California’s top arts ambassadors identified downtown Merced as a notable cultural hub, one of the first two counties in the San Joaquin Valley to receive such a recognition. The announcement by the California Arts Council on Dec. 12 designated the “Downtown Merced Cultural District” as one of 10 new cultural districts...
In an Era of ICE Raids, a Latino Christmas Tradition Proceeds With Caution
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Last week, organizers of a community holiday festival in San Marcos were busy planning a neighborhood procession and readying trays of tamales for guests. At the same time, they were preparing security to watch for ICE activity in...
How Baseball Guides Civil Debate Between a ‘Leftist’ and a ‘Diehard Trumper’
My dear friend Carl, a diehard Trumper, occasionally texts me images and videos that espouse his political views. He trusts I will not respond with nasty vitriol typical across many social platforms. Our communications have recently focused on the lack of civil discourse between those who harbor politically opposing viewpoints....
See the Photos That Defined California in 2025: A Year in CalMatters’ Visuals
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Each year is unique in the joy, wonder, and heartache it can bring. Each year is the same in that our photographers and visual journalists spend it traversing the state to bring you those moments. We were on...
Pebble Is a Tiny Adventure Seeker With a Big Heart
Say hello to Pebble, the tiny adventurer with a giant heart! Whether he’s bravely facing down the vacuum cleaner or making friends with everyone he meets — dogs, cats, or kids — Pebble is always up for a new journey. He’s the perfect mix of cautious and curious, taking in the...
Fresno Man Dies After Being Shot by Neighbor, Police Allege
A 64-year-old Fresno man was fatally shot Tuesday evening during a neighbor disturbance in northeast Fresno, police said. Officers with the Fresno Police Department’s Northeast Policing District responded around 6:17 p.m. to the area of Clinton Avenue and Bond Street after a report of a disturbance in which a gunshot...
Porterville Police Arrest 19-Year-Old on Attempted Homicide, Firearm Charges
A 19-year-old Porterville man was arrested after allegedly firing a gun at multiple victims following a verbal altercation, Porterville police said. Officers were dispatched about 2:18 p.m. Sunday to the sub-100 block of West Henderson Avenue after reports of a shooting. Police contacted the victims and confirmed that no one...
White House Orders US Forces to Focus on ‘Quarantine’ of Venezuelan Oil for Next Two Months
The White House has ordered U.S. military forces to focus almost exclusively on enforcing the "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months, a U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday. "While military options still exist the focus is to first use economic pressure by enforcing sanctions to...
Wired Wednesday: Which New CA Gun Laws Take Effect in 2026?
GV Wire’s David Taub talks with KMPH Fox 26 “Great Day” anchor Liz Gonzalez about the new gun laws taking effect in California. California’s 2026 gun laws expand storage requirements, ban certain handguns, limit purchases, and streamline restraining orders, sparking debate between gun rights and gun control advocates. Gun rights...
Discovery of a Million More Potential Epstein Documents Delays Further Releases
The U.S. Justice Department has found more than a million more documents potentially tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, delaying a full release for weeks while officials redact details to protect victims, DOJ said on Wednesday. President Donald Trump's administration began releasing files related to criminal investigations of Epstein,...
