Tar blobs come up on some Southern Santa Barbara County beaches from unknown source

KEYT on July 29, 2025

John Palminteri

MONTECITO, Calif. – The usually clean Montecito beaches were tainted by mysterious tar blobs over the weekend and into Monday morning.

At least one environmental source believes it is from a natural seep that is getting directed through currents and the higher tides to the Montecito coast.

“Sometimes it is a combination of the tides, so when you get these peak tides, big high tide, big low tide it is like a pushing action, it causes pressure on the geology and you have natural seeps and they seal up like asphalt from the oil., “said Heal the Ocean Field Consultant Harry Rabin, “It gets hard and you get these pressure events and it blows that seal and the oil can come flying out, it is like, have you ever had a glue bottle where it is soft and hard on top and you puncture it and out comes the glue, it is very similar what is gong on here.”

Many of the seeps exist off of Isla Vista and Summerland.

People have been noticing tar on Butterfly Beach in Montecito, Carpinteria Beach and Arroyo Burro in Santa Barbara County.

It has been sticking to shoes and bare feet.

Johny Faulkner likes to walk his dog Emma at Arroyo Burro, nicknamed Hendry’s Beach.

“It comes and goes there will be days where you don’t see one bit of oil and there will be days where I don’t even get her out of the car, there is so much oil, I bought her boots which she hates,” said Faulkner.

Some wonder if oil platforms off shore have anything to do with it.

 Lifeguards get tar on their feet, too.

“Sometimes I use olive oil and a paper towel and I will pour the olive oil directly on the tar or I’ll pour it on the paper towel and rub my feet.,” said Santa Barbara County Lifeguard Ryan Curtis,” They also do make oils in stores that are specifically made to rub tar off, but any sort of oil can be used to rub the tar off.”

Faulkner uses coconut oil on Emma’s paws said the tar reminds him of the Chumash.

“It is just seeps from the ocean, the Chumash used to use it to seal their canoes,” said Faulkner.

Hendry’s is known for its self service dog wash.

Dogs named Aspen and Obley got a good cleaning at the wash on Monday.

 Heal the Ocean is taking the lead in the clean up effort and looking into the recent cause. 

More details are expected to come from the nonprofits investigation.

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Fire crews put out structure fire in Ventura

KEYT on July 29, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura City Fire Department crews put out a house fire after seeing a smoky garage at the 3900 block of Dean Drive just before 5:00 a.m. Monday.

The homeowner initially fought the fire with a garden hose before firefighters put out the flames and prevented further spread to the rest of the house within 10 minutes, according to the VCFD.

No civilians or firefighters sustained injuries from the fire, and 13 total firefighters helped in this effort, detailed the VCFD.

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Here comes the fun! Preparing for this week’s 105th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo

KTVZ on July 29, 2025

Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Wednesday marks the start of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo. Through next Sunday, you can enjoy games, food, rides, and more at the Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Redmond.

It’s also kicking off the Kendall Toyota of Bend free summer concert series, with Brothers Osborne. A full list of performing artists and times is on the fair’s website.

Driving and parking at the fairgrounds should be easy. All the gates on Southwest Airportway will be open. A parking crew will be out there to guide you to a free parking spot. Once you’re there, you could buy tickets at any of the three fairgrounds gates.

Your general admission ticket gets you access to everything: the fair, the rodeo, and all of the concerts. The only extras are rides and food. And there will be some exciting new food vendors to check out this year.

Deschutes County Fairgrounds Director Geoff Hinds said, “Whether it’s the brand new Wahlburgers stand that’s making its debut for the first time ever. We’ve got a Wahlburgers owned by the Wahlberg brothers, Mark, Donnie and that family. They’re having their Oregon debut here in just a few days, or some of the other stands that we’ve got, a lot of the traditional fair food, but some new, fun opportunities as well.”

This year, there is no official shuttle to the fair, but the bus is running to the airport, which is within walking distance. Bend’s party bus is also selling tickets for its shuttle service.

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Pipeline Installation brings temporary traffic changes on Cook Street

KESQ on July 29, 2025

Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is set to begin a major phase of pipeline installation on Cook Street between Merle Drive and Hovley Lane East starting Wednesday, July 30. 

Construction crews are set to begin work Wednesday, July 30, and continue through with the project to mid-September. 

CVWD reports they are expecting planned lane closures and traffic pattern shifts throughout the time the project is being worked on. Beginning Wednesday, northbound traffic on Cook Street will be rerouted into the southbound lanes, creating a two-way traffic configuration. 

Both directions of travel will be limited to one lane in each direction between Merle Drive and Hovley Lane East while construction is in place. As the project progresses cross-streets in the work area may be temporarily closed, with signage redirecting traffic. 

These new traffic patterns will be in effect for approximately six weeks. CVWD urges travelers to use caution when traveling through these areas and allow extra travel time for potential delays and alternate routes. 

More information about the project can be found on CVWD website at https://www.cvwd.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=476 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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New snapshot survey shines light on homelessness in El Paso County

KRDO on July 29, 2025

Michael Logerwell

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The results for the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) count that provides insight into homelessness in El Paso County have been released.

Pikes Peak Continuum of Care (PPCoC), in partnership with ChangeLine (formerly Community Health Partnership), announced this year’s count:

Identified 1,745 individuals experiencing homelessness on the night of January 26, 2025

522 unsheltered individuals

1,223 people in emergency shelters or transitional housing.

Officials pointed out that the total is higher than in recent years, but they said that is due to being able to count and reach individuals who may have been missed before. However, they pointed out that it remains difficult to count those living in vehicles, in unstable situations, or fleeing domestic violence, so the data continues to underrepresent some of the community’s most vulnerable.

The State of Homelessness Report, released in May by Colorado’s four Continuums of Care, estimated that 6,846 individuals experienced homelessness in El Paso County over the course of a year, highlighting that the PIT Count may not capture the full picture.

“No single number can tell us everything,” said Becky Treece, Chair of the PPCoC Board. “Homelessness is complex, and we need to use all the data available to understand what’s contributing to it and how to respond.”

PPCoC Board said key takeaways from the PIT Count are that there are more people unsheltered than available emergency beds, and chronic homelessness remains high, showing that many live with disabling conditions and have been without housing for extended periods.

However, there aren’t enough funds for more beds right now.

Earlier this month, the Salvation Army said it’s facing a $1 million budget shortfall.

The Springs Rescue Mission has had to cut staff, a lot of that is from a drop-off in federal funding that the city just can’t make up.

“There are concerns. Unfortunately, the city doesn’t have money to pull out,” Aimee Cox, chief housing and homeless officer for Colorado Springs, said.

“The concern is great that we do not have the resources necessary in our community to meet the need. That’s kind of what this point in time highlighted is that even with our current capacity, when we are all working as hard as we can with the resources we have currently, we are not meeting the need,” Becky Treece, chair of the Pikes Peak Continuum of Care, said.

Treece encouraged the community to support those homeless shelters in need and to contact their federal representatives about the funding shortfall.

Mayor Yemi’s Statement on the 2025 PIT Count:

“The Point-in-Time Count offers more than numbers, it offers insight. Insight into what’s changing, where the greatest needs are, and how we can respond more effectively as a city. That is why I chose “data” as the City’s word of the year. Because data helps us move beyond assumptions and into the realm of real, measurable solutions for our community.  

Homelessness is a complex challenge, but Colorado Springs is not standing still. Our Homeless Response Action Plan released last year is guiding our coordinate response that includes:  

Increased transitional housing  

Expanded outreach efforts downtown 

Target enforcement where needed 

And strong community partnerships across our community. 

I am especially grateful to the volunteers, service providers, and community partners who made this year’s count possible. Your work matters. With data in hand and shared purpose at heart, I believe we can move closer to a city where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”

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Fire heavily damages home south of Madras, closes U.S. Highway 26 for a time

KTVZ on July 29, 2025

Gregory Deffenbaugh

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — .A fire Sunday afternoon heavily damaged a home atop a hill off U.S. Highway 26 south of Madras, and water shuttles to fight the blaze closed the highway for a time.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS crews were dispatched after the fire was reported around 2:45 p.m. at a home in the 2500 block of Highway 26.

Fire Chief Jeff Blake told KTVZ News the 4,500-foot home was built with materials such as a tile roof and stucco, which, along with high winds led to a rapid spread of the fire.

Despite fire crews’ swift response, most of the home was destroyed, Blake said. No one was home at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Jefferson County Fire called in other fire agencies, including Redmond, Crook County, Crooked River Ranch and Cloverdale, for assistance at the scene, Blake said. They all helped with opening up the structure to get to the fire and conduct mop-up operations.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office will conduct an investigation into the cause, Blake said.

Track LIVE traffic conditions by clicking here.

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Emporia State University hosts 2025 MIAA Football Media Day

News-Press NOW on July 29, 2025

Ryan Eslinger

EMPORIA, Kan. (News-Press NOW) — With the college football season right around the corner, Emporia State University hosted the 2025 MIAA Football Media Day on Monday.

All ten teams in the conference made the trip to Emporia, Kansas, to speak on the upcoming season.

Many teams had new coaches, including Northwest Missouri State University’s John McMenamin, who is an NMSU alumnus.

Missouri Western State University was represented by third-year head coach Tyler Fenwick, fifth-year running back Brandon Hall, and Senior defensive lineman Grant Finley.

After a 4-7 overall record last season and a 2-7 record in conference play, Fenwick knew something needed to change.

“We worked a lot on training leadership in the off-season,” Fenwick said. “Just trying to get these kids to take some ownership in getting to the next level.”

MWSU was riddled with injuries last year. Brandon Hall suffered a season-ending injury after averaging 140 yards per game in just four games. Kane Donovan, the starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending leg injury in that same game.

Hall talked about his recovery process after the season-ending injury last year and looking to continue on the note he left off.

“Last year’s injury was a devastation for me, but it gave me time to grow and learn,” Hall said. “I’m seeing the game differently and we have the same O-line returning, so that’s usually good.”

In the first four games, the Griffons were 2-1 and continuing to grow, but after the injuries to the backfield, the Griffons would go on to win only two of their last eight games.

Defensive lineman Grant Finley is excited about the returning defensive players and said he wants the team to be physical on every play.

“I’m excited for our defense to be relentless every game,” Finley said. “We’re the type of team that’s going to punch you in the mouth every play.”

Missouri Western’s first game is scheduled for August 30, 2025, at 23rd-ranked Augustana. Fenwick is looking to learn from the mistakes of last year and lead the Griffons to their first MIAA championship since 2012.

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Recent violence outside downtown Columbia business prompts owner to call for action

KMIZ on July 29, 2025

Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia has a youth violence problem, and it’s only been portrayed more in recent months. At least that’s what Columbia business owner Dimetrious Woods believes.

Woods owns Woods Auto Spa on Business Loop 70 and Essentialz convenience store in downtown Columbia on East Broadway. To Woods, the downtown area has become a place where juveniles flock to hangout at night, especially on the weekends.

But sometimes, those hangouts escalate into larger problems.

“We see younger people that I deemed shouldn’t be outside at that time of night…14, 15-year-olds and groups kind of hanging out and you know, innocent fun has a wya of turning disruptive amongst juveniles,” Woods said.

Woods said he’s seen that escalation first hand. From arguments, to fights, to robberies between juveniles, Woods said he’s seen it all happen right outside the doors of his business. One of those incidents happened July 13.

Woods said an employee inside of the business heard a noise, which turned out to be the sound of the front window of the business being shaken. What ensued next, according to Woods, was a group of people fighting on the sidewalk right outside his business. Woods said he wasn’t sure on the exact ages of those involved, but he claimed they appeared to be on the younger side.

After seeing the group, Woods went outside to attempt to deescalate the situation with pepper spray, and yelled at the group to stop. When no one listened, out of fear for what could happen if he didn’t put an end to it, he said he showed he had a gun, which prompted those involved to leave the area.

In the video of the incident provided by Woods, a voice can be heard saying people are about to start fighting, followed by a brawl on the sidewalk and screams.

A Columbia teenager was also killed in June after an armed robbery. Zarian Simpson, 18, was found dead with a gunshot wound at the Eastgate apartment complex. Court documents say the vehicles allegedly involved in the robbery were seen outside Essentialz shortly before the shooting.

Court documents, along with surveillance video obtained by ABC 17 News, shows four people rob Simpson at gunpoint outside of the store.

Steven Paden, 34, is charged with robbery in the first degree, armed criminal action and second-degree murder in connection with Simpson’s death. Two juveniles are also accused in his death.

Woods said it’s those situations that make him believe a curfew for juveniles in the city could be beneficial.

“I remember when I was a child, what kept me in check was a juvenile curfew,” Woods said. “I respected it and I didn’t want my mom to get up. She had to go to work and I respected that very well. I don’t have all the ideas. I just know that sitting down and doing nothing and talking about it is not how we’re going to have a safer, more pleasant Columbia so we need ideas, we need action.”

Woods took to his social media page, pushing for the idea of juvenile curfew after the July 13 incident.

Columbia leaders have discussed the possibility of a juvenile curfew in the city, but no official proposals have been made.

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Impact Grant: Soroptimist House of Hope

KESQ on July 29, 2025

Peter Daut

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presented another Impact Grant to a local nonprofit working to improve lives and help those in need.

A $50,000 charitable gift was awarded to Soroptimist House of Hope, a residential addiction program helping women establish and maintain sober and healthy lives.

“I know this program works. I know it can help women heal,” Lisa Mann said. She has been sober for 17 years, thanks to the treatment she received at Soroptimist House of Hope. Since 1981, the Desert Hot Springs nonprofit has helped thousands of women like her overcome substance use disorders and build lives of purposed and stability.

“They taught me how to live, they gave me a safe space to be nurtured, to heal. To uncover and discover what the roots were of my addictions,” she said.

The structured program includes safe and supportive housing, peer companionship and guidance, and therapeutic activities, all tailored to meet each woman’s individual needs.

“All ages, walks of life, socio-economic. Doesn’t matter. Addiction touches everyone,” Vice President Tim Radigan said.

Soroptimist House of Hope was recently awarded a state grant of $5.2 million to expand its facility, at a new location in Sky Valley.

“This is a 4.75 acre piece of property. We’re going to have horses, equine therapy, pigs, chickens. It’s going to be such a healing environment for women,” Executive Director Nicole Yingling said.

The ranch will transform into a 14-bed residential facility. The existing property will then be used for detox care. “So it’s going to help with continuity of care where the clients can transition from detox at our location and just move over to the other property and get residential treatment,” Yingling said.

But the state grant requires a 10 percent cash match, and that’s where the Berger Foundation and News Channel 3 stepped in with a special gift. The $50,000 Impact Grant will help Soroptimist House of Hope get closer to that 10 percent match, alleviating the financial burden of the expansion project.

The goal is that more women in our community like Lisa Mann will be empowered on their journey to recovery.

“There is hope,” Mann said.

If all goes according to plan, the organization hopes to have the project completed by mid-2027. But it still needs about $100,000 to meet that match for the state grant. If you would like to help, and for more information, head to https://www.recoveryhouseofhope.org/.

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Royals Kris Bubic done for season after Rotator Cuff injury

News-Press NOW on July 29, 2025

Ryan Eslinger

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Just after the Royals locked down Seth Lugo to a two-year extension worth $46 million, Royals Beat Writer Anne Rodgers reported that the Royals will be shutting down all-star starter Kris Bubic for the remainder of the season.

Bubic has a left rotator cuff strain and was placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) as a precautionary measure. After further examination of the injury, the Royals decided to shut him down.

This is a massive loss for the Royals as Kris Bubic was electric to start 2025. He was top ten in ERA with a sub-three ERA and 116 strikeouts, which breaks his previous career high of 114 set in 2021.

Bubic received his first all-star game selection and was on pace for over 200 strikeouts for the first time in his career, but with a rotator cuff injury like his, it is better to be safe than sorry.

A torn rotator cuff is something athletes don’t normally come back from. Bubic would have been looking at upwards of nine or more months of recovery, and if the surgery went wrong or the cuff tears again after recovery, he would most likely be forced to retire.

The Royals still have a great pitching core in Lugo and St. Joseph native, Noah Cameron, but the absence of Bubic will be noticeable.

The MLB trade deadline is on Thursday, July 31, making the possibility for the Royals to snag a starting pitcher even higher.

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