News

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.

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.

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.

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.

LOS ANGELES -  More wildfires broke out overnight in Southern California, pushing the number of people forced to leave their homes to nearly 200,000. In the midst of the devastation, the American Red Cross is making sure those affected have a safe place to stay, food to eat and a shoulder to lean on.

Overnight about 615 people took refuge from the fires in 13 Red Cross and community shelters. People coming to Red Cross shelters can expect hot meals, comfort and the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and get information. Red Cross disaster workers are also providing health services such as replacing lost medications and eyeglasses, emotional support and spiritual care to people whose lives have been turned upside down by these wildfires.

KERMAN - The Madera County and Fresno County Sheriff’s Offices are investigating a series of shootings on public roadways, which may be related. Between November 27th and December 7th, there have been four separate reports of vehicles being struck by gunfire. Two occurred in Fresno County and two occurred in Madera County. Only one case resulted in a person suffering injuries.

Detectives do not have a clear description of the suspect(s) or their vehicle(s). The 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. With the exception of the woman who was hurt, they all later checked their vehicles and found bullet holes.