Local News

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.

Red Cross Provides Shelter and Comfort as 7 Large Wildfires Burn in Southern California

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.

Sheriffs' Office Warns Public of Reported Random Shootings on Hwy 145

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.

World Ag Expo's Top-10 New Product Winners Announced

TULARE - Results are in for World Ag Expo's Top-10 New Products Competition, sponsored by Bank of America. The winners will be showcased February 13-15, 2018, during the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California.

An impressive field of cutting-edge, cost-saving, and resource-managing products were submitted for the contest by exhibitors of the largest annual agricultural show of its kind. The contest judges were made up of farmers, ranchers and industry professionals. The Top-10 New Products competition is once again sponsored by Bank of America, which has an industry leading agribusiness group that delivers end-to-end banking and finance solutions to ag producers and related businesses.

Suspect In Tackle Box Murder Faces Potential Death Penalty

MADERA - Madera County District Attorney David A. Linn announced this week he filed additional special allegations against defendant Amritraj Singh Athwal for the murder of Dharampreet Singh Jassar.

Mr. Athwal was arraigned Thursday morning on the amended complaint in Department 23 of the Madera Superior Court. The effect of these additional special allegations increases the potential penalties for Mr. Athwal to life, without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.