TRACY — Michel Bérrios left the United States a few days before the new year, giving President-elect Donald Trump's campaign for mass deportations a small victory before they even started. A former leader of a Nicaraguan student uprising, Bérrios had been in the U.S. legally, with nearly a year remaining...
Madera County Former Correctional Officer Found Guilty of 64 Sexual Assault Charges
A former correctional officer at the Central California Women’s Facility in Madera County has been convicted of a staggering 64 counts of sexual assault involving nine female inmates, the Madera County District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday. Greg Rodriguez was found guilty by a Madera County jury. Rodriguez will be sentenced...
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Is Chosen To Fill Marco Rubio’s Open Senate Seat
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will take Marco Rubio ’s seat in the U.S. Senate, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday, making Moody only the second woman to represent Florida in the chamber. Elected as the state’s top law enforcement officer in 2018, Moody campaigned on a pledge...
Trump’s Outsider Cabinet Picks Are Rapidly Gaining Support for Confirmation
WASHINGTON — One by one, all the president-elect’ s men, and women, are falling into place in his Cabinet. While Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth's nomination was teetering toward collapse just weeks ago, he now appears on track for confirmation after a fiery Senate hearing that focused on his drinking, views of women in combat and lack of...
Winds, Arsonists Complicate Fight Against LA-Area Wildfires as Crews Report Progress
LOS ANGELES — Firefighters reported significant gains Wednesday against the two massive wildfires burning around Los Angeles, while also extinguishing smaller blazes set by arsonists in recent days as a final round of windy, flame-fanning weather moved through Southern California. A Particularly Dangerous Situation red-flag warning expired in the afternoon,...
Raiders Widen Field for Their General Manager Search With More Interview Requests
HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders requested interviews with Los Angeles Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander and Pittsburgh Steelers pro scouting director Sheldon White for their general manager vacancy. Those are in addition to the club's initial requests to interview Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manger John Spytek and...
Madera Unified Enacts Phone-Free Policy for Students
Madera Unified School District is sending students’ electronic devices to “phone jail” in compliance with California’s Phone-Free Schools Act. Five Madera Unified schools enacted a new phone-free policy on Tuesday that requires students to keep their phones locked away in a Yondr pouch. Students are required to bring their Yondr...
California Pulls Back EPA Requests for Approval to Phase Out Diesel-Powered Trains and Big Rigs
SACRAMENTO — California's efforts to limit pollution from diesel-powered trains and big rigs were stalled in anticipation of pushback from the incoming Trump administration. The California Air Resources Board said Tuesday it withdrew its requests for federal approval to implement stricter emissions rules for locomotives and semi-trucks because the U.S....
He’s Known as the ‘Playful Purrsuader.’ This Kitty Is Ready for You to Adopt Him
Aleko is a 9-month-old charming ball of energy and affection, always ready to bring some joy into your day. While he may be slightly less boisterous than his brother, his playful spirit knows no bounds. You'll often find him chasing after toys or engaging in lively games of hide-and-seek. But...
California’s Newsom Will Join GOP Governors in Raising Flag for Trump Inauguration
SACRAMENTO — Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom will join Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and some GOP governors around the country in directing U.S. flags be raised to full height on Inauguration Day. Newsom's spokesperson Izzy Gardon confirmed Wednesday that the governor would temporarily direct the raising of flags at...