Youth vaping rates in Imperial County raises concern

KYMA on October 14, 2025

Carolina Garcia

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – 90% of teens in Imperial County who have ever used tobacco did so through vaping devices.

According to a study conducted by the California Youth Tobacco Survey in the county, the main ages of initiation range from 12 to 14-years-old.

For this reason, the Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) continues its efforts through schools to raise awareness about the risks of tobacco use, which include nicotine addiction and mental health damage.

“Sadly, this is becoming a reality in high schools. So, we work with young adults, we collaborate with local schools, and where our efforts are to, again, prevent our community from this epidemic,” said Dyane Nolasco, a tobacco health specialist with ICPHD.

High school students are the main consumers of vapes in the county, and despite being prohibited for minors, these products remain easily accessible.

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Rep. Raul Ruiz to host virtual Government Shutdown Resource Fair

KYMA on October 14, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) is hosting a virtual Government Shutdown Resource Fair Wednesday.

According to a press release, the event is to help “connect residents of California’s 25th Congressional District with local partners providing food assistance, financial support, county resources and more.”

The press release says federal employee unions, food banks, financial institutions, utility companies and more are participating in the event.

The event is taking place on the congressman’s YouTube page at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.

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ABC-7 at 4: What the Government Shutdown Means for Your Retirement

KVIA on October 14, 2025

Nichole Gomez

El Paso-TX (KVIA-TV)-It’s been several days since the government shutdown began, and for many Americans, especially retirees, there’s growing concern about what this means for their savings and benefits. I’m joined today by financial adviser Charles Dodds, with Mirau Capital Management.

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City of Yuma offers to help residents affected by government shutdown

KYMA on October 14, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma is offering to help residents who may be affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

The City says if anyone is concerned about making utility payments for water, sewer or trash, they can contact their Customer Service Division at (928) 373-5076.

In addition, the city says residents’ “accounts will remain active” and there will be no delinquent fees applied “while arrangements are in place.”

Jay Simonton, the Acting Yuma City Administrator, explains why they made this decision.

“We just want to make that they understand we are here to support them in this time of uncertainty, and we want to make sure that they know they’re water is not going to be turned off, and it’ll be on until this thing is over,” says Simonton.

Brian Martinez, a Yuma local, shares why they are in support of the suspended payments.

“People are going to struggle. If they are not getting paid because they have a government job, how are they supposed to pay their bills for the municipalities? They’re not,” he said.

People will have to pay their bills again once the government shutdown is over.

Residents are also urged to visit the City’s website for assistance. To learn more about this, click here.

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Some El Paso businesses facing economic impacts due to government shutdown

KVIA on October 14, 2025

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The government shutdown has been ongoing for 10 days now, and local businesses near Fort Bliss report that customer flow and services are changing, with fewer people going out to pay for services.

Pumping Ink and Dreadful Things tattoo shops in Northeast El Paso have experienced fewer clients during this shutdown, as most of their customers are military personnel.

Jake Baca, owner of Pumping Ink, and his wife, who owns Dreadful Things, say their artists have received calls and cancellations because soldiers are being asked to cut back on spending.

“That affects everybody who works through the shop and it impacts us, everybody paying their bills, all in all,” Baca said.

Pumping Ink employs around 20 artists who typically handle one or two appointments along with walk-ins daily, but cancellations have prevented them from providing services.

“There’s a lot of people not saying anything because they’re holding back and holding their breath, but the base basically, it’s very slow, so it’s affected business,” Baca added.

Sarah Estrella, a local tattoo artist, said, “My military clients, it has really, really impacted them and I love my military clients personally; I’ve learned so much from them.”

“I know some of them who have come through, even though the shutdown, they have told me that if they have asked for funds and loans.”

“I am fortunate enough that I do stay busy; I know a lot of my artist friends are really suffering right now because it’s not easy to get clientele in the first place, but through a government shutdown, even worse,” added Sarah Estrella.

Pumping Ink Tattoos is scheduled to partner with several local businesses and government agencies on Saturday, November 8, to host the Rockabilly Kustum Kulture Festival car show in honor of Veterans Day Weekend. It will take place at Lincoln Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more details, you can click here.

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Senate passes bipartisan bill to streamline New Mexico ports of entry

KVIA on October 14, 2025

Heriberto Perez Lara

SANTA TERESA, New Mexico (KVIA) — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced last Friday the passage of the International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act, which will speed up the presidential permitting process for all international bridges and land ports of entry, according to a news release.

Ports of entry and international bridges are crucial to the economic success of our border communities, supporting trade, business, and tourism. However, new border crossings are often delayed by the presidential permit process. “I’m proud to announce the Senate passage of my legislation that will help streamline this process and deliver real investments to Santa Teresa and Sunland Park in New Mexico,” said Senator Luján.

“The Border Trade Alliance thanks Sen. Lujan for his leadership in strengthening the permitting process for cross-border infrastructure projects. New Mexico’s ports of entry are vital gateways for trade, tourism, and economic opportunity across the border. Sen. Lujan understands that modern, efficient, and secure border infrastructure benefits communities on both sides and supports our nation’s economic and national security. We look forward to working with him to see this important reform enacted into law,” said Ms. Britton Mullen, President of the Border Trade Alliance.

Sen. Luján co-sponsored this bill with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in May 2025, aiming to strengthen the local economy, boost cross-border trade, and support tourism along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Luján’s office also states that the International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act would:

Expand the scope to include all international land ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders.

Add the word “sole” before “basis” to clarify that the State Department should not consider other factors besides America’s foreign policy interest.

Include language for the State Department to not consider NEPA during their decision-making for the purpose of a presidential permit. NEPA would be considered for any new international bridge or port of entry before construction or expansion.

ABC-7 spoke with the Border Trade Alliance today; more updates will be available in later newscasts.

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Five tribes form Chuckwalla National Monument Intertribal Commission

KESQ on October 14, 2025

Kendall Flynn

COACHELLA (CNS) – Five Indian tribes have joined forces to create an intertribal commission aimed at incorporating their cultural heritage, values and knowledge into the management of the Chuckwalla National Monument, it was announced on Monday.

“Chuckwalla National Monument is imbued with religious, spiritual, historic and cultural significance for Tribal Nations that trace their origins to these lands,” President of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe Jonathan Koteen said in statement.

Check Out: Chuckwalla National Monument status threatened by lawsuit

The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, the Cahuilla Band of Indians, the Chemehuevi Indian and the Colorado River Indian tribes have banned together to “work towards a Tribally-led vision for the monument that benefits Tribal Nations, sacred objects within the monument and the broader Chuckwalla landscape,” said Daniel Leivas, chairman of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.   

The commission aims to steward the more than 624,000 acres of public land that includes village sites, camps, a food processing site, trails and historical artifacts that tie the tribes to the protected land.

“The formation of the Chuckwalla National Monument Intertribal Commission will help ensure that Indigenous values and principles are integrated into the region’s land management plan,” Koteen said.

Stay with News Channel 3 at 6 p.m. to hear about this commission and what it means during the monument lawsuit.

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Federal court grants preliminary injunction protecting Cathedral City hot air balloon festival

KESQ on October 14, 2025

Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — A federal court granted a preliminary injunction for Cathedral City prohibiting Fantasy Balloon Flights (FBF) and its principals from engaging in conduct that interferes with the annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, the city announced Monday.

City officials said the order protected the city’s rights to the hot air balloon festival by prohibiting the defendants from engaging in conduct that the Court found likely to be unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent under California’s Unfair Competition Law.

“Today’s order protects the integrity of our community’s beloved festival and gives residents, visitors, pilots, and sponsors clear assurance about who is running the official event,” said  Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to  the authentic Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival on November 21–23.”

The lawsuit centered on FBF’s use of the “Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival” name to advertise a competing event after its contract expired to operate the festival and losing a competitive bidding process in 2025, according to the city.

Last month, FBF “disavowed the future use” of the city’s balloon festival name.

According to the city, based on extensive declarations and exhibits, the Court found Cathedral City is likely to succeed on its UCL claim.

“The Court cited evidence that the defendants (1) held themselves out as  authorized organizers of the official 2025 Festival, (2) solicited and accepted sponsorships and  pilot deposits without the City’s authorization, (3) created confusion among pilots, sponsors,  and venues, and (4) took steps inconsistent with its prior statement to the Court that it had  “moved on” from the City’s Festival, including securing FAA approval in June 2025 under Cindy Wilkinson’s name for the ‘Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.'”

Preliminary Injunction OrderDownload

The 11th annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place on Nov. 21-23, featuring more than 20 colorful hot air balloons, food trucks, family activities, a drone light show, games and live entertainment, headlined by Robin Thicke.

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Governor Newsom signs bills on AI, child safety, and antisemitism

KESQ on October 14, 2025

Garrett Hottle

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of high-profile bills aimed at tightening California’s rules on artificial intelligence, online safety, and antisemitism in public schools, part of a final push before the deadline to act on hundreds of measures from this year’s legislative session.

The governor approved a broad package focused on protecting children online, including new safeguards for AI chatbots, mandatory age verification, and social media warning labels. The laws also increase penalties for distributing deepfake pornography and require schools to adopt anti-cyberbullying policies covering off-campus conduct.

“Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect – but without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead, and endanger our kids, Governor Newsom said in statement. “We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability. We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way. Our children’s safety is not for sale.”

Among the signed bills:

SB 243 requires AI “companion chatbots” to disclose they are artificial, block explicit content for minors, and provide suicide-prevention resources.

AB 1043 mandates age-verification features in apps and operating systems.

AB 621 allows victims of deepfake pornography, including minors, to seek civil damages of up to $250,000.

AB 715 establishes a new Office of the Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator within California’s public school system to track complaints and develop educator training.

This is a developing story and will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

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El Paso County ballots mailed for Nov. 4 election

KRDO on October 14, 2025

Celeste Springer

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office says that ballots have officially been mailed ahead of the Nov. 4, 2025 election.

The clerk and recorder’s office says that more than 500,000 ballots were sent to eligible, active voters in the county. The ballots are expected to arrive in mailboxes by Oct. 17, the office says.

“As your Clerk & Recorder, my promise is simple: secure, transparent, and accessible elections,” said Clerk Steve Schleiker. “Every ballot is tracked end-to-end and processed with bipartisan oversight. With 41 drop boxes and helpful in-person services, please vote early and contact us if you need any assistance.”

The election will include select seats for county commissioner, some city council seats, and school board seats. To see a sample ballot, click here.

There are also several statewide ballot initiatives. For a voter guide on those, click here.

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