United Airlines to offer year-round service between LA and Palm Springs at PSP

KESQ on January 30, 2026

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs International Airport announced today that United Airlines will offer daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Palm Springs year-round.  

“This year-round service reflects the growing demand we’re seeing at PSP during all months of the year,” Executive Director of Aviation Harry Barrett Jr. said in a statement. “Reliable, year-round connectivity to LAX strengthens our region’s access to global destinations while supporting continued growth for our community.”

Airport officials said the expansion of service from seasonal to year-round was part of the airport’s strategy to enhance connectivity, expand nonstop options, and better serve travelers.   

“We’re excited to expand our seasonal service between Palm Springs and Los Angeles to year-round,” said Mark Weithofer, United’s managing director of Domestic Network Planning. “From trips with friends, traveling to see family and all the moments in between — this provides our travelers with greater flexibility and more convenient options that best suit their travel needs.”  

There will be up to two daily flights during peak travel seasons and one daily flight during the summer months. In addition, guests departing from PSP can connect to more than two dozen destinations, including Hawaii, Asia, Mexico and Canada.

Tickets for United Airlines year-round service can be found at United.com.

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Isla Vista Hiring a Parking Manager to Solve Vehicle Issues  in the Tight Community

KEYT on January 30, 2026

John Palminteri

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) –  The effort to put the brakes on parking problems in Isla Vista is going into high gear with the hiring of a Parking Manager.

The Isla Vista Community Services District has posted the position and is taking applications.

The district says the goal is to reduce illegal parking, promote sustainability through alternative options, and enhance the livability and safety of Isla Vista. 

Jenna Norton is the Isla Vista Community Services District Public Works and Sustainability Manager. She says, “we deserve to have safe community where emergency vehicles have easy access.  We deserve to have intersections with  a clear view  so you are not at risk of hitting a  pedestrians or a  bicyclist .”

The program will involve outreach, education, enforcement and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

There will also be a stepped up effort to write citations for vehicles that are illegally parked.

This includes vehicles in the red zones, by fire hydrants, across alley openings, around street corners and blocking ADA access points. .    There’s numerous violations on many streets.

“It is not going to be strictly writing citations although that is part of the job.  We are looking for someone who see’s the bigger picture of what a huge impact this program  will have for the safety and well being of our community,” said Norton. “The blocked sidewalks the blocked curb ramps it is something most people don’t think about but it is so detrimental.”

The offenses are very common in IV and it causes safety problems throughout the very tight and highly populated community.

Dulce Vallerga is a UCSB Senior and an Isla Vista resident and says, “I see people parking in spots where you shouldn’t be parking but where else can you park?”

Some residents have to walk blocks to get to their front door after they park.

It is something resident feel frustrated about. Loren Maher said, “it has just become so normalized, parking in red zones and hanging  out in the driveway is so the crosswalk and the sidewalk is covered, it is so normalized.”

It can be very difficult to fit in what is open. “Sometimes there is a spot, but I actually don’t know how to parallel  park but I get frustrated because that is the only spot available for me.”

Araceli Avina said “I feel like if no one does anything it is just going to continue.  I know people are going to think parking fines are the way to go but you have to try something in order to know if it is going to work or not. “

Hearing about a ticket plan, which is already in place with the Sheriff’s Department, Shawn Singh said, “I think it will be a hardship on me and a hardship on everyone. The school is only getting bigger, they are accepting more people  more and more people going to college . “

The deadline to apply for the manager post is February 6th.

For more information go to : IVCSD.

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2026 plans at Santa Maria Fairpark ‘moving forward’ as search for new leader continues

KEYT on January 30, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Preparations for the 2026 calendar of events at the Santa Maria Fairpark are underway at the same time the facility’s Board of Directors continues to search for a new permanent chief operating officer (CEO).

The Fairpark, which is operated by a state entity officially known as the 37th District Agriculture Association (DAA), has been without a CEO since the departure of Caitlin Miller last March.

“We are still advertising actively for a CEO,” said Kevin Merrill, Santa Maria Fairpark Board President. “We need one desperately. Any company needs a leader and we certainly need one here. We’re lucky that we have some folks helping us from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) who have stepped up, and we have a CEO from another fairpark helping us right now get through this time that we’re in the in the waiting period.”

Merrill indicated there has been a number of factors that have prevented the Board from filling the CEO position.

“The CEO project, it’s kind of a bureaucratic process working through the state,” said Merrill. “We have to hit certain criteria. And, you know, in Santa Maria is not a cheap place to live and so when people are looking at relocating or coming along to the Central Coast, which is a beautiful place to live, one of the hangs up is, of course, the cost of living here. People really look at that, and so we’re working through those things to see what we can do to entice that position and make it a little more friendly, both economically for them and work with CDFA to fulfill their requirements.”

As the ongoing search stretches on into a new calendar year, planning for the year, especially for the two marquee annual events, the Santa Barbara County Fair and Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, are having to carry on.

“We’re moving forward even without the CEO position,” said Merrill. “We had a we have a part time, help from another fair park and they’re helping guide our staff, which are really doing a great job. We’ll get these things done, but of course, it’s always better to have a CEO here.”

While the search is ongoing for a new CEO, the Fairpark is set to add a major new attraction to the facility later this year.

The Board is close to finalizing a deal that would relocate the popular Santa Maria BBQ Festival from Pioneer Park to the Fairpark.

“We’re really excited about the Santa Maria BBQ Festival finding its new home here at the Santa Mair Fairpark,” said BBQ Festival Coordinator Jaime Flores. “We’ve been in talks with them over the last few months about relocating the event. We’ve outgrown the venue at Pioneer Park, so this will be the eighth year, and right now the goal is to move it into the month of September, over the weekend of the 18th through the 20th.”

In addition to the future relocation, Flores added the BBQ Festival will dramatically expand in scope and size.

“Going forward, it’s going to be a three-day event, a true celebration of Santa Maria Style barbecue,” said Flores. “Friday night we’ll have our kickoff, with a with a dance party and lots of entertainment. We’ve also rebranded it. It’s now the Santa Maria Barbecue and Music Festival. The music element is being added to the event over the entire weekend with music all the way through Sunday night. So Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be the new dates of the events. We’re super excited to also announced the comeback of the Santa Maria Beer Festival. It’ll be on Sunday, September 20th that same weekend, so Saturday will be the barbecue competition, Sunday, the beer festival, and then music and entertainment all weekend long.”

In addition to the those new elements, Flores added there will also be a carnival added to the festival as well.

“There’ll be carnival rides and activities for the kids,” said Flores. “It’s family friendly. The event is going to be a free event to attend. What people will be paying for is going to be the barbecue sampling during the competition, and then of course, the beer tasting during the beer festival, so those would be the paid tickets that you’ll be purchasing, but other than that, the community, the out of towners, and all those that enjoy barbecue are welcome to join us all weekend long.”

Another notable change set to take place this year will be a significant change to the Santa Barbara County Fair.

Merrill said plans are in the works to open the Fair for a three-day run on the weekend before the traditional Wednesday opening day.

The Santa Barbara County Fair webpage on the Fairpark website lists the Fair to run from Friday, July 3 through Sunda, July 5 and from Wednesday July 8 through Sunday, July 12.

The Fair will be closed to the public on Monday July 6 and Tuesday, July 7, except for the local junior agricultural students.

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Local man arrested after allegedly threatening to shoot roommate “in the face” during argument over flashlight

KIFI on January 30, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 34-year-old Bonneville County man is in custody facing multiple felony charges after allegedly threatening to shoot his roommate “in the face” during an argument over a flashlight.

Jeramie Mark Seward was booked into the Bonneville County Jail on Thursday for felony aggravated assault, felony possession of methamphetamine, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the initial incident took place on January 27 at a trailer park near 65th W. and 33rd S. A man and a woman told Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies that Seward, their roommate, became aggressive during an argument over a flashlight. According to investigators, the victims reported that Seward pointed a small shotgun at the man’s head and threatened to “shoot him in the face.”

Afterwards, the two roommates fled the trailer with their belongings and contacted law enforcement. Following their report, an investigator was able to contact Seward by phone. Although Seward initially told the deputy over the phone that the argument was strictly verbal and no weapons were involved or present in the trailer, investigators were able to obtain both a search warrant and a felony arrest warrant.

Bonneville County SWAT assembles for operation. January 29, 2026.

On Thursday, January 29, the BCSO SWAT Team was deployed to serve the warrants due to the reported presence of a firearm. Seward, who had been told by neighbors that police were at his home, eventually contacted deputies and agreed to meet them at the trailer, where he was arrested without further incident.

While deputies did not find the small shotgun described by the victims during the search of the trailer, they did uncover multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia, around 4 grams of Methamphetamine, and a small pellet gun.

Seward’s preliminary hearing has been set for February 13, 2026, at 1 PM, before Bonneville County magistrate judge Jacob Workman.

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Two hospitalized, one airlifted after two-vehicle crash on US-93 in southern Idaho

KIFI on January 30, 2026

Seth Ratliff

JEROME COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A crash on U.S. Highway 93 in southern Idaho sent two people to the hospital Friday morning.

The crash took place at around 8:00 AM at the intersection of US-93 and Golf Course Road in Jerome County. According to ISP reports, the driver of a black 2012 Ford Escape was attempting a left-hand turn onto Golf Course Road when they were struck by a blue 2022 Ford Bronco traveling southbound.

The impact was severe enough that one driver was airlifted to a regional medical facility due to the severity of their injuries, while the other was taken by ground ambulance to a local hospital. As of late Friday morning, the medical conditions of both individuals remain undisclosed.

ISP is leading the investigation into the incident, primarily focusing on determining the right-of-way at the time of the crash. Investigators are also working to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.

The Idaho State Police is asking for the public’s help. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who observed the traffic signal lights at or near the time of the collision is asked to contact the ISP District 4 office at 208-324-6000.

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Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business Starts Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Weekend Clinics

KEYT on January 30, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Business students at Cal Poly are activating their free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, weekend clinics.

Individuals and families who made $67,000 or less in 2025 automatically qualify for the vita program.

“About 50 years ago, there was this professor at California State University, Northridge,” says Grace O’connor, a student at Orfalea College Of Business. “He noticed this growing problem with tax preparers scamming taxpayers. So he started this program, and people lined up out the door. And from there, the IRS turned it into a national, sponsored program where Cal Poly is proudly one of 9500 sites.”

At Cal Poly, the clinics run from 9:30 to 2 every Saturday at the Orfalea College of Business.

There will also be clinics in Santa Maria and Oceano.

“Our Oceano clinic at Lucia Mar School will open next weekend, as well as our Santa Maria office at Allan Hancock College,” says Symon Marcotte, another student at Orfalea College Of Business.

Current business students at the clinics provide free help with completing both federal and state tax returns. They’re trained to help people make sure they’re claiming every eligible deduction and credit the IRS provides. 

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that, they may be eligible for more credits and refunds than they may think,” says O’Connor.

They also assist with filing returns electronically.

“The income limit has expanded in comparison to last year, specifically,” says O’Connor. “And with that being said, more people can qualify and more people can be a part of our student run program.”

Student volunteers say many people struggle with how complex tax filing can be at times.

“And I think a lot of, people take bad advice,” says Marcotte. “So instead of consulting with a professional, they just, go with what their friend told them, and maybe their friend didn’t see it from a very great source.”

The clinics will be held every Saturday except Valentine’s Day, between now and March 14th.

For more information on Cal Poly’s VITA weekend clinics or to see if you qualify for their assistance, you can get started clicking this link to visit their website.

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El Pasoans feel hopeful as 2026 predicted to be cheapest year for gas since 2020

KVIA on January 30, 2026

Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)— Some El Pasoans have been feeling a sense of relief when pumping gas in 2026.

According to GasBuddy, 2026 is set to be the cheapest year for fuel since 2020. The national average is expected to be at $2.97 per gallon.

Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, explained that gas prices are typically lowest at the start of the year. He said that in 3 to 5 weeks from now, gas prices will begin to climb, which is normal. Gas prices increase in the spring due to a rise in demand.

GasBuddy reports that each year, American households spend $2,083 on fuel.

With the projected trend for 2026, consumers are projected to spend $100 less than in 2025.

El Pasoans said right now they spend anywhere between $40 and $70 each time they fuel up. Some said they are always in search of a good deal to help save some money.

“I have family on the east side that’ll tell me, like, “Hey, you know, gas is this cheap. Like, if you want to come over, come get it now. Like, it’s at this price,'” one El Paso resident said.

“I try to watch my speed at the same time, trying to get as much miles to the gallon as I could, just so I’m not burning all my gas in one time,” another El Pasoan added.

Another said they rely on the Circle K app to help track gas prices around El Paso.

With the news that gas will fall below $3 in 2026, some are feeling hopeful this will be a year of savings.

“It makes me feel good. I’m glad. So that way I can go on more trips, especially around the country, like road tripping. So that’s good. But I mean, the price of groceries is still up, so it kind of balances out.”

“I feel like I want to be hopeful, but at the same time, I’m like, I don’t know.”

“It gives me a lot of hope.”

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Mushers and their dogs compete in the Warm Lake Stage Race

KIFI on January 30, 2026

KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 30 JAN 26 12:40 ET

By Steve Dent

Click here for updates on this story

    CASCADE, Idaho (KIVI) — The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge canceled the 100-mile and the 300-mile Iditarod qualifier because of a lack of snow, but they were able to host the Warm Lake Stage Race.

The Warm Lake Stage Race is a two-day race where mushers and their teams run 26 miles. The course starts and ends at North Shore Lodge at Warm Lake about 26 miles east of Cascade.

“This year I want to defend I want to defend my title as first place winner,” said Caroline Nevills. “It is a really fun race, I love running this one.”

Two years ago Nevills didn’t finish, but last year she was the champion of this race. The Warm Lake Stage Race is geared more towards up-and-coming mushers and locals like Nevills who picked up the sport from her mother, Liz, as they live in Middleton.

“It’s more of a family sport, which I love it, it gets me exercise and I have a lot of fun doing this,” said Caroline, who is 18-years-old and will be going to school in Alaska next year. “It’s mom and me time essentially.”

The Warm Lake Stage Race is also a spectator friendly event as it is free to see the teams compete. They will be on the course for about two hours before finishing where they started at North Shore Lodge.

The teams had a cheering section to help see them off as sixth graders from the Ambrose School in Boise came up for the race on a field trip. Their teachers have the children read Call of the Wild, then they come up and experience it.

“I think they are just as excited as the dogs were before the race,” said teacher Grace Anderson. “Yes and it is wonderful for us to come up. This is our fourth year so we have actually been here since the start of the Warm Lake Race,” said the other sixth-grade teacher Savannah Stame.

The teachers told me it is the highlight of the year for the students, and for a while this race was in jeopardy. However, they got enough snow east of Cascade in the mountains to run the race.

“We prayed for snow and we are just happy to have a race,” said Nevills. “The dogs need the exercise, we are happy to run them and we enjoy this a lot.”

The second stage of the race will happen on Friday at 10 a.m. If you do take the detour up on your way to the McCall Winter Carnival, take it slow as the road in is covered in snow and ice. The mushers and their teams will also be at Hotel NoBo in Cascade on Saturday for a meet and greet at 10 a.m.

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San Luis students join national walkout & lead peaceful anti ICE raid protests

KYMA on January 30, 2026

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local students join a national walkout. High schoolers led a peaceful anti-ICE raid protest Friday morning.

San Luis High School students held two protests to stand in solidarity with Minnesota following recent fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents.

“As a border town, it was just the best thing to do to spread awareness and stand together and speak out for our community” said San Luis High School senior Porsche Hoyos.

Students held signs and walked from the school, down Cesar Chavez boulevard, and to Joe Orduno park.

One high school senior who helped organize the protest and share the message across social media shares what impact she hopes to make.

“We don’t agree with what’s going on, and we want to keep our community safe. Whether if it was local or not, I think we would have still chosen to speak out because it is an important thing, and to just turn a blind eye just isn’t the right thing to do morally. And again, I think this has been far from politics and just about humanity and keeping our community safe,” said Hoyos.

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Man dies of cancer after surviving Eaton Fire

CNN Newsource on January 30, 2026

By Jasmine Viel

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — Armed with just a hose, Tony Herrera spent 20 hours on a roof trying his best to protect his neighborhood from the Eaton Fire last year.

His partner Monica Williams said she watched in fear as homes around them started to burn.

“It was crazy,” she said. “The fire was so close to the house.”

Herrera and his nephew held their ground against the flames throughout the night, fighting to stop the flames from burning not only their home but their neighbors’ houses.

“I truly believe if they were not up there watering down, we would’ve lost our house as well as the neighbors,” Williams said. “He was definitely a hero that night for a lot of people.”

In the days after the fire, Herrera didn’t stop helping. Williams said he watched for looters, brought food and water to the elderly and documented the devastation around him.

“This is just a couple houses down from where I’m at,” Herrera said in a video from last year. “It’s really sad, you know. But, let me tell you something, people here in Altadena are coming together like crazy.”

But after his heroic actions, Herrera learned that cancer had spread to his lungs.

“It returned,” Williams said. “I’m thinking it returned but with a vengeance because of everything he breathed in.”

Hererra died less than a year after the Eaton Fire.

“It’s very devastating,” Williams said. “After surviving the fire, the cancer just took him so fast.”

Williams said the fire changed their neighborhood forever but Herrera’s courage never left.

“I will continue to move forward, represent the person he was,” Williams. “Honorable, generous, kind person.”

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.