Business & Economy

In a state already grappling with soaring living costs and climate-driven disasters, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)—California's largest utility, serving over 16 million residents—has come under intense scrutiny for what critics describe as predatory pricing tactics reminiscent of the Gilded Age's Robber Barons.Since 2020, PG&E's residential rates have surged by an estimated 60% on average (ranging from 50-70% across customer classes)

Leprino's exit fits a troubling pattern of businesses fleeing California, where high taxes, burdensome regulations, and utility costs make sustainability challenging—even for established giants. While Leprino retains other non-manufacturing operations in the state, this closure signals a stark choice many businesses are facing: adapt to mounting pressures or relocate for survival.

As of January 2026, the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fairfield, California—a community landmark since 1976—is preparing for its imminent closure, scheduled between February 9–22. The decision by the global brewing giant to shut down the facility has stunned locals, particularly coming just 18 months after a $7 million upgrade.

In a seismic shift for American healthcare, President Donald Trump's revived Most Favored Nations (MFN) policy is slashing prescription drug prices by tying them to the lowest rates in other developed countries, promising billions in savings for patients and taxpayers. But as the administration secures landmark deals with major pharmaceutical giants, critics point to a history of Democratic resistance.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern defense, few figures stand out as boldly as Ethan Thornton. At just 21 years old in 2025, Thornton has emerged as a prodigious force in the industry, founding and leading Mach Industries—a company that's not only challenging established giants but also reshaping how the United States approaches warfare. Born around 2004 in Orange County, California, Thornton's journey began on his grandparents' farm, where hands-on problem-solving i

The Burney Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Shasta Economic Corporation (EDC), intermountain community members and business owners, according to Jen Luck, the Chamber’s Office Manager.  These three entities, Luck explains, will join forces to host a SAVE OUR SMALL TOWN WORKSHOP (SOSTW), to initiate positive action for the community, on Wednesday, January 19, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Tri County Community Network (TCCN) meeting room.  Luck encourages those that

In a significant decision for renewable energy development in California, the California Energy Commission (CEC) unanimously voted to deny certification for the Fountain Wind Project on December 19, 2025. Much to the satisfaction of members of the Pit River Tribe and many Shasta County citizens, this marks the third rejection for the ambitious wind energy initiative proposed in eastern Shasta County.

Although there were many speaking out Chris Coulombe, a Republican congressional candidate, veteran, and Sonoma County business owner, stood at the forefront. Coulombe transformed his campaign into a megaphone for the cause, attending town halls, penning op-eds, and leveraging social media to amplify the message that dam removal wasn't just environmental progress—it was a direct assault on rural livelihoods.

President Trump's "Trump Accounts" initiative establishes tax-advantaged investment accounts for American children to build long-term wealth, modeled loosely on individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The program, enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provides a one-time $1,000 government seed deposit for U.S. citizen children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, with parents enrolling via a new IRS form during tax filing.

Have you ever walked into an office at eight o’clock in the morning, no less, and found wall-to-wall people, virtually shoulder-to-shoulder--dozens of them……..all happily chatting away like every one of them is an early morning person? If you have had that experience, you might’ve been attending an Anderson Chamber of Commerce “Greeters Meeting,” where dozens of business people, mostly Chamber members, all meet at a business that’s recently joined the Chamber to officially we

On the evening of December 17, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the White House, sharing an upbeat reflection on his administration's first year back in office. In a concise speech that ran approximately 30 minutes, Trump celebrated what he described as major strides in the economy, border security, and global peace, while outlining hopeful plans for the coming year. Delivered amid holiday preparations, the address aimed to reassure Americans.

SNAP fraud not only drains $24 million daily ($8.76 billion annually) but undermines aid for 42 million needy Americans. Trump's reforms could save billions but risk disrupting benefits as a result of federal funds being cut off due to states unwillingness to share SNAP benefit data.

The economic landscape from 2021 to 2025 has been marked by significant inflationary pressures, evolving Federal Reserve (Fed) policies, and divergent performances across asset classes. Starting with the post-pandemic recovery under President Joe Biden, inflation peaked at historic levels before moderating amid aggressive rate hikes. As we transition into the second Trump administration in late 2025 we have seen inflation rates drop, but there are lingering inflation concerns

Industry analysts are reporting that Elon Musk's SpaceX is gearing up for what could be the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history, potentially valuing the company at up to $1.5 trillion and raising more than $30 billion as early as mid-2026. Musk himself confirmed the reports' accuracy in a recent statement, signaling a major shift for the privately held aerospace giant that has revolutionized space travel and satellite communications.

As of December 10, 2025, rural communities in Northern California, particularly around areas like Burney in Shasta County, are grappling with escalating conflicts between protected predators and local agriculture. The reintroduction and natural expansion of gray wolves, combined with a stable but increasingly bold mountain lion population, have led to significant livestock losses. Ranchers report not only direct kills but also indirect impacts such as stressed herds resulting

Just when you thought the Somali welfare fraud scandal couldn't get any wilder, the whispers on X (formerly Twitter) and many video posts on YouTube have cranked it up to eleven: "$3 billion stolen!" "$8 billion funneled to terrorists!" Viral posts are flying faster than a Minnesota blizzard, accusing everyone from Gov. Tim Walz to Rep. Ilhan Omar.

In a high-stakes oral argument that could reshape the federal bureaucracy, the U.S. Supreme Court appears ready to hand President Donald Trump a significant victory, granting him—and future presidents—broad authority to remove heads of independent agencies without cause. The case, Trump v. Slaughter, heard on December 8, 2025, challenges the longstanding protections that shield commissioners of bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from arbitrary dismissal.

California has a Gasoline Crisis - Are we approaching $10/gallon for gas? Gasoline prices are high and headed higher.

The United States and Canada have long been among the closest allies and trading partners in the world, with bilateral trade exceeding $900 billion annually and deeply integrated supply chains that have benefited both nations. In 2025, however, that relationship has entered a period of significant tension, marked by U.S. tariffs, temporary Canadian retaliation (now mostly lifted), and a series of high-profile factory closures and layoffs in Canada.

Featuring over 70 vendors, such as Reign Beau Bites Gifts & Accessories, 3DD Dragon ZL1 Printing and Lamb Chop & Waffles Concession, the warm interiors of the Shasta District Fair’s Trinity Hall and Shasta Hall welcomed many dozens of people (lots of families!) to the Shasta District Fair Holiday Bazaar, held Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7, 2025, from 9 to 3…..each day. As explained by Melanie Silva, who’s the CEO of the Shasta District Fair & Event Center, the generosit