A suspected drug trafficker was released from jail Tuesday on zero-dollar bail — a policy that no longer exists. Pedro Miranda-Muro was arrested by Fresno County Sheriff's Office detectives, and charged with HS 11351, possession with intent to sell. The maximum penalty is four years imprisonment. He was released 16...
Batten Down the Hatches. Another Big Storm Takes Aim at the Valley.
Whether it's called an atmospheric river or a bomb cyclone, the impact of Wednesday's overnight storm in the Valley will be the same — lots of rain, possibly as much as 2 inches, accompanied by huge wind gusts. If you're looking out the window now at sunshine, be advised that...
Who Are the Republicans That Blocked McCarthy for a Sixth Time?
WASHINGTON — House Republicans flailed through a second day of multiple balloting Wednesday, unable to elect their leader Kevin McCarthy as House speaker or come up with a new strategy to end the political chaos that has tarnished the start of their new majority. For a fourth, fifth, and sixth time,...
What California Must Learn From This Wave of Storms
California, particularly Northern California, was walloped by a major winter rain and snowstorm last week and meteorologists expect that high levels of precipitation will continue for at least another week. Despite some damage and at least one death from local flooding and tree-toppling high winds, the storm and the predictions...
Valley Republicans Have McCarthy’s Back in Battle for the Gavel
Kevin McCarthy has the full support of the GOP Central Valley delegation in his quest to become Speaker of the House. Starting on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Pacific Time, the 118th Congress convenes at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The first order of business, before members are ceremonially sworn in,...
Jaywalking Becomes Legal Sunday as Many New State Laws Take Effect
Jaywalking becomes legal in California starting Sunday. Assembly Bill 2147 no longer makes crossing a street outside a crosswalk a crime — as long as it is safe. It is unlikely to free up time for Clovis and Fresno traffic cops. Clovis police had issued nine jaywalking citations through Wednesday...
Buckets of Rain in Store for Fresno Until Mid-January
Coming days and weeks could deliver huge amounts of precipitation to the Central Valley and Sierra, according to forecast models. The Global Forecast System anticipates a blanket of participation over the next seven days for California. And, the Valley floor, foothills, and Southern Sierra are expected to get the biggest...
Esparza Fundraising for State Tax Board Run. Will Grove Also Jump In?
Nelson Esparza has ambitions for higher office. But he is still shy about publicly revealing any potential future plans. "I'm focusing on City Hall," the Fresno city councilman said now, as he had in the past. However, some of his focus in December has been raising funds for a 2026...
Fresno Police Chief Explains Why Homicides Are Down
Homicides in the city of Fresno are trending down after a two-year spike. Through Wednesday and with three days remaining in 2022, the city reported 59 homicides. That is down from 74 in both 2021 and 2020. The pandemic-era homicide spike in Fresno reversed a trend of lower numbers in...
Heavy Rains Trigger Valley Flood Warning. A Lot More Coming.
Following heavy rains throughout the region, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for Central California shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday. "Heavy rain after numerous storm systems the last few weeks will lead to increased chances of areal flooding in much of Central California. Be cautious when driving, watch...