Another man charged in Aug. 2 Columbia shooting

KMIZ on September 22, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A third person was charged in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 2 in Columbia.

Charges appeared on Wednesday for Montrez Ricketts, 47, of Columbia, which included first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An arraignment was held on Tuesday afternoon.

Chase Ricketts, 19, was charged Friday with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action. He is also being held at the jail without bond.

Mechoal Lewis, 52, of Columbia, was charged a few days after the shooting with first-degree assault, three counts of armed criminal action, two counts of illegal gun possession and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. He was indicted by a grand jury on Sept. 11 and an arraignment was held on Monday. He is also being held at the jail without bond.

Chase Ricketts was riding in the back seat while Lewis drove the day of the shooting, according to a probable cause statement. Police arrested him last week after serving a search warrant at Lakewood Apartments. Montrez Ricketts is accused of also being in the car, heavily redacted court documents say.

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Candidate forum hosted in Palm Desert with new districts up for election

KESQ on September 22, 2026

Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – “I definitely think it’s time for a new direction.”

That’s the sentiment some voters shared as Palm Desert City Council candidates took the stage Tuesday night.

The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce (PDACC) hosted the candidate forum at the Family YMCA of the Desert at 43930 San Pablo Avenue. Admission was free and open to the public.

The City of Palm Desert began transitioning to a five district system with the 2024 election. The transition began with the 2024 general election, when seats were filled for Districts 1, 2, and 3 by Karina Moreno, Joe Pradetto, and Gina Nestande, respectively. Districts 4 and 5 are on the ballot this year.

Council districts in Palm Desert

As it stands, Mayor Evan Trubee and Jan Harnik serve as at-large members on the council. After the 2026 election, all sitting council members will have a district and re-districting will be complete.

The candidates include the following:

District 4 Jonathon Polly Evan Trubee (incumbent) District 5 John Greenwood Ralph Perry

At the forum, Mayor Trubee commented on the districting: “It has its pros and cons. 60% of the residents won’t be voting in the council race this year, so that’s a negative. On the positive side, it lowers the threshold a little bit for a candidate to run. You only have to reach … much fewer households.”

Both Greenwood and Perry, running in a district with no incumbents, were excited about being able to be the first.

“It’s exciting,” said Greenwood. “I hold my community dear. And being a lifelong resident, I look forward to the qualities that I have to offer and just continuing to, you know, why we all call Palm Desert home and preserving those, those things that we hold dear.”

“I was one of the proponents of the districts going to five districts way back a few years ago,” Perry added. “And now the process is being completed in 2026. I thought going to districts was better for representation for the Palm Desert residents.”

A substantial crowd of interested voters filled the seats on Tuesday, including residents Mark and Laura Freeman. They were particularly concerned with last December’s controversy, when newly-elected Joe Pradetto proposed to stop flying the pride banner at City Hall.

“I’d like to know where the new candidates stand on that sort of issue,” said Mark Freeman. “Whether they have a firm commitment to continue our beliefs that were well-established in the city or not.”

Many engaged in lively conversations with the candidates before each candidate sat down to answer a number of questions. Three of the four candidates were in attendance; Polly, running for a seat in District 4, was sick and unable to attend.

Each candidate introduced themselves before responding to a series of questions selected in advance from submissions received from members of the community.

All candidates were asked the same questions and provided equal time to respond. Topics focused on issues affecting Palm Desert residents, businesses and the future of the community, giving voters an opportunity to hear the candidates’ perspectives, priorities and approaches to serving on the City Council.

For Palm Desert residents: you can learn more about the redistricting process and find your electoral district by visiting this website.

As for what each candidate hoped to see in the future, their answers were similar. They each applauded the direction the city has been taken, and the path forward is to keep that momentum.

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Gas prices jump 17 cents overnight in Idaho Falls

KIFI on September 22, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Gas prices have shot up an average of 10 cents overnight across the state, according to AAA. In Idaho Falls and Pocatello, gas prices jumped 17 cents, making the cost of regular gasoline over $5 a gallon. The statewide average is around $4.96 a gallon, which is roughly 30 cents shy of the highest recorded average price of $5.25, set in 2022.

“We saw the state average go up $0.10 just overnight, which is pretty shocking. $0.47 higher than a month ago $1.44 more per gallon than a year ago,” Matthew Conde, the AAA Public & Government Affairs Director, said. “This isn’t a refinery issue. This isn’t a local pipeline issue. This isn’t even a local demand issue. This is a global crude oil supply issue.”

Because of the ongoing conflict with Iran and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, these prices remain high. The cost of crude oil per barrel is roughly $90, which is steadily decreasing. However, local gasoline and diesel prices are not following the same trend.

“The crude oil is down and it’s like at $91 a barrel, the important thing to realize there is that it was at 105 a barrel like ten days ago,” Conde said. “Those higher prices were paid and that’s now starting to work its way through. So there is a delayed effect between what was paid and how it affects us at the pump. And then when you have that more expensive product out there, it needs to cycle through before a cheaper product comes along that fills up those tanks at the gas station and makes things a little cheaper for the rest of us.”

The market is still unpredictable, professionals say they cannot predict the future of these prices. But economists believe these higher prices will have a ripple effect on other everyday expenses.

“Diesel hit an all time high today of more than $6.50 a gallon,” Robert Spendlove, the senior economist with Zions Bank, said. “That can really have a big impact on the prices of end products as well. While gasoline is for the cars we drive and takes more money out of our pockets. That diesel really has an impact on those end products that we get. If they stay higher for longer, the longer they’re at this higher level, those prices are going to work more into groceries or into the other products that we get.”

Spendlove says prices could rise for everyday expenses such as food delivery services, packages, and Amazon deliveries, as well as groceries.

Currently, there is no predicable future for where gas prices go. But as they continue to climb, Spendlove recommends tightening budgets and making do with what you have.

“It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected,” Spendlove said. “You really need to keep that budget and we all have to tighten our belts. We have to figure out ways of doing more with less. And especially as we go into the holiday season.”

As these costs continue to rise, Spendlove says it may be worth enrolling in store and gas station rewards programs to save money.

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MU students have mixed opinions on downtown Columbia at night after Choi’s warnings

KMIZ on September 22, 2026

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

It’s been nearly one year since a Stephens College student was shot and killed in downtown Columbia, and MU students differ on their feelings about warnings from the University of Missouri to avoid certain areas of downtown at night.

“Walking downtown at night, it can definitely vary based on the time of day,” said Aiden Howson-Lewis, a junior at MU. “I definitely see unhoused people around downtown no matter what. At night, I’m more aware.”

Howson-Lewis said he’s had a couple of negative interactions with homeless people that made him feel unsafe. One night, a person followed him down the street, and on a different night, he said another person ran after him yelling.

But those interactions don’t stop him from going downtown.

“If I’m going downtown, I prefer to be with a group, or I prefer to just make sure that if there’s like a girl in the group that I’m hanging out with, I’m walking with her if she’s going anywhere by herself,” Howson-Lewis said.

MU President Mun Choi is an advocate for an urban camping ordinance to reduce these interactions.

The downtown Columbia Community Improvement District, with the backing of nearly 80 businesses, asked the Columbia City Council to consider and research an urban camping ordinance that would outlaw sleeping in public. However, the council has not expressed interest in picking it up.

Choi has also publicly said that downtown is unsafe, especially in the area of East Walnut Street between Eighth and Tenth streets, which he calls the “danger zone.”

That area has been the scene of high-profile crimes. In late July, a large street brawl resulted in seven arrests. About two weeks later, in August, shots were fired in the same area. In September, a man assaulted a security guard in the same area as well.

Howson-Lewis said he doesn’t visit that area.

Raevynn Smith is a sophomore at MU who grew up nearby, and she said downtown crime is typical.

“It’s not too scary for me. It’s kind of just normal,” Smith said. “There’s nothing that really freaks me out about it besides the dark.”

When asked about the “danger zone,” she said avoiding an area won’t solve the problem, and that Columbia needs to focus on the homeless population.

“I think we have an issue here with our system when it comes to caring for unhoused people. I don’t see why adding to that fear of it will help them out any. It just makes it something to avoid rather than solve,” Smith said.

CID Executive Director Nickie Davis said she waited to submit the proposal until the Opportunity Campus, a homeless shelter at 1300 Bowling St., opened. Supporters hope unhoused people who are blocking the area in front of a downtown business will be referred to the Opportunity Campus.

MU sophomore Jocelyn Setley said she doesn’t go downtown often, but she doesn’t feel like she’s in danger.

“I’ve never felt super unsafe or anything. Obviously, there are people around, more homeless people around and stuff — but my interactions have always felt safe. I don’t know, I’ve never had to think twice about being super unsafe,” Setley said.

She said she has heard stories about shootings, but it’s not frequent enough to deter her from going downtown, especially since that’s not a place she goes often. Setley also said her friends don’t talk about feeling unsafe either.

Watch a special report on downtown crime Thursday on ABC 17 News at 6.

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Valley filmmaker was on the Paramount lot when ‘Saudiwood’ flew over, then California settled

KESQ on September 22, 2026

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Graham Bennett was working on the Paramount lot last week when a plane towed a banner over the studio: “Welcome to Saudiwood, David!”

Five days later, California and 11 other states settled their lawsuit against Paramount Skydance, clearing the way for its $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. On Tuesday, protesters outside the same lot chanted “shame” at Attorney General Rob Bonta, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Bennett, a camera assistant and director who moved to the valley at 15, says the deal makes his job harder.

“You learn very early on in filmmaking that you’re going to get a lot of nos,” he told News Channel 3. “But if there are less people to say no, and no means a lot more. It’s all around consolidation, confinement. It’s limiting.”

Bonta sued in July, arguing the merger would give one company nearly a third of U.S. theatrical releases. In August, he told CNN a promise to make a set number of movies was “a way to behave,” not a fix. The settlement filed Monday is built on that promise: at least 30 films a year in theaters, rising to 32, four of them independent, with a $30 million penalty for each one it misses. Paramount must spend $300 million more a year on U.S. production, keep both studio lots open and put $5 million a year into a fund for buying independent films. Nothing has to be sold up front. Bonta said the deal is “not a vote of support for this merger” and that he still doesn’t think the companies should merge.

Paramount had threatened to move to Texas or Tennessee if the case dragged on. Bonta called it “blackmail.” Bennett didn’t buy it.

“There’s a lot of infrastructure there, and it will cost millions of dollars to move all of that,” he said. “I think it was just a way of pressuring the attorney general into getting what they want.”

The banner refers to the money behind the deal. Sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are putting in about $24 billion, according to SEC filings cited by The Hollywood Reporter. On Sept. 17, the FCC approved letting foreign investors hold 49.5% of the merged company’s equity. The shares carry no vote.

Bennett says the $5 million indie fund “is enough for two films.” He pointed to “Obsession,” a horror movie made for about $750,000 that became one of the year’s biggest hits. The fund is “more of a crowd pleaser than something that will actually change anything,” he said. “And the crowds aren’t even pleased.”

The deal puts CBS News and CNN under one owner, with a board of journalists, picked by Paramount’s own directors, meant to keep them independent.

“It’s hard to talk about the Ellisons without talking about their connections with Trump,” Bennett said. “How separate can you be if you’re owned by the same person?”

Connecticut’s attorney general told NPR he wanted CNN and CBS News sold off and was “deeply disappointed.” The Writers Guild settled its own suit Monday and said it still believes the merger will hurt writers. Paramount CEO David Ellison told employees the company expects to close in about two weeks, CNBC reported. A federal judge still has to approve the settlement. Paramount can ask to loosen the terms after two years.

Bennett sat on the Palm Springs ShortFest youth jury at 16 and now works at Festival Theaters on Tahquitz Canyon Way, where he says small films play that no one else in the valley shows.

His advice for a kid here who wants to make movies.

“Do it. It’s hard, but great things don’t come from easy experiences. Tell your stories, and people will want to watch them.”

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Woman with suspended DWI sentence charged in deadly El Paso crash

KVIA on September 22, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A 29-year-old woman accused of a deadly hit-and-run had a suspended sentence for driving while intoxicated with two children at the time, according to court documents.

On Saturday, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said Melanie Christine Cuellar was found in Mexico and returned to El Paso. EPCSO said she was wanted for the deadly crash and for DWI with children.

The U.S. Marshals Service took her into custody and transported her to the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, EPCSO said. From there, the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office took custody to transport her to El Paso.

EPCSO booked her into the County Downtown Detention Facility. Her bond for a collision involving death was set at $150,000. EPCSO said she’s being held without bond on the DWI with a child charge.

An arrest affidavit said Cuellar had her children with her at the time of the deadly crash. Documents said her son told authorities he “saw his mom run over a lady.”

Cuellar allegedly ran over a woman and drove away

The arrest affidavit said Cuellar ran over a woman on July 19, 2025 at 9:22 a.m.

Maria Lopez walked across Alameda Avenue in South-Central El Paso, investigators wrote. She waited for the traffic to clear before walking onto the westbound lanes. That’s when Cuellar, allegedly driving an SUV, hit Lopez, investigators wrote.

Cuellar allegedly drove away without helping Lopez. She sustained major head trauma and died at the crash site, documents said.

At the crash site, investigators received surveillance video from a nearby business that recorded the crash. Documents said the video showed Cuellar driving over Lopez’ body with her left rear tire.

The same day at 9:20 p.m., a person called 911 to report seeing the SUV allegedly involved in the crash. Documents said the reporter saw the SUV parked on Grant Avenue in Central El Paso.

The caller said Cuellar is his uncle’s ex-girlfriend, documents said. He also told authorities Cuellar allegedly left the SUV and possibly went to Mexico with children.

Investigators said the caller’s uncle told him to report the SUV because “he did not want his mother to get in trouble as she was the registered owner of the vehicle.”

Investigators then met with Cuellar’s ex-boyfriend, who was with his son at the time. Documents said his sun started crying because he “saw his mom run over a lady.”

Cuellar’s ex-boyfriend told investigators he met with her after the crash to ask what happened. Cuellar allegedly said she hit something and was going to flee to Mexico.

Her ex-boyfriend noticed damage on the SUV that wasn’t there before the crash, documents said.

Investigators said Cuellar’s ex also said he realized she may have been involved in the deadly hit-and-run after seeing it on the news.

Documents said investigators used surveillance video that showed Cuellar driving to her apartment in the SUV with her two children. Other video showed the SUV at Grant Avenue about 20-30 minutes later, documents said.

Authorities received a search warrant for the SUV. They compared a piece of grill collected from the crash site to the damage seen on the SUV. Documents said they patched.

Investigators wrote they also found hair and body tissue on the left wheel.

At the time of the deadly crash, Cuellar had a suspended sentence for DWI with a child

Court documents said Cuellar was found guilty of driving while intoxicated with her two children. Her sentence was suspended on Sept. 19, 2024. She had a six-month sentence in a state jail. She was then placed on community supervision for two years, documents said.

An arrest affidavit said the DWI offense happened on March 29, 2024.

Police went to the Paso Del Norte Bridge after learning about an impaired driver with children in an SUV, documents said. Investigators said her boyfriend was in the passenger seat.

Customs and Border Protection agents said Cuellar had “red, glassy, bloodshot eyes” and admitted to drinking, documents said. An agent directed Cuellar to a secondary area, where police were called to assist.

Documents said Cuellar went to Ciudad Juarez to visit her brother and was driving home. She allegedly admitted to drinking about four tall-boy alcoholic beverages.

The officer conducted a field sobriety test and determined Cuellar was intoxicated, documents said. The officer arrested and transported her for processing.

Documents said she provided a breath sample, which resulted in 0.157 and 0.159 BrAC.

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Two separate fires break out in Oasis

KESQ on September 22, 2026

City News Service

OASIS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two fires broke out today in the community of Oasis involving a mobile home and three greenhouses, authorities said.

The blazes were reported shortly after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 80000 block of East Frontage Road and in the 90200 block of Avenue 80, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency stated that two separate fires occurred, with one involving an abandoned motor home and another at three greenhouses with roughly a quarter-acre of vegetation.

No injuries were reported in either fire, and the causes of the blazes were not immediately clear.

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Police: Nude man arrested after loitering on school grounds in Desert Hot Springs

KESQ on September 22, 2026

Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Police detained a nude man who was reported to be loitering on school grounds at Two Bunch Palms Elementary School in Desert Hot Springs.

The incident was reported just after 1:35 p.m. on Tuesday.

Police said officers arrived at the school within two minutes, with additional aerial support from a DHSPD drone. Officers located the man near the dumpster area in front of the school and detained him without incident.

The unidentified individual was arrested for several offenses and booked into a Riverside County Jail.

“Most importantly, the individual did not attempt to enter the secured school grounds and did not have any contact with students. Based on the information available at this time, there was no criminal history or other indication that the individual had intentions directed toward the school community. Substance abuse may have been a contributing factor,” DHSPD wrote on a social media post.

DHSPD added, “The safety of our children, students, staff, and school community remains a top priority for DHSPD. Our schools. Our community. Our children. Our priority.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Upcoming Harriman State Park event offers fly-fishing for foster families

KIFI on September 22, 2026

News Release

HARRIMAN STATE PARK, Idaho (KIFI)—Idaho foster and kinship families will have another opportunity to connect, explore, and enjoy the outdoors during the next Fostering Family Adventures event Sept. 26 at Harriman State Park on the banks of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River in Island Park. 

The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and community partners will host the event from 1-4 p.m. Mountain Time. Activities will include aquatic education, fly-fishing instruction, wildlife and natural history programs, equine activities, Junior Ranger activities, and opportunities to learn about Harriman State Park’s unique ranching history. 

Located along the Henry’s Fork, one of Idaho’s renowned fly-fishing destinations, Harriman State Park provides a fitting setting for families to experience the sport and connect with the river. The event continues DHW’s partnership with The Mayfly Project, a national nonprofit that uses fly fishing to mentor and support children in foster care. Through hands-on instruction and time on the water, youth have an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and strengthen connections with caring adults while learning about river ecology and conservation. 

“Idaho’s state parks belong to all Idahoans, and we’re excited to welcome foster and kinship families to Harriman for an afternoon of discovery and fun,” said Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton. “These events give families a chance to experience our parks together while introducing children to outdoor activities and the natural and cultural resources that make Idaho special.” 

Fostering Family Adventures events bring foster and kinship families together in relaxed settings where children and caregivers can spend time outdoors, build connections, and make memories together. The Harriman event continues DHW’s work with state and community partners to create opportunities that support families caring for Idaho children. 

“Foster and kinship caregivers provide stability, connection, and support for children at important times in their lives,” said DHW Family and Community Partnerships Administrator Laura Denner. “Fostering Family Adventures is one way we can recognize those families while giving children and caregivers an opportunity to simply spend time together, meet other families, and have fun.” 

Families participating in the Harriman event also will be eligible for discounts at Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg during the weekend. 

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP at the following EventBrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fostering-family-adventures-harriman-state-park-tickets-1996497308193?aff=oddtdtcreator. 

Fostering Family Adventures is a partnership designed to connect Idaho foster and kinship families with outdoor recreation, educational activities, and one another through events at locations around the state. 

It is a collaborative effort between the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Health and Welfare, with critical financial and logistical support from Idaho Business for the Outdoors. Additional support comes from Capital City Kiwanis and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 

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Heavy rain prompts EPISD to cancel after-school activities

KVIA on September 22, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Independent School District cancelled all after-school activities amid heavy rain in the area.

EPISD shared this statement:

“Due to inclement weather, all after school activities are canceled for today, Tuesday September 22, 2026.

High School Volleyball and after-school day care at all El Paso ISD Extended Day Learning campuses remain in place, as scheduled.

We continue to monitor weather and will keep our community informed. Thank you for your trust and support in keeping our students and staff safe.”

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