Ramon Chavoya launches run for El Centro City Council

KYMA on September 28, 2026

Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A new face is entering the local political arena as 22-year-old El Centro native Ramon Chavoya officially launches his campaign for a seat on the El Centro City Council.

Running to challenge the political status quo, Chavoya hopes to inject a fresh, next-generation perspective into local leadership.

Chavoya is deeply rooted in the community. He grew up in El Centro with both of his parents and his brothers.

He graduated from Southwest High School, attended Imperial Valley College (IVC), and is currently continuing his education as a student at San Diego State University’s Imperial Valley Campus.

His decision to enter the race stemmed from a feeling that the current city council does not accurately represent the community’s shifting realities.

Chavoya noted that none of the current council members are young, active students, or individuals actively trying to build a new future while struggling to pay rent, car payments, and high gas prices.

“I understand what it’s like to live those experiences right now, not like 10 or 20 years ago,” Chavoya said. “I’m just asking voters to take a chance on me because I know I’m young, and I know I don’t have the political or life experience as the other candidates, but I deal with the same issues that they do.”

Chavoya’s core mission is to create an environment where young residents do not feel forced to leave the Imperial Valley to find success. He is asking voters to give him the opportunity to learn and grow so he can be a true voice for the younger generation that is destined to lead the city.

If elected, his platform focuses on shifting local policy to prioritize small businesses, community togetherness, and young adults through several key initiatives:

Fostering a Local Economy: Advocating for more opportunities for local small businesses and establishing a designated community marketplace. Simplifying the Business Permit Process: Streamlining city bureaucracy to support aspiring entrepreneurs. “You know as a city we complain that there’s not enough local businesses and job opportunities, but then we make it harder for people to start businesses,” Chavoya noted. Banning Data Centers: Halting data center developments within El Centro to focus on alternative local growth and community engagement. Creating a City Internship Program: One of the things he is most excited to implement is a municipal internship program to offer young adults direct, hands-on experience in local politics and governance.

Chavoya highlighted the importance of mentorship and hands-on preparation for upcoming leaders.

“I want to create a program for young people, high schoolers, and college students to get involved so that they understand a little bit of what the environment is politically, locally and if they want to pursue a future in public service, then they have that background to back them up,” he explained.

Chavoya’s platform has already garnered institutional backing, receiving an official endorsement from the Imperial County Democratic Central Committee.

“They see that young people are ready, and I’m thankful that they support me like that and I just hope other people will too,” Chavoya said.

Voters and community members interested in meeting the candidate can attend an upcoming campaign meet-and-greet. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 6 at Bucklin Park in El Centro from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Amberly’s Place hosts domestic violence conference in Yuma

KYMA on September 28, 2026

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local nonprofit hosted a domestic violence conference in Yuma Monday.

Law enforcement agencies and domestic violence experts gathered to bring awareness and strengthen their partnership.

Amberly’s Place held its second annual domestic violence conference, titled “Breaking the Silence, Building a Safer Tomorrow,” with 150 participants across the state, including Yuma County, learning ways to work together between agencies to reduce violence in struggling communities.

“When you gather groups to train and have the opportunity to learn together, it strengthens the collaboration and builds community and gives everyone the opportunity to network, but more importantly, to learn something new that may help us in our response to survivals and victims,” said Tori Bourguignon, Executive Director of Amberly’s Place.

One in three women, and one in four men, experience domestic violence in the U.S., which is one of the reasons Amberly’s Place organizes these kind of events to bring awareness.

“If you see something, say something. It is imperative that we do everything that we can to help folks as they are struggling. No one have to live in a violent relationship,” Bourguignon expressed.

Amberly’s Place is holding events throughout October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

If you or anyone you know needs help, click here.

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Palm Springs Police warn of permit payment scam

KESQ on September 28, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) is alerting residents and businesses to a nationwide phishing scam involving criminals impersonating city and county planning and zoning officials to solicit fraudulent permit payments.

Scammers are targeting individuals and businesses with active land-use permit applications. Using publicly available information, they send convincing emails containing legitimate property addresses, permit numbers, and names of government officials. These emails request payment for fraudulent permit fees, often through wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment services, or cryptocurrency.

Verify all payment requests directly with the City using official contact information. Be cautious of unsolicited emails requesting immediate payment. Carefully inspect email addresses for suspicious or non-governmental domains. Never send payments without independently confirming the legitimacy of the request.

If you receive a suspicious permit payment request or become a victim of this scam within the City of Palm Springs, report the incident to the Palm Springs Police Department. Victims are also encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

For additional information about this nationwide scam, read the FBI’s official public service announcement

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Person dies after medical emergency in vehicle near I-10 and SR-62 near Whitewater

KESQ on September 28, 2026

City News Service

WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was killed today when a vehicle went down an embankment near Whitewater.

The incident was reported shortly before 2 p.m. Monday near eastbound Interstate 10 and state Route 62, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Emergency crews responded to a reported medical emergency, and an occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

It was not immediately clear whether the person killed was the driver or another occupant.

The CHP’s incident log indicated that a tow truck was requested to retrieve the vehicle from the embankment.

The circumstances surrounding the death were not immediately known.

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Dolly Day event huge success, local real estate agency says

KYMA on September 28, 2026

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Keller Williams Realty Yuma said their Dolly Day event late last week was a huge success.

Locals around the Yuma community gathered for a little nine-to-five Friday night as they celebrated Dolly Parton’s legacy, but also donated to a good cause.

During the event, they had Dolly Parton music, karaoke, raffles, a signature Dolly drink, and a photo area.

Those who attended were encouraged to bring new unopened makeup, hair products, and children’s books, which were donated to Crossroads Mission to help women and children in the community. 

The free event was designed to bring people together for an evening of fun, connection, and a little bit of giving back.

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Sure Helpline Center to host Farmworker Resource Fair in El Centro

KYMA on September 28, 2026

Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – An upcoming event in El Centro aims to connect local agricultural workers and their families with essential community services.

The Sure Helpline Center, in partnership with Goodwill Imperial County and the UFW Foundation, is hosting a Farmworker Resource Fair on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

The free, family-friendly event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Goodwill Outlet Center, located at 351 Wake Avenue, in El Centro.

The fair will feature a variety of local agencies offering community resources, vital workers’ rights information, and promotional giveaways. Free snacks and drinks will also be provided to all attendees.

Organizers emphasize that these fairs are critical for keeping the Imperial Valley community informed, educated, and connected to support systems.

Beyond immediate community aid, the event provides a vital platform to raise awareness about local domestic violence and sexual assault support services.

Jose Luis Mendoza, Lead Advocate and Project Coordinator for the Sure Helpline Center, highlighted the barriers that local agricultural workers often face when attempting to access help.

“It is hard for them sometimes to reach out for services,” Mendoza said. “May they live here in the community, but they are not familiar with the services that we have that the community offers, so those events really help them to get connected to the services.”

For residents and families who are unable to attend the resource fair in person, Mendoza noted that the organization’s advocacy and crisis resources remain fully accessible year-round, regardless of location or timing.

“We do have a 24-hour crisis line that is available even on weekends and holidays, and walk-ins are also available,” Mendoza explained.

For more information regarding the event, contact Gabriela Cabrales or Oliva Gonzalez at 760-352-7878.

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Gun found in Blair Oaks student’s vehicle

KMIZ on September 28, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A gun was found on the campus of another Mid-Missouri school on Monday.

Blair Oaks Superintendent Ben Meldrum wrote in a statement to parents a gun was found in a student’s vehicle on campus. Meldrum told ABC 17 News that the gun was “never in any school building.”

“Blair Oaks families: This morning, District administration was notified that a firearm was located in a student’s vehicle on campus. A search was conducted immediately and a firearm was located,” the statement to parents reads. “We appreciate the individual who made the report so quickly and law enforcement’s prompt response. Though this incident did not involve any threat of violence to students or staff, the Safe Schools Act requires specific action on the part of the District, and we are moving forward with next steps. We cannot share additional information regarding this incident due to student privacy laws.”

A similar incident was reported at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia earlier this month, and a student at Hickman High School was found with a gun in their backpack on Monday.

ABC 17 News has reached out to the Cole County Sheriff’s Office.

Check back for updates.

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Vero Fiber Networks begins construction in El Centro

KYMA on September 28, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro said Vero Fiber Networks has begun construction of a new fiber-optic network in southwest El Centro Monday.

While work began near Ross and S. Imperial Avenues with potholing and utility verification, the City said, “The initial construction area is generally located between South Imperial Avenue and South La Brucherie Road, from Ross Avenue south to Ocotillo Drive.”

After that, the City said, “Crews will then move west along Ross Avenue and into surrounding residential areas as construction progresses.”

The City said the project will include directional boring, which is expected to begin October 5, “conduit installation, pull boxes and handholes, fiber placement and restoration of areas disturbed during construction.”

The City also said the construction of the initial project area is expected to go until late October or early November, “depending on field conditions and schedule adjustments.”

During that time, the City said there will be traffic control in place, driveway access will be maintained, and safe pedestrian access provided through and/or around active work areas.

In addition, drivers are encouraged by the City to use caution around construction crews and equipment, follow posted traffic signs, and allow extra time when driving through active work zones.

To learn more about this, read the press release, written in English and Spanish, below.

VeroFiberConstPREngDownload VeroFiberConstPRSpaDownload

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Man ‘covered’ in manure arrested after high-speed chase on Highway 63 ends in cow pasture, court docs say

KMIZ on September 28, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man was arrested Sunday morning after a high-speed chase ended in a Boone County cow pasture.

Kameran Bloodson, 19, was charged on Monday with aggravated fleeing, leaving the scene of an accident and misdemeanor speeding. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An arraignment was held on Monday afternoon.

The probable cause statement says a deputy was monitoring southbound Highway 63 at Turkey Creek at 2:29 a.m. Sunday when Bloodson was seen driving a Dodge Challenger 112 miles per hour.

The deputy turned on his emergency lights and a chase started. Court documents claim Bloodson at one point was going 150-160 mph while passing other vehicles on Highway 63.

Bloodson allegedly turned into a business’ gravel parking lot in the 13000 block of South Highway 63, lost control of the vehicle and crash it into a barbed wire fence and cow pasture, the statement says.

Bloodson tried to run away, but was eventually caught about 150 yards from the vehicle after he was “covered in mud and cow feces, and gave up,” the statement says.

The crash allegedly caused more than $1,000 worth of damage, per the statement.

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Rep. Janelle Bynum leads request to Congress for formal review of EPA’s microplastics regulation

KTVZ on September 28, 2026

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding Rep. Janelle Bynum lead request)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, and two other congressional lawmakers led a group of 24 members of Congress today in requesting a formal review of the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to study and regulate microplastics in drinking water and ecosystems.

Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, sent a letter to U.S. Government Accountability Office Acting Comptroller General Orice W. Brown asking the nonpartisan agency to audit the EPA’s microplastics activities.

The requested GAO review asks for a complete accounting of EPA research, monitoring capabilities, risk assessments and regulatory policies regarding micro- and nanoplastics since fiscal year 2023.

The audit request comes as the EPA’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Strategic Research Action Plan for fiscal years 2023 through 2026 nears its conclusion.

Lawmakers stated that Congress lacks a clear assessment of what the agency has accomplished and what additional work is necessary to establish reliable monitoring and health risk evaluations.

In their joint letter to the GAO, Bynum, Krishnamoorthi, Watson Coleman and their colleagues wrote, “Even as the EPA’s FY2023-FY2026 research plan approaches its conclusion, Congress lacks a clear assessment of what the EPA has accomplished in its work on microplastics and what work remains necessary to support reliable monitoring, risk assessment and potential regulatory action.”

In April 2026, the EPA published its draft Contaminant Candidate List 6, which included microplastics as a priority contaminant for research and potential regulation. However, when the EPA published its proposed Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule in July 2026, the agency omitted microplastics from the list of contaminants public water systems would be required to monitor.

In December 2025, seven governors had petitioned the EPA to include microplastics in the monitoring rule. Although the agency requested method development input in February 2024, the EPA stated in its July 2026 proposal that no validated analytical method was available in time to meet statutory deadlines.

In response to the omission, congressional lawmakers have pushed for expanded oversight of microplastics across multiple federal agencies.

In July, Rep. Bynum led a bicameral letter requesting the EPA add microplastics to the drinking water monitoring rule. Bynum also introduced the Microplastics Safety Act, a bipartisan bill that would direct the Food and Drug Administration to conduct a study examining the health impacts of microplastics in food, water and consumer products.

Research on microplastics defines the particles as plastic debris ranging from five millimeters down to one nanometer in size. Testing conducted by Environment Oregon across 30 of Oregon’s rivers, lakes and urban waterways detected microplastic fibers in 100% of the samples collected.

Public concern over plastic contamination has grown alongside questions regarding federal action. During a joint press conference announcing the Contaminant Candidate List, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned the necessity of prolonged regulatory delay. “Why do we need to know anything more?… Shouldn’t we be acting right now?” Kennedy said.

Lawmakers emphasized that an independent audit of the EPA’s efforts is essential to safeguard public health and environment quality across the country.

In concluding their letter to the GAO, Bynum, Krishnamoorthi, Watson Coleman and their co-signers wrote, “Addressing microplastic pollution is critical for protecting the health of Americans and safeguarding our waterways and ecosystems. Our constituents deserve to know what microplastic exposure means for their families’ health and the requested information above will be critical in informing Congress’s work in tackling this challenge.”

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