Santa Barbara Police arrest man after domestic violence incident

KEYT on April 18, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara Police arrested a man after a domestic violence investigation just before 4:00 p.m. Friday.

The man involved attacked his victim and noticed he was being watched before fleeing the area, according to the SBPD.

SBPD officers gave the victim medical attention before an investigation into the domestic violence case.

SBPD officers then found the man asleep in his car at the 600 block of Mulberry Ave. before arresting him after contact.

The SBPD later booked the man at the County Jail on numerous felonies including domestic battery and kidnapping.

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Neville named new CPS executive director of alternative education

KMIZ on April 18, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools announced in a Friday press release that Douglass High School Principal Eryca Neville has been named the district’s executive director of alternative education.

Neville has been the principal at Douglass High School since 2011 and was a teacher in the district before, the release says. She serves with the Heart of Missouri United Way, Heart of Missouri CASA, the Flourish Initiative, the release says.

The release says the new position “is designed to strengthen the district’s ability to support students with diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs through a comprehensive and aligned K–12 alternative education model.”

“The position will enhance coordination of services, ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, and improve student outcomes through focused leadership, data-driven decision-making, and strong partnerships with staff, families, and community agencies,” the release says.

Exact salary information for Neville’s new role was not announced on Friday, but Board of Education documents indicate it is classified as “professional support staff” with a Grade 9 salary schedule, ranging from $136,917.76 to $201,149.76.

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Reconnect Southeast Idaho Prepares for Summer Constitution Camp

KIFI on April 18, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Every summer, volunteers and the Reconnect Southeast Idaho organization work together to bring fun, education and performing arts to kids in Pocatello at the Constitution Camp. This year is extra special because it’s the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This year’s camp is June 15-19 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On the Friday of the camp, the kids come back for a performance at 6 p.m. The entire community is invited to the free performance at Calvary Chapel on June 19. It will showcase all the history knowledge the campers learned throughout the week.

It takes over 60 volunteers to make the camp experience memorable for the children. Some are teachers from the community and others put on costumes to play historical heroes like George Washington. Throughout the week, the campers have countless hands-on learning opportunities.

“They rotate through stations and they do really fun activities like they march through the icy river with rags tied on their feet with George Washington,” said Michele Holyoak, Camp Director. “They learn what it’s like to live like a 17th century kid by feeding chickens and making bread and root beer.”

The week also includes practices for Friday’s performance, memorizing important documents like the preamble to the Constitution, and other crafts like sewing stars.

“This year, we decided that we wanted to celebrate as much of the 250 years as we could. So, instead of just learning about the revolution we are going to take them on a journey through the early colonists from the Mayflower all the way up to World War I and World War II,” said Holyoak.

The camp isn’t about the memorization of small details like dates of events in U.S. history, but rather to give children a memorable experience they’ll carry with them, as well as teach them valuable themes.

“The point is to get them to have an associated feeling with this country of patriotism and love and courage and freedom,” Holyoak said. “So that when they go out into their lives and into adulthood, that they remember that spirit of freedom and spirit of patriotism and love of country, and having these true heroes in their pockets.”

The camp expanded this year to accommodate 100 campers and there’s just under 30 spots remaining. In order to secure a T-shirt with registration, you must do so by April 30. For more information and how to register your child for Constitution Camp, visit reconnectsoutheastidaho.org.

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Trees down in Mid-Missouri after storms roll through

KMIZ on April 18, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Branches and trees were down around Mid-Missouri after storms rolled through the area on Friday.

The threat of high winds and hail damage prompted the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team to issue a Weather Alert Day for Friday. Most of Mid-Missouri was in tornado watch on Friday evening. Gov. Mike Kehoe had preemptively declared a state of emergency on Friday afternoon.

Thousands of people lost power, particularly in the Lake of the Ozarks area, but strong winds went through much of the area.

The Stover Police Department had told ABC 17 News at 9:05 p.m. that Highway 52 was closed at the city’s eastern border through Versailles.

Cole County Emergencies Services wrote in a Friday night press release that downed trees and utilities lines were reported throughout the county.

“During the height of the storm, a bus transporting students from a southwestern school district was entering Cole County,” Chief Eric Hoy wrote in the release. “As a precautionary measure, the bus was directed to a safe location at the Cole County Sheriff’s Department. Cole County Emergency Services personnel assisted in coordinating temporary lodging for the group following the storm.”

Additionally, trees were seen down in Fulton and Hartsburg.

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Turn the pumps back on: Curtailment order temporarily lifted for most Butte County farmers

KIFI on April 18, 2026

David Pace

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Mat Weaver has lifted the curtailment order on Butte County farmers through May 4th.

The decision means farmers in the Big Lost River and Little Lost River Basins will be able to water their crops for the next two weeks.

During that time, “good faith” negotiations will continue between the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators and the Surface Water Coalition over accepting three ground water districts in the Big Lost River and Little Lost River basins into the 2024 Mitigation Plan. 

Weaver’s decision only applies to farmers who are members of the ground water districts applying to join the plan.

Local News 8 spoke with representatives from both the SWC and IGWA before Weaver issued his decision.

“Those farmers out there – those growers – had their crops dying on the vine because it’s been a very dry, warm spring, and they have very rocky, kind of shallow soil,” said Idaho Ground Water Appropriators Chairwoman Stephanie Mickelsen. “So for them, this is the critical time where they may not end up with a crop if we don’t get this resolved.”

The Butte County farmers started the process to join the 2024 mitigation plan late last summer.

“They have to first set up a ground water district. Then they have to go hire an attorney,” Mickelsen explained. “All of this takes time because you have to have public notices and all those kind of legal requirements met in order to do that. So they have been working on this for a significant period of time.”

Tensions between the two groups culminated when Weaver declined to lift an order to cut off the Butte County farmers’ water on Thursday.

That decision brought both two groups of irrigators closer together, with negotiations continuing in earnest.

“I think over the next two weeks, we’ll continue to meet and discuss those and try and reach a resolution,” said Surface Water Coalition Attorney Travis Thompson. “That’s really the point for today is to agree to continue those good faith negotiations.”

On Friday afternoon, the traditional rivals – SWC and IGWA – jointly asked Weaver to allow Big Lost River and Little Lost River Water District farmers to continue to irrigate.

“Just some real hard work on both sides – attorneys getting together and trying to find a path forward for some negotiations to continue that dialogue,” Thompson said.

For full coverage of the latest developments, check out our article from Friday afternoon.

RELATED |  Surface Water Coalition, Groundwater Districts seek emergency stay on Butte Co. curtailment

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EAST IDAHO HOME AND GARDEN SHOW RETURNS

KIFI on April 18, 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As spring projects ramp up across eastern Idaho, the East Idaho Home and Garden Show is giving homeowners a chance to get a head start — but a freeze warning could impact early planting.

The event is underway at the Mountain America Center, bringing together nearly 200 vendors offering everything from landscaping and gardening advice to home improvement services.

Vendors say the show is designed to help residents plan ahead as temperatures begin to warm.

“We’ve got trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals—everything you need to make your yard look great, and it’s really a good way for people to come out, see what does well in this area, and get ideas before they start planting,” said Kennedy Haslam with Sunnyside Gardens.

However, a freeze warning remains in effect across eastern Idaho through Friday and into Saturday, creating potential challenges for early planting.

Garden experts say timing is critical this time of year, especially for more delicate plants.

“The average last frost date is around May 22nd, so if you’re buying plants right now, you really want to babysit them until then, and if temperatures drop, you can use things like frost cloths or even blankets to help protect those more sensitive plants,” said Cassidy Barnes with Sunnyside Gardens.

The East Idaho Home and Garden Show continues Friday from noon to 7 p.m., with free admission for senior citizens and military veterans from noon to 2 p.m.

The event resumes Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with teachers and first responders admitted free from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Organizers say the show offers a chance for residents to connect with local experts and prepare for the spring season despite changing weather conditions.

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Oregon Lightning camp brings skill-building, mentorship to Central Oregon youth

KTVZ on April 18, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Young athletes across Central Oregon will have a chance to sharpen their skills and build confidence this weekend at the Oregon Lightning Youth Initiative Football and Cheer Camp.

The camp, set for Saturday at Caldera High School in Bend, is designed for kids from Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Bend. Organizers say the goal goes beyond sports fundamentals, focusing on teamwork, discipline, leadership and community connection.

Participants will receive hands-on instruction in both football and cheerleading, while also learning life skills that extend off the field.

“This is about more than just athletics,” organizers said. “We are creating opportunities for mentorship, encouragement and personal growth for local youth.”

Funds raised through the initiative help cover operational costs, including equipment, facility use, staffing and training materials. Organizers say that support allows them to keep the camp accessible while providing a safe and positive experience for participants.

The program aims to invest in Central Oregon youth by offering a structured environment where kids can develop confidence, build relationships and stay engaged in their communities.

The camp runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Caldera High School, 60925 SE 15th St. in Bend.

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Day four of Nicholas Harder murder trial — defense witness says he heard a struggle over phone

KYMA on April 18, 2026

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, (ARIZ)-Day four of the Nicholas Harder murder trial continued today as the defense called a witness to the stand to describe what he heard over a phone call.

Jesse Adams, a friend of 40-year-old defendant Nicholas Harder, took the stand and told jurors he was on the phone with Harder when he heard what sounded like a fight.

“You can tell that they were wrestling or fighting and that the other guy clearly was attacking him,” Adams said.

Adams described noises he heard during the roughly 15-minute call: “They knocked over chairs. The table. It sounded like they were fighting in the kitchen. You could tell there was a struggle going on.”

Under questioning from the state, Adams was asked about his ability to observe the incident from Nebraska. When asked whether he could see what was happening, Adams replied, “I can’t see through the phone, no,” and when asked if he knew who, if anyone, attacked the defendant, he said, “I know there was a struggle and that Nick was attacked.”

Harder is charged with first-degree murder and four counts of aggravated assault. He is accused of killing 57-year-old Anthony Jordinelli in May 2023. It is not clear whether the phone call Adams described occurred the night Jordinelli was murdered.

The trial is scheduled to resume next Tuesday, when Harder is expected to testify.

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Lawmakers discuss Strait of Hormuz conflict and global impact

KTVZ on April 18, 2026

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has been ongoing for several weeks, prompting a ceasefire between the belligerents. While a permanent peace deal is pending, congressional disagreement continues over the war’s justification and the President’s actions. Democrats have led several War Powers Act resolutions, opposing the President’s military actions without consulting Congress.

The legislative dispute stems from the Democratic assertion that the conflict is a war of choice, contrasting with Republican claims that it is vital for national security. This has intensified calls for adherence to the War Powers Act, particularly with a significant deadline approaching. May 1 marks 60 days since the start of the war, a critical date because the War Powers Act stipulates that the President must end unauthorized military actions unless approved by Congress by that time.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat representing Oregon, has been a leading voice in advocating for War Powers Act resolutions. He has argued that the President’s actions are illegal.

Merkley stated, “this war is a complete disaster. It’s strengthened the hard liners and has proceeded to undermine the reformers. It’s resulted in the deaths of 13 Americans. Injury of four or five dozen, costing us 1 billion to $2 billion a day.”

The strategic Strait of Hormuz, which controls 20% of the world’s oil supply, has been impacted by the conflict. Ships are currently unable to traverse the strait, with Iran preventing movement and charging tolls. In response, the United States has implemented a blockade of Iranian ports along the coast. This blockade aims to prevent Iran from exporting its own oil. Rep. Cliff Bentz, a Republican also representing Oregon, described the US blockade as a strategic move.

“It seems to me that it’s a tactical move basically saying if you’re going to remove 20% of the world’s oil supply, we’re not going to let you (Iran) keep sending your own ships through paying your bills while you’re doing that to the rest of the world,” Bentz said.

Despite the ongoing situation, both Iran and the United States have publicly stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, though very few ships have actually traversed it. The lack of a declaration of war from Congress for the US blockade has led to extensive discussions among legislators regarding the appropriateness of the current military actions.

By May 1, which is 60 days since the start of the conflict, the President is required by the War Powers Act to cease any unauthorized military actions unless Congress approves them.

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Delayed One Week, The Annual Kite Festival is Ready to Fly

KEYT on April 18, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – After a one week delay due to weather issues, the 40th annual Santa Barbara Kite Festival is ready to take flight this Sunday.

The festival will be on the green grassy area on the west campus of Santa Barbara City College known as the “Great Meadow.” It overlooks the ocean and captures many wind currents from the coastal zone.

The event is open to all ages.

It takes place from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, giving everyone a chance to get their kite airborne and also practice their skills.

That will be important if they are planning to be in any of the competitions.

Kite Festival Organizer David Hefferman said, “about 1,500 folks flying a kite all at once. It is a lot of fun organized events we have tail chase, most beautiful, highest flying, best hand decorated kite, best handmade kite and lots of prizes.”

Recently during first Thursday in downtown Santa Barbara, the Kite Festival team had tables out on State Street by the Museum of Art.

There, kites were being made by hand and colorful artistic drawings were added on.

Sunday these kites will hopefully be flying at the event.

There will also be kites for sale, food, and music.

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