DHW ramps up work to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in Idaho Child Care Program

KIFI on January 13, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is launching a major crackdown on child care subsidy mismanagement, aiming to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within the Idaho Childcare Program.

In coordination with Governor Brad Little, the DHW is reallocating internal staff to conduct aggressive reviews of past payments and taking corrective actions, including terminating providers found violating state standards.

How Minnesota Fraud Allegations are Affecting Idaho Child Care Programs

The heightened oversight comes after accusations of widespread fraud in Minnesota child care centers in order to obtain federal funds. Those allegations gained national attention following a viral video by YouTuber and citizen journalist Nick Shirley, boosted by Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk, which claimed several Minnesota-based Somali-run childcare centers were receiving state and federal funds while no children attended the facilities.

In response, two Idaho Republican lawmakers requested that the federal government withhold $14 million in child care funding until the state, citing “systemic vulnerabilities” similar to those in Minnesota.

RELATED: Idaho lawmakers call for freeze on $14M in childcare funds cmid national fraud concerns

Following this pressure from state lawmakers, the DHW has already taken 45 enforcement actions, ranging from the suspension of daycare licenses to permanent termination from the subsidy program.

DHW Director Juliet Charron emphasized that the department is prioritizing ‘proactive prevention and detection efforts’ to save on future recovery costs and maintain public trust.

“Safeguarding taxpayer dollars that support working families and vulnerable children is critical,” Charron stated. “Any bad actors will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

DHW Staff made 93 referrals for training to business practices. The most common issues that were encountered during these evaluations were:

Failure to maintain records/insufficient records of use of grant funds

Missing or incomplete attendance records

Receiving taxpayer funds for staff who did not meet eligibility requirements

Of the 45 recent enforcement actions, 29 stemmed from serious health and safety violations. The remaining 16 cases involved a mix of safety failures and suspicious business practices that may constitute fraud, according to the release.

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Thousand Palms community calls on Riverside County to act on flood concerns

KESQ on January 13, 2026

Luis Avila

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Residents around Shadow Mountain Lane in Thousand Palms are urging Riverside County to fix ongoing flood concerns they say have been ignored for years.

Neighbors point to the Thousand Palms Flood Control Program, a $90 million project currently underway, but argue it provides no flood protection for their area.

Instead of channels, the Thousand Palms Flood Control Program uses four large dikes designed to intentionally flood approximately 4,000 acres of conservation land. The goal, according to the project, is to move sand east and south so it can be blown into the Coachella Valley Preserve to support habitat for the fringe-toed lizard.

Residents argue the use of dikes—rather than channels—keeps water on the surface, increases flood risk, and prevents homes from being built, while placing nearby neighborhoods at greater danger.

Residents say no flood protection is planned for the Amity Lane area, even though it is not part of the Thousand Palms Conservation Area. They argue the County has an obligation to protect the homes there.

Community members say they have repeatedly reached out to Supervisor V. Manuel Perez’s office but say they have received no response.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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CDCR investigates inmate’s murder at Calipatria State Prison

KYMA on January 13, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is investigating the murder of an inmate at the Calipatria State Prison.

According to a press release, it happened Sunday at around 9:35 a.m. Pacific when staff responded to a fight involving three inmates on the prison yard.

One of the inmates, 48-year-old Mark Ramos, was attacked with a weapon during the fight, prompting staff to request medical assistance, CDCR says.

Paramedics then performed life-saving measures, but Ramos was pronounced dead at around 10:05 a.m. Pacific, according to CDCR.

CDCR also says the two inmates, identified as 30-year-old Deandre Powell and 38-year-old Phillip Dimacali, were both detained without incident and placed in restricted housing “pending an investigation by the institution’s Investigative Services Unit and the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office for possible felony prosecution.”

To learn more about this, click here.

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Madras City Council tables Desert Peaks Golf Course discussion; Appointing acting Police Chief

KTVZ on January 13, 2026

Triton Notary

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ)– Madras City Council has tabled discussions regarding the future viability of running and operating the Desert Peaks Golf Course. The meeting took place this afternoon, where the future of the Madras Police Department will begin to take shape. Acting Police Chief, Sergeant Angela Edler was appointed. She will lead the department beginning on January 23rd until a permanent chief is selected by City Council. For more information on the course and it’s future go to the city of Madras website or the Desert Peaks Golf Course website.

Below is the full release from the city:

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UPDATE: Tips from public help Bend police find, arrest alleged hit-and-run driver accused of hitting child on bike

KTVZ on January 13, 2026

Barney Lerten

(Update: Suspect driver found, arrested)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend police released a vehicle photo Tuesday and asked for the community’s help in finding a driver who allegedly left the scene of a crash involving a child on a bicycle earlier in the day. Just a few hours later, they announced a Bend man’s arrest and thanked the public for its help.

“Thanks to assistance from the public, at approximately 5:55 p.m., Bend police were able to identify the suspect vehicle and the driver in this incident,” Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

She said the driver, 61-year-old Bend resident Tracy Michael Wood, was taken into custody at his home, and the vehicle was located nearby. 

Wood was taken to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of failure to perform the duties of a driver.  

Around 7:26 a.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle-vs.-bike crash in the roundabout of of Brosterhous and Murphy roads, Miller said earlier.

Witnesses reported that a child was riding a bicycle in the roundabout crosswalk when a vehicle, likely a light blue or gray older-style Honda sedan, hit the bike’s back tire.

The child fell off the bike and suffered minor injuries, Miller said, and was treated at the scene by Bend Fire medics.

Witnesses told officers the driver briefly stopped, then sped away from the crash scene. 

“Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash is a crime.,” Miller said in a news release accompanied by a photo of the suspect vehicle.  

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Police Seize Firearms from Two Arrestees In Santa Maria

KEYT on January 13, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Two arrests were made in Santa Maria last night and follow-up warrants seized firearms from the detainees’ residence.

Just before 9:00pm Monday night, Santa Maria police officers responded to tips that a subject with a felony Ramey warrant was spotted at The Pantry, a popular restaurant on Broadway.

Officers were able to take Pedro David Vasquez into custody with reportedly little to no incident.

Subsequent to the arrest, a rollback search warrant was served at his residence, where teams located two illegal ghost guns, 2 P80 lowers, a large amount of ammunition, and evidence of firearm manufacturing.

Vasquez’s apparent roommate, Rodrigo Cervantes-Ramos, was also arrested as a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Both subjects were booked at the northern branch jail.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Family identifies victim in deadly shooting in Jefferson City; man charged with murder, other felonies

KMIZ on January 13, 2026

Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man accused of killing another person is now in custody.

The Jefferson City Police Department said in a Tuesday afternoon press release that Malcolm Mayes turned himself in on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Police were searching for Mayes after he allegedly shot and killed a person on Friday. He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond.

Jeremy Greer was identified as the shooting victim to ABC 17 News on Tuesday by his sister Kathleen Greer.

Mayes was charged in Cole County with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, one count of unlawful use of a weapon and illegal gun possession.

Court filings show that charges were filed on Saturday, but the case was sealed on Casenet because Mayes was not in custody and the prosecutor’s office felt that the investigation could have been undermined or that evidence could be destroyed in the meantime.

According to the release, police were called to the 800 block of Mulberry Street just after 4 p.m. Friday after receiving reports that someone had been shot. Witnesses on scene told police the victim, later learned to be Greer, had been shot during a fight and was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle.

Police said the 39-year-old Jefferson City resident was found at the Capital Region Medical Center. They were later flown to University Hospital in Columbia where he died.

The probable cause statement says police were called at 4:08 p.m. Friday to the 800 block of Mulberry Street for a reported shooting. The caller had identified Mayes as the shooter, the statement says.

Greer drove himself to a hospital and police were not able to speak with him, though the officer in the probable cause statement noted seeing a gunshot wound in Greer’s abdomen. He was pronounced dead at 7:10 p.m., the statement says.

The probable cause statement says prior to the shooting, a woman identified as Mayes girlfriend claimed they had been arguing for a week. Mayes allegedly cut the braids out of the woman’s hair during an argument, the statement says.

Mayes allegedly picked up that woman – who is described as Witness 1 in court documents – the morning of the shooting while he had another woman in his vehicle. The three were heading to another person’s home, the statement says.

Court documents said Witness 1 asked Mayes to take her back to Mulberry Street. Once they arrived back to the home in the 800 block of Mulberry Street, Mayes allegedly held Witness 1 at gunpoint and told her to “go get” the victim’s girlfriend, but she declined, the statement says.

Mayes allegedly walked to the front door of the home asking for Greer and the door was slammed in his face, the statement says. Court documents do not say who answered the door.

Witness 1 described Greer as a brother, though they are not related biologically, the statement says.

Greer later was seen coming from the side of the residence before a gunshot rang out, court documents allege. The witness allegedly saw Mayes “jump in the air with the gun in his hand before running back to his vehicle,” according to the statement.

A second witness gave similar details to police as the first witness, court documents show. A third witness allegedly heard Mayes yell “told you I ain’t playing with you” after the shot was fired, the statement says. Police noted that additional witnesses were interviewed and gave similar accounts of what happened.  

A friend of Greer tells ABC 17 News he would have given the shirt off his back to anyone.

“He was very, very active in the community. He loved the people that loved him,” Juquon Terrill said. “He would definitely go to bat for you, for sure.”

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Imperial County names new Human Resources & Risk Management director

KYMA on January 13, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County has named Bruce Davis as their new Director of Human Resources & Risk Management.

According to a press release, Davis will lead the county’s “comprehensive human resources, employee-employer relations, and risk management programs” to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations while also supporting a “stable, high-performing public workforce.”

He will also oversee the following areas for the County:

Recruitment and selection

Classification and compensation

Employee and labor relations

Risk management

Benefits administration

Compliance

Organizational development

Workforce planning

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bruce Davis to Imperial County,” said Dr. Kathleen Lang, County Executive Officer. “His extensive experience leading human resources in public sector organizations, combined with his expertise in classification, compensation, and organizational development, will strengthen our workforce and help the County achieve its strategic goals.”

“I am humbled to be selected by the County for this critical position. I look forward to providing strategic leadership and a systems perspective to the human resources team and the County Departments,” Davis expressed.

To learn more about Davis and his new role, read the press release below.

IC_HRDirector_01.13.26Download

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News Channel 3-12 Blood Drive: Santa Maria Man Saved by Transfusion Now Returning the Favor

KEYT on January 13, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A Santa Maria man who was saved through a blood donation two years ago is returning the favor by donating blood himself as much as possible.

Cedric Beaty, a married father of five and Navy veteran, is sharing his story to help promote the importance of blood donation, as well as inspire others to participate in the upcoming 8th Annual News Channel 3-11-12 MLK Day of Service Blood Drive, which is held in partnership with Vitalant.

In 2023, Beaty endured life-threatening complications following what was suppose to be a routine colonoscopy.

Soon after the procedure, Beaty experienced severe bleeding that required an emergency trip to the hosptial.

“There was kind of like this empty look in my eyes, like, maybe like the like the lights are about to turn out or something like that,” said Beaty. “I think I passed out, but before that I could hear somebody talking about getting some blood here because you’re going to need it.”

Beaty quickly underwent surgery and received an unknown amount of blood during the operation.

“I woke up and the guy who repaired everything for the colonoscopy, he said, you’re lucky they got blood for you,” said Beaty. “He told me, ‘you know what happened?’ Basically what happened is there were some large polyps in my colon, and (the doctor) was supposed to cauterize them to make sure that he didn’t bleed, but he didn’t cauterize them properly.”

Two years later, Beaty is completely healed and spreading the message how important blood donation has meant to his life and why people should consider donating if they can.

“If it wasn’t for the transfusion and getting that blood when I needed it, then I don’t even know if I’d be here right now,” said Beaty. “For me, that is my main motivation for giving blood because who knows who needs it?”

Beaty is now blood donor himself, something he said actually began when he was in the military.

“For me it’s a remarkable feeling to give back, you know, what was so graciously and so unselfishly given to me to give back to somebody I’m probably not even going to meet in real life,” said Beaty. “I’ve always thought that life was precious, but now I understand that this is one shot, your one shot to do the most good that you possibly can. I try to do everything to the best of my ability. I try to donate here when I can. It’s my one shot to do what I possibly can for the good of others, not just for the good of my own self.”  

The News Channel 3-11-12 MLK Day of Service Blood Drive will be held next week in an effort to help boost local supply levels.

The yearly event is held in partnership with Vitalant and is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.

All of the donation sites will be held the the Elks Lodge in all three cities.

Vitalant points out that one donation of blood may save up to three lives, highlighting the impact donors have on the community.

“Just one donation, one whole blood donation can save up to three lives,” said Beau Mercurio, Vitalant Account Manager. “It’s fairly simple. It takes about 30 minutes, 40 minutes for the whole process to come in and donate, and you’re helping patients that are struggling with cancer and trauma patients, and organ transplants, so many different surgeries that people need blood for and transfusions for. It’s just really important to get in there and donate.”

To learn more about the 8th Annual News Channel MLK Day of Service Blood Drive, or to schedule an appointment, click here.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Hope School District Implements State Training Requirement for All Volunteers

KEYT on January 13, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Volunteers at Hope School District are adjusting to a new rule before stepping on campus.

Senate Bill 848 requires all volunteers to complete mandated reporter training.

Lilly Josenhans of Vieja Valley School in Santa Barbara has already completed the training.

“I was initially surprised I didn’t know what it meant to be a mandated reporter, but looking into it I certainly understand why it could be helpful and again it’s just one more way that we can as a community advocate for our children,” said Josenhans.

The a training teaches adults how to recognize and report child abuse or neglect.

District staff are guiding families through the online program and answering questions about the process.

“They’re required to send me their completed training certificate so I’ve been collecting tons. We have almost 100. We do have a lot of parent volunteers here,” said office manager Chelsea Jopes of Vieja Valley Elementary School.

The new law, which went into effect January 1, applies to all schools, including private schools.

“This law will help to make sure every child is taking care of that. No child ever slips through the cracks,” said Josenhans.

“And let you know if anything were to come up with someone did Phil they need to report then that would be a reported and taken care of,” said Jopes.

The new requirement aims to ensure every volunteer is prepared to act if a child needs help.

Volunteers still may need a tuberculosis risk assessment under existing state health rules, but SB 848 itself does not add a new TB test requirement.Volunteers at Hope School District now face a new requirement before helping at schools.

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