It might be a four-course dinner at one of Modesto's fine-dining restaurants. Or it might be a handful of carnations that costs just a few bucks. As Valentine's Day approaches, businesses are keeping the economy in mind while remembering one great truth: People really love this holiday.

UPDATE -- A 13-year-old boy who was shot Sunday night in west Modesto remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit of a Sacramento hospital, a sheriff's spokesman said today. It was revealed that a second 13-year-old boy was grazed in the ear in the incident, but his wound is not considered life-threatening.

A 31-year-old Modesto woman on Friday afternoon pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder in connection with the death of an 18-month-old girl she was baby-sitting.

Kip Solutions, a company co-founded by 2009 Modesto High grad Patrick Ip, was named among the top 50 most innovative college startups by the Kairos Society.

The state Public Works Board approved the block The Bee leases in downtown Modesto as the second potential site under consideration for a new $278.3 million Stanislaus County Courthouse.

Two teenagers were dead Saturday and detectives were seeking information that could lead to a suspect in the shooting after a confrontation Friday night near a north Modesto shopping center. Rolando Luna, 15, and Andrew Ensey, 19, both of Modesto, were hit by gunfire about 9:15 p.m. Friday in the 2400 block of Vera Cruz Drive, said officer Chris Adams, a Modesto police spokesman.

Sweet, buttery, locally made caramels are popping up in area grocery stores thanks to a 130-year-old recipe and Modesto resident Carol Anne Miller.

A workshop will be held Feb. 23 for agencies interested in applying for federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program funding. The workshop starts at 1:30 p.m. in the Modesto office of the American Red Cross.

A Stanislaus County judge has ordered a Modesto man to stand trial for murder in the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy with Down syndrome.

MODESTO, CA-- - Whatever your favorite winter sport -- skiing, snowboarding, hockey, or something else -- it's important to keep your energy level up with nutritious food choices in order to feel good ...