Author: KYMA

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Charlie Kirk, a prominent political figure with over 16 million followers on social media, was assassinated this week, sending shockwaves through communities across the country.

Known for his strong conservative views and his outreach to young Americans, Kirk spent much of his career speaking at universities throughout the United States, where he addressed thousands of students over the years.

In the wake of his death, local residents in Yuma shared their reactions, expressing sadness, concern, and fear for the future.

Andrea Hernandez, a local citizen, called the assassination heartbreaking.

“I think it’s quite heart-breaking. It’s not like he was doing anything wrong, and it kinda feels unsafe,” she said.

Another local, Martha Nelson, also reflected on the personal and national impact of the incident.

“It’s a tragedy. He’s a father of two. He had great beliefs. It’s unfortunate that it had to end like this,” she said.

Nelson also voiced her concerns about the broader political environment, suggesting this may not be an isolated event.

“It’s gonna continue. When someone doesn’t like your views, or what you’re trying to change, obviously it’s affecting them, so they’re gonna try to do everything to remove you,” she said.

Hernandez echoed a similar concern, while emphasizing the importance of rejecting violence saying, “It’s a very touchy subject, but regardless, no one deserves that.”

Kirk leaves behind his wife and two children. His death adds to an already tense national conversation surrounding political discourse and safety in America.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Political activist Charlie Kirk made a visit to Yuma ahead of the 2024 presidential election, deepening his understanding of the city’s role as a critical point along the U.S.-Mexico border and as a major agricultural hub.

During his second trip, Kirk was hosted by Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines, who provided insight into what the region faces with border security. Kirk talked to other locals about the city’s agriculture.

“He was here to learn,” said Lines. “He asked questions about everything that we had been subjected to with open borders and he also sat down with some of the farmers from Yuma Fresh Vegetables.”

Lines brought Kirk to several key points along the border where issues like human trafficking and narcotics smuggling remain ongoing concerns.

“I think that really galvanized what he saw as far as illegal immigration or illegal entry into the United States,” Lines noted.

Lines expressed concern that, based on trends seen online, tensions around free speech could escalate further. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue.

“Our First Amendment is critical, and I’ll defend anybody’s right, but we’ve got to tone it down, and we’ve got to learn how to talk to each other again,” Lines said. “That’s one thing we do in Yuma remarkably well. Where we have disagreements, we’re still able to sit down and work things out.”

Kirk’s recent trip to Yuma occurred just a couple months before the 2024 presidential election, underscoring the city’s growing significance in national political discussions around border policy and civic discourse.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – An 18-year-old man was hospitalized following a fight, according to Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

At about 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, deputies were called about a critically injured person in the area of S. Mrytle Avenue near Kiwanis Park.

Deputies found an 18-year-old man who was hurt during a fight with a man that he said he knew.

The victim was taken to Onvida Health and later flown to a Phoenix hospital.

The suspect has not been found yet, according to YCSO.

The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call YCSO at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

An anonymous tip can also be submitted here.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s a heart warming story that has gone viral. The local boy who rescued a cat and had his skateboard stolen received a major honor Friday.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) announced Zayin Berry as ASPCA Kid of the Year.

At just eight-years-old, Berry bravely witnessed and diverted a group of children abusing a small kitten by offering his own cherished possession: his skateboard.

The kitten, named Peaches, underwent surgery where veterinarians of the Humane Society of Yuma removed his eye.

Thanks to timely treatment, Peaches has since recovered and was later adopted by Berry’s family.

 

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating an aggravated assault, which left a teenager injured Friday night.

According to a post on Facebook, it happened in the area of S. 17th Avenue and W. 19th Street, near the East Main Canal, before 9:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, YPD says officers found a 14-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to the head, prompting officers and the Yuma Fire Department to perform life-saving measures until the victim was taken to Onvida Health, but was then flown to a Phoenix area hospital for further treatment.

YPD says the victim was with their 21-year-old sibling at the time. The sibling was then questioned and released “pending further investigation,” YPD says.

The investigation is ongoing, and if anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. If anyone’s information leads to an arrest, they can receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is investigating a suspicious package found outside the Yuma County Detention Center Friday.

YCSO says they responded to the area of W. First Street and N. Second Avenue at around 5:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, YCSO says they conducted a routine perimeter check around the Detention Center when they found the package outside the facility, which was made to resemble an explosive device, secured with duct tape and had handwritten threats.

YCSO also says the package was staked into the ground and near an electrical box.

Once a safety perimeter was established, the Yuma Regional Bomb Squad responded and took over the investigation.

YCSO says the package was “x-rayed and confirmed to contain various items similar to componentry used for improvised explosive devices,” prompting the Bomb Squad to perform a controlled detonation to render the package safe.

YCSO says this is being investigated as an act of terrorism, and says, “Any suspects involved will be charged and prosecuted accordingly.”

While there were no injuries reported, the investigation remains ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding the case, call YCSO at (928) 783-4427, call 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

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Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A local organization of ranchers will be holding an event in October.

The Barbara Worth Brigadettes are presenting the ranch event on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Several ranch trails will be included, as well as a snack bar and raffle.

Anyone interested can sign up in-person at 8 a.m., with the show starting at 9 a.m.

The ranch event is at BMB Boarding (1444 Drew Rd., El Centro, CA 92243).

Spectators are welcome.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As temperatures cool in Yuma, more utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, are showing up on both the dunes and city roads. They are fun to drive, but police and experts say there are rules drivers need to know before heading out.

In Arizona, UTV’s must be registered, insured, and equipped with street-legal features like headlights, taillights, and reflectors. Drivers also need a valid license.

To ride an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) in Arizona, you must register your vehicle and display an OHV decal, which requires completing a free safety course on AZ MVD Now. If the vehicle does not have a windshield, safety glasses are also required.

Yuma Police Public Information Officer Lori Franklin says one of the biggest mistakes people make is skipping the seatbelt.

“Even if you’re going from point A to point B and it may be a mile or less than that, always put that seatbelt on,” Franklin said. “They can roll easily.”

Officers also remind drivers that UTVs on city streets are held to the same traffic laws as any other vehicle. That means following the speed limit, using turn signals, and keeping music low enough to hear what is happening around you.

Lee Larson with Liberty Motorsports says planning ahead makes all the difference.

“You want to be aware of your surroundings and the environment that you’re going to be in,” Larson said. “Any weather concerns, any special routing, any possible need for emergency communication. It’s always nice to think ahead.”

Larson also recommends proper gear, especially in the Sonoran Desert. That includes a helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, and long pants.

With cooler weather arriving, more people will be taking their UTVs out for a spin.

Officers say the key is to enjoy the ride while remembering that driving a UTV on the street comes with the same responsibilities as driving any other vehicle.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County leaders have declared a state of economic emergency after the Spreckels Sugar Plant in Brawley shut down. The closure has left hundreds of workers without jobs and farmers without a place to process their sugar beets.

The county already struggles with the highest unemployment rate in California, and losing this plant has made the situation even harder.

Supervisor Peggy Price said the emergency declaration is meant to bring attention and support to the area.

“Getting that support to create a pathway for us to continue producing beets here in our community,” she said.

County leaders are working with farmers, businesses, and lawmakers to find long-term solutions. Price explained that help could include assistance for displaced workers and funding to rebuild the industry.

Rebuilding sugar production will require investment.

“We need a sugar allotment, but we also need a plant to process the beets,” Price said.

Locals have shared their stress and concerns, and the county hopes this declaration sends a clear message to the state that Imperial County needs urgent support.

“They just want to know that we are here and that we’re going to fight for them. And that’s something that we are doing and will continue to do,” Price added.

The closure has sparked an economic emergency that touches the whole community. Families, farmers, and workers are all affected, and leaders say the fight to keep the industry alive is far from over.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Walmart is hosting an event Saturday where they’re offering free health screenings, affordable immunizations and other health-focused activities.

According to a press release, The Wellness Event is taking place at nearly 4,600 Walmart Pharmacies across the country, including Arizona, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

During the event, attendees will receive free health screenings, like blood pressure, glucose and BMI, along with free vision screenings “at select locations,” the press release says.

The event also offers a no-cost flu shot “among other affordable immunizations such as RSV, shingles, tetanus, HPV and more,” according to the press release.

Attendees can also learn about Walmart’s affordable low-cost generic prescription program, as well as talk to pharmacists about “medication therapy management, nutrition recommendations and tailored support for a personalized health journey,” the press release says.

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