Borderland lawmakers speak on proposed Texas redistricting

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Texas State Representative for District 77 Vince Perez held a news conference in El Paso today where he spoke against the Texas redistricting proposed by Republicans, which could impact El Paso County.

If passed, it could move Fort Bliss out of El Paso’s main congressional district, placing it in the district currently represented by U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales.

According to State Rep. Perez, this is how the congressional seats would look if the Texas redistricting is approved:

26 seats determined by Anglo voters (~70%)

8 seats by Hispanic voters (~20%)

2 seats by Black voters (5%)

0 seats by Asian voters (0%)

2 seats with a mixed composition (5%)

For State Rep. Perez, this is how the congressional map would look if it showed an equal representation reflected in the current diverse population in the state:

15 seats determined by majority-Anglo voters (40%)

15 seats by majority-Hispanic voters (40%)

5 seats by majority-Black voters (13%)

2 seats by majority-Asian voters (5%)

1 seat representing a diverse coalition of all groups (2%)

“The stark reality is this: In Texas, one Hispanic vote counts as merely one-third, and oneBlack vote counts as barely one-fifth of an Anglo vote,” said State Rep. Perez in a statement.

ABC-7 also spoke with the Chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, Michael Aboud, who said the County needed this redistricting many years ago.

“The way the state was redistricted was terrible because they gerrymandered so much of the state, they sat there and rigged it so that Texas would keep so many Democratic seats no matter what,” said Chairman Aboud. “That is not good for the people of Texas; the people deserve to have representatives that represent them, not ones that are rigged by a map because of the agreement between two parties.”

“For the Democrats to sit there and say this is racial, that is nonsense, that’s simply them trying to play the race card and they do that because the only thing they think of is race and how can they divide the American people,” Chairman Aboud added.

ABC-7 reached out to the office of Congressman Tony Gonzales to learn his thoughts on the proposed Texas redistricting, but they have not answered to our request at this time.

More updates in later newscasts.

Click here to follow the original article.

Montana authorities launch manhunt after multiple people shot in Anaconda

News Team

ANACONDA, Mont. (KRDO) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives confirms that multiple people have been shot at a business in Anaconda, Montana. The shooting occurred late Friday morning at the Owl Bar, according to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center says that the suspect, Michael Paul Brown, is still on the run. The Granite County Sheriff’s Office says that the suspect’s house was cleared by SWAT teams. The shooting occurred late Friday morning at the Owl Bar, according to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte posted on X, saying he is “closely monitoring the situation.”

This is a breaking news situation. We’ll provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.

One person in custody, another still on the run after evading ICE in Black Forest area

Celeste Springer

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirms that one person was taken into custody Thursday afternoon, but another person is still on the run, after both evaded ICE agents.

Agents were conducting an operation when the two, who ICE says are living in the U.S. without proper documentation, allegedly tried to ram agents with their car, ICE said.

ICE said one of their agents in turn, fired three shots at their car. The two people inside got away, later abandoned the car, and ran off, ICE said.

ICE says they now have Francisco Zapata-Pacheco in custody. A search for Colorado court records of his name did not reveal any previous criminal charges in the state.

Francisco Zapata-Pacheco, in custody (Source: ICE)

They are still looking for Jose Mendez-Chavez. ICE says he has a conviction for child abuse and domestic violence.

“He knows he’s not supposed to be here, since we’ve removed him six times previously,” said an ICE spokesperson.

Photo of Jose Mendez-Chavez, which ICE says is from an arrest in 2020 (Source: ICE)

Click here to follow the original article.

A few spots are still left in Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend’s 2025-26 after-school program

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Back-to-school time is just around the corner, and so is the fun! Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend says it has a few spots left in its After School 2025/26 Membership, and they are ready to welcome new Club Members for an exciting year of connection, creativity and confidence-building. 

From art and STEM to gym games, snack time, and new friendships, our programs give youth a safe place to unwind, explore, and thrive after the bell rings, the announcement said. 

Here’s the rest of their news release:

Families can choose from three enrollment options to fit their needs: 

Full-Time (Monday through Friday) 

Part-Time (Monday and Wednesday) 

Part-Time (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) 

Each option includes a healthy snack, hands-on activities, and caring adult mentors. 

We’re also proud to offer complimentary tutoring in partnership with Sylvan Learning for kindergarten through third-grade students. This helps young readers build strong literacy skills that will support them all year long.  

“After-school hours matter. They’re a chance for kids to connect with friends, try new things, and feel a sense of belonging. We’re proud to offer spaces where families know their kids are safe, supported and engaged every day,” said Bri Slusser, Interim CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend. 

BGCB is committed to making its programs accessible to all families. Financial assistance is available on a sliding scale based on household income. Families applying for assistance must include either their 2024 1040 form or the two most recent pay stubs for each working adult in the household when submitting their application. 

For the 2025-26 school year, program hours will remain consistent with the previous year: 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Wednesday: 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. 

Spots are limited and filling quickly. Enrollment is managed through BGCB’s MyClubHub platform, with offers going out on a rolling basis. 

For more information about the After School 2025/26 Membership or to apply, please visit our website at bgcbend.org or contact Jeffrey Beach at Jeffrey@bgcbend.org or (541) 617-2877. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend provides youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. Our after-school programs are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Manhunt launched after 4 killed in a shooting at a Montana bar

Associated Press

By MATTHEW BROWN and COLLEEN SLEVIN

ANACONDA, Mont. (AP)– A shooting at a Montana bar left four people dead Friday, prompting a lockdown in a neighborhood several miles away as authorities searched for the suspect in a wooded area.

The shooting happened around 10:30 a.m. at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, according to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, which is leading the investigation. The agency confirmed four people were pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, who was identified as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, lived next door to the bar, according to public records. Authorities said his home was cleared by a SWAT team and that he was last seen in the Stump Town area, which is just west of Anaconda.

More than a dozen officers from local and state police converged on that area, locking it down so no one was allowed in or out. A helicopter also hovered over a nearby mountainside as officers moved among the trees, said Randy Clark, a retired police officer who lives there.

Brown was believed to be armed, the Montana Highway Patrol said in a statement.

As reports of the shooting spread through town, business owners locked their doors and sheltered inside with customers. At Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare, a nursery a few blocks from the shooting scene, owner Sage Huot said she’d kept the children inside all day after someone called to let her know about the violence.

“We’re constantly doing practice drills, fire drills and active shooter drills, so we locked down the facility, locked the doors, and we have a quiet spot where we play activities away from all of our windows and doors,” Huot said.

Anaconda is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) southeast of Missoula in a valley hemmed in by mountains. A town of about 9,000 people, it was founded by copper barons who profited off nearby mines in the late 1800s. A smelter stack that’s no longer operational looms over the valley.

The owner of the Firefly Café in Anaconda said she locked up her business at about 11 a.m. Friday after getting alerted to the shooting by a friend.

“We are Montana, so guns are not new to us,” café owner Barbie Nelson said. “For our town to be locked down, everybody’s pretty rattled.”

Brown reported from Billings, Montana, and Slevin from Denver. AP writer Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington, contributed to this report.

Click here to follow the original article.

Multiple people shot at Montana business, suspect on the run, law enforcement officials say

Celeste Springer

ANACONDA, Mont. (KRDO) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives confirms that multiple people have been shot at a business in Anaconda, Montana.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center says that the suspect, Michael Paul Brown, is still on the run. The Granite County Sheriff’s Office says that the suspect’s house was cleared by SWAT teams. As of the time of this publication, the sheriff’s office has not disclosed the name of the business where people were shot.

Michael Paul Brown (Source: Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center)

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte posted on X, saying he is “closely monitoring the situation.”

This is a breaking news situation, but this article may be updated.

Click here to follow the original article.

Two arrested in connection to the burglary of an e-bike in Rancho Mirage

Haley Meberg

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)– Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people in connection to an e-bike theft that occurred early June. 

Deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station say they responded to a call at about 11:50 a.m. on Saturday June 7, reporting a burglary at the 40 block of Via Del Rossi in the city of Rancho Mirage.

The victim claims on June 4, at approximately 2:25 a.m., an unknown male was caught on surveillance entering their home and stealing an electric bicycle. 

The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team assumed the investigation and determined the suspect to be a 42-year-old resident of Coachella. 

On Friday, July 25, at approximately 4:20 p.m. a search warrant was served at the suspects residence in the 51400 block of Ponderosa Drive in Coachella. The accused was taken into custody without incident.

A second male suspect was soon identified as another 42-year old resident of Coachella who was arrested at approximately 12:34 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. RSO reports when deputies attempted to serve the accused, he fled on an unrelated electric bicycle while discarding a bag with a loaded firearm and ammunition. 

When authorities apprehended the suspect they booked him without further incident. 

Both suspects were booked into the John Benoit Detention Center. 

The first suspect was booked in connection to aiding and abetting during the commission of a crime and grand theft and the second suspect was booked on suspicion of first-degree residential burglary, conspiracy, being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, obstruction, and multiple counts of committing a felony while out of custody on bail.

The investigation of this burglary is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Paull of the Palm Desert Station by calling (760)- 836–1600. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.  

Click here to follow the original article.

What to know if an earthquake strikes; Are you prepared?

Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Several small quakes have struck near the Coachella Valley over the last couple of weeks. As earthquakes are unpredictable, it’s important to stay prepared with an updated quake kit.

USGS has a list for creating a preparedness kit for families, including:

Fire extinguisher

Adequate supplies of medications for all family members

Crescent and pipe wrenches incase of issues with gas or water supplies

First-aid kid and handbook

Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries

Portable radio with extra batteries

Water supply for two weeks for each family member (1 gallon per person, per day)

Purification tablets for water from other sources

Canned and package foods, with enough for several days. (mechanical can opener)

Camp stove or barbecue to cook outdoors

Waterproof, heavy duty plastic bags for waste disposal.

For local preparedness presentations from CVDPN visit cvdpn.org.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network about what you should do to prepare for earthquakes.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jay Moore becomes Cole County auditor after Kehoe’s appointment

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jay Moore will be Cole County’s next auditor, according to a Friday press release from Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Office.

Kehoe made the appointment on Friday. Moore replaces Mark Ruether, who announced his retirement last month.

Moore is the finance director for the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce and has more than 30 years of experience in state government, the release says.

He has served as the budget manager for the Missouri Health Department and is a member of the United Way Fund Allocation, the release says.  

Moore has a master of business administration degree in finance from Ball State University, the release says.

Click here to follow the original article.

More Gen Xers Eyeing Career Changes as Retirement Shifts Further Out

Christer Schmidt

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – As more Generation X workers prepare to remain in the workforce well into their 80s, a growing number are choosing to change careers altogether—sometimes dramatically—according to recent research and career experts.

Psychotherapist Dr. Robby Ludwig says more people are changing careers later in life, driven by longevity, financial needs and evolving passions.

“People want to feel relevant. They want to use their talents and skills. They want to be impactful,” Ludwig said. “And they like the idea of earning money because very often we need to earn more if we’re going to be living longer.”

Many Gen Xers, defined as those born between 1965 and 1980, are reconsidering their professional paths after decades in traditional careers. Some are doing so out of necessity, while others are driven by newly discovered passions or values.

“As we get older, we change,” Ludwig noted. “In some cases, our jobs make those decisions for us.”

Career transitions in midlife can be mentally and financially challenging, Ludwig acknowledged. But she emphasized the value of strategic planning and networking. “I love the idea of having a plan B,” she said. “You know a lot of people, so you’re networking.”

Her YouTube series, The Pivot with Dr. Robby Ludwig, features high-profile guests like former news anchor Gretchen Carlson and actor Dean Cain, both of whom made notable midlife shifts into advocacy and independent filmmaking, respectively.

Among the most common transition strategies, Ludwig cited building parallel careers and returning to school—often through affordable online programs. “I see people doing that in order to create a whole new career for themselves either in the law or as therapists or artists or teachers,” she said.

With longer lifespans and evolving priorities, Gen X appears poised to redefine what a “career” looks like in later life—not just as a means of survival, but as a pathway to purpose.

Click here to follow the original article.