Santa Barbara Humane Clears Up Cat Declawing Law Confusion

KEYT on January 27, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – California’s new cat declawing ban is sparking worry among some pet owners, but Santa Barbara Humane wants to set it straight: regular nail trims are still in the clear.

Under AB 867, declawing cats is now illegal in California except when a veterinarian deems it medically necessary.

“ Cats need their claws if they go indoor outdoor it’s really important for them to have them for self-defense but even an indoor only cat it’s part of their body,” said chief veterinary officer Dr. Katie Marrie of Santa Barbara Humane.

The law now limits the procedure to cases involving injury, infection, or disease.

“But it’s also just a normal thing for them. If anybody has a cat at home, they know they see the meeting and scratching on different things that they provide them to do that normal behavior,” said Marrie.

This change puts animal welfare first while preserving necessary treatment.

Some pet owners still have questions about what’s allowed — including whether routine nail trimming is affected.

“They can still trim their cat toenails … they can do it themselves. They can go through a veterinarian or a groomer that provides that service,” said director of shelter services Sandy Simmons of Santa Barbara Humane.

If you’re wondering how to safely trim your cats claws, the Santa Barbara Humane team is here to help seven days a week.

“If a cat is scratching your couch, you wanna put a scratching post of a different fabric there. If it’s both sides then they get one of each spot they’re scratching and giving them proper enrichment,” said Simmons.

Santa Barbara Humane helps owners feel confident caring for their pets through education and support.

“My hope is people really do take the cats in the consideration and that they are still an animal and need their natural kind of abilities,” said Simmons.

The new law aims to protect cats — and strengthen the bond between pets and the people who love them.

From nail trims to education on scratching behavior, Santa Barbara Humane aims to keep pets comfortable — and keep misconceptions about the new law from spreading.

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Public Input Wanted: Idaho Falls launches online open house for Elm Street reconstruction

KIFI on January 27, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Public Works Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department is beginning design work on a reconstruction project focused on improving safety and accessibility along Elm Street. Proposed improvements include street and sidewalk upgrades, traffic safety enhancements, and proposed speed limit changes, including a school zone near Alturas Academy. Community members are invited to learn more about the project and share their feedback through an online open house.

The online open house will allow residents to review proposed improvements for the reconstruction of Elm Street from Yellowstone Avenue to South Boulevard, explore an interactive map, and submit comments online. Public feedback will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2026.

To view the project and proposed improvements, visit the project story map website.

“Elm Street is an important part of our community, connecting downtown with South Boulevard,” said Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director. “The project will improve safety, accessibility, and street conditions for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and students. We encourage everyone to review the plans and provide input by Feb. 15.”

The project will reconstruct Elm Street to improve safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Key improvements include:

Reconstructing pedestrian ramps to meet ADA standards, making sidewalks and crossings accessible for all

Full-depth reconstruction of the roadway to improve street durability

Curb extensions (bulb-outs) at key intersections to improve pedestrian safety

Upgraded storm drain facilities

Relocation of the existing flashing beacon at Ridge Avenue for safer crossings

Updated signage and pavement markings to enhance traffic clarity

Proposed speed updates informed by a recent speed study near Alturas Academy. While the current posted speed limit is 25 mph, most drivers travel closer to 30 mph. The project proposes updating the posted speed to 30 mph, along with a dedicated 20 mph school zone during arrival and dismissal times to improve safety for students.

Design work is underway and is anticipated to be finalized in the spring of 2026 after receiving public input. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2027 to minimize disruptions to Alturas Academy’s school schedule. Public input is a vital part of the process, and the city is seeking feedback from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders on how Elm Street is used today and how the proposed improvements could better support safety and accessibility. This project is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to invest in critical infrastructure and improve connectivity by creating safer, more accessible streets for all users.

How to review and comment:

Explore the story map: View project details, maps and design concepts online.

Submit feedback: Share your comments using the online form on the story map

For more questions about the project or to receive assistance in filling out the form, contact Public Works at (208) 612-8250.

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Know your rights: What to do if ICE comes to your home

KIFI on January 27, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– As immigration enforcement continues to raise questions and concerns for families across Idaho, the ACLU of Idaho is reminding immigrants of their rights if ICE or other law enforcement officers come to their home.

“Immigrants have most of the same rights that US citizens do. So they have freedom of speech. They have the freedom to be free of unlawful search and seizures. They have constitutional rights because they are living inside the United States,” Immigration Attorney Tim Jones said.

Here are your rights as an immigrant in the case of ICE coming to your home, according to the ACLU of Idaho:

If the police or immigration agents come to your home, you do not have to let them in unless they have certain kinds of warrants.

Ask the officer to slip the warrant under the door or hold it up to the window so you can inspect it. A search warrant allows police to enter the address listed on the warrant, but officers can only search the areas and for the items listed. An arrest warrant allows police to enter the home of the person listed on the warrant if they believe the person is inside. A warrant of removal/deportation (ICE warrant) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.

Even if officers have a warrant, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. If you choose to speak to the officers, step outside and close the door.

ICE is also not permitted to enter your home unless they have a legal warrant signed by a judge that states that they have the right to enter your home.

“You will want to make sure and actually look at that warrant and see that warrant for yourself,” Jones said, “They will often say that they have a warrant when they don’t, or they will show you a warrant that’s not actually signed by a judge. And you will want to make sure that it is actually a judicial warrant signed by a judge that gives them that permission.”

In the case that you are questioned by a police officer regarding your legal status, it’s important that you answer truthfully.

“It’s important that you not lie to them, that you not falsely tell them that you are a U.S. citizen if you’re not. But you do not need to tell them what your legal status is,” Jones said.

ICE is permitted to access non-public areas only if they present a valid judicial warrant, and that warrant should be reviewed by legal counsel before any access is allowed.

Here are some reminders in case you are taken into ICE custody,

You have the right to a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you. If you do not have a lawyer, ask for a list of free or low-cost legal services.

You have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your arrest.

Tell the ICE agent you wish to remain silent. Do not discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.

Do not sign anything, such as a voluntary departure or stipulated removal, without talking to a lawyer. If you sign, you may be giving up your opportunity to try to stay in the U.S.

Remember your immigration number (“A” number) and give it to your family. It will help family members locate you.

Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.

What to do when ICE comes to your work:

According to CNN, ICE has gone to many workplaces over the past year. Here’s what to do in the case that ICE comes to your workplace.

Designate an immigration point person, someone to interact with ICE and request warrants.

Handling warrants: ICE can access public areas (lobbies, parking lots) without a warrant.

Put up signs marking non-public areas, post clear signs: “Staff only,” “Private,” or “No public access.”

If an agent gains entry to a private area without authorization, state, “I do not consent to your search or to you entering this private area.”

Document ICE activity, record what ICE takes (pictures or videos with permission).

Make essential information for staff easy to access.

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The School Buzz: Lewis-Palmer High School gives student a huge party during ‘Wish Week’

KRDO on January 27, 2026

Josh Helmuth

MONUMENT, Colo. (KRDO) – Lewis-Palmer High School put on a very special day for another child during their annual “Wish Week” last week.

The student council pulled out all the stops this year for Alex Thrower, who’s spent much of his childhood in the hospital. As part of their “Wish Week,” their goal was to raise money for kids like Alex, while also throwing one giant party for the 12-year-old, and boy, did they.

A packed gym played the “Imperial March” before launching into a light-saber battle. There was also a dance battle and a game against the teachers, “Are You Smarter Than A Seventh Grader?” Some students even shaved their heads as a sign of solidarity with Alex.

The school said, “having a ‘wish kid’ to build our ‘wish week’ around is extremely important so we can make the week more personal.”

“It also gives us a great opportunity to connect with the sweetest kids like Alex.”

Do you know something or someone remarkable at your school? Tell us! SchoolBuzz@KRDO.com.

You can donate to Make A Wish by visiting MakeAWish.com.

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Central Oregon jobless rates hold steady as 2025 ends; region added 1,560 jobs over the past year

KTVZ on January 27, 2026

KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rates saw very little movement from November to December, holding steady inDeschutes and Crook counties and falling slightly in Jefferson County, the state Employment Department reported Tuesday.  

Here’s the agency’s complete regional report:

Bend MSA (Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties): The Bend MSA’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged over the month, at 5.0%. Last year in December, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, or 0.7 percentage point lower.  

The Bend MSA lost 180 jobs in December, a -0.2% decrease ,with the largest losses concentrated in leisure and hospitality (-190 jobs). Accommodation and food services lost 130 jobs, and professional and business services dropped 170. Smaller losses also occurred in other services (-30 jobs), government (-30 jobs), and private education and health services (-20 jobs). Losses in the public sector occurred in local government (-70 jobs) and state government (-10 jobs). 

Public-sector gains were registered in federal government (+50 jobs). Private-sector gains were concentrated in trade, transportation, and utilities (+180 jobs) with retail trade gaining the most jobs (+130 jobs). Smaller private-sector gains occurred in the information industry (+40 jobs); manufacturing (+20 jobs); financial activities (+10 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (+10 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 1.4% (+1,560 jobs) from December 2024 to December 2025. 

Over the year, private job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+500 jobs); private education and health services (+440 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+360 jobs); and other services (+250 jobs). Within leisure and hospitality, accommodation and food services gained 690 jobs. 

Private-sector losses were as widespread as gains but not as large, occurring in information (-350 jobs); professional and business services (-150 jobs); manufacturing (-100 jobs); financial activities (-80 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (-40 jobs). Within manufacturing, durable goods lost 150 jobs, slightly offset by a gain of 50 jobs elsewhere in the industry for a net loss of 100 jobs. Similarly, within the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, retail trade gained 290 jobs, but these gains were outweighed by larger losses, resulting in a net decline. 

The public sector gained 730 jobs over the year, with all gains occurring at the local government level (+820 jobs), while public-sector losses were minimal and seen in state government (-60 jobs) and federal government (-30 jobs). 

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9% in December 2025, up 0.8 percentage point from the previous year and unchanged from November to December. Outside of the pandemic recession, the last time the unemployment rate was 5.9% was in 2016.  

Crook County lost 60 jobs (-0.8%) over the month. Losses were concentrated within mining, logging, and construction (-30 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-20 jobs); private education and health services (-10 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (-10 jobs). Within the mining, logging, and construction industry, all losses occurred in construction, while in trade, transportation, and utilities, all losses occurred in wholesale trade. Public-sector employment stayed steady with federal government gains (+20 jobs) offset by local government losses (-20 jobs). Private-sector gains were minimal and occurred in the manufacturing industry (+10 jobs). All other major industries saw little to no change over the month.  

Over the past year, the county lost 330 jobs (-4.3%). Losses were concentrated within the information industry (-270 jobs) and mostly occurred due to a change in the way the data was reported. Otherwise, losses occurred in government (-50 jobs); professional and business services (-40 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-30 jobs); private education and health services (-30 jobs); and financial activities (-10 jobs). 

Over the year job gains were not as widespread and were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+50 jobs); other services (+30 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (+20 jobs).  

Deschutes County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9% in December 2025, and like Crook County, unchanged over the month. In December 2024, it was 4.1%. Outside of the pandemic recession, the last time it was 4.9% was in 2016 and it remains 1.6 percentage points above its record low of 3.3% before the onset of the pandemic. 

Deschutes County lost 50 jobs (-0.1%) from November to December, with the largest losses occurring in professional and business services (-160 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (-140 jobs). Smaller but notable losses also occurred in the public sector (-30 jobs) and other services (-20 jobs). Within the public sector, losses were concentrated at the local and state level (-50 and -10 jobs, respectively), but federal government gained 30 jobs offsetting some of the losses. 

Private-sector job gains were concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (+210 jobs) with the majority of gains taking place in retail trade (+150 jobs). Other losses occurred in mining, logging, and construction (+40 jobs); information (+40 jobs); and financial activities (+10 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 2.1% (+2,050 jobs) from December 2024 to December 2025. Over the year, private job gains were seen in private education and health services (+520 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+390 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+300 jobs); and other services (+110 jobs). Smaller gains were also seen in manufacturing (+30 jobs). Over the year, private-sector losses were concentrated in information (-80 jobs); financial activities (-60 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (-20 jobs). 

The public sector gained 860 jobs over the year, with all gains occurring at the local government level (+930 jobs). Federal government employment decreased by 40 jobs over the year while state government employment was down 30 jobs. 

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.8% in December 2025, down from 5.9% in November and up 1.2 percentage points from December 2024. Like the other two counties, the last time the unemployment rate was this high, outside of the pandemic recession, was 2016. Shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19 were felt the rate was 4.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 70 jobs (-1.1%) over the month of December. Although per‑industry losses were modest, they were widespread affecting leisure and hospitality (-20 jobs); professional and business services (-20 jobs); other services (-10 jobs); private education and health services (-10 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-10 jobs); and government (-10 jobs). Within the public sector all losses occurred at the state level. Similarly, within trade, transportation, and utilities all losses took place in retail trade. Gains were minimal and concentrated in manufacturing (+10 jobs). Very little movement was seen otherwise with little to no change in all other industries.  

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 180 jobs over the past year (-2.7%). Gains were concentrated within one private-sector industry, other services (+30 jobs). Losses were spread across more industries, with the largest losses occurring in manufacturing (-70 jobs); professional and business services (-50 jobs); government (-30 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-20 jobs); and private education and health services (-20 jobs). Smaller but notable losses occurred in leisure and hospitality (-10 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction, specifically mining and logging (-10 jobs). All other industries saw little or no change year-over-year.  

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department has yet to receive an updated release schedule from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The January 2026 data would typically be released in March. We are awaiting notification from the BLS regarding publication dates for the rest of the year and will update our schedule of future releases as dates become available. 

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Two local organizations to hold Pickleball Fundraiser

KYMA on January 27, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Sunrise Optimist Club of Yuma and Yuma Special Olympics are hosting the Third Annual Pickleball Fundraiser in March.

The event is taking place Saturday, March 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cocopah RV & Golf Resort.

This is to support the Special Olympic athletes.

The event will consist of three groups, Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles. There will also be two age divisions, Cucumbers (54 years and below) and Pickles (55 years and above).

The event schedule is as follows:

Saturday, March 14

Pickles

Women’s: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Men’s: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Cucumbers

Women’s: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Men’s: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 14

Pickles Mixed: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Cucumbers Mixed: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The registration deadline is March 2. It costs $70 per team, and those who sign up will receive a T-shirt and a swag bag.

To sign up to participate in the event, click here.

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Yuma Palms to host food sampler and giveaway

KYMA on January 27, 2026

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – An event for local foodies is planned for Tuesday.

A Taste of Yuma Palms Regional Center is being held on Tuesday, January 27 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Participating businesses at Yuma Palms will offer free samples.

Locals can collect stamps for their menu cards to enter a chance to win a $100 gift card for their choice of restaurant or store.

Yuma Palms is located at 1305 Yuma Palms Pkwy.

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Two injured in separate snowmobile accidents on Granite Creek Road Friday

KIFI on January 27, 2026

News Team

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Teton County Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two simultaneous snowmobile accidents that left two riders with serious injuries on Granite Creek Road this past Friday.

According to a post on TCSAR’s Facebook page, the first call came in just before 4 PM, indicating a 39-year-old man had crashed and rolled about 30 feet down an embankment. The man had seriously injured his leg in the crash. Due to the severity of the man’s injury, TCSAR mobilized both a helicopter and a ground team to the trailhead.

As teams were on the scene of the first site, preparing the rigging for short-haul, the volunteers received another distress call. A guided snowmobile party reported that a 32-year-old woman had collided with a tree. She had reportedly lost consciousness and was suffering from life-threatening injuries.

The serious nature of the accident forced rescue coordinators to pivot resources in real-time. he TCSAR helicopter paused its initial short-haul rescue to ferry a volunteer to the second crash site. It then looped back to the trailhead to pick up two additional rescuers to assist with the woman’s critical condition.

Meanwhile, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS dispatched two ambulances to the trailhead, while TCSAR deployed an additional vehicle and a RZR side-by-side to reach the second patient via the road.

The helicopter then returned to the first scene to take the injured man directly to a waiting ambulance. At the same time, ground teams stabilized the 32-year-old woman and transported her out of the backcountry using the RZR side-by-side. TCSAR says both patients were successfully handed over to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS for further medical treatment.

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Former school board member Kenneth Reeder seeks mayoral office

News-Press NOW on January 27, 2026

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — A former St. Joseph School District Board of Education member is running for mayor.

Kenneth Reeder was born and raised in St. Joseph. Before running for mayor, he served on the St. Joseph School District Board of Education from 2021 to 2024.

Reeder said he is running for mayor to ensure residents have a voice.

“Not to be locked out of City Hall any longer for them to start standing up and making tough decisions, not the go along, get along mentality,” he said. “I have as much experience in City Hall as anyone that’s on that council, and especially in the mayor’s position. I kinda understand how it works. I’m for the regular guy. I’m for using common sense.”

If elected, Reeder shared his goal to be transparent with St. Joseph residents.

“I’m going tell you when I made a mistake. I’m going to honestly say, like I said last night, it’s not so much people know or think they know,” he said. “It’s what they think they know that’s the truth. No matter what, I will not be hesitant whatsoever if I made a mistake or wrong decision to tell the truth and come clean with it. Not (to) try to sweep it under the rug and make constant excuses.”

Reeder hammered on advocating to do the right thing.

“Even if I have to stand alone,” he said. “Against the unanimous head bobbing, go along, get along mentality that we have. We need to stand up for things that are wrong.”

Reeder said that if he is elected, he wants to be involved and be truthful.

“Stand up for being transparent. Do a lot of these things even if I have to stand alone,’ he said. “Against the unanimous head bobbing, go along, get along mentality that we have. We need to stand up for things that are wrong.”

Reeder said his three priorities if elected would be ending the city council’s COVID protocols, restoring Interstate I-229, and increasing diversity on the council.

“First thing will be, take the council out of the back room. Let’s get off COVID protocol on our meetings, it’s only 20 nights of their entire life,” he said. “As mayor, I have hundreds of people who agree with me on the I-229 thing, tearing it down and restoring it to what we have. You know what’s the biggest thing wrong with this city council they look just like me. No diversity, no females, no minority whatsoever, it hasn’t been for eight years. I mean, come on, what’s wrong with this picture.”

Reeder said he aims to make St. Joseph the largest hotspot-friendly town.

“Could be done very easily with a lot of reasons, and it wouldn’t cost us, taxpayers, any money. We could be the largest hotspot, wifi-friendly town in America, and what a great billboard to have out on I-229 saying hey welcome to St. Joseph, free wifi if you’re within our city limits. That hotspot is something I would like to expand upon.

Reeder said the city faces several pressing issues, including sewer rates.

“The sewer rates is the one people are sticking their head in the sand about because it’s keeping business from coming here,” he said. “It’s keeping a lot people from developing in town because our sewer rates are unreasonable.”

Reeder said he has been a longtime supporter of the police department.

“ But I think the police officers for their own career from the start to the end deserve more money because they’re always policemen and their life is more in jeopardy every time they have a uniform on because they have to wear a gun,” he said. “Firemen and police are different. Police are what’s needed and are more in jeopardy with their lives, all the time. I think they should be paid significantly different throughout their career. I think firemen should be paid more now too.”

Reeder said his overall commitment is to protect the taxpayers.

“Every decision I make will be focused on protecting your interests and ensuring your voice is heard in city government,” he said. I treat every dollar like it’s my own and make sure your money works for you and not against you.

The primary election will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Reeder is running against St. Joseph mayoral incumbent, John Josendale, and candidates Jonathan McClain and Larry Miller.

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Festival Theaters in Palm Springs unveils new chapter for moviegoers

KESQ on January 27, 2026

Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Festival Theaters in Palm Springs is entering a new chapter by focusing on independent, international films and LGBTQ+ films. General manager, Zack Solomon, says the theater hopes to become a destination for indie films in the Coachella Valley. They also plan to expand showtimes to make films more accessible.

This comes as theaters across the nation have closed doors since the pandemic. A recent poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that three quarters of Americans say they opted to watch a new movie on a streaming platform instead of going in person to the theater at least once in 2025.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from Festival Theaters about their new chapter.

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