Local News

$7,000 Reward For Info on Hwy 145 & Kerman Vehicle Shootings

KERMAN - The Madera County and Fresno County Sheriff’s Offices continues to investigate a series of shootings on public roadways, which appear to be related. Between November 27th and December 17th, there have been 10 separate reports of vehicles being struck by gunfire. Eight occurred in Fresno County and two occurred in Madera County. Only one case resulted in a person suffering injuries. Detectives have not determined a motive for the shootings and are considering them to be random.

All of the shootings in Fresno County have happened in the same vicinity, on the outskirts of the city of Kerman. Most all occurred at the beginning and end of traditional commute hours. A common thread in all reports is the victims said they heard loud bangs as another vehicle passed them, going the opposite direction on the roadway. They later inspect their vehicles and find bullet holes in various places.

According to CDC Seasonal Flu Death Estimate Increases Worldwide

ATLANTA, GA - According to new estimates published, between 291,000 and 646,000 people worldwide die from seasonal influenza-related respiratory illnesses each year, higher than a previous estimate of 250,000 to 500,000 and based on a robust, multinational survey. The new estimate, from a collaborative study by CDC and global health partners, appeared last week in The Lancet. The estimate excludes deaths during pandemics.

"These findings remind us of the seriousness of flu and that flu prevention should really be a global priority," says Joe Bresee, M.D., associate director for global health in CDC's Influenza Division and a study co-author.

Second Suspect in Tackle Box Murder Arrested & Pleads Not Guilty

MADERA – A second suspect has been arrested in last months killing of a Tackle Box cashier. Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney announced Saturday the arrest of Savirant Singh Athwal, 24 years old of Fresno, was arrested shortly before 5 PM Friday during a vehicle stop on Highway 99 north of Avenue 18 ½.

Savirant Singh Athwal is the cousin of the first suspect arrested in this case. Athwal was booked into the Madera County Department of Corrections on a no-bail warrant for murder and robbery. This morning Athwal faced a Madera County Superior Court judge for arraignment on the charges. Both suspects have pled not guilty.

Two Madera Shootings Leaves One 16 Year Old Boy Dead

MADERA – The Madera Police Department is asking for the public’s help with two shootings that took place in Madera this last weekend. The first shooting occurred on the 1500 block of West Third Street near Willis Avenue. The victims were soliciting door to door when they were hit with bird shot from an unknown suspect. They were transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno with non-life threatening injuries.

A second shooting that claimed the life of a sixteen year old boy took place on Sunday in an alley way on the 200 block of South A Street and East Sixth Street near downtown Madera. Officers were dispatched to the area around 5:30pm with reports of a shooting involving a male juvenile. However when police arrived, there was no victim to be found.

Virgin Hyperloop One Sets New Speed Record - Names Richard Branson Chairman

LOS ANGELES - Virgin Hyperloop One, the only company in the world that has built a full-scale hyperloop system, today announced that it has named Richard Branson Chairman (non-executive), and has raised an additional $50 million ahead of its Series C round of funding with investments from Caspian Venture Capital and DP World. The company has also completed its third phase of testing achieving historic test speeds of 387 kilometers per hour.

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, will become the Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop One. As the founder of Virgin Group, Branson brings an unparalleled proven track record in delivering technology breakthroughs and transformative experiences in air, rail, and space transportation. Branson joined the Virgin Hyperloop One board of directors in October 2017 after Virgin Group invested in the company and formed a global strategic partnership. The company is in the process of rebranding itself Virgin Hyperloop One.