Tuscumbia firefighter charged with child sex crimes

KMIZ on March 19, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A volunteer firefighter for the Tuscumbia Fire Department has been charged with two child sex crimes.

Izak Lachance, 25, of Eldon, was charged on Wednesday in Morgan County with second-degree child sex trafficking and child enticement. He is being held at the Morgan County Jail on a $250,000 bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 23 received a call about Lachance giving a sex toy and pornographic images to a minor.

The youth spoke with law enforcement the next day and described instances where Lachance had sent them pornographic content through the social media application SnapChat. The minor also described an instance where Lachance forcefully gave them a sex toy, the statement says.

They also described being touched by Lachance and claimed he was known to “have inappropriate relationships with other juvenile females in the past,” court documents say. Lachance also allegedly offered to pay the youth $100 a week for sexual images and at one point gave the youth $20 to coax them to send him an image, the statement says.

Police used Lachance’s Snapchat data to determine he went to a Walmart to buy a sex toy that he gave the youth, the statement says. Law enforcement found video of him at the Walmart picking out the sex toy, the statement says.

Lachance allegedly admitted giving the youth a sex toy but could not confirm if he paid them money or demanded sexual photographs, court documents say.

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Bengal Giving Day 2026 raises over $826,000

KIFI on March 19, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho State University:

POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State University’s Bengal Giving Day 2026 brought the campus and alumni community together in a powerful show of support, raising $826,842 through 1,182 gifts from 835 donors.

Held March 10–11, this year’s event coincided with ISU’s 125th anniversary, making it an especially meaningful time to reflect on the generations of support that have shaped the institution since 1901.

At the heart of Bengal Giving Day is gratitude.

Idaho State extends its deepest thanks to its faculty and staff, whose dedication, mentorship, and daily commitment to students are the foundation of the University’s success. From classrooms and labs to clinics and performance halls, their work shapes lives and strengthens ISU in ways that go far beyond a single day.

The University also recognizes its students, whose energy, participation, and enthusiasm brought Bengal Giving Day to life across campus. Whether through events, social media, or simply showing their Bengal pride, students played a vital role in creating a sense of excitement and connection, and are the reason we do all that we do at ISU.

And to the 835 donors who made gifts, thank you. Your generosity directly supports scholarships, programs, and opportunities that empower ISU students to succeed. Every gift is a meaningful investment in the future of ISU and the communities it serves.

As Idaho State looks ahead to its next 125 years, the success of Bengal Giving Day serves as a reminder that it is the strength of its community, more than anything, that drives its impact.

To view results, supported funds, and the final leaderboard, visit HERE.

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Senate approves higher education budget cuts, sending them to Governor Little

KIFI on March 19, 2026

Ryan Suppe

By: Ryan Suppe and Sean Dolan

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 19, 2026

BOISE, Idaho — Senators Thursday passed 5% budget cuts to colleges and universities next fiscal year, after a debate that revolved around whether the state should fund higher education at all. 

House Bill 876 is the fiscal year 2027  “maintenance” budget for the Idaho State Board of Education and includes funding for two- and four-year colleges and universities. The budget rolls over base spending from the current fiscal year. 

It also takes out 3% — Gov. Brad Little’s proposal — along with an additional 2% cut proposed by legislators. Higher education stands to take a disproportionate hit from budget cuts affecting most state agencies this year. 

Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, D-Boise, said the “maintenance” budget doesn’t keep the lights on for higher education institutions. She detailed cuts and restructuring already underway on campuses across the state. 

Idaho State University is laying off dozens of employees and merging colleges. Boise State University will combine two colleges and close a third. The University of Idaho is pausing its engineering program buildout, said Ward-Engelking, the longest-serving member of the Legislature’s budget-writing committee. 

“It’s going to impact our children and grandchildren for years to come,” she said. “This ship will not be turned around easily and will have long term economic consequences.”

Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking at a JFAC meeting Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Sean Dolan/EdNews)

But hardline conservatives say funding higher education isn’t the state’s responsibility.  

Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld, who supported the higher education cuts, argued that colleges and universities should be funded by tuition and donations — except for U of I, the only higher education institution called out in the Idaho Constitution, she said. 

“For decades now, we actually have been going against our oath of office, according to our Idaho state constitution,” said Zuiderveld, R-Twin Falls. 

Sen. Dave Lent, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, countered that the Idaho Constitution was written when “higher education was not even close to what it is today.” In 1889, most people didn’t travel more than 50 miles from home, he said, and electricity was scarce.

“If you want to be successful in today’s world, you have to have an education, and I think that’s our responsibility,” said Lent, R-Idaho Falls. 

The Senate voted 23-12 to approve the cuts, with half a dozen Republicans joining the Senate’s six Democrats in opposition. 

HB 876 now goes to the governor’s desk.

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Central Coast Communities Re-Evaluate César Chávez Legacy Amid Allegations

KEYT on March 19, 2026

Ivania Montes

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Communities across the Central Coast are grappling with difficult questions following recent allegations surrounding labor leader César Chávez.

Recent reports allege that César Chávez sexually abused women, including some who were minors, during his lifetime. Among the women reportedly affected was Dolores Huerta, the legendary labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers, who worked closely with Chávez for decades.

On February 28, 2026, Dolores Huerta made an appearance and spoke with students at Oxnard College. Huerta came forward with experiences following an investigation released by the New York Times on Wednesday.

“I have kept this secret long enough. My silence ends here,” Huerta.

From schools and streets to murals and public spaces in the Central Coast, Chávez’ name is deeply embedded throughout the region. He was long seen as a symbol of farmworker rights and Latino empowerment.

From down south in Oxnard, Chávez grew up in the La Colonia neighborhood where he worked local fields. In 1958, he returned back to Oxnard to organize farmer workers and established a Community Service Organization chapter, and advocated for citizenship and voting rights.

Oxnard has highlighted Chávez through street names, murals, and Schools such as César Chávez Elementary School, César Chávez Street, and a mural in Colonia Park.

In Santa Barbara as well has Calle César Chávez, and in northern county, you can find street names named after him as well.

UCSB distinguished Professor of Chicana and Chicano studies, Aida Hurtado, spoke more on the instant reaction the community took once hearing about the allegations.

“We have to give Latinos, Latinx people credit for reacting so quickly. And, and just going to it, I mean, it’s like within an hour people were taking things down,” said Hurtado. “The hope is the reaction. There’s no doubt. People just said it. She says it happened. We believe you. And that in itself is empowerment. We’re not splitting up. We still have a lot of work to do, especially with the farmworker community. We don’t want this as a distraction, even though we’re acknowledging it. Our purpose is very clear. And I think that, it almost reaffirms our purpose.”

Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo has introduced legislation to rename the March 31 state holiday currently honoring Chávez to ‘Farmworker Day.’

“Farmworkers are essential to our everyday lives — from the food we eat to the economy we enjoy,” Macedo said. “The fight for dignity in the fields was never about one person… it is about the millions of workers who sweat, toil and aspire for a better life.”

Congressman Salud Carbajal expressed concern over the allegations, saying he stands with victims and emphasized the importance of recognizing farmworkers as a whole rather than focusing on one individual.

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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Deschutes National Forest cancels prescribed burns south of Sisters, SE of Bend, cites ‘unfavorable conditions’

KTVZ on March 19, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to what it calls “unfavorable conditions, the Deschutes National Forest canceled Thursday’s planned prescribed burning operations on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters ranger districts

“Firefighters cancelled prescribed burning today upon receiving updated weather forecasts showing low relative humidity and elevated winds,” Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist Jaimie Olle told KTVZ News.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for much of the region, warning of elevated fire weather risk due to much warmer than normal temperatures and dry conditions with low humidity. Winds also could gust to 20-30 mph.

Firefighters on the Sisters Ranger District had planned to conduct up to 42 acres of ignitions on the SAFR 9 and 78 Prescribed Burn units, located 1 1/2 miles south of Sisters, on the east side of Forest Service Road 16 (Three Creek Lake Road) and the south side of FSR 4606 near the junction of the two roads.

The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District had planned to continue prescribed burning operations on the Flank 5 Prescribed Burn 15 miles southeast of Bend, on the west side of Forest Service Road 18, just north of FSR 18 and FSR 25 junction and Camp II OHV Staging Area.

Trail closures remain in place for the Opine OHV Trails System for Trail #020, #021, #025 and #028 following Wednesday’s ignitions, officials said. The closures will remain in place for several days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Firefighters will reopen trails once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.

More information from the Forest Service:

Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires. Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

What does this mean for you?During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours. 

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit centraloregonfire.org/protect-your-health for more smoke preparedness resources.

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

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Moberly School District: ‘Swatting’ call leads to lockdown

KMIZ on March 19, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A “swatting” call Thursday afternoon led to a lockdown at buildings across the Moberly School District, according to a social media post from the district.

The district posted Thursday afternoon that Moberly Police received a threat report, which led to an immediate lockdown at all school sites.

“Law enforcement has since determined the threat to be a swatting call, all buildings were checked and cleared, and all students and staff remained safe throughout the incident,” the post states.

Police said there was never any real danger.

“At no time was there an indication of an active threat to students or staff,” the Moberly Police Department said in a news release. Police continue to investigate, the release says.

Swatting is a term used to describe calls meant to bring a large police response to an address where no crime is taking place. It’s been on the rise in recent years, with the Educator’s School Safety Network saying nearly 64% of all violent incidents in the 2022-2023 school year were false reports of an active shooter.

Check back for updates.

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Sanctuary Centers’ Newest Campus Near Completion in Santa Barbara

KEYT on March 19, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you’ve been in downtown Santa Barbara lately, you’ve probably noticed the tall crane above Anapamu Street. It’s been a constant presence since March 2024, as crews worked to bring Sanctuary Centers’ new Integrated Care Campus to life. Now, that crane is coming down — a clear sign the project is almost finished.

The new building is designed to bring several essential services together under one roof. It will include 34 units of supportive housing for people living with serious mental illness, along with a 5,000-square-foot medical clinic and a full floor dedicated to behavioral health care.

The campus will expand on the organization’s existing housing community, which already provides 36 units for low-to no-income residents.

This project has been years in the making, with planning efforts stretching back more than a decade. Leaders see it as a major step toward improving access to care and stable housing in Santa Barbara.

Even as construction nears the finish line, there are still challenges ahead. Sanctuary Centers has raised more than $27 million so far but still needs about $3 million to fully complete the project.

CEO Dr. Stephanie Drake described this as one of the toughest phases. She explained that once construction wraps up, it can become harder to secure the final funding needed.

The organization is now turning to the community for support, asking local donors and partners to help close the gap so the campus can open as planned and begin serving those who need it most.

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Lompoc City Councilman’s Preliminary Hearing On Forgery, Fraud, And Theft

KEYT on March 19, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – A preliminary hearing began today for a Lompoc City Councilman accused of forgery and fraud.

There have been calls for him to resign, but he had support in the courtroom.

Stephen Bridge represents the north west side of Lompoc.

He faces 15 counts, 10 of them felonies, related to forgery, fraud and stealing 10 thousand dollars in city funds.

He publicly addressed the charges at December’s city council meeting.

“The lawyers tell me the best path for this is to make no comment, either social media or in the news,” Bridge said in December.

A Lompoc rebate program offers reimbursement for construction work, but the contractors are required to be licensed to qualify.

Bridge and his sons are known in town for construction work, but prosecutors say none of them are licensed contractors.

Bridge also co-owns the music store Certain Sparks in Lompoc, and the other owner testified Thursday that Bridge runs the books.

He says he trusts Bridge and was not aware of any financial mis-dealings.

In the evidence presented in Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors said Bridge was manufacturing and later altering invoices to “Turner Construction,” an entity that doesn’t exist beyond his son’s business cards.

Bridge’s son also spoke in support of his father in court Thursday.

“I wanted to say I’m especially grateful for the huge outpouring of support I have received from people who know me,” said Bridge from the dais in December. “My friends and family. It has also been humbling to hear from people I hardly know, offering to help me.”

Bridge has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include ten felonies and five misdemeanors, according to the most recent criminal complaint.

“I believe in the American justice system and I’m confident that through the court process, I will be found not guilty,” says Bridge.

Among other discrepancies, invoices were charging Steve Bridge’s business for labor “Turner Construction” did.

Bridge remains on the city council even though another councilman has called on him to resign his seat.

The preliminary hearing was placed in recess at the end of the day, and will resume Friday afternoon.

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Local schools brace themselves for new mandatory moment of silence law

KIFI on March 19, 2026

Par Kermani

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho public schools may soon start the day with a mandatory minute of quiet.House Bill 623 (HB 623), which requires a daily 60-second moment of silence, has passed both the Idaho House and Senate and is now headed to the governor’s desk for final signature.

If signed into law, the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, would take effect for the upcoming school year. The bill outlines that the time can be used for students and teachers to “reflect, pray, or meditate” at the start of the school day, allowing them a moment to ground themselves before instruction begins.

Idaho Falls School District 91 told Local News 8 in a statement that they’ve been following the session to ensure compliance with state law. Chief of Communications Maren Archibald says that should the Governor sign the bill, D91 is prepared to implement House Bill 623 at the start of the new school year in August.

“Students learn best when their school environment has consistent routines. Our teachers already utilize classroom routines to help support their students, and a daily moment of silence is another example of a practice that builds routine,” said Archibald. “Our first priority is supporting teachers and students while remaining in compliance with state law.”

Critics of the bill have expressed concern that the quiet time could be used for organized prayer in a school setting, which they say violates the concept of separation of church and state. Supporters, however, emphasize that the bill’s language is non-specific, giving students total autonomy in how they utilize the quiet minute.

Powell noted that the logistics—such as precisely when the minute will occur and how it will be announced—are still being finalized, but the focus will remain on minimizing disruption to instruction while adhering to the new legal requirements.

The Governor has five days, excluding Sundays, to sign the bill into law, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto it. If approved, Idaho will join several other states that currently mandate or allow a moment of silence in public school classrooms.

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Highway 111 now open following train derailment near Salton Sea

KYMA on March 19, 2026

Skylar Heisey

(KYMA) – Highway 111 is now open Thursday morning after a train derailment near the Salton Sea forced it to close.

According to our sister station KESQ, it happened after 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Mecca and North Shore area, near Parkside Drive.

At least 20 train cars derailed, forcing a response from hazardous materials crew, with Cal Fire saying none of the chemical freight appeared to have been affected and no injuries were reported.

“We ask that people avoid the area to allow crews to get in there. There’s gonna be some extensive cleanup involved. Otherwise, just mind the roadblocks, be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you comply with any directions that come out,” Tawny Castro, Public Information Specialist for Cal Fire, said at the time Highway 111 was closed.

Highway 111 was closed from Bayside Drive to beyond the derailment area.

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