Coachella Valley taxpayers express their concerns this tax season as filing deadline looms Tuesday

KESQ on April 14, 2025

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Tax Day is nearly upon Americans. 

In recent weeks, local tax preparers have expressed their concern surrounding fewer clients filing early and have predicted that more taxpayers could request extensions this year.

With higher prices and economic uncertainty in the minds of Americans, taxpayers are feeling the pinch.

Some recently retired taxpayers, like local resident Jennifer Nelson, say they wish they didn’t have to pay taxes with their limited income.

“They need to give [retirees] a break. You know, yes, people are retired. We can’t afford to pay taxes,” she says.

Meanwhile, other taxpayers, like Brian Sloan, a Palm Springs resident, say they’re hoping for change when it comes to the current state of the economy. Although these economic woes are putting a strain on his finances, Sloan says “We have to pay our taxes. So with everything is going on, we really don’t have no control over it. Congress got to try to fix that.”

Ahead of the deadline, you can view new changes for tax year 2024 on the IRS website, found here. Also, information about filing for an extension can be found here. It’s free to file for an extension, which will give you until October 15th to file without penalties – but it must be submitted by April 15th.

News Channel Three is speaking with Coachella Valley taxpayers and tax experts about their experience and concerns with filing taxes this year. Stay with us for the latest.

Earthquake centered east of San Diego and felt across Southern California

KESQ on April 14, 2025

Luis Avila

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A 5.2 Magnitude earthquake struck the greater San Diego area at 10:08 a.m. Monday with shaking reported around much of Southern California and into Arizona.

There were no immediate reports of any damage or injury from the quake centered two miles south of Julian, according to the US Geological Survey.

The USGS “Did You Feel It” webpage showed people reporting shakin from Santa Maria and Bakersfield south to San Diego, and east to Las Vegas and Yuma, Arizona.

At least seven aftershocks were reported by the USGS in the 2.0 to 3.0 Magnitude range.

Shaking was felt across the Coachella Valley with people phoning in their experiences with what was often described as a rolling feeling.

Stay with KESQ for complete coverage and reactions on News Channel 3 at Noon and throughout the day.

Deschutes National Forest to begin removing brush, small trees along Forest Service Road 16 south of Sisters

KTVZ on April 14, 2025

Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest plans to begin a month-long project Monday, cutting and removing brush and small trees along Forest Service Road 16 south of Sisters.

Forest Service officials say the roadside work will reduce hazardous fuels and improve visibility along the travel corridor.

Operations will include cutting and removal of brush and small trees along the travel corridor right-of-way. The roadside work will be conducted along 9.17 miles of FSR 16 beginning about 4 1/2 miles south of Sisters and continuing to the junction of FSR 16 and FSR 1628.

The Deschutes National Forest said it expects operations will be complete by May 16, unless there are weather delays.

The public can expect short travel delays that may last up to 20 minutes while roadside operations are active along FSR 16. Traffic control will be present, directing single lane traffic.

No road or trail closures are expected. The public is asked to travel and recreate with caution in the area during this timeframe for public safety while heavy equipment is operating along the road.

For further questions, contact the Sisters Ranger District at (541) 549-7700.

Lori Vallow Daybell trial enters week 2

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Seth Ratliff

DAY 5 MORNING SESSION REPLAY:

DAY 5 AFTERNOON SESSION REPLAY:

UPDATE: Phoenix (KIFI)—Several witnesses took the stand on Monday in the Lori Vallow Daybell murder conspiracy trial.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner was the first testimony of the day. 

Dr. Derek Baumgarner described the autopsy he performed on Charles Vallow, Lori Vallow’s husband.

Baumgarner talked about the wounds found on Vallow and the angles suggesting the angles the shots came from.   

The next witness was Mark Saari with the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.  He testified how Lori could receive thousands of dollars between her and her son JJ, following Charles’s death.

Lori mentioned in cross-examination that she may have tried to notify them about Charles’s death while in Hawaii.

An employee with Banner Life Insurance took the stand next to talk about how Lori called about Charles’s death and to file a claim with their office. This is how Lori learned she was not the beneficiary.  The phone conversations were played in court.

Next on the stand was Jeff Mobert with the Department of Public Safety.  He testified about the gun allegedly used to kill Charles by Adam Cox.

The final witness was Detective Casandra Ynclan with the Chandler Police Department.

She interviewed Lori shortly after Charles was killed.  Prosecutor Treena Kay played portions of the taped interview.  

Trial is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

PHOENIX, Arizona (KIFI) – Continued testimony is set to begin in the Lori Vallow case with additional witnesses taking the stand Monday morning.

Ahead of the weekend, Lori questioned her brother, Adam Cox, and Charle’s Vallow’s sister, Kay Woodcock.

Lori’s brother, Adam Cox, took the stand first in the morning.  Cox testified that Charles Cox, Lori’s then-husband, asked him to come to Phoenix to help with an intervention with Lori. He was living in Wichita at the time. He said he flew in on July 10 and was to stay with his brother, Alex Cox.  When he arrived, he couldn’t get a hold of Alex and ended up staying at his parents’ home. 

Adam answered questions about texts between him and Charles on the morning Charles was shot.  Adam said he texted him and never heard back.  Adam didn’t learn of his death until he visited with a friend in Tucson a day later.

Adam answered questions about Alex and others in their family.   

In cross-examination, Lori asked Adam when the last time they saw and spoke with each other was. When Adam said he couldn’t remember, she asked if it was during a family dinner in 2018 and if they were eating her green chile chicken enchiladas. He said he didn’t remember.

She also mentioned all the places Adam had lived and where she lived and asked if they were not physically close, to which Adam said yes.

Kay Woodcock broke down during her testimony as she spoke about learning about Charles’s death.

The trial will continue on Monday morning, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time (11:00 a.m. Mountain). There is a 30 minute delay as per Judge’s orders.

New ruling broadens exceptions to Idaho’s abortion ban

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – On Monday, an Idaho state court issued a ruling allowing more exceptions to the state’s total abortion ban.

Idaho’s current abortion law previously allowed for abortions only when necessary to prevent the death of the mother.

The ruling broadens the exception, allowing pregnant women to access abortion care if they have a health condition or pregnancy complication that would put the mother at risk of death.

The judge ruled that the exception should be interpreted broadly by doctors and could apply to numerous serious health conditions.

However, according to the ruling, pregnant women do not qualify for an exception if just the fetus is at risk. The court also ruled that people at risk of death from self-harm due to mental health conditions cannot access abortion care.

Today’s ruling comes after the court heard testimony from the four women who brought the case, all of whom were denied abortions despite doomed pregnancies due to lethal fetal diagnoses. They were forced to travel hundreds of miles out of state for care.

“Pregnant Idahoans whose health is in danger shouldn’t be forced to remain pregnant, and we are glad the court recognized that today. But this decision leaves behind so many people, including some of the women who brought this case. No one should have to choose between carrying a doomed pregnancy against their will or fleeing the state if they can,” said Gail Deady, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights. “Medical exceptions do not make abortion bans acceptable. Too many are suffering in Idaho and across the country. We will not give up until everyone has the freedom to make their own pregnancy decisions.”  

Missouri push to ban shackling of pregnant women in jails

News-Press NOW on April 14, 2025

Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A Missouri bill would require all city and county jails to develop specific intake policies for pregnant women. 

Under Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, all county and city jails shall be prohibited, except in necessary circumstances, from using restraints on a pregnant offender in her third trimester, including during transportation or labor. 

The legislation also would require all city and county jails to develop intake policies for pregnant women by Jan. 1, 2026, that include mental health evaluations, prenatal vitamins and a nutritious meal plan that includes an increased calorie intake. 

“What Representatives are looking at is to make sure that if a pregnant inmate were to fall, they would have some way to brace themselves so the baby wouldn’t be harmed by the mother’s injury,†said Buchanan County sheriff Bill Puett.  

The bill would also restrict the use of restraints during the first 48 hours postpartum and prohibit placing women in solitary confinement during the first six weeks, when the risk of postpartum depression is higher. 

Only a few jails across the state have implemented policies that mirror this legislation, while most have not—prompting lawmakers to take action. 

As with all inmates, pregnant individuals are restrained during transport for security reasons, including to prevent harm to themselves or others. 

“The interesting thing is, whether it’s sickness, injuries, pregnancy—anything like that—where we would normally think inmates would act accordingly, sometimes we have seen them be physically violent, assaultive, or they try to flee,†said Puett. “They’ll do all kinds of things because their desire to flee or escape is greater than their concern for their health or their child’s health. So, we still have to maintain the level of safety and security for the community, staff, and even for the inmate themselves.†

In Buchanan County, pregnant offenders and inmates are restrained during transport to and from jail; however, officials ensure that jail staff assist them properly and provide the necessary medical care. 

Senate Bill 50 is scheduled for a hearing with the Missouri House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee on Wednesday, April 16.  

Man charged with assault after shot fired in Columbia parking lot

KMIZ on April 14, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was in jail Monday on assault and other charges after he allegedly fired a gun, and shrapnel scratched a person’s leg.

Jadon G. Gooldy, 20, was charged with four felonies after he allegedly fired a gun late Saturday during a gathering in the parking lot at ABC Supply in southeast Columbia: first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action. Prosecutors also charged Gooldy with fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

Gooldy is accused of firing a shot near a person’s head. Shrapnel from the bullet ricocheted and hit another person in the leg, leaving a red mark, police say.

A crowd was gathered in the parking lot for an underground racing event.

Witnesses said Gooldy was angry after a woman used a racial slur, according to a probable cause statement. The statement says Gooldy pulled out a handgun and a flashlight and said he was going to find her before firing a shot past an acquaintance’s head.

Gooldy threatened to shoot the acquaintance unless he “pressed” the person who said the racial slur, according to the statement. After that, Gooldy fired, police said.

Officers found a 9 mm casing in the parking lot.

An officer found the white pickup that witnesses described Gooldy leaving in. The victim who was scratched by shrapnel was found at the same address, the statement says.

Gooldy was arrested during a traffic stop Sunday, the Columbia Police Department wrote in a news release.

Gooldy is set for an initial hearing Monday afternoon. He remained in the Boone County Jail on Monday without bond.

Professional cornhole player Ryker Wells celebrates accomplishments

News-Press NOW on April 14, 2025

Ashley Luthans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A local man has proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the professional cornhole world.

Ryker Wells has been playing cornhole for five years, spending the last four competing at a professional level. Cornhole is a type of lawn game where contestants toss small bean bags at an inclined board with a hole cut in it.

Wells won his singles bracket at the first American Cornhole League signature competition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, earlier this month. He placed third overall in the competition.

Wells credits his uncle for encouraging him to start playing.

“My uncle, he called me one day and he was like ‘Hey, come down to the bar, they’re having a cornhole tournament,’ and I was like ‘What’s that?'” Wells said. “So I went down there and I played and I sucked, but I was like ‘Man, this game can be pretty fun.’ So then I just practiced a lot, and then here I am.”

Wells said he has fun playing and feels it’s something others would enjoy as well.

“I’m just here to grow the game and just have a good time and make sure other people also have fun,” Wells said.

There are five more signature ACL competitions this spring and summer, and the 2025 ACL World Championships will take place from July 28 to Aug. 3 in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Idaho Falls Mayor declares April as Donate Life Month

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Maggie Moore

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper declared April as Donate Life Month at a special event Friday morning.

The event was hosted by Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition at the Melaleuca Ballpark. Members of Lions Clubs International, Envision Eye Bank, and organ recipients were all in attendance.

“April is a time of renewal, and it’s a good time to just let people know how they can save lives and renew lives. We all in April try to make a lot of noise about organ donation and how important it is,” Alex McDonald from Envision Eye Bank said.

The event was held at Melaleuca Ballpark as a tribute to Jim Garchow, a former local radio personality and heart transplant recipient. He gained another 22 years of life because of organ donation. He spent those years as an advocate for organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Andrea Anderson, a liver recipient, also shared her story and the importance of becoming a donor.

“At the time that I was donated, I was so sick that I would not have survived much longer,” Anderson said. “So as time went on and I received my transplant, I’m a mother of four and my wife and, I’ve been blessed with 11 more years with my family.”

The event highlighted the importance of not only registering as a donor, but communicating your plans with family in case of an emergency.

To learn more about becoming a donor, visit yesidaho.org.

Windsor man seriously hurt after crash in Benton County Sunday evening

KMIZ on April 14, 2025

Gabrielle Teiner

BENTON COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 37-year-old Windsor man was seriously hurt after a crash in Benton County just before 4:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report states a 17-year-old boy from Edwards was driving a 1999 Dodge south on Highway 7 at Cold Springs when he tried to pass a 2014 Toyota, with four people inside, and hit the back of the Toyota.

The Windsor man, a passenger in the Toyota, was flown to Research Hospital in Kansas City for treatment.

Two other passengers, a 35-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man and a 31-year-old Belton man, suffered minor injuries from the crash and were taken to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital by ambulance.

The driver of the Toyota, a 32-year-old woman from Basehor, Kansas, was uninjured.

It is unknown if the passengers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, although the report states that the drivers of both cars were wearing seatbelts.

The Dodge had minor damage, but the Toyota was totaled.