DNA from a discarded water jug produced a CODIS match that helped prosecutors win a first‑degree murder conviction and a 26‑years‑to‑life sentence in south Sacramento.

Historic Star Lounge reopens in Midtown with chef Galice Ryan’s French-leaning menu, a cocktail-forward bar program and a hushed dining room in the restored 1928 hall.

Three new lawsuits say crowd-control failures outside Golden 1 Center led to a stampede after fireworks were mistaken for gunshots. Plaintiffs allege people were trampled while waiting to enter the arena.

City leaders warn that copper wire thefts are leaving parts of Stockton dark while crews pour concrete and tarp manholes to stop thieves.

A proposed Modesto City Schools policy letting some students seek counseling without parental consent drew fierce public comment; trustees asked for revisions.

New owners say they'll stabilize Clarksburg's Old Sugar Mill and prioritize re‑signing tenants, reviving weddings and restoring on‑site winemaking.

West Sacramento Police announced a life sentence for a local sex offender after a thorough investigation and trial, emphasizing collaboration with the Yolo County DA and victim-centered approach.

A fire at Olympus Junior High School in Roseville was extinguished by firefighters; no injuries reported, cause under investigation. School closed for a day for safety checks and repairs.

Elk Grove Unified will require a semester of ethnic studies for the Class of 2030, rolling out an Introduction to Ethnic Studies for freshmen in 2026‑27.

Back-to-back early-morning break-ins hit two Falafel Corner shops in Sacramento, leaving one with a shattered window and a register holding nearly $2,000 stolen.

Most CalPERS retirees remain in California, but a rising share of pension dollars now goes to beneficiaries living out of state. That shift is small but growing and matters for local economies.

The Ceres community found the missing at-risk teen Elizjha Casteel safe, with thanks to public assistance and the Ceres Police Department. Details of his disappearance and recovery are not disclosed.

Nevada Union High School students joined a national walkout to protest the anniversary of Trump's inauguration, with local law enforcement ensuring safety and managing traffic.