Complicated disputes include whether Facebook ‘likes’ and Twitter posts are protected speech The very definition of ‘free speech’ could be changing … Click to Continue »

Rev. Robert Gamel pleaded guilty Friday Former head of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church faces up to three years in prison He was head of the Los Banos church from 2009 to late 2014 … Click to Continue »

Rain did not dampen the spirits of the cowboys and cowgirls who brought a herd of steers down Robertson Boulevard on Friday. The Cattle Drive kicked off the 59th annual … Click to Continue »

Those districts drew a total of five contenders District 4 remains open five more days, because incumbent did not file The primary election is June 7 … Click to Continue »

Two males suffered gunshot wounds No arrests have been made … Click to Continue »

Killing this week was reminder for advocates of victims Hmong community is focus of new network … Click to Continue »

Event originated in Bay Area, will be in Merced for first time Saturday Dresses are free for high school girls with student ID Volunteers say teens’ happiness is reward for hard work put into event … Click to Continue »

Burbank Elementary students collected books for Rivera Elementary, a new school Their donation tripled the new school’s collection Library was part of new construction … Click to Continue »

Students at Burbank Elementary gathered and donated nearly 2,000 books to their peers at Rivera Elementary, which has a new library, essentially tripling the size of the collection on Friday, March 11, 2016. (Thaddeus Miller/tmiller@mercedsunstar.com) … Click to Continue »

Two men have been arrested in connection with Wednesday’s armed bank robbery in Merced, the Police Department reported. Andrew T. Lamar, 22, of Atwater, is believed to be the man … Click to Continue »

Measure would need to go before voters Prop. 163 in 1992 banned taxes on candy, snack foods Lawmaker also has bill to remove sales taxes from feminine hygiene products … Click to Continue »

Suspect prepared for possible shootout with law enforcement, deputies say Peter Brown Duncan has been arrested twice this week Deputies say he had two guns, high-capacity magazines, bullet-proof vest … Click to Continue »

As expected, Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, announced his intention to run for another term for the 16th Congressional District seat on Thursday, March 10, 2016. … Click to Continue »