Month: July 2025

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Medicaid cuts are raising concerns, especially in rural areas, but one local hospital is staying strong.

Nearly two million Arizonans are currently enrolled in Medicaid.

Some locals say recent cuts concerns them, but Onvida Health says they’re not backing down.

“When we talk about Medicaid, we’re talking about cutting services for everybody. We’re not just talking about the Medicaid population,” said Robert Trenschel, Onvida Health CEO.

The Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association says they’re deeply concerned about the ripple effect recent medicaid cuts will have on patients, providers, and entire communities.

In a press release, the group warned more than 55% of Arizona hospitals could be operating in the red in the next few years.

At Onvida Health in Yuma, leaders say they’re focused on care, not cuts

“We’re not anticipating any changes in services that we’re offering to the community. We’re not anticipating any changes in the organization. In fact, next year, we anticipate to be similar to this year if not better as we become more efficient as an organization,” said Trenschel.

Some locals like Caroline and Bob Valley worry about the bigger picture, and what fewer resources mean down the road.

“We paid into Medicaid our whole working life, and I don’t think its right, but they’re trying to take it away from us now,” said Caroline.

“I think we’re headed in a direction with loss of services and wait times to get into a doctor or nurse practitioner,” said Bob.

Despite the uncertainty, Onvida says they’re actively planning for the future.

“We’re looking for the opportunity to grow the organization to bring in different sources of revenue so we can offset some of those cuts that we know are coming,” said Trenschel.

Onvida says while state funding is still unknown, their mission in Yuma remains clear and stable for now.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As kids return to class in Yuma, police are reminding families and drivers to stay alert during those busy morning and afternoon hours.

Traffic tends to pick up around school zones, and officers say it is important that both drivers and students stay aware of their surroundings.

The reminder comes just days after a major ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court. The court decided that schools are not legally responsible for keeping students safe when they are off campus.

The case involved a high school student from Phoenix who was hit by a car while jaywalking in front of the school in 2021. The court said schools are only responsible when students are on campus or under school supervision.

With that in mind, Yuma Police are encouraging families to take extra care during the walk or drive to school. Officer Hayato Johnson says kids should not be distracted.

“Make sure they’re paying attention to where they’re walking. Not walking with their phone in their hands. Eyes to the screen. Not paying attention to where they’re stepping next,” he said.

Officers are also urging drivers to slow down in school zones and be extra careful near crosswalks and bus stops.

“Kids don’t know any better. They cross the street and won’t always look both ways no matter how many times they’re told to,” Officer Johnson said. “And drivers, with daily distractions, forget they’re in school zones.”

One local parent, Teresa Ward, said she does not feel comfortable letting her son walk to school alone.

“Just for my security, he could do it. I just don’t feel comfortable. I read the news too much and I’m not very trusting of some people,” said Ward.

As students head back to class, Johnson hopes the community will keep one thing in mind.

“We’re all somebody’s brother, sister, uncle or parent. Treat school zones like your own kids are walking through them too,” Johnson spoke.

Whether or not you have kids, police say keeping students safe is something everyone can help with.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A fire broke out in a neighborhood near the KYMA station Monday afternoon.

The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) received a call at around 4:30 p.m. about a fire in the area of West 19th Street and South Third Avenue.

When crews arrived, YFD says they found a mobile home fully engulfed in flames, which they later deemed a total loss.

A second home was affected by the flames.

Some locals say they heard popping coming from within the fire, with one neighbor, Rogelio Valle, sharing what he felt.

“I just looked out at my kitchen and his kitchen was on fire…Yeah, it was scary, I was just thinking, ‘Yeah, let’s get my son out and see what happens,'” Valle shared.

No injuries were reported.

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – On July 20, 1969, humans landed on the moon for the first time, and part of that achievement was made possible thanks to testing at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground (YPG).

In 1966, Yuma tested a mobility vehicle which helped inspire the lunar rover used on the Apollo missions.

Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong later visited Yuma in 1971 to see helicopter tests.

Today, NASA’s plans to return to the moon and travel to Mars will rely on safety systems also tested at Yuma, including parachutes for the astronaut capsules. 

YPG continues to play a key role in space exploration technology. 

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