WASHINGTON — The IRS is expanding its program that allows people to file their taxes directly with the agency for free. The federal tax collector's Direct File program, which allows taxpayers to calculate and submit their returns to the government directly without using commercial tax preparation software, will be open...
California Collects Millions in Stolen Wages, but Can’t Find Many Workers to Pay Them
Nearly a year after California settled a major wage theft case with The Cheesecake Factory, most of the money hasn't reached the workers, underscoring the state's challenges in helping employees get back pay. Only 42 of the former janitors who worked for the restaurant chain's contractors have received their cut...
Sweet Lola on the Mend, Ready for a Forever Home
Lola, a lovable 5-year-old French Bulldog, has bounced back from a hip surgery with flying colors. Surrendered by her previous owner due to care concerns, it was clear something wasn’t quite right when Lola arrived. After consulting two veterinarians, she underwent a femoral head ostectomy to correct her hip issue....
Houthis Vow Retaliation Against US for Yemen Airstrikes
Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, has vowed retaliation against the United States following a new round of strikes on Yemen. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed conducting strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Yemen, citing the need to protect freedom of navigation in international waters. Nasreddin Amer, Ansar...
Chavez-Quintero Debate: How Would You Rate City-County Cooperation?
Challenger Luis Chavez and incumbent Fresno County District 3 Supervisor Sal Quintero offered differing analyses of the cooperation between city and county leaders at their debate on Thursday night. Chavez, who is a Fresno City Councilmember, gave the relationship a "D' grade while Quintero rated it as "C-plus." Chavez's perspective...
Biden Talks Election, Economy and Middle East in Surprise News Briefing
WASHINGTON — After 1,080 days as president, Joe Biden on Friday decided to pop in and take questions in the White House briefing room for the first time, striding in with a grin after a strong monthly jobs report and the temporary settlement of a strike by ports workers. The...
Big Money Rolling in from Commercial Builders for Local School Bond Measure Campaigns
Nearly $1.2 million has been raised so far this year by committees in support of six Fresno-area school and community college bond measures, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission. Measures A, H, M, Q, U, and X will be on the ballot in their...
Behind the Scenes at Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Sea Lion Cove: A Flipper-tastic Adventure
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at a zoo? Fresno Chaffee Zoo's "Fun with Flippers" encounter offers visitors a unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of sea lions and seals. Saramae Parker, a behind-the-scenes interpreter at the zoo, explains, "My role here is to take guests...
Clovis Daytime Burglary: 2 Suspects Arrested, 1 at Large
Quick action from a resident and local police led to the arrest of two burglary suspects Thursday afternoon in Clovis, the Clovis Police Department said in a news release. At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, a resident near Peach and Nees avenues reported observing two unknown individuals breaking into their...
Trump Stalled California Wildfire Aid? Ex-Aide Reveals Political Motive
Former President Donald Trump's approach to disaster relief was often influenced by political considerations, according to E&E News. Mark Harvey, Trump's former senior director for resilience policy, disclosed that Trump initially refused to approve disaster aid for California after the 2018 wildfires due to the state's Democratic leanings. "We went...