The European Union and China, along with five others, are criticizing President Trump’s $16 billion trade relief program for farmers, claiming it may violate world trade rules. Specifically, the assistance program could exceed the nation’s WTO subsidy commitments and influence U.S. planting decisions, according to Bloomberg News. Last month, USDA announced new Market Facilitation…… MORE
California’s Governor Issues Formal Apology to Tribal Leaders
SACRAMENTO, CA (KMJ) – California’s Governor Issues a formal apology to tribal leaders from around the state. Governor Gavin Newsom attended a blessing ceremony in West Sacramento, at the future site of the California Indian Heritage Center. Newsom apologized Tuesday for the violence, mistreatment and neglect inflicted on Native Americans throughout the state’s…… MORE
Newsom Apologizes to Native Americans
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California Governor Gavin Newsom is issuing a formal apology for violence, mistreatment and neglect inflicted on Native Americans throughout the state’s history. Newsom is making the apology Tuesday to tribal leaders from around California. He’s also announcing the creation of a Truth and Healing Council to examine the state government’s role…… MORE
Man Charged in “Ghost Ship” Fire Testifies
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – One of two men being blamed for a warehouse fire that killed 36 people in the San Francisco Bay Area two years ago denied being involved in organizing a concert the night the fire broke out. Max Harris faces involuntarily manslaughter charges and is accused of helping co-defendant Derick Almena illegally…… MORE
PG&E Agrees to Pay $1 Billion Settlement to Local Governments Over Fire Damage
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California utility blamed for igniting several wildfires that killed dozens and destroyed thousands of homes has agreed to pay $1 billion to local governments. Attorneys representing 14 local public entities announced the settlement with Pacific Gas & Electric on Tuesday to cover “taxpayer losses.” The fires include a 2015 fire…… MORE
Californians & Others Sickened from Backyard Poultry
More people are getting sick from backyard poultry flocks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an additional 227 people have become ill from Salmonella in backyard poultry flocks since May. The ongoing investigation has overall confirmed 279 illnesses in 41 states, including California. People who got sick reported getting chicks and ducklings…… MORE
Lindsay Man Convicted of Deadly Stabbing, Burning Victim’s Body
FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — A south valley murderer is on his way to prison. 30-year-old Joshua Stepp of Lindsay has been convicted by a Tulare County jury of second-degree murder, for stabbing of 19-year-old Michael Avalos to death, and burning his body in an orchard. Court documents say Stepp believed Avalos had incriminating information about a…… MORE
Sprouts Farmers Market Recalls Spinach Due to Deadly Listeria
Sprouts Farmers Market recalls spinach in 19 states due to deadly Listeria. Sprouts Farmers Market of Phoenix, AZ is recalling Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach conventional and organic 16oz bags, manufactured by National Frozen Foods of Oregon, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious…… MORE
California Lawmakers Negotiating Proposed Tax Increases
FRESNO (KMJ) – California lawmakers are negotiating a pair of proposed tax increases as the deadline approaches for Governor Gavin Newsom to sign a nearly $215 billion budget. Lawmakers approved the budget bill last week. But they must pass more than a dozen “trailer bills” that detail how the money must be spent. Monday, the…… MORE
Another Valley Catholic Priest Facing Sexual Abuse Allegations
(KMJ) – At a news conference in Bakersfield Monday, 52-year old Syliva Gomez Ray claims she was sexually abused by Monsignor John Esquivel when she was a teenager. Esquivel now serves as a priest at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Reedley. The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, adds four…… MORE
