Finding Amelia Earhart: A Palm Springs Air Museum expedition aimed at solving the mystery uncovers WWII aircraft

KESQ on November 8, 2025

John White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A Palm Springs Air Museum sponsored expedition aimed at solving one of the great mysteries in aviation discovered five WWII aircraft including two B-17s in the jungle on Papua New Guinea.

Michael Carra, Aviation and Military Historian, led the expedition, his third in hopes of finding the crash site of Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan.

“We’re on the right track, and we have probably a much better theory with actual evidence and a better chance of finding her than any of these other theories,” Carra says.

Meanwhile, the trip was also focused on uncovering military aircraft, and it paid big dividends.

The two B-17s were especially important to the expedition and they held memorials in the jungle to the men who lost their lives aboard those airplanes. 

“I had a very emotional moment on both aircraft, especially the one that we couldn’t get to because it’s in the side of a mountain, and it’s a sheer cliff, and it’s, it’s a good 600 feet down,” Carra says.

Carra will present “Lost Aircraft of the Pacific War” on November 8th at 1:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

Hear his stories and see his videos and pictures of the expedition along with an exact replica of a B-17E nose section that will serve as a monument, including artifacts from the expedition.

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Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory Unveils New Solar Telescope

KTVZ on November 8, 2025

Cami Porter

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — There’s a different way to take advantage of the nice weather this weekend: by going to the observatory.

The Sunriver Observatory is not just open at night. During the day, it offers solar observations where employees outfit telescopes with different filters, making it safe to look directly at the sun.

Today, the observatory debuted a new telescope equipped with a calcium filter, allowing visitors to see different layers of the sun.

Alex Yager, a science interpreter at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, explained the new feature.

“It’s one that can be a little bit challenging,” Yager said. “So some people have a harder time seeing it. It’s right on the border of visible light, right before it gets to UV light. So that shows the upper layer of what’s called the chromosphere. It’s above the surface of the sun. The coolest thing we can see is probably hydrogen clouds that are suspended above the sun.”

The observatory has also started selling tickets for a special event happening on November 20th, from 5:30PM to 7PM. It will host a seminar called “Twilight Talk: How Far Is That, and How Do You Know?” on the “Cosmic Distance Ladder,” which explains how distances are measured in space. You can find more information on their website.

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Mizzou escapes SEMO 89-84 in home opener

KMIZ on November 8, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Tigers needed a strong finish on Friday night to remain undefeated.

With the score tied at 76-all with under four minutes to go, Mizzou senior guard Mark Mitchell and junior guard Anthony Robinson II combined for 12 points to help give the Tigers an 89-84 victory over Southeast Missouri in their first game at Mizzou Arena this year.

You can watch the full press conference with head coach Dennis Gates and players, along with extended highlights, in the slideshow above.

Missouri (2-0) unexpectedly trailed SEMO 51-46 at halftime after initially jumping out to a 12-0 advantage in the first five minutes. SEMO (0-2) whittled away at the score over the next 10 minutes until taking a 36-34 lead with 5 minutes, 10 seconds to go in the half.

The Tigers went 63.3% (19-of-30) from the floor and held a 16-13 advantage on the boards in the opening frame, but the Redhawks had three players in double-figures in the first half.

SEMO senior Braxton Stacker scored 17 of his 26 points in the first half as the Redhawks went 59.4% (19-of-32) from the field in that frame. Junior guard Luke Almodovar had 12 of his 24 points in the opening 20 minutes, while junior guard Marqueas Bell came up with 10 of his 13 total. SEMO went 46% (29-of-63) from the floor for the game.

The Tigers opened the second half by outscoring the Redhawks 16-7 to take a 62-58 lead with 12:23 to go, thanks in part to nine points and an assist from Mitchell. Both teams traded baskets until the score was 76-all with 3:45 left.

Mitchell directed the Tigers with a game-high 29 points as Missouri went 59% (32-of-54) from the field. Robinson had 15 points, while senior guard Jayden Stone totaled 14 and junior guard Sebastian Mack came up with 11.

Up next – Missouri will continue its seven-game homestand with a showdown against VMI on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3:30 p.m.

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Fentanyl death case from Murrieta transferred to federal court

KESQ on November 8, 2025

City News Service

MURRIETA (CNS) – A 21-year-old man accused of providing a fatal dose of fentanyl to a Murrieta resident will be tried in federal court, instead of state court, after he was indicted for the offenses by a federal grand jury, prosecutors confirmed today.

Miguel Angel Gonzalez was arrested last year following an investigation by the Murrieta Police Department into the death of a 22-year-old man identified in court documents only as “S.D.”   

Gonzalez had been charged with second-degree murder and transportation of controlled substances for sale.   

His case was assigned to the Southwest Justice Center, but during apretrial hearing Friday at the Murrieta courthouse, Riverside County Superior Court Judge F. Paul Dickerson was informed a grand jury indictment had been handed down at U.S. District Court.  

“The state case against this defendant was dismissed, as there is a superseding indictment at the federal level for the same facts,” District Attorney’s Office spokesman John Hall told City News Service.  

The specific charges in the federal case were not immediately available, and it wasn’t clear when Gonzalez would be making his next court appearance.

There was additionally no word on why the matter had been placed before a federal grand jury.

The defendant is being held on $1 million bail at the Byrd Detention Center.

According to Murrieta police Lt. Brendan Carney, patrol officers were sent to a residence in the 35000 block of Mitchell Road, near Clinton Keith Road, on the night of Feb. 20, 2024, to investigate reports of a “possible drug overdose.”

When police and paramedics reached the location, they found S.D. comatose and initiated resuscitative measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, Carney said.

“Officers discovered the 22-year-old male had ingested fentanyl and died,” the lieutenant said.

Detectives worked on developing leads in the case, ultimately identifying Gonzalez as the alleged supplier of the synthetic opiod, according to Carney.

The defendant was tracked to a property in the area of Redlands Boulevard and San Jacinto Avenue in Perris on the afternoon of April 25, 2024, when he was taken into custody without incident.

How Gonzalez and the victim had become acquainted was not disclosed.   

Gonzalez has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.   

Since February 2021, prosecutors have charged more than 30 people in connection with fentanyl poisonings.  

Public health statistics indicated there were 328 known fentanyl- related fatalities countywide in 2024, compared to 571 in 2023, a 42% decline.

Fentanyl is manufactured in overseas labs, principally in China, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which says the synthetic opioid is smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border by cartels.

Fentanyl is 80-100 times more potent than morphine and can be mixed into any number of street narcotics and prescription drugs, without a user knowing what he or she is consuming. Ingestion of only two milligrams can be fatal.

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Insurance letter alleges Vienna Pointe fire was started by deputy’s cigarette; sheriff says dispatch logs refute claim

KMIZ on November 8, 2025

Olivia Hayes

VIENNA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Maries County Sheriff’s Office deputy is being accused of playing a role in the total loss fire at an assisted living facility back in August.

The Vienna Pointe facility caught fire in the early morning hours of Aug. 7. ABC 17 News obtained a letter sent to the sheriff’s department by insurance representatives for Vienna Pointe in September.

The letter said surveillance footage showed a cigarette that was improperly put out — by someone they believed to be a sheriff’s deputy — started the fire.

In a response letter, Sheriff Mark Morgan said dispatch logs show no deputies were at Vienna Pointe that night in the hours leading up to the fire.

“My first thought is I go back and I look at our logs,” Morgan said. “I did discover a call. We sent a deputy, however, the deputy was disregarded approximately 30 to 40 seconds after he went in route.”

The call Morgan discovered in the dispatch logs was a 911 hang up call, about 90 minutes before the fire started.

“But the sheriff’s department did not respond to that call, the Vienna PD responded to the 911 hang up,” Morgan said.

Sheriff’s deputies were on scene after the fire had started. However once on scene, Morgan said deputies only assisted with traffic control along surrounding streets.

“Our response is to pretty much assist the fire departments with whatever they need,” Morgan said.

Since sending his letter more than a month ago, Morgan has not received a response back. He also said he never received the surveillance footage, or a photo, of the person Vienna Pointe representatives believe to be a sheriff’s deputy.

“I would attempt to identify whoever they think is a county employee,” Morgan said. “But they’ve not sent me anything, nor have they requested any records or anything from us.”

A spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Public Safety told ABC 17 News the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Ex-DHSPD officer arrested after use of force incident released on bail

KESQ on November 8, 2025

Jesus Reyes

Update 11/10/25

Johnny Acosta was released on $30,000 bail, according to county jail records.

Acosta is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 19.

Original Report 11/7/25

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A now-former Desert Hot Springs police officer was arrested on suspicion of assault nearly one year after a use-of-force investigation stemming from the arrest of minors.

Johnny Acosta was arrested on Friday after the District Attorney’s Office filed charges of assault with a deadly weapon, filing a false report, and assault by a peace officer under color of authority, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Acosta was booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio with bail set at $30,000.

The arrest stems from an incident on the morning of Nov. 8, 2024, at a local school on the 65000 block of Pierson Boulevard.

DHSPD responded to the school regarding a burglary and vandalism of the concession stand near the football field. Officers arrived and located four individuals inside the concession stand. Police said the individuals ran when they saw the officers.

“Officers apprehended one suspect a short distance from the concession stand, during which a use-of-force incident occurred. After searching the area, officers located a second suspect, and an additional use-of-force incident took place during that arrest,” reads RSO’s news release.

Both individuals taken into custody were identified as 17-year-old teenagers. One of the teens suffered minor injuries as a result of the use of force.

In December 2024, the DSHPD requested the Riverside County Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail conduct an independent investigation into the officer’s use of force.

Acosta was terminated from the department in March “based on the outcome of the department’s internal investigation,” according to DHSPD.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information will be released at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Riverside County District Attorney Investigator Jason Letterly at (760) 863–7582 or District Attorney Investigator Eric Crosson at (951) 955–2777.

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Renova Energy hosts “Green Day” event

KESQ on November 8, 2025

María García

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Renova energy opened its doors to the community for their “Green Day”event.

Attendees at today’s event had a chance to get an inside look of Renova’s state-of-the-art facilities, while exploring job opportunities with the company.

They also learned about the company’s leadership, which includes chief operating officer, Erick Quintero. He says he began his career as a solar installer and moved his way up, earning his title at just 29 years old. “That was something that motivated me to keep going and I just wanted to learn, ask the proper questions, and just keep moving forward,” Quintero said.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about mycro grid, a system that’s redefining energy independence for homeowners and business owners.

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The Peaks 360 rural residential community donates $25,000 to NeighborImpact to help meet food needs

KTVZ on November 8, 2025

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The team at The Peaks 360 rural residential community, announced Friday an immediate $25,000 donation to NeighborImpact, a Central Oregon-based nonprofit organization serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and Warm Springs.

This donation is in direct response to the food insecurity emergency faced by many Central Oregon residents due to the ongoing government shutdown, as well as a delay in state funding, The Peaks 360 said in a news release that continues in full below:

“The current government shutdown is creating significant hardship for families throughout Central Oregon, and we feel compelled to step up and provide additional immediate support,” said Mark Stockamp, The Peaks 360 Research & Development Manager. “NeighborImpact is on the front lines, providing vital resources to those in need, and we are proud to partner with them to help alleviate the burden during this challenging time.”

NeighborImpact provides a network of support to meet basic needs, alleviate poverty, and build stability for Central Oregon residents through a large variety of programs, including food assistance, housing support, energy assistance, and early childhood education, among others. The $25,000 donation from The Peaks 360 will directly support NeighborImpact’s food assistance programs, helping to ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious meals during the shutdown.

“We’re deeply grateful to The Peaks 360 for their continued commitment to our community,” said Scott Cooper, Executive Director of NeighborImpact. “This funding comes at a critical moment. Although SNAP benefits have been restored, uncertainty remains. Until the federal government reopens, there is no guarantee that December SNAP benefits—or other federal safety-net programs—will be funded. Meanwhile, the need for food assistance remains at record levels.”

He added that NeighborImpact’s food network continues to work diligently to keep food moving to families across Central Oregon.

“The food network will need to work hard in the coming months to keep shelves stocked and food flowing during the busiest time of the year,” Cooper said. “Community support like this helps make that possible.”

This commitment reflects the team at The Peaks 360’s existing pledge to donate the majority of profits from The Peaks 360 rural residential community to the great work that nonprofits here in Central Oregon and beyond are doing. Despite The Peaks 360 not yet generating profits, the project has already donated over $300,000 to Central Oregon nonprofits that support the local community.

The Peaks 360 invites others to donate to NeighborImpact to support the immediate food insecurity needs of Central Oregon residents. Donate at: www.neighborimpact.org/#donate and select “The Peaks 360 Matching Gift” from the drop-down menu.

About NeighborImpact:

NeighborImpact (https://www.neighborimpact.org/) is a private non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families access skills for success, family services, financial security, housing, healthy homes, and food. NeighborImpact serves Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties.

About The Peaks 360

The Peaks 360 is a 710-acre rural residential community located northwest of Redmond, Oregon. Designed to meet the changing needs of homebuyers while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability, it stands apart by dedicating the majority of its proceeds, including the majority owner’s commitment to give all their profits to nonprofits, including many local nonprofit organizations that strengthen the Central Oregon community.

For more information about The Peaks 360 and its community-driven initiatives, visit www.thepeaks360.com.

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Missouri’s energy-assistance program sees no significant increase in applications as state dips into leftover federal funds

KMIZ on November 8, 2025

Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown continue to be debated in court, other assistance programs are still working to stay afloat, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The program is currently assisting elderly and disabled residents, whose application period opened in October. LIHEAP recently opened its application period to all households last week.

Missouri is currently using leftover federal money from last year to fund the LIHEAP program. A Missouri Department of Social Services spokesperson said the state expects to continue processing payments through mid-November, depending on the number of applications received.

“Right now, we are using funding from last year to kick off the new program. Right now, we’re serving households with people with disabilities and seniors with our utilities assistance program. And then starting in December, we’ll serve anybody that’s income-eligible for the program,” said Darin Preis, who is the executive director of Central Missouri Community Action, which helps more than 9,000 families across Mid-Missouri through LIHEAP.

Preis said there is no significant increase in applicants said.

“We’re seeing the usual number of people coming in,” Preis said. “Honestly, there have been so many people year over year who need utility assistance and are struggling, that we’re not really seeing an uptick in applications right now.”

In Columbia, the city has seen an increase in requests for utility assistance. According to a city spokesperson, the city distributed $188,100 in aid last October. This year, that amount nearly doubled to $362,100, using funds from the Columbia/Boone County Department of Health and Senior Services.

For November, the city saw payments rise from $86,400 last year to $225,300 this year — nearly triple the amount.

A state spokesperson said there is a separate pot of money set aside for crisis payments. Based on last year’s data, those funds should last until around September 2026, unless a significant surge in demand causes them to run out sooner.

“If this federal shutdown last too much longer, it’s going to start to create more and more waves of need and more and more who are struggling,” Peris said.

According to reports from CNN, even after the government reopens, it could take several weeks for the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate LIHEAP funds to the states. This timeline may be further delayed this year, as HHS eliminated its LIHEAP team during a major reorganization in the spring.

In the previous fiscal year, LIHEAP received approximately $4 billion in funding, and similar appropriations were in the process of moving through Congress before the shutdown.

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DNR asks for public comment on Lake of the Ozarks State Park’s development plan

KMIZ on November 8, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has opened an online survey to get public input on its for Lake of the Ozarks State Park’s conceptual development plan.

The survey – which is available on the Missouri State Parks’ website – is the beginning of the of the conceptual development planning process for the state park in Brumley.

“Input regarding the state historic site and park’s recreational opportunities, infrastructure and amenities will help guide the park’s ongoing development,” the release says.

“These long-range plans outline area use, site goals, development objectives, research needs and project phasing while taking into consideration the significant natural, cultural and recreational resources of the park or site. This survey is part of the division’s ongoing effort to ensure that the public has input on state park and historic site development,” the survey says.  

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