Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce brings back Fourth of July drone show

KYMA on July 3, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The sky above the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds will light up for America’s 250th birthday.

The Independence Day Drone Show is a safer and quieter alternative to traditional fireworks, making it a family-friendly environment with music and local food vendors.

KYMA caught up with the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Sher Cowie for a sneek peek at the preparations.

“This event started because we were looking at an environmentally friendly option to fireworks, but we were also taking into consideration the fact that we are a very pet friendly community, and we know that fireworks trigger them,” Cowie said.

She noted that many animals get scared and run away on the Fourth of July due to fireworks.

Cowie also pointed to the large Veteran and service member population in the community when planning the show.

“We’re taking into account our Veterans and the PTSD that some of them may suffer from.,” she said.

This year’s show will highlight the communities that helped shape the valley and pay homage to America’s birthday.

“The nice part about a drone show is that you can tell a story, and so we are incorporating some of the things that are native to the Imperial County and we are also incorporating some elements that celebrate our 250 years,” Cowie explained.

The show itself is getting some assistance from a few local teens. Imperial High School’s Tigerbotics 8119 robotics team captain John-Paul Franco, Soleil Cuevas, a recent graduate of Central Union High School, and Pearl Gaytan, a recent graduate of Imperial High school, are working on the drine show this year.

She said there will be a few suprises, but you have to go watch the show to find out what those are.

The event got a big boost from its sponsors and partners including United Imperial Valley, the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, AMR Reach, Southwest Security, and Imperial County Fire.

The event is free, however parking at the Fairgrounds is $10.

Grandstand seating is on a first come, first serve basis, but attendees are allowed to bring a lawn chair.

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Long waiting times to cross the border into Mexico

KYMA on July 3, 2026

Abraham Retana

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – If anyone is planning to spend the Fourth of July weekend in Mexico, expect longer wait times when crossing the border.

At the San Luis Port of Entry Friday morning, the average wait time was almost an hour.

With the holiday weekend, it is expected to increase later in the day and into Saturday morning as many travelers are heading to El Golfo and Rocky Point.

Local Juan De La Hoya shared his experience waiting in line saying, “The problem is that we thought they were going to have more lanes open to cross into Mexico and they only have two. Same problem coming back, they said they were going to bring officers and it wasn’t true.”

If anyone is planning to cross the San Luis Port of Entry, expect delays this weekend as the Fourth of July celebrations will continue into Saturday afternoon.

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Two counties sue state over ‘unconstitutional’ law on deputy pay

KMIZ on July 3, 2026

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two Mid-Missouri counties have sued the Missouri Attorney General, alleging that a state law that allows judges to set salaries for deputies and jailers in some counties is unconstitutional.

Audrain County and Montgomery County filed the lawsuit Thursday in Cole County. The county commissioners in each county are asking a judge to strike down the law, which lets panels of judges in Third and Fourth Class counties decide staffing levels for the sheriff’s department and pay rates for its employees.

Instead, that power should be vested in county commissions, per the Missouri Constitution, according to the lawsuit.

“No provision in the Missouri Constitution expressly directs or permits the judiciary to manage the business and fiscal affairs of counties,” the lawsuit states.

The suit claims that the Audrain County sheriff requested $1.37 million for deputy salaries in fiscal 2026, but the circuit court fixed salaries for deputies at $1.795 million. The sheriff requested $1.185 million for jailers, and the court decided to appropriate $982,000.

In Montgomery County, the sheriff requested about $1.2 million for jail salaries and $1.18 million for non-jail salaries, but judges ordered appropriations of about $1.322 million for jail salaries and $1.26 milion for non-jail salaries.

No hearings have been set.

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Jefferson City man charged after high-speed chase in Callaway County

KMIZ on July 3, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor after he was involved in a high-speed chase with law enforcement Wednesday in Callaway County.  

Carl Anderson Jr., 34, was charged with second-degree drug trafficking, aggravated fleeing, misdemeanor reckless driving and tampering with evidence. He is being held at the Callaway County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says a deputy pulled over Anderson near the intersection of Highway 54 and Route HH. Anderson sped off when the deputy asked him to get out of the vehicle, the statement says.

The chase went south on Highway 54 and Anderson topped 120 miles per hour, the statement says. Deputies unsuccessfully used spike strips. Anderson eventually crashed his vehicle in a ditch near Highway 54 and South Summit Drive, the statement says.

Police allegedly found a pound of methamphetamine next to the passenger side of the vehicle.

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New Mexico father, son reunite in El Paso after 3-year abduction

KVIA on July 3, 2026

Max Zepeda

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — As families across the country gather together to celebrate the 4th of July, one family will reunite for the first time in years in El Paso.

Juan Escobar, an Albuquerque native, will finally be able to celebrate a holiday with his 14-year-old son, Andrew, all thanks to the El Paso Police Department.

Over the last three years, Escobar endured a long-standing search and custody battle over Andrew with his Miriam Felix, Andrew’s mom, which he originally won in 2023.

Not long after that custody victory, Andrew went with Felix for an overnight stay.

He never came home.

Missing posters said Andrew went missing June 25, 2023. He was 11 years old at the time.

(Courtesy: Juan Escobar)

Escobar hired a private investigator to uncover Andrew’s whereabouts. Investigation revealed Felix changed her name to Sophie Shelton and changed Andrew’s name to Oliver Shelton. The two reportedly moved to an area near Fort Collins, Colorado.

Suddenly, the case changed from a missing child to an abduction.

Escobar wasn’t able to find Andrew or Felix in Fort Collins.

After years of prayer and searching for answers, Juan received a phone call from El Paso Police last week.

In the call, EPPD said they had Felix in custody and Andrew waiting for him.

(Courtesy: EPPD)

Escobar said Andrew told authorities he and his mom traveled to several countries over the three-year period, including Austria, Albania and Turkey.

He reportedly said he went to school online and just finished eighth grade.

However, his father is worried about his mental health.

“Physically, he’s well,” Escobar said. “But he’s just been through so much the last three years emotionally and mentally.”

Escobar told ABC-7 police said Border Patrol identified Andrew as a missing person while he and Felix reportedly crossed into El Paso from Ciudad Juarez, putting both of them into custody.

Escobar told ABC-7 his wife drove him down to El Paso and told him he wasn’t “in the condition to drive.”

He said his first instinct was to hug Andrew, since they used to love wrestling, but was told to give him space instead.

“The reality is that Andrew was an 11-year-old boy that was abducted and was moved across the country, and then moved out of the country and possibly overseas over the last three years,” Escobar said. “He’s a boy right now who has been in flight or fight mode for the last three years.”

Escobar said he’s now investigating how Andrew reportedly traveled around the world without being flagged as a missing person.

He also said he hopes Felix understands the gravity of what she’s done.

“This isn’t just trying to keep a father away from his son. This is breaking local law and breaking international law,” Escobar said. “I’m hopeful she understands what she’s done and she gets the help that she needs.”

Escobar also questioned how Felix afforded international trips.

As Andrew reunites with his father, Escobar has a simple message for parents and families this holiday weekend:

“Do what’s best for your children,” Escobar said. “Because ultimately, they’re what matter the most.”

Escobar said he’s excited to spend the holiday weekend with his son.

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Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Baker resigns

KIFI on July 3, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Paul Baker has resigned as CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, according to an official announcement posted to the organization’s Facebook page.

In the online statement, the Chamber’s Board of Directors confirmed they have accepted Baker’s resignation but noted he will continue to help for a few weeks to facilitate an orderly leadership transition.

“We thank Paul for his years of service to the Chamber and wish him well in his future endeavors,” the board stated.

Social Media Speculation into Soccer Club Investigation

The resignation follows mounting public and online speculation regarding Baker’s ties to the Portneuf Valley Soccer Club. The soccer organization recently announced that the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating potential financial irregularities discovered during an internal forensic audit.

RELATED: Internal forensic audit triggers prosecutor investigation into financial irregularities at Portneuf Valley Soccer Club

In late June, the prosecutor’s office charged Baker’s longtime associate and former Portneuf Valley Soccer Club President, Cristie Stone, with felony grand theft.

RELATED: Former Portneuf Valley Soccer Club President charged with Felony Grand Theft

While several online groups — including the local podcast IFAF — have publicly speculated about Baker’s potential involvement with the soccer club’s finances, authorities have not filed any charges against him. As of publication, Local News 8 has verified there is no legal allegation connecting Baker to the alleged theft.

Chamber Addresses Rumors, No Evidence of Misappropriation

The Chamber’s press release appears to directly address the ongoing rumors, reassuring members that its own finances remain secure.

“To date, the Board has not found any evidence that Chamber funds have been misappropriated,” the statement read.

Moving forward, the Chamber emphasized that business will continue as usual while they search for new leadership and review their own financial books.

“The Board remains committed to the Chamber’s mission of serving its members and supporting a strong business community. Chamber operations will continue uninterrupted as we move forward with a leadership transition and an independent audit,” the release concluded. “We appreciate the continued support of our members, partners, and the community, and we will provide additional information as appropriate.”

Local News 8 has reached out to Paul Baker for comment and will update this article if we receive a response.

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Las Cruces Police Department accepting applications for paid training academy

KVIA on July 3, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The Las Cruces Police Department started accepting applications Monday for its next training academy. The 22-week paid academy is set to start January 2027, according to LCPD.

Police cadet salaries while in the academy is $24 per hour, LCPD said. Graduates from the academy become officer trainees who then receive $26 per hour. Trainees who finish a one-year probation status become patrol officers, who earn $30.28 per hour.

LCPD officers work four 10-hour shifts, according to a news release.

Applications for the police cadet position open Monday and close Sept. 16, LCPD said. LCPD has a budget for 198 officers and currently has 183.

Before starting the 22-week academy, there’s a six-week pre-academy, according to the police department.

The police department is also offering hiring incentives for cadets with a three-year commitment:

$11,000 for each cadet

$15,000 for an associate degree

$20,000 for a bachelor’s degree or four years of honorable military service or retirement from the military

$25,000 for a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, criminal justice or criminology

$30,000 for a master’s degree in sociology, psychology, criminal justice or criminology

LCPD noted these incentives aren’t stackable.

Additionally, some recruits who live outside Las Cruces may be eligible for up to $5,000 to help them relocate.

Other benefits for LCPD recruits include annal leave and vacation time. LCPD said first-year officers earn 256 hours of leave each year once they finish their one-year probation.

Leave and paid vacation time breaks down into 80 hours of annual leave, 80 hours of personal leave and 96 hours of sick leave, the police department said.

With the four 10-hour shifts, annual and personal leave total 16 days off each year, plus holidays and regular days off, LCPD said.

LCPD listed these requirements for applying:

Must be a U.S. citizen or have a work authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Be at least 19 years old when the academy begins

Have a high school diploma

Have no felony convictions

Applications are on this website.

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New water tank connection to cause temporary outages for CRRUA customers

KVIA on July 3, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) will connect a new one-million-gallon water tank to its distribution system, meaning some residents will see interruptions in their water service.

The new tank is located in the west Mesa area, and will provide more water storage and system reliability to northern Sunland Park and the Santa Teresa Industrial Park, according to the utility.

CRRUA said the project is a two-phase process, which will happen at different intervals. Each interval requires one water outage.

The utility hasn’t shared what days and times the outages will happen yet, but will post updates online:

CRRUA website

CRRUA Facebook

City of Sunland Park webstie

Sunland Park Connect app

“This will be a two-phase process,” said CRRUA Executive Director Juan Crosby. “The first phase is to connect the new elevated tank to the existing water distribution system. The second phase is to perform mechanical upgrades required for the elevated tank.”

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Elderly pair accused of having sexual relations at Flat Branch Park

KMIZ on July 3, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two elderly people were charged with misdemeanors after authorities say a 73-year-old man performed oral sex on a 63-year-old woman on Wednesday afternoon at Flat Branch Park in Columbia.

R D Jones, 73, of Columbia, was charged with first-degree sexual misconduct and illegal drug possession, while Diana Kay Jackson, 63, of Columbia, was charged with first-degree sexual misconduct. Both are being held at the Boone County Jail on $5,000 bonds. Court dates have not been scheduled.

Police in the probable cause statement described “society” as being the victim in the case.  

Dispatch received multiple calls about a man performing oral sex on a woman at Flat Branch Park and that “families” saw it occur, the statement says. The act was apparently in view from the splash pad at the park, police wrote

Someone described as an employee of a redacted employer walked up to the couple, the statement says. Jones allegedly raised his head up to look at the employee before going back to what he was doing, court documents allege.

Officers reported seeing Jackson without pants or underwear when they arrived, the statement says. Jackson allegedly said Jones was “only” performing oral sex, the statement says.

Jones was allegedly found with a pipe and small baggie with white residue that tested positive for methamphetamine, court documents say.

Jackson was told by police that she had been trespassed from all city property and she allegedly responded by saying that she would return to Douglass Park, court documents say.

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San Luis City Council approves more than $152 million budget

KYMA on July 3, 2026

Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis City Council approved a budget of more than $152 million for this fiscal year.

The city says this will strengthen public safety, improve infrastructure, and support the city’s continued growth.

It will also fund a new intersection and traffic signal at Union Street and Fourth Avenue.

“We have many projects included in this budget. Some of the most significant are a new Fire Dispatch Alerting System upgrade for [the San Luis] Fire Department, which will help emergency responders respond more quickly to emergencies in the community, and the replacement radio system in the [San Luis] Police Department,” said Francia Alonso, Public Information Officer for the City of San Luis.

Other projects are fixing a well site and expanding the city’s West Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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