Cal Fire knocks down vegetation fire near Paicines

Victor Guzman

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Firefighters contained a vegetation fire that burned in eastern San Benito County late Sunday night.

Cal Fire BEU said its crews were still on scene overnight making sure no hot spots were around at the fire near Panoche Road.

Firefighters said the fire sparked just after 10 pm and grew to about 1.2 acres before it was contained.

No injuries or structure damage was reported.

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Semi Truck Overturns on I-10 in Banning, Sig alert has been lifted

María García

UPDATE: 7/21/25 7:32 A.M. – All lanes are now open and SIG alert has been lifted.

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) — A semi tanker truck overturned early Monday morning on Interstate 10 in Banning, triggering a Sig Alert and causing major traffic delays.

The incident happened around 4:00 a.m. on the eastbound side of I-10 near Hargrave Street. According to initial reports, the overturned truck caused damage to a guard rail. As of now, only one lane is open in the area.

Drivers heading east through Banning should expect delays throughout the morning commute. Officials have not said how long the Sig Alert will remain in effect.

There’s no word yet on whether anyone was injured.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Just when you thought it was finished; CDOT still finalizing upgrades on I-25 project between Colorado Springs, Fountain

Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A 7.5-mile improvement project on Interstate 25 between South Academy Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue was supposed to be finished last fall, but KRDO 13’s The Road Warrior has learned that crews are still finalizing that work.

The Road Warrior reported last October that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) project to replace aging asphalt with concrete and replace the twin overpasses at South Academy was undergoing a final inspection before CDOT approved the work by its contractor, SEMA Construction.

However, repairs needed to some of the completed construction required overnight closures on southbound I-25 in the project area on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with similar closures scheduled for the northbound lanes Monday and Tuesday.

CDOT spokeswoman Amber Shipley said that CDOT wanted to see how the construction held up after last winter and into this summer to get a true understanding of what fixes are needed.

“It’s fairly typical,” she explained. “When you’re talking about concrete curing during different times of the year, where there could have been a subtle shift in the ground underneath that caused cracking. They want to make sure that those are repaired before, again, we sign off on a project of that magnitude.”

Shipley said that CDOT’s inspection found some of the concrete panels comprising the new pavement have either cracked or separated, and that several segments of new guardrail are damaged by vehicle impacts and need replacement.

“It’s a continual repair cycle for our maintenance crews,” she said. “And before we turn it over to our maintenance crews, we want to make sure that it’s solid. That’s kind of a continual thing because people are, you know, inattentive, maybe going too fast, and a crash occurs.”

During the weekend overnight closures, crews were tapping concrete panels with metal rods to test the panels’ stability and using a pressure hose to spray debris out of panels.

One crew even had a power saw, apparently to cut off damaged parts of concrete, which created a cloud of dust when it was used.

The detours for the remaining northbound closures are the same that drivers used frequently since the project began in spring 2022: Highway 85/87 via South Academy or Santa Fe.

Previous estimates indicated that the cost of the I-25 work would be half of the $161 million funded for a quartet of projects under the Military Access, Mobility and Safety Improvements Project (MAMSIP) to improve traffic flow and safety in and around local military installations.

The only other unfinished MAMSIP project is the widening of 1.5 miles of South Academy between I-25 and Milton E. Proby Parkway; that work is scheduled for completion early next year.

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Two suspects involved in deadly Dove Drive shooting to be in court Monday

Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two suspects involved in a deadly Dove Drive shooting in 2023 are set to be in a Boone County courtroom Monday.

Ja’Shaun Barney and Damarkus Williams are two of seven people involved in the deadly shooting, and are facing first-degree murder along with multiple other charges.

According to court documents, Ja’Shaun Barney requested a speedy trial on May 29. Williams’ four-day jury trial was previously set for this Fall but was cancelled; the court is set to reschedule the trial in Monday’s hearing.

Last month marked two years since Barney and Williams were accused in the shooting that killed Deshon Houston on Dove Drive in 2023. Out of the seven suspects in that shooting, Barney and Williams are the only ones who have not pleaded guilty.

Court documents say Deazes Turner, Deljuan Turner and Alqueze Jones shot and killed Deshon Houston from a white 2017 Ford Explorer driven by Barney; while Bryton Allen also shot at Houston from an Acura MDX driven by Williams.

All of the men originally had second-degree murder charges, which were later upgraded to first-degree murder.

Deljuan Turner pleaded guilty in November last year to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years in prison. Jones, 21, pleaded guilty that same month to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Allen, 22, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon and was sentenced to 20 years. He was also sentenced to four years in prison in an unrelated case where he pleaded guilty to resisting arrest in 2021.

Deazes Turner, 22, pleaded guilty in April to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Barney and Williams will be in front of Judge Joshua Devine at 8:30 a.m. Monday.

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QUESTION OF THE DAY: How hot is too hot for you?

Matthew Sanders

The heat wave that planted itself over our part of the country is here to stay for a few days.

This week, Mid-Missouri remains under an extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service. The high summer temperatures combined with heavy humidity have pushed the heat index into the triple digits.

It’s a level that’s dangerous for those without access to proper cooling and with certain health conditions. The conditions have led the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team to call a string of Weather Alert Days this week.

Mid-Missourians are used to hot, humid summers. But most could probably do without the kind of heat we’ve seen lately.

How hot is too hot for you? Let us know by voting in the poll.

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Neighborhood Hero: Mayor Max III: The Golden Retriever Who Brings a Community Together

Timothy Foster

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ)–A golden retriever named Max. He’s been the town’s official “Mayor Max III” since 2022, and his popularity is undeniable. While most cities have human leaders, Idyllwild’s leadership is a bit more… fluffy.

The tradition of electing a dog as mayor began back in 2012. It started with a local animal rescue group that thought the town needed something special—an animal mayor. Max I, the first golden retriever to hold the title, won the election by a landslide. He didn’t just win hearts—he also raised more than $21,000 for animal rescues in the process. The idea was simple: use the power of a pet to raise awareness for animal welfare. And it worked.

“I didn’t even know there was a Mayor Max at first,” one local resident shared. “We came up here with the kids, and they knew all about him. He was so sweet.”

After Max I passed away in 2014, Max II took over, and today, Max III continues the family tradition. Max’s role might seem ceremonial—showing up at festivals, visiting schools, or attending community events—but in truth, he’s so much more. He’s a symbol of community spirit, kindness, and unity.

Max’s influence goes beyond town events. He’s visited hospice patients, offering quiet comfort in tough times. According to Phyllis Mueller, his human chief of staff, “Max is more than a mascot; he’s the heart of this place. He’s a peace dog, a dog of the community. He’s not just ours—he’s everyone’s.”

People love Mayor Max for his gentle, calming presence. Visitors from all over come to Idyllwild just to meet him. Phyllis often tells people, “He’s your dog too.” Max has this rare ability to bring people together, even in the hardest moments. “He can lie in a hospital bed and just be there with you. He has this magic,” Phyllis says.

And it’s not just about lifting people’s spirits. Max is helping the town’s economy, too. Tourists come to see him, and while they’re in town, they explore local shops and enjoy Idyllwild’s charm. It’s a win for businesses and the community alike.

Whether he’s at a local event or just strolling through town, Max is a reminder of the power of kindness and how little things—like a friendly dog—can make a big difference. He’s not just a dog; he’s a leader, and he’s become the heart of Idyllwild.

So, if you’re ever in town, be sure to stop by and say hello to Mayor Max III. He’s a dog that unites people and makes the world a little better, one wag at a time.

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Part of Worley Street blocked off due to underground explosion

Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A portion of Worley Street was blocked off Sunday night, due to an underground explosion.

According to a Boone County Joint Communications alert, Worley Street from Stadium to at least West Blvd was closed due to an underground explosion. Drivers were asked to find an alternate route.

A Columbia firefighter on scene told ABC 17 News crews were called for an underground explosion. Firefighters found smoke in the sewers. No injuries were reported. The scene cleared around 10 p.m.

An ABC 17 News reporter saw several first responders on scene around 9:15 p.m. and damage to the sewer.

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Coachella Priest shares how immigration crackdowns have impacted faith community

Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – As immigration enforcement intensifies across the Coachella Valley, Father Francisco Gomez, S.T. Priest at Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church said fear is gripping the faith community.

“This is not right,” Father Gomez said. “It is not right what is taking place. It is affecting everything.”

Father Gomez said some of his parishioners are afraid to go to school, the grocery store or even attend Mass.

“Usually 1:00 p.m. Mass would have been about 1,500 people,” Father Gomez said. “Today we only had about 1,000 people. There’s a decrease.”

He said some church volunteers are delivering groceries to families too scared to leave home.

Father Gomez said the Bishop of San Bernardino issued a letter saying people should not feel obligated ti attend Mass if they’re afraid.

“If you don’t come to church because you’re terribly afraid — stay home,” Gomez said. “We do broadcast Mass at 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning every Sunday. Give us a call if you need us, and we’ll find a way to reach out to you.”

To recognize those who’ve been deported, Father Gomez is having a vigil on July 21 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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New sober living and transitional house opens up in Colorado Springs

Karla Sosa

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)- Hope Homes – Paying it Forward just opened up another sober living and transitional house in Colorado Springs. Chris Meeks, the president of the LLC, said he decided to create these homes due to the struggles he faced years ago when he was incarcerated. 

“Ten years ago, I was incarcerated for a fight, and when I got out, I had a really challenging time finding work and finding housing,” said Meeks.

After getting his life together, Meeks found a way to help others. These houses are designed to provide a safety net.

“I got very involved in criminal justice reform, and it reminded me about the need for housing. So instead of flipping the house and selling it, I kept it. I reached out to [the] Department of Corrections and said, if you have any guys that need housing, please let me know,” said Meeks. “I want to make these houses beautiful homes where they feel safe. They can go to. They’re nice. They’re clean. And so we just do anything and everything to make it feel like home.”

Colin McIntosh now has a safe place to call home, after he was in prison for almost 2 years.

“I have a home that welcomes me, accepts me, and is allowing me grace to get restarted and into a better path for a brand new life,” said McIntosh.

He’s not alone; Brian Smith is a resident who’s staying at the new sober living and transitional house and finds this place to be a safe haven. 

“I have friends that are past drug, alcohol users that continue to use, and I choose to stay away from, because that’s not my lifestyle and that’s not what I want to do anymore,” said Smith. “It’s like having your own new family. Adoptive family. Everybody has the same history, same past, something, and everybody is a support.”

You can reach out to Hope Homes – Paying it Forward if you would like to donate items.

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Police release body cam footage of July 5th fatal officer-involved shooting in downtown

Michael Logerwell

NOTE: The above video is straight from the Colorado Springs Police Department, unedited by KRDO. The video shows the shooting in full view. Viewer discretion is advised.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Police Department is releasing the officer-worn body camera footage from the shooting that killed 26-year-old Alex Martinez-Sarmiento in the early morning hours of July 5 in Downtown Colorado Springs.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man dies in police shooting overnight in downtown Colorado Springs

In the video released by the police department, Ira Cronin, CSPD public information officer, says it all started with a 911 call.

Portions of the call are included in the 11-minute video. The caller tells the 911 operator, “There’s an individual with, it looks like a semi-automatic weapon. A black male in the parking lot. He’s screaming at some people.”

Police officers then responded to the area, a parking lot near the intersection of Pikes Peak Ave. and Tejon St., where they didn’t find the man fitting the caller’s description, but found a group arguing.

The officers approached the group, unrelated to the 911 call. The incident didn’t escalate, no rifle was found, and no arrests were made.

Several minutes later, at 1:37 a.m., CSPD says its officers saw the same group arguing again while crossing Tejon St. Again, officers went to break up the argument, and no arrests were made.

Captions blurred by KRDO13 for vulgar language.

Cronin says that during this time, the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) was monitoring the group via security cameras.

Then, police say that the Real Time Crime Center identified the person with the rifle who was the subject of the previous 911 call. RTCC officers identified a male who’d been in the group contacted by police twice already that night as the person reported to be carrying the rifle.

In the video, Cronin says that after learning this information, officers were working to determine their next steps.

Then at 1:49 a.m., the Real Time Crime Center officer saw the group get into another argument. Then saw that same individual, the one identified as having brandished a rifle, pull a handgun with an illegal extended magazine out of his white car and tuck it into his waistband.

Officers then rushed over to the area of the parking lot closest to Pikes Peak Ave. Body camera footage shows the officer behind him makes first contact with the suspect. Initially, he puts his hands up, but then turns and starts running away. The officer can be heard telling the suspect to put his hands up, then telling others that the suspect is armed.

Cronin says the suspect reached towards his waistband while running away, and that’s when one officer fired three shots, hitting the suspect, later identified as Alex Martinez-Sarmiento, in the back.

First responders rendered medical aid to Martinez-Sarmiento but were unsuccessful, and he died in the parking lot.

Cronin says officers recovered a loaded Glock 17 with an illegal extended magazine from the right pant leg of the suspect. Cronin then says officers recovered another handgun, a Glock 43 with a scratched-off serial number, from a vehicle the suspect was seen getting into. The rifle has still not been located.

Captions from CSPD video.

The 4th judicial district attorney’s office is investigating the officer’s use of force and determining if it complied with Colorado Law.

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