California down payment assistance program for first-generation homebuyers to reopen applications

CNN Newsource on January 20, 2026

By Brady Halbleib

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    SACRAMENTO, California (KMAX, KOVR) — A popular California program designed to help people buy their first home is making a comeback.

California’s Dream For All program is reopening applications next month, offering down payment assistance to eligible first-generation homebuyers struggling to break into the state’s expensive housing market.

“It was so popular, it was like Taylor Swift tickets,” said Jake DaRosa, a broker with the DeRosa Real Estate Team.

The program, operated by the California Housing Finance Agency, is aimed at people with good credit and stable employment who are trying to purchase their first home.

“It’s really challenging to buy a home, especially your first home,” said Eric Johnson, with the agency. “Prices are high, interest rates are all over the place, and sometimes it can be really challenging to save up a whole bunch of money in the bank to apply for a down payment.”

Eligible buyers can apply for down payment assistance of up to 20% of a home’s purchase price, capped at $150,000. DaRosa says that level of assistance can make a major difference.

“It’s really aimed at getting that first generation, that person who hasn’t owned a home, into a house,” DaRosa said. “It’s pretty massive.”

The program covers a significant portion of the down payment, which lowers monthly mortgage costs. When the home is eventually sold, the buyer repays the down payment to the state, along with a share of the home’s increased value.

In 2024, roughly 18,000 people applied for the program, with about 2,000 selected at random through a lottery-style process.

“It’s a small number of people we can help if you look at the total population of people in the state,” Johnson said. “But for every single one of those people, it changed their lives.”

State officials expect to have between $150 million and $200 million available next year. The application window opens February 26 and closes March 16. Housing officials are urging interested applicants to begin talking with their loan officers now, who can help guide them through the application process.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Senior citizens can claim new $6,000 tax deduction this tax filing season

KESQ on January 20, 2026

Daniella Lake

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – This tax filing season, taxpayers over 65 years old can claim a new temporary $6,000 “senior bonus” deduction (or $12,000 for couples). The deduction is temporary, it will be effective for tax year 2025 to 2028.

This is just one of several changes when it comes to filing taxes this year. Cathedral City Senior Center says that keeping up with tax filing changes can be challenging for senior citizens.

“It’s a very scary time because every year there are changes in tax laws and they may not be aware of them,” says Geoff Corbin, CEO of the Cathedral City Senior Center.

Independent financial advisor Simon Hobbs recommends taxpayers work with a certified public accountant so they don’t miss out on important deductions. The IRS says that in 2021, nine million people qualified for tax benefits but didn’t claim them.

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Mt. Bachelor’s RendezVan 2026 camping passes go on sale Wednesday

KTVZ on January 20, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Camping passes for Mt. Bachelor’s RendezVan 2026 will go on sale at 12:00 p.m. PST on Wednesday, January 21st.

The resort’s signature spring event will happen April 16th-19th and guests can look forward to new entertainment, programs, and amenities. Entrance to the festival center is free but overnight access requires a 3-day camping pass, which must be purchased online.

You can purchase passes and find more information by clicking here.

Here’s the full press release from Mt. Bachelor:

“Mt. Bachelor’s signature spring festival, RendezVan, is slated for April 16-19, 2026, promising an unforgettable celebration of skiing, snowboarding, camping, music, food and more. 3-Day Camping Passes will be available for purchase online at 12:00 p.m. PST on January 21, 2026. Booking early is encouraged, as these tend to sell out quickly – especially the powered RV spots.

Pricing

Powered RV: $899

20×40 Non-Powered RV: $369

20×20 Van/Car Space: $319

Extra Vehicle*: $120

*This is an add-on option when purchasing a regular camping pass

Camping VIP Upgrade*: $149

*This is an add-on option when purchasing a regular non-powered camping pass for upfront parking close to the festival center

For more information about 3-Day Camping Passes, visit: https://www.rendezvan.com/the-festival/general-faq/ and scroll down to “CAMPING FAQS.”

This year, the festival will adopt new policies in regard to re-entry and check-in. Guests can also look forward to new entertainment, programs, and amenities.

New at RendezVan 2026

An additional band will be added to both Friday & Saturday’s music lineup (see below for details)

Silent Disco footprint will be doubled, allowing for twice the number of dancers

Every day from noon to 12:30 p.m., Marty the Pine Marten will be dancing with kids of all ages at the main stage

On Friday, line dancing will take place on the main stage from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Guests can enjoy a skate park in the Festival Center, presented by Boardhouse

New & expanded food & beverage options

Music

This year’s music lineup features a wide spectrum, from acoustic-rooted folk and bluegrass to indie pop, funk jams, and electronic mashups. 

Thursday, April 16 – Local Showcase 

Rum Peppers  

mamasboy 

Friday, April 17:  

The 502s 

Kitchen Dwellers  

DUG 

Saturday, April 18:  

Andy Frasco & The U.N. 

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades 

Vincent Antone 

About RendezVan 

RendezVan is the celebration of the amazing community of RVers, campers, and van-lifers who make the annual pilgrimage to Mt. Bachelor in the springtime to enjoy the slopes, live music, and the best après tail-gate scene in the Pacific Northwest. All walks of life are welcome at RendezVan. Entrance to the festival center, including music, vendors, activities, and fun competitions are free. Overnight access requires a 3-Day Camping Pass, which must be purchased online. RendezVan offers DJ entertainment, a silent disco, food trucks, bars, photobooths, guided slopeside yoga, and competitions for the dogs. For the full schedule, more information about RendezVan, visit RendezVan.com.  

About Mt. Bachelor 

Mt. Bachelor is the premier ski area in the Pacific Northwest, offering 4,323 acres of lift-accessible terrain with 360-degree descents from its 9,065’ volcanic peak. The mountain resort is served by three carpets and 12 lifts, seven of which feature high-speed quads and one high-speed 6-pack lift. Mt. Bachelor also features 9 Woodward Mountain Parks, 56 km of groomed cross-country trails, snowshoeing, and sled dog rides. Summer attractions include downhill mountain biking, ZipTour ziplining, and whitewater rafting with Sun Country Tours. Mt. Bachelor is part of POWDR, a family-owned and operated Adventure Lifestyle Company©. For more information visit www.mtbachelor.com.”

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BLOOD SHORTAGE: American Red Cross urges blood donations

KTVZ on January 20, 2026

Kelsey Merison

(UPDATE: Adding Video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s National Blood Donor Month, and right now, the American Red Cross says there’s an urgent need for donations.

According to the organization, about 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather last month alone, and requests from hospitals have exceeded the available supply of blood–leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month.

There are several opportunities across Central Oregon for you to help out now through February 3rd. Those who donate between now and January 25th will be entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX. Then, from January 26th to February 28th, those who donate will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

Here’s when and where you can donate in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties through February 3rd:

-DESCHUTES COUNTY

BEND:

Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110 – Visit RedCrossBlood.org to see times.

1/20/2026: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., State & County Offices, 1300 NW Wall Street

1/21/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Central OR Community College Campus Center, 2600 NW College Way

1/23/2026: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Break Room Building, 1055 NW Newport Ave

1/26/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., City of Bend Police Department, 555 NE 15th St

1/27/2026: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Foundry Church, 60 NW Oregon Ave

1/28/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road

1/29/2026: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community House, 2558 NE Daggett Ln

REDMOND:

1/23/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Ave

1/26/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave

1/29/2026: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Redmond Fire & Rescue Station 401, 341 NW Dogwood Ave

SUNRIVER:

2/2/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Community Bible Church, 1 Theater Drive

-CROOK COUNTY

PRINEVILLE:

1/30/2026: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Juniper Canyon Baptist Church, 9180 SE Juniper Canyon Rd.

-JEFFERSON COUNTY

TERREBONNE:

1/21/2026: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Fire & Rescue, 6971 Shad Rd

Click here to book a donation appointment.

Below is the full press release from the American Red Cross:

“The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets, types O, A negative and B negative blood.

High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild the Red Cross national blood supply. At the same time, hospitals already feeling the strain of the worst flu season in nearly 20 years are now also forced to triage critical blood products. Without immediate action, patients who count on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth and people with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk. 

There’s no time to wait — book an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you to donors for helping tackle the blood shortage, those who come to give through Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. The winner and guest will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LX, access to day-of, in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. See RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.

All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

Weather disrupts vital donations

About 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather last month alone — more than three times the number of blood drives impacted during the same time the previous year. As a result, thousands of blood donations have gone uncollected. With intense winter weather and freezing temperatures expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, more blood drives could potentially be delayed or canceled at a time when every unit of blood could be the difference for doctors facing difficult choices about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait.

“Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services. “If you’re able, now’s a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month. Every donation can be a lifeline for a patient who isn’t able to hold off on critical care.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 20-Feb. 3: 

Crook:

Prineville

-1/30/2026: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Juniper Canyon Baptist Church, 9180 SE Juniper Canyon Rd.

Deschutes:

Bend

Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110 – Visit RedCrossBlood.org to see times.

-1/20/2026: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., State & County Offices, 1300 NW Wall Street

-1/21/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Central OR Community College Campus Center, 2600 NW College Way

-1/23/2026: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Break Room Building, 1055 NW Newport Ave

-1/26/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., City of Bend Police Department, 555 NE 15th St

-1/27/2026: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Foundry Church, 60 NW Oregon Ave

-1/28/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road

-1/29/2026: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community House, 2558 NE Daggett Ln

Redmond

-1/23/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Ave

-1/26/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave

-1/29/2026: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Redmond Fire & Rescue Station 401, 341 NW Dogwood Ave

Sunriver

-2/2/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Community Bible Church, 1 Theater Drive

Jefferson:

Terrebonne

-1/21/2026: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Fire & Rescue, 6971 Shad Rd

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.”

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Enrollment lottery opens for Gem Prep: Idaho Falls

KIFI on January 20, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The lottery period is officially open for Gem Prep: Idaho Falls, the city’s newest tuition-free K-12 public charter school, ahead of its scheduled opening for the 2026-2027 academic year. Interested parents of young students have until February 26, 2026, to enter the enrollment lottery.

Gem Prep: Idaho Falls marks the 8th in a network of free charter schools across the Gem State. Crews broke ground on the new Charter School last September, and construction is projected to be finished in time for students to begin classes in mid-August 2026.

“The walls are up, and the windows and doors are going in as we speak. We are one step closer to opening this campus,” the school wrote in a January Newsletter.

For more information or to directly enroll in the lottery process, click HERE. Gem Prep will also host an in-person information session for interested parents on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 PM at the Idaho Falls Library.

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Eastern Idaho Ag Expo opens today at ICCU Dome

KIFI on January 20, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Eastern Idaho Ag Expo kicked off today, January 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ICCU Dome.

Over 150 companies were at the ICCU Dome and the Student Union Ballroom. Vendors said events like these are important for agricultural businesses to make connections with farmers.

“Everybody has this platform to show off the new products that they offer. And the things that the customers aren’t aware of that are out there. And so they get an idea of how they can better their company as well,” Corey Baumbach, outside salesman of Fairbank, said.

Vendors also saw the importance of visibility and collaboration within the agricultural sector.

“It’s important to just show the industry that we’re here and to reach out to farmers and other vendors to connect and make an impact in the community,” Anthony Schilling, sales manager, eastern Idaho salesman and agronomist of Magic Valley Compost, said.

The next three days are to focus on the potato industry, and the potato conference topics include:

Optimizing Temperature and Humidity for Storage

Management of Potato Viruses

Integrated Pest Management

Mitigating Pesticide Drift 

Over 25 hours of workshops and seminars will include Impact of Hail and Tuber Bruising, nematode management, glyphosate stewardship, Optimizing Potato Variety Selection, nutrient management, and more.

The event will be held through Wednesday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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Gold-silver-backed debit cards pitched as new way to pay in Idaho

KIFI on January 20, 2026

KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 5:55 PM, Jan 19, 2026

By: Brady Caskey

BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — A new way to pay could be coming to Idaho — letting residents buy everyday items with gold or silver using a debit card linked to physical precious metals.

Lawmakers heard how the proposal might work at a meeting on Monday, January 19.

“What we would like to see is a system that is backed by gold and silver, where people can actually use it in the day-to-day sphere,” said Idaho State Sen. Josh Kohl, who is spearheading the idea in Idaho.

“I think there would be a state depository where Idahoans could put in certain accounts, their accounts, of gold and silver, and then they could use that,” he said.

Kohl says the precious metals-based system could help protect Idahoans from inflation.

“But that’s actually gold and silver that they’re using to make purchases and not a devaluing dollar,” Kohl said.

Similar systems have been implemented in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, and Florida. Economic author Kevin Freeman said Idaho could benefit from creating a transactional gold and silver system.

“States can make gold and silver coin, let’s just make them modern — let’s slap a debit card on them and allow people to spend gold and silver as real money,” Freeman said.

He said the move could make owning precious metals more accessible for everyday use.

“Under the system, you could buy $100 or $10 or $50 worth of gold or silver and use it like money,” Freeman said.

For the system to work, the state would need to create a depository to hold gold and silver controlled by individual Idahoans.

“But the underlying value is gold or silver, not paper,” Freeman said.

Even so, prices for gold and silver can still fluctuate.

“It’s really optional, it’s a choice. Now the downside would be gold could go down in value, it could go down against the dollar,” Freeman said.

“The real question is, how do we make this fit for Idaho best?” Kohl added.

Kohl says he is working on legislation this session to lay the framework for gold and silver to be used in everyday transactions.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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El Paso Black Hall of Fame to celebrate excellence, legacy, and impact in the community

KVIA on January 20, 2026

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV) – Mark your calendars: on Saturday, February 7th, at the Starlight Event Center, the El Paso Black Hall of Fame will host its 2nd annual induction ceremony and gala night, where legacy meets action.

Monica Tucker, the founder of Black El Paso Voice, and Reginald Daniel, Sr., who is a retired Army Command Sergeant Major, community leader, supporter, and volunteer. Dana Harley Boyd, a native El Pasoan, executive principal, past principal of the year, 2017 inductee into the El Paso Women’s Hall of Fame, and educational leader. Daniel Sr. and Harley Boyd joined us to talk about the event and what it means to be honored. They are just a few of the local leaders who will be celebrated during an evening of excellence and legacy at the El Paso Hall of Fame.

According to Monica Tucker, the Founder of Black El Paso Voice, the El Paso black hall of Fame was founded by the spouse of an Army Soldier, now marking 30 years in El Paso. Originally from Illinois, the Black Hall of Fame was created over 25 years ago, but did not come to fruition until a few years ago. It is a way I wanted to give back to the community and “give people their flowers while they’re here,” while also honoring deserving legends posthumously.

Tucker said, “The El Paso Black Hall of Fame exists to publicly recognize Black excellence connected to the borderland – honoring individuals and organizations who have lived in El Paso, grown up here, served here (including military ties), or maintained strong roots here, even if their current impact is being made elsewhere.”

She went on to say that this is more than an awards night; it’s legacy preservation in real time: documenting the stories that built and shaped this community, elevating contributions that are too often overlooked, and creating a clear public record of Black leadership, service, innovation, and cultural influence tied to El Paso.

El Paso Black Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Gala Details:

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Starlight Event Center

Attire: Formal

Event Focus: The gala honors 15 outstanding individuals and 1 organization whose lives reflect pillars of excellence, including proven community impact and exceptional professional achievement. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Recipient is Chief Jonathan Killings, El Paso’s first Black Fire Chief.

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Yuma Veteran Engagement and Resource Fair taking place this week

KYMA on January 20, 2026

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In this week’s Military Matters report, a local event is connecting Veterans and their families with VA Services and community services.

The Yuma Veteran Engagement and Resource Fair takes place Friday at the Salvation Army Yuma Corps Community Center, located at 445 S. Fourth Avenue.

The one-stop event connects veterans with VA representatives and local support organizations. Lunch will be provided, and the event is open to Veterans, spouses, and caregivers.

It runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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Sheriff’s office investigating after Moberly School District student dies in gun accident

KMIZ on January 20, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A fifth-grade student in the Moberly School District died after an accidental shooting over the weekend, the district said in a statement Tuesday,

“Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” Superintendent Cristina Wright wrote in the statement. “The district is providing counseling and supportive services for students and staff and will continue to make these resources available for as long as they are needed.”

Wright wrote that multiple organizations have stepped in to help students and staff in the aftermath of the death, including churches, neighboring school districts in Renick, Sturgeon and western Randolph County, and mental health professionals at Burrell Behavioral Health.

Wright wrote that the district would not share other details out of respect for the family. The district did not release the student’s name.

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that it is investigating the shooting, which happened at a residence outside Moberly.

Deputies tried to save the child, who later died at a hospital, the release states. The sheriff’s office says the investigation is ongoing and no other details will be immediately released because minors are involved.

Randolph County Prosecutor Stephanie Lunsford says she is unable to confirm the child’s name at this time.

Lunsford said the sheriff’s office will conduct a thorough investigation before any decision is made on whether charges will be filed, adding that incidents like this have been rare during her time in office.

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