The Merced Sun-Star
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The Merced Sun-Star is the top source of news in Merced County in California. Subscribe at http://mercedsunstar.com/subscribe. #ReadLocal
Flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex were already flying at half-mast in honor of U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Oroville, who died suddenly Tuesday.
Why are flags flying at half-mast at California state offices? Here’s what to know
Flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex were already flying at half-mast in honor of U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Oroville, who died suddenly Tuesday.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex were already flying at half-mast in honor of U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Oroville, who died suddenly Tuesday.
Legislators seemed open to the modular housing idea during a hearing Tuesday.
California housing expert says building changes could lead to cost, time savings
Legislators seemed open to the modular housing idea during a hearing Tuesday.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Legislators seemed open to the modular housing idea during a hearing Tuesday.
It’s just one of the entertainment options coming up in the region in the coming days.
Hit musical’s national tour readies for stop at Modesto’s Gallo Center. See when
It’s just one of the entertainment options coming up in the region in the coming days.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 9:50 PM
It’s just one of the entertainment options coming up in the region in the coming days.
“Today is a historic day for El Capitan High School,” head football coach Xavier Ramirez told the crowd.
El Capitan High School unveils its football stadium at public ceremony
“Today is a historic day for El Capitan High School,” head football coach Xavier Ramirez told the crowd.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 9:20 PM
“Today is a historic day for El Capitan High School,” head football coach Xavier Ramirez told the crowd.
The state’s legacy payroll system is responsible for overpayments to state workers. Agencies are responsible for recovering those millions.
Why does California overpay state workers millions of dollars each year?
The state’s legacy payroll system is responsible for overpayments to state workers. Agencies are responsible for recovering those millions.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 8:50 PM
The state’s legacy payroll system is responsible for overpayments to state workers. Agencies are responsible for recovering those millions.
She was a two-time All-American for the Bobcats.
Former UC Merced soccer star signs to play professionally in Mexico
She was a two-time All-American for the Bobcats.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 8:20 PM
She was a two-time All-American for the Bobcats.
Miami played three games in Texas this season. The first nearly ended the Hurricanes, while the last two extended a memorable 2025 season.
On way to a possible national title, Miami gives a shoutout to Texas A&M and SMU
Miami played three games in Texas this season. The first nearly ended the Hurricanes, while the last two extended a memorable 2025 season.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Miami played three games in Texas this season. The first nearly ended the Hurricanes, while the last two extended a memorable 2025 season.
Thirty-one people died in California wildfires this year, the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says.
California wildfires scorched 525,000 acres in 2025. See biggest blazes
Thirty-one people died in California wildfires this year, the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Thirty-one people died in California wildfires this year, the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says.
“When planning a mountain vacation, the destination matters as much as the experience,” Wander says.
California ranks among best states for a luxury winter vacation. Here’s why
“When planning a mountain vacation, the destination matters as much as the experience,” Wander says.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 6:50 PM
“When planning a mountain vacation, the destination matters as much as the experience,” Wander says.
It features more than 100 photographs.
Merced County Courthouse is 150 years old. New book tells stories of its past
It features more than 100 photographs.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 6:20 PM
It features more than 100 photographs.
“The State has opted to move forward without the Trump administration. We regret that they will not share in California’s success.”
CA High-Speed Rail set big goals for 2026. What to watch in Fresno, Central Valley
“The State has opted to move forward without the Trump administration. We regret that they will not share in California’s success.”
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 5:50 PM
“The State has opted to move forward without the Trump administration. We regret that they will not share in California’s success.”
Visitors can access Yosemite, Channel Islands and more without paying an entry fee — but there’s a catch.
You can visit 9 national parks in California for free in 2026. Here’s when
Visitors can access Yosemite, Channel Islands and more without paying an entry fee — but there’s a catch.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Visitors can access Yosemite, Channel Islands and more without paying an entry fee — but there’s a catch.
Big-name retailers headed to the Merced area include Ulta Beauty and Rack Room Shoes.
5 new businesses are set to open their doors in Merced soon. See opening dates
Big-name retailers headed to the Merced area include Ulta Beauty and Rack Room Shoes.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Big-name retailers headed to the Merced area include Ulta Beauty and Rack Room Shoes.
California Senate Bill 79 was signed into law last year, and now lawmakers are seeking to make changes.
Will California legislators make changes to contentious new housing law?
California Senate Bill 79 was signed into law last year, and now lawmakers are seeking to make changes.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 2:50 PM
California Senate Bill 79 was signed into law last year, and now lawmakers are seeking to make changes.
Conditions at the California City immigrant detention facility are nightmarish. It will only get worse.
The Trump administration’s immigrant detention plan is pure evil | Opinion
Conditions at the California City immigrant detention facility are nightmarish. It will only get worse.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Conditions at the California City immigrant detention facility are nightmarish. It will only get worse.
A high wind warning was released by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA on Wednesday at 1:59 a.m. valid for Thursday between midnight and 2 p.m. The warning is for Southern Ventura County Mountains, Northern Ventura County Mountains and Interstate 5 Corridor.
High wind warning affecting Southern California Thursday - gusts could peak at 65 mph
A high wind warning was released by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA on Wednesday at 1:59 a.m. valid for Thursday between midnight and 2 p.m. The warning is for Southern Ventura County Mountains, Northern Ventura County Mountains and Interstate 5 Corridor.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 12:50 PM
A high wind warning was released by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA on Wednesday at 1:59 a.m. valid for Thursday between midnight and 2 p.m. The warning is for Southern Ventura County Mountains, Northern Ventura County Mountains and Interstate 5 Corridor.
Troubled whiskey and vodka company Heritage Distilling closes, no bankruptcy
January 7, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Troubled whiskey and vodka company Heritage Distilling closes, no bankruptcy
As the U.S. pushes a post-Maduro transition, Delcy Rodríguez faces rising threats from hardliners, a fractured military and mounting pressure to betray allies.
The U.S. bets on her, but can Venezuela’s new boss deliver? Her life might depend on it
As the U.S. pushes a post-Maduro transition, Delcy Rodríguez faces rising threats from hardliners, a fractured military and mounting pressure to betray allies.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 10:50 AM
As the U.S. pushes a post-Maduro transition, Delcy Rodríguez faces rising threats from hardliners, a fractured military and mounting pressure to betray allies.
Fans want DIY videos from the '1000-Lb Sisters' star after her most recent creative posts on Instagram.
Amy Slaton's New Hobby Is Winning Over Fans
Fans want DIY videos from the '1000-Lb Sisters' star after her most recent creative posts on Instagram.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 8:50 AM
Fans want DIY videos from the '1000-Lb Sisters' star after her most recent creative posts on Instagram.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, said Tuesday that it had raised $...
Musk's xAI raises $20 billion
SAN FRANCISCO -- Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, said Tuesday that it had raised $...
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 7:50 AM
SAN FRANCISCO -- Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, said Tuesday that it had raised $...
WASHINGTON -- Five years after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, several dozen rioters, inclu...
Pardoned Jan. 6, 2021, rioters rally and demand more from Trump
WASHINGTON -- Five years after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, several dozen rioters, inclu...
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 6:50 AM
WASHINGTON -- Five years after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, several dozen rioters, inclu...
Do you need a digital will for online accounts?
January 7, 2026 at 5:50 AM
Do you need a digital will for online accounts?
The investigation into five child deaths began in March 2007, when a fisherman found a container with the badly decomposed remains of an infant.
California jury finds father guilty of murder in his infant children’s deaths
The investigation into five child deaths began in March 2007, when a fisherman found a container with the badly decomposed remains of an infant.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 4:50 AM
The investigation into five child deaths began in March 2007, when a fisherman found a container with the badly decomposed remains of an infant.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump implored Republicans to turn around their political fortunes ahe...
Trump warns he'll be impeached if Republicans lose midterms
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump implored Republicans to turn around their political fortunes ahe...
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 3:50 AM
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump implored Republicans to turn around their political fortunes ahe...
Diosdado Cabello is calling supporters into the streets and threatening vengeance following a U.S. operation that seized Nicolás Maduro.
Venezuelan security kingpin Diosdado Cabello vows revenge after U.S. seizes Maduro
Diosdado Cabello is calling supporters into the streets and threatening vengeance following a U.S. operation that seized Nicolás Maduro.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 3:20 AM
Diosdado Cabello is calling supporters into the streets and threatening vengeance following a U.S. operation that seized Nicolás Maduro.