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The House of Representatives has formed a new Agricultural Trade Caucus to enhance U.S. agriculture, with bipartisan support. The caucus aims to promote agricultural exports, facilitate trade, and knock down trade barriers.

Thirty-one lawmakers spend their time outside of the nation’s capital farming, ranching or running cattle operations, according to a new Congressional Research Service report. Twenty-three of these members hold spots on the House’s roster, while eight serve in the Senate, says the report, which is based on information compiled by Congressional Quarterly. When combined, they make up 5.7% of Congress’ overall membership.

California Congressman Jim Costa has introduced a bill known as “Jane’s Law” that aims to bring to justice individuals who flee court-ordered divorce settlements. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that all parties involved in a divorce follow the terms and agreements established by the court, and seeks to end impunity for those who attempt to avoid their financial and legal responsibilities. If passed, this legislation could lead to significant changes in California’s family justice system.

In five years, Fresno’s core will be transformed into the first major hub on America’s most ambitious active infrastructure project: a 500-mile bullet train shuttling people 200-plus mph from San Francisco to Los Angeles in under three hours. But unlike Interstate 5, the state’s north-south connector, it’ll run through the heart of the Central Valley.

Not only one of the more unusual stories for the Central Valley in 2023, but the discovery of an illegal bio-lab in Reedley with links to the Chinese government made headlines across the globe.