Central Coast agriculture facing challenges amid record heat wave

KEYT on March 26, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – As the extended heat wave continues to bring unseasonable weather conditions to the Central Coast, it’s also presenting challenges for the local agriculture industry.

“It is has been extremely challenging this March,” said Satellite Farms owner, Randy Sharer. “We’ve come through what will be the warmest March along the Central Coast in the last 150 years, and it’s had a dramatic affect on what we do out here in the country.”

Sharer, who has farmed the Santa Maria Valley for more than 40 years, described how the crops try and stay cool while they sit under the bright sunlight for hours.

“Plants being a living thing, they’d sure like to get in the shade, but plants don’t have legs, so they’re stuck (in the ground),” said Sharer. “Humans and mammals sweat, but plants transpire, which is they’re pulling moisture out of the ground and circulating through their plant to stay cool and maintain moisture just like we humans do.”

According to Sharer, some of the crops are more resilient to the heat, such as strawberries and broccoli, others are more susceptible to damage.

“We have trouble with lettuce,” said Sharer. “As lettuce is transpiring, they’re also pushing salt out to the tips of the leaves,” said Sharer. “Broccoli, we don’t ship leaves, but lettuce has leaves and that’s where we get temperature burn, so it is problematic to deal with quality in the marketplace.”

Another recent concern Sharer added has been the higher than usual nighttime temperatures.

“Plants resperate in the evening when it’s warm, much like a dog does during the day,” said Sharer. “If you’ve ever been around a hot dog panting a lot, that’s what plants do when they’re resperating carbon dioxide, which in turn, that carbon dioxide isn’t available to convert to photosynthesis in the morning, so it really does have an effect on what we do as far as production.”

Another significant issue the heat brings to the fields each day is the toll it takes on the people who are working for hours in the challenging environment.

“This heat is just difficult for folks to be working in,” said Sharer. “We make sure we have plenty of ice every morning to keep the flow of water going into our folks, and we provide shade during their breaks, and we’re constantly monitoring the weather for the safety of the folks that work out here in the country.”

As for the local grape crop, the warmer than normal conditions have not been detrimental to the health of the plants.

“The heat really has accelerated everything growth wise,” said Kevin Merrill, Mesa Vineyard Management Manager. “We’re two weeks to even more ahead of schedule here. As you can see, the vines are growing really fast. They look great. We’re a little nervous for this time of year, though, for having them out so far.”

Merrill worried should the weather take a dramatic turn in temperature in the days or weeks ahead, it could potentially cause significant issues to the crop.

“At this time of year, we’re so susceptible to frost damage here,” said Merrill. “April, we can get quite a few freezes. We have the frost protect the vines, and at this stage, it makes it tricky because the vine the growth is so tall that if we turn the sprinklers on now, you could break these canes. You could lose the fruit set and so that’s a real concern, and as far out as these grapes are to get a frost now would be devastating.”

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Local high school student named as National STEM Champion

KYMA on March 26, 2026

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – One local Yuma High School student is making a scientific impact on a national level.

Eniah Endriga shares how her project might even help keep your backyard safe from fires.

“Those three invasive weeds, red brome, buffelgrass, and stinknet, I want them to know that these invasive weeds really cause great harm, so if they have that in their backyard, or in their house, I think it’s best to remove them from there,” says Eniah Endriga, National STEM Champion.

She also gives advice to her fellow peers and other students interested in the stem field.

“To reach out to people because you could have these many ideas in your head, but if you don’t talk about it, or if you don’t reach out to others who could potentially help you, that idea won’t be executed,” says Endriga.

Endriga is one of thousands of students nationwide who submitted a project last year for consideration in this year’s National STEM Festival, and her wish came true as she was selected as a finalist and named the sole 2026 National STEM Champion from Arizona.

“Really, really good. I’m so excited. I was not expecting it,” expresses Endriga.

The National STEM Festival is a nationwide initiative designed to inspire and challenge students of all different ages to create solutions in key STEM fields.

Endriga’s project analyzes the impact of forest fires and the spread of invasive weeds.

“Eventually, I, with the help of my mentor from the U.S. Forest Service, created management solutions to reduce that invasive weed spread,” says Endriga.

In her project, she used mapping, ecosystem stress analysis, and species identification to track how plants can spread across burn sites, causing wildfires to burn faster and hotter.

“I was actually looking at the list of finalists in my state, and there was ten people, and so, to be chosen as the only one representing Arizona is honestly a great honor,” says Endriga.

Endriga’s hard work will be sending her to Washington D.C. in June to present her project on a national stage.

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Local high schools work with health agencies following nitazene discovery in wastewater

KMIZ on March 26, 2026

Marie Moyer

BOONVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

Local and state health agencies are focusing on education and prevention in Mid-Missouri schools after evidence of the opioid nitazene was found during a volunteer wastewater study.

According to a release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the state’s Department of Public Safety analyzed the sewage, or wastewater, of the schools 37 schools in the state during a volunteer wastewater monitoring program since January. They found 26 positive tests.

According to Austin Krohn with Boone County Public Health and Human Services, nitazene was created in the 1950’s but was never cleared for medical use due to its strength. The DHSS claims the drug is five-to-10 times stronger than fentanyl.

Positive-nitazene-testingDownload

Several Mid-Missouri schools, including Boonville High School, Boonville Alternate, Hallsville High School, and Owensville High School also reported positives.

The tests do not identify who has taken nitazene or where it was used. Both the Boone County Public Health and Human Services and Missouri State Highway Patrol reported instances of the drug being cut in illicit substances, as well as vape juice.

“There’s zero quality control, we have no idea what you’re getting when people go out and use these illicit drugs,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Scott White said.

White added that nitazene’s presence may be due to recent crackdowns on fentanyl.

“What we’ve learned to that, that it’s harder for the cartels or the people that are manufacturing these illicit drugs to get those precursors, and that’s one of the reasons possibly why this is now emerging,” White said.

In emails provided by the school districts to ABC 17 News, parents were notified of the program’s results.

According to the email, Hallsville High School began testing in January, with nitazene being found on Jan. 13. Results were then presented to the district in mid-February.

“The district is coordinating with the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department, Boone County Office of Emergency Management, and state and local law enforcement partners to ensure students and staff have access to appropriate resources and support. The district is also reviewing our emergency response procedures, including ensuring naloxone (Narcan) is available on campus and that staff are prepared to respond quickly to any health or safety concern,” according to an email from Hallsville Superintendent Tyler Walker to families in the district.

Boonville began testing in Feburary and a positive sample was found on Feb. 10.

“Our focus is on using this information proactively — supporting student safety through education, awareness, and connection to resources. The district coordinates with state and local law enforcement partners to ensure prevention resources are available to students and staff. Cooper County Public Health Center is also a valuable community resource for families. Naloxone (Narcan) is accessible, and staff are trained to respond to any student health concern,” according to the email from Boonville Superintendent Mark Harvey to families in the district.

“We kind of educated them on what nitazene is,” Krohn said. “This is coming from somewhere, someone in Hallsville is doing this or selling this.”

Krohn added the department provided more than 20 boxes of naloxone to the district and hosted a community health event.

“They are free to come, get more contact us whenever they need or want more,” Krohn said. “We educated the community at large about the dangers of opioids, including fentanyl and nitazene, and how to use naloxone, how to administer it, when to administer it, what to do if you witness someone experiencing an overdose.”

Krohn added multiple doses may be needed when treating an overdose due to nitazene’s strength.

“Naloxone is the best bet and naloxone is still effective against nitazene,” Krohn said. “It may take more than one dose, so you want to administer that through the nasal cavity with the plunger and then still always call 911.”

According to DHSS, nitazenes were used in 14 overdose deaths around the state in 2024.

Naloxone can be found at local and state health departments, including outside of the Boone County Public Health and Human Services building.

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People Not Politicians files appeal over decision on ballot language over ‘Missouri First’ congressional map

KMIZ on March 26, 2026

ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

People Not Politicians has filed a notice of appeal over ballot language that would ask voters whether or not to approve the 2025 “Missouri First” congressional map.

The group says the ballot summary written by the Missouri secretary of state was unfair and biased.

The ballot language says the new congressional boundaries keep more cities and counties intact and more compact. The executive director of people not politicians disagrees with calling the 20-25 maps “compact.”

The notice of appeal says that issue is expected to be discussed.

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Seven in critical condition following crash on Somerton Avenue

KYMA on March 26, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

UPDATE (5:43 PM): The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department (SCFD) has provided an update regarding the crash on Somerton Avenue.

According to SCFD, the crash happened before 4 p.m., and it involved two vehicles, with one vehicle rolling over.

Courtesy: Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department

Courtesy: Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department

Upon arrival, SCFD says crews found two vehicles with severe damage and multiple people injured, with a total of seven people, three adults, two children and two infants, being taken to Onvida Health in critical condition.

SCFD says due to the number of people injured, they request help from the San Luis Fire Department, Yuma Fire Department and Rural Metro.

Courtesy: Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department

Courtesy: Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department

In addition, SCFD says Border Patrol help in “providing initial first aid” to the victims while they, along with the Somerton Police Department help in traffic control.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, according to SCFD, remained on scene to investigate the crash.

Press Release2026, March 25Download

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is on scene of a crash Wednesday evening.

According to a reporter on scene, the crash happened in the area of Somerton Avenue and County 14th Street.

Our reporter says no lanes are closed and both vehicles are on the shoulder, and deputies told our reporter some people were taken to the hospital.

KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

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Local college student accepted to highly coveted program

KYMA on March 26, 2026

Lauren Duffel

Reporter Lauren Duffel spoke with Kailee Bunte about her educational journey to achieving her dream as an OB/GYN.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – National Match Day for medical students was this month, and one local marked the day by getting accepting into a highly coveted program.

Local Yuma native Kailee Bunte is a first-generation medical student. She accepted a residency position in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the University of Colorado Medical School of Medicine.

Matching in OB/GYN is highly competitive, and matching with her top choice program is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

“Being a first-generation means so much to me. I think that even going through medical school and seeing the different backgrounds from my colleagues that mine is very different, and that holds a lot of value,” Bunte expressed.

Bunte will start her residency program in June and is looking forward to giving back to the community.

Her mother couldn’t be more proud of her daughter’s accomplishments of becoming a doctor and advocating for her community’s health

“It’s hard to talk about her without crying because I do get overwhelmed. I think every parent wants their child to do better than they do and have a better quality life. I’m just so proud to be able to call her my daughter,” she shared.

Bunte is a pillar in the Yuma community as a volunteer and serves on the National Board of the Latino Medical School Students Association, and is an inspiration to her community and her family.

From being a first-generation student to earning a place in the OB/GYN residency, Bunte’s journey proves that perseverance and heart can move mountains.

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Santa Barbara’s Master Yun inducted into USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame

KEYT on March 26, 2026

Scott Hennessee

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. – The U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame inducted Master Yun at a ceremony in Costa Mesa Saturday, honoring him as Leading Martial Arts Master of the Year. Master Yun also received special recognition for his expertise in Praying Mantis Kung Fu.

Yun Chao Zhang has practiced martial arts for more than 50 years, beginning when he was six years old in China.

“I think Chinese Martial Arts is very good for health,” the 58-year-old Yun said. “Not only for fighting.”

Master Yun teaches traditional Chinese Martial Arts at his Santa Barbara studio downtown at 921 State Street. Classes are available for people of all ages and abilities in Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Qigong.

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“USMCA trade agreement sustains border’s economy,” business leader say

KVIA on March 26, 2026

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas / CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Last Monday, the renegotiation of the Free Trade Agreement, or USMCA, between Mexico, the United States, and Canada got underway, a development announced by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum weeks ago.

According to the Mexican Importers and Exporters Association (ANIERM), the USMCA trade agreement sustains Juárez’s economy and maquiladora industry.

ANIERM regional delegate in Chihuahua, Marcelo Vázquez Tovar, says the renegotiation of the USMCA is not merely a matter of foreign policy; it is a matter of economic survival, evolution and it is critical because the USMCA underpins the economy of Juárez.

“I dare say that we are the border region most dependent on the USMCA, as more than 80% of our economic activity is tied to the maquiladora industry,” said ANIERM delegate Vázquez. “Any change to the rules of the game has a direct impact on the flow of capital and jobs within the region.”

Thousands of Juárez families rely directly on the export and maquiladora industries in the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez border region, and the stability of the treaty guarantees the continued existence of these sources of employment, according to experts. “The legal certainty provided by the treaty is precisely what enables multinational corporations to continue investing here.”

If the agreement is not renewed, particularly in the automotive sector, a shift in regional content percentage requirements could force local manufacturing plants to overhaul their supply chains or face tariffs.

Juárez’s largest employment sector is electronics manufacturing and with USMCA, the stakes are high, as the vast majority of the maquiladoras that produce and manufacture these goods are Asian-owned.

“Regrettably, a statement issued by President Trump two weeks ago was already aimed at the electronics sector,” Vázquez said. “The imposition of tariffs could have a severe impact on companies that manufacture these products almost exclusively for the U.S. market.”

Another concern the workforce in Juárez has is that pressure will mount to raise wages and strengthen union rights within the maquiladoras, measures that could erode the maquiladoras’ competitive edge.

“Juárez’s competitiveness is of vital importance to both Mexico and the U.S. industrial sector,” ANIERM also said. “Furthermore, the stability of our own economy relies heavily on these same factories, given the sheer volume of employment they provide.

According to ANIERM, in December of last year, the maquiladora industry had 258,000 maquiladora jobs and only 220,000 non-maquiladora jobs.

“In other words, more than half of our jobs are in the maquiladora sector, and the maquiladora sector depends 100% on the stability of the USMCA trade agreement,” delegate Vázquez added. “Keeping consumer prices low in the United States depends, in large part, on the factories located in this city (Juárez).”

ANIERM, along with other industries and companies in Juárez, submitted a proposal to Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy, given the importance of the USMCA trade agreement to the maquiladora sector.

“We requested that they negotiate the inclusion of the maquiladora framework within the new free trade agreement because we do not yet know what direction those negotiations will take,” delegate Vázquez added.

Both Mexican President Sheinbaum and the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, have stated they will attempt to have the tariffs on steel, aluminum, and the automotive sector removed from the agreement.

“Starting now, continuing until the negotiations conclude, we can expect to see an increase in uncertainty,” delegate Vázquez said.

“Trump’s stance has been that he would not be averse to withdrawing from the treaty and this initially tough stance is obviously his negotiating style and it is something our negotiators will have to contend with,” ANIERM added.

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IVC to host housing forum next week

KYMA on March 26, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial Valley College (IVC) is hosting a housing forum next week.

The forum is taking place Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the campus, located at 380 E. Aten Road, in room 2131, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

IVC says during the forum, attendees will learn how they can join the student housing community at SDSU Imperial Valley in Calexico.

They will also learn about the housing features, eligibility requirements, the application process and how the housing option supports student success.

To register for the event, scan the QR code on the press release below. For more information, click here.

IVC Student Housing FORUM flyer ENG SPANDownload

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Seattle’s quest for return of NBA franchise gains momentum, timeline still unclear

KTVZ on March 25, 2026

Triton Notary

SEATTLE, Wa. (KTVZ) There is renewed attention around the long-discussed return of the NBA to Seattle but despite growing optimism, no official decision has been made.

Seattle has been without a professional men’s basketball team since the 2008 relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics, which ended the franchise’s 41-year run in the city before becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In the years since, efforts to bring the league back to the Pacific Northwest have remained steady. Seattle is widely considered one of the most viable markets for expansion, thanks to its strong fan base, corporate support, and a modern, NBA-ready venue in Climate Pledge Arena.

League leadership has acknowledged expansion as a possibility, but has not committed to a timeline. Recent reporting indicates the NBA is focused first on finalizing major financial benchmarks, including a new, long-term media rights deal, before seriously advancing expansion plans.

If and when the league does move forward, Seattle is expected to be at the top of the list. Las Vegas is also frequently mentioned as another leading candidate, suggesting any expansion could include multiple new franchises.

Local investors and stakeholders have continued to express interest in securing a team, though details of those efforts remain largely private.

While speculation continues, officials emphasize that no formal announcement is imminent. For now, Seattle remains in a holding pattern—well-positioned, but waiting on the league to make its next move.

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