The Fresno Unified School Board has scheduled a special meeting at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to discuss appointing an interim superintendent. It will be a rare morning board meeting for the trustees, who typically meet in the evenings to accommodate public participation. The district had said in a January news release...
Here’s Why There’s Global Alarm Over Israel’s Rafah Offensive
JERUSALEM — Israel is determined to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost town, a plan that has raised global alarm because of the potential for harm to more than a million Palestinian civilians sheltering there. Even as the U.S., Egypt and Qatar pushed for a cease-fire deal they...
This Fresno University Hopes to Cash in on $1.5 Million Matching Challenge
Fresno Pacific University has the opportunity to raise $3 million — but only if donors pony up enough to match the $1.5 million pledged by longtime benefactors Al and Dotty Warkentine. Any gift, except for capital and endowment donations, will qualify for the match. The challenge's deadline is June 30....
As California Cracks Down on Groundwater, What Happens to Fallowed Farmland?
A couple of weeks ago, the California Water Resources Control Board put five agricultural water agencies in Kings County on probation for failing to adequately manage underground water supplies in the Tulare Lake Basin that have been seriously depleted due to overpumping. It was the state’s first major enforcement action...
Study Says California’s 2023 Snowy Megadrought Rescue Was a Freak Event
DENVER — Last year’s snow deluge in California, which quickly erased a two decade long megadrought, was essentially a once-in-a-lifetime rescue from above, a new study found. Don’t get used to it because with climate change the 2023 California snow bonanza —a record for snow on the ground on April...
Planning for Potential Presidential Transition Underway by Biden Administration
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden's administration on Friday formally began planning for a potential presidential transition, aiming to ensure continuity of government no matter the outcome of November's general election. Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, sent memos to all executive departments and agencies, directing...
US Is Building a Pier off Gaza to Bring in Humanitarian Aid. Here’s How It Would Work.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. and allies are scrambling to pull together a complex system that will move tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza by sea. Nearly two months after President Joe Biden gave the order, U.S. Army and Navy troops are assembling a large floating platform several miles off the...
Earth Day Offers Family Friendly Activities Saturday at Fresno City College
FRIDAY, May 3 UPDATE: Earth Day Fresno Canceled Due to a rain forecast for Saturday organizers of Earth Day Fresno say the event has been canceled and postponed until next year. From Earth Day Fresno: "Our #1 priority is public safety followed by hosting a fun and successful event. However,...
The 49ers Balance Immediate Needs With Long-Term Plans in NFL Draft
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — With the core of a roster that made it to the Super Bowl last season still in place, the San Francisco 49ers had few glaring holes on the roster headed into the NFL draft. That made the approach to picking as much about adding depth with...
Dodgers Play an Entire Game Without Striking out Once for the First Time Since 2006
PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Dodgers' powerful offense that includes Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman isn't used to putting zeros on the scoreboard. They're just fine with one that occurred Monday night. Dodgers' Historic Win The Dodgers played an entire game without striking out once in their 8-4...