A deadly heat wave is set to grip the Southwestern United States in the next few days. Temperatures in some parts are expected to exceed 43 degrees Celsius. Multiple temperature records were shattered on Tuesday and Wednesday including some that were nearly a century old.

Deadly heat wave grips Southwest US

A California-based man armed with a pistol, and a knife was arrested near the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Meanwhile US President Joe Biden has condemned the threat against Kavanaugh.

US: Joe Biden condemns threat against Justice Kavanaugh

What's yellow and black, has a stinger and loves pollen? Apparently, the answer to this question is fish.&nbsp;A California court has ruled that bees can now legally be fish under specific circumstances. This groundbreaking ruling is not something to be laughed at; instead, it has the intent of protecting an irreplaceable species.&nbsp;The bee population in California and elsewhere has been on a rapid decline for some years now and this ruling is a step toward righting a decades-old wrong.&nbsp;Four years back public interest groups in California approached the court, asking them to include four species of bumblebee in the state's list of endangered animals.

The state Fish and Game commission maintained the list, and they agreed to consider the request. This 'stirred up a hornet's nest' of legal proceedings.&nbsp;

In the first hearing of this case, a court denied Bees' inclusion in the list.

Watch |&nbsp;Seeking safety for bees in the urban jungle: Biologists study ways to conserve bees

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/seeking-safety-for-bees-in-the-urban-jungle-biologists-study-ways-to-conserve-bees-468610/embed" width="560"></iframe>

As per a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), California almond farmers were very much against this inclusion.

The state annually produces 3 billion pounds of almonds, which are heavily dependent on bees pollinating as many as 1.3 million acres of the trees. Farmers and trade groups were concerned that by placing bees on the protected list, they would have to restrict farmers from working with bumblebees and from using pesticides, which can harm bees but are necessary for the preservation of almond trees.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-flying-insects-felly-by-almost-60-in-20-years-in-uk-reveals-survey-warns-of-consequences-476962">Number of flying insects fell by almost 60% in 20 years in UK, reveals survey, warns of consequences</a>

A law from 1970, California's endangered species law affords special protection to endangered "bird, mammal, bird, fish, amphibia or reptile". The farmers contended that Bees don't figure in any of these categories. The first court agreed with this reasoning.&nbsp;

However, the Fish and Game Commission appealed and the second time's the charm.

The commission pointed out that the legal definition of 'fish' in California has been vague for some time.&nbsp;When California legislators defined fish, they didn't exactly stick to the scientific classification. They included all types of seafood including molluscs, clams, crustaceans like lobsters etc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-the-climate-crisis-could-lead-to-a-rise-of-smaller-bees-472803">Study finds climate change could lead to a rise of smaller bees</a>

Earlier, other animals were passed off as fish. In 1980, a snail got state protection, in the next four years, even a shrimp and a crayfish were awarded protection as 'fish'. So why not bees?&nbsp;

As per the appeals court any invertebrate animal, i.e., which doesn't have a backbone, irrespective of whether it lives on land, in the sea or air can qualify for protection as 'fish'.

Now opponents are considering challenging this ruling in the state Supreme court. Will the bee be a fish for long or not? We will 'sea'.

(With inputs from agencies)

What's yellow and black, has a stinger and loves pollen? Apparently, the answer to this question is fish. A California court has ruled that bees can now legally be fish under specific circumstances.

What's yellow and black, has a stinger and loves pollen? Apparently, the answer to this question is fish. A California court has ruled that bees can now legally be fish under specific circumstances. This groundbreaking ruling is not something to be laughed at; instead, it has the intent of protecting an irreplaceable species. The bee population in California and elsewhere has been on a rapid decline for some years now and this ruling is a step toward righting a decades-old wrong. Four years back public interest groups in California approached the court, asking them to include four species of bumblebee in the state's list of endangered animals. The state Fish and Game commission maintained the list, and they agreed to consider the request. This 'stirred up a hornet's nest' of legal proceedings. In the first hearing of this case, a court denied Bees' inclusion in the list. Watch | Seeking safety for bees in the urban jungle: Biologists study ways to conserve bees As per a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), California almond farmers were very much against this inclusion. The state annually produces 3 billion pounds of almonds, which are heavily dependent on bees pollinating as many as 1.3 million acres of the trees. Farmers and trade groups were concerned that by placing bees on the protected list, they would have to restrict farmers from working with bumblebees and from using pesticides, which can harm bees but are necessary for the preservation of almond trees. Also read | Number of flying insects fell by almost 60% in 20 years in UK, reveals survey, warns of consequences A law from 1970, California's endangered species law affords special protection to endangered "bird, mammal, bird, fish, amphibia or reptile". The farmers contended that Bees don't figure in any of these categories. The first court agreed with this reasoning. However, the Fish and Game Commission appealed and the second time's the charm. The commission pointed out that the legal definition of 'fish' in California has been vague for some time. When California legislators defined fish, they didn't exactly stick to the scientific classification. They included all types of seafood including molluscs, clams, crustaceans like lobsters etc. Also read | Study finds climate change could lead to a rise of smaller bees Earlier, other animals were passed off as fish. In 1980, a snail got state protection, in the next four years, even a shrimp and a crayfish were awarded protection as 'fish'. So why not bees? As per the appeals court any invertebrate animal, i.e., which doesn't have a backbone, irrespective of whether it lives on land, in the sea or air can qualify for protection as 'fish'. Now opponents are considering challenging this ruling in the state Supreme court. Will the bee be a fish for long or not? We will 'sea'. (With inputs from agencies)

Is it a bee? Is it a fish? It is endangered and needs to be protected, rules California court

There has been a stabbing attack at a California hospital. Three people have been injured so far and authorities are trying to talk the attacker into surrendering.

California hospital stabbing: 3 injured so far, Authorities trying to talk the attacker into surrendering

Vicky Umodu, a woman from California, discovered $36,000 stuffed in the cushions of a free couch she found on Craigslist, news agency AFP reported quoting ABC7.&nbsp;

Umodu just wanted low-cost furnishing for her new home. However, she ended up with cash. But reports have added that she gave the money right back.&nbsp;

While speaking to ABC7 from her home in Colton, near Los Angeles, Umodu said, "I just moved in, and I don't have anything in my house.&nbsp;

The story began when Umodu started checking online ods to buy furniture for her house. She said that she was excited to see the sofa set being given away for free.&nbsp;

Earlier she thought it was a joke. "I said, 'Maybe it's a gimmick.' I said, 'Let me call them,'" Umodu said. However, later she bought it. "I was so excited, so we picked it up and brought it in," she added.&nbsp;

The money, said to be thousands of dollars, she found inside one of the cushions was kept in several envelopes. However, she returned the money.&nbsp;

"I was just telling my son, come, come, come! I was screaming, this is money! I need to call the guy." She called the people who had given her the couch and told them about the money. The money was later returned to its owner. &nbsp;

The family said they had no idea where all the money had come from. To thank her, the family gifted a surprised Umodu more than $2,000. She said that she was "not expecting a dime".&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Vicky Umodu, a woman from California, discovered $36,000 stuffed in the cushions of a free couch she found on Craigslist, news agency AFP reported quoting ABC7. Umodu just wanted low-cost furnishing for her new home.

Vicky Umodu, a woman from California, discovered $36,000 stuffed in the cushions of a free couch she found on Craigslist, news agency AFP reported quoting ABC7. Umodu just wanted low-cost furnishing for her new home. However, she ended up with cash. But reports have added that she gave the money right back. While speaking to ABC7 from her home in Colton, near Los Angeles, Umodu said, "I just moved in, and I don't have anything in my house. The story began when Umodu started checking online ods to buy furniture for her house. She said that she was excited to see the sofa set being given away for free. Earlier she thought it was a joke. "I said, 'Maybe it's a gimmick.' I said, 'Let me call them,'" Umodu said. However, later she bought it. "I was so excited, so we picked it up and brought it in," she added. The money, said to be thousands of dollars, she found inside one of the cushions was kept in several envelopes. However, she returned the money. "I was just telling my son, come, come, come! I was screaming, this is money! I need to call the guy." She called the people who had given her the couch and told them about the money. The money was later returned to its owner. The family said they had no idea where all the money had come from. To thank her, the family gifted a surprised Umodu more than $2,000. She said that she was "not expecting a dime". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A woman in California finds $36,000 stuffed in cushions of free sofa set

California's Governor Gavin Newsom and New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have pledged to work together against climate change. The two leaders signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at reducing pollution and bolstering a clean economy while emphasizing on community resilience and partnership with indigenous leaders

California Guv Newsom & New Zealand PM Ardern sign pact to combat climate change

Officials have discovered a tunnel linking US & Mexico. It is suspected that the tunnel was used to smuggle drugs. The tunnel runs from Mexico to a warehouse in California. The tunnel reportedly has rail & ventilation systems, electricity & reinforced walls. US authorities said it was unknown how long the tunnel had been operating. The owner of the property said he was unaware of the tunnel’s existence

This secret drug tunnel was used to smuggle drugs

The FBI said that it will investigate Taiwanese church shooting in California as a 'hate crime'. David Chou (68) the shooter is likely facing one count of murder, five counts of attempted murder and four counts of unlawful possession of explosives.&nbsp;

Chou is a US citizen who was born in China. Orange County Shriff Don Barnes said that Chou's violent assault was motivated by his hatred of Taiwan and tensions between the country and China.

Victims of the shootout are all of Asian heritage. Names of the victim have not been made public.&nbsp;

Sherrif Barnes said that Chou chained the doors and placed glue in the lock at Geneva Presbyterian Church in the city of Laguna Woods before opening fire.

In Chou's car, Barnes said, investigators found notes written in Mandarin that indicated an obsession with Taiwan and a dislike of Taiwanese people.

"This is a manifestation of the ugliest part of our humanity that exists in our country today," Barnes said at a news conference on Monday, also referencing the weekend's racist mass shooting targeting Black people in Buffalo, New York.

As Chou began his rampage, Dr. John Cheng, 52, a sports medicine specialist, tackled him and was shot. But Cheng, who Barnes described as a hero, was able to give other congregants, including a pastor, the opportunity to overpower the shooter and tie his legs with an electrical cord, detaining him until sheriff's deputies arrived and broke through the chains on the doors.

(With inputs from agencies)

The FBI said that it will investigate Taiwanese church shooting in California as a 'hate crime'. David Chou (68) the shooter is likely facing one count of murder, five counts of attempted murder and four counts of unlawful possession of explosives.

The FBI said that it will investigate Taiwanese church shooting in California as a 'hate crime'. David Chou (68) the shooter is likely facing one count of murder, five counts of attempted murder and four counts of unlawful possession of explosives. Chou is a US citizen who was born in China. Orange County Shriff Don Barnes said that Chou's violent assault was motivated by his hatred of Taiwan and tensions between the country and China. Victims of the shootout are all of Asian heritage. Names of the victim have not been made public. Sherrif Barnes said that Chou chained the doors and placed glue in the lock at Geneva Presbyterian Church in the city of Laguna Woods before opening fire. In Chou's car, Barnes said, investigators found notes written in Mandarin that indicated an obsession with Taiwan and a dislike of Taiwanese people. "This is a manifestation of the ugliest part of our humanity that exists in our country today," Barnes said at a news conference on Monday, also referencing the weekend's racist mass shooting targeting Black people in Buffalo, New York. As Chou began his rampage, Dr. John Cheng, 52, a sports medicine specialist, tackled him and was shot. But Cheng, who Barnes described as a hero, was able to give other congregants, including a pastor, the opportunity to overpower the shooter and tie his legs with an electrical cord, detaining him until sheriff's deputies arrived and broke through the chains on the doors. (With inputs from agencies)

California Taiwanese church shooting to be investigated as 'hate crime'

Three major mass shooting events in the United States have left 13 people dead and several injured. One was at a super market in New York, another at a flea market in Texas and third at a church in California.

At least 3 killed in 3 deadly shooting in New York, Texas & California

In pics: Violent wildfire in California destroys several luxurious homes

Water crisis has hit US' California. California has now imposed curbs on water usage. New emergency restrictions will start from June 1st.

Water crisis hits California: California imposes curbs on water usage

Officials in southern California in the US on Tuesday, declared water shortage emergency. New, unprecedented measure have been put in place. These involve restriction on outdoor watering (for e.g., to domestic plants, grass etc).

The measure is likely to affect millions of people living in Ventura, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The restrictions put on the use of water will see outdoor watering limited to just one day in a week.

These measures will come into effect in June.

“Due to the depth and duration of the current drought, Metropolitan cannot meet normal demands in the SWP dependent area with existing resources,” officials said in a document outlining the action. The official information in the document was quoted by The Guardian.

California is in third year of a devastating drought. Officials expect the situation to worsen in coming Summer months which are sure to put strain on the availability of water.

Beginning of this year has been driest ever in terms of precipitation.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Guardian reported that California's snow at just 35 per cent of what it normally is at this time of the year normally. As per US droughts monitor, several drought has hit more than 95 per cent of California.

Officials in southern California in the US on Tuesday, declared water shortage emergency. New, unprecedented measure have been put in place. These involve restriction on outdoor watering (for e.

Officials in southern California in the US on Tuesday, declared water shortage emergency. New, unprecedented measure have been put in place. These involve restriction on outdoor watering (for e.g., to domestic plants, grass etc). The measure is likely to affect millions of people living in Ventura, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The restrictions put on the use of water will see outdoor watering limited to just one day in a week. These measures will come into effect in June. “Due to the depth and duration of the current drought, Metropolitan cannot meet normal demands in the SWP dependent area with existing resources,” officials said in a document outlining the action. The official information in the document was quoted by The Guardian. California is in third year of a devastating drought. Officials expect the situation to worsen in coming Summer months which are sure to put strain on the availability of water. Beginning of this year has been driest ever in terms of precipitation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × The Guardian reported that California's snow at just 35 per cent of what it normally is at this time of the year normally. As per US droughts monitor, several drought has hit more than 95 per cent of California.

Drought-hit southern California imposes restrictions on outdoor watering

Do you remember the tale of ‘Goldilocks’? For those in the unknown, it’s the story of a little girl who wanders into a house hungry and tired after playing. In the house, she spends her time trying out the owner's porridge and testing the softness of the beds, only to discover later that it belonged to a bear family.

Today, we bring you the opposite version of the story, where a human family in California unknowingly played host to a family of bears.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/report-reveals-us-governments-plan-to-nuke-the-moon-heres-why-473404" hreflang="en">Documents reveals US government's plan to nuke the Moon. Here's why</a>

The humans spent most of the winters hearing odd noises in their home. It sounded like snoring, but they were unable to figure out its source, so they did what anyone would do; dismiss it as their imagination.

However, they did hear snoring…that too from not one, but five hibernating bears.

Now, if you’re wondering how did five hibernating bears enter their house undetected and stayed there for months, the bears were never inside the house. They were actually snoring away under the house.

Watch |&nbsp;How to avoid puppy scams when bringing a pet home

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-to-avoid-puppy-scams-when-bringing-a-pet-home-tech-it-out-472123/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Bear League group, a non-profit, community-based organisation in California's Lake Tahoe that is dedicated to preserving bear habitat and assisting bears in trouble recalled the family's incredible story on Facebook last week.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="726" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSaveTahoeBears%2Fposts%2F5604192346274665&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The group told how a determined mama bear had opted to spend the winter in the crawlspace beneath a nearby house. She had three of her own pups and an adopted orphan.

“When it came time to go to sleep for the winter she found a house with an unsecured crawl space opening and ushered all the kids inside and told them to Be Quiet and Go to Sleep.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sounds-fishy-in-24-hours-2-russian-oligarchs-families-found-dead-cops-probe-suicide-angle-reports-473422" hreflang="en">Sounds fishy? In 24 hours, 2 Russian oligarchs, families found dead, cops probe suicide angle: Reports</a>

“It was a home where people lived and they thought they heard some odd rumbling, snoring-like noises but ignored it because it simply didn't make sense...and the neighbors said they were imagining it because they didn't hear anything.” Said the NGO in its Facebook post.

The family finally realised that there were actual bears living under their house when the huge mammals awoke from their long slumber and prepared to exit. They then called the Bear League for help, who ushered the bear family safely into the woods.

(With inputs from agencies)

Do you remember the tale of ‘Goldilocks’? For those in the unknown, it’s the story of a little girl who wanders into a house hungry and tired after playing. In the house, she spends her time trying out the owner's porridge and testing the softness of the beds, only to discover later that it belonged to a bear family.

Do you remember the tale of ‘Goldilocks’? For those in the unknown, it’s the story of a little girl who wanders into a house hungry and tired after playing. In the house, she spends her time trying out the owner's porridge and testing the softness of the beds, only to discover later that it belonged to a bear family. Today, we bring you the opposite version of the story, where a human family in California unknowingly played host to a family of bears. Also read | Documents reveals US government's plan to nuke the Moon. Here's why The humans spent most of the winters hearing odd noises in their home. It sounded like snoring, but they were unable to figure out its source, so they did what anyone would do; dismiss it as their imagination. However, they did hear snoring…that too from not one, but five hibernating bears. Now, if you’re wondering how did five hibernating bears enter their house undetected and stayed there for months, the bears were never inside the house. They were actually snoring away under the house. Watch | How to avoid puppy scams when bringing a pet home The Bear League group, a non-profit, community-based organisation in California's Lake Tahoe that is dedicated to preserving bear habitat and assisting bears in trouble recalled the family's incredible story on Facebook last week. × The group told how a determined mama bear had opted to spend the winter in the crawlspace beneath a nearby house. She had three of her own pups and an adopted orphan. “When it came time to go to sleep for the winter she found a house with an unsecured crawl space opening and ushered all the kids inside and told them to Be Quiet and Go to Sleep.” Also read | Sounds fishy? In 24 hours, 2 Russian oligarchs, families found dead, cops probe suicide angle: Reports “It was a home where people lived and they thought they heard some odd rumbling, snoring-like noises but ignored it because it simply didn't make sense...and the neighbors said they were imagining it because they didn't hear anything.” Said the NGO in its Facebook post. The family finally realised that there were actual bears living under their house when the huge mammals awoke from their long slumber and prepared to exit. They then called the Bear League for help, who ushered the bear family safely into the woods. (With inputs from agencies)

A 'beary' interesting tale: Plagued by mysterious noise, California family finds 5 bears under their house

Wildfires in the United States' California are speeding up the snow melting process. Climate Change is also causing snow to melt faster than the usual.

US: Wildfires are speeding up the snow melting process in California

In the United States, millions of genetically modified mosquitoes may soon be released in Florida and California as the country's Environmental Protection Agency has approved Oxitec's pilot projects related to mosquitoes.

In the United States, millions of genetically modified mosquitoes may soon be released in Florida and California as the country's Environmental Protection Agency has approved Oxitec's pilot projects related to mosquitoes. The UK-based biotechnology company Oxitec has developed millions of genetically modified mosquitoes that seek to ward off their natural, disease-causing counterparts. The company is said to be the leading developer of biological pest control solutions. Grey Frandsen, who is the CEO of Oxitec, said in a statement: "Our team is immensely proud to have received yet another milestone approval from the EPA." "This expansion of our U.S. efforts reflects the strong partnerships we’ve developed with a large and diverse range of stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels," Frandsen added. ALSO READ | Study shows several bird species nesting and laying eggs almost a month early Oxitec informed that two pilot projects were approved, one with the Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District (Delta MVCD) in California and one with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) in Florida. The latest approval is also an extension of the Experimental Use Permit (EUP) granted in 2020 by the EPA for a pilot project in the Florida Keys, which was successfully carried out in 2021. As stated by the company, safe, sustainable and targeted biological pest control technology does not harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. The method is proven to control the disease-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito, which has invaded communities in Florida, California and other US states. ALSO READ | Drinking coffee can protect heart instead of triggering ailments, help to live longer, says study As per the Oxitec, the aim is to reduce the transmission of harmful diseases, such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya. The data released by the company states that in California, since first being detected in 2013, this mosquito has rapidly spread to more than 20 counties throughout the state, increasing the risk. Alongside its in-depth scientific evaluation process was a 30-day period for public comments. The EPA reviewed and responded to each public comment before issuing its approval. After the EPA's approval, Oxitec will now submit permit applications to state regulators in California and Florida for their review.

US may release billions of genetically modified male mosquitoes. Here's why

Sherri Papini, the northern California woman arrested last week for allegedly lying to federal agents and faking her own kidnapping in 2016, was released from jail oHer family posted a $120,000 bond for her release.

Her release was approved by a judge on the condition that she undergo psychiatric treatment and surrender her passport.

During a virtual detention hearing, Jeremy D Peterson, US magistrate judge, agreed with Papini's lawyer that she was not a flight risk or a threat to the community.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-beyond-essential-on-womens-day-brazils-sexist-president-backtracks-from-menstrual-poverty-row-460412" hreflang="en">'You are beyond essential': On women's day, Brazil's sexist President backtracks from 'menstrual poverty' row</a>

On Thursday, Papani was arrested for lying to federal agents about the kidnapping and for defrauding the state's victims' compensation board of $30,000.

In her argument against her release, deputy US attorney Veronica Alegria said Papini screamed "no" and ran away from FBI agents when they attempted to arrest her last week. Papini's lawyer argued that Papini was running towards her children.

A search for Papini, a resident of Redding, dragged on for three weeks in California and several nearby states before she was found on Thanksgiving Day in 2016. Among her injuries were a swollen nose, bindings on her body, and a "brand" on her shoulder.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-why-some-people-develop-life-threatening-covid-19-while-others-get-no-symptoms-at-all-460420" hreflang="en">This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all</a>

She provided extensive details of her purported abduction, including descriptions of the two Latinas who supposedly held her at gunpoint, to an FBI sketch artist who then drew a sketch based on the descriptions.

According to authorities, she had actually moved nearly 600 miles away from her Orange County, California, home to live with a former boyfriend. She then injured herself to substantiate her false statements.

It is estimated that Papini's abduction hoax cost Shasta county, state and federal taxpayers, crime victims and donors more than $200,000.

Her arrest sent shockwaves throughout the small town of Redding, even though local investigators questioned her account at the time. Last week, Papini's family responded to the arrest by saying they were "appalled," but didn't directly contest the FBI's findings.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sherri Papini, the northern California woman arrested last week for allegedly lying to federal agents and faking her own kidnapping in 2016, was released from jail oHer family posted a $120,000 bond for her release.

Sherri Papini, the northern California woman arrested last week for allegedly lying to federal agents and faking her own kidnapping in 2016, was released from jail oHer family posted a $120,000 bond for her release. Her release was approved by a judge on the condition that she undergo psychiatric treatment and surrender her passport. During a virtual detention hearing, Jeremy D Peterson, US magistrate judge, agreed with Papini's lawyer that she was not a flight risk or a threat to the community. Also read | 'You are beyond essential': On women's day, Brazil's sexist President backtracks from 'menstrual poverty' row On Thursday, Papani was arrested for lying to federal agents about the kidnapping and for defrauding the state's victims' compensation board of $30,000. In her argument against her release, deputy US attorney Veronica Alegria said Papini screamed "no" and ran away from FBI agents when they attempted to arrest her last week. Papini's lawyer argued that Papini was running towards her children. A search for Papini, a resident of Redding, dragged on for three weeks in California and several nearby states before she was found on Thanksgiving Day in 2016. Among her injuries were a swollen nose, bindings on her body, and a "brand" on her shoulder. Also read | This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all She provided extensive details of her purported abduction, including descriptions of the two Latinas who supposedly held her at gunpoint, to an FBI sketch artist who then drew a sketch based on the descriptions. According to authorities, she had actually moved nearly 600 miles away from her Orange County, California, home to live with a former boyfriend. She then injured herself to substantiate her false statements. It is estimated that Papini's abduction hoax cost Shasta county, state and federal taxpayers, crime victims and donors more than $200,000. Her arrest sent shockwaves throughout the small town of Redding, even though local investigators questioned her account at the time. Last week, Papini's family responded to the arrest by saying they were "appalled," but didn't directly contest the FBI's findings. (With inputs from agencies)

Sherri Papini, the jogger whose kidnapping hoax cost taxpayers $200,000, released on bail

Of the 100 wealthiest people in America, 26 live in California.

That’s more than any other state, and not simply a byproduct of California’s large population. If the country’s 100 top billionaires were evenly distributed, we would expect just 12 of them to reside here.

Yes, this is largely because of Silicon Valley. But it’s also a reflection of the fact that California has the fifth-largest economy in the world, said Richard Walker, an emeritus professor at UC Berkeley who studies economic geography.

“California has been the main engine for American growth for the last 50 years,” Walker told me. “This is not sufficiently acknowledged — how immense the California economy is.”

Before we dive in: I’m going off the official Forbes 2021 billionaire rankings, but they shift daily with the stock market. All of these figures should be viewed as estimates, as there is no system or requirement that Americans report their total wealth to the government.

Now on to the good stuff. There are 724 billionaires in the United States, and California is home to 189 — roughly a quarter of the total, according to Forbes.

The state’s “open, experimental culture” has long attracted entrepreneurs, Walker said. That’s contributed to the movie and aerospace industries flourishing here, and, of course, the tech industry.

Forty-four per cent of California’s billionaires made their fortunes in tech, followed by 23% in finance and 7% in real estate, according to Forbes.

The three richest Californians are tech titans: Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg and Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

Zuckerberg invented Facebook while a student at Harvard, but then “he moves to Silicon Valley because that’s where the action is,” Walker told me. “That’s been going on for two, three, four generations now — you come to Silicon Valley if you’re in tech.”

Silicon Valley’s tendency to mint billionaires has led to a startling trend: Of the 26 Californians who rank among America’s 100 richest people, 19 live in the Bay Area.

(The wealthiest person in Southern California is Donald Bren, America’s richest real estate baron.)

Perhaps you’re wondering about Elon Musk, who relocated Tesla headquarters to Texas, or Oracle’s Larry Ellison, who moved to Hawaii. But it turns out they’re outliers.

Thirty-five people made California’s billionaire list for the first time in 2021, Forbes reported, and more than half of them had the tech industry to thank. California still has more billionaires than any other state; New York is second with 126.

Adam Sterling, executive director for the Berkeley Center for Law and Business, said that people who’ve made their fortunes in California prefer to stay here, close to their professional and personal communities. The high cost of living and higher taxes probably aren’t much of a deterrent if you’re a billionaire, he said.

Plus, the cachet of a California billionaire — think a wealthy techie in a hoodie — may not translate in a place like New York, where the rich are more likely to have inherited their wealth.

“There’s a lot of stickiness in California,” Sterling told me. “This is where your billionaire community is.”

Of the 100 wealthiest people in America, 26 live in California. That’s more than any other state, and not simply a byproduct of California’s large population. If the country’s 100 top billionaires were evenly distributed, we would expect just 12 of them to reside here.

Of the 100 wealthiest people in America, 26 live in California. That’s more than any other state, and not simply a byproduct of California’s large population. If the country’s 100 top billionaires were evenly distributed, we would expect just 12 of them to reside here. Yes, this is largely because of Silicon Valley. But it’s also a reflection of the fact that California has the fifth-largest economy in the world, said Richard Walker, an emeritus professor at UC Berkeley who studies economic geography. “California has been the main engine for American growth for the last 50 years,” Walker told me. “This is not sufficiently acknowledged — how immense the California economy is.” Before we dive in: I’m going off the official Forbes 2021 billionaire rankings, but they shift daily with the stock market. All of these figures should be viewed as estimates, as there is no system or requirement that Americans report their total wealth to the government. Now on to the good stuff. There are 724 billionaires in the United States, and California is home to 189 — roughly a quarter of the total, according to Forbes. The state’s “open, experimental culture” has long attracted entrepreneurs, Walker said. That’s contributed to the movie and aerospace industries flourishing here, and, of course, the tech industry. Forty-four per cent of California’s billionaires made their fortunes in tech, followed by 23% in finance and 7% in real estate, according to Forbes. The three richest Californians are tech titans: Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg and Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Zuckerberg invented Facebook while a student at Harvard, but then “he moves to Silicon Valley because that’s where the action is,” Walker told me. “That’s been going on for two, three, four generations now — you come to Silicon Valley if you’re in tech.” Silicon Valley’s tendency to mint billionaires has led to a startling trend: Of the 26 Californians who rank among America’s 100 richest people, 19 live in the Bay Area. (The wealthiest person in Southern California is Donald Bren, America’s richest real estate baron.) Perhaps you’re wondering about Elon Musk, who relocated Tesla headquarters to Texas, or Oracle’s Larry Ellison, who moved to Hawaii. But it turns out they’re outliers. Thirty-five people made California’s billionaire list for the first time in 2021, Forbes reported, and more than half of them had the tech industry to thank. California still has more billionaires than any other state; New York is second with 126. Adam Sterling, executive director for the Berkeley Center for Law and Business, said that people who’ve made their fortunes in California prefer to stay here, close to their professional and personal communities. The high cost of living and higher taxes probably aren’t much of a deterrent if you’re a billionaire, he said. Plus, the cachet of a California billionaire — think a wealthy techie in a hoodie — may not translate in a place like New York, where the rich are more likely to have inherited their wealth. “There’s a lot of stickiness in California,” Sterling told me. “This is where your billionaire community is.”

Why so many billionaires live in California

A&nbsp;man&nbsp;shot&nbsp;and&nbsp;killed his&nbsp;three&nbsp;children&nbsp;and&nbsp;a fourth person before taking his own life on Monday (Feb. 28) in an outburst of gun violence that unfolded in a&nbsp;church&nbsp;near&nbsp;California's capital, police said.

Sacramento County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Rod Grassmann told reporters near the scene that investigators were seeking clues to a motive for the bloodshed but believed the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/zain-nadella-son-of-ceo-satya-nadella-dies-at-26-microsoft-457703">&nbsp;Zain Nadella, son of CEO Satya Nadella, dies at 26: Microsoft</a>

The shooting erupted at about 5 p.m. local time inside The&nbsp;Church&nbsp;in Sacramento, located in the Arden-Arcade community on the eastern edge of Sacramento's city limits, Grassmann told reporters.

A&nbsp;church&nbsp;employee on an upper floor of the&nbsp;church&nbsp;at the time told authorities he heard a single gunshot, followed by several more shots before he ran out of the building&nbsp;and&nbsp;called police, according to Grassmann.

Sheriff's deputies arriving at the scene found&nbsp;five&nbsp;people shot to death -&nbsp;three&nbsp;children&nbsp;under the age of 15, the father&nbsp;and&nbsp;another adult who was not immediately identified by investigators, Grassmann said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-will-there-be-a-nuclear-war-your-questions-answered-457697">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered</a>

He said the father was believed to have shot the four other victims before turning the gun on&nbsp;himself. Authorities did not say whether the second adult was related to the other family members or whether the person was a&nbsp;man&nbsp;or woman.

Local television station KTVU cited Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones as saying that investigators believe the shooting unfolded during a supervised visit between the father&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;children,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that the fourth victim was the adult chaperone.

A man shot and killed his three children and a fourth person before taking his own life on Monday (Feb. 28) in an outburst of gun violence that unfolded in a church near California's capital, police said.

A man shot and killed his three children and a fourth person before taking his own life on Monday (Feb. 28) in an outburst of gun violence that unfolded in a church near California's capital, police said. Sacramento County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Rod Grassmann told reporters near the scene that investigators were seeking clues to a motive for the bloodshed but believed the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute. Also read | Zain Nadella, son of CEO Satya Nadella, dies at 26: Microsoft The shooting erupted at about 5 p.m. local time inside The Church in Sacramento, located in the Arden-Arcade community on the eastern edge of Sacramento's city limits, Grassmann told reporters. A church employee on an upper floor of the church at the time told authorities he heard a single gunshot, followed by several more shots before he ran out of the building and called police, according to Grassmann. Sheriff's deputies arriving at the scene found five people shot to death - three children under the age of 15, the father and another adult who was not immediately identified by investigators, Grassmann said. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered He said the father was believed to have shot the four other victims before turning the gun on himself. Authorities did not say whether the second adult was related to the other family members or whether the person was a man or woman. Local television station KTVU cited Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones as saying that investigators believe the shooting unfolded during a supervised visit between the father and the children, and that the fourth victim was the adult chaperone.

Five dead as man kills three children and himself in California church

The DNA collected as part of a rape exam in San Francisco has been used by the local police to link a woman to a crime.

The city’s district attorney has alleged that the move violates the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures as well as California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-passengers-looked-on-as-a-woman-was-raped-421904/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The police crime lab “attempts to identify crime suspects” by searching a law enforcement database that includes DNA collected from sexual assault victims, District Attorney Chesa Boudin said.

“Rapes and sexual assault are violent, dehumanizing, and traumatic. I am disturbed that victims who have the courage to undergo an invasive examination to help identify their perpetrators are being treated like criminals rather than supported as crime victims,” Boudin said in a statement.&nbsp;

“We should encourage survivors to come forward — not collect evidence to use against them in the future.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/assaulted-in-metaverse-woman-alleges-gang-rape-60-seconds-after-joining-metas-virtual-world-449784">Also read |&nbsp;Assaulted in Metaverse: Woman alleges 'gang rape' 60 seconds after joining Meta's virtual world</a>

“Getting a rape kit can be re-traumatizing. Having that DNA placed in a database for future use creates yet another incentive not to do it. It’s unacceptable,” said state senator Scott Wiener, who represents the city.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said he has ordered an investigation.

“We must never create disincentives for crime victims to cooperate with police, and if it’s true that DNA collected from a rape or sexual assault victim has been used by SFPD to identify and apprehend that person as a suspect in another crime, I’m committed to ending the practice,” he said.

San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen said she learned about the alleged practice last weekend and has asked the city attorney’s office to draft legislation barring the use of rape kit evidence except to investigate the rape, the Chronicle reported.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The DNA collected as part of a rape exam in San Francisco has been used by the local police to link a woman to a crime. The city’s district attorney has alleged that the move violates the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures as well as California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights.

The DNA collected as part of a rape exam in San Francisco has been used by the local police to link a woman to a crime. The city’s district attorney has alleged that the move violates the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures as well as California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights. The police crime lab “attempts to identify crime suspects” by searching a law enforcement database that includes DNA collected from sexual assault victims, District Attorney Chesa Boudin said. “Rapes and sexual assault are violent, dehumanizing, and traumatic. I am disturbed that victims who have the courage to undergo an invasive examination to help identify their perpetrators are being treated like criminals rather than supported as crime victims,” Boudin said in a statement. “We should encourage survivors to come forward — not collect evidence to use against them in the future.” Also read | Assaulted in Metaverse: Woman alleges 'gang rape' 60 seconds after joining Meta's virtual world “Getting a rape kit can be re-traumatizing. Having that DNA placed in a database for future use creates yet another incentive not to do it. It’s unacceptable,” said state senator Scott Wiener, who represents the city. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said he has ordered an investigation. “We must never create disincentives for crime victims to cooperate with police, and if it’s true that DNA collected from a rape or sexual assault victim has been used by SFPD to identify and apprehend that person as a suspect in another crime, I’m committed to ending the practice,” he said. San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen said she learned about the alleged practice last weekend and has asked the city attorney’s office to draft legislation barring the use of rape kit evidence except to investigate the rape, the Chronicle reported. (With inputs from agencies)

San Francisco: DNA collected as part of rape exam used to link a woman to a crime

Astra failed to deliver four satellites to orbit as planned today in the company's first-ever orbital launch from the contiguous United States. The California startup's 43-foot-tall (13 meters) Launch Vehicle 0008 (LV0008) launched the ELaNa 41 mission from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station today, rising off the pad at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT).

California-based company Astra Space fails to deliver satellites to orbit

Thousands of people were forced to flee Orange county as California in the US reports two winter fires. Over 200 firefighters battled the fire.

Thousands forced to flee in Orange county as California reports two winter fires

Tesla said on Wednesday that California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) intends to file lawsuit against the company for alleged recial discrimination and harassment at its factory in Fremont, California. The alleged misconduct took place between 2015 and 2019.

The electric-car maker said it will ask the court to pause the case once the state's civil rights regulator files its lawsuit.

Tesla said that despite several requests, the regulator declined to provide it specific allegations or the factual bases for its lawsuit.

In the past, the department has investigated claims by employees who believe they were discriminated against or harassed, but did not find any misconduct, Tesla said.

The department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The company has been fighting a series of lawsuits over allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment.

It was sued by two female employees last year, with both their lawsuits alleging a "hostile work environment" against women at the carmaker's factory in Fremont.

In October, a Black contract worker won a jury award worth $137 million over workplace racism against the company.

Subsequently, a proposal was approved by Tesla shareholders asking the company to publish a report on its diversity and inclusion effort.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla said on Wednesday that California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) intends to file lawsuit against the company for alleged recial discrimination and harassment at its factory in Fremont, California.

Tesla said on Wednesday that California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) intends to file lawsuit against the company for alleged recial discrimination and harassment at its factory in Fremont, California. The alleged misconduct took place between 2015 and 2019. The electric-car maker said it will ask the court to pause the case once the state's civil rights regulator files its lawsuit. Tesla said that despite several requests, the regulator declined to provide it specific allegations or the factual bases for its lawsuit. In the past, the department has investigated claims by employees who believe they were discriminated against or harassed, but did not find any misconduct, Tesla said. The department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The company has been fighting a series of lawsuits over allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment. It was sued by two female employees last year, with both their lawsuits alleging a "hostile work environment" against women at the carmaker's factory in Fremont. In October, a Black contract worker won a jury award worth $137 million over workplace racism against the company. Subsequently, a proposal was approved by Tesla shareholders asking the company to publish a report on its diversity and inclusion effort. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla says it faces lawsuit for discrimination, harassment in California factory

Nurses and doctors in California are burned out.

Although COVID-19 hospitalisations appear to be peaking in California and remain substantially lower than during last winter’s surge, health care workers have been toiling in uncertain and stressful conditions for nearly two years.

Coronavirus cases surge, new variants appear and shortages of protective gear, medicines and staff continually emerge.

Still, a majority of health workers who wrote to us said that despite their frustrations, they did not plan to leave their jobs.

They do not want to let down their co-workers or abandon their patients. They want to combat misinformation, administer COVID-19 vaccines and, as much as possible, help others.

Here’s what they shared about how they are coping with this latest surge and why they keep showing up at work:

“As the daughter of an Army veteran, a sense of duty was instilled in me at a young age. I am a nurse and have worked in a hospital setting for over 20 years; I can’t leave health care during its greatest need.

"I love my co-workers. We’ve already been through three waves together — we will get through this one as well.” —&nbsp;Laura Maffeo, registered nurse, Anaheim

“My family is fully vaccinated and we no longer worry about getting seriously ill, especially with this recent variant. As long as schools are open and we have that support for our kids, we feel that we (my wife is also a physician) will get through this. We have to.”&nbsp;— Dr. George Spanos, radiologist, Los Angeles

“The only thing that keeps me going is the need. I am a retired pharmacist who went back to work just to increase the availability of vaccinations (of every sort).

"I spend time combating misinformation, making the vaccination experience comfortable and praising the recipients who join me in uplifting the community well-being.”—&nbsp;Sandra Bardas, clinical pharmacist, Menlo Park

“I have a mortgage payment, little kids in school and a husband who lost his job. I’m the financial backbone of my family, and I’m fortunate to make a salary that enables us to cover our bills. I really don’t know what else I would do, so I make the best of it.” —&nbsp;Jenny Burnett, registered nurse, Concord

“My co-workers and I keep each other going by supporting, finding humor in things, being good listeners. This is a job where you are always needed.” —&nbsp;Lindsey Stover, registered nurse, Los Angeles

“My hospital sees very underserved patients who have very little interaction with the health care systems, and these are the patients I’ve committed myself to serving.

"My colleagues and fellow staff keep me going each day. It’s always a great time being with them. Seeing how generous my co-workers are — watching them give so much of themselves for their work and their community — inspires me to keep going alongside them.” —&nbsp;Dr. Jessica Martin Moreno, emergency medicine resident, Fresno

“Our nurses need to not feel more abandoned than they already are. I see how hard they’re working, that they keep showing up, and it keeps me showing up.”&nbsp;— Joanna Mello, assistant nurse manager, Sacramento

“As an Indigenous woman, I’m just trying to do my best to help my people and others like us survive this pandemic. I’m doing good work in a community health center that tries to help the most vulnerable. And even if I get death threats or scorn and yelled at by those who misunderstand what we’re doing, my family sees me. And loves me.

"And I can come home every night knowing that in my last days, I’ll have done everything I could to keep my loved ones, and yours, safe.”—&nbsp;Dr. Kalamaoka’aina Niheu, family medicine, Albany

Nurses and doctors in California are burned out. Although COVID-19 hospitalisations appear to be peaking in California and remain substantially lower than during last winter’s surge, health care workers have been toiling in uncertain and stressful conditions for nearly two years.

Nurses and doctors in California are burned out. Although COVID-19 hospitalisations appear to be peaking in California and remain substantially lower than during last winter’s surge, health care workers have been toiling in uncertain and stressful conditions for nearly two years. Coronavirus cases surge, new variants appear and shortages of protective gear, medicines and staff continually emerge. Still, a majority of health workers who wrote to us said that despite their frustrations, they did not plan to leave their jobs. They do not want to let down their co-workers or abandon their patients. They want to combat misinformation, administer COVID-19 vaccines and, as much as possible, help others. Here’s what they shared about how they are coping with this latest surge and why they keep showing up at work: “As the daughter of an Army veteran, a sense of duty was instilled in me at a young age. I am a nurse and have worked in a hospital setting for over 20 years; I can’t leave health care during its greatest need. "I love my co-workers. We’ve already been through three waves together — we will get through this one as well.” — Laura Maffeo, registered nurse, Anaheim “My family is fully vaccinated and we no longer worry about getting seriously ill, especially with this recent variant. As long as schools are open and we have that support for our kids, we feel that we (my wife is also a physician) will get through this. We have to.” — Dr. George Spanos, radiologist, Los Angeles “The only thing that keeps me going is the need. I am a retired pharmacist who went back to work just to increase the availability of vaccinations (of every sort). "I spend time combating misinformation, making the vaccination experience comfortable and praising the recipients who join me in uplifting the community well-being.”— Sandra Bardas, clinical pharmacist, Menlo Park “I have a mortgage payment, little kids in school and a husband who lost his job. I’m the financial backbone of my family, and I’m fortunate to make a salary that enables us to cover our bills. I really don’t know what else I would do, so I make the best of it.” — Jenny Burnett, registered nurse, Concord “My co-workers and I keep each other going by supporting, finding humor in things, being good listeners. This is a job where you are always needed.” — Lindsey Stover, registered nurse, Los Angeles “My hospital sees very underserved patients who have very little interaction with the health care systems, and these are the patients I’ve committed myself to serving. "My colleagues and fellow staff keep me going each day. It’s always a great time being with them. Seeing how generous my co-workers are — watching them give so much of themselves for their work and their community — inspires me to keep going alongside them.” — Dr. Jessica Martin Moreno, emergency medicine resident, Fresno “Our nurses need to not feel more abandoned than they already are. I see how hard they’re working, that they keep showing up, and it keeps me showing up.” — Joanna Mello, assistant nurse manager, Sacramento “As an Indigenous woman, I’m just trying to do my best to help my people and others like us survive this pandemic. I’m doing good work in a community health center that tries to help the most vulnerable. And even if I get death threats or scorn and yelled at by those who misunderstand what we’re doing, my family sees me. And loves me. "And I can come home every night knowing that in my last days, I’ll have done everything I could to keep my loved ones, and yours, safe.”— Dr. Kalamaoka’aina Niheu, family medicine, Albany

Despite burnout, these California health care workers aren’t quitting

A massive unseasonal wildfire is ravaging California's iconic Big Sur coastline, causing local officials to issue evacuation orders.

Wildfire in California’s Big Sur forces evacuations, over 1,500 acres scorched

In Pics: Unseasonal wildfire is raging in California, forcing evacuations

The downtown of Sunnyvale, California, has been bustling since the coronavirus pandemic started. More than 1,000 visitors have enjoyed a night on the town practically every evening for almost two years.

But they do not come to slurp ramen or drink beer at the gastro pub. They eat whatever scraps they can find outside. Then they defecate all over the sidewalks. They are the unwelcome guests nobody invited: crows. And now the city is turning to an unlikely weapon to disperse them: lasers.

City authorities have struggled to get rid of the birds for at least the past five years, but the situation became dire during the pandemic, when the crow population mushroomed, said Larry Klein, the mayor of Sunnyvale.

“The streets are basically riddled with crow poo,” he said Sunday.

It is not just the streets that are overwhelmed in Sunnyvale, which is about 40 miles southeast of San Francisco. Crows have sometimes dropped sticks or leaves or feces onto outdoor diners, Klein said.

In an effort to disperse the birds, the city this month will turn to a tool befitting its Silicon Valley setting: a $20 laser. City authorities already tried chasing the crows away with a falcon, but they had only “limited success,” the mayor said.

It may sound like a futuristic solution, but lasers have been proved to scare away crows. In New York state, Rochester and Auburn have used lasers to repel the birds with some success.

For three weeks, Sunnyvale employees will spend an hour every evening shining a green laser at crows, Klein said. They will also use a boombox to play sounds of crows in distress.

“The biggest thing is to harass them enough so a large percentage of them find new homes,” Klein said.

The crows gather downtown around dusk, after they have spent the day foraging for food.

When crows see a green laser shining in the trees at night, they think animals are running over the branches, said Kevin J. McGowan, an ornithologist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. They will fly somewhere else to sleep.

But crow dispersal is a tricky game, because some of the birds do not want to leave a place where they have already settled, said McGowan, who has studied crows for more than 30 years.

He suggested that Sunnyvale authorities also aim firecrackers and bottle rockets at the birds, which will make them “freak out,” he said.

Even after all that effort, the crows may not want to leave, McGowan said. He cited an example in Auburn, where authorities in the 1990s relocated around 75,000 crows to less crowded areas. But they still gather in parts of the city.

“They’re like teenagers and COVID,” he said. “You can’t stop them getting together.”

However, not everyone supports Sunnyvale’s laser plans. Klein said that the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, a local environmental group, believes the laser has the potential to harm the birds.

Compared with flocks in other cities, Sunnyvale’s 1,000 crows are “a moderate roost,” said Kaeli Swift, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington who has studied crows.

Cities across the country have contended with rising crow populations over the past few years, but such influxes have nothing to do with how the pandemic has emptied the streets, Swift said.

“Roosts move around — we don’t exactly know why,” she said, adding that roosts grow larger in the winter, when crows migrate from Canada.

It appears that the crows may never totally vacate Sunnyvale. The only methods that could get rid of all of them are illegal, such as blasting crows with dynamite, as Illinois authorities did in 1940 when they killed more than 300,000 birds.

Despite the growing numbers of crows, Sunnyvale’s human residents do not need to worry about their health, McGowan said.

“You’d have to lick all the crow droppings on a park bench to come even remotely close to catching something from a crow roost,” he said.

The downtown of Sunnyvale, California, has been bustling since the coronavirus pandemic started. More than 1,000 visitors have enjoyed a night on the town practically every evening for almost two years.

The downtown of Sunnyvale, California, has been bustling since the coronavirus pandemic started. More than 1,000 visitors have enjoyed a night on the town practically every evening for almost two years. But they do not come to slurp ramen or drink beer at the gastro pub. They eat whatever scraps they can find outside. Then they defecate all over the sidewalks. They are the unwelcome guests nobody invited: crows. And now the city is turning to an unlikely weapon to disperse them: lasers. City authorities have struggled to get rid of the birds for at least the past five years, but the situation became dire during the pandemic, when the crow population mushroomed, said Larry Klein, the mayor of Sunnyvale. “The streets are basically riddled with crow poo,” he said Sunday. It is not just the streets that are overwhelmed in Sunnyvale, which is about 40 miles southeast of San Francisco. Crows have sometimes dropped sticks or leaves or feces onto outdoor diners, Klein said. In an effort to disperse the birds, the city this month will turn to a tool befitting its Silicon Valley setting: a $20 laser. City authorities already tried chasing the crows away with a falcon, but they had only “limited success,” the mayor said. It may sound like a futuristic solution, but lasers have been proved to scare away crows. In New York state, Rochester and Auburn have used lasers to repel the birds with some success. For three weeks, Sunnyvale employees will spend an hour every evening shining a green laser at crows, Klein said. They will also use a boombox to play sounds of crows in distress. “The biggest thing is to harass them enough so a large percentage of them find new homes,” Klein said. The crows gather downtown around dusk, after they have spent the day foraging for food. When crows see a green laser shining in the trees at night, they think animals are running over the branches, said Kevin J. McGowan, an ornithologist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. They will fly somewhere else to sleep. But crow dispersal is a tricky game, because some of the birds do not want to leave a place where they have already settled, said McGowan, who has studied crows for more than 30 years. He suggested that Sunnyvale authorities also aim firecrackers and bottle rockets at the birds, which will make them “freak out,” he said. Even after all that effort, the crows may not want to leave, McGowan said. He cited an example in Auburn, where authorities in the 1990s relocated around 75,000 crows to less crowded areas. But they still gather in parts of the city. “They’re like teenagers and COVID,” he said. “You can’t stop them getting together.” However, not everyone supports Sunnyvale’s laser plans. Klein said that the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, a local environmental group, believes the laser has the potential to harm the birds. Compared with flocks in other cities, Sunnyvale’s 1,000 crows are “a moderate roost,” said Kaeli Swift, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington who has studied crows. Cities across the country have contended with rising crow populations over the past few years, but such influxes have nothing to do with how the pandemic has emptied the streets, Swift said. “Roosts move around — we don’t exactly know why,” she said, adding that roosts grow larger in the winter, when crows migrate from Canada. It appears that the crows may never totally vacate Sunnyvale. The only methods that could get rid of all of them are illegal, such as blasting crows with dynamite, as Illinois authorities did in 1940 when they killed more than 300,000 birds. Despite the growing numbers of crows, Sunnyvale’s human residents do not need to worry about their health, McGowan said. “You’d have to lick all the crow droppings on a park bench to come even remotely close to catching something from a crow roost,” he said.

A California city is overrun by crows. Could a laser be the answer?

A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California.

There are far too many to list, so today I’m highlighting six important changes that went into effect January&nbsp;1.

Food-delivery app tips

This new law prohibits food-delivery apps, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, from keeping any portion of gratuity meant for restaurant workers. The rule also requires that the companies itemize customers’ bills and disclose all added fees.

The measure is an effort to increase billing transparency and regulate the growing app-based food-delivery industry.

Permanent mail-in ballots

All California voters will receive mail-in ballots for future elections, regardless of whether they signed up for absentee voting.

Californians have already gotten a taste of universal mail-in voting during the pandemic, but the official change makes California the eighth state in the nation with such a law.

Minimum wage bump

As of Jan. 1, businesses with more than 25 employees must pay their employees at least $15 an hour, while smaller businesses must offer at least $14 hourly.

The raises are the latest consequence of a landmark law that pushed the state’s minimum wage to the highest in the nation. It’s important to note, however, that cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco already required employers to pay at least $15 an hour.

Mandatory composting

Californians are now required to toss excess food waste into green waste bins, rather than the trash, as the state embarks on the largest mandatory composting effort in the nation.

The law requires that local governments provide organic recycling collection to all residents and businesses. The effort is intended to keep landfills clear of food scraps, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Publishing arrest photos

Law enforcement agencies are now prohibited from posting on social media the mug shots of most people arrested and accused of nonviolent crimes.

Supporters of the new rules say that publishing such photos on Twitter and Facebook can irreparably harm the lives of people who have not yet been proven guilty.

“Spousal rape” elimination

This law eliminated the section on spousal rape in the California penal code to ensure that people convicted of raping their spouses face the same punishments as other rapists.

Groups that advocated for the change said that state law had previously allowed more lenient treatment of people who raped their spouses, and that many such perpetrators had not been not required to register as sex offenders.

A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California.

A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California. There are far too many to list, so today I’m highlighting six important changes that went into effect January 1. Food-delivery app tips This new law prohibits food-delivery apps, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, from keeping any portion of gratuity meant for restaurant workers. The rule also requires that the companies itemize customers’ bills and disclose all added fees. The measure is an effort to increase billing transparency and regulate the growing app-based food-delivery industry. Permanent mail-in ballots All California voters will receive mail-in ballots for future elections, regardless of whether they signed up for absentee voting. Californians have already gotten a taste of universal mail-in voting during the pandemic, but the official change makes California the eighth state in the nation with such a law. Minimum wage bump As of Jan. 1, businesses with more than 25 employees must pay their employees at least $15 an hour, while smaller businesses must offer at least $14 hourly. The raises are the latest consequence of a landmark law that pushed the state’s minimum wage to the highest in the nation. It’s important to note, however, that cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco already required employers to pay at least $15 an hour. Mandatory composting Californians are now required to toss excess food waste into green waste bins, rather than the trash, as the state embarks on the largest mandatory composting effort in the nation. The law requires that local governments provide organic recycling collection to all residents and businesses. The effort is intended to keep landfills clear of food scraps, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Publishing arrest photos Law enforcement agencies are now prohibited from posting on social media the mug shots of most people arrested and accused of nonviolent crimes. Supporters of the new rules say that publishing such photos on Twitter and Facebook can irreparably harm the lives of people who have not yet been proven guilty. “Spousal rape” elimination This law eliminated the section on spousal rape in the California penal code to ensure that people convicted of raping their spouses face the same punishments as other rapists. Groups that advocated for the change said that state law had previously allowed more lenient treatment of people who raped their spouses, and that many such perpetrators had not been not required to register as sex offenders.

6 new California laws you should know about

The twins Aylin and Alfredo Trujillo were born just 15 minutes apart, but what makes their birth so rare is that they were born on different days, months and years.

California: Twins arrive in the world on a different day, month and year

In a demonstration of the extent of the rainfall after heavy storms lashed the city, a child in California South Lake Tahoe submerged himself completely in snow. Footage from the Californian city showed an excited boy jumping into a thick layer of snow that covered his entire body.

Heavy snowstorm lashes northern California

The immigrants in California San Jose are well versed with the horrors of having to start afresh in a foreign land which is why at a clinic meant for screening refugees, the immigrant staffers are now offering guidance and support to the thousands of apprehensive Afghan refugees.

United States: Immigrants at California clinic help Afghan refugees

A small plane crashed in a residential area of San Diego County, California on Monday (as per local time) evening. Authorities and local media said that the plane downed power lines and that there were no survivors. The location of the plane crash is 15 miles east of San Diego.

As per NBC, first responders were called at around 7 pm local time.

Firefighters were not able to locate any survivors, the department said in the news release without specifying how many victims were found on board.

No injuries on the ground were confirmed, the San Diego County Sheriff Department said on its official Twitter account.

NBC reported at least one home was damaged in the incident, with power lines also knocked down, affecting dozens of homes.

(More details awaited)

A small plane crashed in a residential area of San Diego County, California on Monday (as per local time) evening. Authorities and local media said that the plane downed power lines and that there were no survivors.

A small plane crashed in a residential area of San Diego County, California on Monday (as per local time) evening. Authorities and local media said that the plane downed power lines and that there were no survivors. The location of the plane crash is 15 miles east of San Diego. As per NBC, first responders were called at around 7 pm local time. Firefighters were not able to locate any survivors, the department said in the news release without specifying how many victims were found on board. No injuries on the ground were confirmed, the San Diego County Sheriff Department said on its official Twitter account. NBC reported at least one home was damaged in the incident, with power lines also knocked down, affecting dozens of homes. (More details awaited)

Plane crashes in California, no survivors

california

California, News on California, stories on California, articles on California, California stories at Wion, California news, California latest news