Rigby police request community assistance in ongoing investigation

KIFI on July 9, 2026

Par Kermani

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Rigby Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying the owner or operator of a vehicle believed to be connected to an ongoing criminal investigation.

According to police, the incident under investigation occurred at Rigby South Park. Investigators are attempting to identify and speak with the owner and/or operator of the vehicle regarding the case.

Anyone who recognizes the vehicle or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Rigby Police Department at (208) 745-1951, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at (208) 745-9210, option 7, or submit a tip through the Rigby Police Department’s Facebook page.

Police ask anyone providing information to reference Case Number 02-2026-01699.

The request was sent through the official Rigby Police Department Facebook page, however they request that community members refrain from posting names or personal information in social media comment sections and instead provide information directly to investigators.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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Water main break in Apline on Lodge Lane

KIFI on July 9, 2026

Par Kermani

ALPINE, Wyo. (KIFI) — Crews with the Town of Alpine Public Works Department are working to repair a water main break on Lodge Lane.

According to the Town of Apline social media page, residents on Lodge Lane and portions of Greys River Road are experiencing a temporary loss of water service while repairs are underway.

Officials did not provide an estimated time for service restoration but said crews are working to restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.

Residents affected by the outage are encouraged to monitor Town of Alpine communication channels for the latest updates.

Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and provide updates at LocalNews8.com as more information becomes available.

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Oscar’s owner responds to Plaza Theatre’s claims in ongoing dispute

KESQ on July 9, 2026

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A public dispute between Oscar’s Palm Springs and the Plaza Theatre continues to escalate, with both sides offering conflicting accounts of negotiations over a room located inside the Oscar’s building.

The disagreement centers on a space the Plaza Theatre has used to support performers, known as the ‘green room.’ Oscar’s owner Dan Gore says the theater wants complete control of it, but believes he should be compensated because the space is part of his lease.

Gore said the relationship between Oscar’s and the theater changed after Oak View Group took over management of the Plaza Theatre.

Gore invited News Channel 3 inside the room. According to Gore, the room is uniquely valuable because it provides direct access to the Plaza Theatre’s backstage area and connects to six dressing rooms.

In a statement, the Plaza Theatre said it approached Oscar’s in 2024 about subleasing the space. The theater claims Gore instead requested that either the Plaza Theatre or the property owner buy out his entire business lease.

Gore disputes that account.

He showed News Channel 3 emails he says demonstrate the buyout proposal was only discussed after months of negotiations, when he believed the theater was unwilling to compensate him for continued use of the green room.

“I said that wouldn’t be a problem as long as I’m compensated because for the last several years prior to Oak View Group, I was compensated,” Gore said. “Not directly, trade or we sold booze and food to the theater patrons.”

The Plaza Theatre also said it offered several incentives during negotiations, including preferred caterer status, promotion and sale of pre-show dinners, and waived fees for use of Plaza Theatre facilities.

Gore says those proposals did not replace the value of the revenue Oscar’s previously received through its relationship with the theater.

“It was like, ‘No, you’re going to give us everything, in exchange for maybe helping you,'” Gore said. “It was all maybe.”

Gore also says the changes have not only impact Oscar’s, but the theater as well.

“They continue to do events and they stage events outside behind the library by the trash can area… because they refuse to even ask me for help,” Gore said. “I’m here to help us as a group and help the community as a group.”

The Plaza Theatre continues to deny Gore’s allegations, saying it negotiated in good faith and that any business challenges facing Oscar’s are unrelated to its actions.

News Channel 3 has reached out to Oak View Group for additional comment.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Oakland Zoo welcomes new tiger rehabilitated after rescue from notorious Northern California sanctuary

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By CBS San Francisco

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    OAKLAND, California (KPIX) — The Oakland Zoo is now home to a female tiger rescued from a notorious Northern California wildlife sanctuary that was forced to shut down last year.

On Thursday, the zoo announced in a press release that the tiger, named Sitara, is estimated to be 13 years old, is not yet ready for public viewing as she is still being rehabilited and experiencing some lameness in her left hind leg. The tiger currently has access only to her nighthouse and a temporary outdoor space; the zoo’s animal care staff help her navigate her new habitat which includes pools, a waterfall, raised platforms, grass, and vegetation – all things the zoo said she has never had before.

Sitara’s placement was part of an effort to rehabilitate a group of five tigers rescued after the closure of the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation, in Orovile, Butte County, in early 2025. The foundation was shuttered after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife denied a renewal of a restricted species permit amid documented animal welfare violations. A subsequent lawsuit filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), resulted in Kirshner operators and their affiliates agreeing to give up possession of the tigers.

Before their rescue, the tigers were abandoned at a Kirshner-affiliated facility in Solano County, whose owner reached out to the Oakland Zoo for help finding them a suitable home, PETA said in a press statement. After being processed by Oakland Zoo veterinary staff, two male tigers were transferred to the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Sacramento County, and a third male taken to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas, both accredited sanctuaries. The fifth tiger, an elderly 16-year-old female, was found to be suffering from end-stage arthritis and spinal disease, and after not responding to intensive care, she was euthanized.

“These tigers endured hell on Earth in Kirshner’s clutches, on top of which, when authorities closed in, the roadside zoo shuffled the animals around to other seedy facilities like so many stolen goods,” says PETA Foundation Managing Director of Captive Wildlife Debbie Metzler. “PETA’s lawsuit put Kirshner’s cronies on notice and helped ensure that these tigers will finally get the care they need at accredited facilities.”

Sitara, whose name translates to “star” in Hindi, moves into the Oakland Zoo’s tiger enclosure after the deaths of the zoo’s previous rescued tigers, Mia and Lola, earlier this year.

“The current tiger cases are not an isolated effort; they are part of a sustained, mission-driven response to wildlife exploitation and trafficking,” Darren Minier, Oakland director of animal welfare and research said in a prepared statement. “Through direct rescue operations, partnerships with accredited zoos and sanctuaries, engagement in wildlife policy, and public education, Oakland Zoo continues to advocate for higher standards of care and stronger protections for captive wildlife.”

Tigers in the wild usually have a life expectancy between 10 to 15 years, while those in accredited, high-quality sanctuaries can live between 15 and 20 years, and sometimes into their early 20s.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Madison County Sheriff’s Office warns public after woman nearly loses $25,000

KIFI on July 9, 2026

Par Kermani

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to be vigilant after an elderly woman narrowly avoided losing $25,000 in a sophisticated scam.

According to the sheriff’s office, the woman was convinced by scammers to withdraw $25,000 in cash from her bank, hide the money inside magazines and package it to look like a birthday gift. She was then instructed to ship the box and pay an additional $200 for expedited delivery.

Officials say the woman’s son learned what was happening and worked with the shipping company to recover the package before it reached the scammers.

Madison County Sheriff’s Office

The sheriff’s office warns that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target victims, including:

Keeping victims on the phone for extended periods of time

Creating a false sense of urgency to pressure quick decisions

Convincing victims not to discuss the situation with family members, bank employees, or law enforcement

Officials encourage residents to remain cautious and verify any suspicious requests before sending money or sharing personal information.

The department is also encouraging people to talk with older family members, friends and neighbors about common scams and warning signs. They also warn the public to never mail or ship cash, be cautious of anyone demanding secrecy or immediate action, and contact a trusted family member or law enforcement agency before sending money in response to an unusual request.

Officials say a simple conversation could help prevent a significant financial loss.

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Local bands unite for Bands for Bread benefit concert

KTVZ on July 9, 2026

Adrielle Hasara

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nine local bands will perform at Bands for Bread, a free benefit concert to fight food insecurity, on Friday, July 31. The second annual event takes place from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Boneyard Pub in Bend, Oregon, and supports the efforts of St. Vincent de Paul – Bend.

Boneyard Pub will donate $1 for every beer sold during the event to the nonprofit organization.

Paul – Bend is a social service nonprofit that operates one of the largest food pantries in Central Oregon, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. The Bands for Bread event also includes merch sales, a silent auction and raffle prizes to raise additional funds.

Last year, the benefit concert raised $2,324 when it was held at Bend Brewing Company, despite facing wind, rain and snow.

The idea for Bands for Bread originated from Jonah, a member of the local band Long Operators. Jonah started the effort after the passing of his grandfather, a preacher in the Seattle archdiocese. He sought ways to perform service and learned about his own family’s past reliance on Paul.

“I had been thinking for a couple of years since his passing of ways to do something of service,” Jonah said. The plan for the event solidified after discussions with his mother.

Sue Shea, Board Chair of Paul – Bend, expressed the significant need for community support. “Our needs are great and sometimes overwhelming and this effort will have a huge impact,” Shea said.

The nonprofit also provides additional programs, including low-income rentals, a high-barrier shelter and support services for neighbors in need. Kaylee Graham serves as the Executive Director of Paul – Bend.

Bands for Bread started as an Instagram direct message from Jonah to Paul. The event, now in its second year, has gained community support and grown since its inception.

For more information, follow Bands for Bread on Instagram and Paul – Bend on Facebook. Inquiries can also be sent via email to stvincentbend@gmail.com.

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Jefferson City will research shelter safety regulations

KMIZ on July 9, 2026

Melissa Houston

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City’s Public Works and Planning Committee met on July 9 to discuss research on safety requirements for shelters, including those that house homeless individuals, and to create a draft of the ordinance.

According to the Department of Planning and Protective Services’ memorandum, officials want to find out more about:

Occupancy limits

Hours of operation

Security and safety requirements

Definitions of types of shelters

Staffing levels

Neighborhood involvement requirements

The memo states it was necessary to do further research because current shelters have no safety regulations. The memo also says staff reviewed other cities’ processes and building codes and concluded they would need more time to update and clarify Jefferson City’s ordinance.

Planning and Protective Services Director Dave Helmick said city staff wants to be prepared with a clear outline of what a shelter would look like.

“The Planning Protective Services Department’s working on is to put those definitions into our building code so that when we have someone that comes forward and wants to do a shelter of some sort, there is a clear guideline, a minimum life safety, as well as the definitions of what type of structures they are,” Helmick said.

Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater agreed there needs to be guidelines in place for when permanent shelters start to open.

“If [the] council is going to start looking at some of these facilities, we probably, probably ought to have guidelines in place to at least to guide council on what’s doable, what’s not doable,” Fitzwater said.

Housing the Community President Scott Johnston noticed the memo came not too long after the group’s petition to give Room at the Inn a permanent home.

“I guess just because of the attention paid recently to our effort on Adam Street, they realized that the city is lacking specific ordinances and regulations related to shelters,” Johnston said.

The building Room at the Inn is hoping to purchase is located at 107 Adams St. But the building must be rezoned first. The City Council will meet to vote on the final rezoning on Aug. 3.

Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater said the council wants to reach out and get input from groups that have experience with homeless shelters.

“I think the better job we do up front in crafting ordinances, the better it is for the community,” Fitzwater said. “So yeah, we want to reach out to established groups that have experience and get their feedback.”

Fitzwater said the city has been looking for a solution to security issues involving the homeless population, and this ordinance has pushed city leaders to look further into the situation.

“In the meantime, that gives us time to take that homeless task force report and really dig into it and see which pieces, you know, maybe council wants to implement,” Fitzwater said.

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Palm Springs Unified School District opens enrollment for early childhood education programs

KESQ on July 9, 2026

Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Palm Springs Unified School District is now accepting enrollment for its Early Childhood Education programs, offering eligible families free early learning opportunities designed to prepare young children for success in school and beyond.

The district’s Early Childhood Education Department is enrolling children in its Head Start, Early Head Start and California State Preschool programs. District leaders say the programs provide a strong foundation during the critical early years of a child’s development while supporting families with educational and community resources.

Educators say the programs focus on much more than academics. Children learn social and emotional skills, communication, problem-solving, independence and classroom routines that help prepare them for kindergarten.

Head Start teacher Nancy Cortez has seen those benefits firsthand, both as an educator and as a parent.

“My two youngest were actually part of the program, the Head Start program, and I’ve just seen the way they are now, how this program has helped them get to that point,” Cortez said.

Cortez said watching children grow throughout the school year is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.

“It’s just building those relationships with the children and with the families and just watching them grow, having fun, those smiles and just those connections, those positive connections and their growth at the end of the year just watching them and seeing all that they’ve done they’ve accomplished throughout the year,” she said.

Early Childhood Education teacher Araceli Gonzalez said the classrooms help children build confidence before entering kindergarten.

“The programs are always welcome for parents if they’re unsure about enrolling their child. They can always come and observe and stay with their child,” Gonzalez said. “We help them first with social and emotional… it’s also important for their kids to be ready to deal with other students, with other kids.”

She said children who participate in the programs gain valuable experience interacting with classmates, building friendships and becoming comfortable in a classroom environment before starting elementary school.

District officials also say the programs can ease the burden on working families by providing a safe, structured learning environment throughout the day.

Early Childhood Education Director Linda Rodriguez said the programs are available at no cost to qualifying families.

“The most important thing is that it’s free,” Rodriguez said. “We know how hard it is in this economy right now, so having them in a safe environment… I invite the families to come on over.”

In addition to early learning, children enrolled in the programs receive nutritious meals, family engagement opportunities and access to support services designed to help families succeed.

Enrollment is open for eligible children ages 2 through 4. Qualifying families include those who meet income guidelines, families experiencing homelessness, foster children, children with disabilities and English learners.

Classes begin Aug. 10, and district officials encourage families to apply as soon as possible because space is limited.

Parents interested in enrolling or learning more can call 760-883-2703, email ECEstaff@psusd.us, or visit www.psusd.us for additional information.

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Former UCSB Athlete JD Slajchert’s Remarkable Journey Heads to the Big Screen

KEYT on July 9, 2026

Joey Vergilis

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Former UC Santa Barbara basketball player, author and philanthropist JD Slajchert is adding new chapters to an already remarkable journey.

Slajchert recently became an Adjunct Professor at California Lutheran University in his hometown of Thousand Oaks, where he teaches a course focused on public speaking and helping students effectively master and tell their own stories. The role marks another milestone for the author of MoonFlower and Darling, You’re Not Alone, whose career has been built around storytelling, advocacy and inspiring others.

Now, Slajchert’s own story is heading to the screen. VictoryRoad Studios is producing a feature documentary chronicling the life-changing friendship between Slajchert and Luc Bodden, a young boy who tirelessly battled Sickle Cell Disease.

“This documentary has been unfolding in the background of my life for the past year. At its core is my relationship with Luc, how he changed my life, who I was before I met him, and who I became after his tragic passing. I believe this project can help raise awareness about sickle cell disease and serve as a beacon of hope for others,” said Slajchert”

During Slajchert’s basketball playing career, Bodden became one of his biggest supporters. Their unlikely bond would ultimately change the course of Slajchert’s life, leading him to co-found The LucStrong Foundation and write his debut novel, MoonFlower. Bodden passed away in 2016 at the age of 10.

Directed and executive produced by Mike Basone, founder and CEO of VictoryRoad Studios, the documentary follows Slajchert’s journey from basketball standout to author, speaker and advocate.

Slajchert believes the documentary is arriving at the right time, as audiences increasingly seek authentic, real-life stories.

“The documentary world is booming right now,” Slajchert said. “With so much AI-generated content and fiction saturating the market, people are looking for something real. They want to watch documentaries, learn about others and connect with genuine human experiences.”

“This project can generate a lot of exposure and, hopefully, even find a place at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival,” Slajchert said.

The film is slated to debut exclusively on VictoryRoad+, the studio’s new streaming platform featuring sports documentaries and unscripted programming.

Beyond education and filmmaking, Slajchert is also making waves in the fashion industry through a partnership with 27 Miles, the Malibu-based luxury cashmere brand who have a store in heart of Montecito. The company recently styled him in a lightweight suit from its Italian division, Vallorani, highlighting a collaboration that blends California style with Italian craftsmanship.

With a new teaching role, a major documentary in development and growing opportunities in fashion, Slajchert continues to expand his influence while staying rooted in the message that first defined his career: the power of human connection and storytelling.

To keep up with JD Slajchert, follow him on Instagram, subscribe to his YouTube channel , or visit his website for the latest updates on his projects, speaking engagements and upcoming documentary.

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Las Cruces police warn about copper wire thieves

KVIA on July 9, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The Las Cruces Police Department on Thursday warned the public for suspicious people who steal copper wire from light poles and new construction sites.

Police think people steal copper wide from light poles, take off plastic coating, chop the wire into small section and sell the scraps to recycling centers in El Paso and Las Cruces. Police said scrap copper wire can sell for about $5 per pound at the centers.

However, police said each incident of copper wire theft can cost the city up to $10,000 for repairs.

The thefts also pose a public safety hazard since some roads have to go without lighting at night until repairs are made, police said.

LCPD said most of the copper wire thefts happen between midnight and 5 a.m. near home construction sites and established neighborhoods.

It’s happened from Elks Drive, Holman Road and West Mesa Industrial Park, according to LCPD.

Since November 2025, LCPD received around 100 reports about stolen copper wire. Since January 2026, police arrested and charged 12 people suspected of stealing copper wire from light poles.

Police said typical charges are felony counts of criminal damage to property and larceny.

LCPD urged people to report suspicious activity about copper wire theft to (575) 526-0795.

Police said vehicles without City of Las Cruces or El Paso Electric logos parked near light poles should be considered suspicious.

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