Palm Springs Unified to host teacher recruitment fair

KESQ on February 27, 2026

Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) is inviting prospective educators to its 2026–2027 Teacher Recruitment Fair on Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the District Service Center.

The district is seeking applicants across all subject areas who currently hold a teaching credential or will be eligible for one by the 2026–2027 school year. School counselors and speech-language pathologists are also encouraged to attend.

To attract candidates in high-need areas, PSUSD is offering financial incentives. Fully credentialed special education teachers, school nurses, and speech-language pathologists are eligible for a $12,000 incentive. Fully credentialed math and science teachers, including those specializing in biology, chemistry, physics, and general science, may qualify for a $9,000 incentive.

Teresa Haga, Director of Certificated Human Resources for Recruitment, Retention and Leadership Development, said the event is the district’s largest hiring effort of the year.

“This is our largest recruitment event of the year and we’re looking to hire qualified people who really enjoy working with students and are looking forward to supporting our scholars to be successful,” Haga said.

Candidates interested in attending must complete two steps prior to the event. First, applicants must submit an employment application through EdJoin and ensure it is active with the district. Second, they must complete a separate recruitment fair registration form. Registration is not considered complete until both steps are finished. Fully registered candidates will receive additional details via email during the week of the event.

Attendees are asked to bring three current letters of recommendation, a letter of introduction, and a resume. On the day of the fair, candidates will check in at registration before having their documents reviewed. Some may be invited to participate in first and possibly second round interviews on site, with select candidates potentially receiving contracts the same day.

Haga said the district’s greatest areas of need include speech-language pathologists, special education teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels, math and science teachers, and school nurses. While the district welcomes experienced educators, it also hires new teachers and provides support during their first years in the classroom to help them clear their credentials.

PSUSD emphasizes professional growth and student centered learning. The district offers a range of student programs, including drone soccer, robotics, afterschool enrichment, and career technical education academies designed to prepare high school students for college and careers. Staff members are supported with ongoing professional development opportunities and pathways for advancement.

Galilea Meza, a kindergarten teacher at Katherine Finchy Elementary School and a former recruitment fair attendee, said her experience with the district has been rewarding. A product of PSUSD herself, Meza began her career as a paraprofessional before becoming a credentialed teacher.

She described the hiring process as organized and welcoming, beginning with the online application submission and followed by panel style interviews with district administrators. Mesa said she was encouraged by the supportive environment and the opportunity for professional growth.

Meza added that her favorite part of teaching kindergarten is the energy and excitement students bring each day. She said working in the district offers daily collaboration with supportive colleagues and administrators who greet staff with a smile.

For those unable to attend the recruitment fair, Haga said applications are reviewed daily through the district website and EdJoin. Interviews will continue throughout the spring as the district prepares for fall hiring.

More information about the Teacher Recruitment Fair can be found on the Palm Springs Unified School District website at https://www.psusd.us/district-calendar/teacher-recruitment-fair.

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Los Alamos Unleashes March Merchant Madness 2026

KEYT on February 27, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

LOS ALAMOS, Calif. (KEYT) – The new Los Alamos Merchant Association is kicking off its first buy local program this Sunday.

They’re calling it march merchant madness.

visitors can get started by signing up online for a digital Home Town Passport.

When you visit any los alamos business during march, upload your receipt for a stamp on a newly created digital passport.

“The businesses on Bell Street are excited to see how much we can, encourage people to come to Los Alamos,” says Allison Smith, one of the Los Alamos Merchants Association’s directors.

Every four stamps gets you entered in a drawing for a gift basket themed around the rustic town.

That basket will also include products donated by local businesses, along with gift cards for restaurants and hotel stays.

“The last week of March, people can use the saloon as well,” says Patrick Farley, new owner of the 1880 Union Hotel. “I guess that’s a perfect opportunity to launch it, is for Locals Night on Saint Patrick’s Day. And then from there after the saloon will be open regularly.”

Local business owners say there’s something for everyone within walking distance along the downtown strip, from bakeries and wineries to antique stores, parks, Thursday night karaoke, and dining options for each meal of the day.

“There’s some new businesses here that just opened last month,” says Smith. “There’s some that are opening later this month. There’s some that have been here for over 20 years.”

As temperatures climb through the spring, Los Alamos offers an old-west atmosphere, nestled among hills still green from the rainy season.

“We pulled out of Paso, you know, and I pulled out of Carlsbad to live here full time because of what Los Alamos is,” says Farley. “I think it’s just a one of the most, you know, special places that I’ve been to.”

The campaign officially starts on Sunday, and everyone is invited to participate.

You can sign up for your digital Home Town Passport by clicking here.

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Take the chilly plunge, support a good cause: Special Olympics Oregon’s Bend Polar Plunge set for Saturday

KTVZ on February 27, 2026

Spencer Sacks

(Update: Adding video, KTVZ.COM Poll, local law enforcement involvement)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Officers from the Bend and Redmond police departments and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will gather at Riverbend Park on Saturday morning with family, friends and fans for the annual Polar Plunge. The event serves as a major fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

The tradition has been held annually in Bend since 2007 to support the Special Olympics, an organization that provides sports for people with intellectual disabilities. This year, participants will dive into river water that is currently measuring about 36 degrees.

Between all participating departments, more than $10,000 has been raised for the organization this year alone. This fundraising total fuels a friendly competition between the agencies, as the amount raised determines the order in which teams enter the river.

Detective Dallas Wilson of the Bend Police Department said the competition adds to the event’s energy. “Whoever raises the most money gets to go into the water first,” Wilson said Friday. “So the excitement of trying to raise that money so you can go in and out the quickest. It’s pretty. It’s very fun.”

While some may be hesitant about the cold, some participants embrace the low temperatures.

Lt. Jeff Sundberg, with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, described himself as a person who enjoys cold-water challenges like ice baths.

“For me, I am a sucker for punishment. I love cold water. So between ice baths and jumping in the river, it’s exciting,” Sundberg said. “I think there’s so much adrenaline flowing. So you get out there, you plunge in there, and you just get a sense of accomplishment.”

Registration remains open for community members who wish to join the law enforcement teams. To participate in either the 5K run or the plunge, individuals must fundraise or donate $60. Those who wish to participate in both events are required to raise $100.

April Huey, administration lieutenant for the Redmond Police Department, highlighted the community impact of the gathering.

“It’s a great day of fun, meeting lots of new people, and supporting a great cause, the Special Olympics,” Huey said.

The Polar Plunge will take place Saturday morning at Riverbend Park. Results and footage from the event will be featured during the weekend news broadcasts.

You can register online here.

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Maria Ygnacio Bike Path Closed at U.S. Highway 101

KEYT on February 27, 2026

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Santa Barbara County Public Works Department regarding the closure of the Maria Ygnacio Bike Path.

GOLETA, Calif. – Due to recent storm damage, Santa Barbara County Public Works is closing the Maria Ygnacio Bike Path at the U.S. 101 undercrossing (from Calle Real to Lassen Drive). County engineers are working on a plan to stabilize an undermined section of the path. However, they are unable to work during the rainy season due to environmental factors and regulatory restrictions. While it is difficult to provide an estimate on how long the closure will last, this section of the path is expected to be closed through the summer.

While the Maria Ygnacio Bike Path is critical to residents, students, and those who commute via active modes of transportation, travelers should not evade path closure signs in this area. The situation is dynamic and the undermining of the path increases as the high flowing creek below is actively scouring dirt below the structure. Travelers should use Turnpike Avenue or Patterson Avenue to connect with the bike path.

Questions about the path closure can be emailed to PWMobility@countyofsb.org

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Unseasonably warm February brings boost to businesses, prompts safety reminders

KESQ on February 27, 2026

Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Unseasonably warm temperatures are bringing an early taste of summer to the Coachella Valley, prompting local officials to remind residents and visitors to balance outdoor fun with heat safety.

Despite the warmer weather, business owners say the early heat is also boosting local businesses, including PS Surf Club, where visitors are taking advantage of the sunshine.

Hiking — typically one of the most popular winter activities across the valley — is also seeing steady turnout. However, officials caution that warmer-than-normal temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness, even in February.

Safety experts recommend hikers:

Start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak heat.

Carry at least one liter of water per hour of activity.

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sun protection, including hats and sunscreen.

Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.

Let someone know your hiking plans before heading out.

With a few simple precautions, authorities say residents and visitors can continue to safely enjoy outdoor recreation and local attractions.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Continuing conversations about teen dating violence all year

KVIA on February 27, 2026

Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)—February marks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to help promote healthy, respectful and safe relationships. However, it’s important to keep conversations going all year long.

Sandra Garcia, the executive director of the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence in El Paso, told ABC-7 this is a community issue. They want to ensure all teens have healthy relationships.

This month helps educate teens about relationships and understanding the importance of boundaries. Garcia said teens should never feel isolated, controlled or manipulated.

“There’s just so many aspects that you can that be controlled either through social media, verbally, physically, or emotionally,” she said.

Garcia said 1 in 3 teens will be affected by teen dating violence every year in the United States. She also said they are the group least likely to ask for help.

James Montoya, the El Paso District Attorney, said it’s important to raise awareness about teen dating violence.

“All it takes is for someone to hear the right message one time to finally say, ‘This is enough. I am going to reach out for help and to end the cycle of violence,’” Montoya said.

Garcia said it’s critical for teens to recognize the difference between healthy relationships and unhealthy ones.

“So even beyond our teen years, we have different types of relationships, right? As we grow older, we even go in and out of relationships sometimes and start new ones. And so those are always important conversations to continue throughout,” Garcia said.

If you are in need of help, the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence has a 24/7 crisis hopeline at 915-593-7300.

For more resources, click here.

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City of Moberly issues burn ban amid weather service fire warning

KMIZ on February 27, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Moberly advised residents not to burn anything on Friday, as the area is experiencing conditions that increase the risk of outdoor fires spreading out of control.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for most of Mid-Missouri on Friday, as the combination of dry vegetation and air, along with high winds, made fires especially dangerous. The alert is in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Friday.

Winds out of the southwest are expected to gust at up to 30 mph.

The City of Moberly said in a news release that Fire Chief Don Ryan made the call to prohibit outdoor burning until the red flag warning expires.

“Even small fires can escalate quickly under today’s conditions,” the release states.

Boone County firefighters were called to the Sturgeon area for a wildfire that had burned about 5 acres Friday morning. The fire was a controlled burn that got out of control amid the high winds, firefighters said.

Three Boone County Fire Protection District trucks with 15 firefighters total were at the scene. The fire had jumped a road and threatened a structure, but firefighters stopped it before it damaged the building.

“When we have high winds and low humidities like we do today, fires get out of control very quickly, and we just urge people not to burn at all on days like today,” Boone County Fire Capt. Wayne Cummins said.

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Coroner names victims in planned murder-suicide on Rainier Street

KIFI on February 27, 2026

Bailee Shaw

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County coroner has identified two people who died in an apparent murder-suicide in Idaho Falls last week.  39-year-old James Herring and 47-year-old April Wielang of Idaho Falls were found dead in a home on the 1700 block of Rainier Street.

According to LinkedIn, the two were attorneys and had been law partners at Wielang & Herring PLLC, which was dissolved several years ago.

Last Thursday, Police say dispatch got a call about a possible suicide after a family member received a letter that looked like a suicide note. The letter stated that both Herring and Wielang planned a murder-suicide.

Related: IFPD investigating suspected planned murder-suicide on Rainier Street

Officers responded and found the pair deceased. Authorities confirm they planned and carried it out together.

No other details could be confirmed at this time as the investigation is still ongoing. 

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Injured snowmobiler airlifted following crash near Togwotee Pass

KIFI on February 27, 2026

News Team

JACKSON, Wyoming (KIFI) — A snowmobile crash on Togwotee Pass led to a dramatic helicopter rescue

Just before noon Thursday, Teton County Search and Rescue got an emergency alert about an injured snowmobiler. Officials say it happened between the “x” and “k” trails — near the “c-d” trail — a steep, hard-to-reach area.

Rescuers used a method called a short-haul, lifting the patient out using a long rope attached to the bottom of the helicopter, to retrieve the injured snowmobiler. A specialized team flew in, secured the man, and airlifted him to an ambulance waiting nearby.

Search and rescue says the entire mission took just over two hours.

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‘Completely heartbroken’: BYU sends out 9 acceptance letters by mistake

CNN Newsource on February 27, 2026

By Daniel Woodruff

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    PROVO (KSL) — Brigham Young University is apologizing after nine prospective students mistakenly received notices that said they had been accepted.

The university told KSL a systems error led to those applicants being told they were admitted to BYU when, in fact, they were not.

“We are truly sorry that an unfortunate error in our admissions decision notification system resulted in nine prospective students mistakenly receiving congratulatory messages of acceptance,” said BYU admissions director Chad Johnson in a statement. “The Admissions Department reached out to those impacted to express our regret and our sincere apologies.”

Johnson added, “We know that admissions decisions are highly anticipated, and we recognize this mistake caused confusion and disappointment. Our BYU admissions team is working to ensure this mistake does not occur in the future.”

For one of those students and his family, it’s been a painful experience. Owen Johansen, 18, a high school senior who lives in Oakton, Virginia, received his acceptance to BYU two weeks ago.

“At first when I was accepted, I was really excited,” he said.

His mother, Talai Johansen, told KSL their family was “thrilled” and celebrated his admission to the place where both she and her husband went to school.

But last week, as they went through the process of accepting the admission and finding a roommate, they realized something was off. A rejection letter had replaced the “Welcome to BYU” notification in his online portal.

After trying to get BYU officials to talk with them, the Johansens said they eventually learned the acceptance was a mistake.

“I was really mad,” Owen Johansen said. “They could have done it way better.”

The whole experience, he added, left him “pretty sad.”

His mother said she’s disappointed that the university has only reached out to apologize to her and her husband, but not to her son directly. Talai Johansen wants BYU to honor his acceptance.

“I don’t want them to just do it for Owen. I want them to do it for these eight other students. I want all of these nine students to be admitted into BYU,” she said. “It is the right thing to do.”

BYU did not provide additional details about the nature of the error that led to the incorrect acceptance notices.

“I have been completely heartbroken by this entire process,” Talai Johansen said.

In 2024, BYU’s College of Nursing mistakenly sent out both acceptance and rejection letters to hundreds of prospective students. The university blamed that on an “error in a new system.”

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.