Problem Solvers: Price concerns rise as Central Oregon evacuees search for hotels amid wildfire evacuations

KTVZ on July 30, 2026

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Red Cross)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire evacuations continue across Central Oregon, some evacuees say they were quoted sharply higher hotel rates while trying to find a place to stay after being forced out under Level 3 “Go Now” orders.

One Central Oregon couple and their pets spent six days at a Red Cross shelter after evacuating their home. They told The Problem Solvers that other families at the shelter said they were quoted as much as $750 a night for local hotel rooms. Those rates have not been independently verified.

Under Oregon law, hotel rooms can be considered an essential consumer service during an emergency, and a price increase of 15 percent or more may be considered excessive unless the increase is tied to verified emergency-related costs. But those protections apply only after the governor declares an abnormal market disruption.

The Problem Solvers asked the governor’s office whether that protection applies to the current wildfire situation, but have not received a response.

Isabel Anderson, American Red Cross Cascades Regional Communications Manager, said Red Cross shelters are available at no-cost for those needing a place to stay, and people do not have to stay overnight at a shelter if they do not want to.

“Just because you go to the shelter doesn’t mean you have to stay overnight. Just talk to our volunteers, get information about what’s going on, get a warm meal, get water, charge your devices, talk to one of our mental health specialists, and then go. But you’re also more than welcome to come in and stay the night,” Anderson said.

The Red Cross says not only are its shelters are free, evacuees are welcome to bring their pets.

“We will accommodate your pets, we will figure out something,” Anderson said. “We have partners we can work with. So please come and come with your pet. And we will take care of all of you.”

Anyone who suspects price gouging can contact the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 503-378-8442 or visit oregonconsumer.gov.

The Problem Solvers also reached out to The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) for comment, who provided the following statement post-deadline: “ORLA is not in a position to comment on the pricing decisions of an individual property or speculate about the factors that may influence rates at any given time. Hotel rates are determined by a variety of market conditions and business considerations.”

Click here to follow the original article.

One injured, one displaced after house fire near Palm Desert

KESQ on July 30, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

CAHUILLA HILLS, Calif. — Firefighters responded to a fully involved residential structure fire Thursday morning at a home southwest of Palm Desert in the Cahuilla Hills area, leaving one person injured and another displaced.

According to Cal Fire, crews were dispatched at approximately 10:47 a.m. to the 48000 block of Painted Canyon Road after reports of a residential fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single-story, single-family home fully engulfed in flames.

The fire was knocked down at 11:29 a.m., according to Cal Fire.

One person was injured in the fire and was transported to a local hospital with injuries of unknown severity. Officials also requested assistance from the American Red Cross for one person who was displaced by the fire.

Cal Fire said both Southern California Gas Company and Southern California Edison responded to the scene to address potential utility hazards while firefighting operations continued.

Officials said fire crews are expected to remain on scene for several hours as firefighters extinguish remaining hot spots, overhaul the structure, and ensure the area is safe.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials have not released additional details about how the fire started or the circumstances surrounding the injuries.

This is a developing story, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Santa Paula Man Sentenced to State Prison for Molestation

KEYT on July 30, 2026

Alissa Orozco

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A Santa Paula man was sentenced to served 22 years in state prison for molestation charges of two underage victims. On June 22, 2026, Leonel Galindo Galindo pleaded guilty to eight counts of lewd acts upon a child and admitted the aggravating factor that he took advantage of a position of trust and confidence.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office says between 2018 and 2020, Galindo molested two victims under the age of 14 on multiple occasions within their own home. The DA says Galindo was known to the victims and used his position of trust to take advantage of them.

“The defendant relied on silence and fear to shield him from accountability,” said Senior DeputyDistrict Attorney Emily Reber. “But the courage of the survivors proved stronger than both. Thissentence reflects their strength and the justice they fought so hard to obtain.”

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Idaho officials warn of heat danger after three deaths

KIFI on July 30, 2026

Curtis Jackson

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI)—Three southern Idaho residents over age 55 have died during a recent stretch of extreme heat, prompting warnings from the public health officials about the dangers of high temperatures.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported the first heat-related deaths of the year after three people died during the past week with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. The three individuals lived in different communities across southern Idaho.

Public health officials are urging Idahoans to take precautions and recognize the signs of heat-related illness, particularly among vulnerable population.

Know the warning signs

Heatstroke is a medical emergency

Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms may include:

High body temperature

Hot, red skin

Confusion

Seizures

Nausea

Dizziness

Fainting

If someone shows signs of heatstroke, call 911 immediately.

While waiting for emergency responders:

Move the person to a cooler location.

Apply cool, wet cloths or ice to the head, neck, armpits and groin.

Soak clothing with cool water or provide a cool bath if possible.

Use a fan to speed cooling.

Health officials advise not giving fluids to a person experiencing heatstroke, as they may have difficulty swallowing and could inhale liquids.

Heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke

Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:

Fatigue

Weakness

Irritability

Excessive thirst

Headache

Nausea

Muscle cramps

Cold, clammy skin

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should:

Move to a cool location.

Loosen clothing.

Use cool cloths or take a cool bath.

Sip cool water frequently.

Medical attention is recommended if vomiting begins, symptoms worsen, or symptoms last longer than an hour.

How to stay safe in the heat

With hot conditions expected to continue, health officials recommend:

Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing

Limiting outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours

Staying in shaded areas when possible

Taking frequent breaks

Drinking water regularly, even before feeling thirsty

Avoiding alcohol and beverages high in caffeine or sugar

Replacing lost electrolytes with low-sugar sports drinks when appropriate

Monitoring weather forecasts and heat alerts

Officials also emphasized never leaving children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, noting that temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly to dangerous levels even on relatively mild days.

Additional resources

CDC Extreme Heat Information: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

CDC Heat Risk Dashboard: https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/

National Weather Service Heat Safety Resources: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

As Idaho’s summer heat continues, public health experts stress that preparation, hydration and early recognition of symptoms can help prevent serious illness and save lives.

Click here to follow the original article.

Palm Springs police highlight Flock cameras as residents weigh safety against privacy

KESQ on July 30, 2026

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police say Flock cameras helped solve a recent burglary investigation in a matter of days, highlighting what they call one of the biggest benefits of the technology.

Investigators say images captured by Flock cameras identified a white pickup truck, connect the driver to similar burglary arrests, serve a search warrant, arrest the suspect and recover the stolen property.

Lieutenant William Hutchinson said the investigation likely would have gone unsolved without the cameras.

“This was done in a matter of days where without the system this likely would’ve gone cold and unsolved,” Hutchinson said.

He said the technology has become an important tool for the department.

“Without this technology, most of those crimes will go unsolved,” he said.

While police say Flock cameras are helping investigators solve crimes more quickly, some residents remain concerned about how the technology is used and the amount of information it collects.

Palm Springs resident Joshua Handrich says he supports public safety but believes stronger privacy protections are needed.

“I still think we should be leery of this technology, the companies who run it, and the abuses that can happen with it,” Handrich said. “Honestly a lot of these things, if these things were in-house and required a warrant, we’d be having a totally different conversation.”

He also questioned what the cameras are capable of recording.

“It is not just tracking cars and license plates either,” Handrich said.

Hutchinson acknowledged those concerns, saying they’re valid but often fueled by misconceptions about how the system works.

According to the department, safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.

“If I don’t have a legitimate reason to look for your license, I can’t arbitrarily search that. Our systems are built to prevent that,” Hutchinson said.

He said maintaining public trust will depend on responsible oversight.

“Implement good governance, implement good policy, we keep good technology to keep our community safe,” Hutchinson said.

To further its transparency efforts, the Palm Springs Police Department is inviting the public inside its Real Time Intelligence Center on August 20 from noon to 5 p.m. The open house will give residents an opportunity to learn how Flock cameras are used, see the technology firsthand and ask questions about the department’s privacy policies and safeguards.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

UCSB Study Links Lower Pay to Female-Dominated Jobs

KEYT on July 30, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new study from UC Santa Barbara suggests that people’s perceptions about who works in a job may influence how much they believe that job should pay.

Researchers presented participants with descriptions of the same occupation but varied information about the workforce. When participants believed a larger share of women worked in the role, they consistently assigned it a lower salary.

The findings suggest that gender stereotypes may shape how work is valued, even when the job itself does not change.

Researchers report the study offers insight into one factor that may contribute to the persistent gender pay gap.

They hope the research encourages employers to use clear, consistent compensation practices that focus on the responsibilities and qualifications required for a position rather than assumptions about who typically performs the work.

For more information, visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0276562426000429

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

The Show Will Go On At Lompoc Theatre Thanks To Historic $6 Million Gift

KEYT on July 30, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – The show will go on at the 100-year-old Lompoc Theatre thanks to a philanthropic gift of $6 million.

This is the largest singular, private donation the theater has ever received.

Santa Barbara’s very own Cheryl Goldberg, a technology executive and arts philanthropist continues to carry out her late husband’s legacy, and this is her latest benefaction.

After a recent personal tour of the Lompoc Theatre, which first opened in 1927 and has rested dormant for over 20 years, Goldberg is helping the theatre move closer to curtains up.

“Her first time in Lompoc was coming to tour this theater,” says Mark Herrier, Lompoc Theatre Project’s executive director. “And she was so compelled that she said she had to be a part of it.”

Her philanthropic donation in the amount of $6 million kicks the theater’s restoration project into high gear.

“I can’t tell you what it means to all of us to have that kind of attention and resources made available,” says Joan Hartmann, District 3 Supervisor for the County of Santa Barbara.

In 2027 the theater’s centennial season will begin in what they call the black box configuration.

“We will be opening the theater to performances on that very stage in the spring of 2027, when we complete our phase two,” says Herrier.

This black box or “cabaret” design will be an 80 seat venue enclosed within the stage, that can facilitate anything from music bands to stand up comics, or even seminars or classes, while the restoration continues on the auditorium.

“We have assembled a team that is as good as any in the country and might say any in the world,” Herrier says.

Then in 2028, the goal is to complete the entire 450-seat auditorium where large-scale productions can perform with state-of-the-art equipment.

“For Lompoc, it’s our most diverse community in the county, and so it provides a place to showcase these different cultures and feel connected to each other,” says Hartmann.

Directors of the theater and community leaders are bursting with excitement and gratitude to Cheryl Goldberg.

“There is nothing that transforms a central downtown core in the country more than restoring its original hometown historic theater,” says Herrier.

Project leaders say $5 million of the donation will go to construction, and the remaining one million will establish a performing arts fund, which will secure programming at the theater for about eight years.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Idaho AG warns consumers after 39 products recalled over safety hazards

KIFI on July 30, 2026

Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is urging Idahoans to check their homes after 39 products were recalled nationwide in July because of serious safety hazards, including fire risks, choking hazards and products designed for infants and toddlers.

The recalls, issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, include household appliances, electronics, furniture and children’s products. Ten of the recalled items were made specifically for infants and toddlers.

“Idahoans need to know when everyday products put their families at risk,” Labrador said in a statement. “This month’s 39 recalls include ten products made for infants and toddlers, from baby loungers to dressers to pool drain covers. Check this list, check your home, and take action.”

Several recalls involve products that pose risks of fire, burns, suffocation, drowning, choking or tip-over hazards. State officials noted that some of the recalls involve products linked to reported injuries and deaths.

Consumers who believe they own one of the recalled products should stop using it immediately and review the manufacturer’s recall notice for instructions on obtaining a repair, replacement, refund or proper disposal.

Some of the most widely used recalled products include:

Galanz Retro Refrigerators (fire hazard)

Insignia gas ranges sold by Best Buy (fire hazard)

OCOOPA rechargeable hand warmers (fire hazard)

Cuisinart grill brushes (ingestion hazard)

Kobalt 24V and 48V yard power tools (fire hazard)

Several baby loungers, infant walkers and toddler towers (suffocation, fall and entrapment hazards)

The full list of recalled products is available through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Consumers can also report unsafe products directly to the agency.

Click here to follow the original article.

Emergency line services restored in City of Indio after temporary outage

KESQ on July 30, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

UPDATE: Indio Police Department says the issue affecting 9-1-1 emergency phone lines has been resolved, and 9-1-1 is now fully operational.

Original Report

INDIO, Calif. — The Indio Police Department is alerting the public that it is currently experiencing an issue affecting 9-1-1 emergency phone lines.

Officials are asking anyone who needs immediate police or fire assistance to call 760-775-3730 while the outage is being addressed.

The department announced the issue in a public notice, stating that updates will be shared as soon as more information becomes available. No timeline has been provided for when normal 9-1-1 service will be restored.

Emergency Contact During the Outage:

Police/Fire Emergency Assistance: 760-775-3730

The Indio Police Department says it will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.

Click here to follow the original article.

Car Crashes Through Front Windows of Goleta Pet Store; No Injuries Reported

KEYT on July 30, 2026

Alissa Orozco

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – In what feels like a strange sense of deja vu, another vehicle crashed into a business here in Santa Barbara county, with luckily no injuries reported.

Just around 7:00am Thursday morning, a Toyota Corolla crashed through the front windows of Pet House, a local pet store located inside the Calle Real Marketplace in Goleta. This comes just days after another vehicle crashed into a toy store in Montecito.

The store was not open at the time, and Santa Barbara County Fire Department confirmed there were no injuries to report.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.