Train vs. Semi Collision On Highway 1 Near Guadalupe Results in Numerous Injuries, Fatality

KEYT on October 2, 2025

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A collision involving a train and semi truck occurred late Wednesday afternoon on Highway 1 near the intersection of Brown Road just south of Guadalupe.

Around 4:15pm, a 2020 Peterblit semi-truck was traveling northbound on Highway 1, making a right turn onto a dirt road leading to an agricultural field, and approached an uncontrolled railroad crossing. An Amtrak train also traveling northbound crashed into the right side of the truck as it made its way through the railroad crossing.

Santa Barbara County Fire Department Public Information Officer Scott Safechuck says approximately 260 passengers were aboard the Amtrak train, with three being transported the hospital with minor injuries.

The vehicle driver was sent to the hospital with major injuries and later died from the severity of his injuries. All transported by two ambulances to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.

According to Safechuck, the semi truck spilled about 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel and is not actively leaking.

Highway 1 is open south of Guadalupe, but remains closed between Highway 166 and Brown Rd. as crews work on the area.

Several law enforcement and emergency agencies have responded to the incident, including California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, Amtrak Police, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Guadalupe Fire Department and the Santa Maria Fire Department.

At 7 p.m., CHP officers taped off a stretch of the highway close to the location where the crash happened so investigators could continue to work into the night.

California Highway Patrol recommends Amtrak travelers double-check their itineraries for any possible changes in the upcoming days.

Several truck parts of all sizes could be seen strewn across the roadway, as well as along the shoulder of the road on both sides of Highway 1.

“This is a tragic event and a reminder to all of us to exercise extreme caution when driving in agricultural rural areas, especially at uncontrolled railroad crossings. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the tanker truck driver which sadly lost his life,” stated CHP Thursday morning.

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Senator Merkley weighs in on government shutdown and mobilization of federal troops in Portland

KTVZ on October 2, 2025

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley met with members of the press Wednesday to answer questions relating to the government shutdown and federal troops in Portland.

This past weekend, President Trump announced that he is directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to mobilize and federalize the Oregon National Guard.

This garnered a significant response from Oregon Democrats, including Senator Merkley. 

“Now, there is under Title 10 two exceptions for this,” he told reporters. “Those two exceptions are one, an invasion. Second, a rebellion. Well, clearly there is nothing happening in Portland that meets what those terms were meant to imply.”

Merkley is just one of many Oregon Democrats denouncing President Trump’s plan to ‘militarize’ Portland.

Over the past several days, weeks, and months, there have been significant calls for New York Senator and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign. 

KTVZ’s Spencer Sacks asked Senator Merkley about these calls and if he believes Senator Schumer is the right man to lead the Democrats.

Sacks said, “There have been calls for Senator Schumer to step down as minority leader. Do you support those calls and do you think he’s the right man for the job?” 

Sen. Merkley responded, “I think it’s a totally inappropriate question. He was elected. He serves for a two-year period, and I haven’t heard anybody in the Senate call for him to step down.”

As both the government shutdown and federal troops in Portland continue, we’ll have continuing coverage on KTVZ News.

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Lakers drop preseason opener against Suns at Acrisure Arena

KESQ on October 2, 2025

Allie Anthony

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The Los Angeles Lakers’ return to the Coachella Valley was bittersweet for local LA fans.

The Lakers kicked off their preseason Friday against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena with a 103-81 loss.

Laker stars Lebron James and Luka Dončić did not play in the game.

Suns’ star Devin Booker played 25 minutes, leading the team with 24 points and 7 assists.

Austin Reeves led the way for the Lakers with 20 points.

The Lakers travel to San Francisco for their second preseason game, this time against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, who they will also kick off the regular season against on Oct. 21.

Friday marked the third straight year the Lakers played a pre-season game in the Coachella Valley.

.@allie_kesq got to chat with @Lakers guard Gabe Vincent ahead of the team’s preseason opener this Friday at @AcrisureArena against the Suns. This marks the 3rd straight year for the Lakers in the desert. Stay with us for coverage. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @kendallkesq @LakersNation pic.twitter.com/3AE83AJAX2

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) October 1, 2025

The organization has a rich history in the Coachella Valley, the former home of Lakers’ training camp in the Showtime era.

In 2023, the Lakers returned to Coachella Valley after a 26-year hiatus, bringing the Purple and Gold back to the desert with a sold-out preseason showing. 

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for coverage of the game on Friday.

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Santa Barbara Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Child Abuse Case

KEYT on October 2, 2025

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A Santa Barbara man was convicted today in a child abuse case that resulted in the death of a three-year-old back in 2023.

According to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney, three-year-old Mila Solis suffered months of abuse from her mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Elvis Alberto Lopez. A final violent attack left the young girl with a severed spine and ruptured aorta, causing her death on February 4th, 2023.

Lopez entered a not guilty plea during initial conviction, claiming the toddler had fallen off the bed while they both slept and injured herself.

Evidence was presented by the prosecution showed that Mila’s death was caused by deliberate injury. Lopez was convicted on Oct. 1 by a jury of first degree murder, with the special circumstance that the murder was committed during the commission of Mayhem. He was also found guilty of assault on Assault on a Child Under 8 Causing Death and four counts of Corporal Injury to a Child.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Karapetian, who led the prosecution, said in the press release:

“We are profoundly grateful to the jury for their careful attention and service throughout this emotionally difficult case. Mila was a beautiful, loving child, and while nothing can bring her back, this verdict ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his violent actions.”

Lopez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Sentencing for Lopez is scheduled for December 4th, in Department 2 of the Santa Barbara Superior Court, in front of Judge Pauline Maxwell.

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Costly northwest Bend house fire brings pre-winter reminder to local homeowners

KTVZ on October 2, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Trouble with a furnace made for big trouble for some northwest Bend homeowners Wednesday evening when a fire broke out that caused $250,000 in damage, Bend Fire and Rescue reported.

Occupants of the home on Imbler Drive noticed smoke in the hallway leading to the garage, so they evacuated and called 911. Bend Fire & Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said Wednesday.

The first fire crews to arrive found smoke coming from under the house and throughout the interior. The fire was found in the hallway where the furnace is located and had spread under the kitchen area, Derlacki said.

The fire was extinguished, but not before there was significant damage to the floor of the home, the fire official said. Damage is estimated at $250,000 to the structure and contents. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, two chief officers and one investigator responded to the fire with a total of 23 personnel.

“The fire appears to have started due to a failure or malfunction of the furnace,” Derlacki said. “The ducting for the furnace travels under the house to the room vents. The fire spread under the house through the floor opening at the base of the furnace.”

The homeowners are working with their insurance company to begin the cleanup and repairs. 

“This is a good time of year to get your heat source serviced before we get into winter,” Derlacki advised.

“Whether its brand new or decades old, annual service is recommended on all types of heating appliances. Ensure flues for woodstoves are cleaned professionally at least annually. Having furnaces, pellet stoves, wall heaters, heat pumps, etc serviced annually can ensure their safe use. This also allows for preventative maintenance and cleaning to make them more efficient and last longer.”

Also, Derlacki said, “Ensure proper clearance around all heat sources before using them. 36 inches is recommended space around heat sources clear of combustibles and access by children.

“As always, ensure you smoke alarms are working as we head into winter,” he said. “Carbon monoxide detectors are a great addition to any home using wood or gas to heat to ensure you and your family know if CO is present.

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Woman pleads not guilty to firing gun in north Columbia neighborhood that damaged 2 homes

KMIZ on October 2, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday to firing a gun in a north Columbia early last month.

Tanajee Hickem-Ricketts, 30, of Columbia, was charged in September with unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. She was booked into the Boone County Jail around 1 p.m. Tuesday and is being held without bond. She had a court hearing on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. A bond hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The probable cause statement says police were called to a report of shots being fired on North Tyler Drive in northern Columbia on Sept. 2, but did not find a scene.

Police later stopped a vehicle on Clark Lane that had a bullet hole in its windshield, and the driver allegedly told them the vehicle was shot on North Tyler Drive. The driver allegedly told police he was driving to a residence for “a planned fight,” court documents say.

Police went to the residence on Sept. 3 to serve a search warrant and allegedly found a gun and then found four spent shell casings in the yard, the statement says.

Hickem-Ricketts arrived home and allegedly told police she fired a gun when she saw “multiple carloads of people drive onto her street,” court documents say. At least two homes were hit by gunfire, the statement says.

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Palm Springs Pride fundraising for Landmark Pride Flagpole in heart of downtown

KESQ on October 2, 2025

Allie Anthony

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Pride is just weeks away, and organizers are launching a final fundraising push to complete a highly anticipated permanent installation in the heart of downtown.

This week, Greater Palm Springs Pride announced a 15-day, $25,000 matching challenge to help fund the new Landmark Pride Flagpole, which will stand at the intersection of Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive, at the gateway to the city’s vibrant Arenas District.

The fundraising initiative is made possible thanks to the generosity of local philanthropists Mark Porterfield and Steve Chadima, who have pledged to match every dollar donated up to $25,000 between now and mid-October.

Once installed, the flagpole will serve as a permanent and highly visible symbol of freedom, pride, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. It will fly the original eight-color Pride flag, designed by the late Gilbert Baker, which is widely regarded as one of the most iconic pieces of LGBTQ+ art ever created.

To donate, go to this link.

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Rexburg company gives first responders ‘explosive’ fire safety training

KIFI on October 2, 2025

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A new lithium-ion battery manufacturer in Rexburg invited local firefighters and first responders to visit their facility and receive education on how to correctly fight battery fires. 

Grand Teton Energy Systems hosted a battery explosion demonstration to show how dangerous a battery fire can be. 

“More and more batteries are being incorporated in the household. There’s not a lot of knowledge on to how to go about handling those, as well as knowing the proper areas to be charging batteries. So we wanted to show the first responders, potentially, what happens when batteries get too hot and have thermal runaway,” said Brad Hill, Operations Manager, at Grand Teton Energy Systems.

The Madison County Fire Department in Rexburg was one of the local agencies to attend the training.

“There are batteries all around us everywhere, and we just need to be prepared in case it’s a bad day and one of them explodes,” said Ellis Johnston, Battalion Chief, Madison County Fire Department.

Grand Teton Energy Systems showed different types of battery explosions, including types that can occur inside a home.

Hill reminds us that batteries are safe overall, but in certain situations, they can be dangerous. 

“A fire extinguisher will contain it, but it will not put it out. It will help keep the heat down and help it from spreading,” said Hill. “That’s why we do ask with the batteries to locate them away from flammable things. And also at least on an exterior wall, if possible.”

While reports of fires caused by batteries are not common in our area, they still play a role in many fires.

“Think almost every time we go to fires, there’s always some batteries burning and they’re not generally very bad. But we want to be prepared,” said Chief Johnston.

Hill warns people that it is extremely important to follow charging instructions for all products with batteries. To avoid these fires, it’s key to know how long to charge and how often. 

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Bishop LeBlond looks to flip the script on the season

News-Press NOW on October 2, 2025

Ryan Eslinger

ST. JOSEPH, Mo (News-Press NOW) — Week six of the high school football season is here, and Sports Zone’s game of the week is the 1-4 Bishop LeBlond Golden Eagles hosting the 1-4 Kansas City East Academy Christian Lions.

After a 10-2 season that fell just short for the Bishop LeBlond Golden Eagles last year, the Golden Eagles have not gotten out to a great start in 2025.

The 1-4 start for the Golden Eagles is their worst start since the 2020-21 season, when they started 0-4, but the record does not tell the full story.

In the five games the Golden Eagles have played, the combined records of the teams are 17-3, and head coach Chuck Davis said the team had to weather the storm to prepare themselves for districts.

“The mindset is we’re not playing for right now, we’re playing for that first week at districts,” Davis said. “We got a good group of smart kids that see the big picture.”

While playing the top talent in the state of Missouri, Senior defensive back Cole Sigrist said the losses will make them better in the long run.

“When you see the best quarterback in the state at Archie, it really prepares you mentally and physically for what you’re going to see later on,” Sigrist said.

Senior running back David Aberer said the key to getting the offense jump-started starts with everyone doing their job.

“Focusing on every play, everybody needs to do their job,” Aberer said. “All the linemen, they need to block, everyone catch balls, don’t throw bad balls. Stuff like that.”

Despite the 1-4 record, the team has still been competitive, and coach Davis said the goal is to play a complete game every game.

“In order to be successful, we have to take what we’ve learned these first five weeks and put it together in one complete game,” Davis said. “At times we’ve looked very good and we need to play like that all the time.”

After graduating a lot of key players in May, and only having eleven seniors on the roster, Davis said the team is relying on a lot of the younger guys, who are one year away from being something special.

Aberer and Sigrist are the leaders of the offense and defense, and touched on how they have stepped into leadership roles with the younger guys on the team.

“Pointing out what they are doing wrong and teaching them what to do better next time,” Aberer said. “It’s not going to be right every time.”

“The leaders from years prior have shown me how to be a leader and what it takes to be a leader,” Sigrist said. “There are still some growing pains, but we’ve seen a lot of improvement over these last five weeks.”

This game is hopefully the turning point for Chuck Davis’ squad as they look to use the next four weeks to prepare for districts.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, at Bishop LeBlond High School.

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Yuma City Council approves new ordinance that could help locals build front yard carports

KYMA on October 1, 2025

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – During Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, the City of Yuma voted and approved a new ordinance that could help locals build front yard carports. The new ordinance would allow people to build up to 8 ft from the property line instead of 20 ft.

“We’re trying to create a way to allow people to build a shade structure legally to be able to cover up their vehicles,” said Yuma City Council member Chris Morris.

Locals often try to build shaded carports to beat the heat but run into issues when the structures don’t meet the requirements.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of people in the community that have had these built by a so-called contractor thinking that it was legal. Come to find out, it’s not. So, you know, we do understand that situation, and that’s why we’re trying to create this legal path forward for people,” said Morris.

If you’re not sure if your project meets the parameters, he says you can contact the city to get an exact definition.

“There’s also a variance process, so I would just encourage people to talk to the city building department and find out what those options are,” said Morris.

If approved, the ordinance would take 30 days to become effective.

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