As too many Americans wonder how they can pay their monthly bills AND buy Christmas presents, let’s peek at economic affordability. It was a DAY ONE important issue in last year’s election. The president has put coal in our stockings. He cut taxes for the rich at the expense of the middle class and the poor and imposed tariffs that raised prices for American consumers. He grades himself on the economy as A+++++. But now, as most Americans disagree with him, he calls affordabi

So, it seems the U.S. Treasury has finally done it. They have decided to stop making the penny. I am curious to know what this transition will do for those of us who like to pay cash for things. Will we get the correct change back? Will they round up or will they round down? Who will get the benefit of the rounding, the customer or the store? These are all important questions.  The news about the penny made me think about how valuable a penny can be. I remember a time, early

County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Rebecca Martinez, announced that an Election will be held on June 2, 2026.  Many offices will appear on the ballot for this election, including the applicable candidate filing dates Federal and State offices — Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Attorney General, Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, member, State Board of Equalization District 1, U.S. Representative in Congress, Districts 5 and 13, member

For The Madera Tribune Members of the Big Valley Horseshoe League gathered for a photo at City Hall after presenting a request for more pitching courts during a City Council meeting last month. The Big Valley horseshoe League was out in force at a recent Madera City Council Meeting.  Approximately 30 league players attended the meeting in support of a request to build eight additional horseshoe pitching courts at Rotary Park. The league currently has 12 courts available for l

“With the beginning of the holiday season, I’ve been reflecting on all that I’m grateful for including my family, my friends, and the incredible community I’m blessed to serve. Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful people across Assembly District 27. I’ve been humbled by the outpouring of support from local leaders, community members, and legislators from throughout California. I’m also grateful for the exceptional team of consul

I ran into a customer of mine from when I was in business.  It was a good conversation. He told me he sees my letters in the paper and said, “you’re a Trump guy.” I replied, “Yes, but more on what is right.” That is true… we are on the right track, I believe. Take drugs, for example.

Courtesy of Alicia Gonzales/City of Madera Madera City Councilwoman Elsa Mejia is recognized by the Foreign Secretariat of Mexico at the most recent City Council meeting for empowering and strengthening the Indigenous Mexican community within Madera. With a distinguished award from the Mexican Consulate for Councilwoman Elsa Mejia, state and local recognition was also awarded during this week’s meeting of the Madera City Council. A new Mayor Pro Tem was also selected, before

As we draw closer to our nation’s 250th birthday, it’s worth reviewing the evolution of our revolution. Let’s start with the current interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution is dead, according to the conservative-majority of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). It’s been dead since it was ratified in 1789, except for its amendments. The death of America’s preeminent legal document gives birth to originalism.  Originalism is a 1980s Ouija board leg