Severe Thunderstrom Warning issued for Southeastern Idaho

KIFI on July 16, 2025

News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pocatello has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the majority of Southeastern Idaho, effective immediately until 7:15 PM MDT tonight.

NWS radar is currently tracking a line of severe thunderstorms, approximately eight miles long, stretching from west of Aberdeen to Fort Hall. These storms are moving rapidly to the northwest.

Forecasters are warning of damaging winds up to 70 miles per hour, which could lead to considerable damage across the affected areas.

Click here to follow the original article.

United Way of Central Oregon distributes nearly $59,000 in food and shelter grants to 10 organizations

KTVZ on July 16, 2025

Barney Lerten

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — United Way of Central Oregon and the Local Emergency Food & Shelter Board have awarded $58,800 in funds to 10 organizations delivering essential food and shelter services across Deschutes County.   

This year, the Local Board made food access a top funding priority, with a particular emphasis on organizations serving children — especially during the summer months when school meals are unavailable — as well as unhoused individuals, families, and older adults.

Priority consideration was given to nonprofit programs that purchase the food they distribute and that are currently facing budget shortfalls due to federal funding reductions and cancellations. These include cuts to critical federal programs like Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS), which have disrupted food banks, pantries, and school meal initiatives across the nation.

The Local Board also focused on maximizing long-term impact and ensuring equitable distribution of funds across eligible organizations. To avoid duplicating support, the Local Board ensured agencies already receiving Deschutes County funding did not also receive EFSG, recognizing that these funds were provided through County allocations. 

2025 EFSG Grant Recipients: 

$6,000 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

$5,000 – Central Oregon Veteran & Community Outreach (COVO) 

$5,000 – Family Kitchen 

$2,500 – Friends of the Children – Central Oregon 

$5,000 – Jericho Road 

$11,000 – Shepherd’s House Ministries 

$6,000 – St. Vincent de Paul Bend 

$6,000 – St. Vincent de Paul La Pine 

$6,000 – St. Vincent de Paul Redmond 

$6,300 – The Giving Plate 

“This funding is a crucial piece of the safety net for our community,” said Diana Fischetti, Regional Executive Director of United Way of Central Oregon. “At a time when federal resources are uncertain, we are grateful to Deschutes County for investing in local solutions that directly reach the people who need them most.” 

Each year, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners designates a portion of video lottery revenue to support United Way of Central Oregon’s Emergency Food & Shelter Grants (EFSG).

These funds come at a critical time because federal Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) funds, historically awarded in tandem with County funds, remain suspended, pending an ongoing federal review of the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) program.

With the federal EFSP program paused indefinitely, the Local Board moved ahead with the County-funded EFSG to ensure Deschutes County residents receive at least a portion of this critical support. UWCO customarily allocates approximately $300,000 in Emergency Food & Shelter funding across Central Oregon.

However, this year, agencies in Jefferson and Crook counties—entirely reliant on federal resources for EFSP—will unfortunately go without the assistance they urgently need. 

This all comes amid increasing need. According to United Way’s latest United for ALICE report, 32% of households in Deschutes County live below the ALICE Threshold: working, but still earning less than the basic cost of living.

These families often include essential workers who continue to face barriers to accessing food, housing, and health care. They are forced to make impossible daily choices just to get by, such as deciding between purchasing vital medications or repairing the vehicle they rely on to reach work.

In Jefferson County, 42% of residents, and in Crook County, 43%, live below the ALICE Threshold, often earning too much to qualify for traditional assistance but still struggling to afford necessities like childcare and transportation. 

United Way of Central Oregon is steadfastly committed to supporting those who live below the ALICE Threshold and to strengthening our community’s resilience in the face of growing challenges.   

For more information about EFSG and United Way’s impact in Central Oregon, visit http://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org. 

Click here to follow the original article.

COFEM to host free webinar on ICE encounter preparedness for Coachella Valley families

KESQ on July 16, 2025

Tori King

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)—The city of Coachella is partnering with COFEM for a free Family Preparedness Webinar. The organization says families can “Learn how to protect your family in times of uncertainty, from creating a safety plan to knowing your rights during an ICE encounter.”

“Who would be the person that would care for your children, your finances, your bank accounts,” said Claudia Armenta, the Immigration Integration Program Assistant for COFEM. “We’re going to teach you all of that in this meeting. We’re also doing this online because of the current political climate. We want to be able to reach more community members and that they’re able to join and share this information without fear of their own safety.”

The organization says now more than ever, informational sessions like this one are needed, especially in the Coachella Valley, which houses three sanctuary cities and has a very large Latino and immigrant populations.

“We’re encouraging the community to show up because we don’t want to wait for the last minute in case there is an emergency,” said Armenta. “Often times we see families didn’t prepare and they are struggling to try to have all these documents ready. When you have kids, you prepare documents for them to go to school, go to the doctor. This is also an an educational workshop on preparing to make sure you have all your documents ready for your children in case of an encounter.”

The valley and surrounding desert cities also have an agriculture-driven economy, with lots of families who are farmworkers.

“In this area, the eastern Coachella Valley, we have the packing companies, the agriculture companies,” said Armenta. “These past few months, we know that in the Coachella Valley, we have been impacted.”

The event will take place July 19th from10 a.m. to noon. For more information you can call 213-417-8390. Organizers ask that people interested in watching the webinar register here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Emergency Town Hall leads to Santa Barbara City Council Vote to Research Ways to Help Immigration Community

KEYT on July 16, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Franklin Neighborhood Center was too small for the crowd trying to attend an emergency town hall on Tuesday.The overflowing audience watched and listened from outside via social media.

A majority of speakers said they saw the immigration raids coming and urged community leaders to stand with the immigrant community. One woman said that, for the first time in her life, she was looking over her shoulder for danger. Another said she had begun patrolling her own block.

The head of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce emphasized the need for solidarity, urging residents to stick together and protect local businesses.

Speakers also discussed the recent federal raids at Glass House Farms locations in Carpinteria and Camarillo, which led to the death of a farmworker and the detention of a veteran and CSUCI professor.

A faith leader also addressed the crowd.“Our community, our people who share this land with us—we get to stick up for one another,” said Pastor Leo Smith.

Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Ann Gordon told the crowd her officers are not typically notified by federal authorities when ICE operates in the community or when children are left behind.

She encouraged residents to call the department if they have concerns and reminded them that they do not have to open their doors to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, that didn’t stop ICE from breaking a car window in Carpinteria during an Enforcement and Removal Operation (ERO), she noted.

City Councilmembers, including the son of immigrants, pointed to federal enforcement funding as a key barrier to local action.

“Unfortunately, the federal government surpasses our authority. So even if we wanted to, we couldn’t do too much to stop them—other than provide services so that the community has something to fall back on,” said Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez.

No one spoke in favor of deportations. However, one speaker held up a book titled The 5 Basics Everyone Should Know About Immigration by Margaret Orchowski, also known as Peggy Sands. The book argues that the best option for someone receiving a deportation notice is to opt for voluntary departure by cooperating with authorities.

The Santa Barbara City Council voted to direct staff to explore ways to help, including approving an emergency declaration, funding the 805 Undocufund, and joining legal challenges.

Before the meeting, a Santa Barbara Police dog named Roz swept the Franklin Neighborhood Center grounds to ensure public safety.

The event was co-hosted by the 805 Immigration Coalition, which distributed bilingual flyers. A volunteer said racial profiling is happening in the region.Aja Forner shared that a driver was racially profiled on Ogan Road the previous day. He was asked for papers and, after proving he was a citizen, was followed by agents for another eight minutes. An Oxnard man said something similar happened to his father weeks earlier.

Councilmembers Oscar Gutierrez, Kristen Sneddon, and Wendy Santamaria called for the meeting in response to the July 10 raids, which resulted in more than 300 people being taken to detention facilities—most from Camarillo. Officials also found teenagers who appeared to be working at the Carpinteria location, though Glass House Farms denies employing minors. Detainees were initially held at a U.S. Customs facility on Cortez Circle in Camarillo before being transferred to downtown Los Angeles.

Attorney Andrea Anaya, who is representing five clients affected by the raids, met with them Monday in Los Angeles. She said their U.S.-born children were left wondering why their parents hadn’t come home. Donations to local nonprofits are intended to support those children.

During the meeting, Primitiva Hernandez, Director of 805 Undocufund, delivered a passionate call for stronger local government support. She said her four-person team, which covers three counties, is operating entirely on philanthropic funding while “approximately 500 families right now [are] waiting for financial assistance or philanthropy.” Hernandez criticized the limited public response, saying even $1 million in aid would be “crumbs,” and called for city and county support for rapid response training efforts. She also expressed frustration with bureaucratic red tape that prevents community organizing in city-funded spaces, pushing them to rely on churches instead. Volunteers, she said, have faced police intimidation while legally monitoring enforcement actions. Hernandez closed by urging leaders to accept discomfort as a catalyst for change: “If you guys are feeling uncomfortable, that is because it’s not working on you and you should continue feeling uncomfortable and showing up for our community.”

For more information visit https:www.805immigrant.org or https://805undocufund.org or https://causenow.org or https://www.santabarbaraca.gov

Click here to follow the original article.

Nurse accused of sexually assaulting unconscious patient; Suspect employed at multiple hospitals in county

KESQ on July 16, 2025

Jesus Reyes

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (KESQ) – A nurse employed at multiple hospitals in Riverside County has been accused of having inappropriate contact with an unconscious patient.

The Riverside Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit received information in June regarding a “hospital employee who was having inappropriate contact with an unconscious patient.”

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, investigators identified the suspect as Lauro Gonzales Jr., 40, of Lake Elsinore. Investigators learned that Gonzales was employed as a nurse by multiple hospitals within Riverside County.

Gonzales was arrested on Tuesday after a traffic stop in the area of Interstate 15 and Temescal Canyon Road.

A search warrant was served at his residence, where additional evidence was located, authorities said.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with more information regarding this investigation to contact Investigator J. Lee at (951) 955-1718 or Sheriff’s Dispatch by calling 951-776-1099.

Gonzales was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center and faces charges of sexual penetration of an unconscious person. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cole County auditor to retire next month

KMIZ on July 15, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Cole County Auditor Mark Ruether will retire on Aug. 1, according to Presiding Commissioner Sam Bushman.

Ruether had submitted a letter of resignation weeks ago and it was accepted by the commission. Gov. Mike Kehoe will appoint his successor.

Ruether was appointed by former Gov. Mike Parson in 2022 to serve the remained of Kristen Berhorst’s term.

Bushman said in an email “He had been an Auditor with the State of Missouri, retired, and came to work for our Treasurer. Our Auditor took a job elsewhere, and Mark was appointed by Governor Parson to fill the Auditor position.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Wahlburgers will be making its Oregon debut at this year’s Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo

KTVZ on July 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Wahlburgers is coming to the 105th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo this summer, July 30 through Aug. 3. This marks Wahlburgers’ debut in Oregon, offering Oregonians their first taste of the chain’s award-winning burgers, house-made sauces, crispy tots and creamy shakes via a mobile Wahlburgers stand.

“This is more than just a food stand — it’s a moment,” said Geoff Hinds, CEO and fair director. “Wahlburgers is a household name for many, and bringing it to Oregon for the first time — at our Fair — is an exciting and memorable milestone.”

Chef Paul Wahlberg, a classically trained chef with deep roots in the restaurant industry, created the Wahlburgers concept.

Inspired by childhood memories and family gatherings in Dorchester, Mass., he launched Wahlburgers with the support of his brothers Mark Wahlberg, an actor and entrepreneur, and Donnie Wahlberg, an actor and musician. Together, they combined family tradition, culinary excellence, and celebrity appeal.

Celebrating its 105th year, the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is a key Central Oregon event, attracting over 250,000 visitors annually with a mix of agriculture, youth programs, rodeo, carnival rides, concerts, and unique food experiences.

Don’t miss your chance to experience Wahlburgers at the fair, Wednesday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond.

For full Fair details, visit www.deschutesfair.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Search & Rescue crews lift injured hiker from remote canyon

KIFI on July 15, 2025

News Team

ASHTON, Idaho (KIFI) — Fremont County Search and Rescue (FCSAR) successfully pulled off a tricky high-line rope rescue this past Sunday, July 13, to extract an injured hiker out of a remote canyon east of Ashton.

Around 7:19 PM, rescue crews, along with folks from Fremont County EMS, Emergency Management, and an Air Idaho flight crew, were sent out to Robinson Creek Canyon. Reports came in about someone with a broken leg stuck deep in a remote part of the canyon, which made getting to them and getting them out incredibly difficult.

EMS and FCSAR personnel had to navigate the rugged terrain to reach the injured person. They managed to stabilize the individual’s leg right there on-site before setting up a special high-line rope system to allow them to safely lift the person from the bottom of the canyon up to the rim. Once there, the injured individual was quickly moved to an ambulance that was waiting and taken to a medical facility for more care.

In a press release, FCSAR expressed their gratitude to Fremont County EMS, Fremont County Emergency Management, the Air Idaho flight crew, and even some bystanders for their help “physically demanding rescue.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Local events to raise funds for Missouri Veterans

News-Press NOW on July 15, 2025

Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Two upcoming summer golf tournaments, as well as a Patriots Day event in the fall, will provide needed funds for Veterans in Northwest Missouri.

The 8th Annual Veterans Home Assistance League Golf Tournament will take place on Thursday, July 17, at the St. Joseph Country Club.

Twenty-seven teams will participate in the event this year, along with corporate sponsors. On Friday, Aug. 1, the 12th Annual Veterans’ Golf Tournament will take place in Maryville, Missouri, at the Mozingo Lake Golf Course.

Longtime member of the Veterans Assistance League and Vietnam veteran, Roger Foreman, said 100% of the proceeds will go to assist veterans in Northwest Missouri.

“Through these funds, we will be able to furnish all the wheelchair accessible transportation for veterans at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron,” Foreman said. “Neither VA nor the state is able to provide funds for that.”

Foreman also said special activities and fun events throughout the year is also partly provided through these funds.

Committee member Michael Meierhoffer said it’s a unique way for the community to have fun and to provide for extra needs of those who have served the nation in the military.

“As a veteran who supports veterans, I will say that these events are extremely important,” Meierhoffer said. “We will be able to do things that federal and state funds are just not able to do. Both the tournaments this summer and the Patriots’ Day event will be able to contribute to the needs and to the comfort of our veterans at the Cameron Veterans’ Home.”

The Patriots Day event planning for Thursday, Sept. 11, is already underway. It’ll feature a gathering of veterans and community members at Wyatt Park Baptist Church, at 6:00 p.m.

This event, coordinated by corporate sponsors, Retired Air Force Captain Guy Gruters and Retired U.S. Army Colonel Milt Toratti, will feature special speakers and special displays.

“The Missouri Vietnam Veterans mobile wall will be featured at both the golf tournaments and at the Patriots’ Day event,” according to Truman Hardy, another member of the Veterans Home Assistance League. “This coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the official end of the Vietnam War.”

The September 11th event will also feature keynote speakers like former Vietnam POW Guy Gruters and books by retired Vietnam veteran Milt Toratti.

Corporate sponsorships are still available for both the golf tournaments and the Patriots Day event.

For more information about sponsorship, donations or tickets, contact Cheri Morton at (816) 383-4940 or visit the Veterans Assistance League of Cameron, Missouri, on Facebook.

Click here to follow the original article.

Stover man accused of molesting children

KMIZ on July 15, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Stover man was charged on Tuesday after he was accused of sexually assaulting children.

Joseph Kucera, 79, was charged with four counts of third-degree child molestation. He was not listed on the Morgan County Jail roster on Tuesday evening. A warrant was issued and a $250,000 bond was set.

Parents of a youth had reported a sexual assault by Kucera on June 10 and the victim – during a June 25 interview — described multiple assaults and inappropriate behaviors, according to the probable cause statement. A second victim also described multiple assaults to law enforcement, the statement says.

Kucera allegedly admitted to law enforcement during a Tuesday interview that he molested one of the youths, but denied touching the other one, court documents say.

Click here to follow the original article.