Friday, April 24, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1940, actor Michael Parks was born in Corona. He scored a Billboard Top 20 hit as the biker drifter in NBC’s Then Came Bronson, then later became a Tarantino favorite, playing Texas Ranger Earl McGraw in Kill Bill.

Deep-fried asparagus is one thing, but asparagus ice cream? A beloved Central Valley festival is back this weekend with some truly unexpected flavors, and we have the details below in Et Cetera.

What’s the strangest fair food you’ve ever actually enjoyed? Reply and let us know!

Today’s sponsor, Cytonics, is a pioneering biotech company developing a potential first-ever cure for osteoarthritis, offering investors a rare opportunity to get in early ahead of its next phase of clinical trials.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Federal Sweep Targets Mexican Mafia Network

Federal agents raided about 30 locations across Southern California on Thursday morning in a crackdown on alleged Mexican Mafia operations dubbed "Operation Gangsta's Paradise."

Federal indictments charge about 40 members and associates of the gang, also known as La Eme, with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, murder, kidnapping, and running illegal strip-mall gambling operations.

Prosecutors say the alleged ringleader, 48-year-old Luis Cardenas, directed the Orange County operation from his cell at Ironwood State Prison using contraband cell phones. At least one defendant is charged in a killing tied to the case.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said gang operations "extend from state prison into our county jails and on through the streets." About a dozen defendants were already in custody before Thursday's raids.

FBI Director Kash Patel publicly credited the agencies involved, with arrests concentrated in Orange County, including Santa Ana and Anaheim.

Bass, Barger Seek Trump FEMA Aid

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger met with President Trump at the White House on Wednesday to push for federal wildfire recovery funding.

Bass and Barger described the Oval Office discussion as "positive," saying they discussed pressuring insurance companies and banks on behalf of families still rebuilding from the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires.

California leaders have sought $33.9 billion in additional Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding beyond the $3 billion announced last June. Gov. Gavin Newsom has separately clashed with Homeland Security leadership over a delayed $500 million FEMA disbursement.

Bass said the meeting did not touch on her reelection.

Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Budget Director Russell Vought also attended. The meeting produced no specific funding commitment.

Newsom Unveils Three New State Parks

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans for three new Central Valley state parks on Earth Day, calling it the biggest expansion of California's park system in decades.

The additions would bring the statewide total to 283 parks: Feather River Park near Olivehurst, San Joaquin River Parkway outside Fresno, and Dust Bowl Camp in Bakersfield.

The Dust Bowl Camp holds the only original buildings still standing from Dust Bowl-era migrant labor camps in California. It inspired John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, dedicated to the camp's administrator.

Feather River Park, nearly 2,000 acres along the Feather River, would be Yuba County's first state park. The San Joaquin River Parkway would join existing public properties into an 874-acre recreation corridor near Millerton Lake.

The state also aims to add 30,000 acres to existing parks by 2030.

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The Next-Gen Treatment Targeting a $560 Billion Disease

It’s one of the world’s most common diseases, with over $560 billion spent managing its symptoms each year. But soon, its 500+ million patients may finally be able to do more than that.

Because an emerging biotech called Cytonics may have discovered what soon could be osteoarthritis’ first and only cure.

They successfully completed Phase 1 FDA trials on 10,000 patients with zero adverse effects. Now, Cytonics is gearing up for Phase 2 clinical trials on a version designed for global scale.

Potential medical breakthroughs like this are rare. Even rarer? You can invest in Cytonics at the pre-clinical stage. Become a Cytonics shareholder by April 25 for exclusive early-stage bonus stock guarantees.

➤ San Francisco: A Board of Supervisors committee reviewed a four-year contract giving police and firefighters 14% raises, adding more than $100 million in new costs over two years as the city faces a $634 million deficit. Over 95% of union members ratified the deal. (See Details)

➤ Sacramento: Candidates for California’s new 6th Congressional District debated housing, immigration, and cost of living at a Sacramento forum. The June 2 primary will send the top two finishers to the November election. (See Details)

➤ Berkeley: UC Berkeley police are investigating two deaths on campus within 24 hours. A student fell from a building near the Unit 3 Residence Hall on Tuesday evening, and a man with no university ties was found dead outside Sproul Hall Wednesday. Police see no sign of foul play. (See Details)

➤ Santa Cruz County: Heavy rain and heat are damaging strawberry crops in the Pajaro Valley, causing mold, splitting fruit, and losses in the field, according to local officials. The Central Coast is a major hub for U.S. strawberry production, making the damage a concern for growers. (More)

➤ Fresno: Fresno Unified’s projected deficit for next school year has grown to $88 million, up from $77 million earlier this year. The district cites rising costs for special education staffing and transportation alongside declining enrollment. Preliminary layoff notices went to 274 employees, with final decisions due by May 15. (See Details)

➤ Madera County: Valley Children’s Healthcare unveiled “George the Giraffe,” a giraffe-inspired solar farm on Earth Day as part of a microgrid designed to power the hospital, reduce reliance on traditional energy, and keep operations running during outages. (See Details)

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➤ Pomona: Construction began Wednesday on a 10,000-plus capacity cricket stadium at the Fairplex, set to host the sport’s Olympic return at the 2028 Los Angeles Games after more than a century away. The venue will also serve as home to the Los Angeles Knight Riders, a Major League Cricket team co-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. (See Details)

➤ Costa Mesa: Laura Lee Yourex, 63, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after registering her dog “Maya Jean Yourex” to vote and casting ballots in its name in the 2021 recall and 2022 primary. Yourex said she was trying to expose flaws in the voting system. Sentencing is set for Oct. 16. (See Details)

➤ Hawaiian Gardens: A card dealer at The Gardens Casino was arrested last week on suspicion of stealing more than $15,000 in gaming chips, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced. The dealer has not been publicly identified. (See Details)

➤ The LA Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the first round of last night’s NFL Draft. Rounds two and three continue today. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, the LA Chargers selected Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor with the No. 22 pick, and the San Francisco 49ers traded out of the first round entirely. (See Full Draft)

➤ The Anaheim Ducks beat the Oilers 6-4 to even their first-round playoff series at 1-1. Game 3 is tonight at Honda Center in Anaheim. (More)

➤ The Los Angeles Lakers play the Houston Rockets tonight in Game 3 of their first-round series. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves remain out of the lineup, but a strong Game 2 from LeBron James has Los Angeles up 2-0. (More)

➤ The Golden State Warriors have been linked to Florida coach Todd Golden as a potential replacement for Steve Kerr, though Golden says he plans to stay with the Gators next season. (More)

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➤ Why doctors are calling Berberine "Nature's Weight Loss Secret". In a 12-week study, participants taking berberine lost 5 pounds and 3.6% body fat. Research shows it reduces appetite, blocks new fat cell formation, and activates a key metabolism-regulating enzyme called AMPK—all without prescriptions or dangerous side effects. Learn More

➤ Former California Rep. Devin Nunes is out as CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group, parent of Truth Social. Longtime media executive Kevin McGurn will serve as interim CEO. The company’s stock has plunged 67% from its post-2024 election highs, wiping out more than $6 billion in investor wealth. (See Details)

➤ Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved Paramount’s takeover, advancing an $81 billion merger that would combine major media assets. The deal still faces regulatory review amid concerns over consolidation and potential layoffs. (See Details)

➤ Nearly 38% of downtown Oakland’s office space sat empty in the first quarter, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Vacancy in downtown San Francisco (about 31%) and San Jose (about 31%) dipped slightly over the past year, while Oakland’s rose. (See Details)

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➤ Spring is here—time to blast away months of dirt and grime without the hassle. The HydroX5 Pressure Washer delivers powerful, cordless cleaning that’s up to 5× stronger than a standard hose, making it easy to refresh patios, driveways, cars, and outdoor furniture in minutes. Lightweight and portable, it lets you clean anywhere—no cords, no heavy equipment—so you can enjoy a spotless home all season long. LEARN MORE

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They’re Challenging Big Pharma at a $560 Billion Game

Big Pharma companies spent billions trying to cure osteoarthritis. An upstart biotech called Cytonics may have actually done it.

Their first-gen therapy has already been used to treat 10,000+ patients successfully.

Now, after completing Phase 1 FDA trials, Cytonics is gearing up for a Phase 2 clinical trial for “CYT-108”, its next-gen drug candidate that's 200% more potent and built for global scale.

The opportunity? 500 million+ people deal with osteoarthritis worldwide, with no treatment that can actually stop it. It’s a $560 billion market in total. It’s also why Cytonics has raised $25m from over 7,000 investors.

And you can join them ahead of Phase 2 trials. Invest in Cytonics by April 24 to earn up to 18% bonus stock.

This is a paid advertisement for Cytonics Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://cytonics.com/
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee of performance. Past performance does not predict future results. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal.

➤ Puff Kitty Zoe, a kitten that drew attention for swelling from air trapped under her skin due to a damaged windpipe, is now up for adoption at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Applications close Sunday at 5 p.m., and the $500 fee will help fund care for other shelter animals. (See Details)

➤ The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival returns Friday for its 40th year at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, running through Sunday. The Central Valley tradition features dishes like deep-fried asparagus and asparagus ice cream alongside music, rides, and family events. (See Details)

➤ More than 4 million LA28 Olympic tickets were purchased worldwide during the first sales phase, with new Olympic sports like flag football, lacrosse, softball, and squash selling out their entire inventory. Registration for the second drop is open through July 22. Tickets go on sale in August. (See Details)

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➤ After Harvard's latest brain discovery, you no longer have to lose your memory. We are born with "memory protein." After 50, it decreases, leading to mental decline. The solution is a song that reactivates it—boosting memory, eliminating brain fog, and sharpening thinking. 7-minute brain song reactivates your "memory protein."