SACRAMENTO — As the political battle to overturn California's gas tax increase intensified, the state transportation agency coordinated frequently with the public affairs firm working to block the repeal on behalf of unions, construction companies and local government groups, emails obtained by The Associated Press show. The California State Transportation...
Senate Backs Bill to Avert Shutdown, Boost Military Spending
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Tuesday approved a wide-ranging, $854 billion bill that funds the military and a host of civilian agencies for the next year and provides a short-term fix to keep the government open through early December. The measure includes $675 billion for the Defense Department and boosts...
Rediscovering America: A Quiz on Constitution Day
Constitution Day is Monday, Sept. 17. The day is set aside to commemorate the development and signing of the country’s most important document, which for more than 230 years has stood as both the plan for the American system of government and through its 27 Amendments, a summary of the...
Big Oil Asks Government to Protect It From Climate Change
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — As the nation plans new defenses against the more powerful storms and higher tides expected from climate change, one project stands out: an ambitious proposal to build a nearly 60-mile "spine" of concrete seawalls, earthen barriers, floating gates and steel levees on the Texas Gulf Coast....
Fresno Unemployment Rate Rises, But Better Than a Year Ago
Fresno County continues to enjoy the fruits of the strong U.S. economy under President Donald Trump, according to the latest figures released by the state of California. However, Fresno County's unemployment rate, at 7.6% for June, remains well above the national (4.2%) and state rates (4.5%). Clovis continues to have the strongest...
Who Runs California? A Baker's Dozen of Movers, Shakers & Blockers
One vote can make all the difference, we are told. But in California there are people and forces that wield a thousand — if not a billion — times the power of the voter. That influence flows from talent, persistence and, most of all, money. In the last election cycle,...
A Little Greasy Pork Might Fix What Ails Congress
Congress passed a $1.3 trillion spending bill March 22 – only narrowly averting a third government shutdown this year. President Trump then signed the bill into law. Congress’s inability to pass spending bills on schedule has produced unrelenting frustration and criticism by commentators and members of Congress alike. Because the congressional...
Take 5: Public Service Motivates Miller in District 3 Race
Daren Miller, running for Fresno City Council's District 3 seat, says he is not a politician. "I'm an educator who's going into politics. I'm a public servant," he says. District 3 is currently represented by Oliver Baines, who will term out of office at the end of 2018. Other announced...
Take 5: Public Service Motivates Miller in District 3 Race
Daren Miller, running for Fresno City Council's District 3 seat, says he is not a politician. "I'm an educator who's going into politics. I'm a public servant," he says. District 3 is currently represented by Oliver Baines, who will term out of office at the end of 2018. Other announced...
With Criticism of Air Board Growing, Clovis Nominee Awaits OK
This winter brings with it poor air quality — and a renewed focus on the sprawling eight-county San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Dean Florez, a former Valley state lawmaker and current member of the California Air Resources Board, expressed frustration about air quality on Twitter recently. Other critics...