NewsChannel 3-12 Newscasts Replaced Today Due to Labor Dispute

KEYT on August 5, 2026

News Channel 3-12

Due to operational disruptions caused by a labor dispute, the Station is running alternative programming to our regular newscast.  We regret any inconvenience resulting from the actions taken by the union representing our employees.  The Station remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union, and it disavows any suggestion that it has engaged in conduct that violates the National Labor Relations Act.

Fiesta Pequeña will air live tonight from the Santa Barbara Mission at 8:00 p.m. on NewsChannel 3.

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Big Rock Fire update: Containment reaches 22% as crews reinforce fire lines

KIFI on August 5, 2026

Par Kermani

HEISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews are making progress on the Big Rock Fire near Heise, with containment reaching 22% Wednesday morning.

The fire remains at 2,199 acres with 278 personnel assigned to the incident.

Fire officials said the Big Rock Fire continues to stay within its existing perimeter, with crews achieving partial containment along the northern flank above Cress Creek. Overall fire activity has also decreased.

Crews are continuing to reinforce and widen fire lines north of Kelly Canyon and on state endowment lands to the north. Firefighters are also working to secure South Snake River Road and Heise Road while moving farther uphill to remove hazardous trees and extinguish hot spots.

Although active fire behavior has decreased, officials said heat and smoldering material remain throughout the burned area, with some juniper trees occasionally torching.

One helicopter is assigned to the fire Wednesday afternoon to assist with bucket drops.

Crews are also inspecting the Cress Creek Trail to remove hazards and determine what repairs may be needed.

Firefighters thanked the community for its continued support and understanding as crews work to secure more of the fire’s perimeter Wednesday.

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Youth Jam will roar to life this weekend

KIFI on August 5, 2026

Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Roaring Youth Jam returns to the Idaho Falls River Walk this week, bringing three days of free art, crafts and entertainment for families.

Georgina Goodlander, the Visual Arts Director for the Idaho Falls Arts Council, stopped by Local News 8 Live in the Morning to show off some fun art projects that will be going on at this weekend’s Roaring Youth Jam.

This year’s theme is “Declaration of Imagination.”

The festival runs Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The three-day festival will include community art activities for children and adults to enjoy.

All activities are free.

As Georgina showed, there will also be an opportunity to paint your face, and we’re betting you can do a better job than Jeff and Megan did this morning.

You can find more details on the Artotium’s website.

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Cole County Jail voices concerns about lack of resources

KMIZ on August 5, 2026

Melissa Houston

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Cole County Jail is holding 14 inmates who have been court-ordered for psychiatric care, but officials are saying they do not have enough facility resources to provide mental health care to inmates.

In a Facebook post by Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler, the Cole County Jail has 160 inmates, and 14 of them have been found incompetent to stand trial. Two of the 14 have been determined permanently incompetent.

Wheeler said that one inmate has been waiting since March 19, 2025, and another since April 19, 2025.

Those inmates have been court-ordered to a Missouri Department of Mental Health facility. However, there is a shortage of psychiatric beds, so those inmates are still located in the Cole County Jail, waiting for a spot in a facility.

Emily Loesch with the Missouri Department of Mental Health said that statewide 560 people are waiting for admission into the DMH. Of those 560 people, 132 are on bond in the community.

Loesch said the average wait time for admission is approximately 14 months.

Wheeler said that the Department of Mental Health provides counseling services to the inmates, but the facility is not staffed or equipped to deliver extensive care to the inmates.

“Our facility is not designed or staffed to provide the level of psychiatric care these individuals require. As a result, several continue to decompensate while awaiting placement in an appropriate treatment facility. Their care requires extensive staff time, specialized attention, and additional resources, placing an even greater burden on an already overextended workforce,” wrote Wheeler in the Facebook post.

Because the jail is operating beyond capacity, Cole County is paying to send 26 additional inmates to outside facilities, which is about $1,300 per day or $39,000 per month.

Wheeler said that those inmates weren’t sent to various counties like Moniteau, Callaway, and Osage. But, to send inmates to stay in these seperate counties it costs Cole County everyday.

“Those organizations charge me so they don’t hold them for free. So, on average, it’s about $50 a day per inmate,” said Wheeler.

As of last year, Wheeler spent around $452,000 to house inmates. He said based on the trends he is seeing this year is looking to cost roughly $502,000 for inmate housing.

“Cole County taxpayers are bearing the financial burden of these delays,” wrote Wheeler.

Wheeler said it is possible to expand the Cole County jail but that would cost more money that they do have.

“I do have an area in my facility that I can build out. Another 160 beds  is what we need to do, but that’s going to cost about $38 million and we’re going to have to go back to the citizens for sales tax to be able to build that out. “

Cole County judges have done their legal duties by issuing the commitment orders, and Wheeler wrote that the issues are not with them.

“The challenge is not with the courts — it is with the lack of available placement and timely action by the Department of Mental Health,” wrote Wheeler.

Wheeler also says that if the 14 inmates waiting to be sent to a Mental Health facility were transferred, that “would significantly reduce costs to Cole County taxpayers.”

The issues for the jail go beyond overcrowding and costs, according to Wheeler. He says it is important to ensure inmates receive timely treatment in places with the resources to meet their needs.

Wheeler said that there are two solutions: first, for the State of Missouri to add more beds for psychiatric care. And second, for the state to pay the jail for the time frame inmates are in jail after they are committed.

Loesch said the DMH is not able to make any further comment on this matter because of pending litigation.

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Helping your child control back-to-school anxiety

KESQ on August 5, 2026

Kiera McKinney

PALM DESERT. CALIF, (KESQ)- As students prepare to return to the classroom, the back to school transition can be an exciting time, but it can also bring stress and anxiety for many kids.

The start of a school year can bring new stressors, including academic pressure, new routines, social situations, and changes in expectations. The new school year impacts students mental health, what counselors are seeing, and what parents can do to help their children adjust.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions among children and adolescents. Shows that an estimated 31.9% of adolescents aged 13 to 18 experience an anxiety disorder.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that mental health challenges among young people remain a major concern, with many students experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress.

Nancy Mazmanian, Marriage & Family Therapist, From Hope & Healing Community Support said big transition’s can make anxiety grow.

Recognixing the signs are important, such as, “headaches, stomach aches, loss of appetite, emotional outbursts for younger kids. Anything that tends to seem out of the ordinary and are not a part of their normal behavior,” Mazmanian said.

Coachella Valley Unified School District, counselor Karina Vegas says changes like new classrooms and routines can bring anxious feelings for students

“there’s a big difference between having anxiety and being anxious. And so helping students understand that anxious feeling is perfectly natural. However, if it starts to inhibit them from doing certain things, then that maybe is when it’s time for them to get some help,” said Vega.

The district says students have access to wellness centers and campus therapists to help provide support.

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Woman allegedly shoots, kills child’s father behind El Paso PetSmart

KVIA on August 5, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (Aug. 10, 2026): The El Paso Police Department arrested and charged a 35-year-old woman with murder after it found a man’s body in a car behind a PetSmart in Far East El Paso.

Police documents alleged Erica Michelle Yarbrough shot and killed 38-year-old Stephen Matthew Delgado. During the investigation, police learned the two have a child together.

ABC-7 previously reported that police found Delgado’s body in a car behind a PetSmart store on Joe Battle Boulevard in Far East El Paso on Aug. 5. An investigation and autopsy report pointed to foul play, police said.

According to an arrest affidavit ABC-7 obtained, the deputy medical examiner reported gunshot wounds. At the crime scene, police found bullet casings and unfired bullets, documents said.

EPPD’s Crimes Against Persons Unit later met with Delgado’s family, who said he has a child with Yarbrough, according to documents.

Investigators found video from Aug. 2 between 8-9 p.m. It showed a pickup truck arrive behind the PetSmart and Delgado arriving in his car and stopping next to the truck, documents said. He then moved to a parking spot where police later found him dead.

The truck then moved next to Delgado’s car and “suspected gunfire” showed in the video, police said. The truck then leaves the parking lot towards Joe Battle Boulevard.

Investigators learned through a license plate reader camera that the pickup truck was registered to a man that shared Yarbrough’s last name, documents said. The license plate reader also revealed the truck had a history of her driving it.

Police also learned that on June 4, Yarbrough called EPPD to report an ex-friend that wouldn’t leave her apartment, documents said. During the call, she said she had a gun, confirming she owned a firearm.

Police later found Yarbrough’s address and found the pickup truck seen in the video parked nearby, documents said.

Surveillance of Yarbrough’s home resulted in her arrest, police said.

Yarbrough allegedly confessed to meeting with Delgado, doing drugs with him, shooting him and leaving the parking lot to get rid of the gun, documents said.

She booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility Aug. 8, which is three days after police found Delgado’s body.

Erica Michelle Yarbrough’s mugshot.(Courtesy: EPPD)

According to jail records, Michelle was booked on a $350,000 bond.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Police found a man’s body in a vehicle behind a PetSmart in Far East El Paso Wednesday, the El Paso Police Department said.

It happened near 3700 Joe Battle Blvd., which is near the intersection with Montana Avenue. At the scene, ABC-7 saw police cars behind the PetSmart building. That area will be closed for a few hours, according to EPPD.

The person who reported the body to 911 said he passed by the vehicle, noted “something unusual about it,” EPPD Officer Adrian Cisneros said. He called police after seeing the body inside. Officers arrived just before 9 a.m.

Officer Cisneros said the man’s body had been in the vehicle “for a while,” but it’s unclear exactly how long.

Police don’t know the cause of death or the person’s identity. Officer Cisneros said the man may have been in his 30s.

The Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating to determine whether foul play was involved.

Officer Cisneros said there’s no public threat.

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Free car seat fittings coming to Sisbarro Buick-GMC in Las Cruces

KVIA on August 5, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Thursday, Sisbarro Buick-GMC in Las Cruces will host a free car seat fitting station, the New Mexico Department of Transportation said.

At the fitting, certified child passenger safety technicians will teach parents and caregivers how to choose, install and use booster seats.

Inspections will be done on a first-come, first-served basis, NMDOT said. Appointments aren’t required.

Participants should take their own car seats, car seat manual, vehicle manual and the child who will use the seat. NMDOT said a $35 fee may apply for replacement seats, and children must be present to be elegible.

NMDOT said caregivers should expect to spend about 30 minutes at the fitting. They’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions.

If a seat is recalled, expired or unsafe, NMDOT replacement seats are available.

The fitting will take place at 425 W. Boutz Rd. from 3-5 p.m.

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AG Labrador urges Congress to expand states’ authority to investigate Medicaid fraud

KIFI on August 5, 2026

Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is joining attorneys general from 16 other states in calling on Congress to pass the “STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act”. The legislation that would expand states’ ability to investigate and prosecute Medicaid recipient fraud.

“Every year, criminals steal billions from a program meant to protect our most vulnerable citizens by lying their way onto Medicaid rolls,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Federal law currently ties investigators’ hands unless the fraud comes from a provider, letting recipient fraud go unchecked.”

Labrador joined South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and other state attorneys general in a letter urging the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and Senate Committee on Finance to pass the Stop Fraud in Medicaid Act.

Under current federal restrictions, State Medicaid Fraud Control Units can use federal funding to investigate and prosecute fraud committed by Medicaid providers, but not fraud committed by Medicaid beneficiaries or recipients.

The proposed legislation would expand that authority to include recipient fraud.

“The STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act gives Idaho and other states the authority to run down beneficiary fraud with the same force we already use against dishonest providers,” said Labrador “I will keep fighting to protect this program for the Idahoans who truly need it.”

According to the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reported that Medicaid Fraud Control Units recovered $4.64 for every dollar spent by states and the federal government during fiscal year 2025.

Nearly $2 billion was recovered through criminal and civil cases during that fiscal year, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Those convictions also resulted in 900 individuals and entities being excluded from federal health care programs.

Supporters of the legislation argue expanding the authority of state Medicaid Fraud Control Units would help states recover additional taxpayer money and protect the Medicaid program from fraud.

Attorneys general from Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia signed onto the letter.

More information on medicaid fraud can be found at idaho.gov.

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Deshawndre Washington misses court for 2nd time in a week

KVIA on August 5, 2026

Carpio Griego

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Former New Mexico State University basketball player Deshawndre Washington failed to appear in court again Wednesday. He’s accused of 15 felonies for an alleged hazing scandal during the 2022-23 basketball season at NMSU.

In Wednesday morning’s motion trial, many virtually called into the courtroom through Zoom. Washington didn’t answer the call of the court when his name came up, according to the court.

Judge Conrad Perea lifted a gag order for the trial so those involved in the case can speak about it publicly.

ABC-7 reached out to Washington’s defense team and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office for comment.

Monday, Washington missed court and was later seen playing in a basketball tournament in Lebanon. A judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his absence.

Washington’s team will be charged for the jurors and interpreters used Monday.

Washington signed with Sagesse Sports Club, a team based in Lebanon, back in May.

According to his agency and father, Washington tried to get into the U.S. for his trial, but couldn’t due to military conflict in the Middle East.

Washington’s agency told ABC-7 it submitted paperwork before the trial started with statements from U.S. Embassy and Lebanese officials explaining he couldn’t travel due to security concerns.

Sean Wright, Washington’s father, said Washington isn’t trying to hide from anything. His agency said he wanted to be in Las Cruces for the trial to prove his innocence.

The New Mexico Department of Justice sent ABC-7 the following statement on the case:

“On the day of trial, the New Mexico department of Justice learned that the defendant, Deshawndre Washington, failed to appear for court and instead was playing basketball for a team in Beirut, Lebanon. The Court has issued a bench warrant for his immediate arrest, as well as a monetary sanction for court costs associated with the postponed trial. Washington is now a fugitive from justice, and the NMDOJ looks forward to his arrest and return so that he may be held to account for his actions.”

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El Paso Museum of Art ranked 5th best Texas art museum

KVIA on August 5, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Museum of Art made its mark as one of the top five art museums in Texas, according to the City of El Paso. Glasstire, the country’s oldest online art magazine, ranked the EPMA fifth in its latest updated list.

“In a state that is home to nearly 100 art museums and some of the finest collections in the nation, we are extremely proud to represent West Texas and the Borderlands through this recognition,” said El Paso Museum of Art Director Edward Hayes Jr.

Glasstire noted the museum’s commitment to showcasing local and regional artists. It also recognized the biennial exhibition, which features art made on and near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Permanent collections in the museum also caught the magazine’s eye.

The city said the museum’s rank follows recent investment in modernizing the museum, including the “Star Ceiling: El Paso” light display outside the entrance. El Paso artist Leo Villareal created the 120-foot LED installation. Local philanthropist Judy Robinson, the driving force behind the work, recently earned the “El Pasoan of the Year” recognition for bringing it to life.

A view of the “Star Ceiling: El Paso” installation at night. (Courtesy: KVIA/File)

A recent photo gallery capturing Frida Kahlo’s life brought record attendance to the museum, according to the city. “Frida Kahlo: Sus Fotos” also marked the museum’s grand reopening on Feb. 14.

The top four museums featured in the updated ranking are in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth.

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