KTVU's Tom Vacar to receive NATAS Governor's Award
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For decades, KTVU's Tom Vacar has been on the streets of the Bay Area covering the stories that matter to us most. From the silly to the serious, Tom is always must-see TV, because you never know what you are going to learn in a Vacar piece. The long-time reporter is set to receive a big award this weekend at the 53rd Annual Northern California Emmy Awards in San Francisco; the Governor's Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. KTVU's Alex Savidge and Heather Holmes are joined live in studio by Tom Vacar himself for a brief look at his expansive, colorful career on TV.

Analyst dig into privacy implications of new, "Apple Intelligence" features
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Among a variety of new features, Apple says it will use the power of ChatGPT to make its virtual assistant Siri more responsive and helpful. During this week's announcement, Apple executives focused on the company's efforts to build strong privacy connections around its AI technology. But industry analysts still have apprehensions about the new features, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. KTVU's Heather Holmes and Alex Savidge discuss the data privacy concerns with Check Point Software's Tony Sabaj.

New research sheds light on health effects of wildfire smoke
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A new UCLA study found that more people that previously counted die each year in California from long-term wildfire smoke exposure. The research, published in the journal Science Advances, found that inhaling fine particulate matter from wildfires contributed to as many as 55,700 deaths between 2008-2018. KTVU's Heather Holmes and Alex Savidge discuss the findings with UCLA professor of environmental health sciences and senior author of the study, Michael Jerrett.

Forever-Home Friday: Sweet Pea the Bunny
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Many animal shelters around the Bay Area are over-crowded and struggling to keep pace with an influx of adoptable pets, but it's not just cats and dogs. In this Forever-Home Friday, several dozen bunnies hope to hop their way into your heart and into your home for good. KTVU's Alex Savidge and Heather Holmes are joined by Dorothy Ko from Oakland Animal Services and Sweet Pea, live in studio.

Expanding mental health practices for LGBTQ+
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Beyond the celebrations, Pride Month is also a time to raise awareness about mental health issues in the LGBTQ community. KTVU's Alex Savidge and Heather Holmes speak with Joy Alafia, Executive Director of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists for more on the progress being made to expand mental health practices in the LGBTQ+ community.

Study finds growing number of gamers in the U.S.
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As students wrap up the school year, some could be looking to video games for entertainment, stimulation and social connection. The According to the Entertainment Software Association, 190.6 million people play video games for at least one hour per week in the U.S., and it's not just kids. In 2004, the average video game player was 29 years old. KTVU's Greg Lee discusses the latest numbers with Aubrey Quinn, ESA's Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs.

Apple unveils "Apple Intelligence" features at WWDC
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Apple revealed its next chapter this week, including a partnership with ChatGPT made by San Francisco-based OpenAI. Apple announced a new, artificial intelligence feature called "Apple Intelligence", which the company says will its most widely-used products more useful. KTVU's Heather Holmes breaks down the announcement with technology expert and San Jose State University Professor Ahmed Banafa.

Wildfire threats peak in Santa Rosa with hot, dry conditions
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According to the Santa Rosa fire department, conditions have been met to officially declare the beginning of wildfire season. The threat of wildfire is currently at its peak, between hot weather days in the North Bay and recent fires around the Bay Area, the department is on high alert. KTVU's Greg Lee and Heather Holmes speak with Paul Lowenthal, Santa Rosa Fire Department Division Chief for more.

Woman of the Year: Former Giants announcer Renel Brooks-Moon honored

Iconic Bay Area voice Renel Brooks-Moon was honored at the State Capitol for her trailblazing career and her work and advocacy in the community.

End of era: Golden Gate Fields closes after 83 years

Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley has ended its 83-year run, leaving behind a rich history and a flood of memories, as well as some controversy. The horse track is also holding an auction to sell its equipment.

Kite surfer spells HELP in sand; prompts Santa Cruz rescue

A kite surfer was rescued on Sunday after he spelled out HELP in the sand with rocks, which triggered a successful CalFire helicopter extraction. 

Theatre company loses everything in fire, just as they prepare new show

A local theatre company is asking for help after a fire destroyed their warehouse containing more than 40 years-worth of their props, costumes, sets, and historical records, just four days before their next performance.

GOP blocks latest bill designed to protect access to contraception
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KTVU'S Heather Holmes goes in-depth with reproductive rights expert and Georgetown professor Michele Goodwin to discuss the latest proposal to protect reproductive rights thwarted by Republican lawmakers.

A college for special needs adults serves as a forever school

Students here will tell you that being at the College of Adaptive Arts in Saratoga is about belonging. The college was founded by two women who 15 years ago saw a need and decided to fill it.

Zip Trips: Saratoga
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KTVU takes a tour of Saratoga during its summer Zip Trips.