ReportWire

Tag: friday

  • Weekend event roundup: Sacramento area things to do for Dec. 12-14

    Looking for things to do this weekend? Here’s a list of events happening in Northern California from Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14.Before you head out the door, check the latest forecast here.Below are more events happening across the area.Sacramento-area eventsSanta ParadeThe 2025 Sacramento Santa Parade is set for Saturday, marking the 42nd year of the parade. The parade features festive floats, marching bands, clowns, youth groups, horses, antique vehicles and of course, Santa Claus. It begins at 10 a.m. and circles Capitol Park. Learn more. Second Saturday The recurring Second Saturday art walk where local art galleries in Midtown hold special events takes place from 5 p.m. to around 9 p.m. See a list of galleries here. The Nutcracker The Sacramento Ballet performs The Nutcracker on Friday through Sunday at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Learn more. Santa TrainYou can visit a Santa experience at Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It costs $10 per person but children two and under are free. Learn more. Posada NavideñaThe annual Posada Navideña at Kulture and Cantina Alley on K and 24th streets takes place Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It features live music, food and more than 20 vendors. Learn more. Imaginarium The Imaginarium “Utopia” holiday light show continues at Cal Expo this weekend. Learn more. Pup Crawl The 8th annual Jingle Bell Pup Crawl returns to Midtown Sacramento on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy food and drink specials at bars and shopping discounts with your pup. Learn more. Christmas at 40 AcresSt. Hope Academy hosts Christmas at 40 Acres Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are free photos with Santa at Underground Books, located at 2814 35th Street in Sacramento. There’s also face painting, cookie decorating and hot cocoa. Learn more. Stockton-area eventsLouis CKComedian Louis CK performs at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices start at $39.75. Learn more. Boxing Stockton native Gabriel Flores Jr. will fight Joe Cordina Saturday at the Adventist Health Arena at 2 p.m. Learn about all the title fights here. Digital Media Film Festival The San Joaquin Delta College Media Film Festival takes place Friday with screenings starting at 7:10 p.m. Learn more. Modesto-area eventsWinter Bash The Winter Bash Family Party features crafts, cocoa, carols and cookies at the Modesto Children’s Museum on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Learn more. Carnitas Posada FestivalThe Carnitas Posada Festival takes place Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 711 I Street. The free event features vendors, food, Santa and a Mexican lotería. Learn more. Solano County event WinterFestSix Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo features festive light shows, holiday food and drinks and most rides open on certain nights through the first week of January. Check their website for more details. Nevada County eventNevada City Victorian ChristmasVictorian Christmas returns Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire and a plethora of street vendors. Learn more.South Lake Tahoe event Winter Lights Festival A winter event on Friday and Saturday takes place at the Senior Center Parking Lot in South Lake Tahoe at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. You can expect a sleigh ride, art activities for kids, a trail of lights, gingerbread house village and more things to. Learn more. Colusa County event Williams Festival of Lights The Williams Festival of Lights kicks off Saturday with a vendor faire from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a parade starting at 6 p.m. Learn more. Amador County event Sutter Creek Parade of Lights The Sutter Creek Parade of Lights takes place Saturday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a “vendor alley” around the plaza on Main Street and inside the auditorium. The arts and craft show runs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more. More concerts and sporting eventsLauren Daigle – The Behold Christmas Tour comes to The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino on Friday at 8 p.m. Get tickets. Sublime plays with the Bad Suns at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino on Saturday at 7 p.m. Get tickets. Know of more events to include? Let us know at web@kcra.com. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Looking for things to do this weekend? Here’s a list of events happening in Northern California from Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14.

    Before you head out the door, check the latest forecast here.

    Below are more events happening across the area.

    Sacramento-area events

    Santa Parade

    The 2025 Sacramento Santa Parade is set for Saturday, marking the 42nd year of the parade. The parade features festive floats, marching bands, clowns, youth groups, horses, antique vehicles and of course, Santa Claus. It begins at 10 a.m. and circles Capitol Park. Learn more.

    Second Saturday

    The recurring Second Saturday art walk where local art galleries in Midtown hold special events takes place from 5 p.m. to around 9 p.m. See a list of galleries here.

    The Nutcracker

    The Sacramento Ballet performs The Nutcracker on Friday through Sunday at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Learn more.

    Santa Train

    You can visit a Santa experience at Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It costs $10 per person but children two and under are free. Learn more.

    Posada Navideña

    The annual Posada Navideña at Kulture and Cantina Alley on K and 24th streets takes place Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It features live music, food and more than 20 vendors. Learn more.

    Imaginarium

    The Imaginarium “Utopia” holiday light show continues at Cal Expo this weekend. Learn more.

    Pup Crawl

    The 8th annual Jingle Bell Pup Crawl returns to Midtown Sacramento on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy food and drink specials at bars and shopping discounts with your pup. Learn more.

    Christmas at 40 Acres

    St. Hope Academy hosts Christmas at 40 Acres Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are free photos with Santa at Underground Books, located at 2814 35th Street in Sacramento. There’s also face painting, cookie decorating and hot cocoa. Learn more.

    Stockton-area events

    Louis CK

    Comedian Louis CK performs at the Bob Hope Theatre on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices start at $39.75. Learn more.

    Boxing

    Stockton native Gabriel Flores Jr. will fight Joe Cordina Saturday at the Adventist Health Arena at 2 p.m. Learn about all the title fights here.

    Digital Media Film Festival

    The San Joaquin Delta College Media Film Festival takes place Friday with screenings starting at 7:10 p.m. Learn more.

    Modesto-area events

    Winter Bash

    The Winter Bash Family Party features crafts, cocoa, carols and cookies at the Modesto Children’s Museum on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Learn more.

    Carnitas Posada Festival

    The Carnitas Posada Festival takes place Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 711 I Street. The free event features vendors, food, Santa and a Mexican lotería. Learn more.

    Solano County event

    WinterFest

    Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo features festive light shows, holiday food and drinks and most rides open on certain nights through the first week of January. Check their website for more details.

    Nevada County event

    Nevada City Victorian Christmas

    Victorian Christmas returns Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire and a plethora of street vendors. Learn more.

    South Lake Tahoe event

    Winter Lights Festival

    A winter event on Friday and Saturday takes place at the Senior Center Parking Lot in South Lake Tahoe at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. You can expect a sleigh ride, art activities for kids, a trail of lights, gingerbread house village and more things to. Learn more.

    Colusa County event

    Williams Festival of Lights

    The Williams Festival of Lights kicks off Saturday with a vendor faire from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a parade starting at 6 p.m. Learn more.

    Amador County event

    Sutter Creek Parade of Lights

    The Sutter Creek Parade of Lights takes place Saturday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a “vendor alley” around the plaza on Main Street and inside the auditorium. The arts and craft show runs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more.

    More concerts and sporting events

    • Lauren Daigle – The Behold Christmas Tour comes to The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino on Friday at 8 p.m. Get tickets.
    • Sublime plays with the Bad Suns at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino on Saturday at 7 p.m. Get tickets.

    Know of more events to include? Let us know at web@kcra.com.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Source link

  • Marion County firefighters extinguish large mobile home fire on Friday

    Marion County Fire Rescue said there were no injuries after a large mobile home fire in Ocklawaha on Friday.According to MCFR, firefighters were called out to the 18000 block of SE 105th Lane, Ocklawaha, for a residential structure fire around 7:20 p.m. Friday. Multiple 911 callers said a house and a shed had caught fire. Firefighters got to the scene about 10 minutes later to find heavy fire in both structures.Additional firefighters were called out to the scene as crews worked to deploy hose lines and extinguish the fire.MCFR said the fire was under control by 8:31 p.m. and that no injuries were reported. The family who lived in the mobile home is being assisted by the American Red Cross.

    Marion County Fire Rescue said there were no injuries after a large mobile home fire in Ocklawaha on Friday.

    According to MCFR, firefighters were called out to the 18000 block of SE 105th Lane, Ocklawaha, for a residential structure fire around 7:20 p.m. Friday. Multiple 911 callers said a house and a shed had caught fire. Firefighters got to the scene about 10 minutes later to find heavy fire in both structures.

    Additional firefighters were called out to the scene as crews worked to deploy hose lines and extinguish the fire.

    MCFR said the fire was under control by 8:31 p.m. and that no injuries were reported. The family who lived in the mobile home is being assisted by the American Red Cross.

    Source link

  • Rare bird spotted in New Hampshire

    Rare bird spotted in New Hampshire

    ALL RIGHT, CALLING ALL BIRD ENTHUSIASTS. AND BY THE WAY, I FOUND OUT THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, SO I THINK THEY’LL FIND THIS INTERESTING. A RARE BIRD WAS SEEN TODAY IN SOUTH CEMETERY IN PORTSMOUTH. THIS IS A EUROPEAN COMMON CUCKOO AND SPELLED WITH A U. BUT I WAS TOLD IT’S PRONOUNCED CUCKOO, LIKE THE CLOCK. IT’S A VERY RARE VAGRANT IN NORTH AMERICA, AND ONLY A FEW HAVE BEEN SEEN. IT BREEDS IN EUROPE AND WINTERS IN TROPICAL AFRICA. SO IN THIS CASE, HAYLEY, WE ARE

    A rare bird was spotted Friday at South Cemetery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The common cuckoo is a rare vagrant in North America, and only a few have ever been sighted. The species typically breeds in Europe and winters in tropical Africa.This is the first recorded sighting in New Hampshire. It has not been seen since, according to local birders.

    A rare bird was spotted Friday at South Cemetery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

    The common cuckoo is a rare vagrant in North America, and only a few have ever been sighted.

    The species typically breeds in Europe and winters in tropical Africa.

    This is the first recorded sighting in New Hampshire. It has not been seen since, according to local birders.

    Source link

  • Imaginarium opens for 2025 season Wednesday after earlier confusion, organizers say

    The Imaginarium holiday light show at Cal Expo opened on Wednesday following a delay and confusing announcements. The status of Imaginarium’s Utopia, billed as Northern California’s largest holiday light festival, was thrown into confusion Wednesday when a spokesperson for the event said a social media post announcing the opening after earlier delays was premature. “Several new electrical panels have been installed and are currently pending inspection,” Darla Givens told KCRA 3 two hours after Imaginarium Sacramento posted on Facebook about its reopening plans. “Once those panels are fully inspected and approved, Imaginarium will receive the green light to open. Until that process is complete, Imaginarium will remain closed.”(Previous coverage in the video above.)That process was since completed. Givens confirmed a second Facebook post that said “Cal Expo is definitely opening tonight” at 5 p.m. “The Imaginarium team has been working non-stop to install the new electrical panels,” she said. “Because this year’s footprint is three times larger than previous years, the process required extensive coordination and additional time to ensure every section of the experience is powered reliably.”Imaginarium was originally set to begin holding light shows on Friday, Nov. 21. But the opening day was called off abruptly within an hour of gates being set to open. Givens cited “unforeseen circumstances” at the time and said Saturday the delay was due to damaged electrical panels that needed to be replaced. During the closure, tickets appear to have continued being sold online. Organizers said that ticket holders could email them at imagine@imaginarium360.com to reschedule postponed dates. But some people said on Facebook they had trouble connecting with event organizers. Imaginarium aims to transform the fairgrounds into a glowing wonderland powered by more than 15 million lights. The event previously faced an opening day delay in 2023 because of severe weather. This year’s edition debuts an expanded footprint and a new entrance at Cal Expo’s Main Gate at Exposition and Heritage, which was supposed to streamline access for the season’s crowds. KCRA 3 got a tour of the attraction on Friday morning. Visitors can stroll through illuminated tunnels, step into mirror rooms, glide across a covered ice rink, snap photos with Santa, and cap the night with carnival rides and festive food and drink along Food Court Row near the waterpark.Organizers say Utopia aims to be a “perfect holiday escape,” where families and couples can make new traditions in a setting designed for dazzling photos and spirited nights out. Imaginarium traces its roots to the team behind the first U.S. Chinese Lantern Festival at Great America in 2011. The concept evolved into Global Winter Wonderland, which opened at Cal Expo in 2014, and later into Imaginarium, which organizers say is the largest holiday light festival in the country. The brand now spans multiple locations across California and Arizona.Learn more about tickets here. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    The Imaginarium holiday light show at Cal Expo opened on Wednesday following a delay and confusing announcements.

    The status of Imaginarium’s Utopia, billed as Northern California’s largest holiday light festival, was thrown into confusion Wednesday when a spokesperson for the event said a social media post announcing the opening after earlier delays was premature.

    “Several new electrical panels have been installed and are currently pending inspection,” Darla Givens told KCRA 3 two hours after Imaginarium Sacramento posted on Facebook about its reopening plans. “Once those panels are fully inspected and approved, Imaginarium will receive the green light to open. Until that process is complete, Imaginarium will remain closed.”

    (Previous coverage in the video above.)

    That process was since completed. Givens confirmed a second Facebook post that said “Cal Expo is definitely opening tonight” at 5 p.m.

    This content is imported from Facebook.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    “The Imaginarium team has been working non-stop to install the new electrical panels,” she said. “Because this year’s footprint is three times larger than previous years, the process required extensive coordination and additional time to ensure every section of the experience is powered reliably.”

    Imaginarium was originally set to begin holding light shows on Friday, Nov. 21. But the opening day was called off abruptly within an hour of gates being set to open.

    Givens cited “unforeseen circumstances” at the time and said Saturday the delay was due to damaged electrical panels that needed to be replaced.

    During the closure, tickets appear to have continued being sold online. Organizers said that ticket holders could email them at imagine@imaginarium360.com to reschedule postponed dates. But some people said on Facebook they had trouble connecting with event organizers.

    Imaginarium aims to transform the fairgrounds into a glowing wonderland powered by more than 15 million lights.

    The event previously faced an opening day delay in 2023 because of severe weather.

    This year’s edition debuts an expanded footprint and a new entrance at Cal Expo’s Main Gate at Exposition and Heritage, which was supposed to streamline access for the season’s crowds. KCRA 3 got a tour of the attraction on Friday morning.

    Visitors can stroll through illuminated tunnels, step into mirror rooms, glide across a covered ice rink, snap photos with Santa, and cap the night with carnival rides and festive food and drink along Food Court Row near the waterpark.

    Organizers say Utopia aims to be a “perfect holiday escape,” where families and couples can make new traditions in a setting designed for dazzling photos and spirited nights out.

    Imaginarium traces its roots to the team behind the first U.S. Chinese Lantern Festival at Great America in 2011.

    The concept evolved into Global Winter Wonderland, which opened at Cal Expo in 2014, and later into Imaginarium, which organizers say is the largest holiday light festival in the country.

    The brand now spans multiple locations across California and Arizona.

    Learn more about tickets here.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Source link

  • Weekend event roundup: Sacramento-area things to do for Nov. 21-23

    Looking for things to do this weekend? Here’s a list of events happening in Northern California from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23.Before you head out the door, check the latest forecast here.Sacramento-area eventsImaginarium The Imaginarium, billed as the state’s largest holiday light festival, returns to Cal Expo through Jan. 4. It features 15 million LED lights, daily circus performances and more. Tickets start at $16 for children and seniors. General admission starts at $21. UPDATE: Opening day was called off on Friday. It’s not clear if this will be open this weekend. Learn more. Donut Half MarathonA “Donut” half marathon where the course includes stops at various cafes and doughnut shops takes place Saturday, starting at Tupi Coffee. Registration is free but people are encouraged to donate to Girls on the Run of Greater Sacramento. Learn more. 100 Years of Palestine “100 Years of Palestine” is an immersive cultural exhibition taking place at Tarbiya House Roseville on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a community bazaar featuring vendors and artists. Learn more. Ballroom BoxingA 6-bout professional boxing card is set for Friday night at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento. One of the bouts will feature a Sacramento native making his pro-boxing debut. Find more information here. Sacramento Annual Fall Vendor and Craft Fair A fall marketplace featuring vendors takes place Saturday at the Pat O’Brien Community Center, located at 8025 Waterman Road, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more. Causeway Boxing Classic The second annual Causeway Boxing Classic takes place at The Nest on the Sacramento State campus Friday starting at 7 p.m. Learn more. Mountain Mandarin Festival The 32nd Mountain Mandarin Festival takes place through Sunday in Roseville @ the Grounds. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Kids ages 10 and under are free. Friday general admission costs $8 and weekend general admission tickets cost $14. Seniors can get in for $10. Learn more. Causeway Classic The Sacramento State Hornets will take on the UC Davis Aggies in a high-stakes football matchup Saturday at 1 p.m. in Davis. You can also watch the game on My58. Learn more. Stockton-area events209 Beatdown XXVI Experience a live MMA cage fight at Stockton Civic Auditorium Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $45. Learn more. Venetians Gardens Holiday Boutique Check out holiday gift ideas at this event Saturday and Sunday located at the Venetian Gardens Association Clubhouse, at 1555 Mosaic Way. Learn more. San Joaquin Potters Guild Fine Arts Festival Check out art and live demonstrations for free at the 2025 Fine Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday at Central United Methodist Church, located at 3700 Pacific Avenue in Stockton. Learn more. Jiu Jitsu World League Finals The Jiu Jitsu World League Finals takes place at Adventist Health Arena on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Learn more. Modesto-area eventsHoliday Craft Show Thirty-five vendors are appearing at a Holiday Craft Show at 505 West Granger Avenue Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more. Holiday Night Market A Holiday Night Market kicks off Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 711 I Street in Modesto to kick off the holiday shopping season. Learn more. Scavenger HuntA Junior Rangers “Wildlife Gratitude Scavenger Hunt” takes place Saturday at Dos Rios State Park near Modesto from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn more. More sports, concerts & showsBig Bad Voodoo Daddy performs at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets. Heart performs at Hard Rock Live Sacramento in Wheatland Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets. The Beach Boys with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone performs at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets. Built to Spill performs with Larry Yes and Braided Waves at Harlow’s in Sacramento Friday at 7:30 p.m., but the event is sold out. Yolanda del Río performs at Stockton’s Bob Hope Theatre Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets. John Legend performs at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Saturday at 8 p.m. in Lincoln. Tickets. Tyler Rich performs at Ace of Spades in Sacramento Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets. Manheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis performs at the Gallo Center Sunday in Modesto at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets. Know of more events to include? Email us at web@kcra.com.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Looking for things to do this weekend? Here’s a list of events happening in Northern California from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23.

    Before you head out the door, check the latest forecast here.

    Sacramento-area events

    Imaginarium

    The Imaginarium, billed as the state’s largest holiday light festival, returns to Cal Expo through Jan. 4. It features 15 million LED lights, daily circus performances and more. Tickets start at $16 for children and seniors. General admission starts at $21. UPDATE: Opening day was called off on Friday. It’s not clear if this will be open this weekend. Learn more.

    Donut Half Marathon

    A “Donut” half marathon where the course includes stops at various cafes and doughnut shops takes place Saturday, starting at Tupi Coffee. Registration is free but people are encouraged to donate to Girls on the Run of Greater Sacramento. Learn more.

    100 Years of Palestine

    “100 Years of Palestine” is an immersive cultural exhibition taking place at Tarbiya House Roseville on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a community bazaar featuring vendors and artists. Learn more.

    Ballroom Boxing

    A 6-bout professional boxing card is set for Friday night at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento. One of the bouts will feature a Sacramento native making his pro-boxing debut. Find more information here.

    Sacramento Annual Fall Vendor and Craft Fair

    A fall marketplace featuring vendors takes place Saturday at the Pat O’Brien Community Center, located at 8025 Waterman Road, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more.

    Causeway Boxing Classic

    The second annual Causeway Boxing Classic takes place at The Nest on the Sacramento State campus Friday starting at 7 p.m. Learn more.

    Mountain Mandarin Festival

    The 32nd Mountain Mandarin Festival takes place through Sunday in Roseville @ the Grounds. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Kids ages 10 and under are free. Friday general admission costs $8 and weekend general admission tickets cost $14. Seniors can get in for $10. Learn more.

    Causeway Classic

    The Sacramento State Hornets will take on the UC Davis Aggies in a high-stakes football matchup Saturday at 1 p.m. in Davis. You can also watch the game on My58. Learn more.

    Stockton-area events

    209 Beatdown XXVI

    Experience a live MMA cage fight at Stockton Civic Auditorium Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $45. Learn more.

    Venetians Gardens Holiday Boutique

    Check out holiday gift ideas at this event Saturday and Sunday located at the Venetian Gardens Association Clubhouse, at 1555 Mosaic Way. Learn more.

    San Joaquin Potters Guild Fine Arts Festival

    Check out art and live demonstrations for free at the 2025 Fine Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday at Central United Methodist Church, located at 3700 Pacific Avenue in Stockton. Learn more.

    Jiu Jitsu World League Finals

    The Jiu Jitsu World League Finals takes place at Adventist Health Arena on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Learn more.

    Modesto-area events

    Holiday Craft Show

    Thirty-five vendors are appearing at a Holiday Craft Show at 505 West Granger Avenue Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more.

    Holiday Night Market

    A Holiday Night Market kicks off Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 711 I Street in Modesto to kick off the holiday shopping season. Learn more.

    Scavenger Hunt

    A Junior Rangers “Wildlife Gratitude Scavenger Hunt” takes place Saturday at Dos Rios State Park near Modesto from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn more.

    More sports, concerts & shows

    Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets.

    Heart performs at Hard Rock Live Sacramento in Wheatland Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets.

    The Beach Boys with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone performs at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets.

    Built to Spill performs with Larry Yes and Braided Waves at Harlow’s in Sacramento Friday at 7:30 p.m., but the event is sold out.

    Yolanda del Río performs at Stockton’s Bob Hope Theatre Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets.

    John Legend performs at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Saturday at 8 p.m. in Lincoln. Tickets.

    Tyler Rich performs at Ace of Spades in Sacramento Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets.

    Manheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis performs at the Gallo Center Sunday in Modesto at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets.

    Know of more events to include? Email us at web@kcra.com.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Source link

  • Number of children abducted in Nigerian school attack raised to more than 300

    A total of 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by gunmen during an attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in north-central Nigeria’s Niger state, the Christian Association of Nigeria said Saturday, updating an earlier tally of 215 schoolchildren.The tally was changed “after a verification exercise and a final census was carried out,” according to a statement issued by the Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN, who visited the school on Friday.He said 88 other students “were also captured after they tried to escape” during the attack. The students were both male and female and ranged in age from 10 to 18.The school kidnapping in Niger state’s remote Papiri community happened four days after 25 schoolchildren were seized in similar circumstances in neighboring Kebbi state’s Maga town, which is 170 kilometers (106 miles) away.No group has yet claimed responsibility for the abductions and authorities have said tactical squads have been deployed alongside local hunters to rescue the children.Yohanna described as false a claim from the state government that the school had reopened for studies despite an earlier directive for schools in that part of Niger state to close temporarily due to security threats.“We did not receive any circular. It must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame,” he said, calling on families “to remain calm and prayerful.”School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation, and armed gangs often see schools as “strategic” targets to draw more attention.UNICEF said last year that only 37% of schools across 10 of the conflict-hit states have early warning systems to detect threats.The kidnappings are happening amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of targeted killings against Christians in the West African country. Attacks in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims. The school attack earlier this week in Kebbi state was in a Muslim-majority town.The attack also took place as Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was visiting the U.S. where he met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.

    A total of 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by gunmen during an attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in north-central Nigeria’s Niger state, the Christian Association of Nigeria said Saturday, updating an earlier tally of 215 schoolchildren.

    The tally was changed “after a verification exercise and a final census was carried out,” according to a statement issued by the Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN, who visited the school on Friday.

    He said 88 other students “were also captured after they tried to escape” during the attack. The students were both male and female and ranged in age from 10 to 18.

    The school kidnapping in Niger state’s remote Papiri community happened four days after 25 schoolchildren were seized in similar circumstances in neighboring Kebbi state’s Maga town, which is 170 kilometers (106 miles) away.

    No group has yet claimed responsibility for the abductions and authorities have said tactical squads have been deployed alongside local hunters to rescue the children.

    Yohanna described as false a claim from the state government that the school had reopened for studies despite an earlier directive for schools in that part of Niger state to close temporarily due to security threats.

    “We did not receive any circular. It must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame,” he said, calling on families “to remain calm and prayerful.”

    School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation, and armed gangs often see schools as “strategic” targets to draw more attention.

    UNICEF said last year that only 37% of schools across 10 of the conflict-hit states have early warning systems to detect threats.

    The kidnappings are happening amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of targeted killings against Christians in the West African country. Attacks in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims. The school attack earlier this week in Kebbi state was in a Muslim-majority town.

    The attack also took place as Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was visiting the U.S. where he met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.

    Source link

  • As Thanksgiving travel begins, here are tips for Sacramento residents

    As Thanksgiving travel begins, here are tips for Sacramento residents

    6 P.M. WE’RE STARTING THIS FRIDAY EVENING WITH A LIVE LOOK HERE AT THE ROADWAYS ACROSS OUR AREA. AND THIS IS HIGHWAY 50 IN RANCHO CORDOVA, I-5 IN SACRAMENTO, WHERE IT’S SLOWING THROUGH THAT S-CURVE RIGHT THERE THROUGH DOWNTOWN AND I-80 AND ROSEVILLE. WE HAVEN’T REACHED THE BIG THANKSGIVING TRAVEL RUSH JUST YET, BUT PEOPLE ARE ALREADY THINKING ABOUT GETTING OUT TO THEIR DESTINATION ALREADY. MILLIONS WILL BE DRIVING, FLYING, MAYBE TAKING A TRAIN SOMEWHERE AHEAD OF THE BIG HOLIDAY NEXT THURSDAY. THANKS FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT AT SIX. I’M GULSTAN DART AND I’M EDIE LAMBERT, SO THE BUSIEST DAYS WILL BE NEXT TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE HOLIDAY, AND THEN THE SUNDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING IS EXPECTED TO BE EVEN MORE CROWDED. FOR A LOOK AT THE AT THE ROADS RIGHT NOW, LET’S GO OUT LIVE TO KCRA 3’S MARICELA DE LA CRUZ SHE’S LIVE. TRACKER THREE. WHAT ARE YOU SEEING OUT THERE? EDIE? WE ARE DRIVING ALONG INTERSTATE 80 WESTBOUND AND YEAH, THIS. ISN’T THAT HOLIDAY TRAFFIC JUST YET, BUT IT IS EXPECTED THAT MORE THAN 11 MILLION CALIFORNIANS WILL BE TRAVELING. SO THIS IS SOMETHING OF WHAT WE MAY BE SEEING OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. THOSE PEOPLE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD FOR THANKSGIVING, BECAUSE MORE THAN 9 MILLION PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO HIT THE ROAD ACROSS THE STATE. NOW, IF YOU’RE LEAVING FROM THE SACRAMENTO AREA, TRIPLE A RECOMMENDS GIVING YOURSELF EXTRA TIME AND CHECKING YOUR ROUTE BEFORE YOU GO. THEY DID A STUDY FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO SANTA ROSA, AND THEY’RE EXPECTING THAT DRIVE TO TAKE MORE THAN TWO HOURS. SO IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 80, JUST BE PREPARED FOR THAT. NOW, IF YOU’RE FLYING. GOOD NEWS. AIR TRAVEL IN THE STATE WILL BE MUCH LIGHTER AT AROUND 1.1 MILLION PASSENGERS AT THE SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, A SPOKESPERSON TELLS US THEY’LL BE FULLY STAFFED NEXT WEEK. BUT WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HEADING OUT, THEY’RE ENCOURAGING TRAVELERS TO TAKE RIDESHARE TO THE AIRPORT. NOW, TODAY, WE HEARD FROM SOME OF THOSE TRAVELERS WHO DECIDED TO LEAVE TODAY BECAUSE THEY SAY TICKETS WERE A LITTLE CHEAPER AND THEY WERE ALSO TRYING TO AVOID THE CROWDS. I ALWAYS DO WHERE I CHECK EACH DAY, AND IT WAS A CHEAP DAY, SO THAT WAS PART OF IT. I JUST DIDN’T WANT TO TRAVEL THE WEEK OF. IT’S MORE EXPENSIVE. FRIDAY WAS MORE CHEAPER, AND THEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY I FEEL LIKE IT WOULD BE MORE CROWDED. MY AUNT JUST DROPPED US OFF BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A LOT OF CARS AND STUFF LIKE THAT. AND AND IF YOU’RE STILL SET ON PARKING, JUST A HEADS UP, IT COULD TAKE UP TO AN HOUR. FROM THE MOMENT YOU PARK TO THE MOMENT YOU REACH YOUR TERMINAL. NOW, WE’RE TOLD BY A SPOKESPERSON AT THE SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT THAT THEY WILL BE PLANNING ON OPENING THE WEST ECONOMY LOT. IF IT DOES GET PRETTY PACKED OUT THERE, ADDING AN ADDITIONAL 3000 PARKING SPACES. FOR NOW, WE’RE LIVE IN LIVE. TRACKER MARICELA DE LA CRUZ KCRA THREE NEWS. ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE, MARICELA. WELL, IF YOU’RE DRIVING, YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY FOR GAS, OBVIOUSLY, UNLESS YOU’VE GOT AN EV. AND HERE’S A LOOK AT PRICES RIGHT NOW. YOU CAN ALSO SCAN THE QR CODE ON YOUR SCREEN. TRIPLE A SAYS THAT THE NATIONAL AVERAGE RIGHT NOW IS 309 A GALLON. THAT’S FOR REGULAR. THAT’S A FEW CENTS MORE THAN WHAT WE SAW LAST YEAR. WE’RE PAYING MORE HERE IN CALIFORNIA FOR 63

    As Thanksgiving travel begins, here are tips for Sacramento residents

    Updated: 6:52 PM PST Nov 21, 2025

    Editorial Standards

    With Thanksgiving next week, some travelers are getting a jump start on their holiday journey on Friday. Travelers leaving from the Sacramento area for Thanksgiving are advised to plan ahead, as road trips are expected to be lengthy while air travel is anticipated to be lighter than usual.AAA conducted a study from San Francisco to Santa Rosa, expecting the drive to take more than two hours, so those planning to travel on Interstate 80 should be prepared.For those flying, air travel in California will be much lighter, with around 1.1 million passengers. At Sacramento International Airport, a spokesperson said they will be fully staffed next week and encouraged travelers to use rideshare services to reach the airport.”I just didn’t want to travel the weekend. It’s more expensive,” said Desiree Lee, explaining her travel strategy. The lower cost also appealed to Itzylay Saucedo. “Friday was cheaper and then Saturday and Sunday, I feel like it’d be more crowded. My aunt just dropped us off because we thought there would be a lot of cars and stuff like that,” Saucedo said. Travelers who plan to park at SMF should be aware that it could take up to an hour from the moment they park to the time they reach their terminal. The West Economy lot will be open if needed, adding an additional 3,000 spaces.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    With Thanksgiving next week, some travelers are getting a jump start on their holiday journey on Friday.

    Travelers leaving from the Sacramento area for Thanksgiving are advised to plan ahead, as road trips are expected to be lengthy while air travel is anticipated to be lighter than usual.

    AAA conducted a study from San Francisco to Santa Rosa, expecting the drive to take more than two hours, so those planning to travel on Interstate 80 should be prepared.

    For those flying, air travel in California will be much lighter, with around 1.1 million passengers. At Sacramento International Airport, a spokesperson said they will be fully staffed next week and encouraged travelers to use rideshare services to reach the airport.

    “I just didn’t want to travel the weekend. It’s more expensive,” said Desiree Lee, explaining her travel strategy.

    The lower cost also appealed to Itzylay Saucedo.

    “Friday was cheaper and then Saturday and Sunday, I feel like it’d be more crowded. My aunt just dropped us off because we thought there would be a lot of cars and stuff like that,” Saucedo said.

    Travelers who plan to park at SMF should be aware that it could take up to an hour from the moment they park to the time they reach their terminal.

    The West Economy lot will be open if needed, adding an additional 3,000 spaces.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Source link

  • How to Keep Work From Home Fridays From Getting Too Casual

    Hybrid work is now an established norm of the modern, despite many recent efforts to force workers back into the office five days a week. These arrangements, a legacy of the pandemic, remain popular with millions of people who prefer this kind of workday flexibility. But in some circles, remote and hybrid work models are very much out of favor, as experts and managers argue that they reduce productivity. New research adds fuel to this fire because it found that hybrid and remote workers typically work fewer hours on a Friday, perhaps trying to get a head start on that relaxing weekend feeling. 

    But before power-crazed micromanagers giggle in delight and ramp up calls for more RTO rules, the research also showed that these same workers put in extra time on a Wednesday.

    The workplace data, gathered by Christos Andreas Makridis a labor economist and research professor at Arizona State University, first reinforced that more people are working remotely. Just 15 percent of professionals who could do so tended to work remotely on Thursdays and Fridays in 2019, but in 2025 fully 35 percent to 40 percent worked remotely. The same pattern held for the first three days of the work week: in 2019 about 10 to 15 percent of professionals worked remotely, while in 2024 that figure rose to nearly 30 percent.

    But the key part of Makridis’ data is that from 2019 to 2024 the average number of minutes people worked on Fridays dropped by up to 90 minutes for workers on remote or hybrid schedules. For workers with jobs that are harder to achieve remotely, Makridis notes that this decline was “much smaller,” which indicates the change really does go hand in glove with remote work.

    Meanwhile, his research also found that those workers were redistributing some of these “missing” minutes to other parts of the week, working an average of 8 hours 24 minutes on Wednesdays in 2024, up from 7 hours 54 minutes typically logged on Wednesdays in 2019.

    In some ways, Makridis’ data runs counter to other investigations that have shown the benefits of remote work. And his data merely measures minutes worked, and doesn’t attempt to examine how shifting working hours affects business metrics like productivity or profitability. A slightly lower pressure Friday could easily boost worker happiness levels, for example, and that quality is closely linked to engagement — and profits.

    Makridis makes a nod toward these points in his report at Phys.org, acknowledging this earlier research and also pointing out other benefits of the hybrid and remote working models. This includes better work-life balance (which we know appeals to Gen-Z workers), and boosted recruitment opportunities (with companies able to appeal to a broader pool of non-geographically limited candidates). It also noted increased employee retention and how work flexibility addresses the needs of working mothers.

    But he concludes that the “erosion of Fridays” that began with informal traditions like casual dress Fridays and quitting work a little early before the weekend, may be going further with remote work. This is “part of a broader shift toward individualized schedules that expand autonomy but reduce shared time for coordination,” he says and this last part, he worries, may impact team cohesiveness.

    What’s the takeaway from this for your company? After all, you may feel that in your smaller, more family-like workplace the emotional and cultural benefits of letting work workers slack off a little on Fridays more than compensates for the slight dip in hours worked. 

    Essentially it comes down to managerial choice and corporate culture decisions. Makridis’ data appears to dent the notion that remote and hybrid workers achieve the same as in-office staff do, and this may make you frown on the idea of informally reduced Friday hours, or even rethink hybrid work options entirely. But remember: research shows that RTO rules may be hurting employee morale, that there’s little evidence that RTOs improve productivity, and that there’s broad support for hybrid and remote working models among actual workers. 

    The final deadline for the 2026 Inc. Regionals Awards is Friday, December 12, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.

    Kit Eaton

    Source link

  • 2025 Florida Classic Weekend in Central Florida

    2025 Florida Classic Weekend in Central Florida

    ARE STEPPING UP FOR THE FLORIDA CLASSIC. FROM THE BRASS TO ALL THE FANS IN THE STANDS, THIS EXCITEMENT RUNS WELL BEYOND THE FIELD AT CAMPING WORLD STADIUM. THIS YEAR MARKS THE 80TH MEETING BETWEEN THE FLORIDA A&M RATTLERS AND THE BETHUNE-COOKMAN WILDCATS. THE FLORIDA CLASSIC IS GOING TO BE A GOOD TIME. AND JOINING ME THIS MORNING TO TALK ABOUT THE RICH HISTORY OF THIS AND WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM THIS MILESTONE YEAR. WE HAVE TONY JENKINS FROM FLORIDA BLUE AND JUSTIN KINSEY, BOARD MEMBER FOR FLORIDA CITRUS SPORTS. GENTLEMEN, THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE THIS MORNING. THANK YOU. SUCH AN EXCITING TIME, TONY. LET’S TALK ABOUT, FOR THOSE WHO AREN’T FAMILIAR, WHAT IS THE FLORIDA CLASSIC? IT’S AN INSTITUTION NUMBER ONE. IT’S THE NUMBER ONE FUNDRAISER FOR BOTH OF THESE SCHOOLS FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR. MOST BOWL GAMES YOU HAVE MIDDLE INDIVIDUALS, PRODUCERS THAT ARE INVOLVED IN RECEIVING THE FUNDS. ALL OF THESE FUNDS GO BACK TO THE SCHOOLS. SO THAT’S ONE REASON WHY PEOPLE SHOULD ATTEND THIS. BECAUSE YOUR MONEY IS GOING BACK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. SECONDLY, THIS IS THE BEST WEEKEND OF THE YEAR. YEAH, ALL THE ACTIVITIES SURROUNDING THE FOOTBALL GAME. THERE’S A BATTLE OF THE BANDS. THERE’S A BIG LUNCHEON. SO IT’S JUST A FESTIVE WEEKEND. SOME PEOPLE CALL IT A BIG FAMILY REUNION. IT ACTUALLY IS THE FOOD THAT’S OUT THERE. IT SMELLS GOOD. IT TASTES EVEN BETTER. THE ATMOSPHERE IS SO ELECTRIC. ABSOLUTELY. ALWAYS A GOOD TIME. WHAT MAKES CLASSIC WEEKEND SO SPECIAL? JUSTIN, ALL THESE YEARS LATER, I THINK IT’S JUST WHAT TONY SAID. IT BEING A FAMILY REUNION. SO BEING IN THE CENTER OF THE STATE, YOU HAVE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE STATE OF FLORIDA THAT HAVE ATTENDED BOTH FAMU OR BETHUNE-COOKMAN. YOU HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS THAT HAVE ATTENDED AND EVERYONE MEETS RIGHT HERE IN THE MIDDLE, AND THEY JUST GO ALL AROUND THE STADIUM. YOU HAVE A WILD ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE, AND THAT’S WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL. JUST THE PEOPLE COMING BACK TO BE WITH EACH OTHER, THE COMMUNE, EVERY YEAR. IT SURE DOES. I REMEMBER BEING A LITTLE GIRL WATCHING MY COUSINS COME DOWN FROM TALLAHASSEE FOR THE CLASSIC STAYING WITH US, AND I WOULD JUST WATCH THEM IN AWE, GET READY FOR ALL THE EVENTS AND ALL THE FUN THINGS THAT COME ALONG WITH CLASSIC WEEKEND. SPEAKING OF THE EVENTS, TONY, THERE’S SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR. THERE’S A GOLF TOURNAMENT WHICH IS TEEING OFF RIGHT NOW. YES. WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT WITH THIS NEW ADDITION AND THE REST OF THE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND? I’M EXCITED THAT THE ORGANIZERS FLORIDA, CITRA SPORTS, THE TWO SCHOOLS. WE’RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ADD NEW INGREDIENTS AND NEW PROJECTS WITH THE GAME. THIS GOLF TOURNAMENT IS BRAND NEW. IT’S OUR INAUGURAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AT EAGLE CREEK, AND WE’VE GOT OVER 20 TEAMS THAT HAVE BEEN A PART OF IT THIS YEAR, SO I’M EXCITED THAT WE’RE ADDING THIS NEW COMPONENT TO THE FLORIDA CLASSIC. YEAH, IT’S GOING TO BE A LOT OF FUN. AND JUSTIN JUST PUT INTO PERSPECTIVE. WE TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE IMPACT, BUT THIS REALLY AFFECTS NOT JUST THE SCHOOLS BUT CENTRAL FLORIDA AND BEYOND. BEYOND ESPECIALLY THE COMMUNITIES OF WEST LAKES, LAKE LORNA DOONE, THE ROCK ROCK LAKE COMMUNITIES, LAKE SUNSET. WE HAVE OVER 70 TO 80 VENDORS THAT ARE LOADING IN RIGHT NOW. AND THE FISCAL IMPACT FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURS ARE ABOUT 500 TO $750,000 PER YEAR. SO THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM IT. OBVIOUSLY, THE THE HOTELS, THE AIRPORT TRAVEL, ALL OF THE EVENTS HAPPENING AROUND HERE. THERE ARE A LOT OF FREE EVENTS HAPPENING THAT MAKE THAT ATMOSPHERE ELECTRIC, LIKE IN LORNA DOONE PARK. WE HAVE THE YARD WHERE WE SEEK TO CREATE THE HBCU CAMPUS ATMOSPHERE. YOU HAVE THE DIVINE NINE OUT THERE. YOU HAVE THE VENDORS, YOU HAVE THE FAN FEST GOING ON THE FLORIDA BLUE FLORIDA CLASSIC FAN FEST, AND IT’S JUST AN AMAZING TIME. ALWAYS, ALWAYS STOP BY THE RV LOT IF YOU GET A CHANCE. OH, CERTAINLY. SO. AND I’LL BE OUT THERE WITH MY SOURCE FOR DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INCORPORATED REALLY QUICKLY. BEFORE WE GO, WHERE CAN PEOPLE LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FLORIDA CLASSIC? GO TO OUR WEBSITE, FLORIDA CLASSIC DOT. THERE’S NEWS OUT THERE. PEOPLE CAN FIND OUT ABOUT THE GAME, ABOUT THE EVENTS, SIGNING UP FOR THE GAME. SO THAT’S INCREDIBLE. AND OF COURSE WE’LL POST ALL OF THIS ON OUR WEBSITE WESH.COM. AND EVEN THOUGH IT IS A FRIENDLY RIVALRY, I’M WEARING ORANGE FOR A REASON.

    The 2025 Florida Classic Weekend is underway in Central Florida.The lineup of events celebrating the 45th annual matchup between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University will run Thursday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 22.Leaders from Florida Blue and Florida Citrus Sports join WESH 2 to discuss the rich history, impact, and events in Orlando.Event RundownInaugural Florida Classic Golf Tournament Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, 7 a.m.Eagle Creek Golf ClubFlorida Classic Consortium Kickoff Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, 11:30 a.m.Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress ResortFlorida Blue Battle of the Bands Friday, Nov 21, 2025, 7 p.m.Kia CenterFlorida Classic Fan FestSaturday, Nov. 22, 2025 (pre-game)Tinker Field Florida Blue Florida ClassicSaturday, Nov. 22, 2025, 3:30 p.m.Camping World StadiumClick here to learn more.

    The 2025 Florida Classic Weekend is underway in Central Florida.

    The lineup of events celebrating the 45th annual matchup between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University will run Thursday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 22.

    Leaders from Florida Blue and Florida Citrus Sports join WESH 2 to discuss the rich history, impact, and events in Orlando.

    Event Rundown

    Inaugural Florida Classic Golf Tournament

    Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, 7 a.m.

    Eagle Creek Golf Club

    Florida Classic Consortium Kickoff

    Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, 11:30 a.m.

    Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort

    Florida Blue Battle of the Bands

    Friday, Nov 21, 2025, 7 p.m.

    Kia Center

    Florida Classic Fan Fest

    Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 (pre-game)

    Tinker Field

    Florida Blue Florida Classic

    Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, 3:30 p.m.

    Camping World Stadium

    Click here to learn more.

    Source link

  • Community holds vigil to remember tattoo artist who died after Orlando police standoff

    NEXT 15 MINUTES. A COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER IN ORLANDO TONIGHT TO REMEMBER A YOUNG TATTOO ARTIST WHO THEY SAY WAS KILLED IN A POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING DURING A RAID AT THAT BUSINESS. WESH TWO DAVID JONES HAS THE STORY. SAY THIS WOULD MEAN THAT OUR CHILDREN, OUR CHILDREN, NOT ON OUR WATCH, NOT ON OUR WATCH. A TEARFUL NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE FOR A 20 YEAR OLD TATTOO ARTIST NAMED CALEB WILLIAMS. WE STAND, WE STAND. OUT. WE STAND. SAY LOUDER. WE STAND. THEY MARKED THE VIGIL WITH A BALLOON RELEASE HONORING THE YOUNG FATHER. THEY SAY WILLIAMS WAS AN INNOCENT BYSTANDER IN FRIDAY’S STANDOFF, AND POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING. YOU’RE FIGHTING TO PROTECT PEOPLE, NOT KILL THEM. FAMILY AND FRIENDS LENT WILLIAMS MOM, NATALIE BURCH, ESCRIBANO SUPPORT AS SHE DEMANDED ACCOUNTABILITY FOR HER SON’S SLAYING. THIS WAS NOT THIS WAS NOT MEANT FOR HIM. HE DIDN’T HAVE NO WARRANT. HE DIDN’T HE. HE WASN’T ARMED. THEY LITERALLY HE WAS AT THE WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME. HE WAS RIGHT, RIGHT BEHIND. HE WAS RIGHT BEHIND HIM. AND HE JUST HE JUST HE WAS JUST THERE. WESH TWO WAS OVER THE SCENE FRIDAY. IT WAS A SWAT STANDOFF. ORLANDO POLICE SAY THEY ARRIVED ON SCENE AT 2:00 IN THE AFTERNOON TO SERVE A WARRANT ON, QUOTE, MULTIPLE SUSPECTS. THEY GAVE RAP SHEETS FOR THE INDIVIDUALS, BUT DID NOT SAY IF ANY HAD BEEN ARRESTED. FOLLOWING THE STANDOFF AND A SHOOTING MINUTES AFTER THEY ARRIVED. THEY DIDN’T IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AT ALL. THERE WAS NO NOTHING, NO NOTHING. NOT ONE TIME, HE LITERALLY WAS JUST WALKING DOWN A HALLWAY AND CAUGHT THE BULLET, POLICE SAID. SOMEONE WENT OUTSIDE OF THE BUSINESS WITH A AK 47 STYLE RIFLE. OFFICERS SAY THEY SHOT AT THE SUSPECT AS THE INDIVIDUAL RETREATED INSIDE WHEN THEY MADE ENTRY. AN HOUR LATER, THEY SAY THEY FOUND A SUSPECT DEAD. WILLIAMS COMMUNITY SAYS HE WAS NEVER A SUSPECT SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE SCENE. HE WAS SERVING A WARRANT, A REAL WARRANT. YOU WOULD HAVE. OFFICER WOULD HAVE CAME IN AND GAVE IT TO YOU. YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO COME IN LIKE THAT IN DUE TIME. LIKE I SAID, I DON’T SAY, I DON’T SAY, LONG LIVE CALEB CAN. HE’S STILL STANDING WITH US. HE’S STILL STANDING HERE. BUT I PROMISE YOU, FOR HIS SON, FOR HIS MOTHER. WE’RE GOING TO SPEAK. COVERING ORA

    Community holds vigil to remember tattoo artist who died after Orlando police standoff

    Updated: 11:48 AM EST Nov 17, 2025

    Editorial Standards

    A tearful vigil held Sunday evening for a slain tattoo artist and young father culminated in a balloon release and calls for accountability in the SWAT standoff that ultimately took his life.Family identified the man who was killed during Friday’s police standoff as Kaleb Williams, a 20-year-old tattoo artist working at the parlor at Edgewater and Lee in Orlando. The Orlando Police Department said a search warrant was being served at the business around 2 p.m. Friday, and less than five minutes later, police opened fire from outside of the business as a person holding an “AK-47 style” rifle exited and then reentered the parlor.According to OPD, “multiple suspects” were being served a search warrant “related to drugs and firearms,” with the department also providing a lengthy rap sheet for the suspects.When police officers entered the business around an hour later, they found a person dead.Ultimately, OPD has not said whether anyone is in custody following Friday’s events.But the family of Williams disputed OPD’s account of what happened, saying their loved one was not a “suspect” and should have never died.”This was not meant for him,” said Williams’ mother, Natalie Birch-Escribano. “He didn’t have no warrant, he wasn’t armed, they literally, he was at the wrong place, wrong time.”Williams was at work doing tattoos at the time all of this went down Friday afternoon.”They didn’t identify themselves at all, at all. There was no nothing, no nothing,” she said. “He literally was just walking down a hallway and caught the bullets.”WESH 2 has followed up with OPD to ask about any arrests made, whether Williams was the subject of the search warrant, and whether police were still working to identify other suspects.But the department said Friday that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would be handling the investigation of the events.”You’re fighting to protect people, not kill them!” said Williams’ best friend, Blair Gusmas. “I don’t say long live Kaleb, because he’s still standing with us. He’s still here. But I promise you, for his son, for his mother, we are going to speak.”

    A tearful vigil held Sunday evening for a slain tattoo artist and young father culminated in a balloon release and calls for accountability in the SWAT standoff that ultimately took his life.

    Family identified the man who was killed during Friday’s police standoff as Kaleb Williams, a 20-year-old tattoo artist working at the parlor at Edgewater and Lee in Orlando.

    The Orlando Police Department said a search warrant was being served at the business around 2 p.m. Friday, and less than five minutes later, police opened fire from outside of the business as a person holding an “AK-47 style” rifle exited and then reentered the parlor.

    According to OPD, “multiple suspects” were being served a search warrant “related to drugs and firearms,” with the department also providing a lengthy rap sheet for the suspects.

    When police officers entered the business around an hour later, they found a person dead.

    Ultimately, OPD has not said whether anyone is in custody following Friday’s events.

    But the family of Williams disputed OPD’s account of what happened, saying their loved one was not a “suspect” and should have never died.

    “This was not meant for him,” said Williams’ mother, Natalie Birch-Escribano. “He didn’t have no warrant, he wasn’t armed, they literally, he was at the wrong place, wrong time.”

    Williams was at work doing tattoos at the time all of this went down Friday afternoon.

    “They didn’t identify themselves at all, at all. There was no nothing, no nothing,” she said. “He literally was just walking down a hallway and caught the bullets.”

    WESH 2 has followed up with OPD to ask about any arrests made, whether Williams was the subject of the search warrant, and whether police were still working to identify other suspects.

    But the department said Friday that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would be handling the investigation of the events.

    “You’re fighting to protect people, not kill them!” said Williams’ best friend, Blair Gusmas. “I don’t say long live Kaleb, because he’s still standing with us. He’s still here. But I promise you, for his son, for his mother, we are going to speak.”

    Source link

  • South Africa investigates mystery of a plane that arrived with more than 150 Palestinians from Gaza

    South Africa’s intelligence services are investigating who was behind a chartered plane that landed in Johannesburg with more than 150 Palestinians from war-ravaged Gaza who did not have proper travel documents and were held onboard on the tarmac for around 12 hours as a result, the country’s president said Friday.The plane landed Thursday morning at O.R. Tambo International Airport, but passengers were not allowed to disembark until late that night after immigration interviews with the Palestinians found they could not say where or how long they were staying in South Africa, South Africa’s border agency said.It said the Palestinians also did not have exit stamps or slips that would normally be issued by Israeli authorities to people leaving Gaza.The actions of South African authorities in initially refusing to allow the passengers off the plane provoked fierce criticism from non-governmental organizations, who said the 153 Palestinians — who included families with children and one woman who is nine months pregnant — were kept in dire conditions on the plane, which was extremely hot and had no food or water.South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said there was an investigation to uncover how the Palestinians came to South Africa via a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya.“These are people from Gaza who somehow mysteriously were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi and came here,” Ramaphosa said.Palestinians being ‘exploited’The Palestinian Embassy in South Africa said in a statement the flight was arranged by “an unregistered and misleading organization that exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions of our people in Gaza, deceived families, collected money from them, and facilitated their travel in an irregular and irresponsible manner. This entity later attempted to disown any responsibility once complications arose.”It didn’t name who chartered the flight, but an Israeli military official, speaking anonymously to discuss confidential information, said an organization called Al-Majd arranged the transport of about 150 Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa.The official said that Israel escorted buses organized by Al-Majd that brought Palestinians from a meeting point in the Gaza Strip to the Kerem Shalom crossing. Then buses from Al-Majd picked the Palestinians up and brought them to Ramon airport in Israel, where they were flown out of the country.South African authorities said 23 of the Palestinians had traveled onward to other countries, without naming those countries, but 130 remained and were allowed in after intervention from South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs and an offer by an NGO called Gift of the Givers to accommodate them.“Even though they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country, and out of compassion, out of empathy, we must receive them and be able to deal with the situation that they are facing,” Ramaphosa said.Shadowy operationThe secretive nature of the flight raised fears among rights groups that it marked an attempt by the Israeli government to push Palestinians from Gaza.Israel’s foreign ministry referred questions to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli authority responsible for implementing civilian policies in the Palestinian territories. It said the Palestinians on the charter plane left the Gaza Strip after it received approval from a third country to receive them as part of an Israeli government policy allowing Gaza residents to leave. It didn’t name the third country.Around 40,000 people have left Gaza since the start of the war under the policy.Israel’s government had embraced a pledge by U.S. President Donald Trump to empty Gaza permanently of its more than 2 million Palestinians — a plan rights groups said would amount to ethnic cleansing. At the time, Trump said they would not be allowed to return.Trump has since backed away from this plan and brokered a ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas that allows Palestinians to remain in Gaza.South African leader Ramaphosa said that it appeared the Palestinians who arrived in Johannesburg were being “flushed out” of Gaza, without elaborating. The comment followed allegations by two South African NGO representatives who claimed that Al-Majd was affiliated with Israel and working to remove Palestinians from Gaza.They offered no evidence for the claims and COGAT didn’t respond to a request for comment on those allegations.Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman, one of those to allege involvement by what he called “Israel’s front organizations,” said this was the second plane to arrive in South Africa in mysterious circumstances after one that landed with more than 170 Palestinians onboard on Oct. 28. The arrival of that flight was not announced by authorities.Sooliman said the passengers on the latest plane did not initially know where they were going and were given no food for the two days it took to travel to Johannesburg.“They were given nothing on the plane itself and this must be challenged and investigated,” Sooliman said.South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and a critic of Israel and has led the international pro-Palestinian movement by accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a highly contentious case at the United Nations’ top court. Israel denies committing genocide and has denounced South Africa as the “legal arm” of Hamas.The people that ended up in South Africa underlined the desperation of Palestinians following a two-year war that has killed more than 69,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and reduced the territory to rubble. The ministry’s death toll does not distinguish between militants and civilians, but it says more than half of those killed were women and children. A fragile ceasefire is in place.Jerusalem-based organizationAn organization called Al-Majd Europe has previously been linked to facilitating travel for Palestinians out of Gaza. It describes itself on its website as a humanitarian organization founded in 2010 in Germany and based in Jerusalem that provides aid and rescue efforts to Muslim communities in conflict zones.The website does not list office phone numbers or its exact address. It states that Al-Majd Europe works with a variety of organizations including 15 international agencies, but no organizations are listed and a “will be announced soon” message was displayed in that section on Friday.Another message that appeared Friday on the website said people were impersonating it to request money or cryptocurrency “under the pretext of facilitating travel or humanitarian aid.” Al-Majd Europe didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment sent to an email address given on its site. Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa, and Frankel reported from Jerusalem. Michelle Gumede and Mogomotsi Magome contributed to this report.

    South Africa’s intelligence services are investigating who was behind a chartered plane that landed in Johannesburg with more than 150 Palestinians from war-ravaged Gaza who did not have proper travel documents and were held onboard on the tarmac for around 12 hours as a result, the country’s president said Friday.

    The plane landed Thursday morning at O.R. Tambo International Airport, but passengers were not allowed to disembark until late that night after immigration interviews with the Palestinians found they could not say where or how long they were staying in South Africa, South Africa’s border agency said.

    It said the Palestinians also did not have exit stamps or slips that would normally be issued by Israeli authorities to people leaving Gaza.

    The actions of South African authorities in initially refusing to allow the passengers off the plane provoked fierce criticism from non-governmental organizations, who said the 153 Palestinians — who included families with children and one woman who is nine months pregnant — were kept in dire conditions on the plane, which was extremely hot and had no food or water.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said there was an investigation to uncover how the Palestinians came to South Africa via a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya.

    “These are people from Gaza who somehow mysteriously were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi and came here,” Ramaphosa said.

    Palestinians being ‘exploited’

    The Palestinian Embassy in South Africa said in a statement the flight was arranged by “an unregistered and misleading organization that exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions of our people in Gaza, deceived families, collected money from them, and facilitated their travel in an irregular and irresponsible manner. This entity later attempted to disown any responsibility once complications arose.”

    It didn’t name who chartered the flight, but an Israeli military official, speaking anonymously to discuss confidential information, said an organization called Al-Majd arranged the transport of about 150 Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa.

    The official said that Israel escorted buses organized by Al-Majd that brought Palestinians from a meeting point in the Gaza Strip to the Kerem Shalom crossing. Then buses from Al-Majd picked the Palestinians up and brought them to Ramon airport in Israel, where they were flown out of the country.

    South African authorities said 23 of the Palestinians had traveled onward to other countries, without naming those countries, but 130 remained and were allowed in after intervention from South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs and an offer by an NGO called Gift of the Givers to accommodate them.

    “Even though they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country, and out of compassion, out of empathy, we must receive them and be able to deal with the situation that they are facing,” Ramaphosa said.

    Shadowy operation

    The secretive nature of the flight raised fears among rights groups that it marked an attempt by the Israeli government to push Palestinians from Gaza.

    Israel’s foreign ministry referred questions to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli authority responsible for implementing civilian policies in the Palestinian territories. It said the Palestinians on the charter plane left the Gaza Strip after it received approval from a third country to receive them as part of an Israeli government policy allowing Gaza residents to leave. It didn’t name the third country.

    Around 40,000 people have left Gaza since the start of the war under the policy.

    Israel’s government had embraced a pledge by U.S. President Donald Trump to empty Gaza permanently of its more than 2 million Palestinians — a plan rights groups said would amount to ethnic cleansing. At the time, Trump said they would not be allowed to return.

    Trump has since backed away from this plan and brokered a ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas that allows Palestinians to remain in Gaza.

    South African leader Ramaphosa said that it appeared the Palestinians who arrived in Johannesburg were being “flushed out” of Gaza, without elaborating. The comment followed allegations by two South African NGO representatives who claimed that Al-Majd was affiliated with Israel and working to remove Palestinians from Gaza.

    They offered no evidence for the claims and COGAT didn’t respond to a request for comment on those allegations.

    Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman, one of those to allege involvement by what he called “Israel’s front organizations,” said this was the second plane to arrive in South Africa in mysterious circumstances after one that landed with more than 170 Palestinians onboard on Oct. 28. The arrival of that flight was not announced by authorities.

    Sooliman said the passengers on the latest plane did not initially know where they were going and were given no food for the two days it took to travel to Johannesburg.

    “They were given nothing on the plane itself and this must be challenged and investigated,” Sooliman said.

    South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and a critic of Israel and has led the international pro-Palestinian movement by accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a highly contentious case at the United Nations’ top court. Israel denies committing genocide and has denounced South Africa as the “legal arm” of Hamas.

    The people that ended up in South Africa underlined the desperation of Palestinians following a two-year war that has killed more than 69,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and reduced the territory to rubble. The ministry’s death toll does not distinguish between militants and civilians, but it says more than half of those killed were women and children. A fragile ceasefire is in place.

    Jerusalem-based organization

    An organization called Al-Majd Europe has previously been linked to facilitating travel for Palestinians out of Gaza. It describes itself on its website as a humanitarian organization founded in 2010 in Germany and based in Jerusalem that provides aid and rescue efforts to Muslim communities in conflict zones.

    The website does not list office phone numbers or its exact address. It states that Al-Majd Europe works with a variety of organizations including 15 international agencies, but no organizations are listed and a “will be announced soon” message was displayed in that section on Friday.

    Another message that appeared Friday on the website said people were impersonating it to request money or cryptocurrency “under the pretext of facilitating travel or humanitarian aid.” Al-Majd Europe didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment sent to an email address given on its site.

    Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa, and Frankel reported from Jerusalem. Michelle Gumede and Mogomotsi Magome contributed to this report.

    Source link

  • South Africa investigates mystery of a plane that arrived with more than 150 Palestinians from Gaza

    South Africa’s intelligence services are investigating who was behind a chartered plane that landed in Johannesburg with more than 150 Palestinians from war-ravaged Gaza who did not have proper travel documents and were held onboard on the tarmac for around 12 hours as a result, the country’s president said Friday.The plane landed Thursday morning at O.R. Tambo International Airport, but passengers were not allowed to disembark until late that night after immigration interviews with the Palestinians found they could not say where or how long they were staying in South Africa, South Africa’s border agency said.It said the Palestinians also did not have exit stamps or slips that would normally be issued by Israeli authorities to people leaving Gaza.The actions of South African authorities in initially refusing to allow the passengers off the plane provoked fierce criticism from non-governmental organizations, who said the 153 Palestinians — who included families with children and one woman who is nine months pregnant — were kept in dire conditions on the plane, which was extremely hot and had no food or water.South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said there was an investigation to uncover how the Palestinians came to South Africa via a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya.“These are people from Gaza who somehow mysteriously were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi and came here,” Ramaphosa said.Palestinians being ‘exploited’The Palestinian Embassy in South Africa said in a statement the flight was arranged by “an unregistered and misleading organization that exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions of our people in Gaza, deceived families, collected money from them, and facilitated their travel in an irregular and irresponsible manner. This entity later attempted to disown any responsibility once complications arose.”It didn’t name who chartered the flight, but an Israeli military official, speaking anonymously to discuss confidential information, said an organization called Al-Majd arranged the transport of about 150 Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa.The official said that Israel escorted buses organized by Al-Majd that brought Palestinians from a meeting point in the Gaza Strip to the Kerem Shalom crossing. Then buses from Al-Majd picked the Palestinians up and brought them to Ramon airport in Israel, where they were flown out of the country.South African authorities said 23 of the Palestinians had traveled onward to other countries, without naming those countries, but 130 remained and were allowed in after intervention from South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs and an offer by an NGO called Gift of the Givers to accommodate them.“Even though they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country, and out of compassion, out of empathy, we must receive them and be able to deal with the situation that they are facing,” Ramaphosa said.Shadowy operationThe secretive nature of the flight raised fears among rights groups that it marked an attempt by the Israeli government to push Palestinians from Gaza.Israel’s foreign ministry referred questions to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli authority responsible for implementing civilian policies in the Palestinian territories. It said the Palestinians on the charter plane left the Gaza Strip after it received approval from a third country to receive them as part of an Israeli government policy allowing Gaza residents to leave. It didn’t name the third country.Around 40,000 people have left Gaza since the start of the war under the policy.Israel’s government had embraced a pledge by U.S. President Donald Trump to empty Gaza permanently of its more than 2 million Palestinians — a plan rights groups said would amount to ethnic cleansing. At the time, Trump said they would not be allowed to return.Trump has since backed away from this plan and brokered a ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas that allows Palestinians to remain in Gaza.South African leader Ramaphosa said that it appeared the Palestinians who arrived in Johannesburg were being “flushed out” of Gaza, without elaborating. The comment followed allegations by two South African NGO representatives who claimed that Al-Majd was affiliated with Israel and working to remove Palestinians from Gaza.They offered no evidence for the claims and COGAT didn’t respond to a request for comment on those allegations.Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman, one of those to allege involvement by what he called “Israel’s front organizations,” said this was the second plane to arrive in South Africa in mysterious circumstances after one that landed with more than 170 Palestinians onboard on Oct. 28. The arrival of that flight was not announced by authorities.Sooliman said the passengers on the latest plane did not initially know where they were going and were given no food for the two days it took to travel to Johannesburg.“They were given nothing on the plane itself and this must be challenged and investigated,” Sooliman said.South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and a critic of Israel and has led the international pro-Palestinian movement by accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a highly contentious case at the United Nations’ top court. Israel denies committing genocide and has denounced South Africa as the “legal arm” of Hamas.The people that ended up in South Africa underlined the desperation of Palestinians following a two-year war that has killed more than 69,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and reduced the territory to rubble. The ministry’s death toll does not distinguish between militants and civilians, but it says more than half of those killed were women and children. A fragile ceasefire is in place.Jerusalem-based organizationAn organization called Al-Majd Europe has previously been linked to facilitating travel for Palestinians out of Gaza. It describes itself on its website as a humanitarian organization founded in 2010 in Germany and based in Jerusalem that provides aid and rescue efforts to Muslim communities in conflict zones.The website does not list office phone numbers or its exact address. It states that Al-Majd Europe works with a variety of organizations including 15 international agencies, but no organizations are listed and a “will be announced soon” message was displayed in that section on Friday.Another message that appeared Friday on the website said people were impersonating it to request money or cryptocurrency “under the pretext of facilitating travel or humanitarian aid.” Al-Majd Europe didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment sent to an email address given on its site. Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa, and Frankel reported from Jerusalem. Michelle Gumede and Mogomotsi Magome contributed to this report.

    South Africa’s intelligence services are investigating who was behind a chartered plane that landed in Johannesburg with more than 150 Palestinians from war-ravaged Gaza who did not have proper travel documents and were held onboard on the tarmac for around 12 hours as a result, the country’s president said Friday.

    The plane landed Thursday morning at O.R. Tambo International Airport, but passengers were not allowed to disembark until late that night after immigration interviews with the Palestinians found they could not say where or how long they were staying in South Africa, South Africa’s border agency said.

    It said the Palestinians also did not have exit stamps or slips that would normally be issued by Israeli authorities to people leaving Gaza.

    The actions of South African authorities in initially refusing to allow the passengers off the plane provoked fierce criticism from non-governmental organizations, who said the 153 Palestinians — who included families with children and one woman who is nine months pregnant — were kept in dire conditions on the plane, which was extremely hot and had no food or water.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said there was an investigation to uncover how the Palestinians came to South Africa via a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya.

    “These are people from Gaza who somehow mysteriously were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi and came here,” Ramaphosa said.

    Palestinians being ‘exploited’

    The Palestinian Embassy in South Africa said in a statement the flight was arranged by “an unregistered and misleading organization that exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions of our people in Gaza, deceived families, collected money from them, and facilitated their travel in an irregular and irresponsible manner. This entity later attempted to disown any responsibility once complications arose.”

    It didn’t name who chartered the flight, but an Israeli military official, speaking anonymously to discuss confidential information, said an organization called Al-Majd arranged the transport of about 150 Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa.

    The official said that Israel escorted buses organized by Al-Majd that brought Palestinians from a meeting point in the Gaza Strip to the Kerem Shalom crossing. Then buses from Al-Majd picked the Palestinians up and brought them to Ramon airport in Israel, where they were flown out of the country.

    South African authorities said 23 of the Palestinians had traveled onward to other countries, without naming those countries, but 130 remained and were allowed in after intervention from South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs and an offer by an NGO called Gift of the Givers to accommodate them.

    “Even though they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country, and out of compassion, out of empathy, we must receive them and be able to deal with the situation that they are facing,” Ramaphosa said.

    Shadowy operation

    The secretive nature of the flight raised fears among rights groups that it marked an attempt by the Israeli government to push Palestinians from Gaza.

    Israel’s foreign ministry referred questions to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli authority responsible for implementing civilian policies in the Palestinian territories. It said the Palestinians on the charter plane left the Gaza Strip after it received approval from a third country to receive them as part of an Israeli government policy allowing Gaza residents to leave. It didn’t name the third country.

    Around 40,000 people have left Gaza since the start of the war under the policy.

    Israel’s government had embraced a pledge by U.S. President Donald Trump to empty Gaza permanently of its more than 2 million Palestinians — a plan rights groups said would amount to ethnic cleansing. At the time, Trump said they would not be allowed to return.

    Trump has since backed away from this plan and brokered a ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas that allows Palestinians to remain in Gaza.

    South African leader Ramaphosa said that it appeared the Palestinians who arrived in Johannesburg were being “flushed out” of Gaza, without elaborating. The comment followed allegations by two South African NGO representatives who claimed that Al-Majd was affiliated with Israel and working to remove Palestinians from Gaza.

    They offered no evidence for the claims and COGAT didn’t respond to a request for comment on those allegations.

    Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman, one of those to allege involvement by what he called “Israel’s front organizations,” said this was the second plane to arrive in South Africa in mysterious circumstances after one that landed with more than 170 Palestinians onboard on Oct. 28. The arrival of that flight was not announced by authorities.

    Sooliman said the passengers on the latest plane did not initially know where they were going and were given no food for the two days it took to travel to Johannesburg.

    “They were given nothing on the plane itself and this must be challenged and investigated,” Sooliman said.

    South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and a critic of Israel and has led the international pro-Palestinian movement by accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a highly contentious case at the United Nations’ top court. Israel denies committing genocide and has denounced South Africa as the “legal arm” of Hamas.

    The people that ended up in South Africa underlined the desperation of Palestinians following a two-year war that has killed more than 69,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and reduced the territory to rubble. The ministry’s death toll does not distinguish between militants and civilians, but it says more than half of those killed were women and children. A fragile ceasefire is in place.

    Jerusalem-based organization

    An organization called Al-Majd Europe has previously been linked to facilitating travel for Palestinians out of Gaza. It describes itself on its website as a humanitarian organization founded in 2010 in Germany and based in Jerusalem that provides aid and rescue efforts to Muslim communities in conflict zones.

    The website does not list office phone numbers or its exact address. It states that Al-Majd Europe works with a variety of organizations including 15 international agencies, but no organizations are listed and a “will be announced soon” message was displayed in that section on Friday.

    Another message that appeared Friday on the website said people were impersonating it to request money or cryptocurrency “under the pretext of facilitating travel or humanitarian aid.” Al-Majd Europe didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment sent to an email address given on its site.

    Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa, and Frankel reported from Jerusalem. Michelle Gumede and Mogomotsi Magome contributed to this report.

    Source link

  • Winning ticket for $980 million jackpot sold in Georgia, Mega Millions says

    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.The single winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, which is roughly 40 miles from Atlanta, a news release from the lottery says. “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in the news release.Georgia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous if they win a prize of $250,000 or more and provides a written statement asking for confidentiality. The win also earned the store a $50,000 retailer bonus from the Georgia Lottery. The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared. There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002. Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23. There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing. Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law. Sometimes gambling can become addictive. The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.” It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk. Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.

    The single winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, which is roughly 40 miles from Atlanta, a news release from the lottery says.

    “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in the news release.

    Georgia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous if they win a prize of $250,000 or more and provides a written statement asking for confidentiality.

    The win also earned the store a $50,000 retailer bonus from the Georgia Lottery.

    The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.

    The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.

    A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared.

    There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.

    In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002.

    Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23.

    There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing.

    Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law.

    Sometimes gambling can become addictive.

    The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.”

    It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk.

    Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

    Source link

  • Judge blocks Trump administration push to fine UCLA $1.2 billion for alleged antisemitism

    A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from imposing a $1.2-billion fine on UCLA along with stipulations for deep campus changes in exchange for being eligible for federal grants.

    The decision is a major win for universities that have struggled to resist President Trump’s attempt to discipline “very bad” universities that he claims have mistreated Jewish students, forcing them to pay exorbitant fines and agree to adhere to conservative standards.

    A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin of the Northern District of California, rendered moot — for now — nearly every aspect of a more than 7,000-word settlement offer the federal government sent to the University of California in August after suspending $584 million in medical, science and energy research grants to the Los Angeles campus.

    The government said it froze the funds after finding UCLA broke the law by using race as a factor in admissions, recognizing transgender people’s gender identities, and not taking antisemitism complaints seriously during pro-Palestinian protests in 2024 — claims that UC has denied.

    The settlement proposal outlined extensive changes to push UCLA — and by extension all of UC — ideologically rightward by calling for an end to diversity-related scholarships, restrictions on foreign student enrollment, a declaration that transgender people do not exist, an end to gender-affirming healthcare for minors, the imposition of free speech limits and more.

    “The administration and its executive agencies are engaged in a concerted campaign to purge ‘woke,’ ‘left,’ and ‘socialist’ viewpoints from our country’s leading universities,” Lin wrote in her opinion. “Agency officials, as well as the president and vice president, have repeatedly and publicly announced a playbook of initiating civil rights investigations of preeminent universities to justify cutting off federal funding, with the goal of bringing universities to their knees and forcing them to change their ideological tune. Universities are then presented with agreements to restore federal funding under which they must change what they teach, restrict student anonymity in protests, and endorse the administration’s view of gender, among other things. Defendants submit nothing to refute this.”

    “It is undisputed,” Lin added, “that this precise playbook is now being executed at the University of California.”

    Universities including Columbia, Brown and Cornell agreed to pay the government hundreds of millions to atone for alleged violations similar to the ones facing UCLA. The University of Pennsylvania and University of Virginia also reached agreements with the Trump administration that were focused, respectively, on ending recognition of transgender people and halting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

    Friday’s decision, for the time being, spares the UC system from proceeding with negotiations that it reluctantly entered with the federal government to avoid further grant cuts and restrictions across the system, which receives $17.5 billion in federal funding each year. UC President James B. Milliken has said that the $1.2-billion fine would “completely devastate” UC and that the system, under fire from the Trump administration, faces “one of the gravest threats in UC’s 157-year history.”

    This is not the first time a judge rebuked the Trump administration for its higher education campaign. Massachusetts-based U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in September ordered the government to reverse billions in cuts to Harvard. But that case did not wade directly into settlement negotiations.

    Those talks with UC have proceeded slowly. In a court hearing last week, a Department of Justice lawyer said “there’s no evidence that any type of deal with the United States is going to be happening in the immediate future.” The lawyer argued that the settlement offer was only an idea that had not received UC approval.

    Because of that, he said, a lawsuit was inappropriate. Lin disagreed.

    “Plaintiffs’ harm is already very real. With every day that passes, UCLA continues to be denied the chance to win new grants, ratcheting up defendants’ pressure campaign,” she wrote. “And numerous UC faculty and staff have submitted declarations describing how defendants’ actions have already chilled speech throughout the UC system.”

    The case was brought by more a dozen faculty and staff unions and associations from across UC’s 10 campuses, who said the federal government was violating their 1st Amendment rights and constitutional right to due process. UC, which has avoided directly challenging the government in court, was not party to the suit.

    “This is not only a historic lawsuit — brought by every labor union and faculty union in the UC — but also an incredible win,” said Veena Dubal, a UC Irvine law professor and general counsel for one of the plaintiffs, the American Assn. of University Professors, which has members across UC campuses.

    Dubal called the decision “a turning point in the fight to save free speech and research in the finest public school system in the world.”

    Asked about Friday’s outcome, a spokesperson said UC “remains focused on our vital work to drive innovation, advance medical breakthroughs and strengthen the nation’s long-term competitiveness. UC remains committed to protecting the mission, governance, and academic freedom of the university.”

    Zoé Hamstead, chair of external relations and legal affairs for the Council of UC Faculty Assns., said she was “thrilled that the court has affirmed our First Amendment rights.”

    The organization is an umbrella group of faculty associations across UC campuses that sued.

    Hamstead, an associate professor of city and regional planning at UC Berkeley, said she was “deeply proud to be part of a coalition that represents the teachers, researchers, and workers of the University of California who are challenging rising authoritarianism in federal court.”

    Anna Markowitz, an associate professor in UCLA’s School of Education and Information Studies and president of the Los Angeles campus faculty association, said her chapter was “extremely pleased with this decision, which will put a pause on the current federal overreach at UC.”

    “UCLA faculty are honored to stand with this coalition, which continues to show that when faced with an administration targeting the very heart of higher education, fighting back is the only option,” Markowitz said.

    Lin’s injunction is not the final say on the case, which will proceed through the legal process as she determines whether a permanent injunction is warranted. The government also could appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals as it has done for other cases, including one filed by UC researchers that restored funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation among other agencies.

    An appeals court hearing in that case was held Friday; a decision is pending.

    Jaweed Kaleem

    Source link

  • Florida Strawberry Festival announces 2026 music lineup

    The Florida Strawberry Festival has revealed an exciting musical lineup for its 2026 spring event.The annual event has established itself as one of the premier festivals in the nation and now ranks among the Top 40 fairs in North America. Music lineup> Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026Jimmy Sturr & His OrchestraThe Oak Ridge BoysAlabama > Friday, Feb. 27, 2026Jo Dee MessinaJamey Johnson> Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026LonestarTy Myers> Sunday, March 1, 2026 Riley Green> Monday, March 2, 2026 Gene Watson> Tuesday, March 3, 2026Sandi Patty Lauren Daigle > Wednesday, March 4, 2026John FosterBrantley Gilbert> Thursday, March 5, 2026Bill Haley Jr. & The CometsThe Bellamy BrothersDierks Bentley> Friday, March 6, 2026 The Marshall Tucker BandForrest Frank> Saturday, March 7, 2026The Offspring The event is held each spring in Plant City, and in 2026, it will take place from Feb. 26 to March 8. Concert tickets will be available for purchase starting Dec. 11, 2025, at 8 a.m.For more details, click here.

    The Florida Strawberry Festival has revealed an exciting musical lineup for its 2026 spring event.

    The annual event has established itself as one of the premier festivals in the nation and now ranks among the Top 40 fairs in North America.

    Music lineup

    > Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026

    • Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra
    • The Oak Ridge Boys
    • Alabama

    > Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

    • Jo Dee Messina
    • Jamey Johnson

    > Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

    > Sunday, March 1, 2026

    > Monday, March 2, 2026

    > Tuesday, March 3, 2026

    > Wednesday, March 4, 2026

    • John Foster
    • Brantley Gilbert

    > Thursday, March 5, 2026

    • Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets
    • The Bellamy Brothers
    • Dierks Bentley

    > Friday, March 6, 2026

    • The Marshall Tucker Band
    • Forrest Frank

    > Saturday, March 7, 2026

    The event is held each spring in Plant City, and in 2026, it will take place from Feb. 26 to March 8.

    Concert tickets will be available for purchase starting Dec. 11, 2025, at 8 a.m.

    For more details, click here.

    Source link

  • Northern California storm forecast: Track wind speed, rain amounts for Thursday wet weather

    Northern California storm forecast: Track wind speed, rain amounts for Thursday wet weather

    Scroll below to our “Rain” section to find live weather updates.

    LIVE AT 8 A.M. AND WE BEGIN THIS HOUR. WE HAVE A LIVE LOOK AT HIGHWAY 50 AT SOUTH RIVER ROAD. IT’S A KCRA 3 WEATHER IMPACT DAY, AND WE’VE BEEN GEARING UP FOR THIS STORM ALL WEEK. ROADS ARE ALREADY WET AND THE MORNING COMMUTE CONTINUES. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US. I’M MIKE CHERRY AND I’M DEIRDRE FITZPATRICK. AS YOU CAN SEE WE’VE GOT TEAM COVERAGE. LOTS OF PEOPLE WORKING FOR YOU THIS MORNING IN SACRAMENTO AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS AS WE ARE TRACKING BOTH RAIN AND WIND. LET’S GO RIGHT OVER TO METEOROLOGIST TAMARA BERG NOW TO GET A CHECK OF THAT FORECAST. AND THE RAIN REALLY RAMPED UP HERE WITHIN ABOUT THE LAST HOUR. YOU’LL SEE THAT DENOTED AS YOU LOOK AT THE RADAR SWEEP. AND IT GOES FROM KIND OF A GREEN COLOR WITHIN TWO HOURS AGO. TO REALLY IN THE LAST HOUR, THAT 7:00 HOUR, IT TURNS INTO THAT BRIGHTER YELLOW, INDICATING THE MORE MODERATE TO INTENSELY HEAVIER BANDS OF RAIN PUNCHING THROUGH AS I PAUSE THE FRAME. NOW TO SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE HEADING OUT TO TOP OF THE 8:00 HOUR, YOU’LL NOTICE THAT THERE ARE SOME GOOD HEAVY RAINFALL HERE AROUND MUCH OF THE GREATER SACRAMENTO AREA, AS WELL AS EXTENDING HERE IN THROUGH SONORA, WHERE THE RAIN IS REALLY STARTING TO PICK UP TO MORE OF THAT MODERATE TO MODERATELY IMPACTFUL INTENSITY THERE IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY. RAIN’S COMING DOWN PRETTY GOOD. ESPARTO INTO WOODLAND, WINTERS INTO DAVIS, SACRAMENTO, DOWNTOWN, THE METRO AREA. IT IS GOING TO BE A LITTLE SWAMPY IF YOU’RE TRYING TO TAKE OFF AND HEAD INTO DOWNTOWN FOR WORK THIS MORNING. ELK GROVE SHOWING OFF SOME PRETTY GOOD RAIN ALONG WITH GOLD RIVER AND ON UP TOWARDS CAMERON PARK. ROSEVILLE ROCKLIN LINCOLN. EXPECT SOME OF THOSE ROADWAYS TO BE PRETTY WATERLOGGED WITH LIKELY SOME AREAS OF STANDING WATER AT THIS POINT IN THE 8:00 HOUR. ALSO SEEING SOME GOOD SOAKING RAIN FROM COPPEROPOLIS IN THROUGH SONORA AND GOT YOU COVERED HERE ALONG THE 108 STRETCH. RIVERBANK AND MODESTO STARTING TO SEE THE RAIN EASE, BUT HICKMAN AND TURLOCK, IT’S REALLY COMING DOWN, ESPECIALLY ALONG THE HIGHWAY. 132 INTO COULTERVILLE AND HIGHWAY 120 AS WELL. THREE THINGS TO KNOW FOR THE DAY AHEAD. LET ME GET YOU A CAMERA BEHIND ME SO YOU CAN SEE. OH, THAT ONE’S PRETTY MUCH FOGGED IN. HERE’S DOWNTOWN LANDSCAPE FOR YOU. YOU’LL NOTICE THAT THE MORNING COMMUTE IS FILLED WITH STEADY RAIN AND PERIODS OF GUSTY WINDS. IT’S GOING TO BE SOGGY LATER IN THE AFTERNOON WITH PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN, AND THEN INCHING OUR WAY INTO THE WEEKEND. I WANT YOU TO PLAN FOR PERIODS OF UNSETTLED WEATHER. IT’S NOT GOING TO BE A COMPLETE BUST OF A WEEKEND BY ANY MEANS WITH A STRONG STORM, BUT THERE WILL BE SOME SHOWERS INTERMITTENTLY INTO YOUR WEEKEND. OUTDOOR PLANS FOR TODAY. PLAN FOR A WET AND WINDY CONDITIONS IN THE VALLEY AND THE FOOTHILLS AND IN THE SIERRA. IT’S PRETTY MUCH GOING TO BE RAIN ALL DAY TODAY AND GUSTY WINDS. THE SNOW NOT ARRIVING LIKELY UNTIL OVERNIGHT TONIGHT. COMING UP HERE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MINUTES, I’LL BREAK DOWN THE TIMING WITH FUTURECAST AND SHOW YOU HOW MUCH RAIN WE COULD EXPECT TO RECEIVE WHEN THE DAY IS SAID AND DONE AGAIN. THAT’S COMING UP IN TEN MINUTES. RIGHT NOW IT’S 802 WITH THE WET AND WINDY CONDITIONS ON THE ROADS. BRIAN, THERE ARE ISSUES. THERE ARE, AND I’LL TELL YOU RIGHT NOW FOR EACH TRAFFIC INCIDENT THAT I’M MENTIONING, THERE’S 2 TO 3 MORE THAT I’M NOT MENTIONING. THIS TIME ALLOWS. THIS IS A LOOK AT INTERSTATE 80 AS YOU’RE MAKING YOUR WAY OVER TOWARDS HIGHWAY 50. THIS IS WHERE WE HAVE AN OVERTURNED BIG RIG BLOCKING THE TRANSITION RAMP. MIKE TESELLE JUST ARRIVED IN THAT AREA AND HAS A LIVE PICTURE AND REPORT FROM THAT AREA. MIKE. YEAH, AND BRIAN, WE’RE REALLY HERE TO GIVE YOU A VISUAL OF WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT. WE’RE ALONG WEST CAPITOL. AS YOU LOOK UP. THAT IS THAT TRANSITION FROM 80 OVER TOWARDS EASTBOUND HIGHWAY 50. THIS SPOT IS ALMOST EXACTLY THREE QUARTERS OF A MILE FROM REID AVENUE. SO THAT BACKUP IS SIGNIFICANT TRYING TO GET HERE. THIS IS THAT ELEVATED PORTION THAT COMES UP OVER AND THEN CONNECTS BACK WITH HIGHWAY 50. YOU CAN SEE ALL THE FLASHING LIGHTS AND THE CREWS THAT ARE ON SCENE HERE WORKING TO UPRIGHT AND THEN MOVE THAT BIG RIG. BUT THIS IS THAT ACCIDENT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT, BRIAN. THESE ARE THE EYES WE HAVE ON IT HERE FROM THE GROUND FOR THIS, YOU KNOW, BIG RIG CRASH THAT, AS YOU MENTIONED, JUST ONE OF MULTIPLE INCIDENTS THAT CONTINUE TO KEEP HAPPENING. SO I’M GOING TO GET RIGHT BACK TO YOU TO CONTINUE WITH THAT TRAFFIC COVERAGE. ALL RIGHT, MIKE, THANKS FOR THE LIVE PICTURE FROM THAT AREA. AND AS MIKE INDICATED, IT IS BACKING UP TRAFFIC ACROSS THE BRIGHT BEND BRIDGE ON WESTBOUND 80. YOU CAN GET OVER TO THE CAUSEWAY FROM THERE, BUT IT’S THE TRANSITION RAMP TO EASTBOUND 50 WHERE YOU SEE PURPLE HERE. THAT’S THE AREA THAT’S CLOSED. THIS WAS A BIG RIG AND A CAR INVOLVED IN A COLLISION THERE. BIG DELAYS. WESTBOUND 80. AS YOU’RE COMING DOWN TO THE SPLIT. ONE OF THOSE DELAYS WAS CAUSED BY A CRASH THAT WAS RIGHT NEAR RALEY BOULEVARD. THEY’VE MOVED THAT OVER TO THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER. IN FACT, THEY ACTUALLY JUST TOOK THOSE VEHICLES OFF AT NORWOOD. SO THAT’S NOW CLEAR. BUT THE DAMAGE DONE, YOU CAN STILL SEE SPEEDS DOWN INTO THE SINGLE DIGITS, NOT ONLY WESTBOUND BUT EASTBOUND AS WELL. 99 NORTHBOUND COMING UP THROUGH MACK ROAD. SLOW TRAFFIC HERE. AS YOU CAN SEE THAT IS GOING TO SLOW PEOPLE DOWN. COMING IN FROM ELK GROVE AND I-5 ALSO DELAYED THERE. 80 A 29 MINUTE RIDE, 50 TO 26 MINUTE RIDE 99 ALSO IN THE RED AT 26 MINUTES, AND I-5, A 20 MINUTE RIDE. THERE’S ALSO A CRASH NEAR 80 IN GREENBACK, WHERE THERE’S AN OVERTURNED VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER THERE AS WELL. SO IF YOU’RE HEADING OUT, USE CAUTION ON THESE WET AND SLICK ROADS. ALL RIGHT, BRIAN, SOME GOOD ADVICE THIS MORNING, ESPECIALLY ON THIS KCRA 3 WEATHER IMPACT. YEAH, IT’S JUST GOING TO BE A ROUGH COMMUTE NO MATTER WHERE YOU’RE GOING. WE’VE GOT METEOROLOGIST OPHELIA YOUNG IN LIVE TRACKER THREE RIGHT NOW. SO WHERE ARE YOU AT THIS POINT? YES. SO I AM STILL ON I-5. I’M HEADED SOUTH THIS TIME JUST PAST THE AIRPORT WE ARE PASSING, I BELIEVE ARENA RIGHT NOW, HEADED DOWNTOWN. LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT I’M SEEING. JUST HIT TRAFFIC NOW. THE RAIN HAS SUBSIDED A LITTLE BIT, BUT IN OUR THREE HOURS OF DRIVING, THIS AREA IS WHERE I SAW THE HEAVIEST RAIN. NOW EARLIER, MY EARPIECE DID DIE, I DID. WE DID PULL OVER SO WE COULD CHARGE THE EARPIECE. AND I’LL TELL YOU, IT IS GUSTY OUT HERE, EVEN THOUGH THE RAIN HAS SUBSIDED A BIT. JUST WALKING AROUND OUTSIDE THAT RAIN IS HITTING YOUR FACE PRETTY GOOD. SO A LITTLE GUSTY. AND EVEN THOUGH THE WIND HAS SUBSIDED, IT’S STILL FEELING REALLY, REALLY WET. BUT RIGHT NOW WE ARE STILL GOING SOUTH. SLOW. AND WHENEVER WE ARE GOING FASTER, THOSE PASSING VEHICLES CAN CERTAINLY PICK UP A LOT OF SPRAY IMPACTING VISIBILITY. NOW, THE HEAVIEST OF THIS RAIN IS COINCIDING WITH THE MORNING RUSH. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT IT IS COMING DOWN IN GOOD INCREMENTS. SO A LITTLE PONDING, BUT NOT TOO MUCH. AND HERE’S SOME BETTER NEWS IS IF YOU HAVE AN AFTERNOON COMMUTE, THOSE SHOWERS SHOULD BE LIGHTER AND MORE SCATTERED. BUT NO MATTER WHAT TIME YOU ARE LEAVING, ALWAYS GOOD TODAY TO LEAVE A FEW MINUTES EARLIER. DRIVE A LITTLE BIT SLOWER AND WE’LL ALL GET TO WHERE WE NEED TO BE. SAFELY BACK TO YOU GUYS IN THE STUDIO. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. SO YOLO COUNTY CERTAINLY FEELING THE IMPACTS OF TODAY’S STORM AS WELL. LET’S GET TO KCRA 3’S ERIN HEFT THIS MORNING. YEAH. GOOD MORNING GUYS. DRY PERSON AFTER DRY PERSON. HELLO FROM YOUR WET CREW OUT IN YOLO COUNTY. TECHNICALLY. DAVIS, TAKE A LOOK. THIS IS CENTRAL PARK, WHERE ALL OF THE LEAVES ARE COMING DOWN, AND THERE’S A LOT OF WATER ON THE GROUND. WE WERE PROMISED BY OUR METEOROLOGIST ALL MORNING LONG. THAT 7:00 WAS WHEN IT WAS GOING TO GET BAD. NOW, I DON’T WANT TO MISLEAD ANYONE. THIS IS THE LOW PART OF THE PARKING LOT, BUT YOU CAN SEE LOTS OF RAIN. I MEAN, LOTS OF ACCUMULATED WATER IS MORE LIKE IT. YOU CAN SEE THAT LITTLE DRAIN THERE, LOTS OF LEAVES ACCUMULATING AROUND IT. BUT MY GOODNESS, YOU’RE KIND OF LOOKING AT THE ONLY PLACE OF REFUGE IN THE PARK. IF WE WERE SMARTER, WE WOULD HAVE STOOD UNDERNEATH THAT. BUT THAT REALLY DOESN’T TELL THAT. INTERESTING OF A STORY. BUT REALLY, IF YOU ARE IN THIS KIND OF DWELLING AND YOU’RE SHOOTING OUT AND YOU SEE HOW HEAVY THE RAIN HAS GOTTEN OVER THE LAST HOUR, HOUR AND A HALF, IT’S QUITE INTENSE OUT HERE. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT OUR METEOROLOGISTS HAVE PROMISED ALL MORNING LONG. IT’S ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER WHERE YOU GO, GOSH, THIS IS JUST A PART OF THE JOB. BUT THIS WATER RESISTANT JACKET JUST AIN’T CUTTING IT AT THIS POINT IN THE MORNING, BECAUSE AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR YOU ARE WATERLOGGED. SO PLEASE, IF YOU’RE SOMEONE GOING TO BE OUTSIDE TODAY AT ANY KIND OF JUNCTURE, BRING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT AND ALSO GIVE YOURSELF SOME EXTRA TIME ON THE ROADS BECAUSE THE PAVEMENT IS VERY, VERY, VERY

    A storm bringing soaking rain and gusty winds arrived Thursday in Northern California. KCRA 3’s weather team issued an Impact Day for Thursday because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra. RainA few showers began Wednesday evening, but rainfall slightly increased Thursday morning, impacting the morning commute for many. Meteorologist Tamara Berg said some of the steadiest rain could hit after sunrise.Steady rain will taper to scattered showers in the Valley on Thursday afternoon. The Foothills will see a continuous soaking rain all day, with the heaviest rates expected south of Highway 50.The Sacramento Valley will see 1 to 2 inches of rain. San Joaquin Valley totals will be slightly lower. Stockton and Modesto could both see up to 1 inch of rain. Lesser amounts are expected west of Interstate 5. The Foothills will be quite wet, with communities north of Highway 50 seeing 2 to 3 inches of rain Thursday. This includes Nevada City and Placerville. Foothills communities south of Highway 50, including Sonora, could also see 2 to 3 inches of rain. Berg said localized flooding is possible, but it is unlikely that rivers or creeks will be affected by this weather system.SnowThere will be plenty of precipitation over the Tahoe area summits, but most of it will come down as rain with this storm. The snow level will stay above 7,000 feet during daylight hours on Thursday, keeping Donner and Echo summits wet and windy. Cooler air will drain in Thursday night into Friday morning, dropping the snow level to about 6,500 feet, but at this point, moisture will be running out. A couple of slushy inches of snow is expected over the Tahoe summits Thursday night into Friday morning. This could be enough for chain controls and travel delays.Bigger snow totals are expected over the Sonora and Ebbetts Pass. When chain controls are in effect, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is 30 mph. On Highway 50, the speed limit is 25 mph.WindA Wind Advisory will be in effect for the Valley and delta region Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible during that time, with the peak gusts most likely to occur Thursday morning. Sierra gusts could top 60 mph in wind-prone areas. Gusts around Lake Tahoe will be closer to 45 mph. Wind gusts of 40 mph or more can be enough to bring down weak tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAPClick here to see our interactive traffic map.TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADARClick here to see our interactive radar.DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATESTHere is where you can download our app.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    A storm bringing soaking rain and gusty winds arrived Thursday in Northern California.

    KCRA 3’s weather team issued an Impact Day for Thursday because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra.

    Rain

    A few showers began Wednesday evening, but rainfall slightly increased Thursday morning, impacting the morning commute for many. Meteorologist Tamara Berg said some of the steadiest rain could hit after sunrise.

    Steady rain will taper to scattered showers in the Valley on Thursday afternoon. The Foothills will see a continuous soaking rain all day, with the heaviest rates expected south of Highway 50.

    The Sacramento Valley will see 1 to 2 inches of rain.

    San Joaquin Valley totals will be slightly lower. Stockton and Modesto could both see up to 1 inch of rain. Lesser amounts are expected west of Interstate 5.

    The Foothills will be quite wet, with communities north of Highway 50 seeing 2 to 3 inches of rain Thursday. This includes Nevada City and Placerville. Foothills communities south of Highway 50, including Sonora, could also see 2 to 3 inches of rain.

    Berg said localized flooding is possible, but it is unlikely that rivers or creeks will be affected by this weather system.

    Snow

    There will be plenty of precipitation over the Tahoe area summits, but most of it will come down as rain with this storm.

    The snow level will stay above 7,000 feet during daylight hours on Thursday, keeping Donner and Echo summits wet and windy.

    Cooler air will drain in Thursday night into Friday morning, dropping the snow level to about 6,500 feet, but at this point, moisture will be running out. A couple of slushy inches of snow is expected over the Tahoe summits Thursday night into Friday morning. This could be enough for chain controls and travel delays.

    Bigger snow totals are expected over the Sonora and Ebbetts Pass.

    When chain controls are in effect, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is 30 mph. On Highway 50, the speed limit is 25 mph.

    Wind

    A Wind Advisory will be in effect for the Valley and delta region Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible during that time, with the peak gusts most likely to occur Thursday morning.

    Sierra gusts could top 60 mph in wind-prone areas. Gusts around Lake Tahoe will be closer to 45 mph.

    Wind gusts of 40 mph or more can be enough to bring down weak tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.

    REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAP
    Click here to see our interactive traffic map.
    TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADAR
    Click here to see our interactive radar.
    DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATEST
    Here is where you can download our app.
    Follow our KCRA weather team on social media

    • Meteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.
    • Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook
    • Meteorologist Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.
    • Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.
    • Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.

    Watch our forecasts on TV or online
    Here’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.
    We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Source link

  • Northern California forecast: Track timing, amounts for soaking rain Thursday

    Northern California is expected to receive a soaking rain and gusty winds on Thursday.KCRA 3’s weather team is calling Thursday an Impact Day because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra. RainA few showers are possible after sunset Wednesday evening, but the heaviest rainfall for the Valley is likely Thursday morning between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.Steady rain will taper to scattered showers in the Valley Thursday afternoon. The Foothills will see a continuous soaking rain all day, with the heaviest rates expected south of Highway 50.The Sacramento Valley will see around 1.5 inches of rain between Wednesday night and Friday morning. San Joaquin Valley totals will be slightly lower. Stockton and Modesto could both see up to 1 inch of rain. Lesser amounts are expected west of Interstate 5. The Foothills will be quite wet Thursday with communities north of Highway 50 seeing 1 to 2 inches of rain Thursday and Thursday night. This includes Nevada City and Placerville. Foothills communities south of Highway 50, including Sonora, will see 2 to 3 inches of rain. SnowThere will be plenty of precipitation over the Tahoe area summits, but most of it will come down as rain with this storm. The snow level will stay about 8,000 feet during daylight hours on Thursday, keeping Donner and Echo summit wet and windy. Cooler air will drain in Thursday night into Friday morning, dropping the snow level to about 6,500 feet but at this point, moisture will be running out. A couple of slushy inches of snow is expected over the Tahoe summits Thursday night into Friday morning. This could be enough for chain controls and travel delays.Bigger snow totals are expected over the Sonora and Ebbetts Pass.When chain controls are in effect, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is 30 mph. On Highway 50, the speed limit is 25 mph.WindA Wind Advisory will be in effect for the Valley and delta region Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible during that time, with the peak gusts most likely to occur Thursday morning. Sierra gusts could top 60 mph in wind prone areas. Gusts around Lake Tahoe will be closer to 45 mph. Wind gusts of 40 mph or more can be enough to bring down weak tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAPClick here to see our interactive traffic map.TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADARClick here to see our interactive radar.DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATESTHere is where you can download our app.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Northern California is expected to receive a soaking rain and gusty winds on Thursday.

    KCRA 3’s weather team is calling Thursday an Impact Day because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra.

    Rain

    A few showers are possible after sunset Wednesday evening, but the heaviest rainfall for the Valley is likely Thursday morning between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.

    Steady rain will taper to scattered showers in the Valley Thursday afternoon. The Foothills will see a continuous soaking rain all day, with the heaviest rates expected south of Highway 50.

    The Sacramento Valley will see around 1.5 inches of rain between Wednesday night and Friday morning.

    Hearst Owned

    Valley rain totals will likely be over an inch in the Sacramento Valley. Some Foothills communities could see up to 3 inches of rain. 

    San Joaquin Valley totals will be slightly lower. Stockton and Modesto could both see up to 1 inch of rain. Lesser amounts are expected west of Interstate 5.

    The Foothills will be quite wet Thursday with communities north of Highway 50 seeing 1 to 2 inches of rain Thursday and Thursday night. This includes Nevada City and Placerville. Foothills communities south of Highway 50, including Sonora, will see 2 to 3 inches of rain.

    Snow

    There will be plenty of precipitation over the Tahoe area summits, but most of it will come down as rain with this storm.

    The snow level will stay about 8,000 feet during daylight hours on Thursday, keeping Donner and Echo summit wet and windy.

    Cooler air will drain in Thursday night into Friday morning, dropping the snow level to about 6,500 feet but at this point, moisture will be running out. A couple of slushy inches of snow is expected over the Tahoe summits Thursday night into Friday morning. This could be enough for chain controls and travel delays.

    Bigger snow totals are expected over the Sonora and Ebbetts Pass.

    rain start

    Hearst Owned

    A slushy couple of inches of snow may accumulate at the summits on I-80 and Highway 50 Thursday night. 

    When chain controls are in effect, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is 30 mph. On Highway 50, the speed limit is 25 mph.

    Wind

    A Wind Advisory will be in effect for the Valley and delta region Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible during that time, with the peak gusts most likely to occur Thursday morning.

    Sierra gusts could top 60 mph in wind prone areas. Gusts around Lake Tahoe will be closer to 45 mph.

    Wind gusts of 40 mph or more can be enough to bring down weak tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.

    REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAP
    Click here to see our interactive traffic map.
    TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADAR
    Click here to see our interactive radar.
    DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATEST
    Here is where you can download our app.
    Follow our KCRA weather team on social media

    • Meteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.
    • Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook
    • Meteorologist Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.
    • Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.
    • Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.

    Watch our forecasts on TV or online
    Here’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.
    We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Source link

  • Feeling lucky? Mega Millions jackpot jumps to $965 million for this Friday’s drawing

    The Mega Millions jackpot jumped to nearly a billion dollars for the eighth time in the game’s history after no one won the drawing on Tuesday night.

    The next drawing is scheduled for Friday, according to a Mega Millions news release. The estimated jackpot is $965 million, or $445.3 million if the winner takes a lump sum in cash.

    No ticket matched all six numbers from Tuesday night’s drawing — white balls 10, 13, 40, 42 and 46, and the gold Mega Ball 1.

    Friday’s drawing is the eighth-largest jackpot since the game began in 2002, according to the release. Seven billion-dollar jackpots have been awarded in the past; the most recent was the $1.269 billion prize won in California in Dec. 2024.

    In Tuesday’s drawing, there were 809,030 winning tickets across all prizes, for a total of more than $27.9 million in winnings nationwide. Three tickets matched the five white balls to win the second-highest prize of $1 million. One ticket sold in Arizona had the 5X multiplier for a $5-million prize. Two other tickets, sold in Iowa and New York, had the 3X multiplier for the $3-million prize.

    Twenty-seven tickets matched four white balls plus the Mega Ball to win the game’s third-highest prize.

    Four Mega Millions jackpots were won earlier this year, and Friday’s drawing will be the 40th since the last win in June.

    The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336. The odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 23.

    Summer Lin

    Source link

  • NorCal forecast: Warm and quiet Sunday

    Northern California forecast: Warm and quiet Sunday

    Thanks to light northerly winds, Sunday will feel significantly warmer.

    BIT WARMER THAN TODAY, BUT TODAY PHENOMENAL. CONSIDERING THAT NOVEMBER 8TH. NORMAL IS 68 DEGREES. WE WERE THREE DEGREES WARMER THAN THAT, WITH AN OBSERVED HIGH OF 71 AT THE SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT. HEY, THE DAILY RECORD 81 DEGREES. WE SET THAT BACK IN 1955. WE’RE GOING TO BE A LITTLE CLOSER TO THAT TOMORROW. SO THE SECOND HALF OF YOUR WEEKEND IS GOING TO BE A HANDFUL OF DEGREES WARMER. BUT RIGHT NOW, RATHER COOL. AS WE STEP OUT THIS EVENING, TEMPERATURES ARE IN THE MID TO UPPER 50S IN YUBA CITY AND SACRAMENTO, STOCKTON MODESTO ALSO READY TO DROP DOWN INTO THE 50S. AUBURN AT 54 DEGREES. COMPARE THAT TO CLASS PLACERVILLE AT 64 TRUCKEE AND SOUTH LAKE QUICKLY IN THE 30S. NOW CALM WINDS. IN FACT, THEY ARE NONEXISTENT. BUT WE DO NOTICE THAT THEY ARE FLOWING OFF THE MOUNTAINS AND OUT OF THE NORTH, AND THAT IS GOING TO BE THE WIND DIRECTION TOMORROW UNDER THIS AREA OF HIGH PRESSURE. TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO BUMP UP BY A FEW DEGREES TOMORROW. SO 71 TODAY WE’LL GET TO 77 DEGREES TOMORROW. DESPITE A FEW CLOUDS AROUND THE REGION INCREASING BY AFTERNOON, 75 IN THE FOOTHILLS AND IN THE SIERRA LOOKING FOR HIGHS NEAR 67 DEGREES. HOW ABOUT WE. COPY AND PASTE THAT FOR MONDAY. YOUR WORKWEEK. OFF TO A BEAUTIFUL START. HEY, VETERANS DAY IS NICE TOO, WITH HIGHS NEAR 75 DEGREES UNDER PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES. WEDNESDAY WILL NOTICE THAT TEMPERATURE DROP BACK INTO THE LOW 70S, AND ON THURSDAY BACK BELOW THE NORMAL. WHAT HAPPENS? OUR NEXT STORM SYSTEM ARRIVES. WE HAVE THIS CUT OFF LOW THAT WILL BE OFF THE COAST, AND WE HAVE A TROUGH THAT WILL BE SWINGING IN TO BOOT. THAT ENERGY IN. CHANCE OF RAIN ARRIVES OVERNIGHT. GOING INTO THURSDAY MORNING. LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE SOME GOOD SHOWERS FORECAST FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THURSDAY, AND SOME SNOW IN THE SIERRA TURNING INTO SCATTERED SHOWERS THAT LINGER ALL THE WAY THROUGH FRIDAY. THIS IS RETURNING RAIN, MOUNTAIN SNOW AND BREEZY IF NOT WINDY CONDITIONS STARTING THURSDAY EARLY MORNING LASTING THROUGH FRIDAY. WHAT WE’RE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT AND IS STILL UNCERTAIN AT THIS MOMENT, IS RAIN AND SNOW AMOUNTS. THE STRENGTH OF THE WINDS WILL BE BREEZY OR WINDY, AND WHERE AND ALSO THE EXACT TIMING OF THIS SYSTEM. BUT I WILL SAY THAT IF YOU ARE A MORNING COMMUTER, I WOULD CERTAINLY KEEP AN EYE ON THAT THURSDAY MORNING COMMUTE. MODEL DATA RIGHT NOW, SUGGESTING THAT THE HEAVIEST RAIN IS GOING TO MOVE THROUGH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AT THAT TIME. SO IN THE SIERRA, GREAT WEEKEND START TO THE WEEK, BUT TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO BE DROPPING FROM NEAR 70 DEGREES ON MONDAY, DOWN TO 50 ON THURSDAY THANKS TO RAIN AND TURNING TO SNOW. THAT SNOW LEVEL DROPPING TO 6500FT FRIDAY MORNING, AND THAT HIGH DROPPING TO 45 DEGREES IN THE FOOTHILLS. TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO GO FROM MID 70S THESE NEXT COUPLE DAYS BACK DOWN INTO THE UPPER 50S. RAINY AND BREEZY THURSDAY. AND HERE IN THE VALLEY, RAIN AND BREEZES ON THURSDAY TOO. GOING FROM NEAR 80 DEGREES TOMORROW AND MONDAY. BACK DOWN TO 64 DEGREES ON THURSDAY AND 62 WITH THOSE SCATTERED SHOWERS ON FRIDAY

    Northern California forecast: Warm and quiet Sunday

    Thanks to light northerly winds, Sunday will feel significantly warmer.

    Updated: 9:29 PM PST Nov 8, 2025

    Editorial Standards

    Thanks to light northerly winds, Sunday will feel significantly warmer. Valley highs will climb to the upper 70s. Afternoon temperatures in the foothills will peak in the mid to upper 70s, with Sierra highs in the upper 60s. Clouds will increase, but they will be high, and there will still be some sunshine.The upcoming workweek starts similarly, and Veterans Day will be comfortable, but changes begin midweek as clouds increase and temperatures dip. Valley highs return to the low 70s on Wednesday, and breezes pick up that night. Rain may arrive as early as Thursday morning. Forecast models continue to adjust the track and timing of this system, but current data suggest Thursday morning will be stormy, with moderate to heavy rain fading to showers that linger into Friday. The region will also be breezy with stronger winds for our mountains.In the Sierra, rain will change to snow at the peaks, with snow levels dropping to around 6,500 feet by Friday morning.On-and-off showers linger through Friday, and Saturday looks mostly quiet and dry.

    Thanks to light northerly winds, Sunday will feel significantly warmer.

    Valley highs will climb to the upper 70s. Afternoon temperatures in the foothills will peak in the mid to upper 70s, with Sierra highs in the upper 60s. Clouds will increase, but they will be high, and there will still be some sunshine.

    The upcoming workweek starts similarly, and Veterans Day will be comfortable, but changes begin midweek as clouds increase and temperatures dip.

    Valley highs return to the low 70s on Wednesday, and breezes pick up that night. Rain may arrive as early as Thursday morning. Forecast models continue to adjust the track and timing of this system, but current data suggest Thursday morning will be stormy, with moderate to heavy rain fading to showers that linger into Friday. The region will also be breezy with stronger winds for our mountains.

    In the Sierra, rain will change to snow at the peaks, with snow levels dropping to around 6,500 feet by Friday morning.

    On-and-off showers linger through Friday, and Saturday looks mostly quiet and dry.

    Source link

  • US airlines again cancel more than 1,000 flights on second day of cuts tied to government shutdown

    U.S. airlines again canceled more than 1,000 flights Saturday, mostly because of the government shutdown and the Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce air traffic.The slowdown at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports is now in its second day and so far hasn’t caused any widespread disruptions. More than 1,000 flights were canceled Friday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks air travel disruptions.Related video above: What to do if your air travel is impacted by the government shutdownTHIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below:Hundreds of flights at the busiest airports in the U.S. are being scratched this weekend as airlines move forward with reducing air service due to the lingering government shutdown.So far, the Federal Aviation Administration’s mandated slowdown across the airline industry that began Friday hasn’t caused any widespread disruptions. But it has widened the impact of what’s now the nation’s longest federal shutdown.”We all travel. We all have somewhere to be,” said Emmy Holguin, 36, who was flying out of Miami Saturday to visit family in the Dominican Republic for the week. “I’m hoping that the government can take care of this.”Analysts warn that the upheaval will intensify and be felt far beyond air travel if the cancellations pick up and move closer to the Thanksgiving holiday.Already, there are concerns about the impact on cities and businesses that rely on tourism and the possibility of shipping interruptions that could delay getting holiday items on store shelves.Here’s what to know about the flight reductions:How many flights have been canceled?The first day of the Federal Aviation Administration’s slowdown saw more than 1,000 flights canceled, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions.More than 950 were off for Saturday — typically a slow travel day. The airport serving Charlotte, North Carolina, was by far the hardest hit with 120 arriving and departing flights canceled by midday.Airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Orlando, Florida, were among the most disrupted. Staffing shortages in Charlotte and Newark, New Jersey, were slowing traffic too.Not all the cancellations were due to the FAA order, and those numbers represent just a small portion of the overall flights nationwide, but they are certain to rise in the coming days if the slowdown continues.The FAA said the reductions impacting all commercial airlines are starting at 4% of flights at 40 targeted airports and will be bumped up again on Tuesday before hitting 10% of flights on Friday.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned this week that even more flight cuts might be needed if the government shutdown continues and more air traffic controllers are off the job.Why are the flights being canceled?Air traffic controllers have gone without paychecks for nearly a month as the shutdown continues, leading many to call in sick and add to already existing staffing shortages.Most controllers are working mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown without pay, and some are taking second jobs to pay their bills, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said.How are passengers being affected?Most were relieved to find that airlines largely stayed on schedule Friday, and those whose flights were called off were able to quickly rebook. So far, longer international flights haven’t been interrupted.There’s still a lot of uncertainty about what flights will be canceled next.And not everyone has the means to pay for a hotel or deal with a last-minute disruption, said Heather Xu, 46, who was in Miami on Saturday after a cruise and flying home to Puerto Rico.”Travel is stressful enough, then you put these disruptions in place and it really makes everything more challenging,” she said.Rental car companies reported a sharp increase in one-way reservations Friday, and some people are simply canceling flights altogether.What could be the impacts beyond air travel?First, there’s the potential for higher prices in stores, as nearly half of all U.S. air freight is shipped in the bellies of passenger aircraft.Major flight disruptions could bring higher shipping costs that get passed on to consumers, said Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University.More losses will ripple through the economy if the slowdown continues — from tourism to manufacturing, said Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group.”This shutdown is going to impact everything from cargo aircraft to people getting to business meetings to tourists being able to travel,” he said. “It’s going to hit the hotel taxes and city taxes. There’s a cascading effect that results from this thing.”___Associated Press journalists Cody Jackson in Miami, Paul Wiseman in Washington, Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, and Matt Sedensky in New York contributed.

    U.S. airlines again canceled more than 1,000 flights Saturday, mostly because of the government shutdown and the Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce air traffic.

    The slowdown at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports is now in its second day and so far hasn’t caused any widespread disruptions. More than 1,000 flights were canceled Friday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks air travel disruptions.

    Related video above: What to do if your air travel is impacted by the government shutdown

    THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below:

    Hundreds of flights at the busiest airports in the U.S. are being scratched this weekend as airlines move forward with reducing air service due to the lingering government shutdown.

    So far, the Federal Aviation Administration’s mandated slowdown across the airline industry that began Friday hasn’t caused any widespread disruptions. But it has widened the impact of what’s now the nation’s longest federal shutdown.

    “We all travel. We all have somewhere to be,” said Emmy Holguin, 36, who was flying out of Miami Saturday to visit family in the Dominican Republic for the week. “I’m hoping that the government can take care of this.”

    Analysts warn that the upheaval will intensify and be felt far beyond air travel if the cancellations pick up and move closer to the Thanksgiving holiday.

    Already, there are concerns about the impact on cities and businesses that rely on tourism and the possibility of shipping interruptions that could delay getting holiday items on store shelves.

    Here’s what to know about the flight reductions:

    How many flights have been canceled?

    The first day of the Federal Aviation Administration’s slowdown saw more than 1,000 flights canceled, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions.

    More than 950 were off for Saturday — typically a slow travel day. The airport serving Charlotte, North Carolina, was by far the hardest hit with 120 arriving and departing flights canceled by midday.

    Airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Orlando, Florida, were among the most disrupted. Staffing shortages in Charlotte and Newark, New Jersey, were slowing traffic too.

    Not all the cancellations were due to the FAA order, and those numbers represent just a small portion of the overall flights nationwide, but they are certain to rise in the coming days if the slowdown continues.

    The FAA said the reductions impacting all commercial airlines are starting at 4% of flights at 40 targeted airports and will be bumped up again on Tuesday before hitting 10% of flights on Friday.

    Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned this week that even more flight cuts might be needed if the government shutdown continues and more air traffic controllers are off the job.

    Why are the flights being canceled?

    Air traffic controllers have gone without paychecks for nearly a month as the shutdown continues, leading many to call in sick and add to already existing staffing shortages.

    Most controllers are working mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown without pay, and some are taking second jobs to pay their bills, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said.

    How are passengers being affected?

    Most were relieved to find that airlines largely stayed on schedule Friday, and those whose flights were called off were able to quickly rebook. So far, longer international flights haven’t been interrupted.

    There’s still a lot of uncertainty about what flights will be canceled next.

    And not everyone has the means to pay for a hotel or deal with a last-minute disruption, said Heather Xu, 46, who was in Miami on Saturday after a cruise and flying home to Puerto Rico.

    “Travel is stressful enough, then you put these disruptions in place and it really makes everything more challenging,” she said.

    Rental car companies reported a sharp increase in one-way reservations Friday, and some people are simply canceling flights altogether.

    What could be the impacts beyond air travel?

    First, there’s the potential for higher prices in stores, as nearly half of all U.S. air freight is shipped in the bellies of passenger aircraft.

    Major flight disruptions could bring higher shipping costs that get passed on to consumers, said Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University.

    More losses will ripple through the economy if the slowdown continues — from tourism to manufacturing, said Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group.

    “This shutdown is going to impact everything from cargo aircraft to people getting to business meetings to tourists being able to travel,” he said. “It’s going to hit the hotel taxes and city taxes. There’s a cascading effect that results from this thing.”

    ___

    Associated Press journalists Cody Jackson in Miami, Paul Wiseman in Washington, Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, and Matt Sedensky in New York contributed.

    Source link