Wine, Weather, & Trends to be the Topics of Conversation at the California Wine Festival

KEYT on July 17, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The wine industry in California is coming to Santa Barbara to showcase the latest production from multiple regions in a two-day event. A Friday night rare and reserve gathering, and a larger wine festival on Saturday.

“We’re at the beach, it is a great vibe, there’s music, there’s wine, there’s also a handful of local breweries that are here,” said California Wine Festival CEO, Emily Kaufmann. There are four festival sites in the state throughout the year.

The California Wine Festival will be not just entertaining for those attending, but also educational for those who are following the latest trends, regions, varietals and where the industry may be pivoting due to consumer demands.

Kaufmann said, “each winery will be pouring around 3-4 different wines and there will be something for everyone. There will be a really good mix of whites and reds, sparking wines,  pinot noir, cabernet, you name it, you would be hard pressed to not find a wine that you you want to put on your list.”

It gives the public a chance to ask questions, talk to wine makers and do comparisons.

One change this summer is the early harvest that’s already been reported in several areas, especially for those making sparkling wines.

And the consumer can also hear about the range of price points.

“Whether it is what I like to call it an every day wine, and then a special occasion wine kind of find all that here and I think wineries are trying to make sure their wines are approachable, a great value also bringing in their rare and reserve items,” said Kaufmann.

In addition to the tasting of the wide variety of wines, those attending will be the judge of the best tri tip  in the 805 featuring caterers and chefs and restaurants.

“It’s a friendly competition but a really good way to taste some local favorites,” said Kaufmann.

The Costa Kitchen and Bar made an appearance on the News Channel morning show recently talking about its entry, which will be a candied tri tip.

Chef Sean Conway said they have won in the past and are ready to go against the six others in this  sampling competition.

“The year that we won it we put it on the menu for a year and it was our top seller so we are going to change it up a little bit this time,” said Conway.

The location is at the beach on the ocean side of Chase Palm Park across a wide area of the lawn.

There is a reduced price for anyone who is not drinking alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Organizers say they are glad the high heat early this week is gone.

Kaufmann said, “we’ve added lots of shade this year in between the large pavilion tents. It is going to be a nice 78 degrees with a nice ocean breeze.”

For more information go to the California Wine Festival.

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Cougar kitten named at Zoo Idaho in Pocatello

KIFI on July 17, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Pocatello held a naming contest for the new cougar kitten at Zoo Idaho as a fundraiser for her habitat, which raised $3000 for renovations. On Friday, a crowd gathered outside the enclosure for Mayor Dahlquist to announce the winning name of the zoo’s new addition.

The contest was down to three names: Roxanne, Purrsephone, and Clawdia. The Mayor invited Caleb, a young student in the community, to announce the name, as he was “Mayor for the Day” on July 17. Caleb had spent the morning with Mayor Dahlquist at the Water Treatment Plant, a senior living center ribbon cutting and then the zoo for the name announcement.

“In your loudest voice, tell us the name of the new young cougar,” the Mayor said.

“Roxanne!” Caleb announced to the cheering crowd.

Roxanne, photo credit Zoo Idaho

Roxanne arrived at Zoo Idaho with two other orphaned cougar kittens from Wyoming. Upon arrival, all three were diagnosed with a deadly virus called feline panleukopenia. Roxanne is a miracle kitten with a story of resilience, as through intensive vetrinarian care, she is the only surviving cougar.

“She is quite a fighter,” said Shelby Maris, lead zookeeper at Zoo Idaho. “We were very excited to see her live and now to see her thrive.”

Zoo Idaho is a rescue facility and provides care for orphaned and injured wildlife. Roxanne will live out the rest of her life under the care of experts at Zoo Idaho.

Maris said the best part of her job is getting to know the animals’ personalities. “She is very feisty, she is small but mighty,” Maris said. “She definitely likes to tell you that she’s not afraid of you. It’s fun to watch her develop and grow as she gets bigger and more confident.”

“She is very feisty, she is small but mighty,”

-Shelby Maris, Lead Zookeeper

Roxanne, photo credit Zoo Idaho

The donations through the naming competition will go towards renovations and upgrades to Roxanne’s habitat. Maris said they will install some large enrichment items for her like a waterfall as well as more grass and dirt. The zookeepers hope that she will come out of the enclosure and explore in her new space.

Zoo Idaho previously had a full grown cougar named Sinbad. Maris said having cougars in the zoo is always a highlight for both the zookeepers and the community.

“It’s really cool to see them up close, whereas you probably wouldn’t even see them in the wild, so I think they’re a fun animal to see,” Maris said. “They’re also fun to do enrichment for because they have that prey drive to attack things.”

Roxanne playing in her habitat, video credit Shelby Maris

Sinbad was fully trained to the point he could do voluntary blood draws with Maris as his primary keeper and trainer. She said the goal is to get Roxanne to that level as well, with one of the full-time keepers already working hard to train the young cougar.

For now, if you visit Zoo Idaho to see Roxanne, there’s a chance she won’t come out to the exhibit area of her habitat.

“She’s pretty timid right now,” Maris explained. “She just got access to her whole exhibit recently, but she’s still getting used to it. Hopefully, as she gets bigger, she’ll gain more confidence and come out for people to see her more.”

She sometimes “peekaboo’s” through the doors to the den near the top of her habitat. Maris said the zookeepers know she’s been exploring at night by looking at her footprints in the mud.

Zoo Manager Peter Pruett said it could take a few seasons for Roxanne to be fully comfortable with the number of people passing by near her habitat and come down to see them.

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THE MILITARY FAMILY: Cohen Clinic hosts carnival and cinema event for families

KRDO on July 17, 2026

Heather Skold

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — For military families, making meaningful connections with others in the same situation is crucial to thriving amidst a demanding career. 

For leaders at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic, facilitating those connections is one of their specialties. 

Each quarter, the behavioral health clinic hosts free social gatherings for military families; this month was the “Carnival and Cinema” event at Icon Cinema, where families could participate in face painting, corn hole games, and watch a screening of Toy Story 5. 

“The process of deployment or the process of having to PCS to a different community, where you haven’t been able to make those community relationships yet.  You also have service members who have transitioned out, and they’re trying to figure out what this new transition looks like,” said Amy Moore, Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic Director.  “This is a great way for the family to come together and just enjoying something together.”

The Cohen clinic also provides mental health counseling for the whole family.  

“Military families deserve to know they are unique and deserve to be treated as such,” Moore said.  

To explore more military family gatherings, contact the Cohen Clinic. 

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Columbia, social service organization expected to end agreement over McCallister home

KMIZ on July 17, 2026

Ellyse Edwards

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The future of a historic Columbia property could soon change.

The Columbia City Council is expected to consider a resolution Monday that would end the city’s lease agreement with Love Columbia for the property at 200 N. Garth Ave.

In April, the city approved an agreement allowing Love Columbia to rehabilitate the former home of Dr. Lee Roy McAllister into a single-family transitional housing residence for first-time homebuyers participating in the Homeowner Residential Program.

According to a City Council memo, Love Columbia requested the lease be terminated after meeting with community stakeholders and other interested parties occurred. The memo says it was determined the intended purpose “may not be the best use for the property.”

If approved, the city plans to develop a Request for Expression of Interest to allow organizations to submit proposals for potential uses of the property. The memo says staff expect that process will begin by this winter.

City spokesman Christopher Ave wrote in a statement that the city and Love Columbia jointly decided not to move forward with the lease and public input will help guide the property’s future.

“We look forward to engaging in a robust public engagement effort to explore any available options for the property. Ultimately, our decision will be guided by public input…”

Love Columbia declined to comment on Friday.

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Black bear euthanized after breaking into Swan Valley home and eating pie

KIFI on July 17, 2026

Curtis Jackson

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI)— A black bear was euthanized after breaking into a Swan Valley home and helping itself to a late-night snack.

Last Sunday, July 12, Idaho Fish and Game said a black bear tore through a window screen and entered the home while the homeowners were sleeping. The bear ransacked the kitchen and ate a pumpkin pie from the table. The homeowners discovered the damage the following morning.

The bear returned the next night and got into unsecured garbage.

Fish and Game personnel set up a trap and captured the bear. The release said the bear was humanely dispatched in accordance with agency policy for bears that post a clear risk to human safety.

“Our number one priority is always human safety, and we are extremely grateful that the individuals inside the home are ok,” Wildlife Manager Eric Freeman said. “In a situation where a bear has entered a residence, relocation is not an option.”

The agency is reminding people to secure trash, pet food, and other attractants to help prevent these types of dangerous encounters.

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The Shops at Palm Desert to host community soccer watch weekend

KESQ on July 17, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

Soccer fans and families are invited to The Shops at Palm Desert on July 18-19 for the free Palm Desert Community Soccer Watch Weekend. Presented by the City of Palm Desert, the two-day celebration will feature live championship match viewing, a DJ, kids’ activities, local vendors, giveaways, and special shopping and dining discounts.

Guests can also participate in the Palm Desert Playbook Passport for prize opportunities and the “Wear Your Team” Instagram contest. Advance registration includes a commemorative giveaway, bottled water, and entry into daily grand prize drawings while supplies last.

The event will take place in the Main Court at The Shops at Palm Desert, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information and registration are available online.

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Former Las Cruces Mayor Miyagishima ends bid for New Mexico governor

KVIA on July 17, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Former Las Cruces mayor, Ken Gallegos Miyagishima, ended his bid for New Mexico governor Friday, he confirmed with ABC-7.

“I just want to take a moment to express how grateful I am for all of your support during this journey,” Miyagishima said in a Facebook post. I realized that the best way to make a difference in New Mexico is by teaming up with my good friend, and former Mayor Gregg Hull.”

In February, Miyagishima announced he would run as an independent candidate for governor. He previously ran as the Democratic candidate.

Miyagishima failed to qualify for the ballot, and previously discussed appealing to the state supreme court to try a secure a spot in the race.

In the November election, GOP candidate Greg Hull will face Democratic candidate Deb Haaland.

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FIRE ALERT: Urgent Evacuations Underway in Wheeler County

KTVZ on July 17, 2026

Spencer Sacks

KTVZ News has learned evacuations are underway in Wheeler County due to multiple wildfires.

From Central Oregon Fire:

Central Oregon —  The Central Oregon Type 3 Team took command of the Rowe Creek Complex yesterday at 6 p.m. The Complex includes approximately seven fires including Crosswhite, Camel Hump, Red Rock and Twickenham Fires that ignited when a lightning storm passed over the Twickenham area on Wednesday, July 15.

Firefighters worked through the night protecting homes along Rowe Creek Road. With limited resources on scene, efforts are primarily focused on protecting homes and other key infrastructure until additional resources arrive. Wind, high temperatures and steep terrain challenged the efforts, with similar conditions expected today. The fires are burning in a mix of light, grassy fuels with heavy pockets of juniper and timber. The area received little rain with the thunderstorm and conditions remain very dry.

Federal and contracted resources will continue to be assisted by the Twickenham Rural Fire Protection Association and Wheeler County Fire and Rescue. A structure group from the Oregon State Fire Marshall is also on scene assisting with home protection. A complex incident management team has been ordered and is expected to arrive today to take command of this group of fires on Saturday.

Due to the large number of significant wildfires in Wheeler, Gilliam, Sherman and Jefferson counties, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning to implement a closure of public land today that will cover all BLM-administered land along both sides of the John Day River, from Service Creek north to the Columbia River. This closure is expected to go into effect by noon today. Additional closures may also be implemented for portions of public lands in Crook County in response to wildfires burning east of Prineville. BLM closure information can be found at blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Firefighters are stretched thin responding to the significant number of wildfires burning across five counties in Central Oregon. Visitors and residents are asked to take extreme care as resources are needed to respond to these fires instead of new human-caused ignitions. Fire restrictions are in place around Central Oregon and campfires are not allowed in most areas. Know before you go – call ahead and find out the restrictions for any area you plan to visit.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information visit fire.airnow.gov.

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NTSB report sheds light on cause of Rigby plane crash

KIFI on July 17, 2026

Seth Ratliff

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — The National Transportation Safety Board has released its official report on a September 2025 plane crash near the Rigby-Jefferson County Airport, shedding light on the performance issues that led to the accident.

RELATED: Small plane crashes into building near Rigby

According to the report, a Cessna 150F was destroyed after striking a power line and crashing into a building. Fortunately, both occupants, a student and an instructor pilot, escaped without serious injury.

The crash happend on September 17, 2025, during an introductory instructional flight. The aircraft was crewed by a 21-year-old student pilot from Tetonia and a 38-year-old from Victor who was acting as the instructor pilot (IP).

Their day began with a successful 48-minute training flight. After returning to Rigby for a brief stop, the student and instructor prepared for a final departure around 11:30 a.m.

The NTSB notes that while the initial takeoff went completely normal, the aircraft encountered severe performance issues almost immediately afterwards and struggled to gain altitude.

Realizing the aircraft could not maintain a safe climb, the instructor pilot took full control. Because the plane lacked the altitude to turn back and was too far down the runway to safely abort the takeoff, the IP was forced to fly forward. Pitching the plane up to climb and banking to avoid oncoming obstacles, the aircraft continued to lose energy.

As the Cessna flew toward a low-hanging power line, the IP pulled the nose up in a final attempt to clear the wire. According to the NTSB, the aircraft’s left main landing gear clipped the line, snagging the wire and instantly sending the plane into a 90-degree nose-dive and spin roughly 80 feet above the ground.

While plunging toward the ground, the report says the instructor aggressively applied rudder pressure to counteract the spin. The force caused the landing gear to tear completely free from the fuselage, states the report.

As the instructor continued to slow their descent, the left wing of the plane struck the old Intermountain Auto Wrecking building, rolling the aircraft to the right before the right wing, engine, and forward fuselage slammed into the ground.

Immediately following the impact, the crew began an emergency engine-securing checklist to prevent a post-crash fire.

Initial police reports indicate witnesses helped both men out of the wreckage, and they were treated for only minor injuries. However, the crash caused a widespread power outage, leaving over 2,700 Rocky Mountain Power customers without electricity for several hours.

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Yuma residents react to cyclosporiasis outbreak

KYMA on July 17, 2026

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, NBC) – Yuma residents are sharing their reaction to the cyclosporiasis outbreak.

The CDC has confirmed 1,645 people have contracted the food-borne illness called cyclosporiasis across the country.

The agency issued a health alert this week confirming the information, with the alert stating another 5,100 cases are being investigated as cyclosporiasis.

Symptoms of the illness, which is caused by eating raw produce like leafy greens, raspberries and cilantro, include cramping, nausea, vomiting and prolonged watery diarrhea.

The stomach illness has spread to 34 states, including Arizona and California. Arizona has 19 cases, with three cases being confirmed in Yuma County.

News 11 reached out to the Yuma County Health Department with questions about the cases, and they issued the following statement:

“We want to remind the public to be please be aware of the symptoms. Early detection is important, particularly for young children and the elderly. Symptoms may be more severe in these populations and can quickly lead to dehydration or other complications.”

Yuma County Public Health Services is urging residents to take basic precautions to protect their families.

The steps include washing fresh produce thoroughly before eating, following safe food handling and storage practices, and practicing proper hand hygiene.

Taylor Farms, who is being investigated as a possible source of the outbreak, released a statement Friday, saying they are voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico out of circulation in the U.S.

The statement also says, The FDA traceback is indicating a specific independent farm as the potential source of the outbreak,” and “no other Taylor Fresh Foods products across the country are impacted.”

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