Festival of Trees Will Hit Milestone This Year

KIFI on September 4, 2026

Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — There was a chill in the air this morning, which means the holidays will be here before we know it.

Two people who are already thinking about the holidays stopped by Local News 8 Live at Noon to tell us why this year’s Festival of Trees will be such a special one.

McKayla Matlack, the CEO of Development Workshop Inc., and Tim Sopalski, the foundation director, arrived in festive attire with a decked-out Christmas tree to remind us that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Trees.

They also announced this year’s theme: Nostalgia.

The theme is an invitation to look back at the last 60 years of the Festival of Trees, from past themes to the family traditions and memories that have made the event special to generations of Idaho Falls families.

Organizers are asking people to share their favorite Festival of Trees memories on social media, including photos of trees they’ve brought home from the event.

And there are plenty of ways to get involved. Volunteers are already needed, with committees working on everything from decorating trees and building crafts to baking goods. If the holiday season gets too busy, organizers say now is a great time to volunteer and help before the holiday rush begins.

There are also sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations interested in supporting the event.

To find out more about the Festival of Trees or learn how to volunteer or sponsor the event, visit their Facebook page.

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19 Ysleta ISD schools earn Purple Star designation for military family support

KVIA on September 4, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Nineteen schools in the Ysleta Independent School District earned Texas’ Purple Star designation, the district announced Thursday. The schools joined 329 campuses across Texas with designation for military family support.

YISD said it created the HERO Military Program, which provides military-connected families with a “welcoming, supportive path into the district and the El Paso community.”

The HERO program helps families through the enrollment process and connects them with campus and community resources.

Purple Star campuses host special programs and events throughout the school year, YISD said.

To earn the Purple Star honor, a Texas public school must demonstrate commitment to supporting military families. Requirements include a webpage with resources, a campus transition program and a military family assistance initiative.

“Military-connected students and their families make significant contributions to communities across our state,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath in a statement. “Purple Star campuses are leading the way in making sure these students feel welcomed, supported and connected to their communities.”

The newest Purple Star campuses at YISD are:

Alicia Chacon International Desertaire Elementary Dolphin Terrace Elementary Eastwood High School Eastwood Knolls International Eastwood Middle Glen Cove Elementary J.M. Hanks Middle North Star Elementary Parkland Elementary Parkland High School Parkland Pre-K Center Parkland Pre-Engineering Middle Pebble Hills Elementary REL Washington International Scotsdale Elementary Tierra Del Sol Elementary Vista Hills Elementary Young Women’s Leadership Academy Click here to follow the original article.

Paul Wagner picked as new Columbia Board of Education member

KMIZ on September 4, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Board of Education unanimously picked Paul Wagner to become its newest member during its Thursday meeting.

Five people filed to hold the seat formerly held by  Jeanne Snodgrass, who stepped down in July because she is moving. 

The other finalist was Erica Perry.

Wagner will be sworn in on Monday, Sept. 14.

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Man sentenced after Yuma softball fight

KYMA on September 4, 2026

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A man has been sentenced to three years of probation after a fight during a softball tournament earlier this year left another man seriously injured.

Nofoa Fagaima, 27, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

The fight happened during a men’s softball game at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex in May of this year.

Court documents said Fagaima punched another man in the face, causing fractures to his orbital bone and nose.

The victim’s family said the injuries could have long-term effects, including trouble eating and being unable to drive.

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Star on the Mountain to shine blue for Karol G

KVIA on September 4, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Keep your eye on the Star on the Mountain on Friday. As Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G takes over the Sun Bowl Stadium this weekend, the star will shine blue.

Live Nation and the El Paso Chamber organized the special lighting for the concerts set for Saturday and Sunday.

“The tribute recognizes the excitement surrounding her highly anticipated shows while highlighting El Paso’s growing presence as a destination for major live entertainment,” the El Paso Chamber said.

The Chamber and Live Nation previously collaborated to change the star’s colors for other concerts in the Sun City. The star shone rainbow for Coldplay, purple for K-pop group BTS and gold and white for Usher and Chris Brown’s upcoming concert.

When Karol G announced her tour dates included a stop in El Paso, the star’s color turned orange.

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Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-Deremer accused of misuse of funds and harassment

KTVZ on September 4, 2026

CNN

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNN) — A former Labor Secretary with ties to Oregon is under fire from the Labor Department’s internal watchdog.

A new 40-page report says Lori Chavez-Deremer spent public money on personal travel and tolerated harassment. It also found she had an inappropriate relationship with a member of her security detail.

More than three dozen witnesses said working in her office was quote “toxic, intimidating and humiliating.”

The report cited a whistleblower who alleged that staff disregarded federal spending limits on trips that mixed business and pleasure, including expensive hotels, rentals and strip clubs.

Chavez-Deremer resigned from her job in April. She had served as Labor Secretary for a year.

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Yuma doctor accused of fraud pleads guilty

KYMA on September 4, 2026

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma doctor accused of using his patients to steal millions of dollars from Medicaid pleaded guilty in court Friday.

Dr. Irfan Fazil, 54, pleaded guilty to fraud, illegal control of an enterprise, theft, and illegal procurement of a dangerous drug.

Under the plea agreement, Dr. Fazil, who founded Bio Family Clinic, will serve 7.5 years in prison for the fraud and illegal control of an enterprise charges.

Fazil will also serve 7.5 years of probation for the theft and dangerous drug charges, as well as lose his medical license and DEA registration.

As part of the agreement, Fazil must provide passwords for his cellphones and laptops, forfeit assets including planes and cars, and turn over all financial records.

Fazil, who will also have to pay $36 million in restitution to ACCHS, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2.

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Westmorland Elementary School District protects students in extreme weather

KYMA on September 4, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

WESTMORLAND, Calif. (KYMA) – When temperatures start climbing, schools in Imperial County have to make some changes to keep students safe.

The Westmorland Elementary School District (WESD) monitors the heat throughout the day, and depending on conditions, the school may add extra shade and water breaks, or move activities like recess and lunch indoors.

Educators use an app to check the daily conditions.

“It’s a heat safety app, and the app shows two temperatures. It shows a heat index and a wet bulb temperature. So, every morning throughout the day, we check the app…if it hits red or black on the app, then we go to indoor recess, indoor lunch, indoor PE,” said Rauna Fox with WESD.

WESD provides updates through their website, and families can get notifications about changes affecting their children.

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Divers recover body of missing Arizona man from Snake River

KIFI on September 4, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Divers with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of Teng Go on Friday, nearly a week after the Arizona man fell into the Snake River.

Go’s body was found around 10:30 a.m. about 46 feet underwater, just upstream from the Broadway Bridge.

This comes after officials reduced water flow from the Palisades Dam earlier this week to slow downstream currents near the downtown Broadway Bridge, where search operations are concentrated, in an effort to support dive teams.

“Divers and rescue personnel have been searching the area since last Sunday, taking advantage of lower water flow and improved conditions,” stated Sgt. Bryan Lovell in a news release.

Go, who fell into the river Sunday, Aug. 30, is the second visitor to drown along that stretch of the Greenbelt this summer. On June 4, John Green of Louisiana drowned after losing his footing on riverbank rocks while taking photos nearby.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says search crews remain on the water Friday in an attempt to locate Green’s body.

“Mr. Go’s body was turned over to the Idaho Falls Police Department and the Bonneville County Coroner who will continue their part of the investigation,” Lovell said. “Our thoughts are with the families of Mr. Go and Mr. Green.”

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TxDOT El Paso Warns of Holiday Travel Delays

KVIA on September 4, 2026

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-It’s the holiday weekend, and for many, that means taking one final summer trip. Lauren Macias-Cervantes with TxDOT El Paso says it is still important to get your vehicle in order if you choose to drive. More than 400,000 drivers requested roadside assistance on Labor Day week for typical problems such as dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and towing.

Before leaving, drivers should:

Check tire pressure and tread

Test the battery

Inspect fluid levels

Pack water, snacks, and emergency supplies

Carry a flashlight and jumper cables

Maybe a blanket, a towel and additional clothes or shoes

Traveling with children and/or pets will require additional preparation

If you are planning your route, make sure to check the weather conditions. One thing most people fail to consider is using a paper map. There are certain gaps in the service, and using maps is a good way to plan where to stop, take breaks, and stay overnight.

They are available at our travel information centers and also cover the parks. With Labor Day holidays, travel is usually packed into a shorter period, causing heavy congestion as holiday travelers mix with normal commuter traffic.

The worst times to travel are expected to be:

Friday, Sept. 4: noon to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

On Monday, 7th September, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Specifically, for I-10.

AAA advises drivers to leave early, take extra time for their journey, and, if at all possible, avoid setting off in the afternoon.

Closures to keep an eye on:

Artcraft Project

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Friday, Sept. 11

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Redd exit ramp on I-10 eastbound full closure

Crews will be placing form work for caps.

Thursday, Sept. 10

9 p.m. – 6 a.m.

I-10 east and westbound between Transmountain and Artcraft full closure

Crews will be placing concrete bridge deck.

Upcoming Closure

Thursday, Sept. 17

9 p.m. – 6 a.m.

I-10 east and westbound between Transmountain and Artcraft full closure

Crews will be placing concrete bridge deck.

Loop 375 Rehabilitation Project

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Thursday, Sept. 10

8 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

Loop 375 (Border Highway) west and eastbound between Fonseca and Oregon full closure Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound exit ramp to Paisano (Exit 20) full closure Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound exit ramp to US-54 East and I-10 West one lane closure

Crews will be working on milling, paving, and guardrail.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10

6 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound off ramp to US-54 eastbound and I-10 westbound one lane closure

Crews will be working on guardrail.

I-10 Landscape and Aesthetics Project

Tuesday, September 8 – Friday, September 11

Daily, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

I-10 westbound right lane closure between Lee Trevino Drive to Yarbrough Drive

Crews will be sealing joints and working on landscaping.

Montana Widening Project

Thursday, September 10 and Friday, September 11

Nightly, 9 p.m.-5 a.m.

Montana Avenue eastbound right lane closure from Leticia Street to Joe Battle Boulevard The northbound to southbound U-turn along Joe Battle Boulevard will be closed.

Crews will be placing Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).

Purple Heart 375 Widening Project

Tuesday, September 8 – Friday, September 11

Daily 5 a.m.- 5p.m.

Loop 375 north- and southbound alternating lane closures between Montana Avenue and Spur 601

Crews will be doing shoulder work.

Road Repair

9 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Night)

Tuesday, Sept. 8

I-10 east between Copia and Raynolds two right lanes closed Copia entrance Ramp to I-10 east closed

Wednesday, Sept. 9

I-10 eastbound between Viscount and Hawkins alternate lane closure

Thursday, Sept. 10

I-10 westbound between Viscount and Hawkins alternate lane closure

Concrete Work

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Friday, Sept. 11

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

I-10 westbound between Schuster and Executive right lane closed

Crews will be pouring concrete rip rap.

Guardrail Repair

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 8

Loop 375 westbound (Transmountain/Woodrow Bean) at Railroad right lane closed

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Loop 375 (Border Highway) between Fonseca and US-54 right lane closed

Thursday, Sept. 10

SH-20 Doniphan westbound between La Union and Chanate right lane closed

Friday, Sept. 11

Loop 375 (Transmountain) eastbound at Northwestern left lane closed

Maintenance

Tuesday, Sept. 8– Sunday, Sept. 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ramp C at US-54 North to I-10 West closed

Crews will be trimming trees.

I-10 East between Mesa and Resler left lane closed

Crews will be cleaning.

5 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13

US-54 South two right lanes closed Exit 21A closed I-10 East between US-54 and Raynolds right lane closed Raynolds exit closed

Sunday, Sept. 20

US-54 South two right lanes closed Exit 21A closed US-54 North between I-10 and Yandell right lane closed

Crews working on bridge joints.

Closure Links:

West Area Project Closures

I-10 Widening West Closures

East Area Project Closures 

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