Karl Cooke

Fresno

Anchor and Reporter at KMPH-TV (Fresno, CA)

Happily married to the love of my life Daniella Cooke.❤️ Fresno State Alum 🐾🦴 Anchor/Reporter for KMPH FOX 26

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Articles

Cost for state capitol project exceeds $1 billion

1 week ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Since its completion in 1952, the East Annex Building in the state capitol was home to the governor, 115 of 120 state lawmakers, and among California's most visited public buildings. But with the approved votes back in 2018 the building is now under construction in what's being titled as the State Capitol Annex Project. To accommodate for state leaders while the annex building is being renovated a swing space was built in 2019.
Proposed Senate Bill to try help ease utility bill affordability crisis

2 weeks ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

by Karl CookeFri, April 25th 2025 at 6:24 AMUpdated Fri, April 25th 2025 at 8:15 AMFILE- Patricia Moran holds up a utility bill while posing for photos at her child care facility in San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. California pays for low-income people to have child care. Two years ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature agreed to spend enough money so that 200,000 more people could get childcare.
Expanded health care access among top issues between state leaders

3 weeks ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26 — With uncertainty of the federal government's policy cuts and tariffs future looming, state lawmakers are continuing to look into the budget uncertainties for the 2025-26 fiscal year. One of the biggest discussions being the accessibility of Medi-Cal to people across the state. When discussions for Assembly Bill 100 were brought to the State Assembly Committee For Budget, questions of accessibility were at the forefront.
Cost to remodel San Quentin into rehabilitation center revealed

1 month ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

Changes are ongoing for what is now known as the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Back in March of 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom announced changes to the prison into a rehabilitation facility. Speaking alongside employees of the prison and other leaders, Governor Newsom says this transformed area will focus on rehabilitation and education. "And so for us this is about real public safety, this is about keeping communities safe,” Governor Newsom said.
CPUC efficiency programs not efficient enough- State Auditor

1 month ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Controversy and concerns continue to linger over the California Public Utilities Commission. Now a new report from the California State Auditor is shining a light on another issue. According to the auditor's office, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee directed them to conduct an audit of the CPUC and its role in overseeing energy efficiency programs.
Analysts don't agree with funding for state educational programs

1 month ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — As the proposed budget is in the early stages for the 2025-26 fiscal year, education is a continued topic being discussed. One subject involved is how much would be spent from the general fund. As of right now, $225 million would be given to the Governor's Office of Planning And Research. But a report from the Legislative Analyst's Office looks into two specific programs. The first program would receive 5 million for the 2025 and 26 years and 84 million ongoing after that.
California Department of Healthcare requesting extra $6 billion for Medi-Cal costs

1 month ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Expenses for Medi-Cal are higher than expected for the state of California. For the second time in two weeks, state health leaders have come to lawmakers to request more funds to cover the expenses in the state's Medi-Cal budget. A little over six billion dollars to be exact. So what's causing this? Cal Matters Reporter Ana Ibarra explains.
California and three counties unprepared for disasters: State Auditor

2 months ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

FRESNO, CALIF. (FOX26) — A hearing five years in the making is finally being discussed. Early last week, the California State Assembly Judiciary Committee had their weekly meeting to talk about an audit that was released back in 2019. The original meeting was scheduled for 2020, but was cancelled due to COVID.
Audit: California lacking data on homeless program spending

2 months ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

by Karl CookeFri, March 7th 2025 at 11:20 AMFILE - In this photo taken Thursday, June 18, 2009, one of three homeless encampments, known as tent city is seen in Fresno, Calif. Fresno. Nearly $200 million in grant money will go to California cities and counties to move homeless people from encampments into housing, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday, April 18, 2024, pledging increased oversight of efforts by local governments to reduce homelessness.
Data centers contributing to high electric rates in California

2 months ago | kmph.com | Karl Cooke

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — It's a continuing issue people in the state of California have heard for quite some time — high electricity rates. But just how high are the rates compared to other states across the U.S?Well, thanks to a newly released report from the State Legislative Analyst's Office, we're getting a clearer picture of how much more people spend. According to the report... "California’s electricity rates are among the highest in the country," Johnson said.