Category Archives: Local News

Fentanyl-related Homicide Conviction In Madera County 

Fentanyl-related Homicide Conviction In Madera County 

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — A man has been sentenced in what the Madera County District Attorney’s Office is calling its first-ever fentanyl-related homicide conviction.  Prosecutors say Jenisis Erik Knapp pleaded guilty in January to voluntary manslaughter and the sale of fentanyl.  In April 2021, Knapp sold heroin-laced fentanyl to Robert Fant, who later overdosed…MORE

Kings Co. Fire Captain Remembered as Loving Public Servant Laid to Rest

Kings Co. Fire Captain Remembered as Loving Public Servant Laid to Rest

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — A final salute and goodbye to a beloved Kings County fire captain on Tuesday. Mark Eads was remembered by his brother-in-law as a loving husband, father, and public servant. “He loved everything about life and just enjoyed family time,” Rick said. Eads’ casket was draped for a time with an…MORE

5 Years Since Deaths of 2 Porterville Firefighters in Library Blaze

5 Years Since Deaths of 2 Porterville Firefighters in Library Blaze

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Tuesday marks five years since a South Valley community was hit with devastation. On February 18th, 2020, Porterville firefighter Patrick Jones and Captain Ray Figueroa died while battling a massive fire at the city library. The two entered the burning building to make sure everyone was out safely and after giving…MORE

Fresno’s New Police Chief on KMJ’s Ray Appleton Show

Fresno’s New Police Chief on KMJ’s Ray Appleton Show

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno’s new police chief joined the Ray Appleton show on Tuesday. Chief Mindy Casto spoke about her new position, and her goals for the department which includes bringing staffing levels up higher, with qualified candidates. Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern. Listen to Chief Mindy Casto’s full interview on…MORE

CHP K9 Makes Big Pot Bust on I-5 in Fresno County

CHP K9 Makes Big Pot Bust on I-5 in Fresno County

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) A California Highway Patrol K-9 officer recently sniffed out more than 100 lbs of processed marijuana during a traffic stop on I-5 in Fresno County. More than $45,000 in cash was also discovered during the bust on Feb. 12 on northbound I-5, south of Russell Avenue. Two suspects were arrested – one…MORE

1 Shot While Trying To Confront People Allegedly Stealing From Cars In Porterville 

1 Shot While Trying To Confront People Allegedly Stealing From Cars In Porterville 

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — An early morning confrontation between a resident and an alleged thief in a Porterville neighborhood sent a person to the hospital.  Police say they were called out for reports of a burglary taking place on Date Avenue between Newcomb and Lotus streets and when they arrived they found a victim suffering…MORE

Program Helping Low-income Families Build Homes In Southwest Fresno 

Program Helping Low-income Families Build Homes In Southwest Fresno 

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Residents like Cecilia Lemus moving into the Annadale Complex in southwest Fresno all must take a hands-on approach to their new home, whether it’s putting in the irrigation system or landscaping.  Self-Help Enterprises is assisting 22 low-income families move into homes at Annadale and Ivy through a mutual self-help housing program. …MORE

Fresno Police Unit Involved In Crash In Central Fresno 

Fresno Police Unit Involved In Crash In Central Fresno 

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — An investigation is underway into a crash involving a police vehicle in central Fresno.  It happened after 3:30 am Tuesday at Fruit and Shields.  Police say a patrol officer was involved in a collision with an SUV at the intersection.  Officers are still trying to determine a cause, and what direction…MORE

Longtime KMJ GM Al Smith Passes Away at 86

Longtime KMJ GM Al Smith Passes Away at 86

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) One of the more prominent figures in KMJ’s 102 year history has passed away. Al Smith died Saturday evening at the age of 86. Smith, who’s voice has been heard on the Legends & Legacies feature, led the KMJ crew to massive ratings success for more than 15 years. He then took…MORE

PG&E Reports $2.47B Profit for 2024, Shatters Records for 2nd Year in a Row

PG&E Reports $2.47B Profit for 2024, Shatters Records for 2nd Year in a Row

SAN FRANCISCO — PG&E shattered profit records for the second year in a row. The utility announced Thursday it made $2.47 billion in profits in 2024. Over that same time, California state regulators agreed to six separate rate increases. East Bay State Senator Aisha Wahab is proposing a new plan to limit utility companies to only…MORE