WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has called Japan and India “xenophobic” countries that do not welcome immigrants, lumping the two with adversaries China and Russia as he tried to explain their economic circumstances and contrasted the four with the U.S. on immigration. The remarks, at a campaign fundraising event Wednesday...
DEA’s Marijuana Reclassification Could Revive California’s Struggling Pot Industry
In a move that could potentially breathe new life into California's struggling cannabis industry, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. This reclassification could significantly lighten the tax burden for licensed pot companies in the state and provide a much-needed boost. DEA's Proposal...
How to Reclaim the Israel-Palestine Debate From the Radicals on Both Sides
In a recent article for VOX, Zack Beauchamp sheds light on the flawed discourse surrounding the Israel-Palestine debate, particularly on college campuses in the United States. He talks about the stark polarization characterizing this discussion, emphasizing the extreme views and actions taken by certain pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists, including labeling...
US Airstrike Targeting Al-Qaida Leader in Syria Killed a Farmer, American Military Says
WASHINGTON — A U.S. airstrike in Syria in May 2023 that was targeting an al-Qaida leader killed an innocent civilian instead, U.S. Central Command said Thursday, confirming early reports from residents and family members shortly after the attack. U.S. Central Command said an investigation into the May 3 strike concluded...
Today’s Campus Protests Aren’t Nearly as Big or Violent as Those of the Vietnam Era
In a way, the black-and-white Palestinian scarf draped over Hannah Sattler’s shoulders this week and the tie-dyed T-shirts of 1968 are woven from a common thread. Like so many college students across the country protesting the Israel-Hamas war, Sattler feels the historic weight of the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations of the...
Mike Yaz Homers at Fenway In Giants Win After Visit From His Hall of Fame Grandpa
BOSTON — Mike Yastrzemski had a visit from his grandfather Carl and then homered into the Red Sox bullpen like the Hall of Fame outfielder so often did in his heyday, and the San Francisco Giants beat Boston 3-1 on Thursday. Ryan Walker (3-2) pitched a perfect sixth inning to...
Lagging Revenue Drives California Budget Deficit as Deadline Nears
As the June 15 constitutional deadline for enacting a 2024-25 state budget approaches, the good news for Gov. Gavin Newsom is that all-important income tax revenues in April slightly exceeded the administration’s $16.3 billion assumption. Even so, the bad news is that overall revenues from income, sales and corporate taxes...
Valley Children’s Gets ‘Historic’ Gift to Boost Cancer Treatments. How Big Is It?
A $15 million donation to Valley Children's Hospital will expand its ability to provide the most advanced bone marrow transplant and T-cell therapy for youngsters who have been diagnosed with cancer. The anonymous gift, which the hospital called "historic" in a news release Thursday, is one of the largest single...
Californians Are Protecting Themselves from Wildfire. Why Is There an Insurance Crisis?
Spend any time thinking or talking about insurance in California these days and you’re bound to hear the word “mitigation.” Fire officials, lawmakers, insurance agents and others are asking homeowners to help lower the risk of devastating wildfires by making improvements to their properties — in some cases at great...
Family Fun, Community Events Highlight Cinco de Mayo Weekend in Fresno
May is starting with a bang when it comes to events. Rapper YG, the entertaining baseball team Savannah Bananas, Grammy winners Ozomatli, and "Disney's Aladdin" are in town. With Saturday being "Star Wars Day," there are several events with themes saluting the movie franchise. And, Cinco de Mayo is on...