Whether it be housing or commercial real estate, economic slowdowns stifled growth in Fresno County in 2024. But after years of declines, experts expect a turnaround soon. The Fresno County Economic Development Corporation brought out a panel of experts to discuss housing construction and sales, major commercial real estate purchases,...
First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close
California's effort to have no new gas-powered vehicles sold in the state by 2035 is beginning, and it requires 35% of all 2026 models sold this year to be zero-emission. Dealers say they aren't close to fulfilling the mandate for zero-emission vehicles and are nervously wondering what the future holds...
Israeli Minister Calls Gaza a ‘Real Estate Bonanza,’ Igniting Global Backlash
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described Gaza as a potential “real estate bonanza” and said he is discussing dividing the territory with the U.S., drawing international condemnation, the BBC reported. Speaking in Tel Aviv, Smotrich said, “We’ve done the demolition phase… Now we need to build,” referring to the...
Are CA Tax Loopholes and Rebates Good Business or Questionable Kickbacks?
This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. When Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders were negotiating a final state budget last June, they reduced some health and welfare programs to help close a multi-billion-dollar gap between income and outgo. Nevertheless, they agreed to more than...
Leader of Fresno Area Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Sentenced to 10 Years
A 72-year-old man who led a multi-million-dollar catalytic converter theft operation in the Fresno area was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison. George Thomas, formerly of Fresno and Clovis, was convicted of selling thousands of stolen catalytic converters and engaging in financial transactions to conceal the proceeds, U.S....
Trump Administration Plans $6.4 Billion in Weapons Sales to Israel, Sources Say
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is seeking congressional approval to sell Israel $6.4 billion in support equipment and weapons including attack helicopters and troop carriers, people familiar with the matter said on Friday. Israel's military said it had expanded operations in Gaza City on Friday and bombarded Hamas infrastructure, while...
Fresno Police Arrest Driver With Stolen Gun, Firearm Parts
Fresno police arrested a driver after a traffic stop in the Northwest District revealed multiple violations and illegal weapons, the department said on Friday. Officers with the Northwest District Safety Team conducted a traffic enforcement stop near Shields Avenue and Valentine Avenue. The driver was found to have an open...
US Senate Rejects Stopgap Spending Bill
WASHINGTON — A stopgap spending bill that would avert an Oct. 1 government shutdown fell short in the U.S. Senate on Friday, as Democrats withheld support for the legislation while demanding higher spending for healthcare. The 44-48 vote, coming on the eve of a week-long congressional recess, raises the chances...
Bicyclist Killed in Merced County Hit-and-Run, Authorities Seek Public’s Help
A bicyclist was killed early Friday morning in a hit-and-run crash west of Winton, authorities said. The Merced Communication Center notified California Highway Patrol Merced Area Units at 6:22 a.m. of an unresponsive adult male on Santa Fe Drive west of Shaffer Road. Emergency personnel pronounced the man dead at...
UN Allows Palestinian President Abbas to Speak via Video After US Denies Visa
UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the annual gathering of world leaders next week via video after the United States said it would not give him a visa to travel to New York. The resolution received 145...
Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Puts Disney Back in Hotseat, Writers Hold Protest
Film and TV writers held a free-speech demonstration in New York on Friday to protest Disney's suspension of talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel and President Donald Trump's efforts to punish broadcasters who speak ill of him or his murdered ally, the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. ABC, the television network owned by...
Fresno’s Herndon Avenue Paving Brings Lane Closures. Drivers Should Seek Different Routes
The city of Fresno is continuing paving work on Herndon Avenue between Brawley and Marks avenues, with lane reductions and planned nighttime intersection closures through Tuesday, Sept. 23. Currently, eastbound traffic on Herndon is limited to one lane. Starting Sunday night, Sept. 21, one intersection will close each night from...