Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, LLC files lawsuit against City of Imperial

KYMA on January 12, 2026

Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, LLC has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Imperial and several senior officials.

The developer is suing the city for civil rights violations, conspiracy and retaliation.

The lawsuit alleges city officials launched a “bad-faith” campaign to derail a permitted AI data center project worth $10 billion.

It also says the campaign is costing the community countless jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue.

The developer claims the city ignored its own codes, acted in retaliation and conspired with outside groups.

To learn more about the lawsuit, see attached files below.

News Release Lawsuit Against CIty of ImperialDownload

Civil Rights Complaint (1-09-26)Download

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Jackson County judge hears opening arguments and testimony in Trial on Missouri abortion access

KMIZ on January 12, 2026

Marie Moyer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Great Rivers returned to the courthouse against the state on Monday to reinstate abortion in Missouri.

Planned Parenthood started opening statements and argued that the current state regulations were unreasonable and difficult to achieve, and unique to Missouri abortion clinics only. They also claimed that the moment clinics adjusted and met compliance, the Missouri General Assembly would pass another regulation, leaving abortion treatments inaccessible.

“They were designed to be complicated,” Ella Spottswood said, representing Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Great Rivers. “They are not seeking unregulated abortions, they are seeking abortion that is treated like health care.”

Planned Parenthood also announced their list of witnesses, including several doctors who work with Planned Parenthood or in obstetrics and gynecology.

The state argued that state laws are in place for the physical and mental health and safety of patients. This includes requirements for in-person meetings with physicians, an informed consent packet that’s given to patients and licensing requirements for clinics.

“Plaintiffs [Planned Parenthood] seek to eliminate these common-sense requirements,” Alexandria Overcash said, representing the state, “plaintiffs will tear down all the laws.”

Testimonies were given by Margaret Baum, the Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and Emily Wales, the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains.

Baum detailed around a dozen state rules that she claimed “affected both myself and my patients.”

These rules included:

Patients to meet with the same clinic physician in two in-person visits at least 72 hours apart

Patients be given a pelvic exam and ultrasound 72 hours before a medical or procedural abortion

Patients to be provided a primary physician and a backup physician who is available 24 hours a day.

Ultrasounds to be given by a physician or ultrasound technologist

Clinics to have hallways and doorways six feet wide in the event of an emergency patient transport

Abortion providers to have admitting privileges with a hospital within 15 minutes of the clinic or a transfer agreement with another hospital if over 30 minutes away

Baum claimed that several rules on licensing and requiring a physician to give care are difficult with most clinics being staffed by advanced practice clinicians instead of physicians. APCs were described as mid-level healthcare workers, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners and midwives. She added that APs are allowed to deliver babies, read ultrasounds and provide care following an abortion.

Baum also argued that getting a physician with admitting privileges is difficult, as they require proof of a residency program and proof of a certain number of surgeries. She added not all OBGYNs work in a clinical setting with patients to meet the surgery quota and that some hospitals require board certification for admitting privileges.

Baum also argued the additional rules for expanded hallways and doors were unreasonable, claiming staff have no difficulties transporting a patient in an emergency scenario with EMTs in pre-regulation buildings. She also pushed that EMTs routinely work in spaces like offices or homes that are not up to state regulations.

Baum added that several rules, including having multiple physicians, pelvic exams, clinic building requirements and clearance from the Department of Health and Human Services are not required for services like vasectomies, IUD insertions and miscarriage treatment.

Wales walked the court through the timeline of legislative moves by the general assembly since 2007. She claimed yearly legislative rule updates have caused clinics to repeatedly open and close, sometimes even over the span of 24 hours and cause confusion in patients.

“We had to thread a needle that was changing and had a great deal of components,” Wales said

Voters approved access to abortion in November 2024 through Amendment 3. In December 2024, Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang temporarily blocked enforcement of Missouri’s existing abortion restrictions, saying that state regulations on abortion centers were unfair and conflicted with what voters just passed. Abortions were set to resume in February 2025.

The Missouri General Assembly drew up joint resolutions to repeal Amendment 3 and add exceptions to the procedure, approving House Joint Resolution 73 in May 2025. HJR 73 would also add exceptions back to the bill text, only allowing abortions up to 12 weeks in cases of rape, incest and medical emergencies, and when there is a fetal anomaly.

After additional legal battles between the state and abortion rights groups on ballot wording, the resolution was put on the ballot for voters in 2026.

Also in May, the Missouri Supreme Court overruled Zhang, claiming she used the wrong legal standard in her injunction to block abortion restrictions. The ruling again closed access to abortions in the state.

Missouri’s ban was blocked again by Zhang in July, with Zhang ruling that the state’s regulation can cause irreparable harm and “is directly at odds with Amendment 3.”

The move reopened abortion access that same month.

According to Abortion Action Missouri, three clinics are currently providing procedural abortions in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis. Abortions are allowed up to 18 weeks.

Zhang will oversee Monday’s trial. The trial is set to last two weeks in the Jackson County Courthouse.

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Teamsters Local 542 members hold strike after contract talks with Transdev failed

KYMA on January 12, 2026

Abraham Retana

UPDATE (12:07 PM): Transdev has issued the following statement regarding the strike:

“Transdev respects unions and recognizes the important role they have played in improving wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers across this country. We bargain in good faith every day with the unions serving our passengers and communities nationwide, including our partners here in the Imperial Valley, Teamsters Local 542.

This situation, however, is different.

Although the Union has raised additional proposals, the primary unresolved issue remains the Company’s refusal to accept language that would allow employees to be required to participate in work stoppages that are unrelated to their employment relationship with us or to their treatment by this Company. That demand fundamentally alters the purpose of the collective bargaining agreement by attempting to hold our local management accountable for decisions made by other employers, in other locations, that have no connection to our compliance with this contract. It would also permit work stoppages driven by union leadership located thousands of miles away, rather than by issues affecting our local workforce.

We believe that decisions impacting local service should be driven by local concerns. Our employees should not be compelled to stop working in support of disputes that have nothing to do with their workplace, particularly when they may not wish to participate.

Unfortunately, the greatest impact of a strike under these circumstances is felt not by the Company, but by the Imperial Valley community – by the passengers who depend on this service to get to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential destinations.

To protect the reliability of transit service in this community and to ensure stability for both employees and riders, we cannot agree to contract language that would allow outside entities to mandate work stoppages unrelated to local working conditions. Our goal remains to reach a fair agreement that respects workers’ rights while ensuring dependable service for the community we serve.

We remain ready to continue negotiations and reach a resolution that keeps our community moving.”

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Teamsters Union Local 542 announced they have voted to authorize and initiate a strike in El Centro.

According to a press release, the strike, which started Monday at 4:00 a.m. Pacific, comes after “negotiations for a new successor contract failed to produce an agreement.”

Local 542 says their members prefer a fair and equitable resolution at the bargaining table, but said “essential terms and conditions must be addressed” before a tentative agreement is reached.

The union also says the strike will impact Imperial Valley residents who rely on public transportation to get to work, school, medical appointments and essential daily travel, and said the decision was not made lightly.

“Our members want to avoid a work stoppage, but they cannot accept a contract that fails to meet the basic standards required to protect workers and ensure safe, reliable service for the public” the union stated. “We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement and urge Transdev to return to the table with proposals that reflect the vital role our members play in the Imperial Valley’s transportation system.”

While the strike will continue until a tentative agreement is reached, the union said they are ready to continue negotiations at any time.

1917_001Download

The Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC) has issued saying they were informed of the strike Sunday evening, and said they wish to avoid “any type of service disruption and has continued to request that the parties continue to engage in good faith negotiations to come to a resolution and a new collective bargaining agreement.”

ICTC says to alleviate this, they will offer free fares across all IVT services, such as IVT Fixed Route, IVT Access, IVT Ride Now and IVT MedTrans, during the strike.

They also said Calexico On Demand will not be impacted by the strike, not will it be subject to the free fares.

To read their statement in full, see attached file.

Press Release- IVT service interruptions_1-12-26Download

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Weather delays completion of HWY 67 project in Woodland Park from late 2025 to mid-2026

KRDO on January 12, 2026

Scott Harrison

WOODLAND PARK, Colo. (KRDO) — Dry and mild weather in the second half of last year wasn’t enough to help crews catch up on delays caused by wet weather in the first half of the year on road construction here.

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) crews paused for the season just before Christmas, on a $7 million project to widen and improve drainage along a half-mile stretch of Highway 67 on the north side of town.

The break means much less construction activity and traffic congestion than we saw in a report by KRDO 13’s The Road Warrior last June.

Crews have addressed erosion by replacing 80% of the stormwater system and installing underground drainage pipes that direct water into a nearby creek.

CDOT has done most of its work on the west side of the highway and will switch to the opposite side when construction resumes in the spring.

Workers will eventually widen the highway from two to four lanes and repave the hilly segment between Kelly’s Road and the intersection of County Road and Evergreen Heights Drive.

The project has produced mixed results for the adjacent area; the manager of the Mountain Naturals Community Market said that sales have been down since construction began, while the managers of the Diamond Campground said that the project didn’t affect their summer tourism business as much as expected.

According to the campground staff, crews did a good job of directing traffic on and off the property at the entrance in the middle of the work zone.

One neighbor said that he’s thankful for the project because water no longer flows downhill through his neighborhood and into his yard.

The project started last March and was supposed to be finished last month, but should be completed early this summer.

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Chinese national charged with photographing Whiteman Air Force Base

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Nick Sloan

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    WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (KMBC) — A Chinese national has been charged in federal court after authorities say he took photos and video of Whiteman Air Force Base and military aircraft without authorization.

Federal prosecutors announced last week that 35-year-old Qilin Wu is accused of illegally photographing a vital military installation and military equipment, a misdemeanor under U.S. law.

According to a criminal complaint, Air Force patrol officers and agents with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were called Dec. 2, 2025, after a suspicious minivan was spotted near the perimeter of Whiteman Air Force Base.

Officers found Wu near the base, where he told them he was there to observe the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

He was warned that photographing or recording the base was prohibited.

Investigators say the same vehicle returned to the base the next day. Agents again contacted Wu, who admitted taking videos of the B-2 aircraft and photographing perimeter fencing, a gate and military equipment.

Authorities reviewed Wu’s phone and found 18 images and videos of Whiteman Air Force Base and military hardware, court documents say. Wu also admitted photographing another U.S. Air Force base and its aircraft.

Prosecutors said Wu entered the United States illegally near Nogales, Arizona, in June 2023 and was released while awaiting immigration proceedings scheduled for 2027.

He was re-arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Dec. 3, 2025.

The charge carries a possible sentence of up to one year in federal prison if Wu is convicted.

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.

‘All In For Our Culture Festival’ bringing community together to celebrate next mayor

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Metia Carroll

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    NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) — New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno is getting ready to take office Monday.

Sunday kicked off events leading up to her inauguration, including the “All In For Our Culture Festival” that was held at Lafayette Square.

The festival showcased the sounds and spirit of the city, with attendees enjoying food trucks, community organization showcases, and a kids’ zone.

Organizers said the event was designed to reflect on the city’s deep musical roots.

Unity, creativity, and the defining culture were the main focus for the day’s event.

The inauguration will be held on Monday, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m. The theme is “All In For New Orleans.”

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.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Nebraska organizations work together to end trafficking

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Aaron Hegarty

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    OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — Innocence Freed Founder and CEO Julie Shrader says she still gets asked this about human trafficking: “Does it really happen in Omaha?”

“It happens everywhere,” she said. “Every day.”

Human trafficking can take many forms, including sex, labor, and even organ trafficking, she said.

The Omaha Police Department says it’s not always clear that it’s a case of trafficking at first glance. Often, it may initially be reported as a domestic disturbance, prostitution, labor dispute, or a frequently missing child, Officer Sarah Martier told KETV.

For the first time, the Nebraska State Capitol was lit in blue on Saturday night to mark human trafficking awareness.

It was part of an event called “Stronger Together,” organized by several Nebraska organizations, initiated by Lincoln-based “I’ve Got A Name.”

“It was the first event that I’ve known of in a long time where one nonprofit called upon all the others and said, can you join us?” Shrader said.

Nonprofits often compete for the same donors and grant money, she said.

Shrader said her and other organizations are focusing on the survivors they support.

A common misconception about trafficking is that it starts with kidnapping, Shrader and Martier said. That’s usually not the case.

“I want you to think somebody who’s close to (someone) who is in the position to take advantage of them,” Martier said. “That’s what you should think about when you think about human trafficking.”

Martier highlighted that especially vulnerable populations include those in poverty, LGBTQ youth, and non-native English speakers. She advised the public to watch for signs such as someone acting fearful or anxious and lacking the freedom to move as they wish.

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Trial for man identified as victim and suspect in viral Cincinnati brawl continued

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Karin Johnson

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    CINCINNATI (WLWT) — The trial for Alex Tchervinski, the man identified as both a victim and suspect in the viral downtown Cincinnati brawl last summer, has been continued.

The trial, initially scheduled for last month, was set to start Monday but was continued again at the City Solicitor’s request.

Prosecutors say one of their witnesses didn’t show up because he fears for his safety.

A new date has been set for Feb. 10 at 10 a.m.

Tchervinski is the man behind the slap in this past summer’s downtown assault. His attorney says it was self defense.

He is facing charges of disorderly conduct.

Defense attorney Doug Brannon previously told WLWT in August, “Alex himself sustained over 28 blows to his head, face area. He was brutally beaten in this instance.”

Brannon added, “I think he is being victimized now for a second time. He was not only brutally beaten and robbed during the assault, he’s now being prosecuted when he was attempting to defend himself and his friends.”

WLWT Investigates obtained videos that provide insight into the events of that July morning. The footage shows a group of people gathered at the corner of 4th and Elm, with Tchervinski, dressed in white, being pushed. The crowd moves into the intersection, and Tchervinski is seen kicking a white SUV. Although there is no audio, the video captures a scuffle with punches being thrown, leading to Tchervinski’s infamous slap.

The video also shows Tchervinski being thrown to the ground, stomped on, and kicked repeatedly by multiple people.

Court filings indicate that Tchervinski will argue self-defense.

According to the filings, city prosecutors could call interim Cincinnati police Chief Adam Hennie, a representative from 3CDC, and a local business owner who recorded the fight.

Meanwhile, the defense’s witness list includes Tchervinski and five others identified as victims, including one publicly known only as “Holly,” who suffered severe injuries during the brawl. The list also includes Hennie, two Cincinnati police detectives and an FBI confidential informant.

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.

Lone survivor of West Valley family shooting dies unexpectedly at age 19

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Payton Davis

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    TAYLORSVILLE (KSL) — The only family member to survive a shooting that claimed the lives of his parents and his three siblings in 2024 died Sunday at age 19.

Sha Reh died unexpectedly at the home of his aunt and uncle, according to a family statement.

Reh, who was 17 at the time, was shot in the head in December 2024 during a shooting spree at his West Valley home that took the lives of the rest of his immediate family. Police believe Reh’s father shot his wife and four children before shooting himself.

The teenager was found alive but critically injured in the garage two days later following a welfare check at the home.

The family statement said Reh died unexpectedly. A GoFundMe account* says he died of natural causes. His death came just a week after Reh had fulfilled a personal goal to attend the University of Utah.

“Despite losing his vision in both eyes, and over the course of the past 13 months, Sha Reh overcame numerous obstacles on his pathway to healing. He successfully enrolled in the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind in January of 2025, where he learned to communicate in Braille and live independently,” the statement said.

“Just this past week, he started college as a first year, first generation student at the University of Utah. He was living independently and was excited to work toward his dream of obtaining a college education and eventually enrolling in law school.”

Reh graduated with his class at Granger High School in May. The school called his survival “one of the most fabulous miracles of the season.”

Reh knew what it was like to struggle. He adapted to a new life in America as a refugee from Myanmar and had to learn a new language. So re-learning these new skills of reading and living on his own were another test of his resolve.

“I strive to do good things in this world,” Reh told KSL in May. “I am very grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to be happy.”

He said his faith was a big part of his hope. He and his family were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nearly a decade ago.

“Religion is a big part of why I’m always so positive. It gets me thinking that I will be able to see my family again in the afterlife,” he said days before his high school graduation.

Reh’s family said, “While we are devastated at the news of his death, the knowledge of the joy of his reunion with his family exceeds our pain. He was among those who were once blind, but now can see. He has a perfect vision of his and his family’s eternity, and his home is now with them.”

Those family members include his mother, Bu Meh, 38; brother Boe Reh, 11; sister Kristina Ree, 8; and sister Nyay Meh, 2. His father, Dae Rah, 42, was also found dead with a gun.

The family also expressed gratitude to first responders, police and the medical examiner’s office, and to those who offered support to the family since the shooting.

The GoFundMe campaign says all money raised will go to Reh’s extended family that has been caring for him. “The family is currently facing significant financial hardship and is struggling to cover the costs of funeral and memorial services.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSL verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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.

“Freezin’ for a reason”: Hundreds take icy plunge at Lucky Peak to support Make-A-Wish Idaho

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Allie Triepke

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    BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — Participants gathered at Lucky Peak for the 23rd annual Make-A-Wish Idaho Polar Bear Challenge, Boise’s coldest fundraiser and one of the nonprofit’s most anticipated events of the year. The annual cold plunge challenges individuals and teams to jump into the chilly water to raise money for wishes benefiting children with critical illnesses.

Among those taking the plunge was Dahlia Thompson, who participated for the second year in a row alongside her dad, John D. Thompson. The pair has turned the Polar Bear Challenge into a family tradition.

“I’m doing the polar bear plunge for the second time,” Dahlia said. “I was crying when I got out last year.”

Beyond braving the cold, the Thompsons also helped raise hundreds of dollars for Make-A-Wish Idaho.

“To me, it’s a pretty easy event to earn money for a great cause — she out-earns me every time,” John D. said, pointing to his daughter.

Dahlia says her motivation is simple.

“I just really like giving back,” she said.

Make-A-Wish Idaho says the Polar Bear Challenge has continued to grow over the years, raising more than $100,000 annually. This year’s event is expected to support more than a dozen wishes for children across the state.

“It’s grown every single year,” said Jamie Best, president of Make-A-Wish Idaho. “This year, I think we’re probably a thirty percent increase over last year, and people love coming out to support Make-A-Wish Idaho.”

One of the children highlighted during this year’s event is Zoe, a young girl currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. Her wish is to go to Disney World. While Zoe wasn’t able to attend in person due to health challenges, organizers say her presence was felt throughout the event.

“She was our featured wish kid for this year,” Best said. “Unfortunately, she was unable to be with us in person today because she’s having some health struggles, but she is with us in spirit for sure.”

Organizers say events like the Polar Bear Challenge offer more than just financial support — they also bring the Treasure Valley community together around a shared purpose.

“It gives them hope and strength and joy and something to look forward to in getting over a really difficult time,” Best said.

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.