Weathered utility pole on Raynor sparks safety concerns among El Pasoans

KVIA on July 7, 2026

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — At Raynor, a busy intersection in central El Paso, this pole has been broken for months.

“The thing is, that the post, as you see it being held with just those cables, the pole is practically just hanging in the air,” says Carlos Muñuz. He’s the owner of Pipo Barber Academy, just down the street. 

He says if you look closely at the pole, you can see, it is not supported by the concrete. It’s being held from up by wires.

Carlos and others near Raynor first reported the broken pole about four months ago.

Yet the pole still stands, barely.

Carlos says the pole has become a growing safety concern for El Pasoans living and working in the neighborhood.

He says that at any given time, this street sees a lot of traffic, vehicles, and people because there are other businesses around here in the 5 Points Area. He says yes, there is the risk of someone getting hurt and it’s been months.

I reached out to El Paso Electric and they told me the pole doesn’t belong to them either. 

But they did said in an updated statement, quote, “We have identified the pole belonging to AT&T/Time Warner. As mentioned earlier, if we do not hear a response for them soon, we will work to assist with removing the pole on our end.”

Until then, some El Pasoans are still walking past the damaged pole every day.

Carlos says, that they need to come address the problem so they can help avoid an accident before it happens.

Some El Pasoans even say they have called the El Paso Fire Department and the El Paso Police Department.

Still, no one has come to fix it.

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Oregon Health Authority secures $97.1M in federal funding for rural health initiatives

KTVZ on July 7, 2026

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority is awarding about $97.1 million in additional federal funding to improve the health and well-being of Oregon’s rural communities this year. These grants will support 136 new projects across all counties in the state.

This announcement brings Oregon’s total awarded for rural health initiatives to about $175.3 million this year.

The funding originates from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which aims to address critical health care needs in rural areas.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek noted the significant interest in the program, highlighting its role in supporting maternal and child health, bolstering the behavioral health workforce, and sustaining safety net providers.

“Overwhelming interest in this program demonstrates the need across Oregon,” Gov. Kotek said. “At a time when Oregon’s health care system is facing significant funding shortfalls due to federal policies, I’m pleased to announce this next step in distributing funding to innovative projects that further the state’s goals to support maternal and child health, bolster the behavioral health workforce and sustain safety net providers. Our goal is to move these funds as quickly as possible to these critical partnerships.”

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program, created by U.S. House Resolution 1, a federal tax and spending bill that became law in July 2025, will distribute a total of $50 billion nationwide between 2026 and 2031 through the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi emphasized the community-driven nature of these awards. “These awards support practical, community-driven efforts to improve access to health in rural Oregon,” Dr. Hathi said. “Rural communities know their needs best and this funding is intended to help them strengthen local services, expand workforce capacity and address barriers that make it harder for people to get care close to home.”

The new grants are offered through two funding pools established by OHA. The largest, competitive Catalyst Award grants, will provide about $80.1 million to 85 organizations, leading 103 projects. These projects will address maternal and child health, co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorder, aging in place, or chronic disease in every Oregon county.

Another $17 million will go toward Immediate Impact Awards, funding 33 new projects this year. These direct grants supplement OHA’s April announcement of $6.5 million in Immediate Impact Awards for 12 other projects. New Immediate Impact Award projects include expanding mobile health units, creating a new family medicine residency training program and connecting patients with nutritious food.

Clare Pierce-Wrobel, OHA Health Policy & Analytics Director, highlighted the swift distribution of funds. “OHA is quickly distributing grants through this unique federal funding source and looks forward to supporting Oregon’s rural communities as they improve their own health for years to come,” Pierce-Wrobel said. “While the total funding Oregon is receiving through the Rural Health Transformation Program is relatively small when you consider the full impact of recent federal Medicaid cuts, these awards can make a huge difference for individual organizations that are doing much-needed work in rural Oregon.”

Oregon is receiving a total of $197.3 million in 2026 and could receive more in the following four years, potentially totaling an estimated $1 billion through the program. Earlier rural health awards from Oregon included $35 million in direct funding for rural hospitals, $21.7 million for the Tribal Initiative, $10 million for rural health clinics and $5 million for local public health authorities.

Exact grant amounts and other details for the newly announced awards will be finalized when award negotiations are completed this summer. Oregon’s first annual progress report is due to the federal government by the end of August. The federal government will determine 2027 funding after reviewing Oregon’s first annual progress report.

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Firefighters reach 25% containment on Maze Fire; Full containment expected tonight

KIFI on July 7, 2026

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews in Madison County have gained the upper hand on the nearly 1,300-acre Maze Fire. As of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, firefighters have successfully contained approximately 25% of the fast-moving blaze.

The Madison Fire Department (MFD) first responded to the fire around 3:35 p.m. Monday at 9029 W. Highway 33, west of Rexburg. As they arrived, MFD says crews discovered a rapidly growing brush fire that had began at the Sportsmans Club Gun Range and called in support from surrounding counties.

The “Maze Fire” is currently being managed under a unified command by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Madison Fire Department. Around 80 firefighters from multiple agencies worked the scene Monday night supported by multiple enginees along with ground and air support.

An initial evacuation order was issued around 7:20 p.m. Monday, affecting between 15 and 40 residences, according to volunteers on scene with the American Red Cross. However, the order was lifted later that night as crews gained control of the blaze.

According to U.S. Wildland Fire Service, after a grueling night battling the flames, bulldozers and ground crews completed the initial containment line around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday.

Today, crews are focusing on reinforcing those lines, extinguishing hotspots near the perimeter, and working their way deeper into the interior of the burned area. Resources from the US Forest Service, the BLM Great Basin Unit 3 out of Idaho Falls, and multiple cooperating local agencies remain on the scene assisting with the effort.

According to the USWFS, full containment is estimated by 6:00 p.m. tonight.

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An Idaho mother said her toddlers died after routine vaccinations. Prosecutors say she murdered them

KIFI on July 7, 2026

Seth Ratliff

Originally Published: 07 JUL 26 00:18 ET

Updated: 07 JUL 26 12:54 ET

By Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN

(CNN) — An Idaho mother who claimed her toddler twins died last year shortly after being vaccinated is now facing murder charges after prosecutors accused her of suffocating the children.

Andrea Shaw was charged with two counts of first-degree murder last week for the May 2025 deaths of her 18-month twins. If convicted, she could face life in prison or the death penalty.

Shaw’s attorney said the children’s deaths were the result of a medical issue, not a crime.

“She believes the cause of death to be the vaccine. She’s not a doctor. I’m not a doctor, but the doctors I’ve consulted say that it’s a vaccine-related death,” attorney, Joe Filicetti, told CNN affiliate KIVI.

Though medical authorities have long said that routine childhood vaccines are safe and effective, anti-vaccination groups — including one founded by the Health and Human Services secretary — have seized on the twins’ story in their efforts to challenge the acceptance of routine childhood vaccines recommended by medical authorities.

The Payette Police Department announced Shaw’s arrest last week. She is being held on a $2 million bond, court records show.

“She’s been in town for 14 months. She didn’t run. She’s not going anywhere. There’s absolutely no reason for $2 million bond in this case,” Filicetti told KIVI.

Shaw’s arrest was “the result of a lengthy and thorough investigation conducted by the Payette Police Department,” police said in a statement on Facebook. The department declined to make any additional comments about the facts or evidence of the case, only saying additional information will be provided as the judicial process proceeds.

Days after the death of her twins, Shaw and her husband, Nathaniel Shaw, appeared on an internet show produced by Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine group founded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy has not been affiliated with the group since December 2024 according to the Associated Press.

Anti-vaccination groups have seized on the twins’ story in their efforts to challenge the acceptance of routine childhood vaccines recommended by medical authorities.

Shaw said she did not previously hold anti-vaccine views. She described her twins, Dallas and Tyson, as being “normal, perfect, happy little babies,” the day before receiving their shots. The twins were born prematurely and spent 77 days in the NICU. Dallas loved “Strawberry Shortcake” and Tyson loved Lightning McQueen from the movie “Cars,” she said.

Shaw teared up as she spoke about the days after her children received routine medical vaccines for Hepatitis-A, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis and the flu. She described finding her babies laying on their bellies in their crib, cold to the touch.

“They looked as if they had gone in their sleep; they were in their sleeping positions,” Shaw told the host of the program.

The twins’ father described police as being “disrespectful” and seeming to be suspicious upon their arrival.

“They constantly were trying to pin me and Andrea against each other, trying to get us to say, ‘Well, I think she did it,’ or ‘I think he did it,’” Nathaniel Shaw said during the May 2025 interview.

“It was just straight to interrogation: ‘We know one of you guys did it,’ without having any proof, without even having an autopsy done, and they were just very adamant that we had done it,” he added.

Andrea described her second day of police interrogation after the children had died.

“They said that it wasn’t medical and that they figured asphyxiation and that I had supposedly had a postpartum overwhelming blackout and done it to my children,” Andrea Shaw said. “It made me feel crazy.”

Shaw has joined Children’s Health Defense and others in a lawsuit accusing the American Academy of Pediatrics of racketeering for its role its “central role in an enterprise that has defrauded American families about the safety of the childhood vaccine schedule for several decades,” according to the Associated Press reporting.

The American Academy of Pediatrics said the lawsuit is part of a larger campaign targeting the institution and its “use of science-backed evidence in vaccine policy,” in a court filing, AP reported. The academy has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

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Oregon Adaptive Sports to host three-day gravel cycling camp for disabled veterans

KTVZ on July 7, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), partnered with Semper Fi & The America’s Fund, will host a three-day Veterans Gravel Cycling Camp from July 15th-17th in Deschutes National Forest. OAS organization expands opportunities for veterans with disabilities to build skills and foster community through adaptive outdoor recreation.

This cycling camp is part of Oregon Adaptive Sports’ year-round efforts to provide adaptive outdoor recreation. The organization’s Service to Summit program offers adaptive skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and gravel cycling, along with other outdoor recreation opportunities designed for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities. These programs allow participants to engage in outdoor activities throughout the year based on their interests and goals.

The Service to Summit program ranges from multi-day camps to private adaptive lessons. Adaptive sports provide veterans with opportunities to continue pursuing challenging outdoor activities after injury or illness. These activities also connect veterans with a community of peers who share similar experiences.

The Veterans Gravel Cycling Camp will use adaptive bicycles to support veterans with varying abilities. The camp aims to develop cycling skills, build confidence, and connect fellow service members through shared outdoor experiences. Oregon Adaptive Sports programming emphasizes individualized instruction and adaptive equipment, allowing each participant to engage in recreation in ways that meet their unique needs.

Veterans interested in participating in upcoming programs or learning more about eligibility can contact Oregon Adaptive Sports. Inquiries can be made via email at info@oregonadaptivesports.org or by phone at 541-848-9390.

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OnPoint Credit Union awards $500,000 in grants to nonprofits in Oregon and SW Washington

KTVZ on July 7, 2026

Adrielle Hasara

OnPoint Community Credit Union has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to 59 nonprofit organizations across Oregon and Southwest Washington. The funding supports programs focused on education, foster youth, food security, housing stability, workforce development and access to summer camp for underserved children.

The grants are part of the credit union’s bi-annual Community Grants & Giving program, aimed at building strong communities across the region.

OnPoint Community Credit Union’s Community Grants & Giving program awards grants to community-based organizations whose work aligns with the credit union’s core impact values. These values include education, financial wellness, housing stability, food security and youth development.

Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union, highlighted the importance of these investments. “Investing in the well-being of our communities is central to who we are,” Stuart said. “These organizations are doing critical work to create opportunity, stability and connection for people across our region and we’re proud to help support their missions.”

The bi-annual grant program supports local nonprofits year-round, with eligible organizations able to apply for programmatic or general operating support during two annual application periods each spring and fall. Funding decisions are made by OnPoint’s Community Relations Committee within 90 days of each application cycle closing.

Among the spring grant recipients, Dream for Life Outreach received $15,000 to expand community meal and outreach programs in Southwest Washington. The funding will cover costs for food, meal-preparation supplies, serving equipment and outreach materials, helping to sustain and expand efforts to assist people facing food insecurity amid rising food costs.

SMART Reading was awarded $20,000 for literacy programming and the distribution of inclusive books for children in Title I schools in Marion, Polk and other counties across Oregon This support will help recruit and train volunteers, expand access to diverse books and strengthen family literacy engagement. Only 40% of Oregon third graders met or exceeded reading standards in 2025 and research indicates that children not reading proficiently by third grade are less likely to graduate high school and are more prone to experiencing poverty and housing insecurity later in life.

The Willamalane Park Foundation received $15,000 to provide scholarships for children in Springfield to attend summer camp. Dani Thompson, a representative for the Willamalane Park Foundation, underscored the timely nature of the support. “Support from community partners like OnPoint couldn’t come at a better time as summer camp season gets underway and families look for affordable opportunities for their children,” Thompson said. “OnPoint’s generosity helps ensure local kids have access to safe, enriching summer experiences while providing families with child care support. We’re honored to be part of this round of grant recipients and grateful for OnPoint’s investment in local youth and families.” The donation helps working families access reliable child care and recreation opportunities, with the Willamalane Park & Recreation District serving more than 300 children across 15 camps and more than 100 weeks of programming.

Salem Angels received $5,000 to support mentorship and relationship-building programs for local foster youth and families experiencing foster care. Oregon has faced significant foster care challenges, with nearly 6,800 children experiencing foster care statewide last year, including nearly 570 in Marion and Polk counties. Marion County has also seen a 72% decrease in available general foster homes since 2012. Salem Angels works to reverse this trend by providing personalized care packages and resources for foster families, as well as mentorship opportunities designed to help children build confidence, stability and community connections.

BendNEXT received $3,500 to fund leadership development scholarships for 10 emerging leaders in Central Oregon. The program includes skills-development workshops, networking opportunities and year-round mentorship circles aimed at strengthening the region’s workforce pipeline. Central Oregon employers continue to face workforce challenges tied to high housing costs and child care shortages, which can create barriers to professional development and long-term talent retention.

OnPoint Community Credit Union maintains a 94-year legacy of building strong communities, having been founded by schoolteachers in 1932. In addition to its grant program, OnPoint supports communities year-round through event sponsorships, employee volunteerism, financial education initiatives and nonprofit partnerships across Oregon and Southwest Washington In 2025, OnPoint donated more than $4 million to more than 350 nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 648,000 members. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties and one of four Washington counties and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for the Community Grants & Giving program during annual application periods held each spring and fall.

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Update: Lost Goat Reunited with Terrebonne Family

KTVZ on July 7, 2026

Kelsey Merison

UPDATE: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says the goat has been reunited with its family.

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says a friendly goat is searching for his owners after he was found wandering along B Avenue in Terrebonne.

“A very kind resident has him safely hanging out at their place, while our Animal Control team searches for his people. If this goat looks familiar, or if your own goat didn’t come home for dinner, please reach out to non-emergency dispatch so we can get him back where he belongs! (541) 693-6911.”

If you this is your goat or you know who he belongs to, you’re asked to contact DCSO’s non-emergency dispatch number.

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Donate candy, get a free book at El Paso Library’s Summerween drive

KVIA on July 7, 2026

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- El Paso Public Libraries is inviting everyone to join in the summer fun by donating candy and getting a free book at the Summerween Candy Drive.

The candy drive happens from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 12, at the José Cisneros Cielo Vista Branch Library at 1300 Hawkins Blvd.

Everyone is welcome to donate individually wrapped candy for the library’s upcoming Summerween event. As a thank you, you’ll get a free book while supplies last. The books were bought with support from the Friends of the El Paso Public Libraries.

Families can also enjoy library services during the event. The El Paso Public Library Bookmobile will be there, offering library card sign-ups, summer reading registration, and information about programs and resources across the library system.

The candy drive helps support the library’s new Summerween celebration, which is set for 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 10, at the José Cisneros Cielo Vista Branch Library. Summerween will include trunk-or-treat, a costume contest, crafts, family activities, games, and more.

To find out more about El Paso Public Libraries, visit www.ElPasoLibrary.org

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Southern Colorado’s largest arts festival returns to one of its tiniest towns

KRDO on July 7, 2026

Bradley Davis

GREEN MOUNTAIN FALLS, Colo. (KRDO) – Every summer, Green Mountain Falls attracts some of the top installation artists from around the world for the annual Green Box Arts Festival.

It’s perhaps the best-kept “secret” along Highway 24. The town of less than 700 people boasts an incredible art-to-person ratio, with 11 permanent public installations and hundreds more erected throughout the festival’s 18-year history.

Through Green Box, Green Mountain Falls is home to world-renowned art like James Turrell’s Skyspace, Richard Serra’s Schulhof’s Curve, Brian Wall’s Skye and more. You can find a list of all Green Box’s current and past exhibits on their website.

The festival ends on July 19. Until then, Green Box hosts a packed calendar of events in Green Mountain Falls from guided art walks to professional ballet performances to outdoor Zumba and more. You can find the full calendar on their website.

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California community dealing with rotting smell, rodents, health concerns after warehouse fire

CNN Newsource on July 7, 2026

By Luzdelia Caballero

Click here for updates on this story

    BOYLE HEIGHTS, California (KCAL, KCBS) — After a Boyle Heights warehouse fire wreaked havoc on neighbors near and far last week, those living near the site say it’s not just the overpowering smell of rotting food they are dealing with now; there are also rodents and health concerns.

As crews continue hauling away millions of pounds of spoiled food from the nearly 500,000-square-foot warehouse, community members say they’re trying to hold on to a sense of normalcy while living beside an ongoing cleanup, and that the need for relief brought people together on Tuesday.

“We have seen like a lot of rats, literally coming out of the sewers, out of the drainage. You go drive by and there’s literally rats on the street that are run over,” Boyle Heights resident Cecilia Cruz said.

In partnership with Fuente Learning Center, Breathe Southern California distributed free air purifiers to families seeking at least one layer of protection in their homes.

“I cannot open my window because it’s so bad,” Mariano Rangel, Boyle Heights resident, said.

For many, the purifier represents more than a machine; it’s peace of mind.

“Now my two littles are starting to cough, and we need one for our room,” Cruz said, adding that it’s a way to sleep a little easier and worry a little less about what’s circulating inside their home.

“They are really expensive. They’re like $120, I want to say, and I mean, we don’t have $120 to spare with two little ones, and my grandma too,” she said.

Organizers say the goal of the air purifier distribution is to help residents reduce exposure while the massive cleanup continues outside.

“We were able to procure 3,000 air purifiers that we’ve committed to the Boyle Heights community, and we’ve distributed in two days approximately almost 800 air purifiers,” Jonathan Mercado, Breathe Southern California, said.

Mayor Karen Bass has ordered that all biohazardous food waste be removed within the next 45 days, but until then, neighbors say they’re counting the days, hoping the smell fades, hoping the rats disappear, and hoping something as simple as cleaner air inside their homes can help them make it through until the cleanup is finally complete.

Residents are skeptical that the 45-day time frame can be met.

“I don’t know if they’re being 100% truthful or realistic about the time frame,” said Yesenia Adame. “This is not our fault, but we’re living with the consequences of their negligence.”

The Mayor’s Office also said that several clinics will offer health services on Wednesday to Friday.

Remaining health clinics for the week:

Thursday

Barrio Action Youth & Family Center – 4927 N. Huntington Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ruben Salazar Park – 3864 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community Resource Center; Lou Costello Jr. Recreation Center – 3141 E. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday

Ruben Salazar Park – 3864 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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