Learn about home hardening and evacuation at Bend wildfire event

KTVZ on May 20, 2026

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A community wildfire preparedness event will be held Wednesday, May 27, at Discovery Corner in Bend, with several westside neighborhoods in attendance. The event will provide important information on home hardening and evacuation preparedness.

From 5:00 to 5:30 p.m., attendees can visit with members from Bend Emergency Management, Bend Police, Bend Fire and the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Children can see a Bend Fire Truck up close and meet Smokey Bear. A limited number of giveaways will be available for kids and attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs.

Bend Deputy Fire Marshal Melissa Steele will deliver a formal presentation from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Following the presentation, an informal Q&A session is scheduled from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

The event is at Discovery Corner, 1125 NW Ochoa Dr., at the corner of Skyline Ranch Road and Ochoa Dr. in the Discovery West neighborhood.

The event is presented in partnership by Collier Homeowners Association and Discovery West Homeowners Association. It will involve Firewise Committee members from NorthWest Crossing, Collier and Discovery West neighborhoods.

Additional resources for wildfire preparedness:
– www.projectwildfire.org
– www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa.
– www.projectwildfire.org/evacuation.

Click here to follow the original article.

Columbia Public Schools to hold graduation ceremonies Friday, Saturday

KMIZ on May 20, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Nearly 1,400 Columbia Public Schools students will graduate this weekend.

CPS is holding four graduation ceremonies for its high schools on Saturday and Sunday.

An email from a district spokeswoman says Battle High School will graduate 345 students, Douglass High School will graduate 58, Hickman High School will see 477 students walk the stage and Rock Bridge High School will see 513 students receive their diploma.

Douglass High School’s graduation is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at the Missouri Theatre. Hickman’s graduation is set for 6 p.m. Friday at Mizzou Arena.

Battle’s is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Mizzou Arena, while Rock Bridge’s is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at the same location.

Ceremonies will also be streamed online.

Click here to follow the original article.

Idaho Water Managers warn of ‘dire’ summer outlook as runoff hits historic lows

KIFI on May 20, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho’s water outlook is looking grim despite some short-term relief in the coming days, water managers warned during the final Idaho Water Supply Committee meeting of the season on Wednesday.

Water managers say Southeast Idaho’s water outlook this summer remains below average, especially throughout the Snake River Basin. Another major topic at the meeting was Heise’s projected runoff forecast of just 70 percent of normal, making it the eighth worst on record.

“Water conditions are quite dire for Idaho. We have seen extremely low precipitation levels in the southeast. The southwest portion of Idaho specifically and have seen low snowpack levels throughout the winter in the headwaters,” Brian Stevens, the Water Operations Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation in Southeast Idaho, said.

Water supply remains a growing concern in the area, especially after a winter with below-average snowpack, meaning there’s less melting snow available to flow into rivers and reservoirs. However, there was still some hope in previous months.

“The warm temperatures in March melted a fair amount of the low elevation snowpack, which did put some water in the reservoirs. But what it did was reduce the amount of flow that was left to come out of the mountains from early May,” Stevens said.

Stevens says even small conservation efforts can make a big difference across the entire basin.

“I think conservation is always good, even for single homes to conserve water, because the water that is taken out of the aquifer is water that could be left there. So we need to conserve as much as we can in the aquifers to help groundwater levels, which in turn helps surface water levels in the reservoirs and water users throughout the basin,” Stevens said.

Click here to follow the original article.

RendezVan diverted 45% of its landfill waste and raised 1K for Environmental Center

KTVZ on May 20, 2026

Harley Coldiron

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor’s sixth annual RendezVan festival achieved a 45% landfill diversion rate while also raising over $1,000 for The Environmental Center.

The sustainability efforts were led by a Green Team, composed of Central Oregon locals and supported by a Subaru Cause-Marketing Grant and Mt. Bachelor’s Play Forever program. The four-day festival welcomed an estimated 20,000 visitors and focused on reducing its environmental footprint through hands-on waste management services.

For the second consecutive year, Mt. Bachelor assembled its Green Team to spearhead the festival’s sustainability initiatives. This team, comprised entirely of Central Oregon residents, actively sorted each bag of waste into nine different streams, providing passionate support, education and hands-on waste management services. The team also educated campers and visitors on proper recycling and composting practices specific to Deschutes County through conversations and a recycling quiz game. Sustainably sourced Play Forever and Subaru branded prizes were awarded during the quiz.

The Green Team collected a significant amount of recyclable and compostable materials. This included 705 pounds of cardboard and 714 pounds of plastic and aluminum, which accounted for more than 12,000 cans and bottles. They also collected 449 pounds of glass, totaling more than 200 bottles, 130 pounds of compost and 17 pounds of miscellaneous recycling.

Festival guests frequently expressed their appreciation for the sustainability initiative. Visitors from outside Central Oregon noted that recycling rules vary significantly between counties and states. Many attendees specifically thanked the Green Team for helping make sustainability a visible priority at the festival.

Presley Quon, Mt. Bachelor Communications and Community Relations Manager, highlighted the team’s mission. “Our goal was to bring together a group of passionate, hard-working locals to reduce the event’s carbon footprint while helping festival-goers better understand sustainable waste practices specific to Deschutes County,” Quon said. “We had the best Green Team around – their knowledge and energy was unrivaled and the positive response from guests fueled the stoke.”

RendezVan 2026 featured spring skiing, live music, a silent disco, nightly music performances and a variety of new vendors, competitions and activities for all ages. Despite growing attendance and expanded programming, the festival demonstrated how large-scale outdoor events can successfully combine outdoor recreation, entertainment, community engagement and environmental responsibility.

For additional information about Mt. Bachelor’s Play Forever programs and initiatives, visit www.mtbachelor.com/playforever.

Click here to follow the original article.

What to expect at the El Paso airport as Memorial Day weekend travel nears

KVIA on May 20, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Wednesday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the El Paso International Airport shared advice for those flying for the summer.

Cassandra Davisson, the airport’s marketing and air service development manager, said Memorial Day weekend is usually the signal for a busy travel season as more people fly out of the airport.

She reminded travelers there’s a new parking system at the airport. Instead of a ticket system, new technology scans license plates and prompts travelers to make an account to pay.

Travelers should arrive early since wait times at the airport can peak unexpectedly, Davisson said. She suggested arriving at least two to four hours before your flight takes off.

Eric Guthier with the TSA suggested taking an extra two or three minutes to get your real ID ready before going through security.

TSA ended a rule where travelers had to take their shoes off at security. Guthier said some people may need to take their shoes off in some cases, but an officer will let them know if it’s necessary.

While the El Paso airport doesn’t have international fights, Guthier suggested arriving at least three hours before departure if you’re flying out of the country.

Guthier said the El Paso airport typically sees rish hours between 4-7 a.m.

He said listening to TSA officers’ orders can help make your security experience smoother.

“We just ask everyone to pack their patience,” Guthier said. “The officers are doing the best they can to get everyone through safely and securely, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Ysleta ISD facing $16.7 million budget deficit

KVIA on May 20, 2026

Rishi Oza

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Ysleta Independent School District is facing a budget deficit of $16.7 million. The district discussed its quarterly report during their Board of Trustee meeting Wednesday.

The district said there was an issue with a software system across the state with certain Central Appraisal Districts. The state implemented a new methodology to calculate any losses that happened from that error.

It impacted many districts across the state including YISD, and left it with a loss of $11 million in state revenue and a budget deficit of $16.7 million.

The state also has a decrease in funding given to districts and it leaves YISD with cash flow challenges. It said they need a short-term loan this month.

District CFO Lynly Cambern said the district has an issue of spending it’s unassigned fund balance. As of now, they have $35 million in unassigned fund balance, but it’s been getting lower over the past 5 years.

Cambern said the district has been using that fund balance to help get the deficit down, when it should be used for other issues. This year, if they use the fund balance for their deficit, they’ll only be left with $13 million.

“My goal in June is to bring you a comprehensive plan for addressing fund balance, for making hard choices, so that in three years, you are back to a surplus in your fund balance,” said Cambern during the meeting.

Hard choices can mean a lot of things, but Superintendent Xavier De La Torre said layoffs are premature to talk about right now.

“It’s too early to run around and say that the sky is falling,” said De La Torre. “We still have opportunities to gain revenue and significantly cut expenditures.” 

De La Torre said that’s the plan and options will be exhausted before the budget needs to be finalized this upcoming June.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jury finds man not guilty in road rage death involving brother, father

KVIA on May 20, 2026

Yvonne Suarez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – A jury found Jose Alberto Orozco not guilty of murder Wednesday. The verdict comes nearly three years after Orozco, his brother and father were charged with murder after what police described as a road rage incident with another driver in El Paso’s Upper Valley. 

The elder Orozco, Raul Alberto Orozco, was driving on Doniphan when he started chasing Marco Fino Jr. 

Police records show Orozco called his two sons, Christian Bradley Orozco and Jose to help him “trap” Fino. 

Fino was in a car with three other people. One of Orozco’s son blocked Fino in front and the other in the back, and got into a fight with a passenger. 

The fight turned physical, and Jose Albert is accused of shooting Fino.

The men all drove off after the shooting and did not call police according to court records. Fino’s passenger, meanwhile, tried to drive Fino to the hospital, but stopped to flag down an officer

Click here to follow the original article.

Torch Run comes through Pocatello, raising Special Olympics awareness

KIFI on May 20, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Torch Run has been making its way through Idaho, beginning in Bonner’s Ferry and stopping on Wednesday in Fort Hall and Pocatello to raise awareness for Special Olympics. In collaboration with law enforcement and local organizations, Special Olympics athletes get to run alongside local heroes, carrying the Flame of Hope.

The Torch Run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas, as a fundraiser for their local Special Olympics teams. That original run through town generated $300. Now, officials say the tradition has raised $1 billion for Special Olympics around the world.

“We run the torch prior to the summer games for awareness,” said Mike Fitch, Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison for Special Olympics of Idaho. “We’re working our way through east Idaho now, and we’ll do the Treasure Valley next week. A big piece of this is for awareness about Special Olympics and the joint effort between law enforcement and Special Olympics in general.”

The group has run 1,100 miles in the northern part of the state already, and plans to do another 800 miles in the coming week before the summer games kick off. More than 100,000 officers participate annually in the tradition of the Torch Run.

All the funds from events like the Torch Run put on by Special Olympics go back to the athletes. Fitch said they help to pay for uniforms, travel equipment, health screenings, and more. The run itself is more about awareness, as local sponsors take care of funding.

Les Schwab Tires is the primary sponsor. “We also have Jackson’s Food Stores, Bank of America, and Lookout Credit Union, who have all chipped in money for sponsorship so that we were able to turn a profit this year,” Fitch said.

Earlier in the day on May 20, the group ran in Fort Hall, completing a four-mile relay. Athletes and officials both get to hold the torch. In Pocatello, PPD, Chubbuck Police, and Bannock County Sheriffs participated.

“Law enforcement are considered guardians of the flame, and it’s the flame of hope they’re carrying,” Fitch said. “It puts a spotlight on the relationship between law enforcement and Special Olympics, and of course, the torch symbolizes the Olympics in general, so we’ll run the torch all the way around the state.”

Opening ceremonies will happen at Nampa High School for the summer games, where a cauldron will be lit on May 29 at 6 pm.

Click here to follow the original article.

Beloved Rexburg tradition, Madison Fire Department Pipe Brigade, to retire in 2026

KIFI on May 20, 2026

Stephanie Lucas

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) After 17 years, the Madison Fire Department Pipe Brigade announced 2026 will be its last year of performing.

“Following this season, the Pipe Brigade will retire, and the traditions will come to a close,” the organization said in a press release.  

“It has been our honor and privilege to serve the residents of Madison County and the surrounding communities by honoring those who have gone before us,” it continued. “We are deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and friendship we have received from the people of Rexburg and Madison County over the years.”

The Pipe Brigade will continue to perform for the next several months at their traditional community events, including:

Memorial Day – May 25th 

9:00 AM – Plano and Sutton (Archer) Cemeteries  

9:50 AM – Burton and Sugar Cemeteries  

10:45 AM – Rexburg Cemetery (all pipers will gather and perform)  

Saint Anthony 24th of July Parade 

Final appearances in 2026 will be: 

9/11 Memorial Walk (Porter Park)  

Patriot Day Parade (Porter Park)  

Click here to follow the original article.

Ciudad Juárez hosts free Xocerball Americup 2026 matches

KVIA on May 20, 2026

Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The Xokerball AmeriCup 2026 kicked off Wednesday with 16 national soccer teams set to play in Ciudad Juárez all week.

The tournament began at 9 a.m. and an opening ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. Following the ceremony, there will be a featured match between Mexico and the U.S.

This soccer federation tournament, which will be held for the first time in the border region of Juárez and El Paso, has already taken place in other Mexican cities, and even in some South American and European countries.

The tournament will feature national teams from Mexico, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Guatemala, Haiti, Bolivia, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Belgium.

The matches began today and will continue until Sunday, when the finals will be played.

The president of the Xokerball Federation, Sergio Ibarra Molina, a native of Juárez, told ABC-7 he’s happy the Americup is happening here because he wanted to bring this type of event to the border for the community.

“I’m from Juárez, and I don’t expect anything different from what I’ve always experienced: warm, friendly, and enthusiastic people who believe in the projects we’re seeing and, above all, who embrace us,” Ibarra said. “We rarely have the opportunity to hold these kinds of events, and I’m sure the people of Juárez will embrace it as their own and take ownership of it. I have no doubt that the people of Juárez will react in a responsible and warm manner.”

Juárez and the Xokerball Federation say it’s not easy to bring events like this one home, and want this to be the first test of many to come.

“When we tried to promote the event, we didn’t sell Juárez, we sold the region along with El Paso, the unique and different appeal of the border, the lifestyle and the community that exists here,” Ibarra said. “The way of life here creates a bit of unease for others who live in other parts of the world, and when we brought it up, they didn’t understand.”

Both Xokerball and the city of Juárez invite the binational community to watch the free matches, located at the big Juárez red ‘X,’ next to the border.

“I hope people enjoy it, that they have a different experience, that they leave here happy and say, ‘I didn’t expect this,'” Ibarra said. “If we can bring out that side of people, mission accomplished.”

“Beyond the sporting aspect, I want people to see that it’s an organized event, a safe event, an event where anyone from the region can come together without any divisions, and where the rest of the world can see what this region is really like; unique, that we present a true image of life here, and that people from other countries say they didn’t expect this from Juárez.”

ABC-7 also spoke with the Mexico National Xokerball team head coach, Sergio López, with some of his players and with former Mexican pro-soccer player, Jonny Magallón.

The Mexico team has won this cup back-to-back in the past two years and for this year’s edition, the goal is clear: be champions again for the third time.

You can click here for more information about the event.

Click here to follow the original article.