A survey of experts in 28 countries revealed that a majority of epidemiologists and other infectious disease specialists predict that mutations of the coronavirus could make current vaccinations ineffective. According to CNBC, the new survey from the People’s Vaccine Alliance found that two-thirds of the 77 epidemiologists consulted said that we had a year or…… MORE
Secret Service: 67 School Shootings Thwarted
See something, say something efforts by members of local communities have helped thwart 67 potential school attacks that had been planned to be carried out by past or present students between 2006 and 2018, a U.S. Secret Service report details. The National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) report is designed to outline the warning signs needed…… MORE
Fresno County Moves Into the ‘Red Tier’
Fresno, Madera and Kings Counties are all moving into the ‘Red Tier’ on Wednesday. This means that local restaurants can welcome diners indoors at a 25% capacity. Good news for eateries as the Valley weather begins to warm up. Gyms, museums, movie theaters, churches and retail shops will also be able to unlock their doors…… MORE
Fertilizer Prices Up Dramatically
Fertilizer prices are up dramatically this spring, increasing input costs for growers. Data from the Department of Agriculture shows prices are up between 17 and 57% since the fall. David Widmar of Agricultural Economics Insights says that while nitrogen often gets the most attention, phosphorus prices are up the most. Anhydrous ammonia and urea…… MORE
Esteban Rillo
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office most wanted person of the week is: Esteban Rillo of Fresno. A judge has issued two separate bench warrants for failing to appear in court. He is facing a dozen charges, including auto theft, identity theft and the possession of drugs and guns. Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Rillo two…… MORE
Obama Family Matriarch Dies at 99
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Sarah Obama, the matriarch of former U.S. President Barack Obama’s Kenyan family has died, relatives and officials confirmed but did not disclose the cause of death. She was at least 99 years old. Mama Sarah, as the step-grandmother of the former U.S. president was fondly called, was a philanthropist who promoted…… MORE
WHO Draft Report Says Animals Likely Source of COVID-19
BEIJING (AP) – A joint World Health Organization-China study on the origins of COVID-19 says that transmission from bats to humans through another animal is the most likely scenario and that a lab leak of the coronavirus is “extremely unlikely.” A draft copy was obtained Monday by The Associated Press. The findings offer little new…… MORE
More Ag Research Needed
A new report says stagnant public funding for agricultural research is threatening the future vitality of U.S. food systems. That poses risks to farmer productivity and profitability, the steady supply of affordable food, and ultimately, global food security. The report is a joint effort from the Farm Journal Foundation and the American Farm Bureau…… MORE
Biden Extends Federal Moratorium on Evictions
The Biden administration is extending a federal moratorium on evictions of tenants who have fallen behind on rent during the coronavirus pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved to continue the pandemic-related protection, which had been scheduled to expire on Wednesday. The moratorium is now extended through the end of June. The moratorium,…… MORE
Giant Container Ship That Blocked Suez Canal Set Free
SUEZ, Egypt (AP) – A canal service provider says workers have successfully set free a colossal container ship that for nearly a week has been stuck sideways across the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most crucial arteries for trade. Leth Agencies said the vessel had been refloated on Monday. Helped by the peak of…… MORE
