U.K. and U.S. Taking First Steps to Trade Deal

  British International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer have taken the first steps towards a U.S.-U.K. free trade agreement. They recently met to create a working group that will “lay the groundwork” for a bilateral trade deal, according to Politico. However, official negotiations cannot begin until the United Kingdom formally…MORE

Brown Signs Cap-and-Trade Extension

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – California’s signature climate initiative will continue for another decade. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined his successor Jerry Brown on San Francisco’s Treasure Island Tuesday as Brown signed a bill keeping cap and trade alive until 2030. The program puts a cap and a price on carbon emissions. It was created…MORE

WalletHub: Valley Home to Some of the Least-Educated Cities

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Fresno, Modesto, Bakersfield, Visalia, and Porterville are among the least-educated cities in America, according to a new WalletHub report. Analysts looked at the nation’s top 150 metro areas, and examined 9 key factors, including college degree attainment, and the quality of public schools. Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Washington D.C. score at the…MORE

Detweiler Fire Relief

The Red Cross urges everyone to follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement and have an emergency kit ready go for any disaster including wildfires. Visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/wildfire to learn more. Visit redcross.org/safeandwell to reconnect with loved ones that might be missing during a disaster. The Safe and Well website is an easy-to-use online tool to help families and individuals…MORE

Detwiler Fire Now 65% Contained, 63 Homes Destroyed

Details provided by CalFire: County: Mariposa County Location: Detwiler Rd and Hunters Valley Rd, 2 miles east of Lake McClure Acres Burned – Containment: 78,900 acres – 65% contained Structures Threatened: 1,500 Structures Destroyed: 63 residences, 67 minor structures and 1 commercial structure destroyed. 13 residences damages and 8 minor structures damaged Evacuations: Evacuation Orders…MORE

Multiple Rounds of NAFTA Negotiations Expected

  A top official from Mexico expects between six to nine rounds of negotiations between the United States, Mexico and Canada on the North America Free Trade Agreement. Mexico’s Economy Minister says NAFTA members are looking at avoiding gaps of more than three weeks between negotiating rounds with a view to making quick progress, according…MORE