Even with his eyes closed, Doug Martin can recognize the sound of every tractor on his Hanford ranch. There’s the big silver work horse, and the 40-year-old Oliver that can still run his backup generator, but the one he looks at with love is a tiny green thing from 1958. …
Read More »What Would Changes To The Endangered Species Act Mean For The Valley?
Last week the Trump Administration proposed a set of major changes to the Endangered Species Act. It’s a big issue here in California, where protected species in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and in the Sierra have set off new efforts to protect critical habitat. Of course those measures have …
Read More »New rules would make it easier to find oil –– and noisier for whales
The search for offshore oil begins with a boom. Before the oil rigs arrive and the boring begins, operators need to fire intense seismic blasts repeatedly into the ocean to … Click to Continue »
Read More »Merced benches may be coming back. Would they bring the homeless with them?
It’s coming up on four years since the city of Merced removed several benches from Bob Hart Square to shoo away homeless people, and now the benches may be coming … Click to Continue »
Read More »He ‘would be honored’ to be her first kiss. How a coach ‘groomed’ his player for sex
She was a Catholic high school girl who had yet to have her first kiss. When her softball coach began texting her late at night, showering her with compliments and … Click to Continue »
Read More »If the U.S. went vegan, emissions would drop. But there’s a catch, a new study says
If the entire United States went vegan, it could be great for the environment. But it’s a lot more complicated than advocates for an all-vegan country might hope, a new … Click to Continue »
Read More »Which “Book” Would You Take Out At This Human Library?
You’ve probably heard of a school library, public library, or even a toy lending library, but what about a human library? A local community college held its first event of this kind, where readers take out much more than books. Browse the shelves at a more typical library and you’ll …
Read More »Would a medical school at UC Merced fix the county’s doctor shortage?
More than 30,000 Merced County residents gained some form of health insurance when Medi-Cal was expanded in 2014. However, there was no corresponding increase in doctors to accept those patients … Click to Continue »
Read More »CNBC asks: Why would Silicon Valley investor from Turlock seek Denham’s seat in Congress?
Democrat Josh Harder, a Turlock-raised venture capitalist, talked about his challenge to Republican Rep. Jeff Denham in a CNBC story posted Sunday. It’s a sign that the 10th Congressional District … Click to Continue »
Read More »Gun shop owner speaks about gun bill that would further limit firearm purchases
Gunrunner Gun Shop and Shooting Range owner Gerry Mitchell speaks about a proposed bill that would limit the sale of long guns such as rifles to California residents at his business in Merced, Calif., on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. If passed, SB-497 would limit firearm purchases by California residents to …
Read More »Would Merced County benefit from state bill’s proposal for universal health care?
For Merced County where it’s estimated that more than 60,000 residents are undocumented, a proposal establishing a government-run universal health care system for all residents in California could benefit many, … Click to Continue »
Read More »Here’s what the new healthcare bill would mean for Merced County
The new repeal-and-replace legislation passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday is not much different than the bill that was dropped in March. Health advocates renewed their dire predictions … Click to Continue »
Read More »Would a $100 tax break encourage animal adoptions?
Adopting an animal from a shelter could potentially bring benefits beyond companionship, especially during next year’s tax season. Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, R-Rancho Cucamonga, has proposed a bill that would give … Click to Continue »
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