Local high student wins first place at competition in Washington, D.C.

KYMA on July 21, 2026

Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – From a small town to the national stage, one high school student was able to demonstrate her skills at the family, careers and community leaders of America nationals.

Janessa Rodriguez, a local student at Cibola High School recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete against other students from across the country.

The result: First place in the early childhood development category.

“When I found out I placed top ten, I was so shocked. But the next day when they announced on stage, ‘Janessa Rodriguez from Cibola High School,’ it was just truly amazing. I was just amazed and beyond proud of what I did,” Rodriguez said.

In her competition, she was tasked with only 20 minutes to complete a lesson plan and then present it to the judges.

Rodriguez calls it an unforgettable experience with two years left in high school.

“It’s just incredible. The fact that I’m just going to be a junior, that means there’s a lot of opportunities that are left in store for me and what to accomplish as well. I look forward to what my future looks like and my plans as well,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez wouldn’t have gone far without her teacher, Shawna Perry.

Perry has been teaching at Cibola Perry High for over 20 years but this her second year teaching F.C.C.L.A. Perry said that Janessa is one of the most deserving students she’s ever had.

“The fact she did so well, it goes back to everyone that helped and all the time everyone putting into helping her succeed,” Perry expressed. “In the end, she came to class and I did my job but she really had to do hers.”

Despite it still being summer, Rodriguez was able to showcase her skills and it paid off in the end.

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Jefferson City council approves conference center items, names Ward 3 nominees

KMIZ on July 21, 2026

Steven Lambson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City council approved two resolutions related to a planned conference center Monday night, and also nominated two people for the vacant Ward 3 seat.

One resolution approved the project development plan, including the budget, finance plan and schedule. The resolution included an amendment to reflect the final budget and schedule.

The other resolution included details of the price construction contract and construction schedule. According to the schedule, construction is expected to start in November 2026 and be completed by November 2028.

The hotel is set to have 215 rooms, a three-star restaurant, a lobby lounge & bar, a café/market, a terrace-level lounge with an outdoor patio, and a fitness center.

The conference center will have 9,860 square feet of dedicated meeting space, including a 14,250-square-foot Grand Ballroom, plus an additional 11,900 square feet of flexible event space, for a total of approximately 31,000 square feet of net conference center space, plus adequate support and back-of-house spaces. It will also have a parking garage with 567 parking spaces, with an additional 52 parking spaces available on adjacent surface parking lots.

At the end of the meeting, two people were nominated to fill the Ward 3 vacancy left by Derek Thomas, who resigned in June after he moved out of state due to medical issues affecting his family.

Of the three residents who submitted letters of interest – including Susan Cook, Hal Dulle and James Spradlin – only Cook and Dulle were nominated. The city plans to have a candidate forum on Aug. 3 and plans to appoint a new council member on Aug. 17.

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Colorado Springs man hits neighbor with car after parking dispute, police say

KRDO on July 21, 2026

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On July 18, 2026, at approximately 10:05 a.m. Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) officers responded to Sand Mountain Point for a hit-and-run traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, the department says.

Officers say the driver fled the scene before they got there. Police later identified the driver as 85-year-old Donald Laughlin.

According to arrest records obtained by KRDO13, Laughlin is accused of intentionally hitting his neighbor following an altercation over a parked vehicle.

Officers located the victim, who was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. On Monday, KRDO13 spoke with the victim, who said his spine was shattered from the incident.

The victim tells KRDO13 that he was out walking his dog when it happened. He recounted feeling as though he was going to die in that instant. He said he saw the truck coming at him and worried for his and his dog’s safety. His dog was not harmed.

The victim said he broke his spine in multiple places. He says he has a long road to recovery ahead, one that is much more difficult due to another accident he was in two years prior. He says in that instance, he broke more than a dozen bones. He was just healing from that when this occurred.

CSPD says officers conducted an on-scene investigation, collecting evidence and obtaining witness statements. According to arrest records, witnesses told police they saw a man in a truck speed around a roundabout, hit a man and send him flying onto the sidewalk.

Police say the parking dispute began when the victim’s sister parked in front of Laughlin’s garage. Laughlin was still able to get out, but he reportedly cursed out the family as he backed out of the driveway before allegedly hitting the victim with his truck.

The victim’s family tells KRDO13 they had to park there to bring their elderly mother into her home, and that Laughlin still had room to get out.

Based on the information gathered, officers determined the incident was an assault and adjusted their investigative approach accordingly, reports CSPD.

During the investigation, police say Laughlin arrived at the police station, where officers took him into custody on assault related charges.

Police said Laughlin did not give a statement in person, but he called 911 after the crash and told the dispatcher he had “bumped” his neighbor and that his neighbor might be hurt because he was on the ground when he left.

Laughlin is currently being held in the El Paso County Jail and faces a first-degree assault charge.

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YFD to host Firehouse Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser

KYMA on July 21, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is hosting a Firehouse Spaghetti Lunch.

The lunch, taking place next Thursday at YFD Fire Station 1, located at 353 S. Third Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is to raise funds for Capt. Gary Welch.

Meals include spaghetti with a choice of sauce with or without meatballs, side salad with a choice of ranch or Italian dressing, dinner roll, packaged cutlery, and served in a to-go container.

The cost is $10. To purchase tickets, visit the Fire Administration, located on the second floor of Yuma City Hall.

For more information about the lunch, contact Deputy Fire Chief Richard Root at 928-373-4859 or Richard.Root@yumaaz.gov.

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Young Marines from Yuma get inside look at Marine Corps training in San Diego

KYMA on July 21, 2026

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A group of Young Marines from Yuma recently got a firsthand look at the dedication, discipline, and teamwork required to earn the title of U.S. Marine.

The group traveled to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego for an immersive experience designed to introduce them to the Marine Corps training environment.

During their visit, the Young Marines worked alongside drill instructors and learned the fundamentals of military drill movements, teamwork, and Marine Corps traditions.

The group also had the opportunity to watch a Marine Corps graduation ceremony, witnessing the moment recruits officially completed their training and became Marines.

Their visit included experiencing daily Marine life firsthand, including a meal inside the chow hall.

Organizers say opportunities like this help Young Marines better understand the commitment and values behind military service while developing leadership skills, discipline, and a stronger sense of purpose.

The experience also serves as inspiration for the next generation of Marines by showing them the dedication and perseverance required to serve.

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NTSB cites ‘loss of control’ in deadly plane crash that killed Las Cruces pilot

KVIA on July 21, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

CHAMBERINO, New Mexico (KVIA) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a final investigation report about a deadly plane that killed a Las Cruces man two years ago. It happened during a training session at the Dona Ana County International Jetport.

June 2024, a plane crashed on the mesa west of Chamberino, New Mexico, killing 28-year-old Alberto Lozano of Las Cruces, as ABC-7 previously reported. He crashed during his first solo flight in the plane’s type, according to the NTSB report.

Chamberino is about 18 miles north of the jetport.

The report, published July 2, listed the probable cause as an aerodynamic stall and loss of control, but could not determine the reasons based on the available information.

Lozano flew the plane to gain experience in a turbine-powered agricultural plane, according to the report. The chief pilot told him to fly “a couple thousand feet,” practice turns, climbs, descents and return to the airport.

During the flight, the chief pilot and Lozano had difficulty communicating by radio, according to the report. The chief pilot texted Lozano asking if he could hear him, and Lozano said he could barely hear the radio.

The chief pilot told Lozano he may have to communicate by texting, according to the report.

Lozano texted the chief pilot, “It shakes a little bit, I don’t know if its norma.

The chief pilot said it was “just a lot of horsepower on the front of the plane.”

Shortly after, the chief pilot saw smoke near the area where Lozano flew, according to the report.

A witness, a former pilot, said he saw the plane flying about 600 feet above ground and the engine sounded normal, the report said.

Another witness said he saw the plane “rocked its wings left to right several times,” according to the report.

The report further said a mechanic who performed the most recent maintenance on the plane said she made a list of maintenance items that were performed, but she didn’t finish the annual inspection. She also said she didn’t have the official manufacturer maintenance manual to reference while performing maintenance, NTSB said.

The crash happened during the plane’s first flight since maintenance, the report said. The mechanic reportedly didn’t sign off the maintenance, according to the chief pilot.

When asked why he decided to fly the plane when the annual inspection wasn’t complete, the chief pilot said the plane had been “looked over” with no issues identified, the report said. He said it was his decision and the plane flew to the departure airport on a special fight permit.

According to an autopsy report by the New Mexico State Office of the Medical Investigator, the cause of Lozano’s death included thermal injuries, inhalation of products of combustion and blunt trauma.

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Season tickets live for the inaugural Coachella Valley Lakers season

KESQ on July 20, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Season Ticket Memberships are officially live for the inaugural Coachella Valley Lakers season at Acrisure Arena.

Fans can now lock in their seats, enjoy exclusive member benefits, and be there from day one as the newest chapter of professional basketball begins in the desert.

Beginning this fall, Acrisure Arena will serve as the home of the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate, bringing professional basketball to the valley. The inaugural season will run from November 2026 through March 2027, giving fans months of action right here in the Coachella Valley.

Season Ticket Memberships include access to all 24 regular season home games at Acrisure Arena, along with exclusive member events and experiences, 25% off select food and beverage purchases, and discounted parking.

Fans who have already placed a membership deposit will be contacted by the ticketing team to discuss available seating options and finalize their membership.

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Competency evaluation ordered for suspect in Boise Greenbelt murder case

KIFI on July 20, 2026

Linda Larsen

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — New developments emerged Tuesday in the Boise River Greenbelt murder case as a judge ordered a mental health competency evaluation for the man charged in the fatal stabbing of 25-year-old Jordan Harbst.

Ross Wardlaw, 41, appeared in Ada County court for a preliminary hearing on a first-degree murder charge stemming from Harbst’s death. However, proceedings were put on hold after questions were raised about Wardlaw’s competency to stand trial.

The court’s decision marks the second time in less than a year that Wardlaw’s mental competency has been challenged in a criminal case.

Survivor of Previous Encounter Speaks Out

For Hannah French, who is a Fremont County native, the latest developments are deeply personal. In 2025, she worked as a shelter worker at the Interfaith Sanctuary in Boise and survived a previous alleged attack involving Wardlaw.

Hannah said Wardlaw threatened her with a knife while she was intervening in a fight.

“It was very preventable, and my heart was broken for the victim,” Hannah said. “This was 100% preventable. It’s very unfortunate that in order to get Ross Wardlaw help with his mental health, an individual had to be murdered.”

Following that incident, Wardlaw spent several months at State Hospital South after a psychologist determined he was not competent to stand trial. According to Hannah, he was later found competent, and a jury acquitted him in May before he was released.

“I knew I was in a dangerous situation when he was coming at me with a knife,” she said. “I have never been scared at work or scared of any of the individuals I serve, but seeing someone charge at you with a weapon is a scary feeling.”

Mental Illness, Not Homelessness, Hannah Says

Hannah emphasized that the tragedy should not be blamed on Wardlaw’s housing status.

“I think it’s important, aside from the fact that the system failed this 25-year-old victim,” she said. “But I think it’s also important to understand that people don’t commit crimes because they’re unhoused. People commit crimes because there’s more internal factors that play into it. There is not a reason that people commit murder.”

She said the larger issue is a system she believes failed both the victim and the broader community.

Calling for Changes to Mental Health Care

Reflecting on her experience testifying in the earlier case, Hannah described the process as emotional and intimidating.

“[He] basically said everything that I testified to wasn’t true,” said French. “It was just also very intimidating. You know when you’re explaining how you’re scared for your life, and that you know you have the feeling that you actually are going to be stabbed. It’s intimidating when you know he’s sitting on the stand telling you that ‘he catches what he’s gonna kill.'”

Hannah said she refuses to stay silent. She said the real accountability must extend beyond the courtroom to state laws that continue to release severely mentally ill individuals without long-term care.

“I’m an individual who utilizes mental health resources and things like that And so just making them easier access, not just for certain populations to have access to that, but access for everyone.”

What Happens Next

Prosecutors did not object to the court-ordered competency evaluation but said they reserve the right to challenge its findings.

The case is now scheduled for a status hearing on Aug. 25.

Vital Resources for those in Need

While Wardlaw’s case highlights systemic gaps in Ada County, the trend of homelessness and unaddressed mental illness remains a statewide challenge. According to the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, nearly 3,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness across Idaho.

In eastern Idaho, community organizations are working to bridge these gaps by pairing shelter services with immediate psychiatric care. The Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, for example, partners directly with the local Behavioral Health Crisis Center to identify and provide mental health support.

“I can think of one instance where a gentleman came to us who was dealing with undiagnosed schizophrenia,” said Chris Aspinall, Director of Development at the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. “We were able to get him in front of mental health professionals, get him diagnosed, and start him on medication. From there, we placed him in permanent housing where he receives regular care.”

With success stories like these, the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission hopes to continue making a difference in people’s lives. Their partnership with the Behavioral Health Crisis Center helps them provide more resources for anyone experiencing a crisis or is in need of mental health support.

“Most of the time, there are underlying struggles, and people just need help,” said Kenneth Boll, program supervisor for the Rescue Mission’s men’s shelter. “We provide several resources beyond just a bed. We run 100% on community donations to serve nightly dinners, distribute food boxes, and connect people with care.”

How to Get Help or Support

Local Resources: Idaho residents experiencing a housing or mental health crisis can dial 2-1-1 or text 898211 to connect with local support services.

If you want to get involved with the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, they have an upcoming fundraiser with Jersey Mike’s (2681 E Sunnyside Rd., Ammon, ID 83406) on July 31st, where 10% of all proceeds will go towards the Rescue Mission.

Editor’s Note: AI tools were utilized in the initial research and structural development of this article. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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Yuma man arrested in connection to burglaries at multiple businesses

KYMA on July 20, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) said a man has been arrested in connection to burglaries at multiple businesses.

YPD said the burglaries happened in between Monday, July 6 and Friday, July 10, in the area of S. Avenue 3E, with the total estimated loss being around $353,000.

After conducting an “extensive investigation,” YPD said they served a search warrant at home, where they found stolen property, approximately 20 grams of cocaine and approximately 31 grams of methamphetamine.

As a result, YPD said a 32-year-old Yuma man was arrested and booked Sunday on 12 felony charges, including burglary, trafficking in stolen property, theft, criminal damage and possession of dangerous drugs. He is being held on a bond of $235,000.

The investigation is ongoing.

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

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El Centro joins nationwide protests against data centers

KYMA on July 20, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Residents joined in as part of a nationwide anti-data center protests Saturday in El Centro.

A recent survey by Gallup shows that 48% of Americans oppose AI data centers.

Protesters say this is an issue for everyone, regardless of party affiliation.

“It’s definitely a nonpartisan issue. It’s going to affect all of us,” El Centro resident Jocelyne Garcia said.

“Climate change does not discriminate against anybody, so definitely I can see it being an issue that everybody should be involved with and everybody should be aware of what these things can be,” she added.

Jake Tison, a resident of El Centro, has been outspoken against proposed data centers in the Imperial Valley, says he’s moved past requesting a moratorium and calls for a full ban.

“We don’t trust them. We want a ban. We tried to get a moratorium early on, and they didn’t want that,” Tison explained.

Possible negative environmental effects of data centers including electric and water usage, are on the protesters’ minds, as were health concerns.

Tison said, “The air is already bad down here now. You want to pollute it. If you put 10 data centers down here, you’re going to have what, another 1,000 generators, 1500 generators going at the same time. Come on, so ban these things.”

Civic engagement was a common theme as residents touted the anti-data center movement that has taken off across the county.

“I feel like the community has done a great job speaking out, reaching out, attending the board of supervisor meetings, city council meetings, town hall meetings, and attending protests like this,” Shlea Edwards said.

A few local artists decided to make a statement with their art to create signs.

“Climate change right now is the biggest threat, and AI and data centers are just accelerating that,” Christina Gutierrez, a Holtville artist, said.

This comes as city councils across the Imperial Valley, like Calipatria and Calexico, are weighing an outright ban on data centers altogether.

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