Special interests, AKA “lobbyist employers” as the California Secretary of State calls them, paid lobbying firms more than $91 million to lobby state government in the third quarter of 2025, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports. As Capitol Weekly always notes in quarterly lobbying reports, that number doesn’t include all of the money...
James Hype to Headline Fresno’s Outdoor Block Party at Azara Plaza
Eve Group, the organizers behind Fresno's Dog Daze Music Festival at Chukchansi Park earlier this year, is bringing a new outdoor music experience to north Fresno. The event, set for Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Azara Plaza at Fort Washington and Friant roads, will feature performances by James...
Fresno County Authorities Seek Help Finding Relatives of Man Killed in October Crash
The Fresno County Sheriff–Coroner’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating the relatives of Bernardino Valencia Valle, 47, who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Oct. 25 while walking near Jensen and Elm avenues in Fresno. Valle, originally from Mexico, is described as 5 feet 3...
The Secrets of a Healthy Snack
Snacking can get a bad rap. But when it’s done well, it can be a helpful bridge between meals to manage blood glucose, support digestion and make sure you have the energy and focus you need to get through your day, nutrition experts say. Snacks can also help to close...
UK Pro-Palestinian Commentator Set to Be Released From US Detention, His Family Says
LONDON — British pro-Palestinian commentator Sami Hamdi, who is being held by U.S. immigration authorities, is set to be released, his family said on Monday, a fortnight after he was detained midway through a national speaking tour. U.S. Homeland Security officials detained Hamdi and revoked his visa on October 26,...
Fresno Approves Tax on New Homes and Shopping. Even Experts Don’t Know How it Works
The Fresno City Council on Thursday approved a hotly disputed tax on new homes and apartments even as city staff worked out the complex rules on the dais. While the first city council meeting about the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax surrounded how home prices would be affected, the meeting...
LA Fire Survivors Call for California’s Insurance Commissioner to Resign
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Survivors of the deadly Los Angeles County wildfires, some of whom have been unable to rebuild because their insurance claims have been delayed or denied, are calling for California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to resign. Lara, a former...
After Dropping Fresno Supervisor Run, Parra Targets Council Seat
Danielle Parra is switching races and is now running for the Fresno City Council, challenging incumbent Brandon Vang. Parra, a State Center Community College District trustee, initially filed to run for Fresno County supervisor. Weeks after incumbent Buddy Mendes said he would not run for reelection and endorsed former Sheriff...
Los Angeles Police Officer Killed in Off-Duty Crash in Santa Clarita
A Los Angeles police officer was killed early Saturday in an off-duty traffic collision in Santa Clarita, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. Officer Bailey Magana, who was assigned to the LAPD’s Mission Area, died in the crash, the department announced. Officer Magana leaves behind a wife,...
Microbets, Parlays and Prop Bets: A Guide to the MLB Gambling Scandal
Professional sports has been rattled by federal indictments involving illegal gambling schemes that accuse NBA and Major League Baseball players of manipulating their performances to set up fraudulent bets on nearly invisible nuances of games. As leagues grapple with the fallout, one central issue is the availability of incremental bets...