Mexican officials, U.S. business leaders speak on screwworm infestation

KVIA on May 13, 2025

Heriberto Perez

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué, spoke after the U.S. Department of Agriculture suspended all cattle and livestock imports from Mexico last Sunday.

In a morning news conference, Secretary Berdegué, along with President Claudia Sheinbaum, stated that Mexico is being impacted by an infestation that started in Central America.

In July 2024, Mexico acted through an emergency system to stop the flow of the New World Screwworm plague into the country and has fulfilled 100% of the U.S.’s requests, according to Secretary Berdegué.

Mexican officials also mentioned that the U.S. is the only country with the potential to contain the plague in Panama, using the proliferation of the sterile fly.

Mexico has implemented this strategy since November of last year, and the Federal Government, along with Mexican states, has been searching for cases on ranches and livestock facilities across the country.

Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos also spoke about the screwworm infestation and how they are working with federal authorities while this cattle and livestock import suspension remains active.

More updates will be provided in later newscasts.

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Crews begin removing Civic Center Park balustrade, upgrading stairwell

News-Press NOW on May 13, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A historic and deteriorating piece of Civic Center Park and City Hall is coming to an end as crews began the process of removing the park’s balustrade on Tuesday.

Crews with Auxier Construction Company were on scene Tuesday morning removing the roughly 87-year-old sandstone structure that lines much of the west portion of Civic Center Park.

While the balustrade will be removed entirely, the $494,000-ARPA funded project will see the west entry stairs replaced with an entirely new structure. The new stairs will feature concrete steps, complemented by natural stone veneer posts, caps, and wall panels.

The hillside will have to be re-sloped to create a more natural slope from the park to the sidewalk. Old and unhealthy trees have already been removed in some places on the west side of the park, with new adult trees to be planted in certain locations.

During a work session last August, it was decided the balustrade would be removed entirely, rather than repaired or replaced, primarily due to costs being nearly double to repair as opposed to removing it.

A separate balustrade that adorns City Hall is also in the midst of deep cleaning and repairs.

In addition to renovating the Pony Express Monument and carrying out widespread sidewalk repairs to Civic Center Park, the balustrade project is one of several projects planned in preparation for City Hall’s centennial celebration in 2027. 

New lighting will be installed throughout the park and at City Hall to mimic the classic-period lighting found throughout much of Downtown. Civic Center Park’s fountain is also in line for significant repairs.

Crews with Auxier Construction Company are pictured removing the Civic Center Park balustrade on Tuesday in Downtown St. Joseph.

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GoFundMe created for three victims in rollover crash

KYMA on May 13, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A GoFundMe was created to help a family who lost three family members in a rollover crash in Imperial County over the weekend.

According to the GoFundMe’s organizer, her nephew, Isaac, his girlfriend, Malea, and their son, Xaris, died last Saturday in a rollover crash on Interstate 8 east of Mountain Springs Road, near Ocotillo.

“Isaac was a vibrant, funny young man, full of life and dreams. Malea was a kind-hearted soul, devoted to her family and friends. Xaris, a joyful baby who brought smiles to everyone he met,” the GoFundMe’s organizer said.

The GoFundMe’s organizer is asking for help in covering the funeral costs.

“Any contribution, big or small, will be deeply appreciated and will help ease the financial burden during this difficult time,” the GoFundMe’s organizer expressed.

So far, the GoFundMe raised over $8,330 and has a goal of $12,000.

If anyone wants to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

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DAP Health ends annual fundraiser walk, Palm Springs Pride announces Pride Equality Walk

KESQ on May 13, 2025

Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – DAP Health is ending its annual Health Equity Walk after nearly 40 years of fundraising. The walk, which began in 1987 as the “Desert AIDs Walk” worked to benefit HIV/AIDS care, mental health services and more.

DAP Health CEO David Brinkman emailed an announcement to employees, donors and volunteers on May 7, writing the decision was due to multiple factors, including rising event costs and decreased participation.

On May 13, Palm Springs Pride announced it will have its inaugural Pride Equality Walk Oct. 25. This new fundraiser walk falls around the typically scheduling of the DAP Health Equity Walk, which was last held on Oct. 26, 2024.

Pride organizers said the “walk will ignite action and motivate the community to advocate for justice and foster a more equitable society for everyone,” according to a news release.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from DAP Health and Palm Springs Pride organizers about the events.

 

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Father Detained by ICE at Oxnard Gas Station, Leaving his Two Children Still in Car

KEYT on May 13, 2025

Alissa Orozco

OXNARD, Calif. – A local advocacy group reports a father was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an Oxnard gas station, leaving behind his two children still in the vehicle at the gas pump.

805 UndocuFund says on May 4th, around 9:30am, a man stopped at a Sinclar gas station at the intersection of Ventura Rd. and Wooley Blvd. in Oxnard. A witness says as the man got out of his truck to pump his gas, a group of vehicles pulled up and surrounded him.

Fox 11 details the man was taken into custody quickly, leaving one minor child and their older 19-year-old sibling in their father’s truck. The group says the children were “old enough to be left alone but unable to drive, stranded, and powerless to leave.”

The witness told 805 UndocuFund he helped the children move the truck away from the pump, they then called their sister to come pick them up.

The identity of the man was not released, and why he was detained is unknown.

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Double the speed: New Amazon facility coming to Redmond will make your deliveries faster

KTVZ on May 13, 2025

Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from realtors, employment agency, Redmond mayor; KTVZ Poll)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Your Amazon packages could be delivered 50% faster soon, thanks to a new delivery facility headed to Redmond.

“You could be a state where you’re losing people, you’re losing companies. It’s really nice to see almost one of the most recognizable companies in the world coming to little old us,” said President of Fratzke Commercial Real Estate President Brian Fratzke.

The 80,000-square-foot building in eastern Redmond will be used as the final step in Amazon’s operation, where your packages are prepared for final delivery. 

The project was years in the making, and Fratzke Commercial Real Estate says the process wasn’t that easy.

Principal Broker Tom Tapia told us, “The canal that was existing that ran through the property was pushed westward. And then we had the help of H.A. McCoy, realigned seven different lot line adjustments to get to that 13.81 acres that we have right now.”

Located off East Antler Avenue, the Amazon facility will bring an estimated 170 jobs to the area.

Matt Eartle, president of Pridestaff in Bend, says they expect to be busy when the facility hires: “This is a big deal. Also, in the city of Redmond, there are approximately 30,000 jobs. And so coming in with an additional 170, it’s going to be a big deal. It’ll create new opportunities that don’t currently exist. So people will absolutely be attracted by the brand.”

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch says it’s a sign of the area’s continued expansion as the city’s population continues to rise, becoming one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

“It’s a benefit, and it’s a challenge, because those 170 jobs will create more jobs, as well,” Fitch said. “But that means more traffic, more people, more housing. And that’s all fine, because that’s our purpose is to accommodate new people.”

Construction begins this month, meaning your deliveries could get quicker by the spring of next year.

Below is Amazon’s release, followed by one from Economic Development for Central Oregon and Fratzke Commercial Real Estate:

Amazon has closed on land along East Antler Avenue in Redmond, Oregon, as part of its continued investment in rural communities and expansion of its last-mile delivery network.

The site is expected to become a delivery station that will help speed up deliveries for customers in Central Oregon. This investment supports Amazon’s broader commitment to bring fast, reliable delivery to small towns while creating flexible job opportunities for local residents.

“We appreciate the investment Amazon is making in Redmond and the confidence they have in our future growth,” said Mayor Ed Fitch of Redmond. “Their announcement acknowledges Redmond as a great place to do business and illustrates the importance of the working partnership between the city, Redmond Economic Development Inc., and private developers.”

Amazon’s last-mile delivery network is designed to enhance service in more remote areas, cutting delivery times by as much as 50% in rural communities where logistics providers have traditionally pulled back. Delivery stations like the one planned for Redmond are also economic engines. Each site creates an average of 170 jobs, in addition to local driving opportunities through Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) and Flex programs.

“Amazon’s plans in Redmond reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in communities and creating good jobs. We’re excited to be part of Redmond’s future and contribute to a region that values innovation, partnership, and opportunity,” said Easton Craft, Manager, Economic Development Policy at Amazon.

Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $37 billion in Oregon, contributing $22 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and creating 12,000 direct jobs. Its presence also supports more than 46,000 indirect jobs across the state and empowers more than 5,500 Oregon-based small and medium-sized sellers in its store.

The Redmond site is part of Amazon’s larger $4 billion national initiative to expand its rural delivery network. When complete, the expanded network will span more than 13,000 ZIP codes and enable Amazon to deliver over a billion more packages each year in areas covering the size of Alaska, California, and Texas combined.

About Amazon: Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Below is EDCO’s release:

 Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce that Amazon has selected Redmond as the site of its newest delivery station. The company plans to invest in the region by opening an 83,559-square-foot facility at East Antler Avenue and Northeast Ninth Street, further enhancing its distribution capabilities across Central Oregon.

The Redmond facility will power the final stage of Amazon’s order fulfillment process, known as the “last mile,” ensuring that packages reach customers’ doorsteps quickly and efficiently. Packages are sent from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers to delivery stations, where they are prepared for final delivery to customers. The new facility is expected to employ approximately 170 team members.

“This project is the culmination of more than three years of work,” said Steve Curley, Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) Director at EDCO. “It required creative problem-solving, collaboration and a shared vision for Redmond’s future. From moving irrigation canals to re-routing gas lines, we had to think outside the box to create a site that fits Amazon’s unique operational needs in an area with increasingly challenging constraints. We’re excited to see it come to life and the positive impact it will have on our community.”

EDCO played a key role in guiding the project through its complex development process, providing local expertise and strategic coordination while facilitating the collaboration between public and private partners. “This project will be a game-changer for Redmond,” added Curley. “Beyond job creation and tax base growth, it strengthens our regional logistics infrastructure, improves service for consumers across Central Oregon and reinforces Redmond’s position as a strategic hub for distribution and transportation.”

Tom Tapia, CCIM, and Brian Fratzke, CCIM and Principal Broker for Fratzke Commercial Real Estate Advisors, Inc., who represented the property transaction, added, “Working on this project was both challenging and rewarding. It required patience, diligence and coordination with the City of Redmond, Deschutes County, federal government, and Central Oregon Irrigation District, culminating over two and one-half years of daily work to bring this project to reality. We’re proud to have played a critical role in bringing a well-respected global company to Redmond.”

“We appreciate the investment Amazon is making in Redmond and the confidence they have in our future growth,” remarks Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch. “Their announcement acknowledges Redmond as a great place to do business and illustrates the importance of the working partnership between the city, Redmond Economic Development Inc. and private developers.

The new delivery station is expected to be operational in spring 2026, with construction beginning this month.

About Economic Development for Central Oregon

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.

Below is Fratzke’s release:

Fratzke Announces Commercial land sale to Amazon.Com Services LLC. 5-13-2025Download

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City of El Centro releases re-seeding schedule for athletic fields

KYMA on May 13, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro has released the re-seeding schedule for their athletic fields.

This is due in part of them assessing the current condition of the fields as well as them determining field use requests will not be accepted for the summer season.

Because of this, the city is not issuing any permits for organized sports, such as tournaments, team practices, and more, from June 1 to August 31.

The City says they will re-issue permits starting September 1.

However, the general public can still use the fields for unorganized events.

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Riverside County secures $333M to expand mental health, substance use services

KESQ on May 13, 2025

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Local leaders today were celebrating more than $333 million in state funding to expand access to critical mental health and substance use services in Riverside County.

The funding was awarded to the Riverside University Health System’s Behavioral Health Department through California’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program. Announced Monday, the investment will support projects, including the Behavioral Health Wellness Center and the Harmony Haven Children and Youth Wellness Center, among other initiatives.

“We are extremely grateful to receive these funds to expand behavioral health in Riverside County as a whole,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said in a statement. “We appreciate this incredible support from the State of California. We advocated with Governor Newsom for this measure, knowing the great need we have for high-quality behavioral health services and the continuum of care.”  

The funding is part of Proposition 1, a bond measure passed by California voters in 2024 to improve mental health treatment and substance use services across the state.

Of the total, $184 million will go toward the Behavioral Health Wellness Center in Moreno Valley. The center will include a 100-bed inpatient psychiatric facility to serve both adults and, for the first time, children under age 12. Officials said the project will increase access to mental health care and reduce strain on local emergency rooms.   

The remaining $149.7 million will fund services at the Harmony Haven Children and Youth Wellness Center in Beaumont, according to officials. The center will offer Riverside County’s first 30-bed adolescent residential substance use disorder facility, a 16-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility, a 15-station mental health urgent care unit and an outpatient clinic for ongoing behavioral health and substance use care.   

In addition, officials said the state funding will help serve Riverside County’s growing population of nearly 2.5 million residents, particularly children who often have to seek care outside the county.

“When someone is in crisis, delays can worsen their condition and separate them from their family and support system,” RUHS-BH Director Dr. Matthew Chang said. “These grants are a lifeline. The Wellness Center and Harmony Haven will help us bring timely, compassionate care to the people who need it most — right here in Riverside County.”

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Fire destroys trailer, vehicles near Animal Samaritans in Thousand Palms, 40 pets evacuated

KESQ on May 13, 2025

Jesus Reyes

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – About 40 pets were evacuated after a fire destroyed an abandoned mobile home and several vehicles near Animal Samaritans in Thousand Palms Tuesday morning.

The fire was initially reported at around 9:40 a.m. on the 72000 block of Varner Road at what CAL FIRE initially called a “vacant single-wide, mobile home.” We’ve since learned the mobile home was refurbished, not abandoned.

CAL FIRE says the blaze was contained at around 10:30 a.m. Crews remain at the scene for a couple of hours for salvage and overhaul before clearing out.

According to CAL FIRE, the animal shelter was evacuated as a precaution. CAL FIRE initially reported 80 animals were evacuated as a precaution, however, Animal Samiritans later clarified that it was 40 pets.

Tom Snyder, CEO of Animal Samaritans, told News Channel 3’s Gavin Nguyen that evacuated animals were being held at their vet clinic.

Snyder added that their back awning burned, and some windows were blown out from the heat.

Firefighters spray water on the ceiling in the back of the animal shelter

A News Channel 3 crew at the scene also spotted several vehicles destroyed by the fire.

No injuries to people or animals have been reported. SoCalGas and Southern California Edison have been requested.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates. We’ll have live coverage starting at Noon.

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Former senator ‘Kit’ Bond dies at 86

KMIZ on May 13, 2025

Matthew Sanders

Editor’s Note: A sentence referencing an executive order from the 1800s has been corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A longtime U.S. senator from Missouri with roots in Audrain County had died.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a news release that Christopher “Kit” Bond died early Tuesday in St. Louis at age 86. He was originally from Mexico, Missouri, where his maternal grandfather, A.P. Green, was a well-known businessman.

Kehoe told ABC 17 News Tuesday that he viewed Bond as an inspiration and mentor to not only himself, but to hundreds of other people in public service.

“He knew that you needed to govern and that you couldn’t just pay attention to social media and what critics were saying,” Kehoe said. “He needed to make right decisions that were for all Missourians and I don’t know anybody that I’ve met in my political career that has done it better than Kit Bond.”

Bond was a fixture in Missouri’s political scene for decades. He was sworn in as Missouri governor in 1973 and again in 1981, then won a U.S. Senate seat in 1986. He would stay in that seat until his retirement following the 2010 election.

He was the state auditor before he was governor, winning office at age 31 over a 17-year incumbent in 1970. He was also the youngest Missourian to be elected governor.

Bond won his Senate seat after Thomas Eagleton decided not to run for reelection. Roy Blunt won the seat when Bond retired.

“His legacy as a ‘favorite son’ to his beloved State of Missouri lives on through all he achieved for his home state,” Kehoe said in a news release. “Kit touched the lives of so many men and women throughout his career, and today I join them in grieving the loss of a good man. Just as they will miss their friend and mentor, so will I. On behalf of all Missourians, Claudia and I share our deepest condolences and offer our prayers for his wife Linda, his son Sam, and the entire Bond family.”

The Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri and the Christpher S. Bond Federal Courthouse in Jefferson City bear his name.

The Missouri Primary Care Association said in a release that Bond was a champion for federally funded community health centers, which serve low-income populations. Missouri’s community health centers increased from 14 to 21 during his time in the U.S. Senate, the organization said.

“We’re now the largest primary care network in the country and I think without his support, we would not be and we would not have the 400 access points that we have around the state of Missouri today,” CEO Joe Pierle said. “Many Missourians wouldn’t be able to access medical, dental, behavioral health services.”

Bond was a social conservative who voted consistently against abortion rights and same-sex marriage. He was rated strongly by anti-abortion and evangelical groups for his Senate voting record on social issues.

“Farewell to a giant,” Missouri Republican Party chairman Peter Kinder said in a statement.

Former Missourinet Chief and historian Bob Priddy said he remembers Bond as someone who came in with a lot to prove as a 33-year-old governor and said he admired his work ethic. He also remembers one of Bond’s most infamous executive orders. It rescinded Gov. Lilburn Boggs’s order that allowed for the killing of Mormons in the 1800s when Missouri Christians and Mormons were fighting.

He also highlighted his role in reorganizing the state government in the 1970s and bringing the Parents as Teachers Program to the state.

Priddy said Bond learned how to build relationships and used those to get things done while in office.

“He wasnt afraid to tak with people across the aisle, work with people across the aisle. And when he wanted something, he could call in some chips from time to time if he had to do that,” Priddy said. “But  I think a lot of that was his relationships and once he got comfortable with himself as an officeholder as governor, I think he was very good at that.”

Flags around the state will be lowered to half-staff until after Bond’s funeral.

Kehoe announced in a Tuesday afternoon press release that a memorial service will be held for Bond at the Capitol Rotunda at noon Tuesday, May 20. The public is invited to attend and the former senator’s body will be at the Capitol Rotunda for 24 hours following the service.

A closed celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 22 at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church in St. Louis.

Kit Bond ObituaryDownload

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