Democrat Jim Costa has his first challenger for his congressional seat. Kevin Cookingham, a retired educator with Clovis Unified, announced on Facebook he’s running for the 16th District office. “This is something I need to do. In fact, I didn’t want to do it … but we need more conservatives...
Janz Insists Chief Search Not Part of 2016 Mayor’s Race. Is That True?
When Andrew Janz formally announced his run for mayor last week, he said the city should halt its search for a new police chief. Jerry Dyer is scheduled to retire in October. Police chief is one of the most important positions in this city. The voters should decide who they...
Congressmen Deride 'No Match' Letters. Does Farm Bureau Leader Agree?
Last week, Congressmen Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and TJ Cox (D-Fresno) sounded the alarm about the Social Security Administration reinstating the practice of sending “no match” letters to employers. The letters notify employers that an employee’s name and social security number don't match. SSA encourages corrective action, such as filling out...
Trump Tried to Seize Control of Mueller Probe, Report Says
WASHINGTON — Public at last, special counsel Robert Mueller's report revealed to a waiting nation Thursday that President Donald Trump had tried to seize control of the Russia probe and force Mueller's removal to stop him from investigating potential obstruction of justice by the president. The report said that in June 2017,...
How Valley Elected Leaders Reacted to New Zealand Tragedy
Elected representatives of the Central Valley offered their comments on the shooting deaths of 50 Muslim worshippers last Friday in New Zealand: “We all mourn the loss of life in New Zealand. Islamophobia and hate of any kind have no place in society and should not be tolerated. My thoughts...
In House’s Yemen Vote, Congress Reasserts War-Making Powers
WASHINGTON — Asserting congressional authority over war-making powers, the House passed a resolution Wednesday that would force the administration to withdraw U.S. troops from involvement in Yemen, in a rebuke of President Donald Trump's alliance with the Saudi-led coalition behind the military intervention. Lawmakers in both parties are increasingly uneasy...
Slatic Controversy Stirs the Anonymous Dregs of Twitter
Perhaps the most naive people in the world are those who believe Twitter is the bastion of intelligent opinion. Case in point: new Twitter handles popping up in the wake of the Terry Slatic controversy. Investigations continue over the physical confrontation involving a Bullard High School student and Slatic, a...
MLK Fresno: Day of Marching, Protest and Community Service
Thousands gathered Monday morning in downtown Fresno for the annual march to honor Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Gathering at St. John's Church on Mariposa and R streets, the marchers took R to Tulare Avenue, then to P Street in front of City Hall. Speakers like Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and...
Valley Packs a Punch on Powerful Congressional Ag Committee
The San Joaquin Valley will wield considerable clout on the influential House Committee on Agriculture in the 116th Congress. Rep. Jim Costa of Fresno is joined by two other Valley Democrats on the committee, newly elected TJ Cox of Fresno and Josh Harder of Turlock. Costa is the third-ranking Democrat on...
Cox's First Bill Is Emergency Loans for Federal Workers
Rep. TJ Cox’s first bill in Congress will help provide immediate financial relief for federal workers caught up in the government shutdown. Cox (D-Fresno) spoke to the media Thursday on Capitol Hill, flanked by seven other lawmakers, including Jim Costa (D-Fresno). “I have farm workers in my district that are...