A judge denies a bid by state lawmakers to grab early childhood program money, Fresno County claims the dubious distinction of having the state's highest poverty rate in 2010, Pat Hill says he has plans to turn around Fresno State's flagging football program and a Malayan tiger that was part of a breeding program at Fresno Chaffee Zoo is found dead.

Here are the top stories of the past week, along with selected comments posted by readers at fresnobee.com.

First 5 prevails

What happened: First 5 commissions in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties won a court fight over the state's attempt to grab $1 billion to balance the budget deficit. First 5 commissions receive funds from Proposition 10, a cigarette tax approved by voters in 1998 to pay for early childhood programs. State officials had said the money would be used for health services for low-income children up to age 5.

What it means: State officials are reviewing the court ruling before deciding whether to appeal.

What readers said:

"I do not think the ruling is a bad outcome, because it better defines what the next step is that we Californians must take if we are to demand accountability and positive outcomes for our tax dollars. First 5 is a good place to start, as it is the only agency in California that allows its Commissioners to vote on budgets that give them the bulk of the money. ... that we passed a law that allows the foxes to guard and eat from the First 5 hen house was our stupid mistake. It's time we fixed it."

-- Ruben Stutter

"As a high school teacher, I can identify a teenage student who went to preschool within the first week of the school year. It is especially important for the little ones who do not speak English in the home. ... I'd rather spend the dollars on little ones to learn, than the drop-out 15-18 yr olds who just want welfare, AFDC, medical, etc. In fact, preschool should be a law for non-English speakers."

-- mmjohns

Poverty capital

What happened: Fresno County has the state's highest poverty rate, at 26.8%, according to new Census data. Nearly 250,000 county residents were living in poverty in 2010 -- almost 70,000 more than in 2007 when the recession began. Experts say Fresno County's high poverty rate stems from the region's weak economy and unskilled labor market.

What it means: The key to reducing poverty in Fresno County and other Valley communities is expanding the skills of the workforce and diversifying the economy, experts say.

What readers said: "The new motto for Fresno: The Appalachia of California! So sad but true!"

-- G William Norris III

"If Fresno County and the rest of the San Joaquin Valley wants to survive and become more competitive, it'll have no choice but to let go of most of the ag industry and will have to attract industries that have bright futures ahead of them such as health and tech."

-- Marcos Diaz

Changes needed

What happened: The Fresno State football team needs to make off-the-field changes, including more accountability from players, to prevent this season's slide from continuing next year, coach Pat Hill said. But some Bulldog fans say the best change would be a new head coach.

What it means: Despite general unhappiness about the team's record, it seems unlikely the financially strapped athletic department will buy out Hill's contract.

What readers said: "It's comforting that Pat Hill knows what changes must be made. The mystery: Why is he telling everyone about it? No one cares what time his players lift weights. Just set the schedule and get on with it. Unless, of course, he's trying to publicly demonstrate that he's on top of things. Just in case, you know, his performance review depends on such things."