Some El Paso senior citizens have been living without hot water in low-income housing

KVIA on August 21, 2026

Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Some El Paso senior citizens at the Chelsea Towers have been living without hot water. They said they haven’t received help from management or the local housing authority.

Lupe Alvarado was visiting her 82-year-old mother after the woman experienced a health emergency when Alvarado discovered the water coming from her mother’s hot water faucet was cold.

Alvarado said the water temperature was about 85 to 87 degrees.

“Normal body temperature is 98.7. A comfortable bath would be anywhere between 90 to 105 degrees,” Alvarado said. “So I bathed there three days in a row, and it was cold.”

Residents at Chelsea Plaza Apartments receive housing vouchers through the local housing authority to help afford their homes.

The housing authority’s website says it is committed to providing safe and decent housing.

Alvarado said her experience has left her questioning if that standard is being met.

“The people at the office and at these numbers that I call were just like, ‘Well, you know, we’re aware of the problem. It’s just it is what it is,’” Alvarado said. “It made it sound like, well, at least they got water, you know? So be thankful for that.”

KVIA reached out to the housing authority and the management company about the issue.

The management company responded by email and included representatives from the housing authority. The company said it is working to fix the problem.

According to the company, residents living in the cottages, where Alvarado’s mother lives, are the ones affected.

The company said, in part, “At this time, the current situation has resulted with moving forward with replacement.”

Alvarado said she hopes the issue is resolved sooner rather than later.

“This actually affects their health and safety,” she said.

Alvarado said she believes residents deserve more than simply having water available, they deserve reliable access to hot water.

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Idaho’s July unemployment rate decreases to 3.6%

KIFI on August 21, 2026

News Release

BOISE, Idaho (News Release)- Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased between June and July, from 3.7% to 3.6%.

July’s labor force decreased by 1,523 (-0.2%) people to 998,870 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.2 percentage points between June and July to 61.6%.

Total employment decreased by 1,007 (-0.1%) to 962,626 and unemployment decreased by 516 (-1.4%) to 36,244.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs had a net increase of 1,200 (0.1%) for a total of 886,800 in July. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month gains included Information (2.3%); Natural Resources (2.2%); Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (1.7%); Finance and Insurance (1.0%); Other Services (1.0%); Local Government (0.8%); Private Educational Services (0.5%) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (0.5%).

Industries that experienced job decreases in July included Administrative, Support and Waste Management Services (-1.7%); Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-1.4%); Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (-0.6%); Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (-0.6%) and Accommodation and Food Services (-0.5%).

Two of Idaho’s six Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) had over-the-month nonfarm job gains in July. Boise and Coeur d’Alene both saw an increase of 0.1%. Lewiston and Idaho Falls experienced decreases of 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively. Pocatello and Twin Falls experienced no change.

Year over Year

Idaho’s 3.6% unemployment rate for July 2026 was the same as in 2025. The labor force declined by 8,416 (-0.8%), as the number of employed Idahoans decreased by 8,277 (-0.9%). The number of unemployed Idahoans decreased by 139 (-0.4%).

Total nonfarm jobs increased by 0.5% (4,200). Most major industry sectors gained jobs except Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-11.2%); Administrative, Support and Waste Management Services (-6.5%); Federal Government (-6.3%); State Government (-5.5%); Accommodation and Food Services (-2.4%); Information (-2.2%); Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (-2.2%) and Wholesale Trade (-0.3%).

Three of Idaho’s MSAs had year-over-year nonfarm job gains in July. Lewiston had the greatest increase at 0.7%, followed by Boise (0.6%) and Coeur d’Alene (0.5%). Idaho Falls and Pocatello both experienced a decrease of 1.5%, while Twin Falls saw a decrease of 1.0%.

National Comparisons

Nationally, the unemployment rate decreased between June and July, down to 4.1%. The number of unemployed decreased by 178,000 (-2.5%) to 6.9 million. Total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 23,000 to 158.9 million.

July 2026 unemployment data

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MU Health Care to phase out cash payments next week

KMIZ on August 21, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

MU Health Care will stop accepting cash payments on Monday for “most outpatient clinic locations,” a spokesperson confirmed to ABC 17 News in an email.

Spokesman Eric Maze wrote that the change is “part of an effort to streamline operations and create a more efficient check-in and payment experience for patients.”

Patients can still pay using credit and debit cards.

Maze wrote that patients can pay with cash or check at MU Health’s customers service location at University Hospital and Capital Region Medical Center.

A “limited number of other locations” will accept cash and checks, including ENT, Hearing and Balance Center in Columbia (checks only), Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Columbia and the Family Medicine Clinic in Versailles, Maze wrote.

“We recognize that payment changes can affect patients differently, and we are committed to ensuring access to care remains unchanged. Our teams are working directly with patients to answer questions and help them understand their available payment options,” Maze wrote.

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Cabazon man seen repeatedly hitting dog in viral video arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty

KESQ on August 21, 2026

Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) The man seen punching and throwing his dog in a viral video out of Cabazon is now under arrest.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services arrested Craig Vincent Dallesandro on Aug. 13 with help from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, the department announced in a statement to News Channel 3.

He was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of violating Penal Code 597(a), the state’s animal cruelty law.

The department released the following statement to News Channel 3:

“Following the removal of two dogs from a property in Cabazon on July 9th, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services arrested Craig Vincent Dallesandro on Thursday, August 13th, with assistance from the Riverside County Sherriff’s Office. Dallessandro was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on Penal Code 597 (a) crimes against animals.

“This arrest is related to a social media video where one of the dogs was seen being repeatedly hit and thrown by the suspect. The two dogs remain on a confiscate hold and are currently not available for placement. This is an open investigation.”

The arrest comes more than a month after the video spread across social media in early July, showing a man repeatedly striking a dog and throwing it to the ground at a Cabazon property.

Animal Services officers, assisted by sheriff’s deputies, removed two dogs from the property on July 9. Both dogs remain on a confiscate hold and are not available for placement, according to the department.

Hours before the dogs were taken, Dallesandro spoke exclusively with News Channel 3. He confirmed he is the man in the video and admitted to hitting the dog, named Brody, and throwing him calling it the first and only time he had ever put his hands on one of his animals.

“That dog wasn’t hurt physically, but that dog’s pride was hurt,” he said at the time.

He refused to apologize and said he would never contact the county about the incident.

Animal Services calls this an open investigation.

It is unclear whether the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges. News Channel 3 has reached out for Dallesandro’s custody status and any upcoming court date.

This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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Pacific Pride Festival to Entertain and Educate Santa Barbara This Weekend

KEYT on August 21, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The annual Pacific Pride Festival will bring a steady stream of people to Chase Palm Park Saturday in Santa Barbara.

The event runs from 11 a.m to 7 p.m, and will include live performances, vendors, food trucks, a pet parade and a bike rally.

This year’s festival host will be Vivian Storm, a popular stage entertainer for years in the area.

There will also be DJ’s including the award winning Darla Bea and drag performers.

The event will be free.

The Pacific Pride Festival is organized by the Pacific Pride Foundation.

It will include education through the Justice Action Center, health and wellness booths and many resources for the LGBTQ + community.

One stage will have family friendly performances and interactive art areas, “and then for the main stage over 20 amazing performances,” said Rafael Cuello the Pacific Pride Foundation Festival Producer.   “Our headliner will be  Ada Vox ,  American Idol, Canada’s Got Talent,  America’s Got Talent.    Morgan McMichaels  a  special performer as well, and our local beautiful  Vivian Storm will be our official festival host. “

For many who attend, the services and connections go well beyond the event itself.

Julio Roman is the Pacific Pride Foundation Executive Director. He said, “every time a Pride is over we get phone calls and emails not just about the work that we do but  the work that we do in collaboration with others.  Folks really get to interact with the vendors.”

There will be a splashy arrival as the festival begin. MOVE Santa Barbara is also in motion and plans to rally at BiCi Centro with bike riders decking out their wheels for a caravan from Haley Street to the festival site for a Pet Parade as the event begins.

Sarah Iannarone is the Executive Director of MOVE Santa Barbara County. She says “decked out bikes with a drag queen and a tri-shaw and just having everyone ride together with big smiles on their faces.”

This collaboration also ensures safe transportation options now and and year round.

Iannarone said, “we believe everybody deserves dignity and a way to get around and this is our way of showing to the Pride community that we are here with you and we are you  and we want everyone to have a great safe day.”

Earlier this week a special Santa Barbara Pride flag was raised in De la Guerra Plaza.

(More details, video and information will be added here later today.)

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Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Unveils New Navigation Center For Housing Help

KEYT on August 21, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley cut the ribbon on a new and bigger Navigation Center.

It’s a place aimed at helping transitional youth find pathways off the streets.

The non-profit has been coordinating its youth support services out of its main office on Miller Street for nearly 25 years.

Leadership cut the ribbon Friday on the organization’s new Navigation Center, strategically located on East Chapel Street with visible signage from Main Street.

“There’s a sextant, which is a navigation tool for people who are sailing at night,” says Edwin Weaver, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley’s executive director. “And so we thought it appropriate as the symbol for our Navigation Center. This isn’t a destination. This is a place. They come, they get to tools to find out where they’re headed next.”

Transitional youth between 18 to 24 years old who find themselves in a tough spot, are encouraged to stop by during normal business hours.

“About four years ago, some unhoused youth were asked, ‘What do you need to be successfully housed, to get off the streets, get out of the riverbed and find a home?’ And they said, ‘We need a place,’” says Weaver.

The navigation process begins with speaking to a staff member to determine what the client’s specific needs are, as well as any goals they have to determine how best to move forward.

“They’re always so nice,” says Nathaniel Herrera, a client of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley. “They greet everyone that comes in with open arms and make sure everyone that comes in or out of here is always safe and okay before they leave.”

Support for housing assistance, treatment for addiction, education, and other counseling services are included.

“Last year we were able to successfully house over 75 youth between the ages of 18 and 25, and we’re very proud about that,” says Weaver.

Clients say Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley provides vital assistance that is not readily apparent or accessible for those in the midst of challenging circumstances.

“They gave me a bunch of stuff, resources that I didn’t think that was possible,” says Herrera. “They were just a family when my family wasn’t there.”

The organization centers on helping its clients develop a clear pathway to the stability and success leaders say many take for granted.

The Navigation Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:30, and on Saturdays from 9 to 1.

“My goal is to be fully stable by the age of 25,” says Herrera. “And I believe that working with Fighting Back, that would be possible.”

More information is available by clicking here to visit the website for Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley.

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BendFilm unveils first 22 competition features for 2026 festival

KTVZ on August 21, 2026

Lance Campbell

BEND, Ore. — The countdown to the 23rd annual Bend Film Festival is underway, with organizers announcing the first 22 competition features selected for this year’s event.

BendFilm announced the competition feature lineup Friday morning, including eight narrative features, eight documentary features, three environmental and outdoor features and three Indigenous features.

The newly announced films include Take Me Home, State of Firsts, Union County, Hanging by a Wire, A Life Illuminated, The River Remembers, The Lake and Aanikoobijigan (Ancestor), among others.

BendFilm Managing Director of Programming and Artistic Vision Selin Sevinç said this year’s selections explore the human experience.

“I think this year’s fest offers a slate of films that boldly examines the human heart,” Sevinç said. “My hope is that the festival once again will gift the audience a space to pause and allow expansion of the imagination, empathy, and compassion.”

Friday’s announcement is only the first portion of the 2026 lineup. BendFilm says additional announcements covering shorts, spotlights, Local Focus selections and more will be released over the next several weeks.

Festival passes and ticket packs are already available. Ticket reservations begin Sept. 11 for BendFilm members, followed by sponsors and All Access passholders Sept. 15 and Full Film and Student passholders Sept. 17. Individual tickets become available to everyone Sept. 18.

The 23rd annual Bend Film Festival runs Oct. 7–11 in Bend.

KTVZ’s Lance Campbell is working to learn more about this year’s selections and what audiences can expect from the festival.

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YUHSD announces all time low dropout rate

KYMA on August 21, 2026

Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) announced last week that dropout rates for students are at an all-time low.

The seven high schools in the district each have a dropout specialist who reach out to students before considering dropping out.

Dropout specialist Arisbey Ojeda-Garcia says students’ success is their top priority.

“Lower dropout rates show that we’re actually working hard to help our students succeed in school. And at the same time, we’re trying to take away as many barriers as possible so that they can be successful in high school and beyond,” Ojeda-Garcia said.

Each dropout specialist works with the students, whether it be home visits or one-on-one conversations.

Ojeda-Garcia said she loves what she does in helping students in the long run.

“I love what I do because I’m able to support students. I’m able to help them and I’m able to be part of them reaching success. I love what I do every single day. We’re able to verify that students are successful, which makes a very big difference as well,” said Ojeda-Garcia.

The average dropout rate in Arizona is around 4% while Yuma averages around 1%.

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What care looks like in immigration detention

KYMA on August 21, 2026

Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – For people held at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility, life can be filled with uncertainty. But for some, support can come in unexpected ways.

Daniel Rosenberg, a former rabbi and volunteer spiritual advisor, has spent more than a decade meeting with people detained at the facility and providing spiritual guidance.

He says sometimes that support is as simple as sitting down and having a conversation.

Recently, women detained at the facility also made and donated 100 handmade blankets to children at the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home in El Centro.

Those acts of support are one part of a larger question about what care looks like inside immigration detention.

The facility is operated by Management and Training Corporation, or MTC, under contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. MTC says the facility operates under ICE’s Performance-Based National Detention Standards, which cover areas including medical and mental health care, safety, sanitation, food service and emergency response.

MTC says ICE personnel provide daily, on-site oversight of facility operations and that when a medical emergency occurs, trained staff begin an immediate response. If someone needs a higher level of care, staff coordinate with emergency responders and arrange transportation to a hospital.

For Rosenberg, though, care is about more than policies and procedures. He says human connection can help people maintain hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

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Oregon Working Families Party nominates Gov. Tina Kotek for reelection

KTVZ on August 21, 2026

Adrielle Hasara

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Working Families Party has cross-nominated Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek for a second term in the state’s gubernatorial race.

The decision follows a party vote backing candidates who agree to specific policy commitments focused on working-class families.

Oregon utilizes a fusion voting system, which allows more than one political party to nominate the same candidate on an election ballot.

The nomination was finalized following a vote at the party’s convention on Aug. 16 at the ILWU Local eight Union Hall in Portland, which brought together more than 200 members, elected officials and organizational representatives from across the state.

Gov. Kotek accepted the cross-nomination during the event, emphasizing economic priorities for working residents. “Thank you to the Oregon Working Families Party for inviting me to your convention and for the honor of earning your cross-nomination,” Kotek said. “Oregonians deserve a governor who will defend frontline communities from immediate attacks and deliver on a better future. My opponent does not share our vision for Oregon and I refuse to let us go backward. But this election is not only about what we are fighting against – it is also about what we are fighting for: an Oregon where working people can afford a home, quality child care and the basic costs of living; where they can join a union, raise a family and retire with dignity. I’m proud to earn this cross-nomination by re-committing to that work.”

As part of the cross-nomination, Kotek agreed to a set of policy commitments. These include enforcing state sanctuary protections and the Immigrant Justice Package, maintaining farmworker overtime rules, protecting climate measures and expanding universal preschool statewide using the model established by Multnomah County’s Preschool For All. Her commitments also include holding corporations accountable when receiving public funds, expanding higher education access, increasing campaign finance transparency, investing in restorative justice programs, creating jobs through clean energy and infrastructure projects and meeting with the Working Families legislative caucus during legislative sessions.

Party leaders characterized the endorsement as an agreement built on specific policy benchmarks. Annie Naranjo-Rivera, state director of the Oregon Working Families Party, highlighted the significance of candidate commitments to working-class voters. “Across the country we see candidates winning when they stand with working people. By attending our convention and committing to working people’s issues, Gov. Kotek is grounding herself with the priorities of Oregon’s multiracial working class,” Naranjo-Rivera said. “The Governor made commitments that give working people across Oregon concrete policy goals to organize around and fight for in the November election.”

Naranjo-Rivera noted that the cross-nomination followed detailed discussions with party members about challenges facing Oregon families. “Our members have sent a clear message: they will support candidates who can point to a concrete plan for working people,” Naranjo-Rivera said. “This cross-nomination is not a favor. It is the result of Gov. Kotek being in dialogue with members of our party, hearing what multiracial working-class families in Oregon are up against and putting her name on commitments that working families can hold her to.”

The policy commitments will serve as focal points for the party’s organizing efforts leading up to the November election.

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