News Archives - Page 2 of 15 - The Modesto Focus

Merced rental costs continue to rise consistently. What’s behind the increase?

‘Is the state going to sue us?’ Valley communities react to Newsom’s ire over their housing plans

by Garth Stapley, Brianna Vaccari, Isreal Cardona Hernandez and Alma Villegas March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

Protestors rally with the Central Valley BIPOC Coalition along Crows Landing Road in Modesto Jan. 10, 2026 as part of a nationwide day of action after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Credit: Ximena Loeza / The Modesto Focus

What’s happening with immigration enforcement in the Valley? What advocates, attorneys are seeing in the community

by Ximena Loeza March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Jonathan Sciabica casts his ballot at the Stanislaus County Registrar’s Office in downtown Modesto on election day, Nov. 4, 2025. Credit: Garth Stapley / The Modesto Focus

The June 2026 primary election is approaching. See who has filed to run in Stanislaus County’s top races

by Garth Stapley March 6, 2026March 6, 2026

Over 100 people gather for a town hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Modesto to share resources, hear concerns over expected Immigration and Customs Enforcement precedence in the San Joaquin Valley, on Feb. 7, 2026. Credit: Vivienne Aguilar / The Modesto Focus.

Immigrants’ rights organizers and experts convene at ‘ICE Out’ event in Modesto

by Vivienne Aguilar February 10, 2026February 13, 2026

Agricultural field workers harvest onions in a California field in this Library of Congress photo. Undocumented Immigrants in the state face a dual threat from cuts to federal Medicaid and state Medi-Cal health coverage, as well as federal enforcement actions and deportation threats for undocumented immigrants. Photo: Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress.

Proposed California budget cuts Medi-Cal, CalFresh benefits for undocumented people amid federal pressure, rising costs

by Tim Sheehan January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

News

New California laws that will impact the Valley in 2026

by Modesto Focus Staff January 4, 2026January 5, 2026

Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, operates an enrollment center in northeast Fresno. More than 202,000 residents in the San Joaquin Valley buy their health insurance coverage through the agency, including almost 185,000 whose premiums are at least partially subsidized through tax credits. Photo: Tim Sheehan / Central Valley Journalism Collaborative

New Covered California enrollments dip amid tax-credit confusion, cost uncertainty

by Tim Sheehan December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

Community members pick up free food, clothing, narcan and more at the Central Valley Black Indigenous People of Color Coalition (CVBIPOCC)’s “Food not Fascists" event in West Modesto on Dec 13, 2025. Credit: Vivienne Aguilar / The Modesto Focus.

Group offers ‘Food not Fascism’ to help people meet day-to-day basic needs in west Modesto

by Vivienne Aguilar December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

The Trader Joe's market off Dale Road in Modesto is shown.

Modesto doctor awarded $23.5 million for slipping and falling in Trader Joes. Store’s attorneys want a retrial

by Steve Ringhoff | Modesto FOCUS contributor November 26, 2025December 4, 2025

Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman addresses reporters at an event in Fresno to promote open enrollment in the state-backed Affordable Care Act marketplace on Nov. 13, 2025. Joining her are Fresno County District 3 Supervisor Luis Chavez, left, and Dr. Olga Meave, CEO of Clinica Sierra Vista health clinics in Fresno and Kern counties. Photo: Tim Sheehan/ Central Valley Journalism Collaborative

Covered California enrollment’s open. But without a tax credits extension, will thousands in the Valley be unable to pay?

by Tim Sheehan November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

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