Palm Springs City Council to consider directly elected mayor change

KESQ on February 18, 2026

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs city leadership is considering a switch back to directly electing a mayor, if approved by voters.

Since 2019, the city has rotated mayors every year from 5 elected city council members, after threat of a hefty lawsuit due to a lack of Latino representation. The current mayor is Naomi Soto from District 4.

Earlier this month, Councilmember Grace Garner asked the council to prepare materials for a discussion on the switch, something former mayors and current councilmen Jeffrey Bernstein and Ron deHarte support looking into.

“Overwhelmingly, our residents want to be able to choose who their mayor is. They want to go back to that time. They want to be able to exercise their vote and choose who their mayor is,” deHarte said.

Since 2019, the city has had three Latino mayors serve. The measure asks if it’s still needed given the efficiency.

“In a lot of ways, what it intended to set out to do has been done. We’ve had three Latino mayors. We had two of the youngest mayors we’ve ever had,” Bernstein said.

The rotation has faced critiques over the years, like a lack in consistency and influence from the mayor over the council.

“The longevity of a four year mayor is really important to the city, being able to maintain high level relationships with your community organizations and the neighborhoods,” deHarte said.

If the measure progresses, it could change a lot in the city.

“We could have four districts and an elected mayor, six districts, and an elected mayor. When the census happens in 2030 we’re going to have to look at redistricting anyway. So part of another question is is this a timing issue?” Bernstein said.

He also says the city has to consider if they’ll face legal challenges from the past lawsuit and the price of a new ballot measure.

However, deHarte says the cost wouldn’t compare to voters’ desires.

“Well, the cost is really minimal to the operations of the city. You have another stipend for a council member, build out costs there would be to create another office here at City Hall. So the expense to go through the effort is minimal. Being able to put it on the ballot in November when there’s already an election happening, it’s the perfect time to,” deHarte said.

The measure will come back to the city council for discussion in the first week of April. Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Opponent accused of campaign finance violation by SLO County District 4 Supervisor

KEYT on February 18, 2026

Dave Alley

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County District 4 Supervisor Jimmy Paulding has accused opponent Adam Verdin of violating campaign finance rules.

Paulding announced this week he has submitted a formal complaint to the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), with a copy provided to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, requesting an investigation into the alleged violation of local campaign finance law.

“The complaint, essentially, says that there is a local contribution limit how much somebody can donate to a local political campaign, and that is $5,900, and in this particular case, my opponent, Adam Verdin, has taken twice that limit from a local developer,” Paulding said in an interview with News Channel 3-12 on Wednesday. “I think that that’s problematic and I think the voters of District 4 deserve transparency.”

In question by Paulding is a pair of $5,900 donations to the Verdin campaign from Covelop, Inc., a San Luis Obispo-based real estate development company.

“When I joined the Board of Supervisors, I voted to reduce the limit from $25,000 per individual business or political action committee down to $5,900,” said Paulding. In this particular case, my opponent has taken, $11,800 from (Covelop, Inc.). 

Paulding, who is seeking a second term as District 4 Supervisor after first winning the seat in 2022 state in a statement this week, he is asking for “a thorough and impartial investigation into whether Verdin’s campaign knowingly violated contribution limits and whether any additional enforcement action is warranted.”

“What is important is that we see any local candidate play by the rules, play by our local rules,” said Paulding. “The complaint to the Fair Political Practices Commission simply asks is this legal? Is this ethical? Can you look into this? The Fair Political Practices Commission will undertake an investigation. It could result if there is a violation in either civil penalties or criminal penalties. The matter has been referred to the District Attorney as well. It’s his job to determine what authority he has over the matter and I did get a response from him saying that he would have his Public Integrity Unit look into this.”

In response, Verdin has denied wrongdoing and also spoke to News Channel 3-12 on Wednesday regarding the allegations.

“We followed the law,” said Verdin. “We’ve properly allocated $5,900 towards the Primary Election and towards the General Election. “Right now, from now until March 6th, somebody else can join the race, in which case it would likely get pushed to a General Election. We can’t touch that money allocated for a General Election if there’s if there’s no General Election, then we return that money to the donor. It’s pretty black and white, and frankly, there’s no controversy here.” 

The South County businessman and pilot is participating in his first political race. He expressed disappointment he is needing to defend him even though he states he followed the election law that Paulding supported earlier in his term. 

“Supervisor Paulding has run for office, this would be his fourth campaign,” said Verdin. “He has a very strong campaign team that are very experienced. I would say that they are very knowledgeable about these set of rules. As a matter of fact, Supervisor Paulding voted on this, so I just think it’s an opportunity for him to make a headline and I think these kind of allegations distract us from the important issues of our county.”

Verdin added he is optimistic that any forthcoming investigation would clear him of any unfair or illegal financial

“The allegations simply are incorrect in the interpretation of the law and it’s well-established law,” said Verdin. “I really look at it like it’s behind me. We have significant issues in this county, that myself as a candidate, and my opponent as the incumbent, should be focused on and I don’t think this is one of them.”

District 4 in San Luis Obispo County represents Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Huasna, Edna Valley, California Valley and other unincorporated portions of the South County.

Voting for the seat will be held during the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

A candidate will need to capture a majority of votes in June to win the election. If not, a runoff will take place during the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

Whoever wins the race will be sworn in early January 2027.

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

 

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Police respond to a surge of crashes as winter weather grips the area

KIFI on February 18, 2026

Ariel Jensen

UPDATED: 4:15 PM

SOUTHEAST, Idaho (KIFI) — As severe winter weather grips Southeast Idaho, both the Idaho State Police and local authorities have been busy responding to several slide-offs and crashes throughout the area.

In a recent Facebook post, ISP released images of several minor crashes that took place along I-15 and US-20 early Wednesday morning.

Courtesy ISP via Facebook

In Rexburg, nearly 4 1/2 inches of snow and winter weather led to multiple crashes, one of which snarled traffic at the intersection of Main St & 2nd W in the morning.

Courtesy: Rexburg Police.

Drivers are being urged to slow down and be cautious on the slick roads as another round of snow is on the way.

ORIGINAL:

SOUTHEAST IDAHO (KIFI) — As severe winter weather grips Southeast Idaho, Idaho State Police troopers have been busy responding to several slide-offs and crashes along I-15 and US-20.

In a recent Facebook post, ISP released images of several minor crashes that took place early Wednesday morning. To keep motorists safe, ISP is urging drivers to stay put if they lose control.

“If you slide off the highway and your vehicle is in a safe location, please remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened while waiting for emergency personnel,” ISP advised in a recent Facebook post. “Exiting your vehicle along the highway can be extremely dangerous.”

To keep track of all road closures and crash delays, click HERE.

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Jefferson City man to be sentenced in April after pleading guilty to felony in 2024 shooting

KMIZ on February 18, 2026

Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Prosecutors have dropped seven felonies against a man charged with a Jefferson City shooting as part of a guilty plea.

Adonius Boykin, 21, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a weapon on Feb. 10. The judge on Tuesday scheduled his sentencing to be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 14. He is currently being held at the Cole County Jail.

Boykin was previously charged with two counts of first-degree assault, three counts of armed criminal action and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

According to previous reporting, the victim in the shooting found by police on June 30, 2024, at a residence in the 700 block of Ewing Drive with at least three gunshot wounds. The victim and witnesses allegedly identified Boykin as the shooter.

Police allegedly found evidence that shots were fired from inside the house and found a shell casing near where the victim was standing when he was shot, court documents in previous reporting say.

Online court records state this was an open plea and the full range of punishment is available. The entry said all counts and cases would run at the same time. Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson said the state is requesting a 15-year sentence.

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Columbia considers $100,000 improvements to Field Park

KMIZ on February 18, 2026

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

Columbia Parks and Recreation had its first public comment on Wednesday regarding improvements to Field Park, located at 900 Range Line St.

The improvements would include two new pickleball courts, for which Columbia College has reportedly agreed to chip in $40,000, according to the capital improvement project search. That’s along with updates to lighting and landscaping, plus new sidewalks and playground equipment.

The project is budgeted for $100,000, according to the city. The project would be funded through the 2021 park sales tax.

Rebecca Shaw, a Columbia resident, said the city should consider adding permanent bathrooms to the park.

“It’s a place where our unhoused congregate. It’s a small park, there’s a lot of shade in the summertime. Usually, they are left alone. The residents around them don’t bother them. They don’t bother, you know each other,” Shaw said.

Ward 1 Councilwoman Valerie Carroll said public restrooms and water fountains would add to the park.

“We need to be aware of the people who use the park, the people who neighbor the park,” Carroll said. “We can’t design it without being aware of the use.”

Parks and Recreation Director Gabe Huffington said there may not be room in the budget for restrooms, but the park will be renovated so that everyone can enjoy it.

“We’re designing a park to accommodate lots of different folks that may visit there. We know that continuing to have seating in that park is essential for some of the folks that are there now, and so that’s something we’ll continue to have in the park that we’ll show in the plans,” Huffington said.

Huffington said there will be another public comment meeting within the next couple of months, which would be geared toward the people who live near Field Park.

After that hearing, the renovation plan can be submitted to the parks and recreation committee, and then it will go before the City Council for a vote, Huffington said. The earliest people could use the park is the fall.

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Palm Springs Fire previews Open House amid push for new fire station in downtown area

KESQ on February 18, 2026

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Fire Department is giving the media a first look before it hosts an Open House event next Monday.

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson reported last night on the push from nearby businesses to stop the fire station due to concerns about parking.

Fire Chief Paul Alvarado said the downtown fire station sees the highest call volume in the city and desperately needs an upgrade.

He said, “This is the busiest area that we have in the city, the most call volume, the highest frequency of fires, and again, the highest risk based on the type of buildings that we have here. This is where our hotels are. This is where our restaurants are.”

With an increasing number of high-rise buildings, firefighters said they need the proper equipment to respond to emergencies. The department’s only ladder truck is currently stationed at Fire Station #2, at the airport, and would greatly benefit from a tiller truck stationed in the downtown area. Featuring a longer ladder and greater urban maneuverability, the addition of a tiller truck would be a valuable asset – and one that isn’t possible with the current Fire Station #1.

As it stands, the downtown fire station is too small. An expansion would allow the department to build a larger apparatus bay, capable of fitting larger vehicles.

And equipment aside, fire leaders showed our crews inside the living quarters 18 firefighters cycle in and out of with each shift. Deputy Chief Jeff van Lierop allowed News Channel 3 to see cramped living spaces, limited storage space, subpar heating and cooling systems, and a single shower shared by six personnel.

Chief Alvarado said the upgrades are needed. “For me to recruit, hire and retain the very best people, I have to have the best facilities.”

He also acknowledged the pushback from residents. News Channel 3’s Gavin Nguyen brought their concerns to him during the tour, asking, “When we go back to the parking, I know that was one of the big questions. You said this is an open conversation?”

“It is an open conversation. You know, we have to start somewhere. And we’ve had a lot of conversation with some of the local business owners,” Alvarado responded. “I want to hear the feedback I want to make sure they have an opportunity to talk to me and what are their needs here in the local businesses.”

Alvarado hopes the public Open House next Monday will offer that opportunity for residents and businesses to share their thoughts, and hopefully, brainstorm a compromise that will still allow business access – as well as maintain the functionality of an expanded fire station.

“Our goal on Monday is to have people come in, take a look and provide comment. I’m going to have staff here that’s going to take down their questions. We’re going to get back to them with answers,” reassured Alvarado.

Deputy Chief van Lierop agreed. He highlighted what he hopes the public takes away from the upcoming event.

“At any given weekend, we can have over 100,000 people in the city, in the downtown area, and we have to be able to protect them and provide EMS support for all of those people in the city,” the deputy chief explained. “And we are having a difficult time doing that in the current conditions that we’re living in.”

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Victims Identified in Sunday Night Stabbing; Suspect in Custody

KIFI on February 18, 2026

Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Following the arrest of their alleged attacker, authorities have identified the victims of a violent Sunday night stabbing. The victims have been identified as Rajah Keller, 32, and Starla Keller, 49, both of Pocatello.

Incident Background

The attack took place just after 10:00 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in a home on the 700 block of South Arthur Avenue.

As officers with the Pocatello Police Department rushed to the scene, they arrived to find Rajah Keller suffering from multiple stab wounds. First responders immediately provided emergency medical aid before she was transported by the Pocatello Fire Department to Portneuf Medical Center. Due to the critical nature of her injuries, she was later airlifted to the University of Utah Hospital for specialized care.

Inside the home, police found Starla Keller, who had sustained a large cut on the side of her face. Starla told the officers that she seen an unknown person, initially believed to be a man, with Rajah. As Starla entered the room, the assailant stabbed her in the face before fleeing south on Arthur Avenue after Starla threatened to call the police.

Starla was taken to the Portneuf Medical Center by ambulance for her injuries and later released.

Based on initial descriptions, police originally searched for a male suspect. However, as the investigation progressed, detectives obtained security footage and photos showing Rajah Keller with an individual later identified as Marita Gonzales, 32.

After obtaining a search and arrest warrant, investigators reportedly recovered several pieces of undisclosed evidence at Gonzales’ home linking her to the attack.

Marita Gonzales was taken into custody on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026, and booked into the Bannock County Jail on one charge of attempted murder and one count of aggravated battery.

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No injuries reported in vehicle fire near University Hospital

KMIZ on February 18, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A large response from firefighters was seen on Wednesday morning after vehicle caught fire near University Hospital.

No injuries were reported and there is no danger to the hospital, though a parking garage was closed, according to a Columbia Fire Department spokesperson.

The fire was put out quickly and the response was large because of its location, the spokesperson said.

Crews were dispatched at 10:29 a.m. and it took around three minutes to find the vehicle in the garage.

Check back for updates.

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Beyond the Books: Cuts to higher education

KIFI on February 18, 2026

Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — In this week’s “Beyond the Books”, we take a closer look at state budget cuts to higher education.

Lawmakers in the joint finance-appropriations committee approved ten “maintenance” budget bills last week, totaling more than $5.5 billion dollars. These bills essentially roll this years funding into next year, but with a twist: most state agencies are facing new cuts.

Universities like Idaho State University are facing additional reductions on top of previous cuts, while K-12 schools have largely been spared. Critics are warning these across-the-board cuts could create long-term issues, even if they save money in the short term.

“It became apparent that we were looking at an 8.3 million dollar budget reduction that we needed to make by July first of 2026, and we had less than 9 months to figure that out.” said ISU President Robert Wagner. “It’s brought a lot of concern, emotions sometimes anger, I appreciate that, I understand that, and so for me, first and foremost, it’s about the ability to be empathetic and to understand.”

The $8.3 million may not be the final number. JFAC working groups are reviewing the budgets behind the scenes, and follow-up “enhancement” bills could increase – or decrease – agency funding.

Amid this uncertainty, higher education programs are already feeling the squeeze. A medical residency in Pocatello, for example, could be at risk from even small cuts. The next few weeks will be key for lawmakers and university leaders.

Some bills being considered include one that would cause the State Board of Education to conduct most searches and interviews for presidential candidates of higher education institutions behind closed doors, and only release one finalists name. The new law would be aimed at protecting current jobs, but it’s a major change from the current five-finalist process.

Another bill, lawmakers are also considering setting a statewide school start date. It would be the Tuesday after Labor Day. The House Education Committee introduced the bill on Monday. It will likely see some debate if it reaches a public hearing. It would give families more predictability, but rural areas with harvest breaks could give some push back. It’s also raising questions about honoring local control of school boards, as of right now, districts choose their own schedules.

You can visit idahoednews.org for further updates on education legislation.

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A couple of calls can cut back on monthly payments

KMIZ on February 18, 2026

Haley Swaino

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Inflation is easing, but living costs and bills remain high.

The annual rate in the U.S. has hovered around 2.6-2.7% in 2026. That’s down about 0.3 percentage points from 2024’s rate and significantly lower than the 8% peak recorded in 2022.

While inflation has cooled, cumulative inflation – prices over a specific period, rather than year-to-year change – tells a different story. From 2022 to 2026, cumulative inflation indicates that prices are about 10-11% higher, resulting in a reduction in purchasing power.

The value of what’s in your wallet has reduced.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator, $100 in December of 2022 has the same buying power as $109.18 in December 2025. That more than 9% increase can add up over time.

Recent data shows more than a quarter of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.

I worked to find ways to cut back on recurring bills to help offset high costs.

Through experience, I learned it often requires patience and sitting through elevator music, but the key to lowering bills is to talk to a real person – not a robot.

Though many companies’ customer service numbers will connect you with an automated voice, ask for a human rep. I spent about 30 minutes each on hold with her car insurance and phone company to reach a real person, but the payoff was worth the wait.

I started by calling Verizon. For a single line, you can expect to pay about $70 a month on your phone bill. That’s for the cheapest plan with a hotspot.

I was told $10 could be knocked off by signing up for automatic payments. If I were a first responder, nurse, teacher, student, or military member with a second line, Verizon said I would likely be able to negotiate another $25 off a month.

By simply making a call, I was able to make sure I was getting the lowest rate for my needs in just five minutes. 

But how much could 15 minutes save you? 15% or more?

With that slogan in mind, I gave Geico a call, looking for another way to economize.

The average full-coverage quote for Geico is about $141 a month. After a three-minute wait, I got hold of the first human representative.

After I said I was looking to lower a monthly bill, back to on-hold music for another 12 minutes to get in touch with the appropriate department.

As the slogan goes, if wait times were included, nothing could be saved in 15 minutes.

But be patient, and hang on for a real person. After about 17 minutes, I got through to another human.

And I had some questions prepared from her previous call with Verizon.

I asked if opting for automatic payments could discount bills.

The Geico rep said enrolling for electronic funds transfers could save up to $36 a year.

A quick Google search let me know that providers may offer discounts for having anti-theft devices. So I asked.

Geico said its rates are based on the safety features of your vehicle, and no discounts could be added for extra safety devices.

If you have a different car insurance provider, it’s worth asking.

But with Geico, safe driving cuts back costs. Completing a defensive driving course can save policyholders 10% for three years.

Online courses, like Driver Training Associates, Inc. and All Star Driver Education, cost about $20.

Most range from four to eight hours and can be taken at the student’s pace.

After repeatedly asking for various ways to drive down monthly costs, I was told to take a look at the discounts page on Geico’s website.

There were 23 discounts listed, based on factors like the policyholder’s occupation, driving history and habits. Savings range from 5-25% off.

What I learned from my efforts is that by being straightforward and negotiating, you can be sure you’re getting the best rate. Be upfront about what you need and be sure to talk with a human rep.

With just about half an hour of remaining patience, providers offered to put at least $150 back in my pocket for the year.

Tune in to ABC 17 News at 6 p.m. Wednesday for the special report.

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