The Madera County man whose public service spanned three states and four decades, eventually landing him as the county's administrative officer, says he's ready to retire. Jay Varney's last official day will be Sept. 19, he told GV Wire on Friday. After going from Chowchilla police chief to Madera County...
Jewish Groups Sponsor Bill That Would Require Standards for Teaching About Israel-Gaza War
A California bill aimed at combating rising antisemitism in schools faces mounting opposition from education organizations while Jewish advocacy groups urge its passage, highlighting deep divisions over how to address hate in classrooms. Assembly Bill 715, introduced by Assemblymembers Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) and Dawn Addis (D-San Luis Obispo),...
Rivian Opens EV Dealership, Service Center in Fresno. First for Central Valley
A first for hundreds of miles around the city, electric-vehicle maker Rivian has opened a service center, dealership, and demo center in Fresno. June 2 marked the first day in Fresno for the company, which formerly has its nearest service center in San Jose, said Ara Sarkisyan, service operations manager...
Trump Fires IRS Commissioner, Bessent Named Acting Head
President Donald Trump is removing Billy Long as the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will temporarily serve as acting commissioner, a White House official and a source familiar with the matter said on Friday. The New York Times, which first reported the news, said...
University of California Reviews US Government’s $1 Billion UCLA Settlement Offer
The University of California said on Friday it was reviewing a $1 billion settlement offer by President Donald Trump's administration for UCLA after the government froze hundreds of millions of dollars in funding over pro-Palestinian protests. UCLA, which is part of the University of California system, said this week the...
Trump Officials Will Not Face Contempt Over Venezuela Deportations, Appeals Court Rules
A U.S. appeals court overturned on Friday a lower court's ruling that found probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in contempt over their handling of the deportations of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants under a centuries-old wartime law. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals also ordered Washington-based U.S. District Judge...
Kounalakis Exits California Governor’s Race, Will Run for State Treasurer
A major contender to become California's next governor dropped out Friday. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis said she will run for state treasurer instead in 2026. "The decision was not made lightly," Kounalakis posted on X. "At this moment, I believe I can make the greatest impact by focusing on California's...
Fresno Homicide Victim’s Mother Makes Powerful Statement in Court
The mother of Fresno homicide victim Matthew Chavez delivered an emotional victim's impact statement Thursday in court. Her son, 32 years old at the time of the 2019 killing outside the Vista Turning Point outpatient mental health services at 258 N. Blackstone Ave, was stabbed to death by Zyad Alsaid...
Legal Hold Means CA Gunowners Still Need Background Checks for Ammo
While many gunowners praised a recent court decision reversing California's law requiring background checks for ammunition, a new legal hurdle means the rules remain in effect. Attorney General Rob Bonta this week requested the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals do a full review of their recent ruling invalidating Proposition 63...
National Weather Service to Restore Hundreds of Jobs Cut Under Trump
The Trump administration is allowing the U.S. National Weather Service to restore most of the hundreds of jobs eliminated by the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency once led by Elon Musk, several members of Congress said on Tuesday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, parent agency of the NWS, plans...