The Union Democrat

Crowded field battles for the District 2 supervisor seat

Six candidates are vying for the District 2 seat on the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors in the June 2 primary election, marking the largest field for a supervisor race in more than a decade.
The Union Democrat

‘I intend to stay on it forever.’ Along with rapid weight loss, patients see other benefits and risks of GLP-1 drugs

Two years ago, Jennifer Kirtley looked down at the scale and saw 328 pounds. Today, she’s looking in the mirror at a size 6. After a transformative 180-pound weight loss from weekly Wegovy shots, ...
The Union Democrat

Another spring storm could bring rain to foothills, snow to high country

Another springtime storm system is expected to move over the west-slope Central Sierra foothills and mountains Saturday through Tuesday, bringing chances for rain showers, thunderstorms and snow above ...
The Union Democrat

Op-ed: Next major wildfire could be catastrophic if CARB’s ZEV rules go unchanged

Just six months ago, the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire swept through nearly 14,000 acres, leaving lasting damage and reminding us how quickly disaster can strike. The aftermath is still visible ...
The Union Democrat

What travelers can expect from 2026 hurricane season

AccuWeather is anticipating a near- to below-historical-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2026, based on its latest forecast. However, travelers are advised to be prepared as the analysis calls for ...
The Union Democrat

District 3 supervisor candidates detail plans and priorities

Voters in Tuolumne County’s Board of Supervisors District 3 will choose between two-term incumbent Anaiah Kirk and first-time candidate Tim McCaffrey when marking their ballots for the June 2 primary ...
The Union Democrat

Superintendent candidates outline visions for Tuolumne County schools

Tuolumne County voters will decide in the June 2 primary election between sticking with incumbent Superintendent of Schools Zack Abernathy for the next four years, or going in a different direction ...
The Union Democrat

Early Sonora Pass opening gives lift to Highway 108 businesses

Guy McCarthy May 1, 2026 May 1, 2026 Updated May 1, 2026 Caltrans opened Highway 108 from Kennedy Meadows Road to the 9,624-foot top of Sonora Pass at 10 a.m. Thursday, much to the relief of some ...
The Union Democrat

BATEMAN: How I ended up at The Union Democrat – and why I stayed

OK, here’s how it worked at The Union Democrat way back when. Being a reporter in Sonora was a starter job. Journalistic rookies would join the UD staff, learn the ropes for a few years, then move on ...
The Union Democrat

Vlade Divac explains why Kings didn’t draft Luka Doncic, admits he made mistake

Vlade Divac can finally admit it. He should have drafted Luka Doncic.
The Union Democrat

Mayo Clinic Q&A: What does a VO2 max have to do with overall fitness?

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I like to challenge myself physically, whether it's working out, cycling or cross-country skiing. I've heard about VO2 max testing. What could I gain from it? ANSWER: A VO2 max test ...
The Union Democrat

This LA mailman retired after 42 years. Hundreds showed up to his farewell party

There were 200 people on the back patio of Glassell Park's Verdugo Bar, and John Ayala had a hug for all of them. Wiping tears from his eyes as he slowly made his way through the intergenerational ...