Local News

Madera's North Fork Mono Casino Releases Restaurant Line-up

MADERA – North Fork Mono Casino is bringing a bold new dining destination to the Central Valley with an exciting lineup of restaurants, bars, and casual eateries. Guests will discover everything from premium steaks and fresh seafood at Manzanita Steakhouse to game-day favorites at Clubhouse 99, and four unique bars located throughout the property.

Located just steps from the gaming floor, the Food Hall offers convenient, high-quality dining with six unique concepts under one roof. Among them is Fresno favorite Fuego Mexican Kitchen, bringing its celebrated flavors to a second location exclusively at North Fork Mono Casino.

Fresno Man Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison for Operating a $9 Million Real Estate Ponzi Scheme

FRESNO - Matthew Campbell, 43, of Fresno, was sentenced today to 52 months in federal prison for defrauding investors in a $9 million Ponzi scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, since 2012, Campbell operated two real estate investment companies, Preferred Property LLC and Ampez Rehab Investments LLC, which he used to buy, sell, build, and renovate properties, as well as to solicit investor money to fund his operations. Beginning in 2018, Campbell used his businesses to run a Ponzi scheme. He knowingly made false representations about his company’s finances, returns on investment, and distributions to attract new investors, then used those funds to pay returns to earlier investors.

Madera Teacher Threatens Black Militia and Attacks on Whites

MADERA - Late Saturday night, Madera Unified School District leadership learned that a staff member at Lincoln Elementary had posted concerning videos. In response, district leaders coordinated with Fresno authorities to ensure the staff member's safety and that of the surrounding community. A home visit resulted in a temporary restraining order, and law enforcement is now conducting an ongoing investigation.

MUSD and the Madera Police Department completed a safety review to enhance security at Lincoln Elementary. The staff member, Kenisha Daily, has been banned from school grounds and placed on administrative leave after posting social media videos announcing she was starting a "Black militia" to shoot guns and rob white people. MPD is working with MUSD to ensure staff and students are safe. The district is also developing long-term safety measures related to this incident with district departments and local agencies.

Former Fresno Arts Council Manager Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison

FRESNO - Suliana Caldwell, 46, of Fresno, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for stealing over $1.8 million in public funds from the Fresno Arts Council (“FAC”), U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court records, Caldwell was the FAC’s operations manager from 2021 to February 2026. In this position, she managed the FAC’s bank accounts, payroll, grants, donations, and general finances. Her duties also included providing periodic financial updates and reports to the executive director, board members, and the City and County of Fresno.

Former Corrections Sergeant Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Dealing in Child Sexual Abuse Material

FRESNO - Former corrections sergeant at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, Ralph Contreras Jr., 40, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 15 years in prison for receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, between Sept. 29, 2024, and Jan. 2, 2025, Contreras received and distributed CSAM through social media apps. He specifically sought out CSAM that depicted pre