Brawley drops moratorium, passes strict new infrastructure regulations

KYMA on June 23, 2026

Lynette Niebla

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – In a 3-2 vote, rather than halting high-tech industrial growth, the Brawley City Council voted to drop a proposed moratorium, choosing instead to implement strict new land-use policies for massive data centers.

This comes after weeks of intense local debate regarding how the city should handle the rapid expansion of technology infrastructure across the Imperial Valley.

Initial discussions within city hall leaned toward a temporary construction freeze to give city staff time to catch up with the emerging industry. However, local lawmakers fiercely pushed back against an outright ban, citing massive economic risks.

“This is exactly the wrong message to send to any potential developer or employer that wants to establish a business in Brawley,” stated Council Member John Grass during the public hearings.

Mayor Pro-Tem Tim Kelley echoed those concerns, warning of the long-term reputational damage a construction freeze could cause.

“Putting a moratorium today will be the headlines tomorrow, and it’s gonna be Brawley does not want growth,” Mayor Pro-Tem Kelley explained.

While city leaders focused on economic development, local residents filled city hall to express deep anxieties over environmental impacts, resource consumption, and public health. Community feedback revealed a sharp divide between potential financial prosperity and environmental preservation.

“You have healthy people, you take care of your environment. The profit will come,” urged one local resident.

Another community member questioned the financial trade-offs directly, asking lawmakers, “$2 million, $3 million…Is that what the life of one of your family members is worth?”

Facing heavy pressure from both sides, city leaders struck a compromise designed to keep Brawley competitive while establishing total local oversight.

According to Development Services Director Cristhian Barajas, the council felt it was vital to shift the local narrative from complete inaction to immediate regulation.

“Council believed it would be appropriate to shift the discussion from ‘we will not do this now’ to ‘we will immediately start taking steps toward addressing these issues,'” Barajas explained.

The primary issue forcing immediate legislative action is that Brawley’s current zoning codes do not even recognize or define large-scale data centers. Because the land-use laws are outdated, tech companies could theoretically exploit regulatory loopholes.

The council’s unanimous vote fast-tracks immediate amendments governing heavy utility footprints, cooling mechanisms, and power grid strain before any new projects can break ground.

“It is important for the city to be proactive when it comes to assessing and addressing environmental and socioeconomic impact associated with these relatively recent industries,” Barajas said.

City staff members are already assembling a comprehensive municipal work plan to establish development timelines, public engagement strategies, and funding sources for the code overhaul.

Because drafting technical zoning criteria for data centers requires highly niche knowledge, the city manager has been granted the authority to hire specialized, external consultants.

Any expert consulting contracts that exceed standard administrative spending limits will be brought back to the city council for a final, public vote.

Barajas emphasized that the entire legislative process will remain fully visible to the public as the technical language is crafted.

“We’re really early in the stages of amending our zoning ordinance,” Barajas noted. “We’re not pre-committing to any outcome where we will allow them by right, we will conditionally allow them, or we will restrict them. What we want to do is make sure that we follow the right steps…We want to make sure that transparency plays a prominent role throughout these discussions and making sure that these discussions are happening in the public area.”

Moving forward, all future tech infrastructure proposals and upcoming zoning adjustments are legally bound to an open, public hearing process, granting community members ongoing opportunities to voice their concerns at future city council meetings.

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Local pool expert discusses Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool maintenance

KESQ on June 23, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington DC has turned green with algae after it underwent a $16 million dollar renovation.

The project aimed to make the pool shine in what was described to be an “American Flag Blue” color. To better understand the problems that have risen with this renovation we spoke to Pete Anderson, the owner and operator of Desert Specialty Pools.

Anderson said that finding an exact cause would require a further in depth look into the water chemistry and the maintenance procedures. “They’re using hydrogen peroxide. It’s basically a BAQUACIL product. And if that’s not followed, to the T, you can have issues where you have green water,” says Pete Anderson.

The paint at the bottom of the pool after algae buildup has started peeling. Pete points towards the preparation of the paint rather than the chemicals, “Chemicals aren’t going to peel paint. If it was painted, and it’s failing, I would think that was more of a prep issue on the install.”

The National Park Service says that crews are continuing their efforts to restore the Reflecting Pool as they are racing to have the project completed ahead of the Fourth of July, a timeline that Pete says might be tough to meet. “It’s probably going to be tough to get cleared up. You know, draining the pool and starting fresh would probably be an easier option for them.”

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Teen drivers face increased risks ahead of Fourth of July weekend

KESQ on June 23, 2026

Kiera Seapy

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- With the Fourth of July just two weeks away, safety experts are warning that it is one of the most dangerous times of the year for teen drivers.

Susie Adams, Teens Road To Safety, Owner Operator said, “The importance of knowing what you’re doing and driving defensively is really important to us. We’ve seen so much death and destruction on the road. We want that to change with our students.”

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows more than 2,300 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver last year. Now more than half of those teen drivers who died in 2024 were not wearing a seatbelt.

Safety experts say that distractions, impaired driving, and failure to wear a seat belt are some of the biggest factors behind crashes.

Driving instructors also say distraction remains one of the biggest challenges for new teen drivers, especially phones, passengers, and in car music.

Jessica Jones from Miller’s Driving Academy said “a lot is being distracted by their phones, you know, and other things on the roads. So we try to make sure, you know, keep your eyes on the road for safety purposes and don’t get distracted by anything else on the road.”

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City of Las Cruces names new assistant finance director

KVIA on June 23, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The City of Las Cruces has a new assistant director of finance. Josie Treviño will bring more than 17 years of accounting experience and 14 years of governmental accounting, the city said.

Treviño has worked of the city since 2012 as an accounting technician, accountant, financial reporting analyst, budget analyst, senior accountant, accounting manager and comptroller, the city said.

She graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso, according to the city.

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Suspect in the theft of Howard the tortoise accused of stealing turtle before

KRDO on June 23, 2026

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – KRDO13 obtained arrest records for the man accused of stealing Howard the tortoise from Scales ‘N Tails Exotic Pet Shop. Police say a man named Justin Edwards stole the tortoise in broad daylight. KRDO13 is learning that this may not be his first turtle theft. 

PAST COVERAGE: Stolen tortoise recovered, suspect arrested in Colorado Springs

On Monday, Howard was in great spirits following his tortoise kidnapping. Only days after he was returned home, he was spotted eating a delicious salad dinner mix.

On Wednesday, June 17, police say Justin Edwards told the store owner he had to get change from his car, pulled it around, and when the owner went to get the item he asked for, Edwards took the tortoise and left. 

Officers say that someone saw the store’s Facebook post and called in a tip saying they recognized the suspect. When police spoke with that tipster, they told police that Edwards is a kleptomaniac and that he was recently arrested in Castle Rock for stealing a turtle. Castle Rock Police could not confirm that when KRDO13 asked. 

When officers were trying to quantify the cost of Howard, the Scales ‘N Tales store owner said he could be sold for a thousand dollars, but to everyone at the store, Howard is priceless.

“We all kind of broke down, and we’re a little shocked that something like that actually happened to Howard. So when we got that news [that Howard was found], we were exploding. Everybody’s calling each other. Can we be here when Howard comes? It was some of the best news, I think, we’ve ever got here. Everybody here keeps saying that it’s the best news they’ve heard in a very long time,” recounted Dustin Bohnert, store manager.

The day after Howard was stolen, police say Edwards continued on his spree. Officers say he stole a tarp and a tent from the REI on E. Woodmen Rd. 

OTHER: Beloved tortoise stolen from Scales ‘N Tails reptile pet store

Police tracked Edwards down and took him into custody. However, at the time, he was not with the tortoise. Eventually, police found Howard and brought him back safe and sound to Scales ‘N Tales. 

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Summer Solstice Festival Brings More Than 100,000 People and a Boost to Santa Barbara Businesses

KEYT on June 23, 2026

Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Thousands lined the streets of Santa Barbara for the annual Summer Solstice Parade, but the celebration — and its economic impact — continued long after the floats rolled by.

The three-day Summer Solstice Festival in Alameda Park attracts an average of 50,000 visitors each day, according to Summer Solstice Executive Director Penny Little.

“The county’s creative economy generates $3.2 billion. We’re part of that creative economy. We’re part of the cultural creatives,” said Little.

Little said the event provides a significant boost to the local economy.

“The average person at the festival spends about $20. So if you multiply $20 times 50,000, how much is that?” she said.

For many businesses, the busy weekend translated into increased sales and heavier customer traffic.

Eyssy de Jesús, owner of Luna’s Cafe, said this was the restaurant’s first Summer Solstice experience.

“It’s our first Summer Solstice. I never really experienced a day like that here. So it’s pretty good. Honestly, a lot more business than we usually have,” de Jesús said.

While many customers stopped in, de Jesús said the biggest increase came from takeout orders.

“We ran out of a good amount of stuff back there for sauces to go. And we were running around trying to get all that stuff ready,” de Jesús said.

The increased activity extended beyond businesses near the parade route.

At Crushcakes, Assistant Manager Melina Manning said employees were overwhelmed by the crowds.

“It was super, super busy. I worked at 7:30 to 3:30. I was supposed to be off at 3:30. I got out at four because it was crazy. There were people in here all day long,” Manning said.

To keep up with demand, the bakery increased production and still sold out of several items.

“We usually only make a dozen of each flavor. I think we made like two or three dozen of every flavor, and we sold out. So, yeah, people love them,” Manning said.

Organizers estimate more than 100,000 people participate in Summer Solstice festivities each year, making it one of the largest community events on the Central Coast.

Beyond the colorful costumes and creative floats, organizers say the celebration serves as an important driver for Santa Barbara’s economy, bringing visitors — and their spending — to businesses across the city.

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Miles Avenue in La Quinta undergoes construction, closing all westbound lanes

KESQ on June 23, 2026

Haley Meberg

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ)– The city of La Quinta is starting pavement rehabilitation on Miles Avenue this week, closing all westbound lanes, and creating delays for commuters.

City officials said the road work began on Monday, June 22 and will continue through Friday, June 26, from Jefferson Street to Dune Palms Road.

The pavement rehabilitation is the first part of a multiphase roadwork beautification plan in the City of La Quinta being completed through the end of July.

“We’re doing it this way to try to minimize the overall disruption. By closing all the lanes, we can get the work done faster in these phases rather than dragging it out over a couple of months.” stated Brain McKinney, the public works director and city engineer of La Quinta

City officials are encouraging motorists to use caution, follow the posted detours and allot extra travel time to meet their destinations.

Suggested alternative routes can be found on the webpage for the City of La Quinta.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Idaho GOP state convention elects first all-female executive committee

KIFI on June 22, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – As the dust settled at the 2026 Idaho GOP State Convention, an all women executive committee was elected for chair, first and second vice chairs, treasurer, and secretary. With Dorothy Moon, Viki Purdy, Julianne Young, Sandra Eaton, and Carla Mattare, respectively.

Dorothy Moon, who was re-elected for state chair, became the first to win a third term since Dennis Olsen in the early 1980s. Beating out her challengers, incumbent first vice chair Mark Fuller, and former state senator Steven Thayn, with just enough of a vote percentage to avoid a run-off.

Per party rules, the winning candidate needs a majority of the votes (at least 51%). Moon had 306 votes, which was 51.4%, preventing a run-off election, which declares her the winner.

“You know, I’m absolutely thrilled that the Republican base has confidence in the work that we’ve been doing in the office over the years,” Moon said about her win. “A second term is over with, and third one is getting ready to start. And this abortion initiative is huge, and we’re looking forward to taking it down.”

With all five elected officers being women, it creates a unique dynamic for the GOP’s fight against the abortion initiative.

What is the Abortion Initiative?

The Idaho Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act Initiative is a citizen-led ballot initiative, which gathered signatures from around the state to get the act on the ballot for the 2026 elections.

One of the provisions would make abortion legal up to the point of fetal viability.

The GOP believes this initiative is too extreme.

“Folks need to know that this initiative is extreme,” Julianne Young stated. “It is a pro abortion at any time initiative, but it is actually bigger than abortion… It goes beyond what to legally protect anyone who helps someone access that reproductive health care. So there are huge concerns with this initiative.”

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Smithsonian collaborates with Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo for America’s 250th birthday

KIFI on June 22, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)– The Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo is returning for another year, and this time it’s earning national recognition due to a featured collaboration with the Smithsonian Center for Folk Life and Cultural Heritage as part of the celebration for America’s 250th birthday.

Chase Carter, a committee member for the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo, says this collaboration recognizes the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo’s deep roots in Eastern Idaho and its role in preserving ranching traditions that have been passed down for generations.

“This region is an agricultural hub, especially with the cattle and in the rugged landscape we have here in the West,” Carter said, “…this event brings that all together and showcases those skills that cowboys use on the ranch every day. That’s something we have always done as part of our history, but it’s also part of our present. And it’s something that we need to continue to embrace in order to manage cattle the way we need to in this area.”

The Smithsonian collaboration is also helping organizers expand the event beyond the arena. Carter says this year’s celebration will feature new opportunities to highlight the craftsmanship and traditions supporting ranching culture.

“We’ve had a lot of more resources to enhance the event, and normally we’ve focused on our evening performances where we have the ranch rodeo and the Indian relay races. But with the collaboration, we’re able to have a gear maker’s conference where it’s going to be mostly women gear makers (who) are going to come together and display their different crafts that they have mastered,” Carter said.

The Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo also hosts the Pretty N’ Punchy Cowgirl Contest, a competition designed to showcase horsemanship, public speaking and pride in the ranching way of life.

Open to contestants ages 10 to 21, the contest is often described as Blackfoot’s version of a rodeo queen pageant. But past winners say it is much more than wearing a crown.

“We put in a lot of work and practice every day, and especially with our horse, since we have to work through all their challenges,” Previous winner Hannah Hale said.

Contestants are judged on both horsemanship and public speaking. They complete riding patterns and other ranch-style challenges while also answering questions and speaking about topics connected to ranching, patriotism and western culture.

“It’s a place for us to come and show the skills that we’ve learned through the people that have helped us become who we are,” Previous winner Reva Carter said.

The competition highlights the values that define ranching communities.

“I think it explains what we do daily on our ranches and shows our responsibility, hard work, caring for animals and just our generations passed down that we can carry on traditions,” Hale said.

Many people may only see the crown at the end of the competition, but both Hale and Reva say success requires months of preparation, including memorizing speeches, practicing riding patterns and developing the skills necessary to compete.

“I think they might think it comes a bit easier, but you do have to work hard,” Reva said. “You have to memorize patterns or speeches and all the things, and you also just have to have the skills that it requires to be in the contest.”

For more information on the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo, click HERE.

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Carlos Adams runs for mayor

KYMA on June 22, 2026

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the election approaching, write-in candidate Carlos Adams is working to raise awareness about his campaign for mayor of Yuma and reminding voters that his name will not appear on the ballot.

Adams said voters who support him must manually write his name on their ballots when casting their votes.

“On June 24th, we have the early ballots going out and those early ballots are important because my name will not appear on the ballot,” Adams said. “I am a write-in candidate which means you have to physically write my name Carlos Adams for mayor on the ballot so my message is I’m a write-in, and I’m here for you.”

Adams launched his campaign in April and has spent the past several months going door to door, meeting with residents and discussing issues affecting the community. He said those conversations have helped shape the priorities of his campaign.

One of Adams’ main goals is reducing costs for local families. He said the city should eliminate the grocery tax to help residents save money on everyday necessities.

“One of the things that I want to do is for groceries remove the grocery tax,” Adams said. “That would save the community at large eight to $10 million a year in groceries. There’s things that the city can do to help lift the burden of the people of Yuma that aren’t being done.”

Adams identified three major issues he wants to address if elected. The first is what he describes as stagnation in the city. He said businesses are closing, families are facing financial challenges, and many young people are struggling to find opportunities in the area.

The second issue is quality of life. Adams said Yuma should invest more in community improvements and projects that directly benefit residents.

His third priority is strengthening education and workforce development. Adams believes greater investment in those areas could help attract higher paying jobs and create more opportunities for local workers.

“I think the people of Yuma should vote for me because for too long the city has stagnated for too long,” Adams said.

Adams also criticized the city’s current leadership and said he supports term limits for elected officials.

“I think term limits should exist after eight years,” Adams said. “I don’t believe that your heart and your mind is with the community anymore. I feel like after eight years you start working towards your donors, your friends, your special interests.”

As the campaign continues, Adams said he hopes voters will embrace a fresh approach to leadership and support his vision for the city’s future.

The Arizona primary election is scheduled for July 21. Residents who wish to participate must ensure they are registered to vote before the registration deadline.

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