Governor Kotek declares drought emergency in three Oregon counties, including Deschutes

KTVZ on March 31, 2026

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency in Deschutes, Baker, and Umatilla counties through Executive Order 26-05. The declaration comes as forecasts suggest below-normal precipitation and streamflow conditions will likely continue through the summer.

This is the first drought declaration issued by Governor Kotek during the 2026 calendar year. The order directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region to mitigate impacts on local growers, livestock, and water supplies.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Baker County has experienced persistent moderate drought conditions since June 2025. Deschutes County has seen abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions since that same month. In Umatilla County, moderate and severe drought conditions have been persistent since May 2025. All three counties currently report well below-normal snowpack and drier-than-normal soil moisture.

Forecasts suggest that below-normal precipitation and streamflow conditions are likely to continue through the summer months. These projections follow an extended period of weather conditions that contributed to low snowpack and above-normal temperatures. Well below-normal streamflow forecasts are currently in place for all affected counties.

The drought is expected to have a significant economic impact on the farm, ranch, recreation, and tourism sectors. Natural resources, including drinking water and minimum flows for fish and wildlife, are also at risk. State officials expect the extreme conditions to shorten the growing season for local growers and increase the potential for wildfire.

The declaration unlocks several emergency tools, including assistance for local water users. It allows the Oregon Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules for those in the region. The move follows a recommendation from the state’s Water Supply Availability Committee pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes 536.740.

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Become a mentor: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office seeks volunteers for youth program

KTVZ on March 31, 2026

Kelsey Merison

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY) is offering a training class on Saturday, April 11th, for residents interested in mentoring children with an incarcerated parent.

The orientation and training session is required for all volunteers before they are matched with a child. Participants must also pass background checks as part of the initial training process. The class is offered at no cost to the public, though advanced registration is required to attend.

Volunteers who complete the training must commit to a minimum of one year and spend a few hours each week with their matched child. The program pairs mentors with children who share similar interests. This time is used for various activities including community exploration, art or craft projects, or simply hanging out and talking.

The orientation and training session lasts 3.5 hours. The curriculum is designed to cover program policies, communication skills, and how to establish a successful mentor relationship. The class also provides information on the specific impact incarceration has on families.

Additional information regarding the COPY program is available on the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office website. Individuals interested in the program can also obtain details by calling 541-388-6651 or emailing COPY@deschutes.org.

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Kiefer’s Magical Birthday Bash returns to Central Oregon, promoting mental health awareness

KTVZ on March 31, 2026

Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The fifth annual Kiefer’s Magical Birthday Bash will return to Central Oregon on April 10th and April 11th, 2026. The two-day event, held at Wild Ride Brewing locations in Prineville and Redmond, brings the community together for mental health awareness and connection.

The celebration honors the life and legacy of Kiefer Leutschaft, a former Wild Ride Brewing employee who passed away in 2021 after battling mental illness. Proceeds from the gathering benefit the Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund, a partnership with Rimrock Trails designed to reduce stigma, encourage conversations about addiction, and expand access to care.

The Leutschaft family of Redmond established the legacy fund following Kiefer’s death. Since its inception, the event has grown from a local remembrance into an annual gathering that encourages open conversations about recovery and well-being. The gathering also serves to empower individuals to seek mental health and addiction services.

Festivities begin Friday, April 10th, at the Prineville brewery with performances by the Scotty Wilson Band and Music Medicine. On Saturday, April 11th, the event moves to the Redmond location and features music from Countryfied. These musical performances are part of the free and family-friendly portion of the weekend.

Event organizers emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing mental health needs. “This event exemplifies just how much can be accomplished when people and organizations come together with a shared commitment to the mental health of our community,” organizers said. “Working together, the magic is kept alive.”

A ticketed VIP pre-party is also scheduled for April 11th in the Barrel Room at Wild Ride Brewing in Redmond. Running from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the party includes food, entertainment by DJ Chris, a silent auction and Kiefer-themed merchandise.

Money raised during the weekend supports the Rimrock Trails Client Financial Support Fund. Additionally, the event funds the Leutschaft Memorial Scholarships. The overall goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges while honoring Kiefer’s spirit through community engagement.

Tickets for the VIP pre-party are currently available online. Community members are encouraged to save the date and attend the festivities in Prineville and Redmond. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

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Retired Sgt. David Pospisil passes away

KYMA on March 31, 2026

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A former Yuma sergeant has passed away, according to Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

Retired Sgt. David Pospisil began working for YCSO in August 1982.

He served for over 37 years and retired in March 2020.

“On behalf of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” writes YCSO.

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Yuma Proving Ground celebrates Month of the Military Child

KYMA on March 31, 2026

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – April marks the Month of the Military Child, a time dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices and resilience of children in military families.

At Yuma Proving Ground, that recognition started early with a special celebration honoring local military children.

Children from the installation’s Child Development Center and James D. Price Elementary School took part in a parade across the base, dressed as superheroes.

The event drew parents, community members, and local first responders who lined the route to cheer them on.

The celebration highlighted the unique challenges military children face, including frequent moves, long separations from loved ones, and adapting to new environments.

Installation Commander Colonel John Nelson, who was a military child himself, spoke about the importance of recognizing their strength and resilience.

The dandelion, known as the official flower of the military child, symbolizes that resilience, thriving and adapting wherever life takes them.

Organizers say events like this not only celebrate military children, but also help build a stronger sense of community and support for military families.

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Deputies Investigating Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Crash in Goleta

KEYT on March 31, 2026

Michael Yu

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara County deputies are investigating a vehicle versus pedestrian collision on Los Carneros in Goleta.

The pedestrian suffered serious injuries from the collision and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Investigators closed a portion of Los Carneros to traffic from Calle Real to Cathedral Oaks, but is now back open.

The Sherriff’s department says the driver remained on the scene and was cooperative with deputies.

Illegal substances did not play a factor in the crash.

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University of Utah scientists have made a discovery that could help battle Great Salt Lake dust

CNN Newsource on March 31, 2026

By Ben Winslow

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    FARMINGTON BAY, Utah (KSTU) — A recent scientific find by University of Utah researchers could help combat the problem of toxic dust blowing off the exposed Great Salt Lake bed.

They have found a freshwater reservoir underneath the lake’s salty playa, in an area between Antelope Island and Farmington Bay. It started when scientists observed “islands” of the invasive plant phragmites in the exposed lake bed.

“They require a lot of fresh water and the question was that Great Salt Lake has salty water, so how [does] this phragmites grow on the salt water because they require a lot of fresh water?” University of Utah geology and geophysics professor Michael Zhdanov told FOX 13 News.

Using helicopters and specialized equipment to send electromagnetic pulses into the ground, they were able to confirm the existence of a freshwater reservoir. The research, recently published in Scientific Reports, offers promise for a threat to surrounding communities. As the Great Salt Lake declines due to water diversions, drought and impacts from a changing climate, strong winds pick up dust and blow it into nearby communities.

The lake bed has naturally-occurring toxins, like arsenic, that are typically covered by water. The University of Utah is conducting other research on the impacts of the dust on the environment and human health. But Professor Zhdanov said this could help provide a new water source to help reduce the impact of the dust.

“This, we believe, is one of the most important and firsthand applications of this, but this requires more work because we need to cover the entire Great Salt Lake. We need to find exactly how much, where it’s located, and then make some educated decision where to drill and how to use it,” he said.

It remains unknown the extent of the reservoir. But more broadly, the techniques used to find the freshwater reservoir could be used in other parts of the world to help discover new sources of water.

The Utah Department of Natural Resources funded some of the research as part of its efforts to reverse the Great Salt Lake’s declines. The U. will seek additional funding to expand the research to other parts of the lake.

For Dave Foerber, a Kaysville-area birder who came out on Monday to look at the migratory birds on the Great Salt Lake, it was interesting research. But he believed there was a broader work that must be done.

“It’d be better if we could get some more water in the lake,” he told FOX 13 News. “That’d be the best thing.”

This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lake—and what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. Read all of our stories at greatsaltlakenews.org.

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.

Group of alleged burglars arrested after returning to apologize to victims

CNN Newsource on March 31, 2026

By Michael Martin

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    HOLLADAY, Utah (KSTU) — A group of alleged burglars from Las Vegas was arrested in Utah after officials said they returned to apologize to their victims and give some of the items back.

Holman Yecid Londono-Poveda, 20, and Karla Yuliana Diaz-Basilio, 30, were arrested on Monday and face 3 charges of burglary of a dwelling. Share Castellano-Suarez, 18, was also arrested on two charges of burglary of a dwelling and one theft charge.

According to court documents, on March 8, the Unified Police Department was made aware of a burglary that happened on March 6. The victims told police that they had just returned from an out-of-town trip to find a large number of items missing from their home.

Those missing items included jewelry, designer bags and purses, watches, suitcases, and coats.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video and say they saw a Kia Rio entering the driveway of the victim’s home. Two suspects are seen exiting the vehicle and gaining access to the home.

The Kia was also seen leaving but returning a short time later when the other suspects loaded the car full of items and left again. Two hours later, police say two suspects from earlier returned and were witnessed taking additional items.

Police say another burglary was also committed slightly before the other reported burglary, and they believe the same group was responsible.

Detectives determined that the Kia Rio seen at the victim’s home had come from Las Vegas and returned the same day. Officials say the three suspects can be seen on surveillance video at several Utah locations.

On March 26, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department served a search warrant at the home of two suspects. During the search, police say they found multiple items of clothing that the suspects were seen wearing.

Four days later, the suspects allegedly returned to Utah to return a majority of what was taken to the victims. Investigators say the suspects also wrote an apology letter to the victims and offered an apology in person.

Later that day, Unified police stopped the Kia Rio on the southbound I-15 and arrested the three suspects.

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.

Drivers speak out on latest traffic shifts in place on 8th Street in Colorado Springs

KRDO on March 31, 2026

Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Thursday marks the third day for drivers to experience the new traffic changes at the south end of the 8th Street improvements project.

As KRDO13’s The Road Warrior reported on Monday, traffic is reduced to one lane between Motor City Drive and Abbot Lane, and no left turns are allowed onto or off of Motor City Drive.

“The whole left-turning thing, I’m not sure why they did that,” said Christopher Turner. “I don’t really care for it, but what are you going to do?”

The only access to and from the Motor City area from 8th Street is at the top of the hill on Automotive Drive.

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) started excavating work on Tuesday to replace a water main that was installed in 1968.

“We’re also going to be installing water valves because currently, the water line that’s installed now doesn’t have any valves,” said Cassie Melvin, a CSU spokesperson. “That means if there’s a water main break, we’re not able to shut off anything. So, it impacts the whole area.”

CSU said that the traffic changes will remain in effect for approximately 12 weeks.

With lane shifts also at the north end of the project, across the Fountain Creek bridge, the mass of construction cones, barrels and signs makes much of 8th Street look more like a maze.

City officials said that traffic impacts there should be finished by the end of April — at least until the water main installation advances to that area.

The northbound city bus stop on 8th Street has temporarily relocated a block north, near a Shell gas station.

Businesses along the lane closures remain open.

John Stellabotte, general sales manager for South Colorado Motors, said that the business began seeing impacts earlier.

“The first initial company came out here, and they were digging up over here to find the placement of the water main.,” he explained. “And one of the customers was leaving, they don’t flag her down, she leaves, gets hit by another car. It was a car she’d just bought from us. There are no flagging crews. It’s dangerous. That’s the biggest concern.”

Drivers occasionally become confused while driving through the new traffic setup, not quite sure which lane they should be in.

While some drivers hate the construction, others understand the need for it.

“In general, they’ve been doing a pretty good job of keeping traffic moving,” said Joey Sherwood. “I’m glad they’re getting the roads fixed.”

Courtney Hicks feels better about the impacts after learning more about the project.

“It’s definitely good to know what’s actually being replaced,” she said. “It keeps me from thinking Oh, no! It’s just more road construction.”

There are two corrections to Monday’s report: Drivers leaving Walmart at 8th and Abbot are allowed to turn left onto southbound 8th, and the water main installation will not cross Cimarron Street, as originally planned.

The total cost for the 8th Street project, which began last June, is $12 million; work should be completed this fall, after repaving work is done.

CSU confirmed on Monday that the total project cost includes $7.4 million for the new water main.

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Brandy, Grammy-winning singer and actress, receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

CNN Newsource on March 31, 2026

By Michelle Fisher

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    HOLLYWOOD, California (KABC) — It’s been a long time coming for Grammy-winning singer Brandy, who now has her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – a milestone that comes after decades of chart-topping hits.

Her star, near the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue, was unveiled during a ceremony Monday.

It was a moment she had dreamt of since her time at nearby Hollywood High.

“Seeing the stars on the Walk of Fame lit something in me. It made me believe, it made me affirm over my own life: I’m going to sing my way onto one of these stars… and I DID! “

The multi-platinum selling award-winner is an influential figure in R&B music. Her roles on television and film have also had a lasting impacts on pop culture.

The sitcom “Moesha” inspired a generation including “Insecure” creator Issa Rae, who spoke at the unveiling ceremony.

“Brandy made Moesha someone I wanted to befriend, the girl I wanted to be. At a time when beauty standards on television looked nothing like us, Brandy was the standard,” Rae said.

And who can forget Brandy as Cinderella or Roxie Hart in “Chicago” on Broadway?

Her famous friends, including Monica, Kehlani and Jenifer Lewis joined her family and droves of her fans Monday as more than three decades of career accomplishments were set in stone.

“She sustained and lived the spectrum of her dream,” Lewis said.

Brandy humbly called it all a blessing.

“I knew it was going to be emotional, but I didn’t know how emotional it was going to be. I’m so grateful. This is unbelievable,” Brandy said.

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.