year preparing for the holiday season. But as you can see behind me this is one of our busiest shopping days of the year, but it’s actually business as normal