Dozens of children Thursday stood eagerly with their hands squeezing the bars and faces pressed into the openings of the fence surrounding the pool at McNamara Park, waiting for the signal to swim. That was just one of the sights as Merced and Central Valley Red Cross officials opened the swimming season Thursday with a pool party.
The trial of a couple accused of killing a Planada woman and kidnapping her baby was in its final stage Thursday, with prosecutors calling the female defendant "the brain" and her boyfriend "the muscle" in the murder-kidnap plot. Maria Ceja Robles and Jose Augustine Velarde are accused of killing Ana Lila Diaz DeCeja on Dec. 2, 2010, and kidnapping her 2-month-old son, Anthony Ceja.
A Winton shooting that injured three people earlier this month has turned into a homicide investigation. Mateo Gonzales, 40, recently died at the hospital from wounds he suffered during a June 5 shooting in the 7100 block of Grape Avenue. Two other men who were injured during the shooting remain in the hospital, according to Sheriff Mark Pazin.
It's been a decade since Pfc. Karina Lau was killed in action, but it doesn't seem that long to parents Ruth and Augustin Lau. "It's like yesterday for us," her mother, 55, said. "It's too hard." The fourth Run for the Fallen is dedicated to Karina Lau. The Livingston 20-year-old was killed in Iraq on Nov. 2, 2003, with 15 other American soldiers when their transport helicopter was shot down in an attack west of Baghdad.
The 40th Lions All-Star Football Game was decided on the last play by a field goal, yet South coach Kevin Swartwood was conflicted.
The sound of a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace" set a somber tone as members of law enforcement gathered to honor fallen officers at the 2013 Merced County Peace Officer Memorial ceremony. See the video below. Click here for a photo gallery.
The disclosure of two secret government surveillance programs — one involving phone records and the other personal data from Internet companies — has sparked debate about privacy and national security. Has the government gone too far? Or not far enough? How much privacy should we sacrifice for security? To discuss these issues productively, some myths must be dispelled.
Venezuela and the Vatican haven't always seen eye-to-eye. During his 14 years in power, President Hugo Chavez often battled with the church, accusing leaders of participating in a coup against him and calling a Venezuelan cardinal a "troglodyte" on national television.
The Senate on Monday passed a five-year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill that expands government subsidies for crop insurance, rice and peanuts and makes small cuts to food stamps.
One of Turlock's most traveled and most troubled roadways will get a face-lift this fall. Federal funding has been secured to repave Monte Vista Avenue in front of California State University, Stanislaus, between Crowell and Geer roads.
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Blog: Health in Merced County |
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Lunden Sousa: Never forget your water bottle when out seeing the sights |
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The Old Trainer: Electric fences even work over water |
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Brigitte Bowers: Small town a good place to take it slow |
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Debbie Croft: Great dads create lasting memories |
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Sarah Lim: Grads a reason to look back |
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Wine Line: Savoring Temecula's offerings |
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Families have lots of options to ride rails |
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'65 Shelby Cobra a powerful beauty |
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Alma Fausto: Occupy movement needs a clear objective |
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Around Town (6/8/13) |
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NORTH: HUNTER'S ESCAPE HITS OBSTACLE |
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Jay Sousa: Fair photo contest a great way to hone your skills |
