New art exhibit highlighting life along the border opens in Calexico

KYMA on October 1, 2026

Carolina Garcia

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – An art exhibit highlighting life along the border opened Wednesday in Calexico.

The “En La Frontera” Art Exhibit is being shown at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Center, with a total of 65 pieces by 41 young artists being selected.

There were cash prizes from several sponsors to encourage more young artists to submit their work.

“We hope to have it biannually. This was possible through our sponsors. It was the Calexico Arts Council and the Elias Elias Fontes Collection. They were the ones who provided the funds so that we could do,” said Norma Gerardo, Recreation Manager for the City of Calexico.

Funding was also provided by the California Arts Council.

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Yuma County officials breakdown election security measures

KYMA on October 1, 2026

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma County election officials are highlighting security measures in place ahead of the upcoming general election.

County officials said all tabulation equipment used to count ballots operates completely offline and is not connected to local networks or Wi-Fi.

The equipment is also tested before an election to make sure it accurately records votes.

“We also do logic and accuracy testing on our equipment just to verify that it accurately records votes and tabulators correctly,” an election official said. “So we also have those additional layers in place.”

The local focus on election security comes as the Defense Department said it is stepping up efforts to protect U.S. election infrastructure from foreign cyberattacks and interference.

County officials said their security measures follow state guidelines, election procedures and legal requirements.

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MU Health Care adds urology services to Capital Region Medical Center

KMIZ on October 1, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

MU Health Care announced on Thursday that it is expanding specialized care to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City to include urology services.

A press release from MU Health Care says the new clinic will be located on the third floor of the Madison Street Medical Building and surgeries can begin as early as Thursday.

“One of the promises we made through the integration was that patients in Jefferson City and surrounding communities would gain access to more specialized care close to home,” MU Health Care CEO Ric Ransom was quoted in the release. “The addition of urology services is a tangible example of that commitment. By expanding both clinic and surgical capabilities locally, we’re making it easier for patients to receive the care they need without traveling to Columbia.”

New surgical technology, including a laser system, can be used there for procedures procedures for kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate enlargement and certain tumor treatments.

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Hawley announces bill targeting license plater readers

KMIZ on October 1, 2026

Demetra Alarcon

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Missouri senator announced on Wednesday he is introducing a new bill related to automatic license plate readers like Flock.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the “Stop Flock Abuse Act” to establish basic safeguards for AI-powered cameras and to “protect Americans’ fundamental constitutional rights,” Senator Hawley said.

This comes as use of the technology has come under scrutiny. Concerns over Flock cameras have continued to grow, with more than 150 cities across the country canceling their contracts or deactivating the cameras. That includes the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, which announced it would deactivate its Flock cameras last month.

“AI-powered cameras produced by Flock and its competitors are tracking and creating digital footprints of everyday Americans — a nightmare for individual liberties unless Congress enacts meaningful rules and accountability. Last week, my hearing on Flock brought to light the threat that these AI-powered cameras pose to national security and the privacy of everyday Americans,” Hawley said. 

Hawley’s website says that this bill would establish the following common-sense guardrails:

Never sell data, meaning that local government cannot sell or share data with non-governmental third parties. Next is no rogue searches, meaning that an approval must be written to authorize a search. A search log must be preserved, showing who searched it, why, and who approved it Data must be encrypted and must not leave the United States Limit on data retention: agencies must permanently delete data after ten days No hardware or software from foreign adversaries Prohibition on facial recognition technology

Jefferson City renewed its agreement with Flock in August, with Police Chief Eric Wilde publicly saying the use of Flock cameras has helped the department solve three homicides. Columbia has stated it will hold a public meeting regarding Flock.

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order earlier this month to put stricter restrictions on automatic license plate readers like Flock cameras. The order requires the Department of Public Safety to issue best practice guidelines for ALPRS.

A Wednesday evening press release from the Department of Public Safety says it spent two weeks speaking with law enforcement agencies around the state. Some recommendations it made include making sure:

A legitimate law enforcement purpose for any ALPR data search; Individual accountability for anyone with access to ALPR data; Independent verification of ALPR alerts before enforcement; Limited (30 days in most cases) retention of ALPR data; Routine auditing (at least monthly) and targeted reviews of ALPR use; and Prohibiting the integration of artificial intelligence facial recognition technology with ALPR systems.

The DPS’ document regarding its recommendations can be viewed below.

alpr-best-practices-guideDownload

Columbia Police Department declined an interview regarding Flock cameras.

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Highway 95 construction project underway in San Luis, Arizona

KYMA on October 1, 2026

Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Drivers using Highway 95 in San Luis, Arizona should expect traffic restrictions beginning this week as construction gets underway on a new raised median.

The project will take place between County 21st Street and County 22nd Street, and is expected to last about six months.

During construction, the inside lanes in both directions, as well as the center lane, will be closed. Drivers could also see reduced speed limits and temporary lane closures.

The City of San Luis said it’s all to decrease the number of serious crashes on the highway. 

The latest fatal crash was reported two months ago when one woman was killed after another vehicle veered off it’s lane and struck her car near County 22nd Street.

“The main purpose of this project is to improve the road safety for all drivers. The project consists of adding a medium from County 22nd Street to County 21st Street,” said Francia Alonso, Public Information Officer for the City of San Luis. “This will help reduce the head-on collisions that we’ve had in the past.”

The project is in collaboration with Arizona Department of Transportation, who will provide updates as work continues, including information on construction hours and traffic impacts.

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New imaging tech gives doctors another tool to help detect and track prostate cancer

KYMA on October 1, 2026

Connor Emery

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – As Prostate Cancer Awareness Month wraps up, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

In recent years, new imaging technology, including pet scans, has given doctors another tool to help detect and track prostate cancer.

When found early, prostate cancer can often be treated effectively, and doctors said advances in technology are giving patients more options.

“Prostate cancer is a concerning diagnosis, hope is there. There’s a lot of options. Things are getting better each and every day. And again, it’s making sure that people get checked,” said Dr. Brandon Mancini, Medical Director for BAMF Health. “They follow up with their physician every year, get that PSA blood test, follow through with the recommendations to ensure that their health and safety is prioritized.”

Dr. Mancini is also encouraging men to see a physician if they are experiencing any signs or physical pain in order to get the best treatment.

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COCC Faculty Plan ‘Last Chance Rally’ as Strike Deadline Nears

KTVZ on October 1, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College faculty members are planning a rally Thursday as contract negotiations enter their final days before a potential strike.

Members of the COCC Faculty Forum will gather at noon Thursday, October 1, at the Coats Campus Center on the COCC campus in Bend. Faculty members, students and community supporters are expected to attend.

The rally comes ahead of the next state-mediated bargaining session, scheduled for Friday, October 2. If an agreement is not reached, faculty say they will begin a strike at 8 a.m. Monday, October 5.

The faculty union says 98% of members participated in a strike authorization vote, with 96% voting in favor of a strike. The union says it remains focused on reaching an agreement and has extended an offer through 2 p.m. Friday that it says could prevent a strike.

“We have an urgency around this because we want to settle a fair contract as soon as possible and avert a strike,” said Mindy Williams, COCC Faculty Forum bargaining chair. “Unfortunately, the college has not shared that same urgency. We need decision-makers at the bargaining table who are prepared to have the affordability conversation and work toward a resolution.”

According to the union, the proposals currently on the table could be funded without program cuts, personnel cuts or unplanned tuition increases.

Faculty members are also calling for direct discussions with college leaders about financial forecasts and previous projections of deficits that they say have not come to fruition.

“COCC is a public institution with a commitment to serve today’s students and community. We should be having an honest conversation about what is actually affordable and how the college’s resources can best serve students and employees,” said Sara Henson, president of the COCC Faculty Forum.

Faculty leaders say there is still time to reach an agreement and avoid a strike, but they are calling on college administrators to move quickly.

Rally Details

What: COCCFF Last Chance Rally and PicketWhen: Thursday, October 1 at noonWhere: Coats Campus Center, COCC CampusAddress: 2600 NW College Way, Bend, Oregon 97703

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Thanks to Your Help: Local News 8 supply drive delivers truckload to Blackfoot School District

KIFI on October 1, 2026

Dylan Carder

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Elementary students across the Blackfoot School District are heading into the next part of the school year better prepared to learn, thanks to community support during the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

On Wednesday, representatives from Local News 8 delivered a truck loaded with more than 20 boxes of essential classroom supplies directly to the district. Collected from local fairgoers during the annual Eastern Idaho State Fair, the donated items will directly assist more than 1,700 elementary students district-wide.

Local News 8 has spearheaded the annual school supply drive at the fair every year since 2016 to ensure local children have the tools necessary for academic success regardless of financial background.

Blackfoot School District Superintendent Brian Kress expressed appreciation for the community support and noted how the items will assist local families. “The Eastern Idaho State Fair is wonderful chaos, we’d like to call it, here in Blackfoot,” Kress said.

“So it’s wonderful to see this great return on investment to us in the school district and see people contributing to the furthering education of our children and our community. We will put this to great use. We have several families that can use this. And rather than having to go out and buy things themselves, they’ll now be blessed to have this wonderful donation to them and their students.”

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Six iconic firearms compete in Idaho state gun vote

KIFI on October 1, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – It’s time to decide which gun best represents Idaho in the upcoming election. Although, the vote itself is non-binding, it will advise the state legislature on the voter’s preferences.

There are six guns to choose from:

Winchester Model 1894 (.30-30) Winchester Model 1873 (.44-40) 1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolver (.45 Colt) M1 Garand rifle Colt M1911 .45 automatic Colt pistol (.45 ACP) Remington Model 700 bolt-action rifle (.30-06)

Each one has their own unique ways to relate to Idaho. Here is a brief history of each, if you are interested to learn why these firearms were selected, you can find the background here.

The Winchester Model 1894 is generally used to hunt deer and other medium-sized game. This firearm is closely associated with hunting, ranching, and rural life, which many Idahoans identify with.

The Winchester Model 1873 is “The gun that won the West” and the most associated with Western expansion. Winchester guns says it was used by, “Cowboys, Native Americans, Ranchers, Farmers, Pioneers, Law Enforcement Agents, and Outlaws.”

The Colt Single Action Army Revolver, also know as “The Peacemaker”. Arizona has already selected this one as their state gun and it is a well known gun for frontier culture.

The M1 Garand represents military service, patriotism, and was the standard U.S. service rifle during World War II.

The Colt M1911 is one of the longest-serving military sidearms in U.S. history and it is already Utah’s official state firearm.

To round out the docket, the Remington Model 700 is an extremely popular hunting rifle. Although it lacks some of the history of the other competitors, it is a common gun for Idaho hunters.

Whichever gun wins will reflect something distinctly Idaho.

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