DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Justin Allgaier started the season with a new car, a new crew chief and a relatively new pit crew.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Community colleges in California could offer additional classes during shorter summer and winter sessions at higher fees under a bill that has passed the state Assembly.

VISTA, Calif. (AP) — Two caregivers convicted of abusing a severely autistic man in San Diego County have been each sentenced to one year in jail, but will get credit for time already served.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (AP) — As Janel McCarville sits under the homemade basketball hoop attached to the chicken coop on her farm in central Wisconsin, she mentions the assassination of her Moscow team owner while he was on his way to pick her up for a Beyoncé concert.

(BPT) - Warm weather is here, bringing barbecues, picnics and more time spent outdoors. Everyone should be able to enjoy these popular pastimes, including the up to six million Americans at risk for a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. For these people, a bee sting, shrimp on the barbecue or a latex balloon may lead to a life-threatening emergency. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place to help avoid allergens and be prepared if accidental contact occurs.

A team first. A school first. The Hawks finally soared to the top of the Sac-Joaquin Section, and they did it on the pitch.

In the last half a dozen years, Arcohe Union Elementary School District has lost more than a quarter of its students due to declining enrollment.

As Lodi’s high schools prepare to graduate their senior classes, students will be excitedly looking ahead — perhaps with some apprehension — to the rest of their lives. For many, their futures will include continuing their educations at a four-year university. But the road ahead will be fraught with heavy expense that will present a financial burden to most.

(StatePoint) Not sure what to give your dad for Father’s Day? Classic choices like a tie or cufflinks are nice, but don’t forget to give him the most meaningful gift of all -- quality time.

Our students deserve better. In 2010, the LUSD Board of Trustees raised class sizes for our students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It was done, ostensibly, as a cost savings measure, but also to put pressure on employees to concede to dramatic salary concessions.

(StatePoint) It’s not as easy to hide under layers of clothing during the summer. You’ll want to look your best in those shorts, t-shirts and bathing suits; as such, staying in shape is key.

(StatePoint) As families nationwide are packing their gear and heading out by car, plane and boat, recent data suggests that this summer travel season could be substantially busier than in years past.  

He may have been swimming the final events of the 2013 season, but C.J. Porter’s accomplishments this past weekend could also be seen as a beginning — the prelude to a 2014 championship quest.

(StatePoint) Forget the old stereotypes that women need to be cutthroat and competitive to succeed. A new networking trend shows that cooperation is a great way to combat the challenges women face in business.

(StatePoint) Transitioning from high school to the next life stage can be a time of excitement for young people, but it can also be a time filled with uncertainty.

(StatePoint) For families, summertime is all about active fun -- from vacations to ballgames, and fireworks to poolside picnics. But being on-the-go can mean lots of downtime in transit and waiting for activities to start.

(StatePoint) La transición del bachillerato a la siguiente etapa de la vida puede ser una época emocionante para los jóvenes, pero también puede ser un tiempo lleno de incertidumbre.

The Galt City Council has set a special public meeting next week to discuss Councilman Curt Campion’s request for health care benefits as an elected official.

(NAPSI)--Many people might get and keep their hands on more money if they had a better grasp of finances. Consider these statistics from Indiana State University:

(StatePoint) If you work from home, you know how important it is to turn your home office into an efficient workspace. And these days, making improvements with that goal in mind rests on keeping up with the trends and times.

(BPT) - TV’s best-fed hedonist, Anthony Bourdain, is keeping busy these days with his hit travel series “Parts Unknown,” his publishing career and an upcoming appearance at this year’s National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago. Love him or hate him, Bourdain is the biggest, baddest food dude on the planet. The self-proclaimed “chef slacker” shares his advice for restaurateurs and new chefs, and talks about his desired last meal on Earth and love of old-school cocktails.

Former Micke Grove Zoo director Ken Nieland and Heritage Oak Winery in Acampo were honored for their contributions to the community at Tuesday’s tourism luncheon, sponsored by the Visit Lodi! Conference and Visitors Bureau.

(BPT) - Many Americans love social media, but it scares them, too. While they are reconnecting with old high school classmates, viewing photos of a colleague’s new baby and chatting with a friend about a new job, social media users are also worrying about having their identity stolen from a social media site.

(BPT) - From figuring out where to open up a new shop so that it gets great foot traffic to choosing the right employees, all a small-business owner’s decisions are important for the health of their business.

(StatePoint) Do you have treasured childhood memories of spending time outdoors with your parents or grandparents? This summer, take the time to share this experience with your own children. Pack a lunch, put on some sunscreen and take them on your own hiking or fishing adventure.