Whiskey Dicks El Paso closing after 20 years

KVIA on September 16, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Whiskey Dicks bar in El Paso is closing, according to a social media post the business posted Wednesday.

“After 20+ years, we will officially be closing our doors. It has been a pleasure to have welcomed so many of you throughout our years of service,” the bar wrote. “Thank you again for one last ride. Until next time.”

The post was made on the bar’s El Paso location profile. There is a Whiskey Dicks location in Las Cruces, which doesn’t have a post about closing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Whiskey Dicks El Paso (@whiskeydickselpaso)

Click here to follow the original article.

Yuma man pleads guilty in burglary case

KYMA on September 16, 2026

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man has pleaded guilty in connection with a series of nine burglaries on Fourth Avenue.

Guillermo Torres, 52, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary. The first count carries a 3.5-year prison sentence while the second carries four years of probation.

Ten other charges involving criminal damage, theft and burglary were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

Torres is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

Click here to follow the original article.

Boys & Girls Clubs expands afterschool program to La Pine

KTVZ on September 16, 2026

Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon is expanding their afterschool program to La Pine, with the new program to be hosted at the La Pine Community Center. The initiative will serve students from La Pine Elementary, Rosland Elementary and La Pine Middle School, operating Monday through Friday and ending at 6:30 p.m.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion will take place on Sept. 18 at the La Pine Club. Special guest Ashton Eaton, a retired U.S. decathlon athlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist, will be joining at the event. Community members and families will gather at 2:45 p.m., followed by the ribbon-cutting at 3:00 p.m.

The expansion aims to address local demand for reliable afterschool care for working families. To manage student arrival, staff members will walk La Pine Elementary students directly to the facility, while separate transportation is provided for students attending Rosland Elementary.

Standard annual youth memberships cost $25, with scholarships and financial assistance available for families facing financial hardship.

The program offers academic support and tutoring, active recreation, creative enrichment and mentorship to students. The staff also provides reading assistance through a program called “Power Hour,” alongside hands-on technology, engineering, math, robotics and art projects.

Michael Baker, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon, highlighted the initiative’s focus on helping local parents and students.

“Expanding into La Pine allows us to directly support working families who need safe, high-quality afterschool care they can trust,” Baker said. “Every child deserves an after-school environment filled with fun, discovery and support. Bringing our programs to La Pine delivers both — offering safe, high-quality care for working families while unlocking exciting new opportunities for La Pine kids.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Gun found in student’s vehicle at Rock Bridge High School

KMIZ on September 16, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A gun was found inside a student’s vehicle on Wednesday morning at Rock Bridge High School, according to a letter to parents sent by CPS Superintendent Jeff Klein.

The letter says, “A concern was reported to school administrators involving a firearm inside a student’s vehicle in the school’s parking lot.”

Klein wrote that the gun was found “inside a locked area of the vehicle” and that it was “not used in a threatening manner, nor was there any threat of violence made in connection with this incident.”

The letter was sent at 1:47 p.m. Rock Bridge parent Hollie Lessard said she wishes the district would have communicated the situation sooner, since school officials had identified the issue hours before.

Jeff Thompson, whose grandson attends Rock Bridge, said even with the district’s reassurance that there was no threat, it is still scary a gun was found on campus.

A student ABC 17 News spoke with as they were leaving school Wednesday said they had no clue about the incident. The student said teachers did not say anything to students about the gun and no announcement was made about increased security measures.

The letter says law enforcement has been notified.

Per district policy, the student that brought the gun onto district property faces the possibility of expulsion or a one-year suspension from the school.

ABC 17 News has reached out to Columbia Public Schools and the Columbia Police Department. CPD referred ABC 17 News back to CPS.

Click here to follow the original article.

IVHD supports Measure N

KYMA on September 16, 2026

Abraham Retana

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A local healthcare provider is supporting an Imperial County measure that’s going to be on the ballot in the upcoming election.

The Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) Board is in support of Measure N, which would establish a special parcel tax of $111 every year on taxable parcels within the district.

“The district is putting this measure on the ballot because we need additional funding,” said Pablo Velez, CEO of El Centro Regional Medical Center. “When AB-918 was created it was a stipulation that we were going to put something on the ballot for the voters to support.”

If approved by voters, Measure N would generate $8.9 million every year to help keep hospitals and emergency healthcare services available locally.

“Measure N will bring expanding our service lines including cardiac, maternal health, primary care…bring those specialties to the community that we currently don’t have, and expanding our oncology services,” said Carly Zamora, Interm CEO of IVHD.

Measure N will be on the ballot in the upcoming general election on November 3, and mail-in ballots will be sent to all voters in early October.

For a complete list of other measures on the ballot, and candidates running in different races, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

“Where The Smoke Meets The Sound,” Santa Maria BBQ Fest Returns with a Special KEYT Preview

KEYT on September 16, 2026

Alissa Orozco

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Maria’s annual BBQ festival will return to the Central Coast this upcoming weekend, celebrating the region’s iconic Santa Maria-style tri-tip, phenomenal bands, and will bring back the fan-favorite beer festival and carnival.

Organizers say this festival is where “the smoke meets the sound,” incorporating elements for everyone in the community. Jaime Flores and Andre Nunoz from the BBQ Festival gave your Morning News a special preview on TV Hill of everything this weekend has in store.

“We definitely have something for everybody this weekend. We’re taking an event that was traditionally on 1 day, 4 hours, to a 3-day event, adding a music element to it all weekend long, a carnival aspect, bringing back the Santa Maria Beer Festival for the community, and of course the barbecue competition which has been held for the last seven years in Santa Maria,” said Flores.

Admission and parking is free for the family-friendly event, and free shuttles will be available all-day Saturday to ensure everyone can join in on the fun.

While there’s so much to look forward to during the 3-day event, the festival wouldn’t be complete without a good ol’ BBQ competition. Locals are invited enter in their take on the Santa Maria-style BBQ, to see who comes in on TOP.

The 8th annual Santa Maria BBQ Festival returns to Pioneer Park this weekend, September 18th-20th. For more information, visit www.smbbqfestival.com/

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

 

Click here to follow the original article.

Former teacher remembers Eliana Moreno after deadly helicopter crash

KESQ on September 16, 2026

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — Around 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Chatsworth area of the San Fernando Valley, a news helicopter crashed, leaving three people dead.

NBC4 later confirmed the helicopter was from its station and that 38-year-old reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw died as a result of the crash.

Additionally, a person on the ground was killed in the crash. On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified 29-year-old victim Edy Gutierrez Mejia as the person killed on the ground.

The National Transportation Safety Board arrived in Los Angeles to lead the investigation into the fatal incident. Federal investigators are conducting a field investigation at the scene, gathering factual data while reviewing maintenance logbooks, weather conditions and pilot training records.

Moreno, who reported on NewsChopper4 graduate of Chapman University in Orange in 2010 with bachelor’s degrees in television and broadcast journalism and political science. Additionally, Moreno announced her engagement to her partner, Robert Barrientos, on her instagram on Oct. 28, 2025.

Former Chapman University professor Sally Rubin remembered Moreno as a born leader with a strong dedication to her career goals.

“She was definitely one of those students that you’re not at all surprised when they achieve their dreams,” Rubin said. “I just remember the smile on her face like, never went away. There was nothing you could say that would make that smile go away.”

Rubin also highlighted the courage required in broadcast journalism and shared how she intends on honoring Moreno’s legacy through her teaching.

“One of the very first things I thought when I heard the news was how brave journalists are and Eliana was,” Rubin said. “Just running out into the field, getting in a helicopter, whatever’s needed to get the story and share the news… I plan to do her story justice by sharing it in my classes and making sure people never forget how committed she was to journalism and how important that field is to all of us.”

The NTSB stated that a preliminary report on the crash will be released in about 30 days. A full probable cause report is expected to take up to 18 months to complete. Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Congress considers Protect College Sports Act to regulate NIL and transfers

KTVZ on September 16, 2026

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Members of Congress are considering federal legislation to establish regulations for college student-athlete compensation and transfer rules. The proposed measure, known as the Protect College Sports Act, comes amid growing debate over how money and transfers are handled across college athletics.

Since 2021, college athletes have been permitted to earn compensation through their name, image and likeness, commonly known as NIL. Without federal oversight, the system has developed into an unregulated landscape where large sums of money are spent to compensate players and build team rosters.

Former college athletics coach Nick Saban testified before Congress regarding the state of college athletics and the impact of unmanaged financial compensation. “I think the current system that we have in college athletics right now makes it more and more difficult to do these things,” Saban said. “We’ve moved away from development to focusing on money and not life skills.”

Under the proposed Protect College Sports Act, student-athletes would be allowed one transfer without forfeiting their athletic eligibility. The bill would also grant schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell media rights, structured similarly to major professional sports leagues.

The antitrust provision has met opposition from lawmakers, including Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, who voted against the bill. “This bill takes that opportunity way by granting an antitrust exemption that continues into the future forever and ever,” Merkley said. “Basically, you’re locking in or locking the athletes out of the ability to to negotiate on issues that matter to them.”

With elections approaching, lawmakers face pressure to pass the measure before congressional turnover. The House of Representatives went into recess for October, shifting responsibility to the Senate to act on the legislation.

The current session of Congress is set to expire on Jan. Three. If the Senate does not pass the legislation before that date, the legislative process for the bill will have to start over in the next session of Congress.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lompoc Council Deadlocks on Bridge Censure Vote Amid Ongoing Criminal Case

KEYT on September 16, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – The Lompoc City Council reached a 2-2 tie on a proposal to formally censure councilman Steve Bridge after he chose not to cast a vote.

Due to the deadlock, Bridge will be maintaining his position on the council.

Bridge is currently the defendant in 25 criminal charges pending in Santa Barbara County Superior Court regarding an alleged multi-million dollar utility rebate fraud.

“You’re out Mosby!” locals shouted as they left at the end of Tuesday night’s meeting. “You won’t be mayor next time! You’re out!” They were admonishing the mayor’s “no” vote.

Before the vote, the city’s legal advisor stated that the council lacks the legal authority to force Bridge out of office or revoke his voting privileges in the absence of a formal felony conviction.

“There is no staff recommendation on this item,” said Jeff Malawy, Lompoc City Attorney. “It is purely a decision by the City Council whether to censure one of your own members.”

Local residents packed the meeting room Tuesday night to call for consequences against the District 1 official.

“Yeah, sure. Innocent until proven guilty,” said Aaron Crocker, who lives in Lompoc. “I believe the quote is, ‘I ginned something up,’ right? So, sure, we have not been convicted in some court of law, but the man himself made the comment. That’s a quote from him.”

The criminal charges filed against Bridge consist of 20 felonies and five misdemeanors, which include misappropriation of public funds, forgery and grand theft. 

“What exactly is censure? It’s not a criminal conviction,” said Lompoc resident Shawna Stillwell. “It’s not a removal from office. It’s not the council deciding the outcome of a criminal case. It’s a governing body making a statement about whether the conduct of one of its members is consistent with the standards expected for public office.”

Defense attorney Michael J. Scott obtained delays lasting until September to submit a penal code 995 motion for dismissal seeking to drop all charges.

“I’m not asking the council to decide any legal matter,” said Yasmin Dawson, who lives in Lompoc. “I’m asking you to recognize a responsibility that comes with public office.”

The tie vote occurred after a heated discussion among municipal officials while Bridge’s legal proceedings remain in the pretrial stage.

“I believe this is really going to charge us as residents to demand something different,” says Tiffanny Grandberry, who lives in Lompoc. “And so we won’t stay complacent anymore to have the same type of character in leadership.”

Defense counsel is scheduled to submit the penal code 995 motion for dismissal this month as the court proceedings move toward a final trial date.

Councilman Bridge is under legal advisement not to publicly comment until the conclusion of the trial.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

NMSU Hall of Famer, former Seattle Seahawk Fredd Young dies at 64

KVIA on September 16, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — New Mexico State University Hall of Famer Fredd Young died at the age of 64, NMSU Athletics said Wednesday.

Young played football for the NMSU Aggies from 1980-83. His six-sack performance against LA Tech in 1983 remains the most ever recorded in a single game by any Aggie, according to the university.

After his career with the Aggies, he transitioned to the NFL to play with the Seattle Seahawks.

NMSU Athletics said the Seahawks selected him in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft. The team recognized him as one of the top 50 players in franchise history as the organization celebrated its 50th season.

In seven seasons with the NFL, Young played in 101 games — starting 79 of them, according to NMSU.

Young’s impact traces back to Las Cruces. As an Aggie, Young entered the U.S. Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.

“His impact on Aggie Athletics, the game of football and the Las Cruces community will long be remembered,” NMSU Athletics said.

The university said the defense end from Dallas was a four-year starter who earned First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 1982. He also earned AP All-American Honorable Mention and The Sporting News All-American Honorable Mention honors in 1983.

During his collegiate and professional career, he excelled as a linebacker and a return specialist, NMSU said.

Click here to follow the original article.