An Israeli airstrike hit a U.N.-run school compound in northern Gaza on Friday, killing three people according to Palestinian emergency officials, a day after a similar strike on a school in Gaza's center killed at least 33 people. In both airstrikes, the Israeli army said Hamas militants were operating from within the...
Merced Mall Under New Ownership, Selling for $22.5 Million. Here’s Who Bought It.
The largest section of the Merced Mall has a new owner — Sacramento-based Ethan Conrad Properties, The Merced FOCUS has learned. The Merced FOCUS confirmed the news Thursday morning with the company’s front office. The mall is also listed on the company’s website. Escrow closed on the core section of...
More People Make ‘No-Buy Year’ Pledges as Overspending or Climate Worries Catch Up With Them
NEW YORK — A 35-year-old Brooklyn resident gave up buying new clothes. A 22-year old in San Diego swore off retail therapy. A 26-year old in England banned carbonated drinks from her shopping list. These three women, who don’t know each other, all started the year resolving to spend money...
Ditch Store-Bought Staples and Make Your Own From Scratch
Tired of overpaying for low-quality ingredients at the grocery store? It's time to embrace your self-sufficient era and make your own kitchen staples from scratch - don't worry, it's a lot simpler than it sounds. Discover how to make homemade staples from spice blends to low-carb breadcrumbs and even nut...
High School Free Speech Controversy Jogs Memories of My Start in Journalism: Dan Walters
Students at Sacramento’s McClatchy High School learned last month that if officialdom feels uncomfortable, it will trample on free speech. The Prospector, McClatchy’s student newspaper, published a random collection of student remarks uttered in class or in the hallways, under the heading of “What did you say?” The last of nine...
From Smart Glasses to a Rainbow Rodeo, Some Father’s Day Gift Ideas for All Kinds of Dads
NEW YORK — Whether you go big, small or DIY, there are lots of ways to please dad on Father's Day. Homemade cards and drawings, and things made of clay or popsicle sticks, are evergreen options from little hands. So is gathering your top family photos for framing, or knitting...
Danish Prime Minister Assaulted on a Copenhagen Square
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was assaulted by a man on a square in the capital of Copenhagen, the state news agency Ritzau reported Friday. Copenhagen police confirmed on the X platform that one person was arrested in the case and an investigation was underway. There was no immediate word...
Fresno Fire Dept. Seeks Man Spotted at 8 Blazes. Have You Seen Him?
The Fresno Fire Department has identified a suspect believed to be responsible for starting a grass fire in southwest Fresno on Thursday and who may be involved in several others. Fire investigators are looking for 67-year-old Curtis Carlton Evans. They suspect Evans of starting a grassfire on Cornelia Avenue between...
Embattled Fresno Police Chief Cherry Picks Scripture on Social Media
Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama responded to Thursday's announcement that he is under city investigation by quoting scripture. Balderrama posted on social media (X and Facebook) Thursday night, hours after the city announced it is looking into allegations that the chief had "an inappropriate off-duty relationship he was involved in...
Israeli Ambassador to Visit Fresno Sunday in ‘Pray for Peace’ Event
Cornerstone Church in downtown Fresno will host the Israeli ambassador Sunday along with others to discuss violence and hate against Jews and Israelis. The Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem event will take place Sunday at 6 p.m. at the historic Wilson Theater in downtown Fresno. Consul General of Israel...