Onvida Health opens doors for patients following Bio Family Clinic closure

KYMA on July 29, 2026

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Following the sudden closure of Bio Family Clinic, Onvida Health is working to help patients find continued care.

The hospital said it has created a dedicated phone line to help patients looking for care, schedule appointments and get questions answered.

Onvida said it has also opened additional appointment availability, and is working to expand primary care access in the community.

They said the most important thing is for patients to not delay care.

“Oftentimes, patients need to seek care at a walk-in clinic, a specialist, or a primary care provider,” said Justin Farren, Chief Strategy Officer for Onvida Health. “We encourage our patients not to wait when they have a need, and to choose us in their healthcare journey where we’re happy to care for them.”

Onvida said ten new primary care physicians are expected to join the community over the next three months.

Patients with questions can call Onvida Health.

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Kern County child-abduction suspect located following Amber Alert

KESQ on July 29, 2026

City News Service

RIDGECREST, Calif. (KESQ) – An Amber Alert was briefly in effect across Southern California today as police searched for a man suspected of abducting three children from a park in Ridgecrest in Kern County, but the suspect and kids were later found.

According to the California Highway Patrol, which issued the alert on behalf of the Ridgecrest Police Department, 29-year-old Julio Roman-Garcia was suspected of taking the children, who had been last seen at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at a park at Coso and Las Flores avenues in Ridgecrest.

The children were identified as Maximus, Kaiser and Hailee Roman, aged 10, 8 and 4, respectively. Their relationship with Roman-Garcia was not specified.

Around 5 p.m. Wednesday, the CHP announced that the suspect and children had all been located. No details were released about where they were found, or the condition of the children.

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IID issues Conservation Alert to Coachella Valley customers

KESQ on July 29, 2026

City News Service

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The Imperial Irrigation District has issued a conservation alert starting today due to extreme heat in the Coachella Valley.

The alert was in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday through at least 10 p.m. Sunday to help reduce strain on the electric grid. The district is asking customers to voluntary reduce energy use between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m. Officials recommended that customers follow the following steps to conserve energy during the alert:

— Avoid use of major appliances, including washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps and electric vehicle chargers between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.;– Set thermostats at 78 degrees or higher when home;– Turn off unnecessary lights;– Use floor or ceiling fans when possible and turn them off when leaving a room, and– Close shades, blinds and drapes to help keep homes cooler.

The agency provides electricity to La Quinta, Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella, Thousand Palms, Indio Hills, Sky Valley, Mecca, Thermal and Indian Wells.

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Rigby family holds blood drive to combat critical national shortage

KIFI on July 29, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis, citing critically low blood supplies across the country. Officials say all blood types are needed, with Type O blood supplies dropping to just one day’s worth.

In Rigby, one local family is doing its part to help.

The Kartchner family hosted a community blood drive in honor of their daughter, Zoe, whose life was saved thanks to blood donations from strangers.

Zoe survived a life-threatening flesh-eating disease after receiving more than 30 units of donated blood during her treatment. Her family says those donations, given by people across the country, made all the difference in her recovery.

Now, with the nation’s blood supply at critically low levels, the Kartchners hope Zoe’s story will inspire others to donate.

At just 10 years old, Zoe Kartchner survived a flesh-eating disease thanks to blood donations. The family says she is preparing for an upcoming surgery but is living her best life this summer.

“Zoe was basically just bleeding out and we couldn’t stop the blood, and there was no skin to hold the blood in any way,” Cami Kartchner, Zoe’s mother and the drive’s organizer, said. “So that day was spent with a nurse just giving blood the entire day, running back and forth, giving blood. It’s scary really, to think somebody else in our position where we were last year could possibly lose their life because of the blood shortage. That’s that’s a really sad thought. So we want to do what we can to prevent that. And obviously this is just one small thing, but it’s important to us.”

The family says every blood donation has the potential to save lives, just as donated blood saved Zoe’s. They hope their blood drive not only helps replenish local blood supplies but also reminds people of the lifesaving impact a single donation can have.

The Red Cross continues to urge eligible donors of all blood types to schedule appointments, especially those with Type O blood, as hospitals nationwide work to meet ongoing patient needs.

Upcoming Blood Drives:

July

30th

Ammon Idaho North Stake

Rexburg Idaho South Stake

31st

Wapello Building

American Red Cross Building (IF)

August

3rd

American Red Cross Building (IF)

Blackfoot Northwest Stake Center

4th

City of Idaho Falls

5th

American Red Cross Building (IF)

Bingham Memorial Hospital

6th

Idaho Falls Ammon West Stake

7th

American Red Cross Building (IF)

10th

American Red Cross Building (IF)

11th

Driggs Community

Idaho Falls South Stake

12th

American Red Cross Building (IF)

Eastern Idaho Public Health

13th

Madison Memorial Hospital

14th

American Red Cross Building (IF)

Blackfoot Idaho Stake

You can also visit American Red Cross for more information.

And if you are interested in hosting or sponsoring a blood drive, reach out to Denim Butler at denim.butler@redcross.org or at 208-520-1957

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Truck driver from Illinois accused of crashing into Jefferson City light pole

KMIZ on July 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A truck driver from Illinois is accused of causing $50,000 in damage after he allegedly crashed a semi-truck into an Ameren light pole on July 15 in Jefferson City.

Philip Kahn, of Pekin, Illinois, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident. An initial court appearance is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26. A summons was issued for Kahn on Tuesday.

The probable cause statement says a semi-truck hit an Ameren pole at the corner of West High Street and Bolivar Street. Police were called at 7:09 a.m. and the intersection was still closed at 3:30 p.m. that day. Ameren indicated there was $50,000 in damage caused, court documents say.

Video footage helped police determine the truck was owned by a company from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the statement says. The safety manager gave police the GPS location of Kahn, the statement says.

Kahn allegedly admitted to hitting the curb, but claimed he did not know he hit a light pole, court documents say.

“In my training and experience, it is unlikely the defendant did not know the damage to the pole had occurred,” the officer wrote in the statement. “In addition, the crash was seen and heard by Jefferson City Fire personnel from across the street. Fire personnel stated the defendant continued driving without stopping.”

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Columbia files response to airport revenue guarantee lawsuit, says it does not violate Missouri Constitution

KMIZ on July 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia filed a response on Monday in a lawsuit over its revenue guarantee with American Airlines.

Two Columbia residents — Mark Winter and Richard Shanker – filed a lawsuit against the city in June alleging the city’s revenue guarantee with American Airlines violates the gift clause of the Missouri Constitution.

Previous reporting says funds for the revenue guarantee would come from $750,000 of private contributions and $750,000 from the Transportation Sales Tax. The Goldwater Institute – which is a right-wing think tank – had published a letter in May questioning the legality of the agreement under the Missouri Constitution weeks before the lawsuit was filed.

The city in its response says its agreement does not violate the state’s constitution.

“The challenged Agreement does not constitute a “grant” of public money within the meaning of Article VI, § 23 because any payments are made pursuant to a bargained-for contractual exchange for public air-service benefits,” the response says. “The Agreement does not constitute an unconstitutional lending of public credit because the City does not become liable for American Airlines’ debts, the City does not guarantee third-party creditors; no municipal debt is issued on behalf of American Airlines, and no municipal credit is pledged within the meaning of Article VI, §23.”

View the city’s full legal response below.  

airport lawsuit responseDownload

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AWC, Sunset Health and Onvida Health receive funding for nursing programs

KYMA on July 29, 2026

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Two local health providers and a college received funds for nursing programs Wednesday.

Arizona Complete Health awarded a $150,000 check to Arizona Western College (AWC), Sunset Health and Onvida Health.

AWC President Reetika Dhawan said the funding will help boost the healthcare workforce in Yuma County.

“Any healthcare program…nursing, medical assistance, sonography, surgical tech…Any healthcare support, for tuition or fees we are there for them,” Dhawan explained.

“This investment from Arizona Complete Health represents far more than grant funding—it is an investment in the future of healthcare access in rural Arizona,” said Dr. Saika Somjee, Senior Director of Clinical Operations & Education at Sunset Health. “Through this partnership, we are strengthening the local healthcare workforce pipeline by expanding employee clinical training opportunities, sustaining preceptor payments, supporting healthcare workers in advancing their careers, and creating sustainable pathways into high-demand professions.”

“Being rooted in our community means investing in its future,” said Justin Farren, Onvida Health Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. “By strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities together, we are supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

The money will go to the AWC Foundation and be distributed evenly among the three groups.

To learn more about the donation, read the press release below.

Arizona Western College, Sunset Health, Onvida Health land 150k grant from Arizona Complete HealthDownload

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PSP launches refreshed webpage to meet users’ needs

KESQ on July 29, 2026

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) – The Palm Springs International Airport has updated its website ahead of a federal compliance date to improve access for people with disabilities and provide a more mobile-friendly experience to travelers.

“Accessibility is about more than meeting a requirement. It’s also making sure every traveler can easily access the information they need before and during their journey,” Victoria Carpenter, interim executive director at PSP, said in a statement.

Airport officials completed the changes before the April 2028 federal deadline and complied with the updated digital accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires public agency websites to meet modern accessibility guidelines.

The improvements include enhanced color contrast, improved readability and keyboard navigation. Additionally, the website was given several updated features, including a redesigned flight status page, an updated shops, restaurants and amenities section and simplified navigation.

The website can be found at flyPSP.com.

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Twentynine Palms school employee arrested in child sexual abuse investigation

KESQ on July 29, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — A 28-year-old instructional assistant employed by the Morongo Unified School District has been arrested following an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a developmentally disabled student under the age of 14 at Condor Elementary School.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Isaac Elias Carrillo, a resident of Twentynine Palms, was arrested on July 1, 2026, and booked into the Central Detention Center on suspicion of violating California Penal Code 288(a), lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. He is being held on $1 million bail.

The investigation began on May 13, 2026, when the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station received a courtesy report from the Oceanside Police Department after a parent reported that their child had been sexually abused while attending Condor Elementary School.

Authorities said the alleged victim, who is developmentally disabled and under the age of 14, reported the abuse occurred during school hours.

The investigation was conducted jointly by School Resource Officer Deputy Stumbo of the Morongo Basin Station and Detective Winegar of the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail. Investigators identified Carrillo as the suspect following their investigation.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, Carrillo has been employed by the Morongo Unified School District since 2018 and has worked at several schools throughout the Morongo Basin. His most recent assignment involved serving as a one-on-one instructional assistant for developmentally disabled students at Condor Elementary School.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims based on evidence gathered during the investigation. The Sheriff’s Department has released Carrillo’s photograph and is urging anyone with information or anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been victimized to come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact School Resource Officer Deputy Stumbo at the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175 or Detective Winegar with the Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through We-Tip by calling or texting REPORT to 844-909-3006 or by submitting a report online.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact investigators.

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Gov. Little declares fire disaster emergency, deploys Idaho National Guard to Big Grass Fire

KIFI on July 29, 2026

Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little has declared a fire disaster emergency in parts of Idaho and authorized the deployment of the Idaho National Guard to assist with the Big Grass Fire in Owyhee County as wildfire activity intensifies across the state.

The emergency declaration authorizes additional state resources to support wildfire suppression, monitoring, response and recovery efforts. It also allows the State Emergency Response Team to help cover extraordinary wildfire monitoring and response costs under Idaho law.

The governor’s office said unusually hot and dry weather, severe drought, dry lightning and human-caused ignitions have created extreme wildfire conditions across much of Idaho. Forecasts indicate those conditions are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

Little also authorized Idaho National Guard personnel and equipment to assist firefighters battling the Big Grass Fire in Owyhee County.

“Idaho’s brave firefighters are working around the clock to protect lives, homes, and communities under extremely challenging conditions. My declaration taps into additional state resources and enables us to deploy the Idaho National Guard to support firefighting efforts and protect Idahoans,” Little said.

Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, adjutant general of Idaho, said the Idaho National Guard is prepared to support state firefighting efforts as wildfire activity increases.

“The Idaho National Guard is proud to answer the Governor’s call to support Idaho Department of Lands firefighters across Idaho,” Donnellan said. “As this year’s wildfire season becomes more demanding, the Idaho National Guard is honored to serve alongside our local, state and federal partners to help protect lives, property and communities across Idaho.”

Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller said the declaration will help the state quickly mobilize resources and strengthen coordination among local, state and federal agencies.

The Idaho Office of Emergency Management said it is coordinating with counties and the Idaho Department of Lands to fulfill resource requests during the wildfire season.

As of Tuesday, 530 wildfires have burned 138,812 acres across Idaho’s wildland fire jurisdictions. Those totals include:

Idaho Department of Lands: 135 fires, 4,447 acres

Bureau of Land Management: 158 fires, 111,625 acres

U.S. Forest Service: 131 fires, 4,026 acres

The Idaho Department of Lands said firefighting resources are already under significant strain. Nationally, wildfire preparedness is at Preparedness Level 5, while the Northern Rockies and Great Basin regions are at Preparedness Level 3. Active fires in Oregon and Washington are also competing for many of the same crews, engines, aircraft and incident management teams Idaho may need.

State officials are urging Idahoans to help prevent new wildfires by following fire restrictions, avoiding activities that could ignite dry vegetation, fully extinguishing campfires, securing trailer chains and immediately reporting smoke or fire.

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