Hawley obelisks reset in King Hill Cemetery

News-Press NOW on November 18, 2025

News-Press NOW

By: Alexis Kuhnert

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The King Hill Restoration & Preservation Association has exceeded its goal of repairing 40 obelisks this year.

The association has repaired 73 obelisks so far.

Volunteers worked on resetting four large Hawley obelisks, a family with no relation to United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), at King Hill Cemetery.

Twelve families coordinated and constructed the cemetery at its inception. The Hawleys included. James M. Hawley held a one-sixteenth share of the cemetery in 1868.

In the late 1960s, teenagers vandalized the headstones.

The King Hill Cemetery Restoration & Preservation Association partnered with Brooner Construction and Crane for a four-phase process.

Michael Robertson, co-leader of the association, is also related to one of the founding families that established the cemetery. 

“Those tombstones that we put up the obelisk today, weigh 1400-1500 pounds, is what they weigh,” Robertson said. “Brooner Construction volunteered to come down here with their equipment to pick them up so we can put them together and start rebuilding them.”

The association has also partnered with the Conservation Department to rid the honeysuckle and invasive species, as well as to remove hazardous trees.

Robertson and his wife are grateful for the community support and the help in taking ownership of these projects to care for the cemetery.

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Rarely Seen November Rain Turns Streets into Rivers; Brings Down Trees in Several Areas

KEYT on November 18, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – It was unlike anything most people in Santa Barbara had ever seen in November. Strong, intense and damaging rain for several days.

Saturday night during a massive downpour, furniture in downtown Santa Barbara was pushed down the street and pedestrians were jumping waves on State Street and Anacapa Street.

Several blocks were overwhelmed and water was above the curbs and, in some cases, getting inside into smaller parked vehicles.   

It is unknown how many businesses were impacted by the water cascading down the street when it went over the sidewalks and towards front doors.

The National Weather Service says rainfall totals in the Santa Barbara area has been recorded as high as 13 inches.

This is radically different than the normal month of November.

Cars were swamped at the intersection of Cota Street and Salsipuedes Street Saturday during a driving rain. Several were pulled out or pushed out by Good Samaritans and the Santa Barbara Police officers who responded.     

That intersection was barricaded off but some drivers got through. The smaller vehicles were overwhelmed by the water and stalled out.

At Santa Barbara City College, the lower parking lot by the football stadium was filling with water from a drain pipe that brought in a fast moving stream.  

In Montecito, one resident said, “I live Montecito Creek and we have that experience of being impacted so we get worried – especially Saturday night,” said Jeff Slaff. “We had a lot of water around our house, everything else is good we haven’t had any flooding or anything.”

Large trees were down in the San Roque neighborhood, on upper La Cumbre, off Ontare, on Torino Street and on Elm and Dorrance in Carpinteria.         

It continued with trees down along East Beach by the volleyball courts and Modoc road at Ferrara Way. Public works crews were busy with barricades and the Forestry division was out with chain saws to chop up the branches.

The National Weather Service says much of the moisture is being pulled in by a circulating low pressure system picking up a long stream of rain clouds coming up from the Pacific Ocean out towards Hawaii.

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Early voting for Idaho Falls runoff election off to a robust start, young people urged to vote

KIFI on November 18, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Early voting for the Idaho Falls runoff election has been strong, with more than 1,080 in-person ballots cast and about 250 absentee ballots returned so far, but data shows that younger voters continue to have the lowest turnout.

“So for this run-off election, it has started very robust. We started last week on Thursday, and in the first through the first two days, we had over 800 people come and early vote. Right now we are at just over 1,087 voters at this point. Plus we have had about 250 mail absentee ballots returned to us out of over 1200 that we have mailed out so far,” Helena Welling, the election supervisor for Bonneville County, said.

Welling believes that this great turnout has been due to multiple positive factors, but especially because voters are eager to vote.

“They know who they’re voting for, they’ve already done it kind of once, and they may be just wanting to get it out of the way,” Welling said, “I think it has a lot to do with the fact that we don’t have an incumbent for the mayor. We had a lot of candidates for the council member seats. So there has been a lot of interest in there. And it seems like there’s a lot of strong opinions out there. And I do believe that people are wanting to get the voting done before the holidays hit.”

Despite the strong turnout for early voting, younger crowds stand as the lowest demographic for voters.

Welling reports that 1,858 voters are between the ages 18-34. While 3,548 fall within the 35-49 age group. The highest turnout comes from voters ages 65 and older, totaling 4,298.

The run-off election for Idaho Falls is on December 2nd.

For more information on where to vote and how to register, click HERE.

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Missouri hemp businesses face uphill battle amid new THC regulations

KMIZ on November 18, 2025

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A deal to end the federal government shutdown included a provision that limits how much THC can be legally contained in hemp-derived products.

Under the new rule, hemp products could contain no more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container. Experts note that hemp generally has much lower levels of THC than marijuana under federal law and effectively bans most hemp-derived consumer products.

The 2018 Farm Bill allows hemp with up to a 0.3% of THC per serving by dry weight.

Last year, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services estimated 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops, and 1,800 food manufacturers, were selling products in Missouri that would be banned under the proposed regulations.

A report called “Missouri Hemp Hoax” analyzed 55 products purchases from unlicensed retailers across the state. Testing found that 53 of the 55 products exceeded the 0.3% THC threshold. It found most products contained total THC between 10%-80%. It also found 16 of the 55 products failed for dangerous contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides or residual solvents.

Ethan Jones, owner of MindRight Wellness in downtown Columbia, has sold hemp products for five years. He said his business would be significantly affected if the House passes the measure.

“I have dispensaries referring business to me because these are people that are going to look for relief, and they’re not selling it,” Jones said. “Enough to make a financial impact to my business, that’s for sure. But on top of that, even further, eliminate the chance for me to help people in a way that I’ve been helping people for many years now in a very safe and effective way,”

Jones’s most popular product is a full-spectrum CBD gummy that contains 0.3% THC per serving. He said he sells between 40-60 containers a month, accounting for about 6.6% of his monthly sales. He said the gummies help people sleep, anxiety, pain relief etc.

According to Jones, most of his customers are working adults and older adults.

He added the new restrictions would force customers to look elsewhere for a product they use for health-related reasons.

“It’s confusing to hear all of this change, as it would be someone who’s been buying the same product for five years and now having no option to buy that, or unless they’re going to get funneled into a dispensary and pay probably three or four times the actual price for the same exact product,” he said.

With hemp-derived products possibly containing .04% per container, Jones says it would nearly make all products illegal.

“As it stands right now within that language there would be really no hemp industry left. So I don’t, it sounds purposeful to me, that they did it that way. Right now, within the regulations, that .03% per serving has been extremely safe,” Jones said.

“If you really look into people benefiting from these types of products, so in reality it could even get to the point that people end up going down an even worse route for literally just not having a simple legal option available anymore,” he added.

The lower dose of THC in products, Jones says will take the whole purpose away of a hemp-derived product and it won’t have the affect it with the current level of THC allowed.

“They just don’t seem to have medicinal value to people again this is someone who helps people everyday and has for years and seeing the direct impact its having on people’s lives it doesn’t work as well,” Jones said.

Rep. Dave Hinman (R-O’Fallon) plans to refile a bill he proposed that would allow Missouri businesses to sell low-dose Hemp THC beverages and edibles. He says it would protect local businesses and farmers.

“I would prefer to move forward with the bill I was going to present that allowed the two carve outs to happen.” Hinman said. “That would be my preference if I was able to do something. I think this is really kind of extreme by now allowing anything but if that’s the direction the federal government’s going in we don’t have much of a choice,”

However, he believes regulations are needed, as products tend to have similar packaging that tend attract children.

“There’s a lot of bad actors out there, unfortunately, that are selling products that are really marketed toward kids,’ Hinman said. “I had a meeting in my office last week where a group of folks brought in, bags that looked exactly like Skittles, bags that looked exactly like Doritos and that’s the kind of stuff that’s really putting a bad name on hemp products out here, is people that are selling that kind of stuff in their stores that children then get ahold of,”

The law will go into effect Nov. 12 of next year.

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New Mobile Business Outreach Program looks to help local businesses

KYMA on November 18, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Arizona Secretary of State was in Yuma to discuss a new program meant to help local businesses.

The Mobile Businesses Services Outreach Program is intended to bring essential services directly to communities across the state.

“Small business are the heartbeat of every smaller community,” says Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.

The Business Service Division is teaming up with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce.

Some of these services include notary services, partnership applications, and trademark applications.

“If the business grows, it could become very valuable to have that registered,” says Fontes.

The goal is for locals not to have to travel to Phoenix or Tucson to get these services.

“It’s tough out there sometimes, having owned a business or two myself in the past, and they don’t always succeed, but you know what, hard work, grit, good opportunity, and good access to services put together can really make somebody’s business thrive,” explained Fontes.

Yuma City Council member Art Morales shares why he looks forward to having this program in Yuma.

“This is just another opportunity for a business owner to get educated and also to be advised on how to properly set up their business. It’ll avoid any possible lawsuit or any legal filings in the future,” Morales said.

Carrie Zaragoza, the Executive Director for the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, shares a major goal they have for the Yuma Community.

“We want to make sure that Yuma County is a voice that’s heard across the state, not just letting Maricopa County be the only voice that we’re hearing in the state,” Zaragoza says.

The secretary and Business Service Division will be back in Yuma on December 11 to deliver some of these services.

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AAA expects Thanksgiving holiday travel will be the busiest ever – and Bend yet again tops regional destinations

KTVZ on November 18, 2025

KTVZ

Update: Adding video

PORTLAND, Ore (KTVZ) – Despite recent air-travel challenges, AAA projected Monday that a record 81.8 million Americans (23.9% of the population) will travel 50 miles or more from home for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 2% from 2024.

This year is the busiest ever for Thanksgiving travel, the organization says, with an additional 1.6 million travelers, compared to last year.

About 1.17 million Oregonians will head over the river and through the woods for turkey and all the trimmings, and again, Bend and Central Oregon is expected to be the biggest holiday destination (though the question of whether there’ll be enough snowfall for Mt. Bachelor to open Friday, Nov. 28 as planned is still up in the air).

The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Tuesday, November 25 through Monday, December 1.

“Thanksgiving is always the busiest travel holiday of the year, as it’s all about spending time with loved ones. People are willing to navigate busy highways and crowded airports and will go the extra mile to create lasting memories from visits with family and friends,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

“Roads, airports, train stations, and cruise terminals will be stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey, so expect plenty of company. Even with some remaining uncertainty around air travel, people are eager to carve out time to gather with loved ones and savor the holiday feast,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Thanksgiving travel forecast 11-2025

Thanksgiving travel forecast 11-2025

Car travel to set new record

AAA projects 73 million Americans (89.6% of travelers) will drive to their Thanksgiving destination. This is a 1.8% increase and 1.3 million more travelers on the road compared to last year. These figures could end up being higher if people who want to avoid flying decide to drive instead. Even though the FAA has ended emergency flight restrictions, some travelers may have already decided not to fly this year.

In Oregon, roughly 1 million Thanksgiving travelers will drive.

For travelers who are renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Wednesday is expected to be the busiest pick-up day. The top 5 markets with the highest demand are Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 15% cheaper this Thanksgiving compared to last year.

As drivers prepare to get behind the wheel, AAA and MADD remind travelers about the dangers of impaired driving. This time of year can be particularly deadly on the roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2019 to 2023, the death toll in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving festivities was 868, representing more than one-third (35%) of all fatalities in traffic crashes during that holiday period. Have a plan in place before Thanksgiving, and use a rideshare, designate a sober driver, or take public transit to ensure everyone’s safety.

Despite uncertainty, air travel shows growth

AAA expects 6 million U.S. travelers (7.4% of travelers) will fly to their Thanksgiving destinations, a 2% increase compared to 2024. The FAA has now lifted flight restrictions at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, including the Portland International Airport. However, some travelers who planned to fly over Thanksgiving may still decide to shift to other travel modes, so the number of people flying over Thanksgiving could end up being lower. But AAA still expects the total number to be similar to recent years – the number of Thanksgiving air travelers over the past several years, with the exception of 2020 during the COVID pandemic, has been between 5 and 6 million.

Approximately 120,000 Oregonians will travel by air.

According to AAA booking data, a roundtrip domestic flight is averaging $700 which is similar to last year.

It’s cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day itself, but the flight home is what drives up the ticket price since Sunday and Monday are the busiest return days. Some travelers shorten or extend their Thanksgiving trips to avoid flying on peak days.

Find more below on the costs of all travel modes.

Advice for Air Travelers

Be patient and flexible. Control what you can. Have a plan B, C and D.

Book the first flight of the day or early morning flights if you can. They are less likely to be cancelled or delayed.

Avoid booking tight connecting flights – you’ll want at least an hour to change flights in case your originating flight is late.

If possible, avoid airports for connecting flights where winter weather can lead to delays and cancellations, including Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, Denver, and JFK.

If you really need to be at your destination on a certain day, book flights a day or two early so that you have a buffer.

Download the airline’s app on your phone and set it up for push notifications so that you’ll be notified about departure and arrival information as well as any flight changes, delays or cancellations. Also check the websites for your departure and arrival airports so you can get a complete look at flight operations on that day. FlightAware and other sites let you track your incoming flight so you can find other options if that flight is late or cancelled, and the site also provides a comprehensive look at all of the flights being cancelled or delayed in North America and around the world.

Get to the airport early – at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The increase in travelers and possible shortages of TSA employees can make for longer than usual wait times to get through security.

Avoid parking at the airport. Take transit, use a ride sharing service or get a ride with a friend. That way you won’t worry about your car if your return flight is delayed or cancelled, or you fly home through a different airport.

If you need to park at the airport, book a parking spot in advance or at least check on availability before you go. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking. 

Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. You may not be reunited with your bag in a timely fashion if your flights are cancelled or delayed. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items in your carry on bag. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using an Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, or another tracker if you do check your bags.

Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Full airports can mean long lines and wait times at restaurants. Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR to expedite the security screening process. Do make sure the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and is a good option when traveling internationally as it expedites the process at passport control when you’re coming back to the U.S.

Travel by bus, train and cruise also rises

Travel by other modes, including buses, trains, and cruises, will rise to nearly 2.5 million, an increase of 8.5% from 2024. It’s also possible that travelers who were planning to fly may switch to these modes this year so there could be a last-minute uptick.

Roughly 34,000 Oregonians will travel by these modes this year.

Best and worst times to drive; peak traffic expected Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday and Monday

Drivers can expect the most congestion on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings before Thanksgiving, and again on Sunday and Monday afternoons and evenings as travelers return home. INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, says metro areas across the U.S. could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times. The best time to drive is Thanksgiving Day when traffic is usually lightest, as well as in the mornings on other days.

“Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the most congested times, but keep in mind construction, crashes, or wintry weather can also impact travel times. Please Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders and other stopped vehicles on the side of the road to ensure everyone’s safety,” says Dodds.

AAA also recommends that travelers use traffic apps, local Department of Transportation notifications, 511 services, and listen to local radio for traffic reports to get real-time updates.

Thanksgiving travel forecast 11-2025

Here are projected travel times in and out of Portland:

Thanksgiving travel forecast 11-2025

Top Thanksgiving destinations

These are the trending destinations for domestic, international, and regional travel for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on bookings by our AAA travel agents and at AAA.com. 

Theme parks, major cities, beaches, cruise ports are among the most popular spots. Fort Lauderdale is a busy departure spot for cruises. Munich, Germany is a popular place to stay before and after European River Cruises.  Many South Pacific cruises depart from Sydney, Australia.

Thanksgiving travel forecast 11-2025

Holiday travel costs

This Thanksgiving, AAA finds that flights, cruises, international car rentals, and tours are more expensive this year, while hotels and domestic rental cars are cheaper than last year.

“Thanksgiving can often cost less than other holidays for many travelers, because food, lodging and activities are usually family-driven which can help offset travel expenses,” says Dodds.

Here’s a breakdown of average booking prices, according to AAA data.

Flights

The average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $700, up 1% from 2024.

The average price for an international roundtrip flight is $1,350, up 15% from last year.

Hotels

The average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $590, down 3% from 2024.

The average booking cost for an international hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $600, down 8% from last year.

Rental cars

The average price for a domestic rental car (typically several days) is $400, down 15% from 2024.

The average price for an international rental car (typically several days) is $450, up 2% from last year.

AAA car rental partner Hertz says Wednesday is expected to be the busiest pick-up day.

Hertz says the top rental cities are Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark

Cruises

The average price for cruises departing from domestic cities is $1,650, up 40% compared to 2024.

The average price for cruises departing from international cities is $4,800, up 30% from last year.

Tours

The average price for a domestic tour is $1,000, up 65% compared to 2024.

The average price for an international tour is $1,840, up 30% from last year.

What to know before you go – AAA tips for travelers

Consider working with a travel agent. They can help you plan the trip that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season, provide the best value for your vacation dollars, explore travel insurance options, assist with any last-minute changes to travel plans, and act as an advocate if the unexpected happens.

Refunds for flight cancellations: Air travelers are eligible for refunds if their flight is cancelled and they choose not to accept a rebooked flight. Major airlines are required to automatically rebook passengers whose flights are canceled at no charge, or refund the airfare if the passenger decides not to accept the new flight.

Many major airlines are also waiving change fees and penalties for passengers who are looking to switch their flights on their own, though some carriers are applying limits. You’ll want to read the fine print.

Travel and medical insurance. AAA recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions, especially if you’ve paid a lot of money for your trip. Travel insurance provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. Travel insurance can cover expenses associated with flight cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, and trip cancellation.

Read the fine print before purchasing a policy, or better yet, work with a travel agent who can help you get the policy that’s right for you. As far as travel insurance for delays and cancellations that are a result of lingering effects from the government shutdown, the shutdown is now considered to be a “known event” which means that if you purchased your policy on or after the date that the shutdown began, you may be excluded from coverage. If you purchased before September 30, you may still get some benefits, but it depends on the facts and circumstances of any scenario.

There are policies that are “Cancel for any reason” – these types of policies can provide coverage or partial reimbursement for cancellations, even if they are due to a “known event.” Again, read the fine print.

Medical travel insurance can provide coverage for illness and injuries and that may not be included in your regular health insurance plan. Medical insurance can be especially valuable if you are traveling outside the U.S. as people without medical insurance may have to pay up front for any services. Check with your health insurance provider. Travel agents can also advise on what medical travel insurance policy makes the most sense for your trip.

Get your car road-trip ready. Breakdowns are always a hassle, and you don’t want to be stranded during the Thanksgiving weekend. Find a trusted mechanic nearby at AAA.com/repair. Also be sure that your vehicle is ready for winter driving conditions. Get tips and advice, including what to put in your emergency kit, at AAA.com/winterprep  (https://aaa.com/winterprep)

AAA to the rescue

Before you head out, be sure your vehicle is ready for the trip to avoid a breakdown along the way. Last Thanksgiving, AAA rescued 600,000 Americans including 6,500 Oregonians at the roadside. Dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts are the top three issues.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance – by phone (800-222-HELP) or the AAA Mobile App – and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before any long trip, AAA suggests getting an inspection to check key components such as the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger, and well-stocked emergency kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

“Bring enough water and non-perishable food items for you and your passengers, including pets, as well as extra jackets, warm clothing and blankets so that you have provisions if you get stranded. A wreck on a rural road can tie up traffic for hours, and not all areas have good cell phone coverage which can make it tough to call for help,” says Dodds.

Get tips and advice on how to plan for winter driving conditions at AAA.com/winterprep.

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Heavy lifting begins on City Hall fountain reconstruction project

News-Press NOW on November 18, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Downtown pedestrians will see heavy construction now underway in front of City Hall as part of a transformation for a well-known civic structure.

The large stone fountain and retaining wall located north of City Hall is being entirely removed and reconstructed as part of a $190,655 Parks Tax-funded project.

Drivers and pedestrians passing Downtown will see much of the previous fountain now demolished as crews begin regrading the site for improved visibility and pedestrian safety. The new fountain structure will be lowered to improve line-of-sight issues for drivers on Frederick and Faraon streets.

A sign informs pedestrians and residents about the ongoing $190,000 project to replace and remodel the fountain by City Hall.

Demolition included all of the brick, stone and concrete materials by the fountain, including the large concrete retaining wall. Once the site is regraded, a new fountain and circular patio area will be installed with benches. The well-known wheel and wagon statue will be reinstalled as part of the new layout.

The project also includes the construction of a new sidewalk and installation of decorative landscape rocks, in addition to grass being replanted around the concrete fountain structure.

The entire project is in line to be complete by spring of 2026.

City Hall is shown on Monday as construction continues out front to replace the fountain structure.

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No injuries reported in Camden County garage fire

KMIZ on November 18, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No injuries were reported after a garage caught fire Sunday afternoon at a home on Pleasant Valley Road in Roach, Missouri, according to a social media post from the Northwest Fire Protection District.

The post says firefighters were called around 4:40 p.m. Sunday, arrived within nine minutes and saw flames. Callers told dispatchers that a propane tank reportedly exploded.

“With the assistance of our mutual-aid partners, the fire was brought under control. Units remained on scene for several hours to ensure full extinguishment,” the post says. “At the time of this incident, Northwest firefighters were also managing three other emergency calls, including two natural cover fires and a medical emergency. In total, Northwest Fire has responded to six incidents today.”

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Thousands of long-term care professionals head to Palm Springs for major state conference

KESQ on November 18, 2025

KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) One of the biggest gatherings in the nation for long-term care professionals has taken over the Palm Springs Convention Center this week.

The California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) is marking a major mileston with its 75th annual convention and expo. The convention draws top caregivers, facility leaders and industry experts from across the country.

On Monday, State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh stopped by to present CAHF with a Senate resolution honoring the organization’s 75 years of work supporting some of California’s most vulnerable residents.

The association represents nearly 1,300 skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities statewide.

Hundreds of attendees are cycling through packed educational sessions on the biggest issues facing long-term care right now, from workforce challenges to quality improvement and new regulations.

On the expo floor, more than 185 vendors are showing off the latest tools, technology and services aimed at improving care for residents and patients.

The convention runs through Wednesday, you can find more information on the CAHF Annual Convention and Expo by visiting this link.

You can find out more about the Palm Springs Convention Center and future events at this link.

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Why some El Paso restaurants are closing

KVIA on November 18, 2025

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Lately many local restaurants across the Borderland have recently closed.

UTEP Professor Tom Fullerton says this is ironic considering that during the first half of 2025 there were fewer nationwide closures than there have been historically. Yet in recent weeks, here in El Paso, there appears to be an increase in the number of restuarants that are closing down.

Fullerton says there’s most likely multiple factors contributing to this. He says one factor is most likely due to federal policy. This as higher tariffs have raised food costs. Any time food costs go up, this lowers restaurant profitability. Fullerton added that restaurant profitability margins are fairly low, and anything which erodes profitability usually translates into higher closure rates.

Fullerton adds that other factors such as nationwide staffing shortages may also be contributing to the closure of restaurants here in El Paso. This a labor wages have increased in recent years.

Restaurants such as Malolam, Tostique and The Baked Bear have already joined the list of restaurants recently closed in El Paso.

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