Supreme Court Ruling Allows Housing Construction in Los Osos to Continue

KEYT on April 28, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

LOS OSOS, Calif. (KEYT) – Some residential developments in Los Osos will finally be able to proceed.

This comes after nearly a decade of legal battles with the California Coastal Commission.

The California State Supreme Court issued a ruling last week against the Coastal Commission, stating it overstepped its authority.

“The commission has for decades, continually pushed outwards its exercise of jurisdiction,” says Jeremy Talcott, an attorney At Pacific Legal Foundation. “And this really was a resounding rebuke by the California Supreme Court to put them back within their jurisdictional limits.”

An eight-house development project started in 2003 by Shear Development Company, LLC stalled when the Commission denied its last three property permits in 2017.

“What really irks me is that they didn’t take the time to do their due diligence on this,” says Tim Shea, lead contractor at Shear Development. “Coastal Commission looked at it in about a minute. They made their decision and said no.”

After the development permits were fully approved by the County Of San Luis Obispo, the Coastal Commission inserted itself and denied the permits, claiming the lots were in environmentally sensitive habitat areas.

“Under the Coastal Act, there is a role for the state to play,” says Talcott. “The state has the ability to certify any local coastal program amendments, and they did that. And so, once those were certified by the Commission, that does vest a lot of permitting authority back into the local government.”

The State Supreme Court’s ruling last week was in Shear Development’s favor.

“The California Supreme Court, pretty resoundingly found in favor of Shear Development and said, on remand, when this gets sent back down, you, Commission, need to find that you never had jurisdiction at all, and you never should have been involved,” says Talcott.

The State Supreme Court says the California Coastal Commission must allow the County their approvals of projects that conform to their Local Coastal Program.

And the Coastal Commission says in a statement:

“After initial review, we don’t believe this decision has significant implications for the Commission’s program or authority. It has little impact on the Shear Development project as the County has since resolved the habitat, sewage and drinking water issues that initially raised concerns with our agency.”

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

President Trump moves to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana

KYMA on April 28, 2026

Lynette Niebla

(KYMA) – On April 23, the Department of Justice announced it was easing the restriction on state-licensed medical marijuana, reclassifying the substance from a Schedule I drug, the highest level of regulation, to a Schedule III. 

This effort moves medical marijuana away from the same classification as heroin and into a new category that acknowledges the drug as one for medical use and a low potential for abuse.

Begun under President Joe Biden, and following President Donald Trump’s Dec. 18 executive action, the reclassification creates many benefits for California and Arizona.

This is a major step forward towards legitimizing the industry, especially in California, the nations largest legal cannabis market. 

The reclassification is also a huge relief for businesses of California and Arizona. Before, medical marijuana operators and dispensaries were subject to IRS tax law 280E, prohibiting them from deducting normal business expenses in their taxes.

No longer bound by this law, businesses will now save millions in federal taxes and product prices for consumers can potentially drop.

Nationwide, this action opens the door for medical marijuana and CBD research, an action previously taking scientists years to authorize and complete.

Prior to reclassification, researches faced numerous hurdles in the filed, needing approval from several agencies, rigorous security requirements and funding limitations.

Now, this reclassification simplifies the process for researchers and allows for validated scientific data on the drug.

To learn more about this, read the press release below.

4.23.26 Rescheduling News AzNORMLDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Preliminary hearing underway for man accused of murdering missing teen

KYMA on April 28, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The man accused of murdering a missing teen is back in court Tuesday for his preliminary hearing.

51-year-old Abraham Feinbloom pleaded not guilty in connection to the disappearance and death of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar.

Tuesday’s court appearance is said to determine if there is enough evidence to establish probable cause and hold him for trial.

According to our reporter, the hearing was transferred from the criminal courthouse to the regular courthouse.

Our reporter says both sides are ready, with Feinbloom‘s attorney, Melanie Roe, saying she has a private investigator as a witness, but says she doesn’t know if she will call on him to testify.

Meanwhile, the prosecution has 11 witnesses, according to our reporter, which includes three Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) deputies, an ICSO investigator and someone from the FBI.

During the hearing, the three deputies took the stand describing what they found during the investigation,

Deputy Austin Rodriguez of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office searched the interior of Feinbloom’s home, describing it as “unconventional.”

Deputy Rodriguez said there was a bed in the living room surrounded by mirrors, and said he recalled seeing a pink and purple cell phone case and a pink hair dryer.

He noticed the house was boarded up and there were padlocks on the windows from the outside.

He also said he observed a fire pit in the back yard. He noticed part of a drum set in Feinbloom’s living room.

The drum set was allegedly seen in a Snapchat video that Tovar’s mother handed over to investigators.

Another deputy recalled the serach for Tovar’s body. He was called to the Salton City area after a man walking his dog noticed what appeared to be a human leg.

The deputy said he called in the forensics team to collect the remains. He said the leg looked like it was cleanly cut at the knee.

A man said to have driven Tovar to Feinbloom’s home a couple of times lost contact with Tovar after dropping her off at the home before she went missing.

All 11 witnesses are expected to testify this week, and Judge Poli Flores is presiding over the hearing.

Click here to follow the original article.

Leaving a mark: Declaration of Independence replica stops in Rexburg for ‘America 250’ Tour

KIFI on April 28, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A traveling piece of American heritage made its way to eastern Idaho this Tuesday, giving people in Rexburg the chance to leave their mark on a major milestone ahead of America’s 250th birthday.

Today, the Madison Library District hosts a special appearance of a traveling replica of the Declaration of Independence, and people lined up to add their signatures to the document before it becomes a permanent display at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.

The event is a part of the “America 250 in Idaho” initiative, a statewide celebration leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary. The project has set an ambitious goal to collect 250,000 signatures from Idahoans across all 44 counties, serving as a symbol of unity and state pride.

Beyond the ink and parchment, organizers are focusing on the “spirit of the revolution” through a statewide service challenge. Idahoans are being encouraged to help reach a collective goal of 250,000 acts of kindness before the national anniversary.

While the replica is set to move on to its next destination, the mission is far from over. For more information, or to take part in the Idaho acts of kindness, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ammon’s “Freezing for a Reason” returns May 16; Registration closes Friday

KIFI on April 28, 2026

Seth Ratliff

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Ammon is preparing to be “Freezing for a Reason” to raise some cold, hard cash for a good cause. Registration is officially closing this Friday for the community’s annual polar plunge, with all proceeds from this year’s event benefiting the Shannon Wilker Foundation and local cancer patients.

The foundation was established to honor the memory of Shannon Wilker, a local woman who passed away from breast cancer in July 2011. According to the foundation’s mission, they focus on providing “immediate assistance to breast cancer patients and their families.”

This May, the City of Ammon is jumping in—literally—to help. On Saturday, May 16, city crews will fill the McCowin Park Pool with fresh water and top it off with 10,000 lbs of ice before inviting the community to take the plunge.

The action kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16th. Registration is $15, with all proceeds benefiting the Shannon Wilker Foundation.

For more information or to register, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Judge denies delay: Kouri Richins to be sentenced on late husband’s birthday

KIFI on April 28, 2026

Bailee Shaw

PARK CITY, Utah (KIFI) — Convicted killer Kouri Richins will face sentencing as scheduled next month after a judge rejected a defense motion to postpone the hearing.

Richins was found guilty on March 13 of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, two counts of insurance fraud, and one count of forgery. The conviction stems from the poisoning of her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022.

Richins’ defense team had asked for more time, saying they needed additional preparation — and noting that one of her attorneys had a death in the family. But Judge Mrazik was not convinced.

In his ruling, Judge Richard Mrazik said the request did not clearly explain what still needed to be done or how much time was needed.

Judge Mrazik pointed out that Richins still has two other qualified attorneys working on her case and cited concerns that a delay in sentencing would cause “significant prejudice” to the victims—specifically, Eric Richins’ three children.

“The court concludes the minor victims, in particular, would endure significant prejudice if the sentencing hearing is continued beyond its current setting,” states Mrazik’s ruling.

Sentencing is now set for May 13th — what would have been her husband Eric’s 44th birthday.

Click here to follow the original article.

Utility work begins on Lewisville Highway; Expected to last through June

KIFI on April 28, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Utility construction work is underway along Lewisville Highway, south of 65th North, this week.

Crews with Bybee Excavation began work on Monday to install underground lines for nearby development.

The roadway will remain open to northbound traffic throughout the construction. However, southbound drivers are being detoured at 65th north to 5th west, then back around the work zone.

According to the City of Idaho Falls, the project is expected to last through June, depending on the weather. City Officials are asking drivers to “watch for crews and equipment, obey all posted traffic control signs, and reduce speeds in the work zone to ensure the safety of both workers and the traveling public.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Santa Barbara Literary Festival Founder Joins The Morning News

KEYT on April 28, 2026

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Literary Festival will debut this weekend, May 2nd and 3rd.

The first festival will bring togerhter storytellers, panels and workshops at multiple venues including The Lobero Theatre, the former Karpeles Manuscript Museum and the Environmental Hub.

The woman behind the vision is Author, Actress and filmmaker, Leslie Zemeckis.

Zemeckis joins your Morning News to share about all the exciting panels and what to expect for this weekend. To purchase tickets head to their website where passes are also available.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Former Columbia parking manager accused of stealing from meters pleaded guilty to similar crime in 2013

KMIZ on April 28, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The now-former Columbia parking manager who was accused of stealing money from parking meters earlier this month was accused of a similar crime more than a decade ago.

James Faup, 38, of Columbia, was arrested on April 2 on suspicion of felony stealing and misdemeanor stealing, according to a Columbia Police Department press release that was issued the same day. Faup bonded out of jail and charges have not yet been filed on Casenet.

CPD wrote in its release that it was tipped off by someone who claimed they saw someone in a Public Works uniform “who was exchanging a large amount of coins at a local business.” Faup allegedly took coins from parking meters and exchanged them for paper money “for personal use,” the release says.

Faup had pleaded guilty on July 10, 2013, in Boone County to misdemeanor stealing. Court records show he was originally charged in that case with a felony. He was sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation and 40 hours of community service.

The probable cause statement in that case says the University of Missouri Parking and Transportation Services Office saw a $500 shortage on a bank deposit. The statement describes Faup at the time being an assistant to the main collector of funds.

“The main collector left the office following completion of collection change from the parking meters around campus and Faup was left to count the funds and secure them for collection by Brinks on 12-11-2012,” the statement says.

A second $191 shortage was discovered on Jan. 17, 2013, “from change machines located in Hitt Street Garage and Virginia Avenue Garage,” court documents say. The “main collector” and Faup were the only people with access to those machines, court documents allege.

Faup allegedly admitted to University of Missouri police on Jan. 23, 2013, that he took $500 in quarters and deposited it into a checking account. He also allegedly admitted to cashing out the other $191 at a CoinStar machine.

The City of Columbia had confirmed to ABC 17 News on April 3, 2026, that Faup was employed by the city from Feb. 20, 2013-April 2, 2026.

ABC 17 News has reached out to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office and the City of Columbia on Tuesday.

City Finance Director Matt Lue told ABC 17 News on Tuesday that the city is conducting an audit of the parking fund. The city expects it to be complete by the end of May.

“We weren’t factoring in theft into the budget,” said Randy Minchew with the city’s Finance Advisory and Audit Committee. “Now we don’t really know if the norm is the norm because we don’t know how much theft was involved.”

Minchew said with Faup’s 13-year history at the city, it may be hard to figure out how much was really stolen.

“It’s hard to monitor how much money should be there because there’s different amounts of people parking, paying and parking every month,” Minchew said.

Minchew said the city hired Faup before his conviction, so a background check would not have flagged the case.

“We hired him before any charges on that were filed or before he was convicted,” Minchew said. “If the staff with the city had known they would never hire someone who had that sort of record.”

Minchew said the city’s next steps include putting safeguards in place so this doesn’t happen again.

“The smartest way to do it is just to go with Park Mobile,” Minchew said. “I would think you could train the citizens to use it that way and get away from the change.”

Click here to follow the original article.

One dead in shooting on S. 15th Avenue in Yuma

KYMA on April 28, 2026

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a shooting which left one person dead.

According to a press release, the shooting happened in the area of S. 15th Avenue and W. Fifth Street before 8 p.m. Sunday.

Upon arrival, YPD says officers found an unresponsive man on the ground and performed life-saving measures.

YPD says a white four-door sedan arrived in the area, shot multiple rounds, with one of them hitting the victim, identified as 18-year-old Valentin Morales, and then drove away.

YPD then says Morales was taken to Onvida Health where he later died, and witnesses say there were at least three suspects, described as Black or Hispanic, in the vehicle.

The victim’s family has created a Gofundme to help during this time.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call 928-783-4421, or 78-CRIME at 928-782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Homicide 26-29650Download

Click here to follow the original article.