Epic Aircraft receives FAA type certification of its newest plane, the E1000 AX; deliveries begin this week

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Epic Aircraft announced Monday the FAA’s type certification of its latest high-performance, single-engine, turbine model, the E1000 AX, and said deliveries of the latest model will begin this week.

“Delivering the same unparalleled performance as its predecessor and category-leading E1000 GX, the E1000 AX made its public debut April 1-6 at Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.” according to the Bend plane-maker’s announcement, which continues in full below:

“Aircraft deliveries will begin this week at factory headquarters in Bend, Oregon,” said Doug King, CEO of Epic Aircraft, LLC. “We just completed a record-breaking sales quarter, and July is already the best sales month in company history. All 2025 E1000 AX production positions are filled, and sales are brisk for 2026 deliveries.”

With a full fuel payload of 1,177 pounds and maximum cruise speed of 333 knots, the E1000 AX carries more and flies faster than any other single-engine turboprop. Additional performance highlights include a climb rate of 4,000 feet per minute, maximum range of 1,560 nautical miles, and 34,000 foot maximum altitude. 

In addition to Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland — the latter to be activated upon final certification — the E1000 AX offers over 25 new features including the following:

Automatic Yaw Damper – Engages automatically after takeoff and disengages before landing to maintain rudder coordination through the flight

Electronic Brake Hold – Electronically applies the brakes to prevent aircraft movement

Expansive Windscreen with CoolView Windows – Optimizes crew visibility, reduces glare, and provides UV protection 

Garmin GDL® 60 with PlaneSync™ Technology – Automates database updates, enables remote access to check the state of your airplane and simplifies flight plan entry

GRA 5500 Radar Altimeter – Increases positional awareness with above-ground (AGL) radio altitude

3D SafeTaxi & Taxiway Routing (Optional) – Heightens positional awareness 

8000 GWX™ 8000 StormOptix™ Weather Radar (Optional) – Increases safety with real-time depiction of thunderstorms

True Blue Powe­r® Intelligent Lithium-Ion Batteries – Delivers longer life, higher voltage during engine starts and reduces maintenance costs

CoolView Windows – Blocks over 73% of infrared or heat coming through cockpit and cabin windows

Starlink High-Speed Internet (Optional) – Provides anytime, anywhere access

“I want to congratulate the Epic team on completing certification of the E1000 AX,” said Epic Aircraft, LLC owner and Silicon Valley resident, Tanya Eves. “This achievement demonstrates Epic’s dedication to ongoing innovation in general aviation.”

“Our owner is an accomplished pilot with a bold vision for transforming the aerospace industry through cutting-edge technology,“ said King. “The E1000 AX embodies that vision and is a testament to her passion for new aviation technology.”

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About Epic Aircraft 

Epic Aircraft, LLC specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance, all-composite, single-engine turboprop aircraft. Epic’s award-winning E1000 received FAA certification in 2019, followed by certification of the E1000 GX in 2021 and the E1000 AX in 2025. Privately held, the design-driven aviation company conducts all of its engineering, manufacturing, and administrative operations at its headquarters in Bend, Oregon. For more information about Epic Aircraft, please visit epicaircraft.com

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Three people killed in plane crash near West Yellowstone

Curtis Jackson

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) – Three people were killed in a plane crash south of West Yellowstone.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said it was notified by U.S. Department of Transportation Aero Division of a possible plane crash on July 18, 2025, at 1:41 p.m.

The agency stated that the aircraft departed from West Yellowstone Airport just before midnight on July 17 and could not be located.  

The Sheriff’s office news release said, “Utilizing the last location of an occupant’s smart watch, two search planes were sent to search for the missing aircraft. At 2:13 p.m. the search planes confirmed the plane had been located crashed in dense timber just south of the town near South Plateau Rd.”

Search and Rescue teams located the crash site and confirmed all three people on board were deceased.

They were identified as 60-year-old Rodney Conover and 23-year-old Madison Conover from Tennessee, and 55-year-old Kurt Enoch Robey of Utah.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.

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Show your support for El Paso toddler nominated for “Toddler of the Year” competition

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—Exciting news! An adorable toddler from El Paso has been nominated for “Toddler of the Year,” and we’d love your help to make her the winner. Lucia is hoping to win a competition for most adorable toddler, with the winner taking home a $25,000 prize and the opportunity to star in a Hollywood Christmas Parade and visit the Peppa Pig theme park. Lucia is a proud member of the El Paso Football Club and loves attending the El Paso Locomotive games. She’s one of our smallest supporters, with the 8th notch.

Cast your daily vote here: https://toddleroftheyear.org/2025/lucia-e110

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Lineup released for the 2025 Dinah Music Festival

Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– LGBTQ+ trailblazer Mariah Hanson released the 2025 lineup for her epic Dinah Grand Finale full of rising stars, queer icons and aspiring LGBTQ+ talent.

The festival will take place September 24-28 at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs, celebrating the long-lasting legacy Hanson has created with the iconic queer women’s festival.

The weekend-long celebration will feature stars like Crystal Waters, Princess Nokia, Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey, SKYDXDD, MC Kaycee Clark, Mariah Counts, Only1 Theory, Nikki Holland and Velvet Dive. 

DJ’s Alex B, Lotus Banks, KG fresh, Les Ortiz, P Nasty, and Tatiana are also set to perform at this one-of-a-kind event providing pulse-pounding sets that will keep the crowd dancing. 

The event will open on Thursday night, September 24, with a nighttime dance party, followed by pool party celebrations and additional exciting nighttime events until Sunday, September 28. 

Hanson is the original founder and producer of the Dinah. She will be retiring after 34 years running the festival. Hanson stepping down does not mean the end for the festival. Organizers said Hanson is actively in talks with potential successors.

To celebrate her last year producing this groundbreaking event, the Dinah 2025 is an invitation to join Hanson in a powerful tribute to the legacy she created and to experience magic only The Dinah can deliver.

For more information on tickets and full event details, visit www.thedinah.com 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Palm Springs International Airport ranked among the 50 best in the country

Zachariah Perez

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International Airport is being recognized as one of the best airports in the country. 

According to the Washington Post, Palm Springs International Airport was named the 35th best airport in the United States for 2025 best airports.

The beautiful breezy and warm sunshine, great food, relaxing environment and amazing shops, are some of the major factors that played a role in being ranked No.35th in the country. 

“Shoutout to everyone who voted and raved in reviews-we see you #35 and thriving” Said PSP via their recent Instagram post.

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Idaho Fish and Game finds new ways to estimate wolf population

Noah Farley

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Fish and Game estimates there are about 100 less wolves in the Gem State than last year.

Last week, wildlife managers estimated there are over 1,200 wolves in Idaho.

Idaho Fish and Game said it is changing how it counts the wolf population. In the past, it used cameras, but now it uses the ABC method, which uses age and genetic data from wolf teeth collected from harvested wolves to estimate population and litter sizes.

“It really has been an agency-wide effort,” said IDFG Wildlife Research Manager, Matt Mumma. “Across the regions and actually checking in on wolves and gathering those teeth which are vital to the model itself.”

The estimates show wolf numbers peak in May due to new pups being born, but the numbers start to decline afterwards due to hunting and other natural causes.

Wildlife managers say these numbers and using the new ABC method are important for Idaho as the state tries to reduce its wolf population to around 500 a year.

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for new Exhibit Hall at Bannock County Fairgrounds

Curtis Jackson

DOWNEY, Idaho (KIFI) – Bannock County has scheduled a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Exhibit Hall at the Fairgrounds in Downey.

The ceremony will take place on the first day of the Bannock County Fair, August 4, at 5 p.m.

The new building replaces four former exhibit halls that were condemned due to age and safety concerns. The building will be used for 4-H displays, artwork, hand-sewn quilts, and local crafts during the fair, as well as for various community events throughout the rest of the year.

The building features a 50-by-90-foot exhibit space, a kitchen, a meeting room, offices, storage rooms, and restrooms.

“This building is going to be a huge asset to our beloved county fair, as well as the citizens of Bannock County year-round. I’m excited to cut the ribbon and fill it with exhibits from our talented community members,” said Commissioner Ernie Moser.

The construction was led by Bannock County Director of Facilities Dan Kendall, with local contractors including Teton West of Idaho, KJ Acoustics, Charron AC, Legacy Fire Protection, Razor Electric, and Portneuf Valley Plumbing.

It was funded through a combination of $1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $700,000 in local funding from Bannock County.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy light refreshments and then head over to the annual Free Potato Bar at 6:00 p.m. by the Covered Stage (Building 18). Parking is available in the general fairgrounds lot across from the new building at 225 W Center Street.

The Bannock County Fair goes through Saturday, August 9, 2025. To see a listing of events, click here.

For a map of the fairgrounds, click here.

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Deodar Cedar Tree to be Removed from Atascadero Sunken Gardens This Week

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Atascadero regarding the removal of one Deodar Cedar Tree from the city’s Sunken Gardens

ATASCADERO, Calif. – A local tree contractor will be removing one of the heritage Deodar Cedar trees from Sunken Gardens in downtown Atascadero this week. The removal is expected to take a day to complete, and East Mall will be closed during the work. Businesses along East Mall will be open for business. Parking is available in the City Hall parking lot on the corner of East Mall and Lewis Avenue or along El Camino Real.

The cedar tree, which is approximately 100 years old, has been in a state of decline for several years primarily due to its age. Sadly, the cedar tree has now reached a level of decline that makes it a safety risk to park users and needs to be removed. There may be a need for the removal of additonal trees at some point in the future as the remaining cedars continue to age.

The Sunken Gardens was an integral part of EG Lewis’s vision for the Colony of Atascadero; it is a designated historic resource which contributes to the site and the setting of Historic City Hall and remains a very important aspect of Atascadero’s downtown and community culture. The locations of the four cedars were designed to enhance the landscape, providing shade and adding to the nuance of the fountain and the sculptures that adorn the Gardens.

The removal of this cedar will balance the appearance of the park as the adjacent counterpart cedar was removed in 2017. As was done in 2017, a new cedar will be planted in the area of the cedar being removed sometime in the near future.

The cedar wood will be transported to a local mill and furniture company, Deadwood Revival Design, and available for purchase for Atascadero residents interested in owning a piece of the City’s history. Unprocessed wood (raw wood) will be available this fall while processed (kiln-dried) wood will be available in the summer of 2026. Atascadero residents interested in purchasing some of the cedar wood should contact Deadwood Revival Design at (805) 552-5897 or visit www.deadwoodrevivaldesign.com.

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Coachella FC rebrands as FC Dallas Coachella, announces affiliation with MLS team

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Coachella FC announced a rebranding as part of its new affiliation with FC Dallas of Major League Soccer.

Coachella FC will now be known as FC Dallas FC, the team announced Monday on social media.

“We’re proud to announce that Coachella Football Club is now FC Dallas Coachella, an official MLS-affiliated academy and part of the FC Dallas Youth Network

This new chapter connects our players to one of the best development systems in the country, with a direct pathway to the pros, high-level tournaments, and national exposure.

While our name and badge have changed, our heart hasn’t. We’re still the same club, same community, and same passion, now with even bigger opportunities.

Welcome to FC Dallas Coachella.”

The now former Coachella FC was first formed in April 2024 as part of the United Soccer League’s second division.

The team won the regular season and division tities in the UPSL Premier SoCal North Division, where they won both the regular season and division titles with an undefeated record. The city of Coachella honored the team last month.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Coachella Soccer Academy (@coachellasocceracademy)

The team is the first pre-professional soccer team in the valley. 

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Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Names New Board Chair

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County regarding the appointment of the new Chair of its Board of Trustees

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County proudly announces the appointment of David Bishop as Chair of its Board of Trustees. Bishop brings a distinguished record of leadership, having guided multi-billion-dollar organizations through periods of growth, innovation, and transformation. His expertise includes leading global operations at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to more than $20 billion in revenue and scaling MGM Home Entertainment from $300 million to $1 billion while maintaining award-winning customer service. In his advisory work, he has also helped secure major contracts for Parrot Analytics and spearheaded successful fundraising initiatives.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Bishop has long championed hunger relief efforts. He is a former chair and current board member of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and served on the End Hunger Network board, where he and actor Jeff Bridges co-created a campaign that raised $20 million to fight hunger.

Bishop’s appointment comes at a pivotal time. Under the recently passed ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ drastic cuts to USDA food support, coupled with changes to SNAP and Medicaid, threaten to deepen food insecurity in Santa Barbara County, where one in three residents relies on Foodbank services and the county holds the second-highest poverty rate in California.

“These are among our most challenging times,” Bishop said. “The Board remains focused on providing strong stewardship and oversight to ensure that every resource is carefully managed, and every decision supports the well-being of the communities we serve.”

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