POLICY & POLITICS
The Maddy Institute would like YOUR feedback! Please help us better serve you and our communities by taking a few moments to complete our annual survey.
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Here’s what reopening means for people who work in Stanislaus County offices Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County’s popular pandemic relief program RAD Card expands to new county
Modesto Bee
The RAD Card is getting even radder, especially if you live in San Joaquin County. The gift card app that launched in downtown Modesto has since spread throughout Stanislaus County and is now expanding to San Joaquin County cities.
Modesto wants a plan for more housing. Here’s where it’s hoping to build.
Modesto Bee
Officials will ask the City Council in July to hire Berkeley-based Opticos Design to create a housing plan at a cost not to exceed $355,805. That includes a reuse study for the courthouse.
Ceres approves contract with Modesto for fire services. What that means for residents
Modesto Bee
The Ceres City Council on Monday approved contracting Modesto for fire services instead of following a plan to increase funding for its understaffed traditional fire department.
Gallo approved for $400M South Carolina bottling plant. Will it affect Modesto jobs?
Modesto Bee
E.&J. Gallo Winery of Modesto announced Tuesday that is has final approval to build a bottling plant in South Carolina. The plant will employ about 500 people but will not reduce jobs in Modesto, the company said earlier.
Modesto City Schools to hire parent ambassadors. What does the district seek in applicants?
Modesto Bee
To better engage families with their children’s educations, Modesto City Schools is preparing to launch a Parent Ambassadors program for the upcoming school year.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● 'Excited to see things opening back up.' COVID restrictions lifted in Fresno Fresno Bee
● COVID-19 update: County's numbers have fallen significantly Porterville Recorder
● Today is the day: State returns (almost) back to normal Porterville Recorder
Reopened — but recovered? What Fresno jobs look like in industries hit hardest by COVID
Fresno Bee
When the first confirmed cases of coronavirus struck Fresno County and the central San Joaquin Valley 15 months ago, it triggered a series of precautionary health orders — including wholesale closures of some types of businesses — to stem the spread of the contagion.
Valley Children’s Hospital earns national honors in seven care specialties
Fresno Bee
Valley Children’s Hospital was named among the Best Children’s Hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, earning top-50 rankings from the publication for seven separate specialties.
Assemblymember Salas issues statement on passage of state budget
Hanford Sentinel
“The budget passed today invests in California by supporting our small businesses to get them back on track, fixing our aging water infrastructure, investing in wildfire response, and providing the resources needed to help our kids succeed,” said Assemblymember Salas.
Fresno Police Department Proposes Nearly $1 Million For Additional Officers And Staff
VPR
The Fresno Police Department proposed Tuesday a $206 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year during a six-hour budget hearing before the city council.
See also:
● Are Fresno police officers ‘gaming the workers’ comp system’? Chief orders investigations for fraud Fresno Bee
Measure P authors say Fresno parks budget is out of compliance. City has changes in mind
Fresno Bee
While the city of Fresno will begin collecting tax money from Measure P this fiscal year for parks and arts, it likely will be another year before work begins on noticeable improvements to the city’s dilapidated parks.
‘Another huge hit.’ Clovis runs out of time to pull off Fourth of July fireworks show
Fresno Bee
For the second time in as many years, Clovis’ Freedom Fest fireworks show has been canceled. The Kiwanis Club of Clovis, which has organized the event since 1997, made the announcement on Tuesday.
Billionaire MacKenzie Scott gives PC $7 million grant
Porterville Recorder
Porterville College was one of 286 organizations chosen by MacKenzie Scott to receive a donation from $2.7 billion being made by the billionaire philanthropist. And PC will receive $7 million.
See also:
● Porterville College Receives $7m From High-profile Donor Business Journal
Forward Thinker: Fresno’s Thomas Esqueda Aims To Build More Inclusive Path For The City
CAFWD
Fresno City Manager Thomas Esqueda was one of the first hires by Mayor Jerry Dyer upon his election and together, they are working to implement the “One Fresno” vision that will address challenges facing the San Joaquin Valley’s largest city.
Tulare County’s never-ending drought brings dried up wells and plenty of misery
CalMatters
Severe drought is gripping most of California, but its misery isn’t spread equally. While most of the state compares today’s extreme conditions to previous droughts, people in Tulare County speak of drought — in the singular, as in a continuous state of being.
Fresno has some of the worst drivers in the U.S., new ranking reveals. Here’s why
Fresno Bee
You know that driver who blows past you on the freeway when you’re already moving at the speed limit? Or the one who’s having trouble staying in one lane after one or two too many drinks after work?
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern Public Health reports 1 new coronavirus death, 56 cases Tuesday Bakersfield Californian
● Most pandemic restrictions lift in Kern Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield Californian
With hundreds of millions of dollars set to be allocated Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California is calling on the city of Bakersfield to give everyone who wishes to speak on the issue a chance.
Bill authored by Vince Fong to combat illegal street racing passes unanimously
Bakersfield Californian
Assembly Bill 3, aimed to curb illegal street racing locally and statewide, has passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously.
Precautions urged as high heat nears
Bakersfield Californian
Expectations for the second heat wave of the year are raising calls for Kern residents to take precautions and stay vigilant — not just for themselves but also senior citizens, children, co-workers and people living on the streets.
KHSD hosts its first forum on boundary changes at West High
Bakersfield Californian
A week after the district released three proposals, the Kern High School District hosted its first forum on boundary changes Tuesday night.
RealClear Energy
Located over the mountains from Los Angeles, Kern County has always been a different kind of place. Settled largely by “Okies and Arkies” from the Depression-era South, the area has a culture more southern than northern, more Ozarks than Sierra.
State:
COVID Update:
● California reopens. What you need to know about masks, travel and restaurants Fresno Bee
● Video: Reopening California—A Conversation with HHS Secretary Mark Ghaly
● PPIC
● Here are the counties with winners in California’s $15 million vaccine lottery Fresno Bee
● Newsom picks 10 winners of $15M vaccine lottery to celebrate Calif. reopening abc30
● California Fully Reopens After Being 1st To Shut In Pandemic Business Journal
● Is it safe to open California? Why there’s optimism despite past COVID reopening setbacks Sacramento Bee
● What Changes, What Stays The Same As California Reopens Capital Public Radio
● The rules, the risk, the freedom: Everything you need to know about California reopening Los Angeles Times
● California’s big reopening: What changes — and what doesn’t — on June 15? CalMatters
● After 453 days, California reopens CalMatters
● The complaint in some cities as California reopened: What took so long? New York Times
California lawmakers pass budget that ensures they get paid — but still need deal with Newsom
Fresno Bee
California lawmakers are still negotiating a final budget deal with Gov. Gavin Newsom, but they passed a placeholder budget bill Monday that ensures they continue to be paid in the meantime.
Cheapest CalPERS health insurance plans will cost 23% more next year, projections show
Sacramento Bee
Prices are going up 23% next year for California public employees enrolled in some of CalPERS’ cheapest health insurance plans, according to preliminary rates published Tuesday.
As California Reopens, Newsom's Recall Fortunes Still Tied To COVID-19 Response
Capital Public Radio
California flips the switch Tuesday, doing away with many COVID-19 restrictions such as social distancing and mask requirements in most public settings.
See also:
● Bearing gifts instead of bad news, Newsom’s political fortunes rise as California reopens Los Angeles Times
● California local elections officials: Don't hold recall before Sept. 14 Politico
California’s budget deadline doesn’t work like voters might think
Los Angeles Times
The California Legislature approved a $264-billion state budget blueprint, far-reaching legislation to boost the state’s COVID-19 recovery and comply with a state constitutional mandate that lawmakers pass a plan by June 15 or forfeit a portion of their salaries.
California offers $100 million to rescue its struggling legal marijuana industry
Los Angeles Times
The California Legislature on Monday approved a $100-million plan to bolster California’s legal marijuana industry, which continues to struggle to compete with the large illicit pot market nearly five years after voters approved sales for recreational use.
Redistricting and California’s Changing Population
PPIC
The 2020 Census results show California growing more slowly than the U.S. as a whole, and California will lose a House seat for the first time in the state’s history. With redistricting on the horizon, what do California’s population shifts mean for political representation?
Federal:
COVID Update:
● US COVID-19 death toll hits 600,000, equal to yearly cancer toll abc30
● U.S. Covid-19 Deaths Top 600,000 Wall Street Journal
Democrats intensify push for climate action in infrastructure bill
Los Angeles Times
Prospects for a bipartisan infrastructure bill are growing increasingly dim as Senate Democrats make new calls for President Biden to ditch Republicans and pursue a Democrats-only measure that aggressively addresses their priorities, including the climate crisis.
See also:
● Hill staffers expect infrastructure bill to pass, but little else Roll Call
● Democratic Leaders Start Talks on Second Infrastructure Bill Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: How Republicans could actually improve Biden’s infrastructure proposal Washington Post
● Editorial: The GOP’s Infrastructure Gamble Wall Street Journal
Senate approves bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday
Los Angeles Times
The Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would make Juneteenth, or June 19th, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is expected to easily pass the House, which would send it to President Biden for his signature.
See also:
● Senate Unanimously Approves A Bill To Make Juneteenth A Public Holiday VPR
● Juneteenth Bill, Marking End of Slavery as a Federal Holiday, Unanimously Passes Senate Wall Street Journal
Progressives urge Supreme Court Justice Breyer to step down and allow Biden to fill seat
Los Angeles Times
Fearful of Republicans regaining control of the Senate next year, progressives are ramping up their calls for Supreme Court Justice Breyer to step down from the bench to ensure that President Biden’s replacement could be confirmed while the party remained in control.
Democrats want a voting rights overhaul. Why are they pursuing rival paths to get there?
Los Angeles Times
Democrats are holding out hope for a national voting overhaul, a top priority and crucial piece of strategy for the party and the Biden administration. But they are running out of time to get it done with redistricting looming and Republicans pushing new state-level voting restrictions.
See also:
● Exodus of elections officials raises concerns of partisanshipLos Angeles Times
● Will straight-ticket voting upset the midterm dynamic in battle for Senate? Roll Call
● These 4 states could decide control of Congress in 2022 Roll Call
● Opinion: As Biden faces a summer of inflation, voters will be watching Roll Call
Washington Post
President Donald Trump’s staff began sending emails to Jeffrey Rosen, the No. 2 official at the Justice Department, asking him to embrace Trump’s claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election at least 10 days before Rosen assumed the role of acting attorney general.
See also:
● Trump White House Pressed Justice Department on Election Claims in Emails Wall Street Journal
Lina Khan, Critic of Large Tech Firms, to Lead Federal Trade Commission
Wall Street Journal
The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Lina Khan for a seat on the Federal Trade Commission, and President Biden tapped her to lead the agency, a post that will allow her to pursue aggressive enforcement of U.S. antitrust and consumer-protection laws.
See also:
● Senate confirms progressive antitrust expert Lina Khan to FTC Los Angeles Times
● Opinion: New bills show Congress is unprepared to improve antitrust AEI
Biden, Putin Meet for Tense Talks in Geneva
Wall Street Journal
President Biden met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit in which he was expected to raise a number of thorny issues, from Moscow’s aggression toward Ukraine to alleged cyberattacks against the U.S.
House Panel Approves China Scientific Competitiveness Bill
Wall Street Journal
A House committee on Tuesday approved the chamber’s version of legislation aimed at boosting U.S. scientific competitiveness to keep pace with China, adding momentum to the bipartisan effort.
Finding common ground for Postal Service reform
AEI
Victor Glass, Director, Center for Research in Regulated Industries (CRRI) Scholar presents Finding Common Ground for Postal Service.
Other:
Tech giants have to hand over your data when federal investigators ask. Here’s why.
Washington Post
Apple, Microsoft and Google receive tens of thousands of requests each year to provide data about their customers, and often the companies are barred from notifying them.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
‘This is how dry things are.’ California warns farmers about water cutoffs due to drought
Fresno Bee
The seriousness of California’s drought is being driven home to thousands of farmers in the Central Valley.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Are Fresno police officers ‘gaming the workers’ comp system’? Chief orders investigations for fraud
Fresno Bee
As the Fresno Police Department struggles with a staffing and recruitment problem, Police Chief Paco Balderrama and the City Council during its budget hearing on Tuesday also tackled another department challenge: long-term absences.
AP: Some stolen US military guns used in violent crimes
Bakersfield Californian
Pulling a pistol from his waistband, the young man spun his human shield toward police. “Don’t do it!” a pursuing officer pleaded. The young man complied, releasing the bystander and tossing the gun, which skittered across the city street and then into the hands of police.
See also:
● Stolen Army assault rifles keep showing up in California AP News
Bill authored by Vince Fong to combat illegal street racing passes unanimously
Bakersfield Californian
Assembly Bill 3, aimed to curb illegal street racing locally and statewide, has passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously.
Public Safety:
Fresno has some of the worst drivers in the U.S., new ranking reveals. Here’s why
Fresno Bee
You know that driver who blows past you on the freeway when you’re already moving at the speed limit? Or the one who’s having trouble staying in one lane after one or two too many drinks after work?
Fresno Police Department Proposes Nearly $1 Million For Additional Officers And Staff
VPR
The Fresno Police Department proposed Tuesday a $206 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year during a six-hour budget hearing before the city council.
Biden Administration Lays Out Broad Strategy for Targeting Domestic Terrorism
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration is seeking increased funds for the Justice Department and FBI and promoting programs for civic education and digital literacy to counter a rise in domestic terrorism, according to a broad new strategy released Tuesday morning.
Fire:
Scientists are trying to make California forests more fire resilient
Sacramento Bee
To the untrained eye, the scrubby slope off Wentworth Springs Road in the Eldorado National Forest looks like any other patch of Sierra Nevada ridgetop.
See also:
● Scientists Are Trying to Make California Forests More Fire Resilient Bloomberg
US West swelters in record-busting heat, risking wildfires
Bakersfield Californian
Dangerous, record-busting heat spread across the U.S. Southwest on Tuesday as a dome of high pressure hovered over a large swath of the region, pushing temperatures into the triple digits this week and intensifying the risk for wildfires amid a long-running drought.
Ceres approves contract with Modesto for fire services. What that means for residents
Modesto Bee
The Ceres City Council on Monday approved contracting Modesto for fire services instead of following a plan to increase funding for its understaffed traditional fire department.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Reopened — but recovered? What Fresno jobs look like in industries hit hardest by COVID
Fresno Bee
When the first confirmed cases of coronavirus struck Fresno County and the central San Joaquin Valley 15 months ago, it triggered a series of precautionary health orders — including wholesale closures of some types of businesses — to stem the spread of the contagion.
See also:
● Central CA businesses hope for revival as state finally reopens today abc30
● June 15 is here: Everything changing in California's grand reopening today abc30
● Bethany Clough: ‘We’ve missed you all.’ COVID restrictions lift in Fresno. What restaurants are saying Fresno Bee
Will travel and tourism return with California reopening?
CalMatters
When COVID-19 shut down businesses and travel across the U.S., communities such as Anaheim that rely heavily on entertainment and tourism were some of the hardest hit.
How California Detects Fiscal Distress in Local Governments
PEW
With the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic putting fiscal pressure on state and local government budgets, states are looking to identify municipalities most at risk of fiscal distress so that local officials can address problems early on.
COVID changed how we spend money. With California reopening, will we change back?
Los Angeles Times
More than a year ago, fear of the coming pandemic turned the business world on its head. Consumer behavior veered sharply: Restaurants and hotels were quiet, lines formed outside grocery stores and toilet paper was suddenly in short supply.
How 'Chaos' In The Shipping Industry Is Choking The Economy
VPR
Whidbey Island is a lovely place about 30 miles north of Seattle on the Puget Sound. Most days the tranquil sounds of rolling waves and chirping birds provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. But these days, all is not so serene.
Stocks fall from records ahead of Fed decision on rates
Los Angeles Times
U.S. stocks slipped from their record heights Tuesday as investors wait to hear whether the Federal Reserve will give any clue about when it may let up on its massive support for markets.
See also:
● Fed Meeting Likely to Signal Possible Policy Shifts Wall Street Journal
Relaxed Rules Attract Entrepreneurs to State 'Sandboxes'
PEW
Sandboxes aren’t just play areas for toddlers. Increasingly, state and national governments around the world are creating so-called regulatory sandboxes: programs that allow software companies to skirt regulations in order to test a new product or service.
Rising prices: What meat, clothing and five other everyday items tell us about inflation
Washington Post
Consumers are paying more for a range of products, including bacon, blouses and used Buicks, as the economy rebounds strongly from the covid-led recession with considerable help from Congress and the Federal Reserve.
Not Being Amazon Is a Selling Point for These E-Commerce Players
Wall Street Journal
On a Wednesday afternoon earlier this year, workers at an industrial center raced back and forth grabbing items such as paper towels, children’s toys, and liquor, then sorted them into packages destined for customers expecting delivery just hours after placing their orders.
Retail Sales Dropped 1.3% in May as Pandemic Shopping Habits Shifted
Wall Street Journal
Retail sales dropped in May, marking a shift in consumer spending from big-ticket items to goods and services related to going out amid business reopenings and higher vaccination rates.
Jobs:
How can you find a good job now that California is reopening? Here’s what to know
Fresno Bee
The pandemic has led many Californians, by force or choice, to hit a reset button in their career. The state lost more than three million jobs between February and April of 2020, the peak of the pandemic.
See also:
● Need a job? Here are 5 industries hiring in California Fresno Bee
● The seven industries most desperate for workers Washington Post
Weekly SBDC webinar will focus on hiring
Bakersfield Californian
Assistant Kern County Administrative Officer Teresa Hitchcock will join a webinar presentation from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday to talk about hiring employees in the county and resources available to employers amid challenging conditions in the local job market.
Gallo approved for $400M South Carolina bottling plant. Will it affect Modesto jobs?
Modesto Bee
E.&J. Gallo Winery of Modesto announced Tuesday that is has final approval to build a bottling plant in South Carolina. The plant will employ about 500 people but will not reduce jobs in Modesto, the company said earlier.
Gov. Newsom says vaccinated California workers won't have to wear masks after June 17
abc30
Gov. Gavin Newsom says California workers will soon be able to stop wearing masks. On Monday, Newsom said the state will, "We'll be consistent with the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's) guidelines."
New contract gives 20% raises to some California state attorneys
Sacramento Bee
Entry-level state attorneys will get a 15% pay bump in a new, one-year contract agreement their union reached with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, according to a summary of the agreement emailed to members.
See also:
● 3 more California unions strike deals to end state worker pay cuts, restore wages Sacramento Bee
US unemployment claims fall to 376,000, sixth straight drop
AP News
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell for the sixth straight week as the U.S. economy, held back for months by the coronavirus pandemic, reopens rapidly.
See also:
● Half of U.S. states to end Biden-backed pandemic unemployment early Reuters
● What Employers Need to Know About the Revised Emergency Temporary Standards aalrr
● During the pandemic, teen summer employment hit its lowest point since the Great Recession Pew Research Center
● What burnout really means, and what bosses and employees can do about it Washington Post
The American Dream in crisis: Helping low-wage workers move up to better jobs
Brookings
The promise of opportunity—and with it, economic and social mobility—is a central tenet of the American Dream. In his inaugural address, President Biden described a set of “common objects we love that define us as Americans.” The first on his list: opportunity.
EDUCATION
K-12:
KHSD hosts its first forum on boundary changes at West High
Bakersfield Californian
A week after the district released three proposals, the Kern High School District hosted its first forum on boundary changes Tuesday night.
Modesto City Schools to hire parent ambassadors. What does the district seek in applicants?
Modesto Bee
To better engage families with their children’s educations, Modesto City Schools is preparing to launch a Parent Ambassadors program for the upcoming school year.
What teachers need to know about students’ post-COVID-19 mental health
AEI
When I concluded teaching two wonderful undergraduate seminars just a few weeks ago, many of my students were not in a good place.
Opinion: Reimagining K-12 Education After COVID
Newsweek
By the end of May, a majority of American K-12 schools were at least partially open for face-to-face instruction, with every indication that come fall, schools everywhere would be "back to normal."
Higher Ed:
UC will require students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated even without full FDA approval of shots
abc30
The University of California is reversing course and will require all students, staff and faculty to be vaccinated against the coronavirus this fall.
See also:
● California college system makes COVID vaccines mandatory for students, staff and faculty Fresno Bee
Billionaire MacKenzie Scott gives PC $7 million grant
Porterville Recorder
Porterville College was one of 286 organizations chosen by MacKenzie Scott to receive a donation from $2.7 billion being made by the billionaire philanthropist. And PC will receive $7 million.
See also:
● Porterville College Receives $7m From High-profile Donor Business Journal
Editorial: The Supreme Court shouldn’t take up the Harvard affirmative action case
Los Angeles Times
The latest twist on the civil rights lawsuit against Harvard has the U.S. Supreme Court asking the Biden administration its thoughts on the matter.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Scientists are trying to make California forests more fire resilient
Sacramento Bee
To the untrained eye, the scrubby slope off Wentworth Springs Road in the Eldorado National Forest looks like any other patch of Sierra Nevada ridgetop.
Young Activists March From Paradise to SF in 100 Degree Heat to Protest Climate Crisis
KQED
A climate justice march led by a small group of young activists that began in Paradise ended in San Francisco on Monday, after more than 100 climate activists from the youth-led Sunrise Movement marched across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Energy:
More blackouts? California grid manager warns of power shortage as major heatwave looms
Fresno Bee
With a horrific heatwave set to bear down on much of California, the manager of the state’s electricity grid warned of potential shortages this week, raising the specter of another round of rolling blackouts.
See also:
● PG&E provides safety, energy conservation tips to customers leading up to heat wave Bakersfield Californian
Lack of Supreme Court review doesn't settle where big oil lawsuit will be fought
San Francisco Chronicle
The U.S. Supreme Court took a step Monday toward allowing San Francisco and Oakland to sue major oil companies in state court for their role in emissions that increase global warming.
Federal Judge Stops Biden Administration From Blocking New Oil and Gas Leases
Wall Street Journal
A federal judge in Louisiana issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Biden administration from pausing new oil and gas leases on federal land.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Valley Children’s Hospital earns national honors in seven care specialties
Fresno Bee
Valley Children’s Hospital was named among the Best Children’s Hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, earning top-50 rankings from the publication for seven separate specialties.
More evidence suggests COVID-19 was in US by Christmas 2019
Fresno Bee
A new analysis of blood samples from 24,000 Americans taken early last year is the latest and largest study to suggest that the new coronavirus popped up in the U.S. in December 2019 — weeks before cases were first recognized by health officials.
See also:
● More evidence suggests coronavirus was in U.S. by Christmas 2019 Los Angeles Times
● Covid-19 Ranged From Illinois to Massachusetts Before States Reported First Cases Wall Street Journal
For Those Facing Alzheimer's, A Controversial Drug Offers Hope
VPR
Soon after Phillip Lynn got married in 2014, he began to forget things. He'd repeat himself. He'd get lost in places close to the couple's home in a suburb of St. Louis.
A 3rd Dose Of COVID Vaccines May Boost Immunity For Transplant Recipients
VPR
A small new study offers a glimmer of hope that giving organ transplant recipients a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine could boost their protection against the coronavirus.
CDC issues guidance for treating ‘long COVID’ patients
Roll Call
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released much-anticipated guidance for physicians treating patients struggling with lingering and complicated problems after COVID-19, often called “long COVID.”
Regeneron’s Antibody Drug Cuts Risk of Death in Some Covid-19 Patients
Wall Street Journal
An antibody treatment developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.REGN +1.01% has been shown to significantly cut the risk of death among certain hospitalized Covid-19 patients, raising hopes for a valuable new tool for tackling severe cases.
AstraZeneca Covid-19 Antibody Treatment Suffers Setback
Wall Street Journal
AstraZeneca, PLC’s coronavirus antibody treatment failed in late-stage clinical trials to achieve its primary goal of preventing symptomatic Covid-19 in people recently exposed to the virus, the latest disappointment in a broader search for reliable post-infection therapies.
Human Services:
Here's where you'll still have to wear a mask after California reopens today
abc30
California officially reopens on Tuesday, June 15 after over a year of restrictions and closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So you can ditch your masks right? Not so fast.
See also:
● Being vaccinated doesn’t mean you must go without a mask. Here’s why Los Angeles Times
● Is it safe to open California? Why there’s optimism despite past COVID reopening setbacks Sacramento Bee
● Editorial: California has finally reopened. But we can’t forget the ugly truths we learned from COVID Sacramento Bee
Diabetes education now available via telehealth
Hanford Sentinel
Hanford-based endocrinologist Prem Sahasranam, MD, is now offering My Diabetes Tutor, a telehealth education program for residents struggling to manage their diabetes.
How Policy Can Maximize Children’s Potential by Addressing Systemic Racism
EdNote
The evidence is clear and growing: structural, cultural, and interpersonal racism impose unique and substantial stressors on the daily lives of families raising young children of color that affect lifelong learning and health.
Time to make essential medicines within the United States
Brookings
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed many problems in American society ranging from public health and racial disparities to economic challenges and supply chain limitations.
IMMIGRATION
California offered checks to undocumented families. An IRS backlog is holding them up for many
Fresno Bee
Alfredo Gaudencio Diaz, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, applied to renew an IRS processing number for people who don’t qualify to receive Social Security Numbers early this year when he started filing his taxes.
California banned private prisons, immigrant detention centers. Will the law survive court?
Los Angeles Times
When California legislators voted to ban private prison contracts in 2019, advocates hailed the first-of-its-kind law as a victory for immigrants who they said have long suffered in facilities run by corporations that cut corners and provide substandard living conditions and medical care.
Under Biden immigration change, more Central American children may join family in U.S.
Los Angeles Times
The Biden administration on Tuesday announced the major expansion of a program to allow Central American youths into the United States legally, part of its stated goal to increase “legal pathways” for immigration to the U.S.
See also:
● Biden Administration Expands Program Allowing Legal Immigration for Central American Minors Wall Street Journal
New York Times
A nonpartisan federal government watchdog on Tuesday found no wrongdoing in President Biden’s decision in January to pause spending on the border wall with funds that Congress allocated during the Trump administration.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Measure P authors say Fresno parks budget is out of compliance. City has changes in mind
Fresno Bee
While the city of Fresno will begin collecting tax money from Measure P this fiscal year for parks and arts, it likely will be another year before work begins on noticeable improvements to the city’s dilapidated parks.
Housing:
Modesto wants a plan for more housing. Here’s where it’s hoping to build.
Modesto Bee
Officials will ask the City Council in July to hire Berkeley-based Opticos Design to create a housing plan at a cost not to exceed $355,805. That includes a reuse study for the courthouse.
Is union labor requirement in the way of easing California’s affordable housing crisis?
CalMatters
What is a skilled and trained workforce, and what could the labor requirement do to California affordable housing bills in the Legislature?
Is California still facing an eviction tsunami when the moratorium ends?
CalMatters
CalMatters conducted a Q&A with housing researcher Carolina Reid, who has been tracking vulnerable renters throughout the pandemic. She says the state could help renters facing eviction — if enough money gets to them in time.
See also:
● Airbnb takes aim at landlords listing homes after evicting tenants. Here’s what to know Fresno Bee
Mortgage Companies Are Making Money Off Your Forbearance Plan
Wall Street Journal
When homeowners paused mortgage payments early in the Covid-19 pandemic, their mortgage companies found a way to make a buck.
U.S. Housing Market Needs 5.5 Million More Units, Says New Report
Wall Street Journal
Construction of new housing in the past 20 years fell 5.5 million units short of long-term historical levels, according to a new National Association of Realtors report, which is calling for a “once-in-a-generation” policy response.
PUBLIC FINANCES
States Can Use Federal Stimulus to Safeguard Fiscal Health, Expand Broadband Access
PEW
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is sending billions of dollars to state and local governments to support public health services, replace lost revenue, and stabilize economies.
See also:
● Opinion: A record benefits cliff is coming thanks to Democrats’ American Rescue Plan AEI
The misleading claim that Biden would raise taxes $28,000 per household
Washington Post
The RSC document compares and contrasts President Biden’s fiscal 2022 budget with the budget drafted by the committee itself.
Global Tax Deal Holdouts Face Squeeze Under Biden Administration Plan
Wall Street Journal
Some countries might try to stay outside the emerging agreement to impose a global minimum tax on corporations so those nations can use low tax rates to attract businesses. The Biden administration aims to deflect those attempts with a powerful Shield.
Opinion: In the tax policy debate, privacy has been gored first
AEI
Bullfighting is both cruel and majestic. So is politics. It is possible to both deplore and admire the practice of politics at its best. Last week, our financial privacy entered the ring — confused, snorting, and stamping its feet.
TRANSPORTATION
Southwest Tech Issue Cancels, Delays Fresno Flights
Business Journal
Southwest Airlines said it was working Tuesday to restore normal operations after a technology-related issue interfered with flights for the second straight day.
See also:
● Southwest Airlines flights across US grounded again. Sacramento among airports hit by outage Sacramento Bee
Nearly $1 billion restored to California bullet train after Biden officials reverse Trump
Los Angeles Times
A $929-million federal grant for the California bullet train project was restored Thursday, reversing a decision by the Trump administration to terminate the funding.
Opinion: California’s electric-vehicle push should support American workers
CalMatters
California has set a requirement that all new vehicles sold here be emissions-free by 2035, and the Legislature is updating the state’s purchasing incentive program to get drivers into cleaner cars quickly.
Lyft launches EV rental pilot program for ride-hail drivers in Northern California
Reuters
Lyft Inc (LYFT.O) said on Tuesday it will launch an electric vehicle rental pilot program for ride-hail drivers in a part of the San Francisco Bay Area in partnership with a local utility.
WATER
‘This is how dry things are.’ California warns farmers about water cutoffs due to drought
Fresno Bee
The seriousness of California’s drought is being driven home to thousands of farmers in the Central Valley.
Drought Saps California Reservoirs As Hot, Dry Summer Looms
Business Journal
Each year Lake Oroville helps water a quarter of the nation’s crops, sustain endangered salmon beneath its massive earthen dam and anchor the tourism economy of a Northern California county that must rebuild seemingly every year after unrelenting wildfires.
See also:
● Tulare County’s never-ending drought brings dried up wells and plenty of misery CalMatters
● As drought intensifies, state warns users to stop pumping water from major rivers CalMatters
● Walters: California Drought sharpens perpetual water conflict CalMatters
“Xtra”
‘Invest in our youth.’ Fresno launches ‘Day at the Zoo’ for kids
Fresno Bee
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer Tuesday helped kicked off California’s Summer opening with a Day at the Zoo, which will allow Fresno’s disadvantaged kids a chance to visit the Chaffee Zoo free on Tuesdays.
So, you’re finally heading out. Here’s a mega list of Fresno-area events to check out
Fresno Bee
Note to those awaiting a hard reopening on entertainment options after a year-plus hiatus: Event calendars are quickly filling up.
Turlock Journal
Families looking to beat the heatwave this week can cool off at the City of Turlock’s two aquatic playgrounds, which are open once more after the pandemic shut them down last summer.