A discussion on legal representation during Thursday’s Fresno Council of Governments Policy Board meeting at times turned nasty. Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld and Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran traded harsh words during a debate about possible conflicts of interest involving the Fresno County Counsel’s Office, which also represents Fresno COG....
Amazing Abby’s Attributes Include Charm, Affection, and Curiosity
Abby is an adorable 10-month old kitten with striking black-and-white markings and thick, beautiful fur. She’s a “look-alike” twin to her sister Candy, but she’s got her own special charm and personality! Independent at first, Abby likes to take her time getting comfortable. But once she settles in, she blossoms...
Valley Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to Arrest in Fresno DUI Manslaughter Case
A man wanted in connection with a DUI manslaughter case has been arrested following an anonymous tip, Valley Crime Stoppers said. Peter Anusith Bandaphone, 42, was arrested Wednesday, three days after Valley Crime Stoppers posted information seeking the public’s help, according to the organization. The tip provided Bandaphone’s location and...
Brief US Government Shutdown Looks Inevitable Despite Deal
A short-lived U.S. government shutdown looked inevitable beginning after midnight on Friday despite plans in the Senate to vote on a deal that would keep a wide swath of the government running. The deal would fund government operations from the military to health programs. But it would also need to be...
The Trump Administration Will Add Roughly 65,000 Seasonal Guest Worker Visas for 2026
The Trump administration will add roughly 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas through September 30, a Federal Register notice said, saying the visas would be available to employers at risk of severe financial hardship due to a lack of U.S. labor. — (Reporting by Ted Hesson; Editing by Chris Reese)
Hanford Police, SWAT Surround Home After Teen Killed in Apartment Shooting
Hanford police and SWAT officers surrounded a residence on Ogden Street on Friday after suspects shot and killed a 17-year-old at the Casa Del Sol Apartments earlier in the day, the city of Hanford said in a statement. Police believe the suspects may be inside the residence and urged the...
Fresno Woman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in County’s First Fentanyl Murder Case
A Fresno woman was sentenced Friday to 15 years to life in state prison for second-degree murder in the fentanyl overdose death of a 41-year-old woman, in what prosecutors described as the county’s first fentanyl-related homicide case to result in a jury conviction and sentencing. Cassidy Marie Gonzalez, 25, was...
Sanger Makes $5.25 Million Settlement With Victim of Sexual Predator Cop
The city of Sanger this week made the first of what may be many settlements with victims of a police officer who was sentenced to five life sentences for sexual assault. The city awarded Maria Culbertson $5.25 million for rape committed by 41-year-old former officer J. DeShawn Torrence, said Fresno...
When Covering the News Becomes a Crime, Democracy Loses
When reporting the news can get you arrested, democracy isn’t just threatened, it’s gasping for air. That’s exactly what happened Thursday night in Minnesota. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested for allegedly violating federal law during a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul. Lemon says he was there...
US Senator Graham Holds up Spending Bill, Pressing for Right to Sue the Government
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham held up a bipartisan deal to avert a government shutdown on Friday as he sought to restore a widely panned provision that would allow him to sue the government for damages. Several lawmakers have blocked the Senate from acting on the funding deal, which would ensure...