Jessica Skropanic
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Articles by Jessica Skropanic
Redding driver arrested in Napa after hitting Shasta activist Zapata
A Northern California man is in the Napa County Jail on suspicion he struck a Shasta County activist and realtor with his car on Sept. 27 in Palo Cedro, then fled south, leaving the man badly injured. "I have some broken ribs and a broken scapula, and I have 18 staples in my head," said Carlos Zapata on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after he was struck by the vehicle while he was helping take down the Palo Cedro Rodeo Association's premier rodeo event on Sunday afternoon.
Brave dog dies from injuries trying to guard couple from black bear
A French bulldog, who died after she tried to protect her rural Trinity County family from a bear, is being lauded as a hero by her Northern California community. It's a rare case of a black bear attacking people, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Mallory Wilson woke up to screaming on Sept.
Brave dog dies from injuries trying to guard couple from black bear Original
A French bulldog, who died after she tried to protect her rural Trinity County family from a bear, is being lauded as a hero by her Northern California community. It's a rare case of a black bear attacking people, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Mallory Wilson woke up to screaming on Sept.
How much could 2027 Social Security checks rise in Redding area?
Social Security recipients in Shasta County could see a larger payment increase in 2027 compared to this year. Two forecasts project the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to be around 3.5% to 3.6%. The official 2027 COLA will be announced on Oct. 14, based on inflation data.
How much could 2027 Social Security checks rise in Redding area?
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Redding and Shasta County Social Security recipients could see a bigger boost in 2027, with early forecasts pointing to a cost‑of‑living adjustment. Greater Redding residents on Social Security could see a larger increase in their monthly payments in 2027 than they received in 2026, according to two forecasts released before the official cost-of-living adjustment is announced.
By Bailey Allen, Sarah Moore Verified, Ernesto Araújo Verified, Elizabeth Roberts, Jessica Skropanic Verified
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Yurok mom, firefighter dies with her 2 sons in Highway 299 crash Original
Sept. 25, 2026, 5:42 p.m. ET A Yurok firefighter and her two sons were among five people who died in a crash on Highway 299 on Sept. 19, the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation Fire Department in Fort Jones said. April Star Sylvia Moon, age 31, was an engineer with the Yurok Fire Department and tribal member, according to a statement issued by the Yurok Tribe.
Yurok mom, firefighter dies with her 2 sons in Highway 299 crash
A Yurok firefighter and her two sons were among five people who died in a crash on Highway 299 on Sept. 19, the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation Fire Department in Fort Jones said. April Star Sylvia Moon, age 31, was an engineer with the Yurok Fire Department and tribal member, according to a statement issued by the Yurok Tribe.
Invasive mosquito spreads across California. How to stay safe
If it feels like mosquitoes have been especially relentless this year, you're not imagining it. Vector control officials in Northern California say an invasive mosquito known as Aedes aegypti is continuing to spread, bringing more daytime bites to neighborhoods and backyards.
Invasive mosquito spreads across California. How to stay safe Original
Sept. 25, 2026, 2:48 p.m. ET An invasive mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, is spreading across California, leading to more daytime bites. This mosquito thrives in residential areas and can breed in very small amounts of standing water around homes. While not currently spreading diseases like Zika in California, the species is a known carrier in other parts of the world. Officials advise residents to eliminate standing water from containers, gutters, and pet bowls to reduce breeding sites.
Redding teen, Anderson woman who died in Hwy 299 crash identified
The Shasta County Coroner’s Office identified two of the five people who were killed in a head-on crash on Highway 299 near Whiskeytown Lake on Sept. 19. One person survived. They were 52-year-old Sharlene Anna Black of Anderson, and 19-year-old Mason David Baker of Redding, the coroner reported. Black and Baker were traveling with a third person in a Toyota Prius on Highway 299, east of Whiskey Creek Road last Saturday night, the California Highway Patrol said earlier this week.
Redding teen, Anderson woman who died in Hwy 299 crash identified Original
Sept. 25, 2026, 11:55 a.m. ET The Shasta County Coroner’s Office identified two of the five people who were killed in a head-on crash on Highway 299 near Whiskeytown Lake on Sept. 19. One person survived. They were 52-year-old Sharlene Anna Black of Anderson, and 19-year-old Mason David Baker of Redding, the coroner reported.
Aggressive mosquito spreads in Shasta County, California
If you swatted more mosquitoes and suffered more bites than usual in 2026, you're not alone. An invasive mosquito that thrives in the daytime, and can breed in water that barely fills a bottlecap, is spreading fast, Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District officials reported. It's highly aggressive and its bite is causing people, pets and wildlife a lot of itchy grief. And the insect will stick around well into autumn, vector control predicted. Vector control said on Sept.
Aggressive mosquito spreads in Shasta County, California Original
If you swatted more mosquitoes and suffered more bites than usual in 2026, you're not alone. An invasive mosquito that thrives in the daytime, and can breed in water that barely fills a bottlecap, is spreading fast, Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District officials reported. It’s highly aggressive and its bite is causing people, pets and wildlife a lot of itchy grief. And the insect will stick around well into autumn, vector control predicted. Vector control said on Sept.
Shasta office closes to cut downtown Redding parking, lease costs
Redding's downtown rental costs and expensive limited parking prompted the Shasta County Health and Human Services to move its California Street eligibility and employment office elsewhere, the agency said. Staff at the now-shut facility — it closed Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 23 — help people struggling to put food on the table find a job, arrange child care and transportation, and to apply for assistance programs. They also provide job training, career counseling and other related services.
Shasta office closes to cut downtown Redding parking, lease costs Original
Redding's downtown rental costs and expensive limited parking prompted the Shasta County Health and Human Services to move its California Street eligibility and employment office elsewhere, the agency said. Staff at the now-shut facility — it closed Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 23 — help people struggling to put food on the table find a job, arrange child care and transportation, and to apply for assistance programs. They also provide job training, career counseling and other related services.
Siskiyou November 2026 election races, dates voters should know
Local contested races include those for U.S. Congress District 2, and city council races in Dorris, Dunsmuir, Etna, Montague, Mount Shasta, Weed and Yreka. Also on the ballot are races for county Superintendent of Schools, and for Siskiyou Joint Community College and Scott Valley Unified School District boards. There are also six measures, each covering a different part of the county including Yreka, Mount Shasta, Tulelake and Weed.
Siskiyou November 2026 election races, dates voters should know
Local contested races include those for U.S. Congress District 2, and city council races in Dorris, Dunsmuir, Etna, Montague, Mount Shasta, Weed and Yreka. Also on the ballot are races for county Superintendent of Schools, and for Siskiyou Joint Community College and Scott Valley Unified School District boards. There are also six measures, each covering a different part of the county including Yreka, Mount Shasta, Tulelake and Weed.
Look up, California, for the Harvest Moon and autumn meteor showers
The first full moon of autumn rises over Northern California on Saturday, Sept. 26, four days after Tuesday's fall equinox. And it's a Harvest Moon, according to NASA, a status defined by how close it occurs to that Sept. 22 autumnal equinox. Here's what else to know about the Harvest Moon and other things to watch for in the night sky in 2026. When will the Harvest Moon peak? The full moon will peak on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 9:49 a.m., according to Time and Date.
Look up, California, for the Harvest Moon and autumn meteor showers Original
The first full moon of autumn rises over Northern California on Saturday, Sept. 26, four days after Tuesday's fall equinox. And it's a Harvest Moon, according to NASA, a status defined by how close it occurs to that Sept. 22 autumnal equinox. Here's what else to know about the Harvest Moon and other things to watch for in the night sky in 2026. When will the Harvest Moon peak? The full moon will peak on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 9:49 a.m., according to Time and Date. Need a news break?
Pueblo artist Kennedy Pugh receives Colorado traditional arts grant Original
Twenty-five artists and arts organizations across Colorado, including a well-known performer and arts educator from Pueblo, are set to receive $3,000 grants to support folk and traditional arts projects.
Pueblo artist Kennedy Pugh receives Colorado traditional arts grant
Twenty-five artists and arts organizations across Colorado, including a well-known performer and arts educator from Pueblo, are set to receive $3,000 grants to support folk and traditional arts projects.
Becerra and Hilton face off for California governor seat
Shasta and Siskiyou county voters soon join the rest of California in choosing the state's next governor — a race that puts major issues, including housing, homelessness, crime, climate change and the economy, at stake. California's gubernatorial race has drawn national attention, with political observers across the country closely watching the outcome.
Becerra and Hilton face off for California governor seat Original
Sept. 23, 2026, 4:16 p.m. PT Shasta and Siskiyou county voters soon join the rest of California in choosing the state's next governor — a race that puts major issues, including housing, homelessness, crime, climate change and the economy, at stake. California's gubernatorial race has drawn national attention, with political observers across the country closely watching the outcome.
Firefighters stop 3-acre brush fire in Palo Cedro
Firefighters stopped spread on a 3-acre grass fire that burned in Palo Cedro on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Linda Fire started before 4:52 p.m. in the 9300 block of Redtail Lane, according to Watch Duty fire tracker. That area is on the south side of Highway 44, about half a mile southwest of Redding Christian School and Holiday Market.
Target Regional Distribution Center celebrates 40 years in Pueblo Original
Target Corp. recently marked the 40th anniversary of its Pueblo supply chain facility with a celebration for employees and their families. The Target Pueblo Regional Distribution Center, which employs more than 870 people, services 60 stores across six states, according to a company announcement. Target highlighted the changes the facility has undergone since it opened, particularly in terms of technology.
Target Regional Distribution Center celebrates 40 years in Pueblo
Target Corp. recently marked the 40th anniversary of its Pueblo supply chain facility with a celebration for employees and their families. The Target Pueblo Regional Distribution Center, which employs more than 870 people, services 60 stores across six states, according to a company announcement. Target highlighted the changes the facility has undergone since it opened, particularly in terms of technology.
Firefighters stop 3-acre brush fire in Palo Cedro
Firefighters stopped spread on a 3-acre grass fire that burned in Palo Cedro on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Linda Fire started before 4:52 p.m. in the 9300 block of Redtail Lane, according to Watch Duty fire tracker. That area is on the south side of Highway 44, about half a mile southwest of Redding Christian School and Holiday Market.
Crews battle 3-acre brush fire in Palo Cedro Original
Sept. 22, 2026, 5:10 p.m. PT Firefighters are battling a 3-acre brush fire in Palo Cedro that started on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 22. The Linda Fire started at roughly 4:40 p.m. on the north side of Highway 44, west of Redding Christian School, according to Watch Duty fire tracker. It spread to its 3-acre size just before 5 p.m. Firefighters are fighting the blaze from the air as well as on the ground. This story is developing. Check back for more information.
Redding council hires Placer recruiter to find city manager candidates Original
Sept. 22, 2026, 11:23 a.m. PT Redding City Council members voted 3-2 at a closed meeting on Monday evening, Sept. 21, to hire a Placer County recruiting agency to conduct a broad search for the next city manager, rather than fast track the interim city manager to the permanent job. The city will hire Ralph Andersen and Associates of Rocklin, councilmembers said.
Redding council hires Placer recruiter to find city manager candidates
Redding City Council members voted 3-2 at a closed meeting on Monday evening, Sept. 21, to hire a Placer County recruiting agency to conduct a broad search for the next city manager, rather than fast track the interim city manager to the permanent job. The city will hire Ralph Andersen and Associates of Rocklin, councilmembers said.
Shasta County November 2026 election races, dates voters should know
The general election arrives soon in Shasta and California. Here are races on the ballot and how to register, check your status and cast your votes. Local contested races include those for U.S. Congress District 2, Redding, Anderson and Shasta Lake city councils, Shasta County District 5 Supervisor and several dozen school, water, fire and community district races. There are also four county ballot measures.
Shasta County November 2026 election races, dates voters should know Original
Shasta County votes in California's general election in November 2026. Local contested races include those for U.S. Congress District 2, Redding, Anderson and Shasta Lake city councils, Shasta County District 5 Supervisor and several dozen school, water, fire and community district races. There are also four county ballot measures. Shasta County voters will also help decide who will become the state's next governor, and outcomes of more than a dozen statewide propositions with far-reaching impacts.
4 Redding council members to hold closed meeting over city manager job Original
Sept. 21, 2026, 12:49 p.m. PT The Redding City Council will meet in a special closed meeting at 4 p.m. Sept. 21 for one reason: To discuss filling the city manager's seat permanently. But Mayor Michael Littau won't be present. The council meeting was scheduled at the same time he has rehearsal for the Tuesday, Sept. 22, State of the City address, Littau said.
4 Redding council members to hold closed meeting over city manager job
The Redding City Council will meet in a special closed meeting at 4 p.m. Sept. 21 for one reason: To discuss filling the city manager's seat permanently. But Mayor Michael Littau won't be present. The council meeting was scheduled at the same time he has rehearsal for the Tuesday, Sept. 22, State of the City address, Littau said.
How Redding Republican says she'd lead new District 2
Republican candidate Robin Littau has a lot of work to do over the next six weeks in the newly drawn Congressional District 2 to have a chance of beating incumbent U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman in the November general election. The Enterprise Elementary School board member and Redding businesswoman already beat six other candidates — three of them fellow Republicans — on the 2026 primary ballot when she earned 11.4% of the primary vote. Coming in second made her a candidate in the Nov.
How Redding Republican says she'd lead new District 2 Original
Sept. 21, 2026, 3:07 a.m. PT Republican candidate Robin Littau has a lot of work to do over the next six weeks in the newly drawn Congressional District 2 to have a chance of beating incumbent U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman in the November general election. The Enterprise Elementary School board member and Redding businesswoman already beat six other candidates — three of them fellow Republicans — on the 2026 primary ballot when she earned 11.4% of the primary vote.
5 Q's for Jared Huffman on his plans for new district voters Original
Sept. 21, 2026, 3:03 a.m. PT One way or another, Jared Huffman's job will change in 2027. The Democratic congressman spent the last 14 years representing District 2 along California’s North Coast from the Oregon border to the Golden Gate Bridge. Shasta, Siskiyou and Modoc counties will join California's newly re-drawn U.S. Congressional District 2 in January 2027. That's after a runoff race on Nov. 3, when voters decide between incumbent Huffman and Redding Republican candidate Robin Littau.
5 Q's for Jared Huffman on his plans for new district voters
One way or another, Jared Huffman's job will change in 2027. The Democratic congressman spent the last 14 years representing District 2 along California’s North Coast from the Oregon border to the Golden Gate Bridge. Shasta, Siskiyou and Modoc counties will join California's newly re-drawn U.S. Congressional District 2 in January 2027. That's after a runoff race on Nov. 3, when voters decide between incumbent Huffman and Redding Republican candidate Robin Littau.
CSU Pueblo student earns national HACU leadership honor
Colorado State University Pueblo student Maria Meza Saldivar was selected for a national leadership program, making her school the only four-year institution in Colorado to be chosen this year. Meza Saldivar was named a HACU Voces Nuevas Scholar by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, CSU Pueblo announced. She is among roughly 50 students selected from colleges and universities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
CSU Pueblo student earns national HACU leadership honor Original
Colorado State University Pueblo student Maria Meza Saldivar was selected for a national leadership program, making her school the only four-year institution in Colorado to be chosen this year. Meza Saldivar was named a HACU Voces Nuevas Scholar by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, CSU Pueblo announced. She is among roughly 50 students selected from colleges and universities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
CSU Pueblo expands direct admissions initiative, adds GOAL High School Original
Jessica Skropanic USA TODAY NETWORK Sept. 21, 2026, 3:46 a.m. MT Colorado State University Pueblo and GOAL High School have launched a direct admissions initiative that bypasses the traditional college application process for GOAL graduates. The partnership, which begins in the 2026-27 school year, will allow GOAL students with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher to receive automatic acceptance to CSU Pueblo, according to a community announcement.
CSU Pueblo expands direct admissions initiative, adds GOAL High School
Colorado State University Pueblo and GOAL High School have launched a direct admissions initiative that bypasses the traditional college application process for GOAL graduates. The partnership, which begins in the 2026-27 school year, will allow GOAL students with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher to receive automatic acceptance to CSU Pueblo, according to a community announcement.
Pueblo library district launches new AI partnership with BoodleBox
Pueblo County library users will soon have a new way to learn about artificial intelligence. The library district is the first public library in the nation to partner with AI learning platform BoodleBox, the library announced. The platform allows users to access multiple AI tools in one place, with a focus on privacy and environmental sustainability, according to the announcement.
Pueblo library district launches new AI partnership with BoodleBox Original
Pueblo County library users will soon have a new way to learn about artificial intelligence. The library district is the first public library in the nation to partner with AI learning platform BoodleBox, the library announced. The platform allows users to access multiple AI tools in one place, with a focus on privacy and environmental sustainability, according to the announcement. LIBRARIES: Pueblo library district may face hard choices if ballot measure fails What is BoodleBox?
Meet the 101-year-old crowned Silver Queen in Pueblo Original
Mary Woody, 101, was named the 2026 Silver Queen during the 52nd Annual Silver Queen celebration in Pueblo. The event, held Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club, celebrated 10 women from across southern Colorado, according a community announcement from Sangre de Cristo Community Care. Woody, a resident of University Park Care Center, was recognized for her positive attitude and sense of humor.
Meet the 101-year-old crowned Silver Queen in Pueblo
Mary Woody, 101, was named the 2026 Silver Queen during the 52nd Annual Silver Queen celebration in Pueblo. The event, held Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club, celebrated 10 women from across southern Colorado, according a community announcement from Sangre de Cristo Community Care. Woody, a resident of University Park Care Center, was recognized for her positive attitude and sense of humor.
DNA shows bone found near Eureka belonged to man lost at sea in 1999
A bone found washed up on a Humboldt County beach earlier in 2026 was identified as belonging to a fisherman who was lost at sea more than 25 years ago, authorities say. DNA testing showed the bone belonged to Jonathan Raxa, who vanished in 1999 during a commercial fishing trip, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said in a Sept. 16 news release.
DNA shows bone found near Eureka belonged to man lost at sea in 1999
A DNA comparison found that a bone that washed up on a beach near Ferndale belonging to a fisherman who vanished at the mouth of Humboldt Bay in 1999. A bone found washed up on a Humboldt County beach earlier in 2026 was identified as belonging to a fisherman who was lost at sea more than 25 years ago, authorities say. DNA testing showed the bone belonged to Jonathan Raxa, who vanished in 1999 during a commercial fishing trip, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said in a Sept. 16 news release.
Redding council divided over city manager search
Three Redding city councilmembers said they'll continue the search for a new city manager, despite Mayor Mike Littau's and Councilman Jack Munns' support for hiring Assistant City Manager Michael Webb. "We're thinking too hard about this right now. We have a qualified candidate right in front of us," Littau said on Wednesday, Sept. 16, the day after the council held a closed session, in part, to review viable candidates. It was the fourth such meeting.
Redding council divided over city manager search
Three Redding city councilmembers said they'll continue the search for a new city manager, despite Mayor Mike Littau's and Councilman Jack Munns' support for hiring Assistant City Manager Michael Webb. "We're thinking too hard about this right now. We have a qualified candidate right in front of us," Littau said on Wednesday, Sept. 16, the day after the council held a closed session, in part, to review viable candidates. It was the fourth such meeting.
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