Bakersfield News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Wimbledon’s finals are heating up, and Bakersfield’s legendary Hank Pfister is reminiscing about his golden days on the grass—when six local players once competed at the tournament simultaneously. A former world No. 19, Pfister fondly recalls the serve-and-volley glory days and marvels at how Bakersfield’s tennis legacy still echoes today. He’s back in his hometown, mentoring the next wave of tale...

Paragliding in the Owens Valley is pure adrenaline—thermals can lift you over 18,000 feet, but the risks are real and relentless. From Barry Smith’s near-disaster with a failing oxygen system to the tragic deaths of pilots like Cody Tuttle, the mountain never bends to human will. Beginners are lured by epic online footage, often unprepared for the invisible dangers lurking at altitude. It’s a high...

AT&T’s push to scrap aging copper landlines sparks a fierce debate: while the telecom giant claims it’s outdated and costly, residents in fire-prone California areas see it as their lifeline—working without power when cell service fails. As AT&T fights state mandates and the FCC backs its move, critics warn new wireless alternatives aren’t as reliable, risking critical emergency communications. Th...

A Canoga Park nail salon owner and her husband are accused of swindling over $1.4 million from 12 victims—mostly Vietnamese immigrants in the San Fernando Valley—by promising sky-high returns that never came. Using her trusted community reputation, they allegedly funneled cash into personal pockets, leaving some victims with bounced checks and lost life savings. The case exposes the risks of infor...

Step into the heart of Bakersfield’s community spirit at the Cali Night Market, where local entrepreneurs get a stage to shine without the burden of brick-and-mortar costs. Every Friday evening, forty to sixty vendors gather at Golden Valley High School to serve up food, unique goods, and unforgettable connections. It’s more than shopping—it’s a family-friendly gathering that fuels local business,...

Triple-digit heat is here to stay — starting Thursday and lasting through next week. While not record-breaking, it’s still brutal. Parents are turning to free spray parks for relief, but safety first: keep a close eye on kids near water, especially the tricky Kern River. Dry conditions also mean fire risk — clear debris from gutters and around your home. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or strok...

A ten-year-old girl vanished after chatting with a stranger on Roblox—only to be found linked to a 29-year-old man who allegedly kidnapped her with intent to commit sex acts. Authorities tracked her down through her phone and gaming account, revealing a chilling pattern: her father had punished her for online interactions with older men. The girl, who thought she was going on a car ride with her “...

Goodwill Industries is doubling down on community impact with two new stores set to open, bringing their total to twelve and creating more jobs and access to affordable goods for local families. With roots in Bakersfield dating back to 1964, this expansion isn’t just about retail—it’s about empowering people by offering support, resources, and second chances. One store relocates, the other is bran...

Arvin Little League just shattered expectations—making history by earning their first-ever trip to the California State Tournament since 1973, after a dominant 15-1 season and a thrilling sectional win over Chowchilla. With the whole town rallying behind them, local businesses and community fundraisers—including taco sales—are raising $10,000 to cover tournament costs. For this small agricultural...

A 21-year-old man sentenced to eight years for a deadly DUI crash that killed 66-year-old Gayla Sue Price is facing the consequences of driving over 100 mph high on marijuana. The victim’s family, present in court, shared their grief and trauma, criticizing the plea deal and Reyad’s lack of remorse. They highlighted his history of reckless driving and questioned his age as a mitigating factor, whi...

The GEO Group is settling with Cal/OSHA over safety violations at its Golden State Annex detention center, paying over $104,000 in fines — including a major “willful” citation downgraded to a general violation. The deal also requires updates and enforcement of disease control plans at multiple facilities, including Mesa Verde in Bakersfield. While GEO insists the settlement isn’t an admission of f...

A toddler wandered alone in Oildale, California, barefoot and in just a diaper, darting across a busy intersection—until a gas station owner stepped in to save him. Authorities confirmed it was an accidental escape, no charges will be filed, and the child is now safe with his family. This heart-stopping moment underscores how fast things can turn dangerous—and how one person’s quick action can mak...

A tragic crash in Delano claims the life of 25-year-old Ivan Garza, a beloved football standout who rose from Robert F. Kennedy High School to earn a scholarship at Sacramento State. Remembered as a joyful, resilient young man who inspired his community and was always supported by his family, Garza’s sudden loss leaves a void. Police are investigating the vehicle-pedestrian collision on Glenwood S...

Beat the summer heat without breaking the bank—your local library’s got you. Kern County Libraries are serving up free lunches, story times, craft workshops, and cultural events across all branches, turning bookshelves into bustling community hubs. Perfect for parents juggling summer breaks and rising costs, it’s a cool, free, and nutritious alternative to pricey camps. Check KernCountyLibrary.org...

California’s public colleges are getting a major funding boost—but with strings attached. New state money for 2026-27 ties CSU funds to performance goals, shifting from broad support to accountability-driven spending. While this aims to ensure funds go where they’re most needed, critics fear it could stifle innovation and add pressure. Meanwhile, lawmakers blocked billion-dollar bond measures, lim...

Kern County’s child protective services investigation, ignited by the heartbreaking death of eight-year-old Genesis Mata, may soon get a major extension — and a new phase. The county is seeking approval to amend its contract with San Diego State’s Social Policy Institute, adding a crucial step: presenting findings and actionable recommendations to officials, community partners, and families direct...

Michael Gates, a Republican with deep California legal experience, is launching a bold bid for attorney general, betting big on voter ID and the current political moment. Former deputy AG and San Diego prosecutor, Gates isn’t playing it safe—he’s already showing voters he can compete, pulling 45% in a recent special election. With a message tailored to Republican core concerns and a campaign that’...

Bakersfield’s southeast is set for a major transformation with a 400-acre development led by Max Bacerra and Jessey Bowman, aiming to turn an underused area into a thriving shopping and housing hub. But illegal dumping and encampments—now worse than before—threaten progress, with cleanup needs having tripled since last year. Still, the team stays optimistic, fueled by a vision of community uplift...

A federal judge appointed by Trump, Ryan D. Nelson of the Ninth Circuit, is facing judicial misconduct scrutiny after a viral parking lot brawl in Idaho where he allegedly snatched and stomped on another driver’s sunglasses — leading to misdemeanor charges. The case has been transferred to the Fourth Circuit for impartial review, avoiding internal conflict. Nelson, known for his staunch support of...

An LAPD officer recorded his colleagues spewing racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks in the very unit that vets new recruits — but now he’s facing criminal charges for allegedly breaking California’s wiretapping law. While prosecutors investigate whether the recordings were legal, Flores’ lawyer argues his actions were justified as part of an investigation. The department, meanwhile, has punishe...

France storms into the semifinals with a 2-0 win over Morocco, powered by Kylian Mbappé’s goal, assist, and gritty resilience after missing a penalty. Ousmane Dembélé sealed the victory with the second goal. Now facing either Spain or Belgium, France eyes history—becoming the third nation ever to reach three straight World Cup finals, echoing their identical 2-0 semifinal win over Morocco last tim...

U.S. airstrikes hit Iran, killing 14 and wounding 78, sparking retaliatory strikes on Gulf states that sent sirens blaring across Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. As tensions escalate amid a fragile ceasefire, President Trump warns of escalating consequences if Iran attacks shipping again — even threatening civilian infrastructure. The strikes target Iran’s ability to disrupt global energy flows throug...

Tragedy struck Delano when former Kennedy High football star Ivan Garza, a standout athlete and beloved community member, lost his life in a car accident while crossing Glenwood Street. A First Team All-State player who also excelled in track and basketball, Ivan went on to play offensive line at Sacramento State, earning honorable mention All-Big Sky honors. His impact resonated deeply, with coac...

Step back into the 90s at the Kern County Fair’s epic 90s Rewind concert on October 2nd, featuring legendary acts like The Sugarhill Gang, Treach from Naughty by Nature, and C&C Music Factory—live at the Budweiser Pavilion. Free admission (with fair general admission required) and first-come, first-served seating mean you’ve got to arrive early for a front-row blast of “Rapper’s Delight,” “Gonna M...

A man missing an arm, Karim Reyad, just got eight years for killing a beloved grandmother in a high-speed crash fueled by alleged marijuana use. The victim’s family, including her grandkids, poured out raw grief in court, recalling her as their rock, their confidante, and the vibrant life she still had left. One grandchild still texts her; another vows to teach future kids how one reckless choice...