Coachella Council selects new mayor pro tem as Hernandez makes appearance

KESQ on January 29, 2026

Joel Killam

COACHELLA, Calif. – The Coachella City Council unanimously selected Councilmember Dr. Frank Figueroa as the city’s new mayor pro tem during Wednesday night’s meeting, filling a leadership role that had been delayed earlier.

Mayor Steven Hernandez appeared before the council entered closed session, allowing the vote to proceed. Hernandez has made fewer public appearances after being arraigned in October on perjury and conflict‑of‑interest charges.

Tonight, Hernandez stayed for the entire meeting.

His absence at a prior meeting prevented the council from taking up the mayor pro tem selection and several other appointments.

This comes after the City of Coachella canceled its last regularly scheduled City Council meeting set for January 14, citing a lack of agenda items following the city’s holiday closure.

According to a statement from the city’s public information officer, there were no actionable staff items ready to present, prompting the decision to cancel the meeting. City officials emphasized the move was logistical, not political.

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Community turns out to support White Pine Charter School fundraiser

KIFI on January 29, 2026

Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Wednesday’s snow and dropping temperatures didn’t stop a large turnout at White Pine Charter School’s annual Family Dinner Night.

The spaghetti dinner and bingo fundraiser included a student art show, a silent auction, and a penny raffle for younger students.

School Director Ron Cote says while the fundraiser raises a bit of money for the school, the main point of the fundraiser is to bring people together.

“This event is intended to bring the community together,” Cote said. “We sell tickets, make money, it doesn’t put a dent in the needs we have at the school, but the big draw is the community coming together and spending time together.”

White Pine Charter School serves grades K-12. The junior high and high school are also a STEM academy, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.

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Rally and March follow ICE activity on Santa Barbara’s Eastside

KEYT on January 29, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) In a space at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse arch, known for recent vigils for Alex Pretti and Renee Good people rallied on Wednesday night.

Many are upset about ICE activity involving pepper spray on Santa Barbara’s Eastside. 

Ana Garcia witnesses it.

Garcia said they have been doing a good job protecting their neighbors.

Garcia said it is not clear if anyone was taken from the Eastside but people have been taken into custody by ICE in many neighborhoods up and down the coast.

City Council Member Wendy Santamaria witnesses the activity in the First District that she represents.

” I was already out on the Eastside around Franklin Elementary School. We were giving out information and the knew your rights hotline number and we started to hear whistles,  honking and the Rapid Response Network activated. I got footage and testimonies of people telling me this person was pushed by an ICE agent somebody got pepper sprayed that is the reason I am out here tonight because I know our police department put out a press release saying there is not collaboration but I am hearing and seeing different things, so we need some answers and clarity,” said Santamaria.

She is calling for a Town Hall.

She wants people to know where the Police Department stands.

A commotion near a political projection on the courthouse wall was diffused during the rally when someone step in to hug a veteran walking by.

A march to the Santa Barbara Police Station followed.

Some participants are upset about the money going towards the building of a new station at a time when people feel traumatized.

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La Quinta High students organize protest over ICE activity as schools warn against walkouts

KESQ on January 29, 2026

Shay Lawson

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ)  – Chloe Freeman, a La Quinta high school student, is helping organize a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity as part of a national day of action, drawing attention from school districts balancing student expression with safety concerns.

She said she helped organize the walkout, scheduled on Friday, after seeing flyers circulate online calling for students across the Coachella Valley to protest.

“It’s very important that we as young people take a stance on things that we deem important to us,” Freeman said. “We figured that most students would just stand outside of the campus and wait until 9 a.m., which is when we would be conducting the walkout.”

Freeman said participants will then walk to the La Quinta Park across the street from the high school.

“There we would have chants and educate people on what their rights are as protesters,” Freeman said.

Then attendees will make the nearly 4 mile walk to City Hall.

“Hopefully some council members can hear our pleas to get ICE out of this valley,” Freeman said. “I know of many friends and classmates that are afraid to leave their homes.”

School districts say they respect students’ rights to free expression but are emphasizing safety and attendance policies.

In a message to families, Palm Desert High School Principal Sarit Saig reminded families that students are not allowed to leave campus or participate in off-campus demonstrations during the school day without written parent/guardian permission and completion of standard checkout procedures. 

“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We do not believe it is safe for students to walk to City Hall, and we do not condone students leaving campus for this or any other activity without parent permission, following sign-out procedures and appropriate supervision,” Saig wrote in a letter to families on Wednesday.

You can see the full letter here.

Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) spokesperson Joan L. Boiko provided this statement:

“There has not been a whole lot of talk at most of our schools about Friday. There was more around a school that had planned protest for today, and the principal communicated with students via announcements and sent out a letter to families telling them that we support our scholars’ right to protest and also let them know that if students walk out it will be considered an unexcused absence and they would not be allowed back on campus to participate in any after school activities. The students ended up canceling their activity.

One other school heard some students talking about Friday, so that principal also shared similar information on announcement to students and communication to parents today. We have plans in place to ensure that if students walk off campus to protest, they will be kept safe with security and/or administrator escorts.”

Maria Selene Castillo, Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) public information officer, provided this statement:

“As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining safe and supportive learning environments, high school site administrators will provide on-campus opportunities for students to express themselves peacefully. Students may participate in activities designed to promote reflection, creativity, and respectful dialogue.

Planned on-campus activities may include:

Districtwide Art Contest: Our Culture, Our Community – students create original artwork celebrating culture, heritage, and identity

Voices in Writing – Letter writing to political officials, including the President of the United States

Open Mic & Spoken Word – poetry, short reflections, or spoken expression

Journaling & Reflection Spaces – a place to write, draw, and process thoughts

These activities will take place under staff supervision and are intended to provide students with a safe space to share their thoughts while remaining on campus during the instructional day.”

As tensions rise, Karina Vega CVUSD District Support Counselor, said she’s seeing the emotional impact firsthand.

“This has been a very difficult time for everyone involved because there’s so many unknowns,” Vega said.

She said anxiety can interfere with students’ ability to focus in class and is encouraging healthy coping strategies.

“One way would be coloring, journaling, mandalas, drawing, talking to a caring adult, breathing, grounding,” Vega said. “There are so many techniques to help with those big emotions.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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One person displaced after house fire in Palm Desert

KESQ on January 29, 2026

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A house fire in Palm Desert left one person displaced Wednesday afternoon.

The fire was reported at around 5:50 p.m. on the 44700 block De Anza Way.

“Firefighters are on-scene of a single-story single family dwelling fire, first arriving unit reported heavy fire from the house and requested additional equipment,” reads a post by CAL FIRE.

The fire was knocked down at 6:13 PM.

CAL FIRE confirmed there were no injuries reported.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend will extend its hours into the evening, to offer teens a safe space

KTVZ on January 29, 2026

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend said Wednesday they are extending their weekday hours to 7:30 p.m. to provide a safe space for teens.

Teens ages 13+ and enrolled in school will be able to access Club facilities and programming at no cost, starting Monday, February 2nd. Teen-only programming and activities will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will include access to a music space, basketball court, arts and crafts, games room, and a gaming area. 

The rest of the organization’s news release continues below: 

BGCB Downtown Program Director Erin Liebe said of the program changes, “The addition of teen programming allows us to intentionally support teens during an important stage of their lives. It gives them a space where they can build relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and build confidence – while strengthening our Clubs and the community as a whole.” 

On Tuesdays, BGCB will offer health and wellness support for teens 14-18 with active Club memberships from 5:30pm-7:00 p.m., led by the Club’s certified clinical social worker, Devan Richards. 

Richards said, “The goal of this group is to provide a welcoming, community-oriented space for teens to develop skills, reflect on topics relevant to their lived experiences, and engage in some creative, mindful activities with other teens at Club in a setting focused on centering youth voices, thoughts, and feelings.” 

Families can sign up for teen programming by visiting https://bit.ly/BGCBteens, logging into the My Club Hub Portal, choosing “membership applications,” then “25/26 Downtown Teen Nights Membership,” and following the prompted directions. Space is limited and first come first served. 

The addition of teens-only time and programming will offer much-needed support for the youth of Bend, creating a safe space for teens to socialize, learn, create, and receive support. This initiative will support BGCB’s goal of serving more youth, more often, with deeper impact. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend provides youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. Our after-school programs are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. 

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On eve of Oregon Legislature’s short session, budget crisis and transportation funding top lawmakers’ agenda

KTVZ on January 29, 2026

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Starting Monday, legislators from across Oregon will gather in Salem for a 35-day “short session” sprint to tackle some of the state’s most pressing issues, from transportation funding to a deepening budget crisis and rising housing costs.

The Oregon Legislature enters the session needing to fill a more than an $800 million budget hole. The gap stems in part from cuts in federal spending following the passage of what’s known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which reduced funding for a range of state programs, including health care.

“All of that combined to a very challenging budget environment for the state of Oregon. Heading into the short session, we are going to need to balance the budget and to do so responsibly.” Speaker of the House and State Representative Julie Fahey said.

“Right now, too many families are struggling,” said House Minority Leader and State Rep. Lucetta Elmer. “Costs keep rising, systems feel broken, and too often state government responds by asking for more money without delivering better results.”

In addition to closing the budget gap, lawmakers will face a renewed debate over transportation funding. A petition signed by more than 200,000 Oregonians, referring the last session’s gas tax and vehicle fee hikes to voters, has reignited discussion about how the state funds ODOT.

That conversation is expected to add more pressure to an already packed session.

At a legislative preview fore reporters on Wednesday, livestreamed on KTVZ+, state Senate President Rob Wagner said lawmakers will be moving quickly to address several high-priority items early in the session.

“We know that one of the big items that we’re going to be moving quickly on, is moving the election date, so that we can focus on what comes next,” Wagner said.

Senator Bruce Starr said voters are sending a clear message about spending.

“The message from voters could not be clearer: Stop reaching deeper into their pockets and start taking responsibility for how existing dollars are spent,” Starr said.

With major fiscal and infrastructure decisions ahead, lawmakers will have little time to spare before the session wraps up by the constitutional deadline of early March.

KTVZ News will continue to bring you updates from Salem as debates and proposals move forward.

News release from Gov. Tina Kotek:

Governor Kotek Outlines Legislative Priorities

Salem, OR — Today, Governor Tina Kotek outlined her priorities for the 2026 legislative session, focusing on policies that can make life more affordable for working families, grow the economy and increase job creation, protect vulnerable Oregonians from federal funding cuts, and defend Oregon communities amid federal uncertainty and aggressive immigration enforcement.

Facing a constrained budget and continued disruption from Washington, D.C., Governor Kotek emphasized steady, responsible governance and targeted investments that deliver tangible results. Governor Kotek will support legislative efforts to respond to federal overreach and has introduced three bills that aim to grow Oregon’s economy, build more affordable housing for seniors, and strengthen the behavioral health workforce.

“I’m focused on putting Oregon’s future first,” Governor Kotek said. “Even in a tough budget year, we must protect core services, expand affordable housing, strengthen our workforce, and grow a competitive economy. And as the Trump administration creates chaos, I will work with lawmakers to protect our communities, our civil liberties, and the people who call Oregon home.”

Governor Kotek’s legislative priorities include:

Creating More Affordable Housing Options (House Bill 4082)

House Bill 4082 speeds up the development of affordable housing for seniors and manufactured home communities by allowing limited urban growth boundary expansions. By focusing on lower cost manufactured housing, the bill will help cities add hundreds of affordable homes, ease pressure on the broader housing market, and support renters and homelessness solutions statewide.

Cutting Red Tape for Behavioral Health Workers (House Bill 4083)

House Bill 4083 removes barriers that keep qualified mental health and addiction professionals from providing care. The bill would streamline credentialing, reduce administrative burdens, and expand supervision pathways to help more providers enter and stay in the workforce – ensuring Oregonians can access care faster. This legislation is a recommendation from the Behavioral Health Talent Council, chaired by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson.

Prosperity Roadmap Package (House Bill 4084)

To get started on the Oregon’s Prosperity Roadmap, House Bill 4084 supports job creation and economic growth by fast-tracking permits for major projects, preparing shovel-ready industrial sites, and modernizing business incentives. The goals of the bill are to make it easier for businesses to invest and expand in Oregon, strengthening regional economies and creating good-paying jobs statewide.

News release from Oregon House Republicans:

Oregon House Republicans Outline 2026 Legislative Priorities

SALEM, Ore. — Today, Oregon House Republicans announced their top priorities for the upcoming legislative session, focusing on affordability, public safety and education.

“Oregon families are feeling the impact of rising costs and a state government that keeps asking for more of their money without delivering results. House Republicans are listening to Oregonians and putting forward policies to help ease their financial burden, protect businesses, and grow our economy,” said House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville).

“While Democrats are signaling that their top priority for the short session is combating the federal administration, our focus remains where it belongs: delivering real solutions, protectingconstitutional guardrails, and ensuring public trust for the people of Oregon.”

Affordability

House Bill 4051: Creates a program for deferred loans to first-time home buyers, allowing them to get their foot in the door without being overburdened by closing costs.

House Bill 4129: Caps Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program – eliminating an extra 22-cent per gallon tax at the pump.

House Bill 4109: Repeals Oregon’s first-in the-nation law allowing striking workers to receiveunemployment insurance.

Public Safety

House Bill 4151: Increases the penalty for swatting, or making a false police report in an attempt to get police to respond, from a misdemeanor to a felony.

House Bill 4045: Requires communications companies doing business in Oregon to respond to search warrants within 72 hours when the underlying crime involves stalking or domestic violence.

Education

House Bill 4133: Allows Oregon access to additional tax credits for education and expands Workforce Pell Grants so that students and their families can choose a learning environment that best serves their needs.

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Family says El Paso County Jail ignored inmate’s calls for help before he died

KVIA on January 29, 2026

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso family said they had to go request medical help for George Vargas because jail workers were not doing anything about him not feeling well for days. He later died.

Vargas, 27, was being held at the El Paso County Jail since March of 2025. He was accused of transporting/importing meth.

ABC-7 spoke with the Vargas family. They said some things are still unclear after they learned he died. The family said he was dealing with some health issues since last Monday.

Vargas’ mother said she went to the jail Friday. She said she demanded that her son receive medical help.

“My son told me he was feeling really bad, that he couldn’t breathe anymore, that he felt weak, his bones ached, and he felt like he was going to faint,” Rosa Vargas said.

ABC-7 obtained the custodial death report, which said Friday is when medical staff were requested. He was later taken to a hospital. He died Sunday from blood clots in his lungs, according to the report.

The Vargas family said no one from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office or any other local or federal agencies reached out to them since he died.

ABC-7 reached out to the Sheriff’s Office for comment and for an interview, but they had previously declined interviews for individual in-custody deaths.

In a statement, the EPCSO said:

“I can confirm that our detectives have been in contact with the family on different occasions,” a spokeswoman said. “Regarding the medical treatment, the death is still under review. As the Sheriff stated, every custodial death is independently investigated by our Major Crimes Unit, the Texas Rangers, and TCJS. Our Internal Affairs Division also conducts a separate administrative investigation to determine whether any policies or procedures were violated.”

The Vargas family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs. You can find it here.

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St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, local entrepreneurs officially open the Launch Pad

News-Press NOW on January 29, 2026

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A new hub for innovators, entrepreneurs, remote professionals and business owners in Northwest Missouri is officially up and running in Downtown St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce along with local entrepreneur founders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to christen the new public work space. The new space offers technological resources, mentorship and collaborative opportunities with other businesses.

“This is something we’ve (St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, local entrepreneur founders) been working on for over a year. To see it all come together and what the intent of the space is a full-circle moment,” St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie Hawn said. “We soft-launched on Dec. 1 and hard-launched in January, were already almost at capacity with our office space.”

The Launch Pad is the result of key collaborative efforts between the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Mosaic Life Care and groups like the Show-Me Network and Missouri Technology Corporation, which has provided a three-year grant to develop and manage the space.

Part of the idea to create the Launch Pad is further building on St. Josephs history of entrepreneurship.

A set of cubicles and personalized offices are shown in November inside the Launch Pad at 113 N. 9th St in Downtown St. Joseph.

“We (St. Joseph) were literally founded by entrepreneurs. Historically, we have so many businesses grow into multi-billion dollar companies from innovative ideas like the saltine cracker or a serum,” Hawn said. “We believe success always breeds success. This is something we want people to tell others about, have testimonials to welcome all with open arms and provide resources.”

The early launch has already benefitted businesses, including one tech startup that’s added three employees since being able to secure a space at the Launch Pad, a big jump from it’s early days working out of local coffee shops.

One of the entrepreneurs involved with the Launch Pad’s opening is Jamie Donaldson, who’s already seen businesses find their footing thanks to access to the space. As the co-founder of Juniper Lane and a personal development company, Donaldson knows firsthand the challenges associated with getting a business or personal venture off the ground.

“As an entrepreneur, one of the hardest things is taking that first step, that big leap,” Donaldson said. “Figuring out all of the unknowns like paperwork and requirements. This is a great place to get all those answers and have other people who are in the same boat. It’s that group mentality, the motivation that really builds each other up to be around like minded people who have a similar kind of mindset.”

The Launch Pad is located on 113 N 9th St. For information and questions about reserving a space visit stjlaunchpad.com.

A lunch and meeting space is shown in November inside the Launch Pad at 113 N. 9th St. in Downtown St. Joseph.

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Fire destroys shop at Crooked River Ranch, but firefighters keep the flames from reaching nearby home

KTVZ on January 29, 2026

Barney Lerten

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire Wednesday morning destroyed a shop at Crooked River Ranch, but firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to a nearby home.

The fire was reported around 11:15 a.m., and the first crews to arrive found the 20-by-30-foot shop engulfed in flames, Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Sean Hartley said.

As a result, firefighters staged defensive operations and used water tenders in an area that lacks fire hydrants, Hartley said.

The crews had the fire under control in about 20 minutes, but were on the scene for about two hours for overhaul work and to make sure the fire was fully out.

Several callers to 911 reported the shop fire, with the first indicating no people or animals were trapped.

No injuries were reported and no animals were endangered, the fire chief said. The shop owners were home at the time of the fire.

Hartley said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The department’s response included three engines, two water tenders, a medic unit and a support unit. A total of 17 personnel were called to the scene, including eight career firefighters and nine volunteers.

Several othere fire departments and agencies provided mutual aid, including Redmond Fire & Rescue, the Cloverdale Fire District, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Despite their efforts, the building and its contents suffered a total loss, with no immediate estimate on the value or the damages.

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