Indio police cracking down on distracted driving in enforcement operation

KESQ on May 20, 2025

Kendall Flynn

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Indio Police Department is heightening its focus on the dangers of distracted driving with an enforcement operation on May 20.

Under the hands-free cell phone law, California drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communication device while operating a vehicle. Indio PD traffic officers will be focuses on drivers suspected of violating this law.

“This includes talking, texting, or using an app,” according to the news release. If caught, officials say driving while using a handheld cell phone is punishable a fine. However, if the law is violated for a second time within 36 hours of a prior conviction, it will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from officials on the importance of this initiative for the Indio community.

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Popular Central Coast beach identified by environmental group as having one of the highest levels of bacteria in the country

KEYT on May 20, 2025

Dave Alley

AVILA BEACH, Calif. – A popular San Luis Obispo County beach area has made a “top 10 list” released by a national environmental group for having one of highest levels of bacteria in the country.

On Tuesday, Surfrider Foundation released its Clean Water Annual Report, which indicates what locations have tested for bacteria levels that exceed government standards.

The testing is conducted through Surfrider’s “Blue Water Task Force,” which is says is the largest volunteer-run beach water testing program in the United States.

Surfrider describes the Blue Water Task Force as a national network of chapter-led labs that measure bacteria levels at more than 600 locations across the country.

“There are 60 Blue Water Task force programs in the United States, including Puerto Rico,” said Niel Dilworth, San Luis Obispo Chapter Surfrider Foundation Chair and Blue Task Force Coordinator. “This report is based on the data that’s posted by all 60 of those programs.”

Among the dozens of locations Surfrider tested and was determined to having a nationally high level of bacteria is the mouth of San Luis Obispo Creek as it enters the Pacific Ocean in Avila Beach.

According to testing performed by Surfrider volunteers, water in the creek was found to have bacteria exceeding California safety standards 38% of the time.

“Our program tests local beaches and creeks for water quality,” said Dilworth. “We do it weekly. We test for a bacteria that the EPA has identified as a lead indicator for the possible presence of human bacteria. The creek mouth here at Avila Beach tests positive for that bacteria and exceeds the state standards for that bacteria about a third to half of the tests we take weekly, so that means either one in three or one out of every two times you go in the water there, there’s a good chance the water exceeds the state standards for a hazardous bacteria.”

That amount has placed the San Luis Obispo Creek mouth on Surfrider’s “2024 Beach Bacteria Hot Spots.”

“Avila Beach is one of the locations that has the ten most frequent exceedances, so it’s not at the top of the list, but that’s something to be concerned about,” said Dilworth. “Two years in a row now, we’ve been on the list as one of the top ten or bottom ten, I guess, depending on how you want to think about it, for having one of the dirtiest beaches as far as bacteria is concerned.”

As for what is the causing the high levels of bacteria, both Surfrider, as well as local agencies are still trying to determine the source.

“We appreciate the Surfrider Foundation’s dedication to protecting coastal water quality,” Tom Cuddy, San Luis Obispo County Health Agency Public Information Officer, said in a statement. “In San Luis Obispo County, Public Health’s role focuses on conducting weekly, state-guided water quality monitoring and ensuring timely public notification. We are currently reviewing the 2025 Clean Water Report and will be engaging directly with Surfrider to provide our perspective and support a constructive, informed dialogue.”

The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, which provides oversight of pollution sources and regulatory enforcement provided News Channel 3-12 with the following statement in response to the Surfrider Foundation Clean Water Report.

“The Surfrider data indicate elevated bacteria levels in San Luis Obispo (SLO) creek and Avila Beach. There a many potential sources of bacteria in this area, including birds and bats, livestock, urban stormwater, human sources, leaking septic systems, or wastewater effluent. The Central Coast Water Board regulates wastewater treatment facilities near Avila Beach and based on the most recent receiving water monitoring data, the results do not indicate that these regulated facilities are a source of bacteria in SLO Creek or Avila Beach. The specific source or sources of elevated bacteria in the creek and at the beach are unknown at this time. San Luis Obispo County’s Health Agency collects ocean water samples on a weekly basis. If bacterial levels exceed water quality advisory levels, advisory signs are posted. To avoid potential risks, beachgoers should be aware of posted warnings.”

Dilworth indicated Surfriders is now meeting quarterly with several San Luis Obispo County departments, including Public Health, Environmental Health, Public Works, as well as the Regional Water Quality Control Board in a new team effort to find a permanent solution.

“It’s the start of an attempt to come up with a coordinated approach to finally nailing down what the sources are of the bacteria here in the estuary of San Luis Obispo Creek and what might be done to be able to remediate them so that we can have a safer place to swim,” said Dilworth. “It’s the next step. Nobody knows how soon we might come to what kind of a conclusion, but the good news is that we’re making progress. It is being looked at and we’re trying to get closer to doing something about this.”

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Pocatello custom car businesses devastated by recent fire

KIFI on May 20, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Owners of local classic car restoration business ‘Badass Glass’ are trying to get back on their feet after a fire destroyed the company’s body shop.

Jordan Miller, owner of Badass Glass, said his son woke him up in the early hours of May 13 after noticing a fire in the large body shop near their home. Miller called the Pocatello Fire Department, and firefighters extinguished the blaze, but not before the loss of the shop and the tools and vehicles stored inside.

“I was thinking it was a nightmare every time until I walked out here and looked at it again every day and realized I wasn’t dreaming,” said Miller. “It’s total annihilation.”

Among the vehicles lost in the fire were a 1966 Chevy pickup truck and two Volkswagen Beetles.

Miller said, despite the loss, Badass Glass’ loyal customers and local fans have been understanding and supportive in the wake of the tragedy.

“I couldn’t do any of it without them,” said Miller. “We’re just gonna try to get cleaned up here and try to see what little we can save and see if we can’t get back on our feet doing something.”

A GoFundMe page was created to raise money for Badass Glass’ cleanup efforts and replacement of the tools and equipment lost in the fire; the fundraiser has already collected over $1,000 in donations.

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First responders honored at Desert Regional takes on added meaning after bombing

KESQ on May 20, 2025

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After Saturday’s deadly bombing in Palm Springs, medical professionals are highlighting those who run towards danger to save others.

Desert Care Network planned its National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week ceremony well before the blast rocked the Palm Springs community. Hospital leaders, though, used the opportunity to honor first responders from the Palm Springs Fire Department, Cal Fire Riverside County, and American Medical Response (AMR) who performed “extraordinary lifesaving efforts” during emergencies in the Coachella Valley this year.

The ceremony wrapped up just after noon at Desert Regional Medical Center on Tuesday.

In attendance: Luan Mitani, a 15-year-old teenager who went into cardiac arrest at a Palm Springs pool in April. A bystander, Maria Calderon, performed CPR on the teen before ambulance and paramedic crews arrived to rush him to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he made a full recovery.

His mother, Akiko Mitani, expressed her gratitude to the first responders who stepped in to save her son. “My appreciation continues to grow every day, and I can’t express my gratitude in words,” she says.

“This instance is so rare that you could not only get the patient who survived together, but get the EMS crew together, too. … [Having] everybody here to reunite… it pulled on the heartstrings. It was amazing,” says Greg Boyles, the Business Development Manager at Desert Care Network, who served as an emcee of the event.

This led to an emotional moment at the ceremony for Boyles as he introduced the victim and his mother: “To see Luan and Akiko here, smiling in whole. Reminds us … why we do this,” he said, choking up. “It’s about families reunited. Futures restored. And love that endures.”

Assistant Chief Greg Lyle, of the Palm Springs Fire Department, was also recognized for his efforts to save embryos in the fertility clinic that was targeted in the attack.

Hospital leaders also expressed its gratitude to staff who kept the hospital open in the hours following the blast.

“There was a lot we didn’t know when it initially happened, and these caregivers continued to take care of our patients, keep them safe. And we are. We’re just tremendously proud of everything that they do,” said Mike Ditoro, the CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center.

The hospital sustained some damage in the explosion, including a lot of broken glass, but no structural damage. Ditoro provided an optimistic update to the repairs after the event: “We expect to be completely open on the outpatient side by the end of this week. Just truly amazing work. A lot of glass damage, but nothing structural, no integrity issues of the building.”

We’ll have the latest updates as Palm Springs continues to rebuild. Be sure to stay with KESQ.

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Local businesses serving gratitude to first responders and those impacted by bomb

KESQ on May 20, 2025

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – In the wake of Saturday’s bomb in Palm Springs, local businesses are stepping up to give back to first responders and those impacted by the bomb.

Among those is Cafe La Jefa, offering free food and drinks to first responders.

“People are happy that we’re able to do what we can. I know it’s a small gesture. Nothing big. It’s not as life threatening as what the first responders are doing but in the way that we can we’re helping out. I think it goes a long way.”

Daniela Jimenez, Cafe La Jefa barista

A small gesture for Daniela, but for Lieutenant Mike Villegas, it makes a whole difference.

“I’ve been here for almost 24 years and that’s why I love our community. They always support us, they love us, they reach out to us, take care of us.”

Lieutenant Mike Villegas, PSPD

The support doesn’t end there. Other businesses like Boozehound serving food to those impacted by damage caused by the blast.

Aric Ianni, executive chef at Boozehound, says providing meals in times of need is more than just food.

“I think food is just like a universal language that really speaks to people and giving them that energy to get them through their day.”

Aric Ianni, Boozehound executive chef

A community coming together stronger and more united.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Columbia City Council approves $1 million plan to enhance pedestrian safety

KMIZ on May 20, 2025

Haley Swaino

EDITOR’S NOTE: The story has been corrected to say the amended bill passed.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council has approved a $1 million cost-share agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to improve pedestrian safety features, including bigger sidewalks and better signals at the Interstate 70-Highway 63 connector.

“Over Interstate 70, there’s not a lot of places for pedestrian crossing right now,” City of Columbia Public Works Engineering Manager Allison Anderson said. “It’s not a safe place for pedestrians to cross over the highway. There’s no sidewalks over the bridge and there’s no sidewalks even going up to the bridge.”

The ordinance was introduced on May 5 and was up for a second reading at Monday’s meeting. The agreement was amended to add financial responsibilities language within the cost-share agreement and was approved.

Pedestrian safety has been an ongoing conversation in Columbia. The Columbia City Council approved a $96,550 agreement with a third-party professional engineering service in March to conduct a street and intersection pedestrian safety study across the city. The study came amid concerns of panhandlers standing in medians, according to previous reporting.

That agreement came after a previous pedestrian safety study found that from Jan. 1, 2022, to Nov. 21, 2024, 91 crashes involving pedestrians were reported within city limits, resulting in seven deaths and 25 serious injuries.

A record-high 148 pedestrians were also struck or killed across Missouri in 2024, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The cost-share agreement will add pedestrian improvements to the multi-year project to expand I-70 across the state. The estimated cost of pedestrian improvements is $2,032,500, according to the amendment sheet.

Additional pedestrian safety features are being proposed at four separate areas.

I-70/Highway 63 connector

The existing Improve I-70 design-build contract includes the installation of 6-foot sidewalks on the west side from Clark Lane to the Conley Road/East Boulevard roundabout. The proposed project adds a signalized pedestrian crossing across the connector at Conley Road, increases sidewalks to 8 feet on the west side of the bridge and adds 8-foot sidewalks on the east side from Clark Lane to Conley Road.

I-70 Drive S.E.

The proposed project also adds a signalized pedestrian crossing across I-70 Drive S.E. It adds 8-foot sidewalks on the south side from the connector to existing sidewalks at T.G.I Friday’s.

St. Charles Road

The existing Improve I-70 design-build contract includes the installation of 6-foot sidewalks on the west side from south of the I-70 outer road to north of Nilson-Millard Cremation and Burial Center. The proposed project increases sidewalks to 8 feet on the west side of the bridge and adds 8-foot sidewalks on the east side from south of the outage to the Phillips 66 station and from Freedom Drive to the St. Charles Road/Clark Lane roundabout.

Clark Lane

The proposed project adds 6-foot sidewalks on the north side from Lambeth Drive to the connector. It also adds base fill, culvert widening and 5-foot minimum sidewalks on the north side from Woodland Spring Court to the Clark Lane/Hanover Boulevard roundabout.

Anderson said the minimum width for many sidewalks in the city is five foot, but the new sidewalks will be wider.

“The eight foot, which is [what] we’re proposing, is helpful because it allows both walkers and bikers to use the sidewalk and have room for both of them on there,” Anderson said.

She said additional improvements will likely be added as the project continues.

“The next phase, the one where we’re going west, yes, we have a lot more discussions and stuff like that coming on what the best improvements are,” Anderson said.

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Binational officials discuss improvements for Tornillo Port of Entry

KVIA on May 20, 2025

Heriberto Perez

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The City of Juárez announced that binational officials from Juárez, El Paso County, and the Guadalupe Municipality will meet to discuss improvements for the Marcelino Serna Port of Entry in Tornillo, Texas.

This will be the fifth binational meeting held by officials in the El Paso – Ciudad Juárez area.

Officials are set to discuss logistics improvements for the bridge, economic development, and trade and commerce opportunities at the border.

The Tornillo Port of Entry, along with the Ysleta-Zaragoza and Jeronimo-Santa Teresa bridges, is expected to be the trade and economic pillars of the region once commercial traffic is removed from BOTA when its modernization project begins.

Binational officials will hold a news conference in Juárez at 11 a.m.

More updates in later newscasts.

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Air Idaho Rescue hosts BBQ for National EMS Week

KIFI on May 20, 2025

Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Air Idaho Rescue hosted a BBQ for emergency first responders on Tuesday.

The BBQ is in celebration of National EMS Week, which recognizes EMTs and paramedics and their lifesaving care across the nation.

The BBQ was at Aero Mark in Idaho Falls, and all area first responders and dispatchers were invited.

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Pothole patchers make the rounds across St. Joseph

News-Press NOW on May 20, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With nearly 40 years under his belt working in St. Joseph’s Street Maintenance Department, stalwart Steve Kendall has encountered nearly every street the city has to offer.

“As far as I can think,” he said with a grin. “Unless it’s a new street and it don’t need repairs yet.”

Kendall plays a key role for the department as a senior field supervisor, which includes overseeing and coordinating with pothole patchers who make their way across a city with 440 miles of streets with a nonstop schedule.

As summer-like temperatures continue to climb, so too does traffic volume and additional pressure on roadways, causing or worsening potholes.

“Right now they’re working on districts and potholes as they’re called in and as they come in on the website, we try to get them patched within 48 hours,” he said. “Send these guys out, and they’ll find them.”

As Midwest residents well know, potholes can range from small divots to larger openings as wide as a tire.

Helping crews is one the most proven pothole patching machines on the market, the FP5 Flameless Pothole Patcher, a massive machine with an electric heating system that helps mix and heat asphalt to 300 degrees without the use of propane.

“We can keep (asphalt) in there for like seven days. It’s got the heating coils .. it’s pretty much self-contained. It’s got rollers. Everything you’d need to do asphalt,” he said. “This is one of our newer trucks.”

Kendall, a St. Joseph native, has come a long way from his early years in the department when he first started off as a temp before earning his stripes at each stop along the way.

“I got hired on as a custodian. I did that for about month and then I become a laborer. And then, you know, I did every position all the way up,” he said. “Operator one, two, three, work leader, senior work leader and then supervisor.”

Kendall said patching is one of several keys step in the process, which begins with a supervisor taking a thorough inventory of every street in town — preferably twice — and then creating a list, which is sure to grow as residents file more reports.

Once patching is complete, a series of more extensive repairs are later carried out on area.

“Once you get caught up, it kind of smooths out a little bit. And then we start cutting the holes out and making it more of a permanent repair,” he said. “Right now, we’re just trying to keep our heads above water.”

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Nominations open for 34th Annual Mayor’s Awards for the Arts

News-Press NOW on May 20, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Nominations are now open for the 34th Annual Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, presented by Major John Josendale and the Allied Arts Council.

The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts are designed to honor and celebrate people and organizations that contribute to the arts in different ways.

The Allied Arts Council is seeking nominations for artists, arts organizations, advocates, educators and corporate citizens who contribute to the arts. A panel of leaders from across the state will select the award recipients.

“St. Joseph is known for its outstanding programs of visual and performing arts, arts education and advocacy,” Mayor Josendale said in a press release. “And as a mayor, I am pleased to continue the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, which recognize arts leaders in our community who work to bring arts and people together.”

The categories include:

Artist of the Year — which recognizes an established individual artist in any discipline for artistic excellence.

Arts Educator of the Year — recognizes outstanding contribution to arts education in St. Joseph, Missouri, by an instructor at the K-12 or post-secondary level.

Youth Artist — award for artists 19 years of age or under who demonstrate talent and achievement in one or more artistic disciplines.

Organizational Achievement in the Arts — recognizes an organization or business that excels in supporting and/or enhancing the arts through contributions of time, talent or funding.

Individual Leadership — recognizes an individual, business or civic leader who has greatly contributed to one or more arts or cultural organizations.

Outstanding Volunteer — recognizes contributions to one or more arts associations within the past year.

Nominations forms can be found on the Arts Council’s website and are due to the Allied Arts Council office by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13.

Applications can be emailed to jessica.agnew@stjoearts.org or mailed to the Allied Arts Council, located at 118 South Eighth St., St. Joseph, Missouri, 64501.

The awards will be presented at the Allied Arts Council’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 17.

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