CDE Releases Student Data for 2020–21 that Show Impacts of COVID-19 on Schools Assessment scores, chronic absenteeism data, and graduation rates underscore the challenges of a year when most students accessed their education through remote learning SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Education (CDE) today released student performance data that provide baseline indicators of how the COVID-19…… MORE
Arbery Killers Get Life in Prison; No Parole for Father, Son
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — Three white men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery were sentenced Friday to life in prison, with a judge denying any chance of parole for the father and son who armed themselves and initiated the deadly pursuit of the 25-year-old Black man. Murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison…… MORE
Grocers Allege Pork Price Fixing in Lawsuit
Leading grocery store operators file a lawsuit against the pork industry for allegedly conspiring to control the industry and raise prices. Kroger, Albertsons, Hy-Vee and others filed the lawsuit against Hormel, JBS USA, Seaboard Foods, Smithfield, Triumph and Tyson, among others. Law Street Media reports the plaintiffs alleged the defendants and Indiana Packers Corporation entered…… MORE
Farmer Mental Health More Openly Discussed
Farmers and people in rural areas are more comfortable discussing stress and mental health challenges. The stigma around seeking help or treatment for mental health issues is decreasing, but a new Farm Bureau research poll says it is still a factor. “Farm Bureau has been encouraging conversations to help reduce the stigma around farmer stress…… MORE
Legislation AB 1599 Introduced in the California State Capitol to Counter Wave of Crime
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Legislation is introduced Tuesday in the California State Capitol to counter a wave of petty crime. Proposition 47 is titled the “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act,” and reduced many drug and theft crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. It also made the crime of shoplifting a misdemeanor as long as the amount…… MORE
California Extends Indoor Mask Mandate as Omicron Surges
(KMJ) – California is extending the indoor mask mandate as the omicron varient surges. A statewide mask mandate for indoor public spaces was reinstituted in mid-December. It had been set to be reevaluated on January 15. On Wednesday, Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s Health and Human Services Secretary said given the sharp recent rise in infections…… MORE
Farmers More Positive on Financial Outlook
For only the second time since May, the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose in December. This month’s index climbed to 125, nine points higher than in November. The Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations rose in December, attributable mostly to an improved perspective on current conditions in the agricultural…… MORE
Search Continues for Merced Child Sex Abuse Suspect
(KMJ) – Merced Police continue to search for a 46-year-old suspect accused of continuous sexual abuse against a child. Investigators say they received a call on New Year’s Day about Lucas Rodriguez Salgado. He reportedly committed repeated sexual abuse of a child. But he has, thus far, avoided capture by Merced Police, who have issued…… MORE
Fresno Police K9 Officer Odin Euthanized After Attacking Partner
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno Police announced on Tuesday that they had to euthanized their canine officer after he attack his human police parter. The following is the press release sent by the Fresno Police Department on Tuesday: PRESS RELEASE: It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of one of our K9…… MORE
Radio Host Larry Elder Won’t Run For California Gov. in 2022
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Republican Larry Elder is bypassing a possible rematch with California Gov. Gavin Newsom this year to raise money for House and Senate candidates. Elder emerged last year as the GOP’s star candidate in the failed recall election that sought to remove Newsom from office. There has been widespread speculation about his…… MORE
