(KMJ) – Long-time retail chain J.C. Penney says it is taking steps to close 154 stores this summer. That announcement was made Thursday via a post on the company’s blog. It states: “Following a comprehensive review of our retail footprint, J.C. Penney made the difficult decision to close 154 stores.” There are three Penney’s locations in…… MORE
(KMJ) – The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 13.3% in May from 14.7% as 2.5 million jobs were added across the Nation. Economic analysts say May’s job gain suggests that businesses have been quickly recalling workers as states have reopened their economies. Other evidence has also shown that the job market meltdown triggered by the…… MORE
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom do not agree yet on how to close the state’s $54.3 billion budget deficit. Lawmakers met with administration officials on Thursday in a public hearing to discuss their plans. Newsom is more willing to make permanent budget cuts to things like public education and health…… MORE
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California’s top health official says the state remains in a “range of stability” on coronavirus cases and hospitalizations and will continue moving ahead with reopening efforts. That’s despite recent widespread protests over racial injustice that have brought people together in mass gatherings not seen in months. Mark Ghaly says the state…… MORE
(photo courtesy: Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce) (KMJ) – The Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announce the cancellation of its 2020 July 4th fireworks event due to concerns over COVID-19. “It is with a lot of sadness and heartfelt discussion with community leaders and business partners that the Bass Lake Chamber…… MORE
(Photo courtesy: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office) (KMJ) – Detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrest a 30-year old Fresno woman for allegedly embezzling $27,000 from a Sanger Unified Elementary School. Sandy Rojas served as the PTA treasurer at Lone Star Elementary School. But staff at that school filed a report stating she stole thousands…… MORE
(KMJ) – For the first time in its 33-year history, the Central California Women’s Conference has canceled its yearly event in Downtown Fresno. This week, the conference’s board of directors decided, after much deliberation, to cancel the event due to the coronavirus pandemic. They add this move is being made for the safety of everyone…… MORE
(KMJ) – The Sheriff of Tulare County posts a video message in response to recent (now-deleted) tweets that expressed his frustration over nationwide protests and riots. Sheriff Mike Boudreaux says he sincerely apologizes to anyone he may have offended. But, he wants to make it clear his intention was never to offend anyone. Instead he says…… MORE
(Photo courtesy: Madera County Sheriff’s Office) (KMJ) – Tuesday, Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney signed off for the final time. The 37-year law enforcement veteran has spent the last six years as Sheriff. But he announced his intention to retire earlier this year. Below is the full sign-off message for Sheriff Varney, which includes a…… MORE
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California agency tasked with disciplining judges has ordered an appellate court justice removed from office because of years of misconduct, including unwanted touching of women and undignified behavior. The Commission on Judicial Performance said in a statement Tuesday that the misconduct of Jeffrey W. Johnson of the 2nd District Court…… MORE
