Cathedral City’s gay community calls for action at upcoming council meeting

KESQ on September 16, 2026

Gavin Nguyen

Update 09/15/26, 10:30 PM: This article has been updated to include a written statement from Sunshine Herrera, sent to our newsroom after our story aired.

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Every March, Cathedral City puts on a large event for the LGBTQ+ community, known as “LGBT+ Days.”

“We had over 12,000 visitors over the course of the weekend from 28 different states,” said Michael Westman, the marketing manager of Montage Events, the company that produces the celebration. “And so growing on that success, we want to continue to elevate the event.”

The path forward includes renaming “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride.”

“I think that describes more what the event really is. It’s your your you’re proud to be in Cathedral City to live in Cathedral City. The city is very supportive of the community. And so that’s really the point of of what we’re doing,” reasoned Westman.

Organizers also want to move the event back a week, to March 12th through 14th, in 2027.

The two changes are set to be considered during Cathedral City’s council meeting on Wednesday, September 16th.

A call-to-action is making the rounds on social media for members of the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ community to attend Wednesday’s meeting. Several prominent voices on Facebook want to fill the council chambers in support of the event.

It comes two weeks after the city’s previous meeting on August 26th. During that meeting, public comments were made by Sunshine Herrera, who asked the council to look into the money that was being spent for LGBT+ Days and the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

In reference to LGBT+ Days, Herrera commented from the podium, “I would like to know what is the total cost of the LGBTQ plus days to Cathedral City, how much outside revenue is being generated, and what financial reporting is council receiving before additional payments are made.”

She continued, “This is a reoccurring city event and the city’s financial involvement goes way beyond the contract payment itself. I am asking council to consider a study session or a public presentation on the LGBTQ days before the next payment is made.”

“I am not asking this because I oppose the event,” Herrera clarified at the end of her comment. “I am asking because if the city is spending this amount of public money every year, council and the public should be able to see the complete financial picture.”

Herrera, who is also running for a seat on the Coachella Valley Water District board, sent News Channel 3 a statement, clarifying her position, seen here:

“I’m shocked and appalled that legitimate questions about public spending are being portrayed as opposition to the LGBTQ+ community. I support Cathedral City Pride, have earned the support of LGBTQ+ community members, and am proud that LGBTQ+ individuals serve on my campaign team.

The attached public contract pays Montage Agency $85,000 for the 2026 event and $90,000 for 2027. It states that sponsorship revenue should primarily offset event costs but allows Montage to retain excess sponsorship funds as additional compensation. If sponsorship increased by a reported 120 percent, Mayor Raymond Gregory and the City Council should explain why the City’s payment is also increasing.

Questions about a $175,000 public contract should be answered with financial records, not inflammatory accusations. Supporting Pride and demanding transparency are not opposing positions.

Pride belongs to the community. Public money belongs to the public. Both deserve protection.”

Sunshine Herrera

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez referenced Herrera’s comments: “We’ll be working on something possibly for our next meeting so we can possibly request a City Council study session as to our event that was mentioned earlier by our speaker.”

It led to some pushback from Mayor Raymond Gregory, who asked, “Will that be all events or are you going to single out a certain event?”

“Just one single event,” Gutierrez responded.

“Alright,” Gregory replied. “Well, I’ll be interested to see why you would want to single out a certain event.”

You can view the archived livestream from that meeting by clicking here.

A full agenda for Wednesday’s meeting can be found by clicking here.

“There have been pushbacks all over the country from pride events,” said long-time Cathedral City resident John Joiner. “It always concerns me. But if you stay active and you stay proactive, then you’re going to win more than you lose.”

For Michael Westman, he said he was hoping to see a large turnout at Wednesday’s meeting.

“It’s all about coming together, about being united. And, you know, having a great event and a great chance for the community to… show that.”

“It’s not anything new. We’ve been around a long time,” Joiner reasoned. “I’m not sure why we need to be studied. I think we just need to be celebrated.”

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New smart-farm network aims to connect Yuma agriculture

KYMA on September 16, 2026

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – New technology could soon give Yuma farmers more ways to monitor and manage their fields through a new smart-farm network being tested at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center.

Researchers, industry partners and local growers recently gathered at the center to learn more about the technology and how it could be used in Yuma agriculture.

The center is serving as a pilot site for the network, which is part of a broadband project covering more than 160,000 acres of agricultural land in Yuma County.

The project includes 34 towers, with about 24 expected to be installed during the current phase of construction.

The network is designed to provide reliable connectivity in the field. That could allow farmers to remotely manage irrigation pumps, monitor water pressure, check fuel levels and track equipment.

Connor Osgood, manager of agricultural technology at the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, said the project is about creating infrastructure that can support multiple technologies rather than relying on one tool.

“The fundamental way to think about all of this too is that it’s not any one technology, but rather it’s the infrastructure that allows us to create an ecosystem,” he said.

That connectivity could eventually support sensors and other tools capable of collecting information about field conditions.

Researchers say connected sensors could help monitor soil moisture, equipment activity and other conditions. That information could eventually help farmers better understand crop water needs and identify potential pest or disease pressures earlier.

Tanya Hodges, Executive Director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, said the project represents significant progress in a relatively short amount of time.

“Where we’ve been over the last, even just two years, we’ve come a long way, and I really applaud again Yuma County for managing the project and the work that’s being done,” she said.

The long-term goal is to create a connected system where different technologies can work together and provide farmers with more information in the field.

For Yuma agriculture, researchers say the network could help pave the way for more connected and efficient farming operations.

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New Amazon facility adds over 300 jobs to central Oregon

KTVZ on September 16, 2026

Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Amazon has formally established its presence in Central Oregon with the opening of an 80,000-square-foot logistics center in Redmond.

The new facility has shortened delivery timelines across the region while adding hundreds of warehouse positions to the local workforce.

The logistics hub began operations earlier this year and serves community zip codes located within a 90-minute radius. The facility currently handles 13,000 shipments daily, amounting to a weekly total exceeding 90,000 packages.

The logistics center has generated more than 150 jobs within the municipality, with overall staffing exceeding 300 individuals. Damaris Rodriguez, a mother of young children who works as a Level one warehouse associate at Amazon, noted that she previously enjoyed the company and decided to apply after learning about the local site, finding that the schedule flexibility allowed her to manage her shifts. Amazon delivery station manager Will Pon said local feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “I can’t go to a grocery store. I can’t go to a dentist appointment without someone telling us how excited they are to have Amazon here in Central Oregon,” Pon said.

Area leaders and business partners attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tours at the site. Guests included State Sen. Anthony Broadman alongside state Reps. Vikki Breese Iverson and Emerson Levy. Also present was Katie Tomson, co-founder and CEO of Square Baby, who noted that Amazon assisted in her company’s expansion. “I’m really, really grateful. First of all, as a parent and a consumer and someone who heavily relies on things getting quickly to my doorstep, so grateful to have this facility here in Redmond,” Tomson said. “And I think it just shows the investment into the community. And I think it’s going to help so many businesses around town, as well as obviously the jobs that are brought to Central Oregon.”

In conjunction with the facility’s opening, Amazon declared monetary backing for local youth initiatives and community development across the region. As part of this commitment, the company donated $10,000 to the Food Heroes project run by Heart of Oregon. The initiative tackles food insecurity throughout Central Oregon by engaging local youth in hunger-relief efforts while providing them with vocational training.

Amazon anticipates performing further recruitment at the Redmond facility during the holiday season as operations expand.

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Missouri sees declining vaccination rates

KMIZ on September 16, 2026

Demetra Alarcon

COLUMBIA, MO. (KMIZ)

Editor’s Note: The spelling of the doctor’s name has been corrected.

One doctor at MU Health Care said that she is seeing a declining vaccination rate and, because of this, we could see a more intense flu season.

Dr. Amruta Padhye, a pediatric infectious disease doctor at the University of Missouri, said the state is seeing a decline in vaccinations.

“Therefore, we could anticipate that this flu season could be severe because of declining vaccination rates. However, you know, every flu season is very unpredictable,” said Padhye.

When looking at the numbers from last flu season, Padhye said across the country there were 32 million illnesses reported, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths.

According to America’s Health Rankings, 41.3% of adults in Missouri said they got a seasonal flu vaccine in 2023-24. Padye said the typical flu season peaks in January or February, but some seasons can see two peaks.

“The flu season is really long, starting all the way from October. And kind of, and then ending in May. But the peak of the flu season is the coldest part of the winter months,” said Padhye.

MU Health Care plans to host influenza and COVID-19 vaccine drive-thru event; the first one 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Fulton Family Health at 2613 Fairway Dr.

Measles is also on the rise in Missouri. As of last Thursday, there have been seven cases reported in the state.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, to achieve herd immunity, 95% of the community needs to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles MMR vaccine.

Missouri has a measles vaccination rate of 89.5%; Cole County has the highest rate at 96.2%, while Benton County has the lowest rate at 64.7%. Boone County is at 94.5%. Padye said herd immunity is very important in communities to avoid outbreaks.

“So herd immunity is important for certain. Of course, it’s important for all vaccine-preventable diseases. But in cases of measles, which is highly infectious, we need a higher level of herd immunity,” Padhye said.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services advises contacting a doctor to schedule a measles vaccine if you do not already have one. Pharmacists can also administer the vaccine to children 7 years old and older without a prescription.

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Governor Newsom signs Agua Caliente gaming compact amendment

KESQ on September 16, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

SACRAMENTO, CA (KESQ) — Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation ratifying an amended tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Assembly Bill 2173, authored by Assemblymember Greg Wallis, R-Bermuda Dunes, extends the agreement through Dec. 31, 2061, while providing the tribe with additional flexibility for future growth, including up to 500 additional gaming devices.

The agreement also restructures the tribe’s contributions to California’s Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which provides financial support to non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes across the state.

“Agua Caliente has been a tremendous partner to the Coachella Valley for generations, working closely with our local governments and investing in the communities we call home,” Wallis said. “This agreement respects tribal sovereignty, supports continued economic opportunity, and strengthens a partnership that has delivered real benefits throughout our region.”

The Agua Caliente reservation encompasses significant portions of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City. The tribe operates both gaming and non-gaming enterprises throughout the Coachella Valley and is one of the region’s major employers.

Agua Caliente Chairman Jeff Grubbe and tribal representatives worked with state officials throughout the compact amendment process.

The amended compact provides a long-term framework for the tribe’s gaming operations while maintaining its financial contributions to California’s tribal revenue-sharing system.

AB 2173 passed both houses of the California Legislature without opposition. As an urgency measure, the bill took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

The agreement represents a continuation of the longstanding relationship between the Agua Caliente Band and the State of California, while providing the tribe with additional flexibility to pursue future economic development in the Coachella Valley.

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Greater Idaho Falls Chamber selects Carrie Athay as next CEO

KIFI on September 16, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce has named Carrie Athay as its next Chief Executive Officer. Athay will step into the role effective October 1, 2026.

Athay, who currently serves as Executive Director of the Idaho Falls Symphony, was selected from a pool of more than 80 applicants.

“From the beginning, we were looking for a leader who could bring people together, build strong relationships, and help move the Chamber forward,” said Brenden Craft, Chair of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber Board. “Carrie stood out throughout the process. She knows this community, she has a proven record of leadership, and we believe she is the right person to lead the Chamber into its next chapter.”

The GIFCC touted the extensive nonprofit leadership experience Athay brings to the role. During her tenure with the Idaho Falls Symphony, she expanded business partnerships, strengthened fundraising, and oversaw key strategic and financial initiatives.

Before taking the helm of the Symphony, Athay held leadership roles at the Museum of Idaho, served as President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Idaho Falls, and was named Grand Marshal of the 2024 Greater Idaho Falls Independence Day Parade.

In a statement, Athay said she is incredibly honored and excited to step into the role and help lead the Chamber into its next chapter.

“At its heart, the Chamber has always been about connection-bringing people, businesses, and ideas together to create opportunity and strengthen our economy,” said Athay. “I see tremendous potential to build on that foundation by creating new partnerships, strengthening the connections between business and community, and ensuring the Chamber is a powerful voice and resource for our region. I look forward to working alongside our exceptional Board, our members, and our partners throughout the community to build bridges, open doors, and create opportunities for businesses and our region to grow and thrive.”

Athay’s appointment comes on the heels of former CEO Paul Baker’s departure in early July. Baker resigned amid online speculation regarding his involvement with the Portneuf Valley Soccer Club, whose former president is currently under investigation by the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office following an internal forensic audit that uncovered potential financial irregularities.

Former Chamber CEO Steve Hunter has served as interim leader during the transition.

RELATED: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Baker resigns

In her new role, Athay will oversee staff operations, work closely with the Chamber’s Board, spearhead efforts to support the regional business community, and help shape the Chamber’s future.

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Giggles & Grooves: Comedy, Music, and Dance Party to Benefit Prostate Cancer Awareness in El Paso

KVIA on September 16, 2026

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, (KVIA-TV)-The Royal Court of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Incorporated Rho Chapter will combine comedy, music, dancing, and community service for “Giggles & Grooves,” a special Comedy and Dance Party, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Parkers on the Hill, 7600 Alabama Street, El Paso, Texas.

The evening will include Tommy Black, who is a veteran of the U.S. Army, comedian Robert “Buck D” Gipson, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and King T, a veteran of the U.S. Army, who will act as host. According to organizers, Giggles & Grooves is more than just a night of entertainment; it’s an event with a purpose since a part of the proceeds will go towards prostate cancer awareness, enabling the El Paso community to pay attention to a important health issue while at the same time laughing, dancing and making a difference.

The doors will open at 6:00 PM and the comedy performance will start at 8:00 PM; after the comedy, the guests have the option of continuing the evening with some music and dancing.

The price of the tickets is $35 each or $60 for two. It is encouraged for guests to wear light blue, since this is the color associated with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, as a way of supporting the event.

EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, September 19, 2026

• Doors 6 PM • Showtime 8 PM

• Parkers on the Hill, 7600 Alabama St., El Paso, TX

• $35 admission or 2 tickets for $60

• Comedy, music, and dancing

• A portion of proceeds benefits prostate cancer awareness.

If you would like to get tickets or for any further information, you can contact muphisuncity@gmail.com or scan the QR codes which are on the flyers for the one show.

About Tommy Black

Tommy Black is a veteran of the U.S. Army and is also a stand-up comedian, radio personality, and DJ who is known for combining entertainment with a commitment to the community. In his role as headliner of Giggles & Grooves, he carries on this aim by using comedy to get people together and at the same time supporting a worthwhile cause.

https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nDinCPNAD7hArG31szfllix-93_?domain=facebook.com

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Oregon DOJ launches new online resource to help residents navigate government

KTVZ on September 16, 2026

Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Justice has launched an online resource called “Open Door to Government” to help residents navigate state government operations, in hopes of making government more transparent and accessible for all Oregonians.

The new portal offers guidance on public records requests, public meeting laws, official legal opinions, board appointments and administrative rulemaking. The resource is designed to clarify information on legal rights and government procedures without residents needing to seek out legal expertise.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the initiative aims to make state resources directly available to the public.

“Government only works for people if they can find their way into it,” Rayfield said. “Open Door to Government is about making sure Oregonians don’t have to be lawyers or insiders to understand their rights, ask a question, or get an answer. We’re opening the door wider and we’re committed to continuously expanding and improving these resources.”

The resource features an “Oregon DOJ and Me” toolkit that outlines the role of the Attorney General, explains agency functions and answers common questions. A separate Public Records Toolkit provides links to submit records requests, view current requests and review answers regarding state public records law.

For local governance, the Public Meetings Toolkit outlines legal compliance obligations for governing bodies and provides guidance for citizens monitoring public meetings. The Attorney General Opinions section offers formal legal positions representing the state, along with context detailing their local relevance.

The portal also includes an Attorney General Appointments section listing advisory committees, task forces, councils and commissions that receive appointments from the attorney general, alongside instructions for public involvement.

Lastly, the Rules and Rulemaking section provides rule definitions, proposed regulations and recently adopted administrative policies.

The DOJ plans to expand the online resource to include additional tools in the coming months.

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Airports countywide awarded funds for variety of projects

KESQ on September 15, 2026

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Five airports throughout Riverside County are set to be awarded $8.5 million in total for projects ranging from apron improvements to a new control tower, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The agency released a complete list of 280 Airport Improvement Program grants Monday that will be distributed in the current fiscal year, and among the dozens of aerodromes in California slated for funding are Blythe Airport, French Valley Airport, Hemet-Ryan Airport, March Air Reserve Base and Palm Springs International Airport.

“As we continue to strengthen the National Airspace System, we are providing funding for airports to quickly put critical safety investments in across the country,” Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford said.

The aggregate outlay nationwide is $3.77 billion. California’s share comes to $306.44 million, according to transportation officials.

Blythe Airport is designated to receive two grants totaling $905,667. They’ll cover expenses tied to apron rehabilitation and lighting.

French Valley’s earmark will be $3.43 million, all for construction of a control tower. The airport, which serves southwest Riverside County, has grown substantially in air traffic volume over the last several decades. Pilots currently coordinate their own arrivals and departures at the non-controlled field. The future tower will not be staffed by FAA personnel, but rather contract controllers, which are also deployed at Riverside Municipal Airport and San Bernardino International Airport.

Hemet-Ryan will receive the largest local grant at $6.15 million, stipulated for runway improvements.

March ARB’s $1.31 million grant will pay for apron re-surfacing, and Palm Springs International’s $140,600 grant will go toward equipment acquisitions, according to federal officials.

The complete list can be found at faa.gov/airports/aip/2026_aip_grants.

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7 new members inducted into the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame

KEYT on September 15, 2026

Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – Four athletes, two coaches and one individual special achievement honoree highlight the 2026 induction class for the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame.

The ceremony took place inside Hatch Hall at Direct Relief and Noozhawk Sports Editor Diego Sandoval was the Master of Ceremonies.

Javier Acosta, special achievement: Santa Barbara High School heads groundskeeper for decades as well as other youth sports fields.

Artie Holland, baseball and football: Two sport star at San Marcos High School in the late 1970’s. Played baseball at SBCC and Fresno State.

Ben Howland, basketball coach: Played basketball at Dos Pueblos High School, SBCC and Weber State but made his mark as a head coach. He was a longtime assistant at UCSB before becoming a star head coach at Pittsburgh and then UCLA. He led the Bruins to three straight Final Four appearances (2006-2008).

Shantay Legans: basketball player: The 1999 Dos Pueblos High School graduate was a 2-time Santa Barbara County Player of the Year. He went on to play at Cal and Fresno State before playing professionally overseas. He is entering his fifth season as the head coach of the University of Portland.

Jordyn Lilly: basketball player: The 2015 CIF-SS Division 5A Player of the Year led Bishop Diego High School to a Southern Section title that same season.

Danelle Little Muhr: water polo coach: She guided Dos Pueblos High School to three consecutive CIF-SS championships in girls water polo (2008-2010). She won CIF-SS Coach of the Year in all three of those title years. Before coaching she played water polo at DP and UCSB.

Jenna Phreaner, water polo player: First Team All-CIF goalie for San Marcos High School girls water polo in 2013. She went on to star in the cage at UC Irvine and was named the 2018 Big West Tournament MVP in 2018.

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