Possible ICE Activity in Thermal Raise Concerns for parents, staff at CVUSD

KESQ on January 16, 2026

City News Service

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – Reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity Thursday in Thermal raised concerns for parents and staff near the Coachella Valley Unified School District.   

There was an unconfirmed sighting of an ICE checkpoint at Avenue 70 and Harrison Street, the Coachella Valley Teachers Association said on social media Thursday.

The teacher’s association condemned the activity saying in part, “Immigration policies should guarantee human rights and protect the integrity of the family unity. Every student has the right to a free public education free from harassment.”

District officials released a statement on social media informing parents of procedures designed to preserve the integrity of learning environments and students safety. They mentioned that school and district staff received guidance on clear procedures that protect students’ rights, privacy and safety, information regarding students and families will not be shared unless legally required and access to school grounds are monitored.   

ICE was not available to reach for comment.   

Officials said any families in need of legal referral or family advocacy, to contact Todec Legal Center at 951-943-1955, and family members of CVUSD students can reach out to student support services at 760-848-1161.

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‘Kick It In CoMo’ campaign aims to draw World Cup fans to Mid-Missouri

KMIZ on January 16, 2026

Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau is rolling out a new campaign designed to bring both international and domestic soccer fans to Mid-Missouri ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The initiative, called “Kick It in CoMo,” is meant to boost local businesses and showcase Columbia as a destination for visitors traveling to Kansas City for World Cup matches, according to the press release.

“Kick It in CoMo is our umbrella program to get ready for the FIFA World Cup this summer,” spokeswoman Megan McConachie said. “It covers marketing, promotions, information and collaboration across the Columbia community so we can all get ready together and celebrate together.”

Last month, the bureau said it was considering hosting its own watch parties and festival events. That decision is still undecided, but planning for the World Cup is already underway.

“We’re going to kind of wait and see if there are other entities that are interested in dong that themselves,” said McConachie.

The nonprofit said a shuttle service from Columbia to Kansas City is not currently in demand.

“It’s not something that we have heard any interest in. Typically, an international visitor is going to travel as part of kind of, maybe a larger group,” McConachie said.

Kansas City will host six World Cup matches — including a quarterfinal — inside a stadium that holds 73,000 fans, according to FIFA. That puts Columbia in a position to benefit from the influx of visitors.

“Any time someone visits, they stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, shop in our stores, and all of that has a great impact on the local economy and it helps support local jobs,”  McConachie said.

Downtown businesses are already hoping soccer fans make the trip.

“I think they’re all going to want to come down and enjoy our culture that we have going on here in downtown,” said Lisa Bartlett, owner of ArtLandish. “There’s a mall in every town, but here we have unique businesses.”

Bartlett recently moved her business to a downtown Ninth Street location in November after spending 15 years in the North Village Arts District. She said the move was driven by a desire to reach more customers.

“We think that this is the kind of happening place when events are going on. So I think, it’ll generate a lot of folks coming into town,” she said.

To help local businesses take advantage of the World Cup buzz, the Visitors Bureau is launching two new programs: a Kick It in CoMo Toolkit and an Adopt-A-Team program.

“Whether you’re a bar, restaurant, or somewhere that can host a crowd, you can host a watch party and even adopt a team like Argentina or Curaçao,” McConachie said. “Fans know that they can head to these few places and you know, hang out with their fellow fans,”

The bureau said the toolkit and team program should be available on its website next month.

Kansas City is expected to welcome about 650,000 visitors during the World Cup, according to McConachie. Officials said they should have a clearer idea of how many of those fans could be stopping in Mid-Missouri after spring break.

“Our proximity to Kansas City, combined with our engaged community, makes Columbia a great destination for travelers from around the world and across the country to visit during the World Cup,” CVB Director Amy Schneider said in a press release.

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Fire damages Boone County dispensary, gas leak discovered

KMIZ on January 16, 2026

Ryan Shiner

Editor’s note: The name of the business was corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A fire damaged a cannabis dispensary Thursday evening in the 4000 block of Ponderosa Drive in Columbia.

Greenlight Dispensary was damaged. Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp told ABC 17 News in a text message there was a fire on the back side of the building near the utility lines. There was an active gas leak at 8:49 p.m., according to Blomenkamp.

Several first responders were on scene, including Boone County firefighters and paramedics.

Check back for updates.

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Central Oregon women unite to fund long-term mentoring for at-risk children; Raise more than $16k

KTVZ on January 16, 2026

Triton Notary

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ)– Members of 100+ Women Who Care of Central Oregon have collectively donated $16,800 to Friends of the Children, a nonprofit that provides one-on-one professional mentoring for children facing significant obstacles.

The donation aims to support Friends of the Children’s mentoring program, which pairs children with a full-time, paid professional mentor, starting as early as kindergarten. These mentors, referred to as Friends, play a crucial role in helping children build confidence, develop life skills and achieve academic success. Over the years, this program has been pivotal in creating generational change for families and communities in Central Oregon.

Christi Haynes, leader of 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon, expressed pride in the donation, stating, “Members of 100+ Women Who Care are proud to make this donation and impact lives through the power of giving.” This organization meets quarterly to support local nonprofits in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. At each meeting, members nominate organizations, listen to presentations and vote for the recipient of their collective donations.

Since its inception in 2014, 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon has raised over $860,865 for various organizations, making a significant impact on the local community. Each member contributes $100 directly to the selected nonprofit during meetings, leading to substantial financial support for initiatives like Friends of the Children.

The next meeting for 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon will take place on March 2 at the Council on Aging located at 1036 NW 5th Street in Bend. Interested individuals can find more information about membership and nonprofit eligibility by visiting www.100wwcco.com. They’re also encouraged to follow the organization on Facebook for updates and photos.

Following the recent donation, Friends of the Children will continue to enhance its mentoring programs, thanks to the generosity of the members of 100+ Women Who Care. The organization looks forward to the upcoming meeting and the opportunity to support more local initiatives.

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Leaders and locals react to Trump’s new healthcare plan

KYMA on January 16, 2026

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – President Donald Trump announced his new healthcare plan Thursday. The new proposal, called the “Great Healthcare Plan,” comes after subsidies for the Affordable Care Act expired at the end of last year.

The new plan touches on lowering drug prices and reducing health insurance premiums. The White House posted to X, and on their website, explaining how it will address American affordability concerns.

“Next, my plan would reduce your insurance premiums by stopping government payoffs to big insurance companies and sending that money directly to the people,” said President Donald Trump.

However, those opposed to the plan say premiums paid by consumers will more than double this year without the subsidies.

“And more than four million Americans will now go without health insurance,” said former senior official at U.S. Department of Commerce Alejandra Y. Castillo.

Castillo says this plan makes it harder and more expensive for working families to make a living.

“Now health care costs are soaring. So what does this mean? This means that for many people, they will have to make a really tough decision. Health care costs or food? Health care costs or rent? Health care costs or just being able to live day to day,” said Castillo

The open enrollment period for families ends this month.

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Central Oregon employee-owned stores, shoppers team up for ‘Food for February’, raise $85K to fight hunger

KTVZ on January 16, 2026

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Shoppers across Central Oregon helped raise more than $85,000 to fight hunger through the 15th annual Food for February fundraiser organized by Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen.

The employee-owned grocery stores announced Thursday that the campaign brought in a record $85,236.70, with more than $30,000 matched by parent company Rudy’s Markets, Inc. The funds will support Family Kitchen, which serves Bend, Redmond, and Terrebonne, and the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank.

The month-long fundraiser took place in December, when customers donated at checkout counters at all three store locations. The employee-owned markets also use their wholesale relationships to make contributions go further: buying fresh produce, meat, and other staples at reduced prices based on needs identified by local nonprofits.

Newport Avenue Market launched Food for February in 2011 to address the post-holiday drop in food donations. February is often one of the toughest months for families facing food insecurity. The Oregon Food Bank Network recently reported that one in eight Oregonians are experiencing hunger, with food assistance visits up 31% from the previous year.

Since its inception, Food for February has raised nearly $716,000, including more than $311,000 in matching company funds.

“Food for February is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lauren G.D. Redman, CEO and president of Newport Avenue Market. “Our customers show up year after year with incredible generosity, and as a 100% employee-owned company, it’s important to us to match that commitment.”

Family Kitchen Board President Allison Slater said the fundraiser directly supports their mission. “Access to healthy food is central to our mission, and our long-standing partnership with Newport Avenue Market and their shoppers allows us to meet people where they are with compassion and respect,” she said.

Jeff Taylor and Doug Wills, directors of the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, said support from Oliver Lemon’s and its customers helps them keep up with growing demand. “Balancing rising food costs with increasing demand is an ongoing challenge,” they said in a statement.

Rising prices continue to strain families and nonprofits across the region, making campaigns like Food for February a vital source of support during the winter months.

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Beamer named next Fulton High School principal

KMIZ on January 16, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Fulton Public Schools announced in a Thursday press release that Morgan Beamer will be the high school’s next principal.

Beamer is currently in her third year as the principal of Fulton Middle School and will begin her new role July 1 and has previously served as an assistant principal in the district. Kati Boland is currently listed as the high school’s principal on the district’ s website.

Beamer has a bachelor’s degree from Westminster College and master’s and specialist’s degrees from William Woods University, the release says.

“I am so honored to serve as the next Principal of Fulton High School. I have absolutely loved being the Principal at Fulton Middle School, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished in our building.  I look forward to taking the next step in my career at FHS and can’t wait to meet all the students, faculty, staff, and families. I am ready for a great 2026-2027 school year!” Beamer is quoted in the release.

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Let’s Talk Weather with John Carroll: Terrebonne Community School

KTVZ on January 16, 2026

John Carroll

The Second and Third Grade students at Terrebonne Community School were visited by our Chief Meteorologist John Carroll to discuss the weather. They learned all about the water cycle and listened to John’s book “The Adventure of Robbie the Raindrop” that follows Robbie on his journey through the water cycle.

They also became weather detectives, looking for clues in the sky to solve the mystery of the weather.

As always, the students were well behaved and asked several fun questions about the weather.

Thanks to Karylyn Christman, third grade teacher at Terrebonne Community School, for getting in touch with John.

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Columbia man accused in spring shootings found guilty of 2 felonies

KMIZ on January 16, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man who was accused in shootings that occurred in April and May was found guilty by a Boone County jury on Wednesday on two felonies.

Joshua Abrams, 24, was found guilty of unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He was previously charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. A sentencing date is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, March 9. He is being held at the Boone County Jail.

Court documents in previous reporting indicate Abrams is accused of being one of multiple shooters downtown early on the morning of April 13, 2025, where a Columbia Police Department vehicle was hit.

Abrams is also suspected in a May 1 shooting on Clark Lane. Officers found shell casings and bullet holes in the ground in the area where shots were heard, the statement says. Witnesses in the statement claim Abrams fired a gun after an argument, the documents say.

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More than 200 people cited during large traffic safety operation throughout Coachella Valley

KESQ on January 16, 2026

City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 200 people were cited today during a multi-agency traffic safety enforcement operation throughout the Coachella Valley.  

The operation was held from 6 a.m. to noon Thursday in the cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Twenty-two law enforcement officers across three contract cities issued 123 citations in Palm Desert, 67 citations issued in Indian Wells and 66 citations issued in Rancho Mirage. It was unclear what the citations were issued for.

The Valley Motor Enforcement Team within East County area of Riverside County consists of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Palm Desert and Thermal stations, police departments in Beaumont, Banning, Cathedral City, Palm Springs and Indio. The agencies started collaborating on monthly enforcement operations within their respective jurisdictions since 2022, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Bryan De Loss.  

The program aims to reduce fatalities, injuries and non-injury collisions through enforcement and public education. The operations will continue on a rotating, monthly basis.

Anyone with questions or for additional information was asked to contact De Loss at the Palm Desert station at 760-836-1651.

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