Old Spanish Days Thanks Volunteers for Hours of Assistance During Fiesta 2026

KEYT on September 11, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – As part of the final wrap up for Old Spanish Days this year, volunteers were treated to a dinner last night and a chance to see their team one more time.

They came together at the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum in Santa Barbara where the Old Spanish Days headquarters is located.Some of the volunteers have years of experience.They have roles at many events including El Desfile Historico, the Fiesta parade, La Misa, the special Fiesta Mass, Fiesta Pequena and several other locations.This year’s El Presidente Colin Hayward says the volunteers are the heart and soul of the organizing group that puts the event together each year.

“They get it. They really dig in to the spirit, the tradition, the culture, the history, the 100 year history of Old Spanish Days,” said Hayward. “It is one of those things. Before you know it, you are in it and it is really fun. The flamenco, the dancing, the music.”

Among those assisting with the meal prep and set up was volunteer coordinator and Old Spanish Days Director, Stephanie Coghlan.

Some of the volunteers are already planning to clear their schedules to be ready for Fiesta 2027.They often invite thier friends or family members to join them.Being a volunteer is also a way to get a close up role with Old Spanish Days and possibly join the board in the future.

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Multiple crashes involving three vehicles investigated on U.S. 20

KIFI on September 11, 2026

Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State Police is investigating multiple crashes that happened Thursday, September 10, on eastbound U.S. 20 near milepost 313 in Idaho Falls.

According to ISP, a 25-year-old man from Rigby was driving a 2017 Audi A4 when the vehicle left the roadway, went through a fence and came to rest near railroad tracks.

While emergency crews were at the scene, a 34-year-old woman from Rexburg was driving by and slowed down for the emergency response. ISP says her car was then rear-ended by a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 68-year-old woman from Idaho Falls.

The woman from Rexburg was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

ISP says all drivers involved were wearing seatbelts.

The crashes remain under investigation.

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Bend Firefighter Reflects on 25 years Since Deployment to Ground Zero

KTVZ on September 11, 2026

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Former Bend Fire and Rescue Shift Battalion Chief Bob Madden reflected on his deployment to Ground Zero and the lasting impacts of the terror attacks as the nation marks 25 years since Sept. 11, 2001.

Madden was among the Central Oregon first responders deployed to New York City following the attack on the World Trade Center.

‘It was our Pearl Harbor’

Madden’s task force was activated in the days following the attacks, sending his team across the country to provide logistical support for crews working at Ground Zero.

The team was stationed at Firehouse 10, known as Ten House, located directly across the street from the World Trade Center site.

Madden recalled waking up on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, to news that American Airlines Flight 11 had struck the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time. He spoke with his two sons before heading into work early alongside fellow firefighters who gathered around television screens.

“It was our Pearl Harbor,” Madden said. “So, you know, people my age will know exactly what they were doing at the moment. They found out just like my parents did Pearl Harbor.”

Watching the towers fall

As Madden arrived at the fire station, the South Tower collapsed 56 minutes after being struck. At 10:30 a.m. Eastern time, after burning for one hour and 42 minutes, the North Tower also collapsed, spreading dust and rubble across Lower Manhattan.

“I remember telling the boys, my two sons, that something bad happened, but you’re going to be okay,” Madden said. “And then shortly after I walked in, the South Tower collapsed. That was the second one hit, but the first one that collapsed.”

Madden added that as the towers fell, crew members realized the catastrophic scale of the loss, thinking of tens of thousands of civilians and hundreds of first responders gone in an instant.

Central Oregon team called to help

Community members visited Bend fire stations in solidarity as first responders prepared for potential deployment. Madden admitted he was initially skeptical that federal or local officials in New York would need assistance from an Oregon crew, though his wife insisted their team would be called.

“And sure enough, our team got called,” Madden said.

He recalled his familiarity with Lower Manhattan, where his father had grown up in Brooklyn and where Madden had once posed for a photograph in front of the World Trade Center towers while they were under construction.

Inside Ten House

Upon arriving in New York, Madden’s assignment focused on logistical support to ensure ground crews had necessary supplies. His team set up a command post upstairs at Ten House, the home of Engine 10 and Ladder 10, which was among the first stations to respond when the towers were struck. Five firefighters from Ten House died during rescue operations.

“We walked through the locker room and the lockers of the guys that didn’t come home that day,” Madden said. “Their stuff was still there. Their lockers were open, their shoes were there and nobody had touched them.”

Health impacts continue decades later

More than 300 firefighters, 71 police officers and 60 other first responders died on Sept. 11, 2001. In the decades since, health complications related to Ground Zero exposure have affected thousands more. According to the World Trade Center Health Program, more than 154,000 people have enrolled in the program, including 95,000 first responders and workers who served at Ground Zero.

Several members of Madden’s task force have suffered long-term health consequences, including chronic lung issues and cancer. The team’s incident commander died a year ago after undergoing a lung transplant.

“I am worried. I’m still worried,” Madden said regarding his own health and that of his fellow responders. “Right now knock on wood I’m okay. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be in the future.”

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Palm Springs Pride announces 2026 Pride Honors Award recipients

KESQ on September 11, 2026

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Greater Palm Springs Pride announced the honorees for the 2026 Pride Honors Awards.

The awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose dedication, advocacy, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community across the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Organizers said this year’s ceremony carries special significance as Palm Springs marks the 40th Anniversary of Pride, a legacy sparked in 1986 when the Desert Business Association helped lay the foundation for the region’s first Pride celebration.

The 2026 Pride Honors Awards will be presented on September 24, 2026, at the Palm Springs Hilton. Tickets on pspride.org.

Spirit of Pride Award: André Chambers

Presented to an individual who enhances the quality of life in the region by raising awareness to advance equality, promote diversity, and celebrate the strength and talent of the LGBTQ+ community.Known affectionately as the “Gay Glitter Mayor of Palm Springs,” André Chambers is an author, artist, advocate, and registered nurse specializing in addiction recovery. A former Eagle LA Mr. Leather titleholder, Chambers brings compassion and visibility to every corner of his work—from mentoring within the leather community to advocating for transgender youth. His story of resilience is featured in the award-winning documentary Merman.

Business of Pride Award: Andy Wysocki & Bill Sanderson (Townie Bagels)

Celebrating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and inclusive businesses that blend commercial excellence with advocacy and set the standard for economic empowerment, driving innovation, and proving that authenticity and equality are the cornerstones of lasting success.After relocating to Palm Springs in 2007, partners Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson turned a quest for an authentic New York-style bagel into a beloved local institution. Founded at the local Farmers’ Market and established in Warm Sands in 2015, Townie Bagels serves as a neighborhood anchor rooted in traditional baking, active community support, and a 35-year partnership.

Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year: Desert Business Association (DBA)

Recognizing an outstanding group with a proven commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the Coachella Valley.Founded in 1979, the DBA is one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce. Representing over 375 members, the DBA champions small businesses through networking, educational programming, and contract readiness. Notably, the DBA played a foundational role in launching Palm Springs Pride 40 years ago. Before becoming a street parade, Palm Springs Pride began in the mid-1980s as the DBA’s indoor “Sizzle” fundraisers. Early organizers shaped its foundation: Bob Hoven co-founded the 1986 event during the AIDS crisis; Dr. Barry Woods ensured financial survival; Dr. Herb Lazenby unified the community; and Greg Pettis moved Pride into public spaces by 1990.

Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride Award: Kristie Dore

Honoring an ally whose unwavering dedication, leadership, and heart have helped build a more inclusive Coachella Valley. This award celebrates an individual who uses their platform to advocate for equality, elevate LGBTQ+ voices, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our community over time.As Director of Event Services at the Palm Springs Convention Center for 13 years, Kristie Dore has led the execution of major regional events, including the Harvey Milk Breakfast and conferences for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the LGBTQ+ International Travel Association. As a board member for the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, Dore has dedicated her career to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces across the valley.

Community Service Award: Leslie Barclay

Presented in recognition of an extraordinary individual or organization whose selfless dedication, tireless volunteerism, and visionary leadership uplift our community, creating a lasting legacy of compassion, empowerment, and meaningful progress for all.Serving as the LGBTQ Specialist at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Leslie Barclay has spent four decades championing inclusion and opportunity across the industry. Since 1994, she has leveraged corporate partnerships to fuel vital grassroots initiatives, lending tireless support to civil rights advocates, regional community centers, local health initiatives, and statewide equality organizations.

Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year: Randy Perrin

Presented in celebration of an exceptional advocate whose hands-on dedication, unwavering spirit, and selfless grassroots service inspire hope, strengthen our community from the ground up, and turn everyday commitment into transformative action.A longtime advocate who began volunteering during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and helped start the Federal GLOBE Southern California Chapter at the IRS, Randy Perrin has dedicated his retirement to community service. As an active leader with Gay For Good (G4G) Palm Springs, Perrin mobilizes volunteers for environmental cleanups, school projects, and local non-profit support

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State land leases for AgTech terminated

KYMA on September 11, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

UPDATE (8:56 PM): AgTech has released the following statement regarding their state land leases being terminated:

“We can confirm that an AgTech employee received notice today from the Arizona State Land Department regarding our leases and we received the same information via email from the assistant to the Commissioner.

We are surprised and disappointed by this development and are carefully reviewing the notice and the circumstances surrounding the decision. We firmly believe that we have been responsible stewards of the land, as testing by ADEQ supports, and remain deeply committed to the Yuma community and to our employees.

Our legal team is evaluating the matter, and AgTech intends to exercise all rights available to us, including our right to appeal under applicable Arizona law.

We remain committed to working constructively with the State while protecting the interests of our employees, our community, and our company.”

UPDATE (6:06 PM): State Rep. Mariana Sandoval (D-District 23) has issued the following statement regarding AgTech’s leases being terminated.

“As one of the legislators representing this area, I applaud Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona State Land Department for taking action to terminate the state land leases held by AgTech LLC and related entities. 

For far too long, local residents, farmers, and businesses have raised serious concerns about the impacts of this operation on our community, including odors, flies, dust, truck traffic, and the overall quality of life for families living nearby. This has been a significant concern raised by the residents I represent, and I am glad to see meaningful action taken to remove this dump site from our community. 

Our communities deserve to be good neighbors to one another, and Arizona’s state lands should be managed in a way that protects the health, safety, quality of life, and economic interests of the people who live and work here. 

I commend Governor Hobbs and the Arizona State Land Department for listening to the concerns of Yuma County residents and taking this important step. I look forward to continuing to work with state and local leaders to ensure our community is protected and that its concerns are heard.”

State Rep. Mariana Sandoval (D-District 23)

AgTechDumpSiteReleaseDownload

UPDATE (5:53 PM): Yuma County District 3 Supervisor Jonathan Lines has issued the following statement:

“On September 10, the Arizona State Land Department informed Yuma County that it had notified its lessee, AgTech, LLC, that the agricultural leases addressed in ASLD’s notice would not be renewed. The County appreciates ASLD’s attention to this matter and its continued communication with the Board.

ASLD stated that its decision was based on its determination that the lessee had not been in substantial compliance with the terms of the agricultural lease. That determination was made by ASLD under its authority to manage State Trust Land.

Yuma County’s role has been to communicate concerns received from nearby residents, agricultural producers, and businesses to the agency responsible for the land. In December 2025, the Board asked ASLD to terminate the month-to-month lease identified in its letter and consider a future use consistent with the responsibilities of the State Land Trust and compatible with the surrounding community.

The lessee has appeal rights. ASLD advised that, if an appeal is not pursued, the lessee will have 90 days to cease operations and an additional 90 days to vacate the property. The County will rely on ASLD for confirmed information regarding the status and timing of that process.

This is a lease-specific decision involving the identified State Trust Land. It does not create a statewide prohibition on biosolids or change Arizona laws and regulatory requirements governing biosolids elsewhere in the state.

Separate from this lease decision, Yuma County remains committed to its statutory seat on the Biosolids Study Committee established by Senate Bill 1336. The Committee will review biosolids use statewide, including on State Trust Land, evaluate Arizona’s policy on accepting biosolids from other states, and recommend any rule or legislative changes it determines are necessary.”

UPDATE (5:43 PM): Anchor Andrea Turisk was live to provide details of AgTech’s leases being terminated.

To watch the livestream of the update, see attached video.

PHOENIX (KYMA) – Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) said the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) has terminated five state land agricultural leases held by AgTech and other related entities in Yuma County.

In a press release, AgTech leased state land back in 2002, and in 2025, it “applied over 68,000 dry metric tons of treated sewage sludge with over 97% of that coming from California utilities.”

“I’m proud of the Arizona State Land Department for taking this critical action to protect the best interests of the State Land Trust,” said Gov. Hobbs. “Arizona is not a disposal site for California’s treated sewage sludge, and AgTech’s commercial operations on Arizona state land were damaging local businesses, hurting Arizona farmers, and eroding the quality of life of families in the community, all at the expense of Trust beneficiaries, largely K-12 education. I’m proud we have protected Yuma County from the harmful environmental and economic impacts of their operation. My administration will continue taking action to put Arizona first and protect our state land.”

The Governor’s Office said AgTech has a 90-day period before they have to be off the land. The cancellation of the leases is immediate, but they have a few months to wind down their operations on those parcels of land.

In addition, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes responded to AgTech’s leases being terminated saying in part, “For too long, the people of Yuma were told to live with the flies, the smell, and the uncertainty about what was going into their soil and water. No Arizonan should have to put up with such conditions.”

The announcement comes a week after the Yuma City Council voted to renew their contract with AgTech.

However, the news of the contract renewal drew mixed reaction within the Yuma community as farmers, businesses and homeowners “raised concerns about fly infestations, overwhelming odors, and the spread of dust and debris in the area,” according to the Governor’s Office.

After ASLD conducted an inspection, they found AgTech was not in compliance with its leases, prompting Land Commissioner Robyn Michelle Sahid to determine “that continued leasing of the land to AgTech LLC and related entities was not in the best interest of the State Land Trust,” the Governor’s Office said.

In addition, the Yuma County Board of Supervisors wrote a letter to ASLD, raising concerns about AgTech’s presence on state land.

To read the letter in full, click here.

We have reached out to AgTech for comment and we’re waiting to hear back.

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Silver advisory canceled after St. Charles County woman found

KMIZ on September 11, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A silver advisory was issued on Thursday evening for a 72-year-old woman with dementia and diabetes.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol sent out the advisory that was issued for the St. Charles County Police Department.

The release says Pamalee Ross Willenbrink  — 5 feet, 4 inches; 200 pounds – was last seen at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Defiance, Missouri.

An updated release sent at 7:30 p.m. says Willenbrink has returned home and is safe.

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Boone County election officials are prepared for November despite recent legal back and forth over congressional maps

KMIZ on September 10, 2026

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone County Election officials will move forward with creating ballots for the November election that align with Missouri’s 2022 congressional map rather than the 2025 “Missouri First” map.

This comes amid litigation and rulings by the Missouri and U.S. Supreme court over which map will be active when voters cast their ballot.

Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said her office is going based off of the Missouri Supreme Court’s directive that the “Missouri First” map is not law. On Thursday, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins ordered the use of a 2022 congressional map for the November election in an effort to “purge” himself of contempt.

Missouri voters cast ballots in the August primary based on the 2025 map, which is also now up for a vote in November.

The 2025 map breaks up the safely Democratic Fifth District of Kansas City into several other districts, which critics and experts claimed would have given Republicans a 7-1 advantage in U.S. House seats in Missouri. 

However, federal judge on Tuesday ordered the Missouri secretary of state to use a 2025 congressional map, just days after the Missouri Supreme Court’s ruling. Federal Eastern District of Missouri Judge Stephen Clark said in that ruling that switching maps before the general election would cancel primary votes.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals turned it down then turned down an appeal to their decision made by People Not Politicians’, the group leading opposition to the 2025 Map. PNP then submitted an appeal of that decision to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

A briefing in that case is set for Sept. 17, just one day before ballots are sent out for military and overseas voters. Lennon said her office will be watching closely for a decision in that case, but until a clear order is made her office is has its hands tied.

“There won’t be anything that we can really do other than just be very aware that things could change,” Lennon said. “If they do, we will need to update our ballots and get them ready to go.”

If a change is ordered and the 2025 map is put back into effect for the November election, Lennon said her office is prepared.

“Is certainly something that has happened in the past in Missouri,” Lennon said. “We do have printers in-house that we can print those ballots on and our absentee voting is printed on demand.”

A new ballot for military and overseas voters would also require additional voter education, according to Lennon.

“We would let the voters know that something has been updated on their ballot and they would need to ignore the previous one that was sent,” Lennon said.

Lennon said a final decision around which map is in place doesn’t mean the end of ongoing litigation and legal confusion.

“We just held a primary on new maps and if the referendum goes forward, then those new maps no longer exist at all,” Lennon said. “I think that those are all open legal questions that after the election, there will still be court cases about. I guess the the final date for all of that will be when Congress decides to seat whoever is deemed the winners of the congressional districts.”

Overseas and military ballots are due to the Boone County Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to the election.

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Palm Desert City Council tables SCE power outage resolution until November

KESQ on September 10, 2026

Luis Avila

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Desert City Council voted unanimously Thursday to table a proposed resolution asking Southern California Edison to minimize planned power outages during the summer.

The proposal comes after concerns over a maintenance outage in July that would have affected 878 customers during a period of extreme heat. The outage was later rescheduled by SCE.

During Thursday’s meeting, residents shared concerns about the impact planned outages can have on local businesses.

City leaders also raised concerns about how much notice the city and residents receive before planned outages.

“I understand for emergency outages, but we have residents saying even when it’s a planned outage they don’t know until it happens,” said Councilmember Karina Quintanilla.

SCE representatives encouraged residents to use the utility’s online resources to stay informed about planned outages.

“That’s probably the most important thing I will tell you, residents out here, be prepared for anything,” the SCE representative said.

SCE said it is following the guidelines currently in place while balancing planned maintenance with the need to maintain a reliable power grid.

The utility also said rescheduling some maintenance could delay projects and create additional reliability and safety risks.

During the discussion, the Mayor Evan Trubee asked whether SCE could commit to avoiding planned outages during the summer months.

The SCE representative responded, “We can do as much as we can — we try to do outages for five hours or at nights.”

City leaders acknowledged the need for regular maintenance but said they also want to limit the impact outages can have on the community.

The resolution will now return to the council in November, giving city leaders and SCE more time to discuss the proposal and address questions about how planned outages are scheduled and communicated.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Columbia utility customers can round up bills to help neighbors in need

KMIZ on September 10, 2026

Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is giving residents a new way to help neighbors struggling to pay their utility bills.

The city announced Wednesday that customers can now donate through their monthly utility bills by rounding their payment up to the nearest dollar. The average donation is expected to be about 50 cents a month, with contributions capped at $11.88 over a full year.

For example, a customer with a $74.35 utility bill could round their payment up to $75, with the additional 65 cents going toward a fund that provides financial assistance to Columbia residents experiencing financial hardship.

The program comes as the city works to stretch its existing utility assistance funding. Austin Krohn, a spokesperson for Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, said the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $600,000 for utility assistance.

The program ran out of funding quickly during Fiscal Year 2026. According to previous reporting, the city had spent about $580,000 of its $600,000 annual budget just two months into the fiscal year. That prompted Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services to request an additional $200,000 from reserves.

Krohn said the city plans to take a different approach this upcoming fiscal year.

“We are planning to reduce the assistance amount from $900 per household for electric bills to $500 per household. We also plan to put an $80k a month cap in place,” Krohn wrote in an email.

The city hopes the program will help about 1,200 people, although officials do not yet know how much money the new donation program will raise. Eligible recipients will receive a set amount of assistance.

Two groups of residents may qualify for utility assistance: Seniors and people with disabilities, as well as families with children.

Applicants may qualify if they or someone in their household is older than 60 years old or permanently disabled. Families may also qualify if the applicant is the parent or legal guardian of a child and meets the program’s custody and school requirements.

Applicants must also meet residency and income requirements. Their household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and they must be permanent Boone County residents or Boone Electric customers who meet the other eligibility requirements.

Once customers enroll in the donation program, their participation is automatic and the contribution will appear on their monthly utility statement. Customers who want to give more can choose a fixed monthly donation of $1, $5 or $10, or make a one-time contribution.

The City said contributions to the utility assistance fund are tax-deductible.

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Palm Springs International Airport offers numerous seasonal routes

KESQ on September 10, 2026

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Alaska Airlines’ seasonal nonstop service between Palm Springs International Airport and Charles M. Schulz — Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa returned today.

“Seasonal service is starting earlier at PSP, and that means more options for our travelers for more of the year,” Victoria Carpenter, interim executive director of aviation, said in a statement. “Santa Rosa is a great way to kick things off, and we’re excited to see airline partners continue extending popular routes beyond the traditional peak winter season.”

The route will operate Thursday through April 25, 2027, with flights offered five days a week, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, aboard Alaska Airlines’ 76-seat Embraer 175 aircraft, officials said.

Airport officials said the seasonal route returned six weeks earlier than last year. Additionally, other seasonal routes will be back earlier than last year, including Delta’s service to Minneapolis starting Saturday, United Airlines to Houston on Sept. 24, Alaska Airlines’ service to Boise, Idaho on Nov. 20 and Southwest Airlines service to Austin, Texas starting on Nov. 21.

“The growing schedule gives Coachella Valley travelers more opportunities to fly nonstop from their hometown airport while making the beginning of PSP’s busy travel season,” airport officials said.

To find schedules and booking information, go to flyPSP.com/deals.

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