James Ward

6 days ago | redding.com | James Ward |Paris Barraza

The Climate Prediction Center's recent dire drought outlook for California and the western United States has some more bad news: The dry, hot conditions will worsen air quality and introduce more dust and pollen allergens into the air. Meteorologists say Southern California will bear the brunt of the worst air quality and allergens, but the Central Valley may also be affected if wind patterns blow north.

1 week ago | vvdailypress.com | James Ward |Gabe Hauari

This upcoming weekend is Easter weekend, meaning Friday, April 18 is Good Friday. Good Friday is the day in which Christian and Catholic churches across the world commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. "From the early days of Christianity, Good Friday was observed as a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting," Britannica notes. Easter falls on Sunday, April 20 this year, and it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and follows a 40-day period known as Lent.

1 week ago | vvdailypress.com | James Ward

USA Today recently named two California cities the Best Small Towns in the West, including the No. 1 overall in the survey. Solvang, the Denmark-themed town in the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country, was awarded first place in the publication's annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. In the Sonoma Valley, another wine-lovers destination, Healdsburg, came in third in the survey. Here's what to know about USA TODAY's 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards survey.

1 week ago | redding.com | James Ward |Melina Khan

Most of California will have a hot, dry summer. according to the Old Farmer's Almanac's long-range weather forecast. After last year marked one of the hottest summers to date, the Old Farmer's Almanac's forecast is predicting that this summer will be just as intense. The outlook predicts near-normal temperatures in most parts of the country in June, with July and August expected to see a buildup of heat.

2 weeks ago | vvdailypress.com | James Ward |Cydney Henderson

The 89th Masters Tournament is set to tee off Thursday at the Augusta National Golf Club and the coveted green jacket is up for grabs. Two-time major winner Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and the early favorite to win the 2025 Masters, is vying to become the first golfer to win back-to-back Masters tournaments in more than two decades. Tiger Woods was the last golfer to win consecutive green jackets in 2001 and 2002.