Paul Flores, Kristin Smart’s convicted murderer, attacked and stabbed in prison again

Just eight months after being attacked in state prison, the man convicted of killing Kristin Smart was stabbed by another inmate and hospitalized again. The incident is being investigated as an attempted homicide. Paul Flores, 47, was convicted in 2022 of killing Smart, a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student last seen on campus with Flores more than 25 years ago and was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison for first-degree murder. On Wednesday at 3:27 p.m., staff at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, Calif., witnessed Flores being stabbed by another inmate on the recreation yard, a spokesperson for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said. Responding officers quickly put an end to the incident without using force, according to the CDCR. Two inmate-manufactured weapons were recovered from the scene. An injured Flores was transported to an outside medical facility for a higher level of care. He has since returned to the prison and is in fair condition. No other staff or incarcerated people were injured. The person who attacked Flores, whose name was not disclosed, has been placed in

SpaceX is launching more rockets from a military base. Can the Coastal Commission impose a limit?

SpaceX has significantly increased the frequency of its rocket launches from a Santa Barbara County military base, and its plans to add even more have raised concerns by the California Coastal Commission over the impacts on the environment and nearby communities. The company, officially Space Exploration Technologies Corp., owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has already breached an agreement between base officials and the coastal commission that limited the yearly launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base to six. SpaceX has asked the commission for permission to launch up to 36 times per year from Vandenberg, as well as to conduct up to 12 landings a year at a second launch complex and an offshore landing spot in the Pacific Ocean. Visible for miles around, the launches can create awe-inspiring spectacles as the aircraft hurtle up through the atmosphere, leaving behind a streak tracing the path of the rocket. But nearer the base, the launches can force the closure and evacuation of nearby beaches and campgrounds, and residents have reported their windows shaking and rattling from the apparent sonic booms. “It’s very stressful when you experience something

Column: The O.J. trial defined an era when apocalyptic L.A. was the center of the universe

Sometimes it is difficult to remember that the O.J. Simpson trial actually happened. Certainly, it has been so rigorously claimed by popular culture that one could be forgiven for considering it a form of true-crime franchise — careers were made off it, books were written about it, Ryan Murphy used it to launch his “American Crime Story” anthology series and Ezra Edelman won an Emmy and an Oscar for his documentary about the life and social forces that led to it. But even when it was happening, it didn’t feel quite real: the hideous nature of the crime, the absurd “if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” defense, the deluge of media coverage (including coverage of that coverage), the salacious and often quite sexist gossip about everyone involved. O.J. Simpson, who died Wednesday at 76, was many things to many people. But for me he will always be the murder suspect who turned an already fragile and freaked-out Los Angeles into a perverse cabaret of trauma. For nine months, people who previously could not find downtown L.A. on a map descended on what was then

Death of ‘1923’ actor Cole Brings Plenty shows ‘no indication of foul play,’ sheriff says

No foul play is suspected in the recent death of “1923” actor Cole Brings Plenty, authorities said. The 27-year-old nephew of “Yellowstone” actor Mo Brings Plenty was reported missing by his family March 31 after an alleged domestic violence incident. Nearly a week later, deputies found his body near an unoccupied vehicle in a wooded area outside Kansas City. “Detectives, crime scene investigators, and the Medical Examiner’s Office have been working diligently with the Lawrence Police Department and the Brings Plenty family. There is no indication of foul play in the death of Cole Brings Plenty,” said a statement released Wednesday by Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden. No cause of death was identified. Meanwhile, local police in Lawrence, Kan., are facing criticism for purportedly treating Brings Plenty primarily as a criminal fugitive rather than a person in crisis or potential victim — an accusation addressed Wednesday by Police Chief Rich Lockhart. “This is a tragic case for everyone involved. Your Police Department worked very hard to investigate the incidents and worked very hard to find Cole. None of us could have imagined this outcome,” Lockhart

SUV flips into oncoming traffic during police pursuit in Southern California

A pursuit in Orange County came to a dramatic end when the driver of an SUV rounded a corner, lost control of the vehicle and flipped into oncoming traffic Wednesday afternoon, authorities confirmed to KTLA.   Detectives with the Santa Ana Police Department’s Gang Unit initiated the pursuit of the driver, a parolee, for a traffic violation at around 5:10 p.m., SAPD Public Information Officer Natalie Garcia said.   In video footage of the pursuit obtained by KTLA, the driver is seen barreling into a right hand turn at a busy intersection at a high rate of speed followed closely by a police cruiser.   The SUV fishtails left after making the turn and then the driver likely overcorrects, causing the vehicle to fishtail hard to the right, lose control and flip over the median and slam into at least one vehicle on the opposite side of the roadway.   Driver of SUV flips vehicle into oncoming traffic during police pursuit in Orange County on April 10, 2024. (Viewer photo) Driver of SUV flips vehicle into oncoming traffic during police pursuit in Orange County on

This major retailer is adding cameras to self-checkout registers

Target plans to take a closer look at customers using self-checkout. According to multiple reports, the mega-retailer is adding cameras to self-checkout lanes in an effort to prevent theft. The technology, called TruScan, can recognize when items are not scanned, reports CNN. The technology will alert shoppers when items were not scanned, according to company documents obtained by Bloomberg. TruScan cameras can also track people who repeatedly don’t ring up items or don’t scan them correctly, Bloomberg reported. Target did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment. Cameras aren’t the only changes the company has been making to its self-checkout lanes. Last month, the retailer began limiting the number of items people could purchase in self-checkout at 2,000 stores around the country. The 10-item limit was implemented to speed up checkout at those stations, the company said. Self-checkouts are disappearing from retailers. Here’s why In recent years, Target and other major retailers have implemented more measures to prevent theft, such as locking more items in cabinets. Shoppers at some locations need to ask an employee for assistance to retrieve everyday items—like deodorant, laundry detergent

New report raises health concerns about Lunchables

A new study from the advocacy group Consumer Reports found that Lunchables, the longtime prepackaged boxes popular with children nationwide, have high levels of sodium, lead and other heavy metals. The group is now calling for the federal government to remove them from the National School Lunch Program. Nancy Chen has details.

Powerful storm system wreaks havoc on Southeast

The devastation from a tornado that tore through Slidell, Louisiana, on Wednesday was severe, with dozens of buildings damaged and half the city left without power, shuttering schools and businesses. The same storm system was also responsible for multiple tornadoes in Florida on Thursday. Tom Hanson has the latest.

More aid is supposed to be entering the Gaza Strip. Why isn’t it helping?

By JULIA FRANKEL (Associated Press) JERUSALEM (AP) — Under heavy U.S. pressure, Israel has promised to ramp up aid to Gaza dramatically, saying last week it would open another cargo crossing and surge more trucks than ever before into the besieged enclave. But days later, there are few signs of those promises materializing and international officials say starvation is widespread in hard-hit northern Gaza. Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said this week she accepted “credible” reports that famine is now occurring in the area and urged Israel to take further steps to expedite humanitarian aid shipments. Power’s remarks echoed those of U.S. President Joe Biden, who said on Wednesday that Israeli efforts to increase aid were “not enough.” While Israel says it has dramatically increased the number of aid trucks entering the territory, U.N. workers report only a slight uptick — possibly because they count trucks differently. Here’s what we know about the aid entering Gaza, and why discrepancies in reporting persist: HOW MUCH AID IS ENTERING GAZA? Israel says that since Sunday it has transported an average of 400

Sharks coach says having NHL in Utah would be ‘a great situation’

Coach David Quinn and the San Jose Sharks were only in Salt Lake City for a few hours in October when they played at the Delta Center for a preseason game against the Los Angeles Kings. But in the short time he was there, Quinn sure got the impression the city was ready to host an NHL team. “To me, when you left there, you felt this would be a great place to have an NHL franchise,” Quinn said Thursday. “You just felt the excitement in the building and around the arena.” Indications are the Sharks could be back in Salt Lake City as soon as this fall, with the NHL, per multiple reports, working on one contingency plan that would have the Arizona Coyotes relocate to Utah in time for next season. While nothing has been finalized, an announcement from the league could come later this month, per ESPN and other outlets. Daily Faceoff first reported Wednesday that the league is preparing two schedules for next season, one with the Coyotes in Arizona, playing at 4,600-seat Mullett Arena in Tempe, and the other with

49ers add veteran cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to competition

SANTA CLARA — Five years after cornerback Rock Ya-Sin battled in one-on-one matchups with wide receiver Deebo Samuel at the Senior Bowl, they’ll be doing so again in 49ers practices. Ya-Sin was signed Thursday to a one-year deal, the 49ers announced. Drafted in the 2019 second round by the Indianapolis Colts, Ya-Sin moved on to play with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and the Baltimore Ravens last year. His experience (66 games, 40 starts) will bolster a still-young cornerback corps that is led by incumbent starters Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, each of whom are entering their final season under contract, pending potential extensions. Ya-Sin, 27, is listed at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. He has two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 29 passes defended and 193 tackles in his NFL career, which has seen him appear in just one playoff game. Ankle and knee injuries have hindered his career. Ya-Sin was the second pick of the 2019 draft’s second round; Samuel went two spots later to the 49ers. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: A 7-round 49ers mock draft with two

Baseball pioneer: Kelsie Whitmore makes her pitch with Oakland’s expansion team

OAKLAND — Kelsie Whitmore’s list of “firsts” just got a little longer. The Southern California native was the first woman to play in the Atlantic League and the Pacific League. Now she will be the first woman to sign a contract with a Pioneer League team as the Oakland Ballers announced on Wednesday that they were adding the trailblazing pitcher after a successful tryout last weekend. She was part of the three signings the Ballers announced, which also includes St. Francis High grad Andrew Martinez and Vacaville’s Connor Caporale. While Whitmore’s ultimate goal is to become an immediate impact player for the Ballers, she is also hoping her journey inspires more women to play baseball. “​​I’m gonna do my best and whatever I can to encourage and inspire other women and young girls to continue playing the game,” Whitmore said. “I know some were told they couldn’t, but hopefully I can motivate and encourage them through the way I play on the field for them to continue doing what they love.” Kelsie Whitmore, the first woman to appear in a game in the independent Atlantic

Locals look for lowest gas prices as they continue to increase

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — As we head into the warmer months and people are hitting the road more often, gas prices are also on the rise. According to AAA, the average cost in California is up 20 cents from last week and 53 cents from last month. In Kings County, drivers there are saving a little money while fueling up. There are two spots in Lemoore where they prefer to buy gas because it’s cheaper. One of them is the station at Tachi Palace casino and the second spot is at the local Fastrip. The cheapest is just over $4.80, that’s still 60 cents below the state’s average. “$88.95,” said Nancy Royer while holding her receipt and card in hand. Royer called the trip to fill up ‘another fun day at the pumps.’ It cost nearly $90 to fill up her 18-gallon Ford Explorer. Thursday’s total for Nancy is a few bucks more than the last time she pumped. “I don’t know how people do it with families, I’m almost 80 years old so I am beyond that, but I don’t know how people

Suspect in assault of Fresno Mattress Firm employee bonds out of jail

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A man is out of jail after being arrested for the assault of a woman working at a store in northwest Fresno. The alleged attack happened at the Mattress Firm on Blackstone near Bullard at about 10:30 am Wednesday. Now, a security guard sits outside of the store. Police say that suspect is 33-year-old Xiang Zhao. It’s believed the employee was alone in the store and does not know the suspect. Police say Zhao did not have a prior criminal history. Police say the victim was able to fight him off, call police and give a description of the suspect. “The victim was very, very courageous, was able to ward off and fight the suspect off of her, was able to run off and call for help,” said Fresno Police Sgt. Diana Trueba Vega. Raquel Garcia, program director at RCS Fresno, the County’s Rape crisis center says even if you are able to escape, sometimes the trauma can still impact you later. “Is really focusing on what is happening after with you and yourself, to be able to feel safe to

VIDEO: Gaza protesters disrupt UC Berkeley dean’s party, triggering responses over free speech

By Tara Campbell Thursday, April 11, 2024 11:05PM Gaza protesters disrupted a dinner party at a UC Berkeley dean’s home, accusing his wife of assault, and drawing questions about free speech. BERKELEY, Calif. — Free speech rights are being called into question after assault allegations and tense moments at a private dinner party at the home of University of California Berkeley faculty. This happened during an annual dinner Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinksy and his wife Professor Catherine Fisk hold for students. Now students are accusing Professor Fisk of assault. Video shows the moments when Professor Fisk tries to take the microphone from a protester voicing support for the people in Gaza. The protester then says “You don’t have to get aggressive,” to which Fisk responds “I’m not being aggressive.” “Please leave our house. You are guests at our house,” Chemerinsky said. The group protesting released a statement, saying in part: “Fisk’s assault was a symbol of the deeper Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and religious discrimination that runs rampant within the University of California administration.” Chemerinksy did not want to speak on camera but responded to

Experience the Community Choir of the Central Valley this weekend

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — It’s a sound like nothing else — dozens of voices joined together in music. You have an opportunity to experience that music live and for free this weekend. We sat down with the conductor of the “Community Choir of the Central Valley,” Ed Cobb, to talk about what you can expect. For news updates, follow Vanessa Vasconcelos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.

How O.J. Simpson’s murder trial changed the TV news business

The double-murder case against football star and actor O.J. Simpson, who died of cancer Thursday at age 76, forever transformed the TV landscape. Network news was still a buttoned-down institution in 1994, when more than 30 million viewers were tuning into the evening newscasts each night. The anchors of the time — Tom Brokaw on NBC, Peter Jennings on ABC and Dan Rather on CBS — were powerful arbiters of what the public needed to know. The internet was nascent and CNN, available in about half the country on cable, was considered a tier below the Big Three networks. But the landscape changed on June 17, 1994, the day of the wild slow-speed police chase on the freeways of Los Angeles of Simpson in his white Bronco, two days after the brutal slayings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. A reported 95 million people watched Simpson flee capture. Airing across all three networks, local stations and CNN, the chase became a defining “where were you” TV moment on par with the Kennedy assassination in 1963 or the explosion of the