Senators Want Ag Focus in NAFTA Talks

  The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative wrapped up public comment hearings this week on the upcoming North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Ag groups representing American farmers and ranchers had a chance to weigh in on what they’d like to see in the talks. A group of Senators also weighed in on what…MORE

Judge Blocks Calif. High-Capacity Ammo Magazine Ban

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A federal judge is blocking a California law set to go into effect Saturday that would have barred gun owners from possessing high-capacity ammunition magazines. San Diego-based U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez said in ruling Thursday that the law banning possession of magazines containing more than 10 bullets would have made…MORE

CA Tobacco Tax Set to Increase

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Beginning this Saturday, the California tobacco tax on products other than cigarettes will more than double. It’ll increase from 27 cents to 65 cents, on items including cigars, chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes. Last November voters approved Prop. 56, which treats vaping devices like their traditional counterparts. Other devices affected include pipes…MORE

Study: Heartburn Drugs May Not Increase Risk of Dementia

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Proton pump inhibitor drugs, such as Prevacid and Nexium, do not appear to increase the risk of dementia. A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society contradicts previous findings. However, while the drugs may not cause dementia, they have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, depression, high blood…MORE

“Sexually Violent Predator” Will Be Released – With Security In Tow

FRESNO (KMJ) — A man described as a “sexually violent predator” is now weeks away from being released into Fresno County. But Jeffrey Snyder will officially be out on a transient basis. The decision was made in Fresno County Superior Court Thursday morning, after efforts by Liberty Healthcare to relocate him to a permanent location…MORE

USDA Seeking Public Input on GMO Labeling

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service posted 30 questions for the public this week regarding labeling food items containing genetically modified ingredients. The feedback, according to Politico, will help the agency develop a proposed rule governing how food manufacturers disclose when products contain genetically engineered ingredients. Questions include: What terms should be interchangeable with “bioengineering”; whether…MORE