In “1984,” George Orwell’s novel about a dystopian future, he describes “newspeak,” a propagandistic language of euphemisms and inversions used by officialdom to mask the reality of their meaning. We got a dose of California-style newspeak last week when state Sen. Bill Dodd, a Napa Democrat, introduced Senate Bill 1524....
Fertilizer Tanker Falls Into Madera Sinkhole. Residents Advised to Cut Water Use.
A sinkhole in a Madera roadway nearly swallowed a tanker carrying fertilizer, the California Highway Patrol said Monday. Although Madera's drinking water was not affected by the situation, city officials advised residents via a social media post to cut back on their water use. The goal: aiding workers trying to...
Shaver Lake Drowning Victim Identified by Sheriff’s Office
The 16-year-old who drowned Sunday at Shaver Lake was Orosi High School student Alejandro Araujo, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office said Monday. The youth was wearing a life jacket when he jumped off a pontoon boat into a part of the lake about 65 feet deep, sheriff's spokesman Tony Botti...
US Gas Prices Are Falling. Experts Point to Mild Demand at the Pump Ahead of Summer Travel
NEW YORK — Gas prices are once again on the decline across the U.S., bringing some relief to drivers now paying a little less to fill up their tanks. The national average for gas prices on Monday stood around $3.44, according to AAA. That's down about 9 cents from a...
Fresno Fire Department Nabs Suspected Serial Arsonist After Putting Out His Photo
Fresno Fire Department investigators arrested a suspected arsonist on Friday after releasing his photo, as well as that of his car, to the media. The suspect is believed to be responsible for setting a grass fire on Thursday near Cornelia and McKinley avenues. Authorities also suspect him of setting seven...
Cold Stone Creamery Could Shell out Cash for Not Putting Pistachios in Pistachio Ice Cream
A federal judge in New York has given the green light to a class action lawsuit against Cold Stone Creamery brought forth by a Long Island woman, Jenna Marie Duncan. The lawsuit alleges that consumers are being misled by the popular ice cream chain when purchasing certain flavors that don't...
California Sits on Millions That Could Boost Wage Theft Response
As lobbyists for businesses and labor groups negotiate with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration on how to amend a unique California labor law that allows workers to sue their bosses, the two sides seem to agree on at least one puzzling reality. The law, known as the Private Attorneys General Act,...
Justice Alito Questions Possibility of Political Compromise in Secret Recording
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is heard questioning whether compromise between the left and right is possible in a conversation posted on social media. The conservative justice is also heard agreeing with a woman who says the United States should return "to a place of godliness.” The audio...
Snubbed by Their First Choice, the LA Lakers Must Resume Their Head Coaching Search
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers must continue their latest coaching search with the basketball world already knowing their first choice turned them down. The Lakers have endured their share of embarrassments in recent years, but a snub by a college coach — even the best in the game...
Biden and Gun Control Advocates Want to Flip an Issue Long Dominated by the NRA
ATLANTA — Groups pushing tighter gun laws have been building political muscle through multiple elections, boosted by the outcry following mass shootings at schools and other public places, in addition to the nation's daily gun violence. Now, gun control advocates and many Democrats see additional openings created by hard-line positions...