Palm Springs Fire Department urge hikers to stay safe hiking during summer

KESQ on June 18, 2026

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Fire Department urged local community members today to use extreme caution when hiking during the summer season following an increase in hiker rescue calls.

The agency stated that dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke may occur if not properly prepared during the extreme heat wave during Coachella Valley’s summer months.

A few symptoms to look out when experiencing any heat-related illness may include dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, weakness, confusion or fatigue.

Hikers were reminded to stay safe on the trails by hiking early morning, carrying plenty of water and drinking regularly, applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and lightweight clothing, hiking with a partner, bringing a fully charged phone and to turn back if conditions become too difficult.

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Somerton to break ground on first phase of Downtown improvements

KYMA on June 18, 2026

Adrik Vargas

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – A long-term plan to revitalize downtown Somerton is finally moving forward, with construction set to begin later this month.

City officials say the project has been in the works for about 10 years and was originally designed back in 2016 after funding was secured.

“This is something that’s been planned and was put in place, designed in about 2016,” said Louie Galaviz, Somerton’s City Manager. “So the funding was able to be obtained and now we’re trying to move this forward, making Main Street in Somerton more attractive.”

Phase one of the downtown redevelopment is scheduled to begin the week of June 22. The nearly $3 million project will transform a stretch of Main Street between State Street and Somerton Avenue.

Planned improvements include upgraded sidewalks, an arched entry monument, new landscaping, and added seating areas for public gatherings.

City officials say the goal is to make the area more welcoming and help support local growth.

“We’re just hoping that everybody understands that this will bring an improvement to Main Street…and really bring more traction so that Somerton continues to grow and support our residents and their local businesses,” Galaviz said.

Residents say the changes could improve daily life in the area, especially by creating more shaded and comfortable public spaces.

“You see that a lot of older people gather there at the little park,” said resident Maria Corral. “If they make those improvements…with more space and more shade, it would give us more reason to come out.”

This is only the first phase of a larger redevelopment plan expected to expand across several blocks of downtown Somerton in the future.

Construction is expected to last about four months, and the city is asking residents to be patient with traffic changes during that time.

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Problem Solvers: Lawsuit, lien, and customer accusations after local roofing company goes silent

KTVZ on June 18, 2026

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from homeowner, BBB)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Central Oregon homeowner says he paid thousands in a deposit for a new roof, but after the charge went through, communication with the contractor stopped — prompting a credit card dispute and raising broader concerns about consumer protection. 

Martin Stadtmueller told KTVZ News he was searching for a roofing company and gathered multiple estimates before selecting 541 Roofing. 

“I got estimates from several roofers, talked to a couple of them, narrowed it down to three, and then ultimately went with 541 Roofing,” Stadtmueller said.  “Seemed like they had a pretty good warranty. I talked to the owner, Eric Levens, and they were going to do all the permitting through Sunriver.” 

Stadtmueller said he paid an $8,500 deposit in mid-May using a credit card. He said after the payment was processed, communication from the company stopped. 

“After a couple of weeks, I sent a text to the office manager who had been communicating prior, just checking in, seeing where they’re at — and nothing came back,” he said. 

He said repeated calls to multiple phone numbers associated with the business went unanswered. 

“I called the office numerous times, every number I had for them, and the office phone just rang forever,” he said. 

Stadtmueller said he has since disputed the charge with his credit card company and received a temporary refund while the claim is investigated. 

He said he did not see obvious red flags before hiring the company. 

“I had done my due diligence and checked for complaints on the Construction Contractors Board and everything else. There were no complaints at the time,” he said. “I had no reason, really, to doubt that they were just going to put on a roof.” 

KTVZ News visited the company’s listed Bend headquarters, where the office appeared closed. The Problem Solvers also called and emailed 541 Roofing multiple times requesting comment but have not received a response. 

Public records show 541 Brand LLC, doing business as 541 Roofing and Heating Coil, is named in a civil lawsuit filed by SRS Distribution. In the complaint, SRS alleges the company and owner Eric Levens owes more than $152,000 for materials, supplies, and equipment. 

Separate records show a court judgment totaling more than $52,000 against Levens and his business, along with a federal tax lien of approximately $129,000. 

These claims are allegations contained in court filings and have not been independently proven in this report. 

While the Better Business Bureau said it could not comment on this specific case, it offered general guidance for consumers dealing with unresponsive contractors. 

“Reach out to the business. But again, if they’re ghosting, you reach out to other people,” said Cameron Nakashima with the BBB. “Report it to the Better Business Bureau, the Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission if applicable, and then your local authorities.” 

Nakashima said protection often starts before hiring a contractor, including comparing multiple quotes, reviewing contract terms, avoiding cash payments when possible, and checking complaint histories and licensing status. 

Stadtmueller said using a credit card may improve his chances of recovering his money, but he worries about others who may not have that option. 

“I feel bad for folks that didn’t pay with a credit card and that have lost their money,” he said. “It’s unfortunate for everybody involved. I wish Eric had been a little more upfront when he started taking deposits. If he can’t do a good job, don’t take a deposit.” 

KTVZ News has contacted local law enforcement and the Oregon Attorney General’s Office regarding the allegations and is awaiting responses. 

541 Roofing and owner Eric Levens have not responded to multiple requests for comment. This story will be updated if a response is received. 

541 federal tax lienDownload

541 distraint warrantDownload

SRS vs 541Download

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Allan Hancock College to place $290 million bond for campus upgrades on November ballot

KEYT on June 18, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Voters in Northern Santa Barbara County will have the opportunity to decide on a bond measure this coming November that is intended to fund a number of modernization projects at Allan Hancock College.

This week, the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move forward with a $290 local facilities funding measure.

With the approval, the bond measure is set to appear on the ballot during the upcoming Nov. 3, 2026 General Election.

“We recognize the importance of that and what it says, but if we really want to expand educational opportunities in North County, we have to be able to expand our facilities and upgrade some of the ones that we already have,” said Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin Walthers. “We think that this is the best kind of investment we can make in education in a way that will help our kids be able to get jobs in the community and be able to stay here.”

According to the school, the bond measure is designed to fund a slew of upgrades, enhancements and additions to the both of its large campuses in Santa Maria and Lompoc.

In a release, specific projects the bond would facilitate includes, repairing and upgrading aging classrooms, laboratories and career training facilities; improving facilities that support instruction in science, math, nursing, welding, machining and skilled trades; repairing or replacing deteriorating roofs, plumbing and electrical systems; removing hazardous materials from older buildings; upgrading facilities to meet current health, safety, accessibility and technology standards.

Hancock emphasized the bond is especially needed to help fund the creation of new nursing classrooms and laboratories.

In addition, if the bond is successful, it would allow for the construction of a brand new university center the school said would create additional local four-year bachelor’s degree opportunities through partnerships with Cal Poly and California State University Channel Islands.

“We just had our first cohort that came from Hancock, took Cal Poly classes at Hancock, graduate from Cal Poly and that’s a tremendous,” said Walthers. “Next year, we’ll have 75 students in that program. By 2030, we’ll have about 400 students in that program and we just want to have space for it. We need we need to build more space. This community for decades has been asking for four year degrees, and we finally have a plan to do it, and if we make an investment in the future, we can really have a strong presence in North County for baccalaureate degrees that the community actually needs.”

The Allan Hancock College boundaries includes Northern Santa Barbara County, and serves the communities of Santa Maria, Lompoc, Guadalupe, Cuyama and the Santa Ynez Valley.

Voters in those areas will decide on outcome of the bond, which will need at least 55% of the vote in order to pass.

“We take these things seriously and our board has a meeting tomorrow morning and one of our agenda items is to discuss it,” said Tom Widroe, Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association Executive Director. “Taxpayers associations generally are not reflexively anti-tax or anti-bond. It really depends. It’s a case by case basis. Our concern about bond issues is always that it’s well conceived, and if it’s going to be spent on things that are needed, and that the oversight committee will be strong. Those kinds of things are put into consideration before we endorse a bond issue. We don’t endorse candidates in elections for our bylaws, but we can support a bond issue, so tomorrow we’ll get a sense of kind of where our board sits on this particular bond issue for Allan Hancock.”

The last bond measure passed for Hancock College was Measure I in 2006, a $180 general facilities funding measure.

According to the school’s website, Measure I transformed the school’s facilities and technology, with $20 million spend towards technology improvements, as well $112 million that funded or partly funded nine major capital construction or renovation projects, which replaced the failing infrastructure of decades-old classrooms, labs and administrative spaces.  

Widroe suggested the community become familiar with the bond over the next few months so they are able to make an informed decision when it comes time to vote.

“Anytime someone is coming to you and ask for your resources, I think prudent homeowners and property owners would look at (the bond) in detail,” said Widroe. “I think those who who don’t own property also want to understand where is the community’s money going? Why would it go to Allan Hancock? What does Allen Hancock do in our community? The thing I encourage folks to do is what is look at the value proposition that any school or any other would be recipient of a bond offers the community and if it’s really good, then you’re obviously you’re more inclined to pay for it and keep it modern and functioning and safe, and if you see it otherwise, maybe you don’t think it’s a huge value, then you’ll probably vote differently.”

The college said the proposed projects are based on facility assessments and planning efforts, including its Facilities Master Plan

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Santa Barbara Artist’s Peace Crane Takes Flight on New USPS Stamp

KEYT on June 18, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A simple piece of paper is carrying a message far beyond the classroom.

Third graders at Foothill Elementary in Santa Barbara are learning how every fold can become part of a bigger story — one centered on creativity, connection, and peace.

Artist Sue DiCicco, founder of the Peace Crane Project, visited the classroom to guide students through the traditional art of origami, showing them how a square sheet of paper can transform into something meaningful.

“I like people who teach really fun stuff that most people don’t notice is so fun,” said Foothill Elementary student Liam Delaney.

For years, DiCicco has helped students around the world fold cranes as symbols of hope and peace. Now, one of the cranes she created appears on the United States Postal Service’s new International Peace Forever stamp.

The stamp features a paper crane, a symbol DiCicco hopes will continue traveling far beyond the hands that created it.

During the classroom lesson, students carefully followed each fold, discovering how patience and creativity can turn a simple piece of paper into a message they can share.

The students also learned their cranes could travel — carrying their own stories to people they may never meet.

For DiCicco, the impact of each crane is not measured by how far it goes, but by the connections it creates along the way.

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Yuma man charged with murdering his friend testifies in his own defense, says shooting was accidental

KYMA on June 18, 2026

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man charged with murdering his friend testified in his own defense Wednesday in court. He says it was an accident.

20-year-old Keith Simmons is charged with second-degree murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm in the August 2024 shooting death of his friend, 19-year-old Eduardo Dominguez.

Simmons told the court the shooting was accidental. He says the gun malfunctioned after he handed it to Dominguez. The friends were shooting the gun recreationally before the fatal incident.

“What other words would you use to describe how you felt that day?” the defense lawyer asked.

“I was in disbelief. It was a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from,” Simmons answered.

What Simmons says was supposed to be a fun afternoon with friends turned into a deadly shooting no one saw coming.

When asked if he missed Dominguez, Simmons broke down crying and said, “Yes, sir.”

If convicted, Simmons faces a possible sentence of 10 to 25 years in prison.

Simmons said, “As I was passing the gun to Eduardo, I don’t know what happened, but the gun just went off the ground, and the shot went off.”

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Locals react to $70 Billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol

KYMA on June 18, 2026

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A new $70 billion funding package for ICE and Border Patrol is drawing mixed reactions from locals in Yuma.

Some people support the funding, saying more resources are needed for border security.

“I thought it was a good idea,” said Dwight Robinson. “We need more border enforcement. The more money that we can use to fund Border Patrol or the wall or whatever, I think that’s the greatest thing they’ve ever done.”

The funding would go toward staffing, technology, and other immigration enforcement efforts.

“I really, actually would prefer to see more money spent on that to protect us and to move the people out that are here illegally, until we have a system in place,” said Nancy Hawkins.

But others in the community say they have concerns about where the money is going and what it could mean for other priorities.

“They’ve taken so many benefits from students…to people who need it like medically…and I just think that money is needed more by the people than by ICE,” said Sabino Ramirez.

Some locals say they believe the funding will ultimately help protect U.S. citizens.

“ICE…it’s been around for many years,” said Linda Robinson. “It’s just become an issue in the public’s eye. But they’ve always been around to protect American citizens from people coming in and doing illegal acts.”

Still, others say they’re uneasy about how immigration enforcement is being handled.

“I think they need it for more stuff they shouldn’t be doing,” said Ramirez.

The funding is expected to support operations through the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term.

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Yuma man found guilty of negligent homicide in friend’s shooting death

KYMA on June 18, 2026

Adrik Vargas

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man originally charged with murder in the shooting death of his friend has been found guilty on a lesser charge.

A jury found 20-year-old Keith Simmons guilty of negligent homicide and unlawful discharge of a weapon in connection to the August 2024 death of 19-year-old Eduardo Dominguez.

During the trial, Simmons testified the shooting was accidental.

He told the court that he and Dominguez had been shooting recreationally before the incident. Simmons said he handed the gun to Dominguez and claimed the firearm malfunctioned before it discharged.

Simmons had originally been charged with second-degree murder.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 7.

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Something is swooping in Wisconsin: Village issues warning about aggressive ‘divebombing’ bird

CNN Newsource on June 18, 2026

By Kathryn Merck

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    SHOREWOOD, Wiscosin (WDJT) — Aggressive behavior from a species of bird in Milwaukee’s North Shore is ruffling feathers.

In a Facebook post, the Village of Shorewood shared reports of an aggressive Red-wing Blackbird along Lake Drive near Atwater Park.

The post said birds can be very territorial, and it is not uncommon for them to “divebomb” passersby, particularly in mid-June when they are nesting.

Near Cahill Square Park in Whitefish Bay, many people who live in the area said they’ve experienced encounters with the birds.

“You kind of hear cackling in the air, and then they swoop down and just hit you on the head,” Terry Schwartz, a Whitefish Bay resident, said. “It startled me at first, but now I’m so used to it.”

“My stepmom was walking home from the gym, and when she exited the building on her way to the car, the bird swarmed down and tried to peck at her face, so she had to run to the car and start her car pretty fast,” said Aria Edwards, a Whitefish Bay resident. “The bird wouldn’t leave her alone until she drove off.”

According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, they are federally protected, and law enforcement (village or otherwise) or Shorewood staff may not take active action, remove, or harm the bird.

Some Whitefish Bay residents have shared their love for the Red-winged Blackbirds. Fifteen-year-old Silas Ehlers of Whitefish Bay shared these photos with CBS 58.

To avoid the birds, the Village of Shorewood recommends waving your arms to avoid contact or walk facing the bird (they normally “attack” from behind), walking a different route, listening for warning calls from the bird, wearing a hat, using an umbrella to protect the head and scare the bird away, or posting a temporary sign if ongoing and problematic.

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El Paso opposes Meta-linked power plant, urges regulators to deny approval

KVIA on June 18, 2026

Nina Gallegos

UPDATE (5:55 p.m.):

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – El Paso Electric spokesman Daniel Perez told ABC-7 this project will not impact ratepayers.

“It’s a generation facility for a specific customer. And that specific customer will be paying for those costs. There’s nothing here that would impact any other any of our other customers,” Daniel Perez said.

When City Attorney Karla Nieman was asked about the cost to ratepayers she disagreed with Perez.

“The proof is in the pudding. Their expert and their reports haven’t shown how they are actually going to ensure that meta pays. We’re confident that our case shows that El Paso Electric needs to be more transparent about what the cost for media is going to be,” Nieman said.

Meta denied ABC-7’s request for an interview. Their spokesperson sent a statement.

“Meta’s El Paso data center represents a significant long-term investment in this community — supporting thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of operational jobs, generating millions in local tax revenue, and supporting the digital infrastructure that El Paso businesses and families rely on every day. We’re glad to continue working with the city on the path forward and remain excited to be part of El Paso’s future,” a Meta spokesperson said in an email.

El Paso Electric has until June 23 to file their testimony.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Thursday, the City of El Paso formally opposed El Paso Electric’s application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN), according to a news release.

The CCN is related to a plan to build a $551.8 million natural gas power plant to support the Meta data center in Northeast El Paso.

The news release said EPE hasn’t demonstrated that the project is a cost-effective choice for existing customers.

“EPE is asking to build a half-billion-dollar power plant for a single new customer without performing the analysis Texas law and regulations require,” said City Attorney Karla Nieman. “The City’s position is simple: El Paso ratepayers should not be paying for the costs or risks associated with serving a single large customer. We entered settlement discussions in good faith and proposed reasonable protections that would have held families and businesses harmless, but El Paso Electric chose not to provide those assurances. That is why the City is asking the Public Utility Commission to deny the application as proposed.”

In testimony filed with the Public Utility Commission, the city identified significant concerns with the application:

No competitive bidding: EPE didn’t ask for bids or compare options and chose the project based on direction from Wurldwide.

No long-term analysis: EPE didn’t do a long-term cost study, rate impact review, or financial projections.

Higher cost option: The project is more expensive than gas turbine alternatives in their own resource plan, which are more fuel efficient.

Uncertain need: It’s not certain the facility is needed long-term after 2029 becuase the demand depends on future data center growth.

Unproven reliability: EPE didn’t fully assess how reliable the technology is or Enchanted Rock’s experience.

The city expressed a concern for existing customers to be exposed to risks and costs with a project of this scale, according to the news release

The city cannot unilaterally alter previously-approved development. It said it will continue to push for more transparency about the project, accountability from those involved and protections for El Paso residents from paying higher rates, according to the news release.

ABC-7 has requested interviews from Meta, El Paso Electric and City Attorney Karla Nieman. Please check back for updates.

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