Smithfield Foods agreed to pay $75 million to settle a price-fixing lawsuit. Reuters says consumers accused the meat producer and several competitors of conspiring to inflate prices in the U.S. pork market by limiting supply. Smithfield spokesman Jim Monroe says the company denied liability in settling, and that the accord reduces the distraction, risk, and…… MORE
Gov.Newsom Deploys Emergency Personnel to Florida to Aid With Response to Hurricane Ian
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SACRAMENTO – Working to support communities impacted by Hurricane Ian, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of emergency management and mass care specialists to Florida to support the state’s response to the ongoing crisis. “California stands with the people of Florida,” said Governor Newsom. “Our state is all too familiar with the impact…… MORE
California Woman Charged With Killing Man Over Cat Dispute
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A California woman has been charged with killing a man by ramming her car into him after accusing him of trying to run over a cat in the street, authorities said Wednesday. Hannah Star Esser, 20, was charged with murder in the death of Victor Anthony Luis, 43, and detained…… MORE
California Governor Approves Farmworker Unionization Law
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A broadly smiling California Gov. Gavin Newsom joined about two dozen jubilant, cheering farmworkers camped outside the state Capitol Wednesday to sign one of the most contentious bills before him this year, reversing course on a measure to help farmworkers unionize after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris supported…… MORE
FARM BUREAU RESPONDS TO SIGNING OF AB 2183
California Farm Bureau issued a news release with President Jamie Johansson’s response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 2183. That bill is a legislative expansion of union rights for farmworkers. But Johansson says “The California Farm Bureau is deeply disappointed in Governor Newsom’s decision to sign the misguided union organizing legislation, Assembly Bill…… MORE
Governor Newsom Signs Law Expanding Farmworker Union Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SACRAMENTO – Today, alongside advocates and farmworkers outside the State Capitol, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation expanding union rights for farmworkers. This follows the Governor, United Farm Workers (UFW), and the California Labor Federation having agreed in a letter on clarifying language to be passed during next year’s legislative session to address Governor Newsom’s concerns around implementation…… MORE
USDA Offers Grants To Increase Domestic Fertilizer Production
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the $500 million in grants, intended to spur competition in the fertilizer sector and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers. The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is part of a government-wide effort to promote competition in agricultural markets. The Commodity Credit Corporation grants will support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer…… MORE
47 Deputies Stripped of Guns After Failing Psych Tests
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in Northern California has stripped 47 deputies — 10% of the force — of their guns and arrest powers because they failed psychological exams, it was reported Monday. It was “horrible to have to relieve the deputies of their duties, sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Ray Kelly told KTVU-TV.…… MORE
KMJ-Central Cal Food Bank’s “Feeding Families Fund Drive 2022” Exceeds Goal!
Fresno, CA – GAR Bennett challenged the Central Valley on Friday to give hope to families and children struggling with hunger. They responded to the challenge with overwhelming support. The ninth annual Feeding Families Fund Drive raised over $656,000 to help fuel Central California Food Bank’s comprehensive feeding programs. “We are honored and grateful for…… MORE
St. Louis Encephalitis Confirmed in Fresno County
The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) has confirmed its first positive case and death from St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) in Fresno County in 2022. This is one of several human cases of SLE detected in California this season. “This positive case and unfortunate death is a strong reminder that everyone should take preventative…… MORE
