As academic researchers continue to explore what happened to public education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, they are confirming the harsh reality of decline in such basic skills as reading and mathematics. California's schools are no exception, as the latest data from the Education Recovery Scorecard, a collaborative project...
Trump Wants Denuclearization Talks With Russia and China, Hopes for Defense Spending Cuts
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he wants to restart nuclear arms control talks with Russia and China and that eventually he hopes all three countries could agree to cut their massive defense budgets in half. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump lamented the hundreds of...
Kern County Baker Can’t Refuse Wedding Cake for Lesbian Couple: Court
A Kern County baker violated California law when she refused to sell a cake to a lesbian couple for their wedding, a state appeals court ruled this week in a suit brought by the state's Civil Rights Division. If the scenario sounds familiar, that's because it's central to a series...
With Grove Terming Out, Maher Announces State Senate Bid
Fresno County businessman Michael Maher said Thursday that he's running for the California 12th Senate District seat that will become vacant when Shannon Grove terms out next year. Maher, a Republican who lost two bids to unseat Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) in Congress, cited his experience as an FBI special...
Trump Signs Plan for Reciprocal Tariffs on US Trading Partners
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday rolled out his plan to increase U.S. tariffs to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports, possibly triggering a broader economic confrontation with allies and rivals alike as Trump hopes to eliminate any trade imbalances. "I've decided for purposes of...
Mindy Casto Becomes Fresno’s Top Cop, Shedding Interim Tag
Mindy Casto is now wearing four stars on her collar after serving as Fresno's acting/interim police chief since last June. Mayor Jerry Dyer announced her promotion at a Thursday morning news conference at City Hall. "Since she became the interim police chief department, morale has increased dramatically, while crime has...
City Center Unveils Real Solutions for Fresno Homelessness
Fresno Mission celebrated the grand opening of the $35 million City Center, a full-service facility supporting individuals and families in crisis, on Wednesday morning. Along with the grand opening, officials unveiled the 73-room Family Center, which triples the mission's capacity to care for families in need. City Center is at...
Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Jessica Lynn Leon
Feb 13, 2025 Most Wanted Person of the Day Suspect Name: Jesse Armando Casares Suspects Date of Birth: October 6, 1978 Physical Description: White Female, 5’ 6, 150 lbs., Blond Hair, Brown Eyes. Charges: Stolen vehicle Warrant Number: F2490578 Synopsis of the Case: Jessica Leon is wanted on a felony, no-bail...
NBA All-Star 2025: Times, Details, How to Watch the Weekend’s Events
All-Star weekend goes to San Francisco this year for the NBA's annual midseason showcase. There are three nights of on-court events, highlighted by the Rising Stars competition for first- and second-year players on Friday, the dunk and 3-point contest on Saturday and then the All-Star Game on Sunday. It's a...
Ohtani Expects to Throw First Bullpen This Weekend
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani plans to throw his first bullpen this weekend as he aims to return to the mound from a one-season pitching layoff caused by elbow surgery. The reigning National League MVP hasn't pitched in a big league game since Aug. 23, 2023, with the Los Angeles...