Rob Namnoum
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) — Pueblo West High School received the Qdoba Friday Night Blitz Spirit Award plaque on Tuesday afternoon.
The Cyclones were recognized for having the most school spirit in the first week of the high school football season.
Shay Lawson
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Ian Tadeo Zavala Cardenas, a four-month-old baby boy, is fighting for his life after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition.
Andrea Castillo, a Thousand Palms resident and family member, said Ian was rushed to the hospital after his parents found him unresponsive and turning purple.
“They called 911,” Castillo said. “They had to do CPR on him because they realized that he wasn’t getting any oxygen.”
She said he was airlifted to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a heart disease.
“He’s already had 3 heart attacks at such a young age,” Castillo said.
She said Ian’s parents remain by his side, unable to work as he undergoes breathing machines and blood transfusions.
“All we ask for is prayer and having faith,” Castillo said. “He’s just so little and he has so much life ahead of him. He’s already been through so much.”
The family is now asking for prayers and support.
A GoFundMe has been established to help Ian’s parents cover medical and living expenses while they remain at his bedside.
Stay with News Channel 3 for the full story at 10 and 11 p.m.
jose.romo
SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Trouble remains for the San Benito Sheriff’s Office as it battles an ongoing county budget deficit and subsequently a significant staffing shortage.
“It’s been very clear we’re not cutting public safety,” District 5 Supervisor Ignacio Velasquez said. “(The Sheriff Department) does have vacancies. He’s trying to fill the funding is there for those vacancies; it’s just having a tough time, as agencies around the state and the country are having a hard time finding new people’s staff.”
In 2024, a report by the Pacific Research Institute stated their sheriff’s office was one of the state’s lowest-staffed agencies despite the county being one of the fastest growing in California from 2020 to 2023. At the time, the sheriff’s office staffed 17 deputies of the 40 recommended.
“I think it’s a lot of recruitment, really going out, trying to find people that want to get a career in public safety,” Velasquez adds. “A lot of young people are out there looking for a career. We really gotta make the effort of reaching out to them, bringing them in.
Sheriff Eric Taylor spoke out on Monday after an inmate seriously injured a sergeant and several corrections officers. In a press release, he said, “Our jail continues to operate below recommended staffing levels, and I firmly believe that some of these injuries could have been prevented had we been adequately staffed.”
“I just want to say, thoughts and prayers with the jail personnel. I hope they’re recovering,” District 2 Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki showing appreciation for county staff. “I will say that the county board, last year, we got behind and championed a very, very significant increase in compensation to the jail officers, the corrections officers.”
In 2024, the county approved a $400 thousand boost for correctional staff compensation in efforts to increase recruitment and retention.
Kosmicki adds, “We’re having significant budget challenges, so I think it really does say a lot how much we do get behind our public safety employees that we were willing to implement those increases, but yeah, we were like other jurisdictions were facing really significant budget challenges.”
Just last month, the sheriff reported ot the county supervisors saying they have 29 filled positions with ten job openings, of which four of those remain frozen. The state recommendation, however, is to staff 40 deputies for safe operations.
Heriberto Perez Lara
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Angelica Lujan, the mother of Xavier Guadalupe Hernandez, the 30-year-old man who died after a confrontation with police officers on I-10, is planning to sue the City of El Paso and those involved in her son’s death.
ABC-7 reported last month that the autopsy report on Hernandez’s death was ruled a homicide. The autopsy states asphyxia due to chest compression during law enforcement subdual and restraint along with cocaine toxicity as significant contributing factors in his death.
“What I need right now is the community’s help; I can’t, we can’t as a community, we can’t let stuff like this happen anymore,” Lujan said. “I’m begging, I’m pleading to the community to please help me with this.”
“These people (police officers), they’re trained to handle these kinds of situations, but it just was not handled the way it should have been handled,” Lujan added.
Lujan also discussed the discovery of cocaine toxicity in her son’s autopsy, mentioning that they were unaware he was using any drugs.
“I cannot, and I don’t know everything he did or did not do, I don’t, but it was ruled a homicide because death was due to asphyxia, which is basically he was deprived of oxygen,” Lujan said. “I am not aware of any drugs that deprive you of oxygen the way asphyxia does.”
Melendez Law Firm and Edwards Law are currently representing Lujan and plan to file a lawsuit soon, seeking transparency and accountability. They want to learn more about whether EPPD’s Crisis Intervention Team was dispatched during the incident.
“This is completely irrelevant (use of drugs); it had nothing to do with the way that the police department reacted to him. It doesn’t matter whether somebody has something like that or they’re having a mental health crisis without that, or any intoxicant; he still deserved to have his Fourth Amendment right to basically an unreasonable seizure like this,” said Attorney Robert Melendez.
“It’s completely irrelevant, and again, at the time they killed this young man, he was completely handcuffed and under their control, so none of that is relevant and it’s really not the cause of his death,” Melendez added. “As the autopsy states, asphyxia caused by chest compression — we can see from the police body cam video that they’re doing this to him while he’s under their full control and he’s not a threat to anyone.”
Melendez and Lujan said Hernandez should still be alive today, and that officers should have been better trained. “These officers should have, if they were trained effectively, acknowledged that training and clearly kept him alive,” Melendez said.
Maile Sipraseuth
IDAHO FALLS, ID (KIFI) — Bonneville County Commissioners, Idaho Falls City Council members, and the Idaho Falls Mayor gathered at the Bonneville County Courthouse this afternoon to sign a joint proclamation declaring September 14, 2025, as Missing Persons Day.
Traditionally, the annual event has been centered around September 14th, the day 20-year-old Amber Hoopes went missing from her grandparents’ residence in Bonneville County. This year will mark 24 years since her disappearance.
Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper highlighted the importance of this united front. She emphasized that the city and county are committed to working together and are asking for community support in these investigations.
This sentiment was echoed by law enforcement leaders. Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson stressed the importance of timely reporting, noting that it allows agencies to begin investigations and collaborations as soon as possible. Captain Glenn added that even seemingly insignificant information should be shared, as every detail could be crucial. He urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward to ensure no leads are missed.
“I think that the signing of this proclamation tells the families of those who are missing that it’s still something that matters to the community, that people are still looking and that they care. And I think that’s the most important part of doing this, but it also is bringing awareness,” said Emily, the host of “She’s Missing” podcast.
Audra Burgener, Amber Hoopes’ aunt, has been a central figure in organizing these yearly events. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend the signing as she is recovering from a double lung transplant surgery.
In a statement, Burgener emphasized the importance of remembrance: “I just want people to still remember those missing and remember the families. We had over 2,000 people missing in the first of the year in Idaho. We aren’t having an event this year like we did last year and the year before, because I’m here. But I miss her every day.”
Notable missing persons cases from our area, in addition to the Amber Hoopes case from 2001 include:
Darwin Vest, missing since June 3rd, 1999 from downtown Idaho Falls (Investigating Agency: Idaho Falls Police Department)
Chris Holverson, missing since May 16th, 1998 from the Table Rock Campground area east of Heise (Investigating Agency: Madison County Sheriff’s Office)
Deor Kunz, missing since July 10th, 2015 from the Timber Creek Campground (Investigating Agency: Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities urge anyone with information about the Amber Hoopes case or any other missing persons in the area to contact the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office or their local Law Enforcement.
Maile Sipraseuth
IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls woman who received a life-saving double lung transplant has been released from the hospital and is now one breath closer to a full recovery.
Back in 2018, Audra Burgener was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. Then, she got COVID twice. In 2020, she was diagnosed with COPD. Her breathing continuously got worse over the course of four years since her COPD diagnosis, and she was placed on the lung transplant list in early July.
When Local News 8 first covered this story, Burgener was unable to speak. Now, she shares her experience in Utah and further endeavors.
“We have three months here for pulmonary rehab, and then we get to go home, and then it depends on if I totally graduate from rehab and whether I do more rehab in Idaho Falls,” Burgener said.
Her companion of 40 years, Chad Williams, is still by her side today.
“My last conversation with you, you know, was quite emotional. So things have gotten better, and I’m excited to get her rocking and rolling on this,” Williams said.
John Palminteri
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – There could be some improvements and branding to one specific historic neighborhood in Santa Barbara.
An online survey has just been completed for the Presidio neighborhood.
The results will be evaluated for possible changes to promote the area and enhance it image.
This is a nine square block area bordered by State street, Ortega street, Garden street and Carrillo street.
Within that is the El Presidio State Park, Old Chinatown, several historic homes and adobes and some of the cities original buildings.
There have been maps and limited promotion in the past.
This latest effort could integrate it more directly with the overall downtown experience.
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News Release
The following is a news release from the National Park Service, Grand Teton:
JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — On Sunday, September 7, 2025, nonprofit search and recovery organization Bruce’s Legacy located a body believed to be Wesley Dopkins in Jackson Lake. On Monday, September 8, Bruce’s Legacy successfully recovered the remains. Dopkins, of St. Paul, MN, has been missing since June 15, 2024.
Bruce’s Legacy, known for its specialized sonar technology, joined the search effort last fall before returning last week. Their expertise, experience and advanced equipment enabled them to successfully locate the remains within the search area, at a depth of about 420 feet.
Dopkins was last seen paddling a foldable Oru kayak across Jackson Lake and was not wearing a life jacket. Shortly after his disappearance, his kayak, paddle, and dry bag were discovered floating off Moose Island near Leeks Marina. At that time, National Park Service rangers conducted an extensive interagency search, using boats, ground teams, dog teams and the Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter.
The National Park Service is deeply grateful for Bruce’s Legacy, whose dedication and unique capabilities made this highly technical mission possible.
Positive identification will be made by the Teton County Coroner’s Office. However, based on the characteristics of the remains and the location where they were recovered, they are believed to be those of Dopkins.
The NPS reminds all visitors that wearing a properly fitted life jacket is the most important step you can take to stay safe on the water. Even experienced paddlers and swimmers are at risk without one.
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara City Council heard staff recommendations about adaptive reuse Tuesday.
The issue involves a housing amendment to municipal codes that would incentivize adaptive reuse projects without delay.
Santa Barbara City Council members questioned the inclusionary requirements of 10 percent for workforce-priced units.
Councilmembers voted 5-2 on a motion to send the ordinance back to staff to reduce restrictions in the Commercial Business District along the State Street corridor by carving it out of the main ordinance.
Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon voted no.
Both appeared ready to vote on the staff recommendation rather than send it back for changes.
“I voted no today for moving forward without inclusionary housing, and so that is a 10 percent inclusionary requirement for adaptive reuse. But it would also allow in-lieu fees that could be charged if they were not able to make that 10 percent in the small space or configuration. Then they could pay into our local trust fund,” said Sneddon.
A study on in-lieu fees is in the works. She had hoped to adjust the ordinance once that study is done.
She said the city has been working on this issue for seven years.
“There is really the potential that entire floors could be penthouse suites for sale, and I would hate to miss out on that 10 percent inclusionary requirement and what those in-lieu fees could mean for our local housing trust fund,” Sneddon added.
Staff also recommended reconsidering a 1,200-square-foot average maximum.
The adoption is intended to pave the way for building above retail and office space, as well as replacing vacant space.
Public speakers had the chance to share their thoughts before the city council voted on whether to amend the municipal code pertaining to adaptive reuse projects.
The citywide change would have added an inclusionary requirement for decades to come.
One speaker noted a lack of three-bedroom units and argued the ordinance’s wording would hinder developers.
Ben Romo, representing Yardi developers, urged the city to remove the 10 percent below-market or inclusionary unit requirements.
Romo was not alone.
Other critics said renovations are expensive and that financial barriers to achieving a return on investment could drive developers away.
But other speakers and a couple of councilmembers said they support the ordinance and the conversion of non-residential units into housing to increase workforce housing downtown.
Many speakers said they prefer helping residents rather than weekenders.
Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association Executive Director Robin Elander spoke on behalf of the Housing Task Force.
They urged the council to exempt inclusionary housing requirements within the CBD for adaptive reuse, remove average unit size caps, and allow additional floors outside existing shells.
Developers said they would prefer not to have average unit size caps.
The recommended staff proposal, as written, waives some reviews and current zoning requirements.
It does not require compliance with current maximum density, setbacks, or parking requirements.
Mayor Randy Rowse, after tabling the adoption, said he favors requiring parking spaces.
The city will await staff’s revisions before moving forward.
They are also waiting on results of a study about in-lieu fees, which would allow developers to pay a fee per square foot if they don’t meet inclusionary housing requirements.
Councilmember Meagan Harmon considered it a victory. She said she wants to vote on something that won’t need changes down the road.
“I think there is a lot to celebrate out of today’s hearing. Adaptive reuse is about taking existing spaces and facilitating their development for housing. We all know that is wildly expensive to do downtown, and there is a lot about bringing folks to live downtown that would be really beneficial for economic revitalization,” said Harmon.
She added that it is about removing hurdles.
“So today we took a step to make it easier, simpler, more cost-effective to do that in the downtown core and citywide—to do that in existing spaces while maintaining a component of affordability,” Harmon said.
She believes the city is closer to paving the way to revitalize downtown.
For more information from the city visit https://SantaBararaCa.gov
Your News Channel will have more on this vote tonight on the news.
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Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A traffic shift has been scheduled on Interstate 70 at Little Cedar Creek, east of Columbia, according to a Tuesday press release from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The release says MoDOT crews will begin shifting both lanes onto different pavement on Thursday evening and will be fully shifted Friday night. This will occur around mile marker 135.
Crews will be extending a large culvert at Little Cedar Creek. The adjusted traffic pattern is expected to last through February, the release says.
