Inmates challenge firing squad policy, citing 13 disputed procedures

KIFI on July 14, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

ADA COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – Two of Idaho’s longest-serving death row inmates, Gerald Ross Pizzuto and Thomas Eugene Creech, are suing the Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC) over the state’s new firing squad policy, calling it arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion.

They are not challenging the constitutionality of the firing squad, but questioning the IDOC Director, Bree Derrick’s, approval of the execution policy.

They cite 13 different policies that they want to challenge:

Qualification to serve on the firing squad

Qualifications to serve on the medical team

Qualifications to serve on administration

Restrictions on witness access

Restrictions on attorney access

Restrictions on recording and documenting

The condemned person’s right to engage in spiritual activity

The condemned person’s sedation prior to execution

The ability of execution volunteers to withdraw from the execution process

The sourcing, inspection, and testing requirements for supplies and equipment prior to the execution

The role of emergency medical services

The director’s certification of the method of execution

The director’s discretion to amend any policies or procedures at will.

The lawsuit comes in response to the IDOC’s updated execution protocol that outlines the timeline and specific criteria for carrying out capital punishment, covering everything from appellate monitoring to the specific conditions of confinement.

RELATED: Idaho DOC releases detailed firing squad execution protocols ahead of July 1 transition

The lawsuit asks the court to set aside the policy and return it to the agency.

The shift to the firing squad

The state’s pivot toward the firing squad followed Creech’s high-profile botched execution.

In February 2024, state officials halted Creech’s execution after a three-member medical team tried eight separate times to establish an intravenous line for lethal injection. Following the incident, the Idaho Legislature backed House Bill 37 to establish the firing squad as a primary alternative.

Creech, 73, has spent half a century in prison. He was originally convicted of five murders across three states and is suspected of several more. He was sentenced to death for the 1981 beating death of fellow inmate David Dale Jensen, 22, while already serving a life term.

According to the Idaho Department of Corrections, there are currently eight people on Idaho’s death row. Among them are Creech, Pizzuto, and high-profile convicted murderer Chad Daybell.

The full, updated execution procedure document from the IDOC has been included below:

idaho_execution_proceduresDownload

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Abandoned Sailboat Cleared from the Montecito Coast Before Dawn Before it Breaks Up

KEYT on July 13, 2026

John Palminteri

MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) – A sailboat that drifted onto the Montecito shoreline last week has been crushed and removed.

It was in an area where the higher tides and crashing waves could have broken it up and sent pieces into the water and down the coast along Butterfly Beach.

The sailboat was believed to be in the nearshore anchorage before drifting away.

A county policy gives the owner a chance to salvage the vessel, if not, it is tagged for removal.

That happened last week when the Santa Barbara County Sherif’s Department posted a flyer on the boat indicating it was going to get removed.

Marborg Industries was called out early this morning at low tide.

A crew with heavy equipment broke the vessel up and put it into a large rolloff dumpster.

The cost was covered by the non profit group Heal the Ocean.

The county is investigating what recourse it has legally or if they owner has any insurance.

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Bear Sightings on the Rise, Public Reminded to Respect Wildlife

KEYT on July 13, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Some bear sightings in the local foothills are in areas where the public lives and hangs out, reminding us that we are sharing the space with local wild animals.

A California Brown Bear, which actually has black fur as some do, was strolling along Torito Road in the Montecito area near Toro Canyon.

Video taken by a resident Heather Sage showed the bear looking very healthy.

It was in a neighborhood, but hikers say they are not uncommon on the trails a little higher up and nearby.

Off of Highway 154, at Cold Spring Tavern, a mama bear was spotted with two cubs on the property by a family driving through for lunch.

Those who go to the historic stagecoach stop restaurant have reported seeing a bear in the area several times before.

It’s not known if this bear is that bear, possibly with a larger family now.

For those who got a glimpse, including Jaimie Herrera who took some pictures, the scene was playful for the cubs, but the mom was very watchful and protective.

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Columbia law department head Nancy Thompson to retire in October

KMIZ on July 13, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia city attorney Nancy Thompson will retire on Oct. 14, the city announced in a Monday afternoon press release.

Thompson has been the head of the city’s law department for the past 13 years and has been representing Missouri cities for more than 40 years, the release says. The city wrote that Thompson is retiring to “to devote more time to her family and will consider other opportunities after taking a break from service.”

The head of the law department provides legal advice City Council, city manager, department heads and boards and commissions, the release says. The position is appointed by the city manager and is approved by the City Council, according to the release.

“I will miss my colleagues at the city dearly, but I look forward to having more time with my husband, Randall, and our children and grandchildren,” Thompson said in the release. “The City of Columbia is an incredible community and I have been fortunate to have played a small role in its growth and progress over the last decade. I will treasure that as I watch what is accomplished in the future.”

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How Idaho Transportation Department crews stay cool while working outside

KIFI on July 13, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– While many people can escape the summer heat by heading indoors, road crews across eastern Idaho don’t have that luxury. Outdoor workers, including construction crews, road workers and parks and recreation employees, have to get creative to stay cool while working in the summer heat.

Trevin Despain has worked on the Idaho Transportation Department’s Signs and Striping crew for two years. Despain explains working in the heat is nothing new to him.

“You always have to be mindful of the heat,” Despain said. “This road gets well above the temperatures that are outside right now. It’s sitting at a good 100 degrees. That asphalt is anywhere from 120 to 130 degrees.”

As near-record summer temperatures continue, the heat poses a serious risk for anyone working outdoors.

“I’m a survivor of heat exhaustion myself, so I’ve seen what it can do,” Despain said.

To stay safe, crews focus on hydration, electrolyte replacement, regular breaks and watching out for one another.

“We’ll take a break. We’ll get a drink, sit in the truck, cool down for a little bit, and make sure we’re not really overstraining ourselves by any means, but making sure that we’re not getting too hot,” ITD employee Ryan Getsinger said.

The record-breaking heat is one of the many challenges road workers face every day over the summer. Crews are also reminding drivers to slow down and use caution when approaching work zones.

“Slowing down, watching for us, keeping an eye out for us is greatly, greatly appreciated because at the end of the day, we all want to go home to our families as well,” Despain said.

“Watch out for us. There are a lot of people on the roads, and sometimes people get complacent, and they don’t really notice them,” Getsinger said.

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APS proposes a 14% increase to its base rates

KYMA on July 13, 2026

Adrik Vargas

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Public Service (APS) is asking for an increase of 14% to its base rates.

APS says the increase is needed to cover rising operation costs and invest in Arizona’s growing electric grid.

Customers in Yuma County say a hike like that could force them to make some difficult financial decisions.

“Just last summer, our electric bill was…$600 at a little house down the hill from the hospital. And that was a three-bedroom house,” said Crystal Larson, who opposes the rate increase. “If they raised the rates 15% again, that same house is going to be costing someone else, like $800, almost like around there at a 15% increase. That’s nuts.”

Whether customers actually see the increases is up to the Arizona Corporation Commission, which is expected to make a final decision by the end of the year.

Any approved rate changes would take effect in early 2027.

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Buzzbox announces national distribution partnership across 35 states

KESQ on July 13, 2026

KESQ News Team

Indio, Calif. (KESQ) — Buzzbox Premium Cocktails Inc. announced a national distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits that will expand buzzbox’s ready-to-drink cocktail across 35 states.

The partnership marks a significant step in buzzbox’s national growth, giving the brand access to Southern Glazer’s distribution network, which serves national and regional retailers.

Known for pioneering premium cocktails in Tetra Pak aseptic cartons, buzzbox says the company differentiates itself with top-shelf spirits, real fruit juice, all-natural ingredients, and lightweight, eco-conscious packaging designed for portability and freshness. The company also operates a fully integrated, alcohol-licensed Tetra Pak manufacturing facility in the U.S., providing greater control over production, quality, and innovation.

“Our partnership with Southern Glazer’s is a defining milestone that positions buzzbox for its next phase of growth,” said Rod Vandenbos, Founder and CEO of buzzbox. “Together, we have the opportunity to bring premium, real-ingredient cocktails to more consumers across the country.”

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Radio tower property cleanup complete after residents’ fire concerns prompt action

KESQ on July 13, 2026

Luis Avila

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — Months after neighboring residents raised concerns about a potential fire hazard at the KGX Broadcast Center property, the cleanup is now complete, bringing relief to those living next door.

The overgrown property along Dinah Shore Drive had become a growing concern for residents at Mountain View Apartments, a senior housing community. They pointed to dry vegetation, overgrown tamarisk trees and signs of trespassing, fearing a brush fire could quickly spread to their homes. The City of Cathedral City later confirmed the property was under an active code enforcement investigation and that the owner had been cited for violations.

Now, those concerns have largely been addressed.

“Generally I would say I, and other residents are relieved and grateful,” said Mountain View resident Elizabeth Cunneff.

Cunneff first contacted News Channel 3 months ago after growing increasingly worried about the conditions next to the senior housing complex.

“Without all that foliage, I don’t feel nervous anymore. I really don’t. I don’t feel like I’m going to die in my bed anymore,” Cunneff said.

She believes bringing attention to the issue helped push the cleanup forward.

To determine who completed the work, News Channel 3 asked Cathedral City for clarification. The city initially said only that “a responsible party carried out the cleanup.” After further questions, the city declined to identify the company, stating:

“What’s going on between the parties on the property is a civil matter, so the City is not going to elaborate on that side of it. From the City’s perspective, we’re just glad the work got done and that the community has a safer outcome.”

News Channel 3 then contacted the property owner, who confirmed American Tower — the company responsible for maintaining the land surrounding the radio tower under an easement agreement — performed the cleanup.

The work resolves one of the central issues in Cathedral City’s code enforcement case, which had been delayed while questions remained over who was responsible for maintaining portions of the property covered by the tower easement.

While some residents say conditions have improved significantly, Cunneff believes some hazards remain.

“Look at all this up here… some of the branches that are headed horizontally… I don’t know why those things weren’t brought down. It looks like they aren’t attached, and with the weather they’ll come down eventually,” she said.

Although the cleanup is complete, the legal dispute over maintenance responsibilities continues. The property owner is asking a judge to rule that American Tower, not the property owner, is responsible for maintaining the tower easement and paying the costs associated with those conditions.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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John Palminteri Announced as Grand Marshal for Desfile Histórico

KEYT on July 13, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – John Palminteri has been named the Grand Marshal for the Desfile Histórico Fiesta parade next month.

Palminteri has been with Your News Channel since 1988 and has covered decades of various Fiesta events.

Palminteri expressed extreme gratitude and humility from the announcement and will be a great part of the Fiesta celebration starting August 1st.

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.

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Man charged with negligent deadly weapon use at Whiskey Dicks Las Cruces

KVIA on July 13, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — A man has been charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon after allegedly unsafely handing a gun at Whiskey Dicks in Las Cruces July 4.

According to documents, 20-year-old Ericko Alejandro Rodriguez was at Whiskey Dicks driving a truck and got into an altercation at the bar.

An officer said he saw open alcohol containers in his truck, documents said.

Security footage showed Rodriguez’ truck allegedly circling the area, documents said. Witnesses also alleged he had a gun.

Security at the bar heard a man say “get my gun” and run to the truck where Rodriguez allegedly stood and loaded a gun, documents said.

Security fought him for the gun outside of his truck and confiscated it, documents said.

Officers also noted Rodriguez’ breath smelled like an alcoholic beverage, and he admitted to drinking, documents said.

Rodriguez faces a charge for unsafe handling of a deadly weapon and two warrants, according to documents.

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