A Madera County man convicted of Jan. 6 Capitol riot crimes and gun-related offenses in a second trial, is headed to prison. Benjamin Martin, 46, is scheduled to self-surrender in Fresno on Wednesday to federal prison officials, the Department of Justice tells GV Wire. The federal Bureau of Prisons will...
Is Lawsuit on Planned Reedley Job Center a ‘Shakedown’?
A nonprofit with a history of environmental lawsuits in the Central Valley sued the city of Reedley and the landowner for a plan to develop ag land into industrial use. Just outside Reedley city limits, farmer Keven Lai wants to develop 42.5 acres of land, said Rodney Horton, community development...
From Mount Vernon to the Rotunda, Central Valley Watches Trump Inauguration
With the change in venue of President Donald Trump's inauguration, not everybody who went to our nation's capital city from the Central Valley could attend. Anticipated frigid weather moved the activities indoors. The traditional parade was scrapped for an event at Capital One Arena — home of the NBA's Wizards...
Trump Returns to Power After Unprecedented Comeback, Emboldened to Reshape US
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president Monday, promising a "revolution of common sense" and taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country's institutions. Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win...
When New Selma Council Is Seated, What Happens to City Manager?
The disputed membership of the Selma City Council could be resolved next week. However, a feud between the mayor and city manager continues. City officials are at odds with the council about the governing board of the town of approximately 25,000 residents, 15 miles south of Fresno along Highway 99....
Costa Says Immigration Sweeps Are Over. He and Valadao Want Border Patrol Clarity
Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) says the Kern County immigration sweep that resulted in 78 arrests would be the last major effort in the San Joaquin Valley. Operation Return to Sender conducted by Customs and Border Protection caused fear, protests, and speculation about the extent of immigration actions — especially in...
Veterans Are Bright Spot in Dismal National Homelessness Report. What Can We Learn?
The recent national report on homelessness had few bright spots considering the synchronized efforts and billions of dollars spent to get people off the street. The exception to rising numbers of homeless people? Veterans. The report highlighted the considerable progress in getting housing for those who have served our country....
Hamas Hostage Survivor Will Speak in Fresno on Saturday
While visiting Fresno this week, Judith Raanan did not expect to be discussing her most horrific life experience, but she agreed to extend her trip to talk about being a Hamas captive. Raanan, a victim and survivor of the Oct. 7 Hamas kidnapping, will tell her story in Fresno on...
Chaos Reigns at Fresno GOP as Two Leaders Are Voted In
Elizabeth Kolstad retained her position as chair of the Fresno County Republican Party by one vote. Or did she? The Fresno County Republican Party held a meeting Tuesday night at party headquarters to vote on leadership. Kolstad apparently won the vote for a second two-year term as chair, 15-14. However,...
No Granite Park Evictions, but Frazier Blames City for Restaurant Closure
Despite issuing stern warnings in November, Fresno has not moved to evict the nonprofit managing the Granite Park sports complex. The Central Valley Community Sports Foundation remains in charge of operations, but declining customer turnout has hurt the nonprofit. Nearby businesses in the surrounding retail and office park are also...