Local resturant and charities step up to help federal workers and Idaho familes during shutdown

KIFI on October 28, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

Edited: Oct 28 5:29

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With federal workers facing furloughs and food assistance programs halted for November, the southeast Idaho community is stepping up to help families in need.

One local restaurant is helping with free meals during this time of hardship. Himalayan Flavor in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Logan, Utah, is offering assistance to those affected by the government shutdown by providing one free meal per day. All you need is an ID for verification.

“We are basically giving away free meals to the families who needs support. They do not have anything on their table to feed their family,” Roshan Kumar, owner of Himalayan Flavor, said.

Kumar said his inspiration to giving back to the community was after seeing the news of families, food banks and pantries struggle due to the government shutdown.

“I have been following the news every single day in the mornings. And I have been looking at how it’s getting very difficult for the food bank to keep up with the supplies. And I saw a lot of federal agencies are accepting donations and things like that. And I was like, how about we join the hand and help?” Kumar said.

He said this service is a way to give back to the community that has loved and trusted him all these years.

“They give me everything. Like the trust, the kindness, the support throughout the years,” Kumar said, “My journey started in Idaho. I came in 2011 as an international student. I graduated and I decided to stay here because I really love the community around here. Food I feel like is the most promising way where I can reflect the culture, and bring the best food for the people to try and serve the people who gave me everything.”

Kumar said he hopes to see other local restaurants do the same.

“It cannot just be a one person job. I just want to inspire more businesses and more people to come together. Let’s serve our community, give back to the community. Because I think this is a very crucial time for everybody and this will definitely bring a big change in the community,” Kumar said.

This is just one of several local efforts around the community to help. The Idaho Falls Community Food Basket and other local food banks are stepping in to provide food assistance. The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership in Custer and Lemhi counties is expecting a surge in demand as the calendars turn to November.

To find food banks around Idaho, click HERE.

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YPD to host Coffee with a Cop at Mostly Muffins

KYMA on October 28, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is hosting a Coffee with a Cop event next week.

Taking place at Mostly Muffins, located at 2451 W. 16th Street, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, YPD says the event provides an opportunity for the Yuma community to ask one-on-one questions and learn more about their work in the community.

They say contact with law enforcement usually happens during emergencies and emotional situations, but the event can break down those barriers and build healthier relationships.

YPD says the event is a national initiative supported by the Justice Department and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

To learn more about the upcoming event, see attached files below.

Coffee with a Cop Mostly MuffinsDownload

Mostly Muffins flyer Nov 5 2025Download

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As AI sends power demand soaring, Newberry Volcano geothermal project reports hottest-ever temperature breakthrough

KTVZ on October 28, 2025

KTVZ

La PINE, Ore, (KTVZ) — Developers of an advanced geothermal energy system on the flanks of Newberry Volcano east of La Pine reported a major breakthrough Tuesday: the hottest temperature any such system has reported, at 629 °F.

KTVZ Chief Meteorologist John Carroll profiled the Mazama Energy demonstration project and its goals in an August Shifting Seasons special report.

Here is Tuesday’s news release from the firm, announcing the latest development:

Mazama Energy Unveils the World’s Hottest Enhanced Geothermal System, Paving the Way for Affordable Clean Power on a Global Scale

DALLAS, October 28, 2025 – Mazama Energy, Inc., a company incubated by Khosla Ventures and backed by Khosla Ventures and Gates Frontier, today announced a technologically significant leap for clean energy: the creation of the world’s hottest Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) at its pilot site in Newberry, Oregon – at an unprecedented 629 °F (331 °C) bottomhole temperature.  This breakthrough sets a new global benchmark for geothermal technology and marks a critical step towards delivering low-cost, carbon-free baseload power at terawatt-scale, targeting less than 5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). 

A New Era for Data Center Energy: Always-On, Anywhere, Carbon-Free

As data centers and AI workloads surge, the world faces an unprecedented demand for continuous, high-density power. Traditional renewables such as solar and wind are intermittent, while natural gas and coal are carbon intensive. By developing geothermal resources at temperatures above 300 °C, Mazama can deliver power 24/7 from virtually anywhere in the world, regardless of weather or time of day. This makes Mazama’s geothermal platform the ideal solution for hyperscale data centers and industrial electrification.

“With geothermal, you get global, round-the-clock energy that is carbon-free, cost-stable, and grid-independent,” said Sriram Vasantharajan, CEO of Mazama Energy. “Our team’s accomplishments expand the frontiers of geothermal power into significantly hotter and more heterogeneous rock regimes than ever before. The Newberry pilot provides a blueprint for unlocking baseload, utility-scale, carbon-free energy from the Earth’s crust worldwide, which is what the next generation of AI and cloud infrastructure requires.”

Dr. John McLennan, Reservoir Management Lead at Utah FORGE, said, “This is a validation of an integrated development program that has successfully interconnected two slightly deviated wells and circulated a representative working fluid – a fulfillment of a vision from nearly fifty years ago to create a full scale EGS reservoir which was initiated by Los Alamos National Laboratory at Fenton Hill, New Mexico. This proof of concept opens the door to deeper and hotter opportunities at Newberry and beyond.” 

Unlocking SuperHot Geothermal: Toward Terawatt-Scale Clean Energy

Mazama will next advance to commercial projects with horizontal wells, beginning with a 15 MW pilot in 2026 and then scaling to a 200 MW development project at Newberry. The company will also extend its drilling into the SuperHot Rock regime (>400 °C range), leveraging proprietary high-temperature materials, cooling solutions and stimulation technologies. Harnessing SuperHot Rock resources will allow Mazama to extract up to 10x more power density, use 75% less water and drill 80% fewer wells than current approaches. Mazama aims to deliver terawatts of competitive and dispatchable power globally.

Located within the Cascade Range, Newberry is one of the largest geothermal reservoirs in the U.S. At the demonstration site, Mazama’s engineers first completed and stimulated a legacy well to serve as the water injector.  Mazama then successfully drilled a new, 10,200-foot deviated producer well within six feet of its planned trajectory achieving optimal alignment with the injector. Initial circulation tests and diagnostics confirm comprehensive connectivity between the two wells and the creation of the hottest-ever EGS.  

Mazama’s team successfully deployed a spectrum of innovative technologies – including directional drilling, high-temperature well construction, and proprietary stimulation — to deliver performance under conditions far beyond traditional oil and gas industry limits. The team operated year-round at a remote, high-altitude site, with zero lost-time incidents.

During the technical demonstration, Mazama achieved:

Peak drill penetration rates of 100 feet/hour

Average 76 feet/hour across diverse rock types: granite, basalt, and granodiorite

Record-breaking bit runs up to 2,760 feet through volcanic formations

Zero downhole failures of motors or measurement tools

Well integrity and cement stability at ultra-high temperatures

At the heart of this success is Mazama’s proprietary Thermal Lattice™ stimulation, which is a patented process, purpose-built for enhanced geothermal environments.  Building on conventional hydraulic fracturing, Thermal Lattice™ enables complex fracture creation and improved connectivity. The Newberry project also demonstrated the successful use of crosslinked fracturing fluid systems, sliding sleeves, chemical and nano tracers, and fiber-optic diagnostics for real-time fracture mapping and temperature monitoring. 

About Mazama Energy

Mazama Energy is pioneering Enhanced Geothermal Systems and SuperHot Rock technologies to deliver low-cost, dispatchable, and carbon-free power at a global scale. Through its proprietary MUSE™ technology platform, Mazama is redefining geothermal performance and unlocking the world’s largest untapped renewable resource deep heat from the Earth’s crust.

For more information about Mazama, visit www.mazamaenergy.com.

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New details after officer-involved shooting in Palm Springs

KESQ on October 28, 2025

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is providing new details after an officer-involved shooting in Palm Springs on Monday.

On October 27, 2025, at 11:36 a.m., an agent with the California State Parole Office conducted a compliance check of a parolee at a residence in the 2700 block of East Vista Chino, Palm Springs. During the compliance check, the parolee physically assaulted the agent, resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

The suspect was struck by gunfire. Officers from the Palm Springs Police Department responded and rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he is expected to recover from his injuries. The suspect’s identity will not be released at this time.

The parole agent also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. The name of the involved agent will also not be released. Due to the circumstances, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Force Investigation Detail was requested to respond and assumed the investigation.

The department is asking witnesses to contact Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Master Investigator R. Ramirez at (951) 955-2777 or District Attorney Investigator I. Ostarcevic at (951) 955-5400.

News Channel 3 is digging deeper on the role of state parole agents and how they differ from local law enforcement. Stay with us for the latest.

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Gov. Little returns from “productive” D.C. trip, Idaho Democrats denounce “cruel” withholding of SNAP benefits

KIFI on October 28, 2025

Seth Ratliff

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) — Governor Brad Little recently wrapped up a high-profile trip to Washington, D.C., meeting with President Donald Trump and other top federal officials to discuss state priorities. Chief among them the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on Idaho families.

Key Meetings and State Priorities

Governor Little summed up his visit saying, “I am so pleased I was able to meet with President Trump and his team during a productive and patriotic visit to Capitol Hill. We covered a lot of ground in our discussions, and I renewed an invitation to the president to visit Idaho.”

Little’s office says their discussions focused mainly on the Idaho launch program and how the current government shutdown is hurting Idaho families.

Little also met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to address the shutdown’s threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The USDA has warned states that the ongoing shutdown makes it almost certain that over 42 million Americans, including over 130,000 Idahoans, who rely on these essential benefits will not receive crucial funds in November.

Related: No SNAP benefits for November means local food banks bracing for surge in demand

Other meetings included talks about land management, forest health, trade with Japan and Canada, and supporting veterans in Idaho. He also met with Idaho native Alex Adams, with the U.S. Health Department, to discuss child welfare reforms and cutting bureaucratic red tape. The Governor expressed optimism that these discussions will lead to stronger federal-state partnerships in the coming months.

Democratic Criticism: “Cruel” Withholding of Funds

While the Governor struck a hopeful tone, his return from his D.C. visit came amid sharp criticism from the state’s Democratic leaders, who pointed to the trump administration’s handling of SNAP benefits.

Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea released a scathing statement, placing the blame squarely on the Trump administration for failing to authorize the nearly $6 billion in available USDA contingency funds that could keep food aid flowing into November.

“The Trump regime is more focused on ballrooms and billionaires than on making sure Idaho families can put food on the table,” Necochea stated. “His decision to withhold food assistance rather than access $6 billion available in contingency funds is cruel.”

Necochea also criticized Idaho’s entire Republican delegation—including U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson, and Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo—as “complicit” in the withholding of funds, stating they “refused to lift a finger” to protect food benefits. She specifically attacked Little for returning “empty-handed” and failing to take action to protect both SNAP and the nearly 100,000 Idahoans facing doubled health care premiums.

“He made zero effort to protect nearly 100,000 Idahoans whose health care premiums are about to double and took no action to ensure families can afford groceries,” stated Necochea. “Idahoans deserve leaders who will fight for them, not politicians who treat Trump’s approval like it matters more than feeding Idaho families.”

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Rancho Mirage shares economic vision, development projects

KESQ on October 28, 2025

Kendall Flynn

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Rancho Mirage is set to host the 2025 State of the City Luncheon Tuesday. It’s an event city leaders say is important to share their economic vision and development plans.

Attendees have a chance to engage with local businesses and organizations to hear their economic developments before the official program starts at 11:30 a.m. with city leaders. The program will provide key updates on city initiatives, development projects and investment opportunities.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear the economic and development state of Rancho Mirage from city leaders and local businesses.

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Truck driver electrocuted when grain chute rips down power lines in McHenry County, Illinois

CNN Newsource on October 28, 2025

By Adam Harrington

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    MCHENRY COUNTY, Illinois (WBBM) — A semi-trailer truck driver was electrocuted in an incident on a farm in McHenry County, Illinois this week.

First responders were called at 5:17 p.m. Monday after farm equipment hit a power line in the ditch along County Line Road south of Jackson Road.

A 56-year-old man from Hebron, Illinois, was operating a John Deere 9520RX tractor pulling a Brent 2096 grain cart, which was positioned in the ditch area on the roadway offloading grain into a semi-trailer truck parked on the road.

During this process, the Avalanche grain chute on the grain cart made contact with the overhead power lines and ripped them down, according to the McHenry County Sheriff’s office.

The live power lines came in contact with the John Deere tractor. The 38-year-old Woodstock man who had been driving the truck tried to approach and board the tractor, at which point he was electrocuted and died, the sheriff’s office said.

The tractor operator was taken to OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford in fair condition, the sheriff’s office said.

ComEd was called to the scene to deal with the downed power lines and investigate.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Major Crash Investigation Unit and the McHenry County Coroner’s office were investigating Tuesday.

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We aren’t trolling you: Man brings Mama Rosa statue to life

CNN Newsource on October 28, 2025

By Duaa Israr

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    WAUWATOSA, Wisconsin (WDJT) — At Wauwatosa’s Firefly Grove Park, a troll statue named Mama Rosa stands at 24 feet tall. Over the weekend, a smaller version of her came to life.

Inside the Lund home, there is a motto you must live by.

“Do something ridiculous, you totally have enough time, you just have to do something and go for it,” said Elliot Lund.

Halloween seemed to be the perfect time to do just that.

“I’ve told my kids I’m an undercover police officer for the last three years and just go in a flannel,” said Lund.

So, Lund got to work, taking an iconic piece of Wauwatosa and bringing her to life.

Mama Rosa the troll, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, stands as a symbol of sustainability — built from trees and recycled scraps.

“I love the community, I love craftsmanship, like this just kind of brought all of that together,” Lund said.

Lund decided to do the same — building his with items from Goodwill, trees, and even sentimental reminders.

“A lot of sticks from our yard,” said Lund. “An apple tree in our backyard died and this is one of the last pieces we have of it, so the eyebrows are actually really special to me.”

It was accurate down to the smallest details.

“Soon after she was installed, some hornets put an earring in her ear, so we’ve got the wasp nest as well,” said Lund.

Eighty hours later, Lund’s Mama Rosa was ready to hit the town.

“As soon as the paint went on and I stood back, it was like oh, this was so worth it,” said Lund.

For Lund, it’s a labor of love and a reminder that you’re never too old to do something fun.

“To hear people just like start laughing and then to realize I could kind of dance in it, and like it looked ridiculous,” said Lund. “It just felt like a great celebration of Wauwatosa and our city.”

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Blackfoot firefighters, aided by off-duty/volunteer crews, tackle structure fire in 30 minutes

KIFI on October 28, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Over the weekend, a small crew of Blackfoot firefighters, with the help of volunteers and off-duty personnel, tackled a dangerous structure fire in under 30 minutes despite minimal staffing.

The emergency began on Saturday afternoon, October 25. A Blackfoot Fire Department Ambulance was heading to Blackfoot from Rockford on Highway 39 to provide coverage, as multiple other ambulances were out on calls. While driving, the crew suddenly spotted a column of smoke and flames coming from a shop building near the highway. They immediately radioed the alarm to Station 1, quickly geared up, and began an initial walkaround of the burning structure.

Due to heavy demands on the department from ongoing ambulance calls, Engine 3 was dispatched with only one firefighter on board. In the critical opening minutes of the operation, BFD says there were only three firefighters on scene.

Despite these challenging odds, the crew’s actions were fast and decisive, bringing the fire under control within 30 minutes of the initial call. This was largely due to the help of multiple off-duty and volunteer firefighters, along with a water tender from the Fort Hall Fire Department, says BFD.

At the same time, a search team firefighter found an individual who had been sleeping in an attached exposure building, a nearby structure that was at risk, and safely guided them to safety.

The Blackfoot Fire Department extended its sincere thanks to the Fort Hall Fire Department and their dedicated volunteers, stating, “We are proud to serve the citizens of Blackfoot and Bingham County and are always ready to answer the call, wherever and whenever it comes.”

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WRAPPED UP: City of Bend’s 2025 Street Preservation Program complete

KTVZ on October 28, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend has completed its 2025 Street Preservation Program after improving 67 lane miles of the city’s roughly 930 lane miles of roadway. The projects, costing about $4.85 million, focused on using the right treatment at the right time to maximize cost-effective maintenance.

This year’s street preservation work included several key treatments:

Paving: Crews ground out old asphalt and replaced it on existing roadways.

Slurry seal: Applied as a treatment for low-volume residential streets.

Chip seal: Used an asphalt emulsion and rock coating to extend pavement life.

“This work helps extend the life of our roads that are vital to our community,” said Streets & Operations Project Manager Paul Neiswonger.

As the seasons change, the City’s Transportation & Mobility Department is preparing for winter operations and asking residents to do their part to get ready as well. Information about how to prepare for winter driving and what to expect during storms is available at bendoregon.gov/winter.

The City’s winter resources are set for average conditions, but extreme storms can still pose challenges. Each shift includes 18 snowplow operators and 32 pieces of equipment—ranging from light-duty pickups to medium-duty dump trucks and heavy-duty motor graders equipped with plows.

When snow and ice occur, city crews prioritize plowing and sanding the highest-use streets that serve the most drivers, employment areas, schools, and transit routes. Details can be found on the City’s winter street priority map at bendoregon.gov/snow.

“Priority One” routes include main arterials vital for emergency access, Columbia Basin Hospital, bus routes, employment centers, schools, and government facilities. “Priority Two” routes are main collector streets that connect to arterials and include business centers, medical facilities, safe routes to school, and neighborhood connections.

Residential streets are cleared last and may involve contracted crews for support. With Bend’s total of 165 lane miles of arterials, 82 of collectors, and 687 of residential streets, plows and sanding crews must follow this tiered system to maintain efficiency and safety across the city’s network.

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