ABC-7 at 4: Emergence Health Network to Host Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day at the El Paso Zoo

KVIA on May 1, 2025

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout the month, EHN will host multiple awareness events to educate the El Paso community about the importance of caring for the mental health of our friends and families. Noreen Jaramillo, EHN Director of Communication, joins us to discuss how EHN is teaming up with the El Paso Zoo for a day dedicated to children’s mental health.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day and Community Resource FairWHEN: Saturday, May 5, 2025WHEN: 9 am – 1:00 pmWHERE: El Paso Zoo

Free face painting 9 am – 1 pmFree carousel rides 9 am – 1 pmFree magic show 10 am – 11 amFree acrobatic show 11:30 – 12 pm

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State Department warns foreign parents about “birth tourism”

KVIA on May 1, 2025

Heriberto Perez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The U.S. Department of State issued a statement warning foreign citizens planning on giving birth in the U.S. about abusing the country’s immigration system through birth tourism.

“It is unacceptable for foreign parents to use a U.S. tourist visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain citizenship for the child, which also could result in American taxpayers paying the medical care costs,” the Bureau of Consular Affairs stated. “This is known as birth tourism, and U.S. consular officers deny all such visa applications under U.S. immigration law,” the Department of State said in a statement.

The Department of State also said that consular officers are working to prevent “birth tourism” and foreign visitors from exploiting the country’s immigration system. “Those who abuse our immigration system through birth tourism may be ineligible for future visas or travel to the United States.”

ABC-7 reached out to CBP, the Bureau of Consular Affairs and local immigration legal organizations to learn more about this recent announcement.

More updates in later newscasts.

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YMCA reaches fundraising goal for Community Aquatic Center

News-Press NOW on May 1, 2025

Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In a press release, the YMCA announced it has successfully reached the goal set by the city, after receiving over 230 pledges from community members.

The deadline to raise the funds was the end of April. The release said fundraising efforts will continue to ensure the facility is state-of-the-art.

“We sincerely appreciate the support of the community and our other organizations that have pledged to this campaign,” said Tammy Killin, St. Joseph YMCA CEO in a press release.

A presentation to the City Council on Monday, May 12 will outline the project plans and review the status of the partnership.

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BYU-I student critically injured in on-campus accident, says school

KIFI on May 1, 2025

Ariel Jensen

UPDATE:

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – A BYU-Idaho student was critically injured in an accident on campus Wednesday morning, according to school officials.

Rexburg Police and Madison Fire/EMS responded to the medical emergency at the Austin Building on campus at 11:02 a.m. on August 30, said police.

According to the BYU-Idaho website, the Austin Building houses shops and classrooms for students interested in automotive, engineering, and industrial fabrication. Madison County Deputy Chief Toryce Miskin describes the incident as an industrial accident.

“What had taken place is in a storage room off of their machine fabrication shop area, they had a stack of sort of steel beams that the students had been asked to move. They were in the process of moving (those) when that stack collapsed,” said Miskin.

Miskin says the student caught under the collapse is in their mid-twenties and was taken to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment.

“At the time of the incident, paramedics responded swiftly and transported the student to receive medical care. BYU-Idaho invites the campus community and friends to join us in praying for the student and his family,” said the school in a statement to Local News 8.

The incident is still a pending investigation, according to Rexburg Police.

“Our thoughts and our prayers are with the family and with our patient, for sure. And, we’re just praying for them at this time,” said Miskin.

ORIGINAL:

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – A BYU-Idaho student was critically injured in an accident on campus Wednesday morning, according to school officials.

Rexburg Police and Madison Fire/EMS responded to the medical emergency at the Austin Building on campus at 11:02 a.m. on August 30, said police.

“At the time of the incident, paramedics responded swiftly and transported the student to receive medical care. BYU-Idaho invites the campus community and friends to join us in praying for the student and his family,” said the school in a statement to Local News 8.

The incident is still a pending investigation, according to Rexburg Police.

Local News 8 has reached out to Madison emergency responders and will update this story as we learn new information.

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Protestors gather for May Day National Day of Action

News-Press NOW on May 1, 2025

Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — For many people, the start of May means the start of gardening, opening up pools and finishing up classes. But for these people, May Day is the time to take a stand.

“We want to encourage those with like-mindedness as we have for democracy to join us and feel that they have a voice,” Persisterhood of St. Joseph member Nancy Zeliff said. “We want the community of St. Joseph and others around us to know that they’re not alone and we are not in favor of what’s going on in Washington, D.C. and Jefferson City. We’re speaking up.”

Across the country, working people plan to protest the Trump administration to “stop the billionaire takeover” from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday on the Belt and Frederick Intersection.

Historically, May Day events honor the achievements of the working class and labor movement. Thursday was no exception, with the rally cry of the protest being “For the workers, not the billionaires.â€

“If you think about it, Mayday is alarming,” Zeliff said. “‘Caution! Caution! We need help!’ And we do. The people we need help. We do not like what’s been going on in these last 100 days.”

Northwest Missouri residents will meet Thursday afternoon to peacefully protest and demand stronger, safer and more dignified communities. The protest covers many topics, including social and racial justice, immigrant rights, voting rights, environmental awareness and more.

“If we can get even a handful of people to pay attention, to understand where we’re going, maybe they go home and do some research,” Persisterhood member Veronica Hupp said. “Like some real research, not social media research, not a right-wing or a left-wing news agency, but a reliable news agency, to really understand and see what’s going on. If we can change a handful of people’s mind, we’ve done our job.”

Identical protests surfaced across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle and Philadelphia. In St. Joseph alone, over 200 Northwest Missouri residents showed up to Thursday’s protest.

“We’ve had around 200 people overall show up,” Protest organizer and Persisterhood member Dakota Allen said. “It’s been really awesome to see the momentum here in Northwest Missouri continue to go on as people, I think, wake up to what is really happening in our country. I think we’ve had a long history in Northwest Missouri of not being properly represented and I think people are starting to see it.”

To learn more about the May Day Strong protests, visit the event’s website at mobilize.us/mayday/.

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WATCH: China Hat closure news conference

KTVZ on May 1, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here is the recording of the KTVZ News live stream of Thursday morning’s news conference held by several homeless advocacy groups at the closed gate to China Hat Road south of Bend.

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Local faith leaders observe National Day of Prayer

KIFI on May 1, 2025

Kailey Galaviz

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Local faith leaders joined together Thursday morning observing a National Day of Prayer.

The event was sponsored by the Regional Council for Christian Ministry (RCCM) to call on people of all faiths to pray for the nation and its leaders.

“The power of prayer is tremendous as people of diverse faith traditions join to lean on a higher power for wisdom, support, and peace to work towards the common good,” said Pastor Ann Bjorkland.

The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Truman. It is an annual observance in the United States, held on the first Thursday of May.

The inspiring event was attended by 42 faith leaders from Bonneville County and the surrounding area. They were joined by the mayors of Idaho Falls and Ammon, along with local high school student body officers.

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PS Fire Department begins annual wildfire mitigation brush removal

KESQ on May 1, 2025

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – In an effort to combat dangerous wildfires as temperatures start to rise, beginning Thursday, May 1 through July 31, the Palm Springs Fire Department will begin annual brush removal of 87 acres that cover 27 potential wildfires zones, determined by a recent Cal Fire fire hazard severity map.

Removal started in the Little Tuscany neighborhood, which officials say has seen the most brush fires in Palm Springs. Just last year, News Channel 3 reported on a fire on the hillside near the community.

“This is one of my most impacted areas by brushfires so it makes sense as fire chief to get after the area that we’ve had the most fires.” 

Paul Alvarado, PS Fire Chief

Firefighters and City workers will spend the next few months trimming trees and removing potentially hazardous brush that could spark a wildfire.

In addition, the Palm Springs Fire Department will begin public education asking residents who live in wildfire zones to help clear hazardous brush from 1,254 residential lots located in neighborhoods on the west and south sides of the city.

Officials recommend residents:

Make sure brush up to 100 feet from the home is at least 18 feet apart

Keep grass cut to three inches

Make sure trees are not hanging over roof

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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In-Depth: Inside the Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center

KESQ on May 1, 2025

Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center has now been open for more than a year. So far, hundreds of people have used the new homeless resources. And as News Channel 3’s Peter Daut discovered, demand is so high the facilities are operating at full capacity.

Victoria Scuro is the first person to ever live inside one of the modular units at the Navigation Center. It comes with its own bed, bathroom, kitchenette, and enough space for her two cats to live with her. The former County social worker from Bermuda Dunes said she lost nearly everything after covid left her disabled and unable to work. Before arriving at the Navigation Center in December, she had been living in motels and on the streets.

“You’re just one step away from becoming me. I had a savings account, I had a car, I had a very nice condo, I had clothes, I had a life. And it went away just like that,” Scuro said.

Scuro is one of nearly 90 people now living at the Center, which opened six months ago. The 80 units are meant to house individuals and families on a medium-term basis to help them find permanent housing. There’s a playground, dog park, computer room, and cafeteria that serves three meals a day. Scuro said her experience has been good: “There are rules, some I don’t necessarily agree with, but I know rules are for a reason. And if they’re explained to me, I go ‘Ok, I get it. Now I understand it.’ But most everyone here is very empathetic and very kind,” she said.

Palm Springs native Jeff Fischer said he had been living on the streets for the past five years as he struggled with substance abuse. The Center is now helping him to remain sober, as he searches for a job and permanent housing. “It’s like there’s a network of people that really want to see me do well. And I’m doing so much better than I’ve ever done in the last five years. I feel completely safe, and sheltered. And that’s what they do,” he said.

The campus on McCarthy Road also includes the Early Entry Facility, which opened a year ago. The overnight shelter provides up to 50 beds on a first-come, first-served basis, and it’s full nearly every night. Martha’s Village and Kitchen operates the Navigation Center, which cost about $40 million to complete.

“Are you pleased with how things are going so far?” Daut asked Chief Operating Officer Rosa Verduzco. “I think overall we’re very successful,” she said.

Here are the numbers: So far, the Early Entry Facility has served 275 homeless people with 41 successful exits, which means people have been reunited with their families or transitioned to other resources. The Navigation Center has served 86 people, with six successful exits into permanent housing. Nearly everyone was from the Coachella Valley.

“Not only are we transitioning people into permanent housing, but it is a meaningful transition. Meaning they stay in permanent housing and do not go back out in the streets once one type of service ends,” Verduzco said.

According to the County’s most recent homeless point-in-time count conducted in January, there are at least 982 homeless people in the Valley, up three percent from 2022.

“Is this navigation center really making a difference?” Daut asked Verduzco. She replied: “Yes it is. Based on the capacity of the folks we have in house, there’s less homeless individuals out on the streets.”

In addition the shelter, the Center provides wraparound services that include mental health support, job training, life-skills education and case management.

Meanwhile, people like Victoria Scuro are working to find a better life. “It does give you hope. It gives you a chance to think yes you have a future. You’re not going to be stuck in the streets or in a sleeping bag, or in the hot, hot summer with nowhere to go.”

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Trump’s First 100 Days: Foodbank of Santa Barbara County projects more food insecurity

KEYT on May 1, 2025

Patricia Martellotti

GOLETA, Calif. – Harvest is going well director for Juan Osorio of Osorio Family Farms in Carpinteria.

“It’s looking good … it’s getting there maybe another three to four weeks and we’ll have some red round Mexican Kabasa,” said farmer Juan Osorio of Osorio Family Farms.

But in three to four weeks, President Trump’s new directive will force the Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program – known as LFPA to shut down leaving farmers like Osorio hanging. 

The new program was run by the USDA to support local, underserved farmers. 

Now, those farmers are going to have to change course.

“As right now it is affecting us a good amount …  in the future we don’t know what I will provide for my family … work for my family,” said Osorio.

“It was really dramatic because you know this is 50% of our business as an aggregator … it is providing local organic produce to food banks through this project. It’s really heartbreaking for me to have to tell all of my farmers that their season was done,” said owner Jason Lesh of Farm Cart Organics.

“Down over there, we had our onions and cabbages and this is all just zucchini … beans,” said Osorio.

“It’s a new program it’s been a wonderful program that’s been a lifeline for our local farmers in our community. So it’s really a blow to us and a blow to our community members who need help,” said director of marketing Laurel Alcantar of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara.

The foodbank received over $500,000 a year to make local food purchases from the LFPA.

As a result of president Trump’s new directive, that money will be gone.

From the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County:

Federal and state cuts of food and funding are occurring at an unprecedented level.

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is tracking developments in legislation closely, and we are prepared to respond to better serve our community. 

Commodity Credit Corporation Program (CCC)

Total Annual Loss for the Foodbank: 1,511,691 pounds of food – approximately $2,630,342 

→ The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)was a USDA program that moved nutritious food from farms to food banks to our neighbors in need. The CCC was critical for working families – nearly half of all people experiencing food insecurity do not qualify for SNAP, and many SNAP recipients run out of benefits before their next month’s benefits arrive. These families come to the Foodbank network and receive food from programs like CCC. On March 27, 2025, the USDA confirmed the cancelation of CCC.

Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA)

Total Annual Funding the Foodbank Will Lose:$552,900 

→ The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) was a program run by the USDA that provided funding to purchase food produced in-state in order to support local, underserved farmers. Our LFPA cooperative agreement enabled the Foodbank to connect with farmers to source fresh produce that was bulk-packed and delivered to our facilities weekly – approximately 30,000 pounds per month. LFPA25 (the program’s third phase) has been canceled, effectively ending the program.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

Potential Annual Loss for the Foodbank:$24,015 

→ The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was a FEMA-funded program administered through United Way that has been around since 1987. The program supplements and expands the ongoing work of local nonprofit organizations to provide shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, hunger and/or homelessness. We have received notice that EFSP funds are paused indefinitely.

CalFood Funding

Potential Annual Loss for the Foodbank:$1,200,000 

→ CalFood provides state dollars to food banks to purchase California-grown and produced foods. This fiscal year, the Foodbank received $1.3MM from CalFood, which was used to purchase food from in-state farmers. With next year’s proposed budget, the Foodbank will receive approximately $100,000 in CalFood Funding – a $1.2MM loss.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / CalFresh (in California)

In addition to direct food and funding cuts, the Foodbank is preparing for major SNAP cuts. As part of budget reconciliation, the Senate passed a $340 billion Budget Resolution that is expected to include cuts to food and nutrition programs. The House followed with its own reconciliation proposal, which includes $2 trillion in spending cuts alongside $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.

The future of SNAP funding is influenced by both the Farm Bill and the budget reconciliation process. The Farm Bill, which governs SNAP and other agricultural programs, is up for reauthorization in September.

More than 55,000 people in Santa Barbara County utilized SNAP in 2024 to feed themselves and their families. Federal cuts to SNAP would leave these families without essential food assistance, increasing community reliance on the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

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