Sparkz debuted the SparkzCore22 in Sacramento — a U.S.-made LFP battery system pitched for data centers, virtual power plants and home backup. Company leaders say the unit is built from U.S. cathodes through finished packs.

CAL FIRE announced $70 million in grants aimed at fuels reduction, prevention education and planning across California. The funding targets public outreach and on‑the‑ground hazard reduction.

Rodger Githens was convicted of attempted enticement and distributing child sexual-abuse material; sentencing is set for July 20, 2026.

City Council will vote May 5 on a Measure L‑backed pilot to pay former foster youth roughly $900 a month in a $4.8M initial phase.

San Joaquin supervisors are weighing a rule to sterilize animals taken into county shelters before they're returned to owners. Officials point to overcrowded shelters and rising costs.

The state approved roughly $221 million in CalCompetes credits for 17 firms, projects that officials say will create 4,489 jobs and about $1 billion in private investment.

Cloudy start gives way to sun and a high near 78°F. Expect 90s this weekend and possible triple‑digit heat early next week.

UC Davis Health’s trauma recovery center was left out of this year’s state grants after Prop. 36 cut into the Prop. 47 savings that fund victim services. Advocates want $34M in bridge money to keep clinics open.

Two people were arrested after a Jan. 31 jewelry-store burglary at the Westfield Galleria that took nearly $200,000; police say a multiagency probe recovered some items and linked the suspects to other cases.

Rep. Doris Matsui won $3.15M in federal planning funds to advance a proposed 4‑acre deck park over I‑5 that aims to stitch downtown back to the riverfront.

An ALPR alert led Elk Grove officers to a blue Mazda Saturday; a 34‑year‑old wanted in a kidnapping and robbery probe was taken into custody.

CBA President Kevin Gould warns a budget trailer change and new emergency-forbearance bills could shrink mortgage access and threaten second loans many buyers rely on.

Placer County deputies arrested three people tied to an "oil‑in‑the‑engine" car‑buying scam that targeted sellers across California; investigators recovered thousands in cash.