It’s vital to get trade promotion authority through Congress according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Vilsack believes in order to finalize Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations, which he calls an enormous opportunity for U.S. agriculture, Congress must grant the president more power to handle trade issues. The negotiating objectives, as they relate to agriculture,…… MORE
Educators Across California Fighting To “Repeal The Cap”
The League of Women Voters of California along with Central Valley Educators are joining efforts, statewide, in a movement called “Repeal the Cap”, after a new state law -SB 858 is affecting schools from saving for a rainy day. Saving money for the unexpected is something small school districts find necessary. “A rainy day fund…… MORE
Drinking Recycled Sewage
DRINKING RECYCLED SEWAGE Silicon Valley mayors to expand use of recycled wastewater SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Silicon Valley leaders want to convince residents that filtered, cleaned and disinfected sewage water is a safe supply that should be tapped during California’s historic drought. The San Jose Mercury News reports that the mayors of…… MORE
Supreme Court: Tough Questions for Same Sex Marriage Case
SUPREME COURT-GAY MARRIAGE Kennedy has tough questions for both sides WASHINGTON (AP) – With demonstrators on both sides of the issue making themselves heard outside, the Supreme Court has heard arguments on whether same-sex couples should have the right to marry. Justice Anthony Kennedy, whose vote could decide the issue, was the author of…… MORE
Campaign For New Valley Electricity Line Gaining Power
FRESNO (KMJ) — Local business leaders say the valley needs reliable electricity to help it power future growth – and now they’re trying to make sure it happens. Representatives from Fresno County Farm Bureau, Fresno Chamber of Commerce, Madera Chamber of Commerce, and others all gathered at Fresno State with a single message. They want…… MORE
Madera Deputies Bust 3 Pot Farms
(KMJ) More than 2,000 pot plants have been seized in a series of raids by Madera County deputies in Oakhurst, O’Neals and Coarsegold. Sheriffs officials say agents seized 579 marijuana plants from a residence on Black Ranch Road; this residence was the focus of a similar investigation in 2014. Two suspects detained during the search…… MORE
Fossil Hunter Killed Near Bakersfield
After more than one fossil hunting death at nearby Hang Glider Hill, the director of a Bakersfield fossil museum is warning people that the land is unstable — not to mention private property. KBAK-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1bOSbYH ) that Donald Reading was killed at the hill on Saturday while digging for shark teeth. A portion of…… MORE
Fresno Rapist, Killer Gets Another Rape Trial
A Fresno man already facing a death sentence for a sexual assault and murder conviction involving a Fresno girl in 1985 goes on trial for another rape next month. The Fresno Bee reports that a Fresno County Superior Court judge ruled Monday that Eddie Ricky Nealy’s trial starts May 11. The 58-year-old goes on trial…… MORE
Valley Farmers Can Sound Off About The Drought
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will host a drought forum on Tuesday, May 5th at the Fresno County Fairgrounds. Farmers and ranchers and others are encouraged to attend and provide comments. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Industry Commerce Building at the Big Fresno Fair…… MORE
US Supreme Court Tackles Gay Marriage
Tuesday is a potential watershed moment for America’s gay and lesbian couples. After rapid changes that have made same-sex marriage legal in all but 14 states, the Supreme Court will hear arguments over whether it should be the law of the land. All eyes will be on the justices for any signals that they are…… MORE
