Third advanced reactor reaches criticality at INL ahead of America’s 250th anniversary

KIFI on July 1, 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With America’s 250th anniversary just days away, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the third advanced reactor to go critical, meeting the Trump administration’s July 4 deadline.

The reactor, known as Unity and developed by Deployable Energy, successfully achieved criticality at Idaho National Laboratory. Criticality occurs when a nuclear reactor sustains a controlled nuclear chain reaction.

“Last week, I had the opportunity to see the Unity demonstration reactor firsthand and meet with the talented teams from Deployable Energy, INL and DOE whose work made this historic moment possible on the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary,” Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said. “Yesterday, we accomplished a significant milestone on a timeline many thought was unachievable. Advanced nuclear technologies like Unity will help power the next generation of American industry, strengthen our energy security, and ensure the United States remains the world’s nuclear innovation leader.”

Earlier this month, Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 reactor and Valar Atomics’ Ward 250 reactor also achieved criticality through the Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program.

Federal officials say the milestone marks the first time three different advanced microreactor designs have reached criticality in the United States within a single month.

The Unity project was completed under the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative, which is managed by the National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory. The program is designed to help companies test and demonstrate new reactor technologies more quickly.

Deployable Energy CEO and co-founder Bobby Gallagher credited the Department of Energy, Idaho National Laboratory and industry partners for helping the project reach the milestone.

“We are proud to be a part of this historic achievement,” Gallagher said.

Officials say Unity is the first project under the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative to achieve criticality and demonstrates how national laboratory resources can help accelerate advanced reactor testing and development.

Learn more about the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad

Click here to follow the original article.

Family files wrongful death lawsuit in fatal Las Cruces hit-and-run involving former New Mexico GOP treasurer

KVIA on July 1, 2026

Paul Schulz

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) — The family of Andrew Brown has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Kimberly Skaggs, the former treasurer for the Republican Party of New Mexico, alleging she struck Brown with her SUV while he was riding his bicycle, left him critically injured in the roadway and fled the scene without rendering aid.

The civil lawsuit was filed by Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. on behalf of Brown’s family.

The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and alleges Skaggs failed to drive with reasonable care, traveled at an excessive speed, failed to keep a proper lookout, fled the scene without rendering aid and attempted to conceal evidence after the collision.

Brown, 40, died after he was struck June 22 while riding his bicycle on North Fairacres Road in Las Cruces. According to the lawsuit, the impact shattered his bicycle into several pieces.

According to court documents cited in the lawsuit, a witness told investigators Skaggs exited her vehicle after the crash, observed Brown lying in the roadway, then returned to her SUV and drove away without attempting to help or call 911. Authorities later arrested Skaggs in connection with the fatal hit-and-run.

Investigators documented nearly 200 feet of skid marks at the scene and recovered broken pieces from a General Motors vehicle. Surveillance video from a nearby business allegedly showed a vehicle matching witness descriptions traveling at a high rate of speed before the collision.

The lawsuit states investigators later used GPS data to locate the suspected vehicle. During the execution of a search warrant, deputies reported finding damage consistent with the crash, including missing pieces from the front bumper that allegedly matched debris recovered at the scene, blood beneath the vehicle and markings consistent with contact with Brown’s bicycle.

“This lawsuit is about accountability for every decision that led to Andrew Brown’s death and every decision that followed,” James Tawney, partner at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., said. “Our clients believe those decisions robbed a young man of his father and shattered a family. They deserve their day in court, and we intend to pursue justice on their behalf.”

Brown’s former partner, Santana Santiago, said the greatest loss belongs to the couple’s 14-year-old son.

“I lost one of my best friends, and my son was robbed of his father. Andrew loved our son with all his heart,” Santiago said.

Santiago said Brown remained committed to being a father despite living in a different home, regularly writing letters to his son, offering guidance and staying involved in his life.

She said Brown hoped to attend barber school and eventually open a community radio station where he could mentor at risk youth. She also described him as a kind person who loved writing poetry and singing R and B music.

“Knowing he was left to die alone after the crash is something that no family should ever have to live with and we intend to fully uncover why Skaggs left the scene,” Tawney said.

The lawsuit also includes a loss of consortium claim on behalf of Brown’s son, alleging he has been deprived of his father’s love, guidance, companionship and support.

ABC-7 previously reported Skaggs faces criminal charges of knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and tampering with evidence. A Doña Ana County judge ordered Skaggs held without bond pending trial after prosecutors argued her actions following the crash demonstrated she posed a danger to the community.

The criminal case remains pending, and a trial date has not been set.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gold Camp Road in North Cheyenne Cañon Park reopens

KRDO on July 1, 2026

Levette Sanchez

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — According to Colorado Springs Recreation and Cultural Services, Gold Camp Road will reopen to the public starting Thursday, July 2.

This follows the massive cleanup and repair work on the road after storm damage from early June. The work included removing storm debris, repairing the road, and installing fresh roadway crossing markings and crossing signs, according to the city.

The city says it will continue work on the park’s stone retaining walls.

As for the Fourth of July, North Cheyenne Cañon Park will be open to vehicle traffic until 2 p.m. or until the park reaches capacity. The city says Gold Camp Road will be closed at this time to help manage visitor safety and traffic.

Click here to follow the original article.

The Playmill Theatre opens 2026 season in new Island Park home

KIFI on July 1, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) – After years of planning and construction, the curtain is drawn back tonight on a new chapter for one of East Idaho’s most beloved summer traditions. The Playmill Theatre celebrates its brand-new home in Island Park with the official opening of its 2026 season.

The opening of the new venue marks a significant milestone and realization of a long-held dream for the theater, which has entertained countless locals and visitors to Yellowstone for generations. This new venue replaces the original Playmill theater in West Yellowstone, which served audiences for many years. The modern space is designed to continue The Playmill’s legacy for years to come.

The 2026 season begins with opening night performances and features a lineup that includes Disney’s Frozen, Les Misérables, and Disney’s Newsies throughout the summer.

Playmill 2026 Inaugural Season Lineup

Excitement has been building among longtime patrons eager to experience the new space.

“I return to Playmill again and again because of the magic that’s on stage and off,” said longtime supporter Annie Dalling.

For Phillip and Catherine Richards, along with granddaughter Kyndal Baker, attending The Playmill has become a cherished tradition since its 1964 opening.

“Well, it’s always been just terrific talent and great fun,” Phillip Richards said. “We’ve been going ever since we were married,” Richards said, beaming across to his wife Catherine. The couple first saw productions at the theatre in 1969 and have been loyal patrons since.

Others say they’re looking forward to seeing how the new theater enhances the productions they’ve loved for years.

“I’m excited to see the new stage, their new space, and what they’re going to incorporate,” said Erin Madsen, joined by her husband, Aaron Madsen. “We want The Playmill to be something that everybody has to experience and see how awesome it is,” Aaron added.

The theater is prepared to welcome audiences, but Playmill officials kindly ask guests to be patient and open-minded as construction continues outside the building. Some exterior work, including landscaping and parking lot improvements, will take place over the next several weeks as crews put the finishing touches on the property. Additionally, new amenities, including a restaurant called Steakhouse 64 and the Mill Creek Mercantile gift shop, are expected to be completed later this year.

Despite the remaining work, Playmill theater owners Roger and Heidi Merrill say they are thrilled to finally open the doors to a space designed to carry The Playmill tradition into the future.

“Construction on the new building has been nonstop during the day,” Roger Merill said. “And during the day is when the problem-solving process happens. But the minute we walk into rehearsals at night, that’s when all day problems go away. We’ve been blessed with such a prepared cast. They’re ready to go, and we are to.”

“That is why we do what we do,” Heidi Merrill added. “It has nothing to do with the space or the building. It’s about what we are able to give back to the audience.”

In the spirit of this special transition year for the theatre, The Playmill has created a mini-documentary series intended to take audiences behind the magic of building the 23,000 sq ft theatre. To watch the first episode, click here.

The 2026 season begins with its opening weekend to sold-out audiences and features a lineup that includes Disney’s Frozen, Les Misérables, and Disney’s Newsies, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to experience the theater’s new home and family entertainment throughout the summer.

To see the progress of their new space at Island Park during the 2026 inaugural season, audiences can purchase tickets here.

Click here to follow the original article.

No imminent threat found after phone scare triggers brief lockdown at Idaho Falls Community Hospital

KIFI on July 1, 2026

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Community Hospital is safe and operating normally this morning after a phoned-in threat triggered a brief lockdown. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded and assessed the situation, determining there was no imminent danger to patients, staff, or the public.

According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell, hospital staff, alerted on-site security deputies just before 8:00 a.m. after receiving a troubling phone call. The caller claimed they were heading to the hospital with the intention of causing harm.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies responded immediately, placing the facility on a temporary lockdown. Staff and patients were instructed to remain in their rooms while law enforcement cleared the building and the surrounding area.

“Working with hospital administration, deputies quickly determined there was no active threat to the facility and resumed normal operations within the hour,” said Lovell in a news release.

While the lockdown has been lifted, Lovell says deputies are continuing to work with hospital administration to investigate. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement extra deputies will be patrolling the complex throughout the day.

In a joint statement, Idaho Falls Community Hospital (IFCH) administration and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office expressed their gratitude to patients and the public for their patience and cooperation during the brief disruption. IFCH leadership also extended a special thank you to local law enforcement for their rapid response in ensuring the safety of everyone on campus.

Anyone with information about this or any other criminal activity can report tips anonymously online through East Idaho Crime Stopper at www.IFcrime.org or through the P3tips app on your mobile device. 

Click here to follow the original article.

There’s Good News: Prineville PD welcomes home Sergeant Takagi following year-long military deployment

KTVZ on July 1, 2026

Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Patrol Sergeant Tyler Takagi has returned to the Prineville Police Department after a year-long military deployment, bringing with him the same dedication and professionalism he has always shown. The department says his service as a Staff Sergeant reflects his commitment to both our nation and the Prineville community.

From all of us here at KTVZ News, welcome home Sergeant Takagi, and thank you for your service.

Here’s what the Prineville Police Department posted to social media about Sergeant Takagi’s return:

“Today, we are proud to welcome Patrol Sergeant Tyler Takagi back to the Prineville Police Department after a year-long military deployment.

Over the past year, Sergeant Takagi served our country as a Staff Sergeant, demonstrating the same dedication, professionalism, and commitment that he brings to our department every day. We are incredibly grateful for his service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation.

Please join us in welcoming Sergeant Takagi home and thanking him for his continued service to both our country and the Prineville community. Welcome back, we’re proud to have you on the team!”

Click here to follow the original article.

St. Dorothy Parish in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, says goodbye to Father Murphy after 38 years

CNN Newsource on July 1, 2026

By Joe Holden

Click here for updates on this story

    DREXEL HILL, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Tuesday was the last day on the job after more than three decades for one beloved Catholic priest in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

The Rev. Michael Murphy has been a special part of people’s lives at St. Dorothy Parish in Drexel Hill for a long time.

After delaying retirement, Murphy says it’s time.

“I always wanted to be with people,” Murphy said, reflecting on what kept him going over the years. “I’m a people person … I always loved doing baptisms, weddings, funerals. I mean, I just love being with people in their times of need.”

Priesthood can mean lots of change and moving around, but Murphy has been at St. Dorothy for 38 years. He’s been the pastor for 23 of those years.

After months of goodbyes, his faithful parishioners came one last time for his final Mass in the church at Township Line and Burmont roads Tuesday morning.

They applauded him and formed a long line for hugs, tears and farewells.

“I consider it a great privilege and a blessing in my life to have known him all these years,” parishioner Maryann Cassidy said.

Parishioners said Murphy has been a source of comfort and support. Murphy has presided over thousands of baptisms, communions, weddings and funerals.

“He deserves retirement, I can’t think of anybody more that deserves retirement, and I know he’ll bless the next community he’s a part of,” Deacon Mark Fohner said.

Murphy was rarely seen without his golden retriever, Blaze. The two of them were like rock stars at the parish grade school.

“I just enjoyed being present like the kids in school, I loved going over to school with Blaze,” Murphy said.

While he often says the church is the jewel of Delaware County, his appreciation for the people of the parish shines.

“I love them, and I tried my best,” he said. “I’m leaving my heart here, so much of my heart. But I know God’s going to take care of me in the future. It’s just, saying goodbye. I’m never good at goodbyes.”

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.

Emergency I-70 ramp and lane closure expected to be completed by Thursday morning

KMIZ on July 1, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A lane closure on eastbound Interstate 70 in Columbia caused by emergency pavement repairs is expected to reopen before Thursday morning’s rush hour, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

One lane of eastbound I-70 and an eastbound off-ramp closed Wednesday after a large pothole developed near the construction zone, prompting emergency repairs.

Contractors closed the ramp from eastbound I-70 to Providence Road and the driving lane of eastbound I-70 near mile marker 126.5 beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday. MoDOT expects the closures to remain in place through early Thursday morning.

Spencer Robinson, MoDOT’s Improve I-70 program director for the Rocheport-to-Columbia project, told ABC 17 News the agency decided to accelerate repairs after conditions deteriorated in recent days ahead of the holiday travel period.

“We had a large pothole start forming over the weekend and progressively got worse over the last few days,” Robinson said. “This thing is 20-feet long and about a dozen feet wide, so a very large area we’re talking about was creating a very rough patch.”

Robinson said the timing of the repair was driven in part by anticipated Independence Day travel and reduced staffing availability later in the week.

“Heading into a busy holiday season where we have a lot of crews that take off for a long weekend, we’re not going to be able to respond as quickly,” Robinson said. “We felt the need to get in there and get this addressed now ahead of Thursday morning before the busy travel rush.”

According to Robinson, the damaged section is among the oldest remaining pavement within the construction limits.

“We’ve replaced several of the other pieces surrounding it in the area,” Robinson said. “This is one of the older pieces of pavement on I-70. It’s probably in the neighborhood of 50-to-60 years old, so it’s definitely past its design life.”

Robinson said backups caused by the deteriorating pavement increased travel times through the area to roughly 15-20 minutes compared with the typical three-to-four-minute trip.

MoDOT said the ramp from Providence Road to westbound I-70 will remain open and will no longer close overnight Wednesday as previously planned.

The emergency repairs come as crews continue work on the larger Improve I-70 project between Rocheport and Columbia, which includes replacing the Providence Road bridge and expanding portions of the interstate.

MoDOT is monitoring a small number of other aging pavement sections in the corridor but does not expect widespread issues before reconstruction work reaches those areas.

Just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, Robinson told ABC 17 News the department remained on track to reopen the right lane before Thursday morning’s commute.

Despite weather delays earlier this year, Robinson said construction of the overall project remains on pace.

“We are on or ahead of schedule in every phase of construction right now,” Robinson said. “We’ve been fighting a lot of rain through the early part of this year. That slowed us down more than we’d like, but crews have been powering through and working around it.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Man accuses police of losing his car after an accident. It’s still missing nearly a year later.

CNN Newsource on July 1, 2026

By Liz Crawford

Click here for updates on this story

    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — A man says Philadelphia Police lost his car after he was in an accident last summer and taken by ambulance to the hospital. Now, nearly a year later, the car is still missing.

Anthony LaBarge says it’s been a rough year. He’s out of work and living in a motel in South Jersey, awaiting a housing voucher. He’s also trying to figure out how to get his car back.

Last July, LaBarge said he experienced a medical episode while driving his car in Philadelphia and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. When he was released a few hours later, he said he called police to find out where his car was.

“They said we have it as being towed, but they could have towed it on one of the side streets,” LaBarge told CBS News Philadelphia.

He said he walked up and down the streets of Olde Richmond looking for his car, but never found it. Two weeks later, LaBarge said police told him to report the car as stolen. Police wrote in the report that his car was towed by “rotational tow,” a city-run program that ensures tow companies are regulated and approved by police on scene.

The report said: “Vehicle not in tow file. Unknown where vehicle currently is.”

Now, nearly one year later, he’s suing the city and seeking monetary damages.

“The city hasn’t yet understood that when you lose someone’s most valuable asset, in many instances their vehicle, the most expensive item they own, you are in many ways wrecking their life,” said Elias Kohn, who is LaBarge’s attorney.

Kohn says the city of Philadelphia needs a better system for tracking vehicles once they are towed.

“Other cities have systems that work. When they tow a vehicle, they know where they put it,” Kohn said.

A spokesperson with Philadelphia’s law department said, ” We do not have a comment at this time.”

Police said there was a mistake on the report and the car was not towed by one of the approved companies in the city’s rotational tow program. Police also said the original accident report said, “no tow” so they don’t know what happened to the car after LaBarge was taken to the hospital.

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.

Brother of former Falcons star, current Ravens player Calais Campbell charged in mother’s Atlanta murder

CNN Newsource on July 1, 2026

By Christopher Harris

Click here for updates on this story

    ATLANTA (WUPA) — The brother of a current Baltimore Ravens and former Atlanta Falcons player has been charged in the death of their mother after police say an elderly woman was found dead inside a Buckhead-area townhome Tuesday afternoon.

Atlanta police said officers responded around 1:36 p.m. June 30 to a welfare check at a residence on Roswell Road NW. When officers arrived, they learned a man had allegedly barricaded himself inside the home. Police entered the residence, detained the man and found an unresponsive elderly female inside. She was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

Authorities later identified the suspect as Ciarre Bryce Campbell, according to Fulton County jail records. He has been charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of certain felonies and remains in custody, records show.

Campbell is the brother of former Atlanta Falcons lineman and current Baltimore Ravens player Calais Campbell.

In a statement provided through CBS News Atlanta, the Campbell family confirmed the death of their mother, Mrs. Nateal Campbell, and asked for privacy as they grieve.

“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell,” the statement read. “While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Calais Campbell has built a long NFL career playing for several teams, heading into his 19th season. The veteran defensive lineman spent a season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, where he played in all 17 games. In 2024, the former Walter Payton Man of the Year signed a 1-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. He’s also played for teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars, earning a reputation as a steady, reliable presence on the defensive line and one of the more experienced players in the game. After a three-year stint in Baltimore, Calais has returned to the Ravens for the 2026 season.

“We are incredibly saddened to learn about the passing of Calais Campbell’s mother,” the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences and full support to Calais and his family during this difficult time. We ask that everyone please respect their privacy while they grieve from this heartbreaking loss.”

Atlanta homicide investigators are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs. Nateal Campbell.

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.