Jefferson City firefighters help man who was stuck on lift

KMIZ on July 1, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Firefighters rescued a worker who was stuck on an elevated lift on Wednesday morning in the 1800 block of Vieth Drive, according to a press release from the Jefferson City Fire Department.

Crews found a man on a lift that “become inoperable after being damaged by falling debris,” the release says. He was standing on a platform that was about 30 feet in the air.

Firefighters were able to get the man down by using the manual hydraulic override system, according to the release.

No injuries were reported.

Click here to follow the original article.

La Tuna prison in Anthony, Texas, to close; Rep. Escobar shares concerns

KVIA on July 1, 2026

Heriberto Perez Lara

UPDATE (July 9, 2026): Thursday, U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar sent the Federal Bureau of Prisons a letter sharing her concerns about the La Tuna prison.

She included a list of 18 questions expressing her concern for staff, inmates and public safety. She also said her office wasn’t told about the decision to close the prison.

“The decision affects real people. It affects the federal employees whose livelihoods are now at risk, the families who rely on those jobs and the surrounding communities that would economically suffer as a result of such massive layoffs,” Rep. Escobar said.

You can read her full letter below.

escobar_la_tuna_closure_oversight_letterDownload

ANTHONY, Texas (KVIA) — Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) said it will close several facilities, including the La Tuna Prison in Anthony, Texas. The BOP said the closures will address “decades of deferred maintenance and extreme staffing challenges.”

The BOP said La Tuna Federal Correctional Institution, Federal Satellite Low and Satellite Camp will see a reduction-in-force.

It also said “minimal staff will be affected” at La Tuna FSL since it’s already non-operational.

The BOP said it’s confronting a deferred maintenance backlog exceeding $4 billion. In a news release, it said the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will provide funding, but it won’t be enough to fully resolve the operational and infrastructure challenges.

“We are a Bureau that acts,” said BOP Director William K. Marshall III. “These actions are necessary to address longstanding infrastructure and staffing challenges while ensuring the Bureau remains focused on its core mission of operating safe, secure, and efficient correctional facilities. We will support our workforce throughout this transition and responsibly position the agency for the future.”

The BOP also said it is committed to addressing these challenges through decisive and strategic action to ensure the continued safe and secure operation of its facilities and to support the agency’s mission.

20260701_pr_facility_closuresDownload

ABC-7 reached out to the BOP for comment today, a spokesperson said beyond the attached press release, they had no additional information to provide at this time.

Click here to follow the original article.

100-Acre Wildfire Contained in Ammon Foothills

KIFI on July 1, 2026

News Team

UPDATE: Thursday, July 2nd

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews from local, state, and federal agencies successfully contained a fast-moving, wind-driven wildfire in the foothills southeast of Ammon on Wednesday afternoon. While emergency personnel are finishing up operations around the perimeter, law enforcement and fire officials warn that the region is still not out of the woods yet.

The blaze began around 2:00 p.m. on July 1st in the Henry Creek area near Packbridge Lane, and burned around 100 acres of brush and grass. Fortunately, officials confirmed that no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

According to Hayli Egbert, Public Information Officer for the Idaho Falls Fire Department, IFFD was first to arrive on the scene. Battalion Chief 1 established command as firefighters began an aggressive fire attack. As additional resources arrived, IFFD transitioned into a unified command alongside Bonneville County Fire District No. 1 and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Despite challenging, wind-driven conditions, Egbert says firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire through a coordinated response.

“The successful containment of the fire was made possible through the efforts of local, state and federal firefighting partners, whose rapid response prevented further spread despite difficult fire conditions,” stated Egbert.

Crews stayed on-scene through the night to extinguish hot spots and prevent any rekindling. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by a BLM fire investigator.

UPDATE:

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews from multiple agencies have successfully contained a nearly 30-acre wildfire in the foothills southeast of Ammon. While emergency personnel are finishing up operations around the perimeter, law enforcement and fire officials warn that the region is still not out of the woods yet.

Sgt. Lovell of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office stresses that fire danger in the area is still very high despite recent rainstorms, as proven by today’s incident.

” With the 4th of July approaching and throughout the summer, Emergency Personnel stress the importance of being safe with fireworks and avoid lighting them anywhere close to open fields, dry grasses, or uninhabited areas,” stated Lovell in a news release. ” Always have water and extinguishing equipment nearby, and place used fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them.”

Fortunately, officials confirmed that no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office also extended its thanks to the public for cooperating and avoided the area during the height of the firefighting efforts.

ORIGINAL:

AMMON, Idaho — Local emergency crews are currently on the scene of a grass fire burning in the foothills southeast of Ammon. While the immediate threat to nearby homes is currently limited, law enforcement stresses that unnecessary traffic is hindering firefighting efforts.

Multiple units are currently on the scene. According to Hayli Egbert, Public Information Officer for the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD), an IFFD Battalion Chief is in command as their crews work with the Bonneville County Fire District and BLM to combat the blaze.

“Crews are getting a handle on the fire, and there are units positioned for structure protection as a precaution,” said Egbert.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, a large plume of smoke visible across the region has attracted a significant amount of unnecessary traffic, blocking narrow roads and preventing large fire apparatus from accessing the area of the blaze.

In a press release, Sgt. Bryan Lovell with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office directed anyone “who doesn’t need to be in the area of 65th S. and Highwillow Ln./Packbridge Ln. and East of 45th E at Ledgerock Drive (Upper Southeast area of Comore Loma Subdivision)” to avoid the area to prevent operations from being hindered. 

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Owner of Bend’s Kefi Restaurant says business is for sale, hopes concept can continue

KTVZ on July 1, 2026

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean, a family-owned Bend restaurant known for its Greek and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, has been listed for sale, according to a public comment from owner Nick on a Facebook post and a commercial real estate listing for the restaurant space.

“Yes it’s true we have put Kefi for sale,” Nick wrote in the comment. “It was my dream to start a restaurant, and it’s been a tumultuous ride to say the least.”

Kefi is located in Northeast Bend near the Cascade Village. The LoopNet listing describes the space as a 2,005-square-foot, fully built-out restaurant or café space, available now. The listing says the restaurant is in the beginning of the sixth year of a 10-year lease. 

The listing says a new tenant may purchase the Kefi concept or bring in their own, and that all furniture, fixtures, and equipment may be purchased. It describes the business as an “excellent casual restaurant” in “immaculate condition.” 

Kefi’s website describes it as a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant focused on traditional Mediterranean flavors with fresh local ingredients whenever possible. The restaurant says “kefi” means joy, high spirits and a passion for food, dance, and life in Greek culture.

In his comment, Nick said the Bend community, including the Bend Foodies Facebook group, has been supportive of the business through its ups and downs.

“We couldn’t have made it as far as we did without all of you,” he wrote.

Nick said his parents are getting older and want to fully retire, leaving him essentially running the business on his own for the past year and a half, with help from his team.

“It’s no easy feat, and one that takes a toll on me not only physically, but mentally and in my marriage,” he wrote.

Nick said the decision to sell comes as he looks for a future that would allow him more time to start a family and be a present father.

“We don’t have any interest in it yet, but it’s a solid business and a good concept so I’m hoping someone will take it over and keep it going,” he wrote.

Click here to follow the original article.

$3.3M road and drainage improvements on the way for Mission Lakes Country Club

KESQ on July 1, 2026

Gavin Nguyen

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Road improvements are coming to one of the largest communities in the Desert Hot Springs area.

The Mission Lakes Area Resurfacing project will repave 25 streets totaling 5.7 miles within Mission Lakes Country Club. All of the roadways are public, county-maintained roadways. These roadways are open to the public and not gated.

Crews work along Warwick Drive and Spyglass Avenue within Mission Lakes Country Club

Residents will see work done through the middle of September, with typical work hours happening between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The goal of the improvements doesn’t stop at just repairing bumpy roads; storm drainage is also a key issue the county is looking to fix, especially as flooding from stormwater remains a key issue in our desert.

The total budget for the project is about $3.3 million, and is funded with the county’s gas tax and SB 1 transportation funds and Mission Springs Water District funds for the work involving the district’s utilities.

We spoke with local residents about the fixes, who said the upgrades were a long time coming.

Eric Pontius, who lives in the community, said, “It’s long overdue for some road work in here. I mean, it is public since we don’t have a gate here. It’s not private. So yeah, it is their responsibility to fix it.”

And when referencing some of the drainage issues in the community, he pointed towards the spots that lie lower than others.

“It is lower, especially down here at the bottom. They do have some flooding issues.”

More Mission Lakes streets east of the current project have been identified for a Mission Lakes Phase 2 resurfacing project in future years.

We tried to reach out to Aaron Cortez, the Project Manager. He declined our repeated requests for comment. We also tried to speak with Eric Charos, the General Manager of the Mission Lakes Country Club. He was away and could not provide an interview on Wednesday.

He wrote in a news release about the project:

“This is very significant in our community’s over 50-year history that the roads are being totally re-done up here. Mission Lakes Country Club was developed with public roads and so we appreciate the attention by the County Transportation Department and by Supervisor Perez to take care of them. The coordination with our community has been outstanding. This will be a big improvement for our residents, and all who visit to golf, enjoy our restaurants and amenities with some of the best views in the valley!”

Eric Charos, Mission Lakes Country Club

Supervisor V. Manuel Perez also commented on the project:

“This project will fix up a substantial number of streets in this unincorporated community, Mission Lakes Country Club. This roadwork is a significant improvement that will be long lasting after it’s completed.”

Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez

Click here to follow the original article.

U.S. Marshals arrest Meridian robbery suspect in Idaho Falls

KIFI on July 1, 2026

Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A man wanted in connection with a robbery in Meridian was arrested in Idaho Falls after being tracked down by U.S. Marshals and lolcal law enforcement agencies.

Francisco Salazar was wanted in connection with a March 16, 2026 robbery that happened at a Meridian, Idaho residence, where a firearm was allegedly stolen.

A warrant for Salazar’s arrest was issued in Ada County on May 7th. On May 11th. the Meridian Police Department forwarded the arrest warrant to the U.S. Marshal Service for investigation after an invesitgation found Salazar had fled the Treasure Valley area.

On June 29th, the U.S. Marshals Task Force received a tip about Salazar’s location in the IdahoFalls area. The U.S. Marshal Service maintains a network of agencies throughout the State of Idaho asmembers of the Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force. They were able to cooperate with task force members from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Chubbuck Police Department, Rexburg Police Department, and the Idaho Falls Police Department to locate Salazar.

On June 30th, task force members went to a residential area of Idaho Falls, where they positively identified Salazar and were able to follow him to an unoccupied area near the Ammon Walmart, where they were able to successfully arrest Salazar.

Although task force members detected that SALAZAR may imminently flee on foot, they deployed a distraction device, which successfully de-escalated the situation and allowed the suspect to be taken into custody safely.

The Boise location of the U.S. Marshal Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is part of a state-widecooperative to locate and arrest violent state and federal fugitives. Member agencies in the TreasureValley area Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Nampa Police Department, andthe U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, theU.S. Marshal Service Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips atwww.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.go

Click here to follow the original article.

Second Lake-area fireworks show involving AM Pyrotechnics canceled

KMIZ on July 1, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A second fireworks show this weekend involving a company from Buffalo, Missouri, has been canceled.

Lake Valley Golf Club in Camdenton wrote on its Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon that AM Pyrotechnics told the club “us they are unable to fulfill their obligation to provide this year’s display. With only days remaining before July 4, and with the display already prepaid, Lake Valley is unfortunately unable to secure another fireworks show in time.”

The display and “related festivities” have been canceled.

“This is deeply disappointing for all of us. Lake Valley’s fireworks have been a long-standing community tradition, bringing together members, families, neighbors, and friends from across the Lake area,” the post reads. “Each year, hundreds gather in the parking lot, along the course, and throughout the surrounding area to enjoy an evening that has always been about more than fireworks — it has been about community.”

The golf tournament will still be held, but no other Fourth of July activities will occur.

The City of Osage Beach announced on Tuesday that it would delay its Independence Day celebration to July 11 after AM Pyrotechnics “stopped communicating despite multiple efforts to reach them by phone, email, and text.”

The company allegedly told the city on Tuesday it was not able to “execute the display.”

KY3 reported on Monday that a Fourth of July fireworks show in Mountain Home, Arkansas, was affected after the same company stopped communicating with Mountain Home’s chamber of commerce.

AM Pyrotechnics claims an accident at its facility in November “significant affected” its operations and that it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

“The company is also operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which is a legal process intended to preserve operations, protect creditors, and allow the business to complete as much work as possible,” a statement sent to ABC 17 News in an email says. “We have continued using available resources to support operations, maintain required insurance and licensing, pay crews, secure fireworks, and complete the displays we are able to perform safely and professionally.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Group sues to stop Missouri attorney general’s gambling machine enforcement campaign

KMIZ on July 1, 2026

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A group calling itself the Missouri Licensing Advocacy Group is suing the Missouri attorney general and other state officials to stop an enforcement campaign targeting businesses that operate video gambling machines.

The group filed its lawsuit in Cole County last week, saying that Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and Missouri Alcohol and Tobacco Control overstepped their authority in seizing video gambling machines and prosecuting owners of stores that use them.

The petition filed Friday in Cole County is similar to a lawsuit against Hanaway filed June 18 by Turners Bar & Girl. MOLAG’s lawsuit states that the group wants the issue of whether video gambling machines are legal under state law to be decided by courts before seizures and prosecutions continue.

The lawsuit also takes issue with Alcohol and Tobacco Control’s use of the liquor license process to target businesses with gambling machines.

MOLAG’s petition says it will not identify the group’s members becuase of threats of criminal charges, civil litigation and seizure of equipment.

At least two Mid-Missouri convenience store owners — Anthony Gier of Eldon and Keith Winscott of Ashland — have been charged criminally after video gambling machines were seized from their stores.

Civil asset forfeiture actions against each owner were also filed in state court. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office was in possession of machines from Winscott’s Woody’s Bar and Grub, along with aboiut $8,000 in seized cash, as of the filing in late May.

The machines along with about $17,000 in cash seized from one of Gier’s Eagle Stop store was in the Columbia Police Department’s possession.

Click here to follow the original article.

2026 WTA Finals moving to Indian Wells in November

KESQ on July 1, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – The WTA has announced that the 2026 WTA Finals will be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden from November 8–15, bringing the season-ending championship to one of tennis’ most iconic venues.

The WTA Finals features the world’s top eight singles players and doubles teams, who qualify through the PIF Race to the WTA Finals after competing across the WTA Tour season, including the four Grand Slams.

“The Indian Wells Tennis Garden provides an exceptional stage for the WTA Finals,” said WTA Chair Valerie Camillo. “We are excited to bring the WTA Finals to Southern California and continue building one of the premier championships in global sport.”

This year’s WTA Finals is moving from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Indian Wells.

Riyadh drew criticism when it was announced as the host city in 2024 due to Saudi Arabia’s record on human rights. This year’s event was slated to be the third and final year for the event in the Middle Eastern country.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in sports has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which argue the country uses high-profile sporting events to improve its international image while continuing to face scrutiny over its human rights record.

Home to the BNP Paribas Open, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is widely recognized for its world-class facilities and fan experience. Indian Wells Tennis Garden Chief Marketing Officer Philippe Dore said hosting the WTA Finals is “a tremendous opportunity to celebrate women’s tennis” and showcase the sport’s top players.

Tickets are currently available through a pre-sale for select groups, with general public sales beginning Thursday, July 2.

The 2026 event aims to build on the WTA Finals’ growing momentum while further elevating women’s tennis on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Click here to follow the original article.

New evacuations for Aspen Acres Fire could increase the need for help in Pueblo, Custer counties

KRDO on July 1, 2026

Scott Harrison

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Authorities announced new evacuations and pre-evacuations for neighbors in the path of the Aspen Acres Fire, now in its third day of straddling the Pueblo/Custer County lines.

LATEST FIRE STATS & EVAC ORDERS: https://krdo.com/news/2026/07/06/aspen-acres-wildfire-updates-evacuations/

Residents of the Red Creek Ranches area in Pueblo County were ordered to leave immediately.

At around the same time, officials placed the Wetmore community of Custer County in a pre-evacuation status — meaning residents should be ready to flee at a moment’s notice.

Some of the evacuees could add to the total already staying at the Pueblo County Recreation Center, where a Red Cross evacuation shelter is operating.

Dave Duran, the shelter’s director, said that approximately 20 evacuees are currently staying there as of noon Wednesday, with some only eating there while staying elsewhere.

Duran responded to a Facebook post from the Aspen Acres Campground, which reads that authorities told the staff it’ll take several weeks to reach full containment on the fire.

“We’re dealing with people who have been evacuated — which is some people from those areas, and right around there,” he said. “And if the people who have been evacuated need a place to stay, we’re gonna figure that out. We can easily provide more beds, and at the moment we have all the staff, food, and volunteers we need.”

The shelter offers three meals daily and provides a nearby animal shelter where evacuees can keep and visit their pets.

One of the shelter visitors is John Clay, 74, who evacuated from his home in Beulah.

“This is the fourth time I’ve evacuated because of a wildfire,” he said. “As far as I know, my house is still there. We have quite a network in Beulah. It’s always reliable, so you cross-reference. I think it could go from 50 to 75 houses destroyed.”

Clay said that he’s concerned about the fire destroying the homes of people who work remotely or rent their homes as Airbnbs.

For a list of other shelters and help resources, visit: https://krdo.com/news/top-stories/2026/06/29/aspen-acre-fire-evacuations/.

Click here to follow the original article.