Category: kyma-local-news

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The U.S. government has officially added the Mexicali Valley region to its list of high-risk travel destinations due to a sharp increase in violent crime.

The decision comes after months of rising criminal activity in the area, which lies just south of the U.S.-Mexico border near Yuma, Arizona.

“We’ve always known that there’s been challenges in the Mexicali Valley,” said Jonathan Lines, Chairman of the Board for the Border Security Alliance and Yuma County Supervisor. “They’ve actually found quite a few assets of the cartels in those areas over the past four months. So I’m grateful the government has taken the precautions to warn people about those areas.”

According to Lines, more than 500 assassinations and murders have occurred in the past four years within a 60-mile radius of Yuma, underscoring the scale of violence in the region.

The travel advisory has sparked mixed reactions among American citizens. Some, like Stephen Craig, say the warning is justified and are changing their behavior accordingly.

“I’m more cautious about going into Mexico…very much more cautious,” Craig said.

Others, like American citizen Dave, haven’t experienced any problems and are puzzled by the warning.

“It’s the first time I’ve been down here and I’ve had no issues; it’s been perfect. I don’t understand why the government would do that,” he said.

Despite differing opinions from travelers, local officials say the move is necessary to prioritize safety.

“We’re very much in support of this administration’s crackdown to provide a more focused national security effort…to keep the trafficking, both human and narcotics, out of the region,” Lines said.

As tensions along the U.S.-Mexico border continue to rise, officials urge travelers to stay informed and cautious when considering trips to areas under heightened advisory.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A tense barricade situation on the corner of Union Drive and 24th Lane came to an end after more than four hours, resulting in the arrest of a 33-year-old man now facing multiple domestic violence charges.

Nathan Daniel Newman was taken into custody after the Yuma Police Department had a warrant out for his arrest following five charges from July. Officers eventually used explosives to breach entry points to the home where Newman had barricaded himself.

“[An officer] saw him go into [the residence], surrounded it, did call outs — everything we could to try to get him out,” said Sgt. Lori Franklin, YPD Public Information Officer. “[The] S.E.T. team did what S.E.T. teams do. He was eventually taken into custody without any issues.”

The standoff drew a growing crowd of family members, friends, and neighbors, many of whom watched from behind police tape, anxiously awaiting the outcome.

“It’s hard to watch any family go through that, any person go through that, so watching the family behind the caution tape was difficult to watch, for sure,” said neighbor Vanessa Morales.

The large law enforcement presence added to the tension in the neighborhood. Despite the intensity, Morales said police handled the situation with care.

“There’s always concern when it comes to that many police officers,” she said. “But they handled it really well. Even though they were out here for quite a bit of time, I wasn’t too worried about the kids.”

His bond has been set at $10,000, and his next court hearing is scheduled for August 18.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County is looking for input as it considers changing over 40 acres at the intersection of Highway 95 and Martinez Lake Road to add some potential new buildings.

The property owner has requested a specific land use designation, and are proposing a mix of usage.

“They’re proposing retirement community/planned unit development, it’s not specific for a type of housing such as site built homes…It’s just a mix of residential and commercial uses,” said Maggie Castro, Yuma County’s Planning and Zoning Director.

Yuma County has 60 days to allow people to voice their opinion on the matter.

Chelsea Haukom, and her family regularly vacation to the Lake, says she is in favor of adding some more things to the area.

“I think it would be really cool because between Martinez Road and Fortuna. It’s such a long stretch, so I think putting in a convenience store and possibly a gas station would be huge for the people that live out here,” Haukom says.

She is also happy the county is taking the peoples voice into account.

“I think the residents that live out here definitely should have a voice, the people out here definitely need to have a say in it you know this is there land too, so I think they should all go to the board meeting and put there opinions out there,” Haukom said.

The public meeting will take place on September 4, at 6 p.m. at the Department of Development Services Building.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – According to the National Weather Service (NWS), increased shower and thunderstorm chances will exist through Friday with gusty winds, blowing dust, and lightning the greatest threats.

We will continue with our above normal temperatures today and Friday but will see a drop into our seasonal normal range through the weekend. We’ll return to above normal temps by the middle of next week.

NWS reports 10-15% chances of isolated storms Friday in Yuma, but rainfall chances will decrease over the weekend.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – President Donald Trump has announced plans to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug at the federal level, and local cannabis business owners say the move could bring big benefits.

Cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, the same category as heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy but that could change.

The federal government may soon reclassify marijuana to a lower tier, potentially treating it more like alcohol or tobacco, a move local cannabis businesses say is long overdue.

Angel Fernandez, the President and Owner of Aroma Cannabis, says, “This is exciting because everyone knows that Trump appointed someone new as the head of the DEA, and we’re hoping that they will see it all they way through.”

Aroma Cannabis and Yuma Dispensary both say the change could bring significant benefits including easier access to banking services, reduced tax burdens, and the ability to expand legally.

Fernandez says, “There’s a lot of challenges to running a cannabis company, and the deductions that we’re not allowed to take in our IRS forms every single year when we file taxes, that’s one of the big ones.”

Ricardo Nava, a Store Manager at Yuma Dispensary, adds, “That means we can’t write off the salaries, marketing, or any bills like a traditional business, so that’s kind of heavy on the owner, it’s a lot of out of pocket.”

But it’s not just owners who could benefit as staff and customers may see positive changes too.

Nava explains, “I feel the customer will be the first one that will benefit off of it, actually being able to use debit and credit cards at a location…For employees, it’s just going to benefit them being able to express where they work and be proud of where they work at.”

For years, Arizona cannabis users have traveled to California for better prices and higher quality but industry leaders say that’s changing.

Raul Molina, the Chief Operations Officer for Mint Cannabis in Phoenix, says, “I think Arizona is catching up and you’ll see a little bit less of that as people go into the stores.”

Molina says new strains, better cultivation, and stronger local businesses are making a big difference.

“Five years ago, either store in Yuma would’ve had a hard time breaking 250 (thousand) a month, and right now you’ve got one at 300 (thousand) and one at 600 (thousand), so there’s one million dollars a month being sold from in the Yuma-Somerton area.”

Health officials also say the move could open doors for more medical research and regulated clinical trials.

But not everyone supports the plan, as critics say it could harm public health as well as impact younger generations.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended the extreme heat warning to remain in effect until 8pm this evening. Therefore, our Weather Authority First Alert ACTION DAY will continue through this evening for the Desert Southwest, as we will need to take action for the dangerously hot conditions. NWS reports afternoon temperature highs of 110 to 115 degrees.

The major heat risk increases chances of heat related illnesses. Reduce overexposure to avoid heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

According to NWS, there’s increased chances for shower, and thunderstorm chances will continue and expand westward through most of Southern Arizona for Thursday and Friday. Some storms could be strong to severe primarily on Friday.

NWS reports temperatures will drop closer to seasonable averages by Friday and heat back up above normal next week.

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Michelle Leal

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Mayor of San Luis, Arizona, along with two City Council members, are facing a possible recall election.

A petition to recall Mayor Nieves Riedel was filed this week, citing concerns over a lack of collaboration with City Council members and the community.

Two other petitions target Council members Luis Cabrera and Lizeth Servín, alleging they haven’t met their responsibilities.

Cabrera says that’s not true adding, “I’m still here to do the same thing I was doing since day one, which is working for San Luis for the citizens to make sure that everyone has a voice in the City Council, not just a few. We’re gonna continue working as best as we can and continue doing what’s best for the citizens of San Luis.”

Petitioners in San Luis need to gather more than 1,200 valid signatures to recall a council member and at least 682 to recall the mayor. 

If they get enough valid signatures, it would be up to voters to decide if anyone get recalled. 

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Western College (AWC) Foundation is holding the Schoolhouse Soirée where they will celebrate two inductees of the 2025 Hall of Fame.

The event, taking place at the AWC Schoening Conference Center on Friday, October 3 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., will honor Maria Chavoya and Moses Camerena “for their significant contribution to AWC and the Yuma and La Paz communities.”

According to AWC, Chavoya is an active member of AWC District Governing Board since 2012, amplifying student voices and shaping policies for student success, while Camerena founded AWC’s annual La Cosecha event and has “dedicated years to empowering first-generation and low-income students in the community.”

“Our small but mighty team gave it their all to create a magical night full of celebration and inspiration,” said Gladys Anaya, AWC Foundation Development Manager. “We’re proud to honor two incredible Hall of Fame inductees whose impact on AWC and the community is truly lasting. A huge shoutout to our amazing sponsors—this event wouldn’t be possible without you.”

To learn more about the soirée, read the press release below.

Hall of Fame inductees to be celebrated at Schoolhouse SoiréeDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro says Main Street, between 11th and 12th Street, will be closed to all traffic.

According to a press release, the closure starts at 9:00 p.m. Thursday and will go until Friday at 5:00 a.m.

Courtesy: Google Maps

The City says it is “necessary to support construction” for their new Police Headquarters project.

If anyone has any questions, call the City of El Centro Engineering Division at (760) 337-5182.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Governor Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) signed an executive order last week to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Arizona residents.

According to a press release, the governor says the state is joining ArrayRx, which is said to be “the nation’s multi-state public pharmacy collaborative that offers discounted prescription drug prices,” with states like Oregon, Nevada, Ohio, Washington and Connecticut also participating with them.

“For too long and for too many families, rising costs, including prescription drug prices, have put the Arizona Promise out of reach. We are changing that,” said Governor Hobbs. “I’m proud to take action to keep money in Arizonans’ pockets, create pathways to health and wellbeing, and restore the Arizona Promise for families across the state.”

“ArrayRx is more than just a program; it is a testament to the power of unity and cooperation,” said Trevor Douglass, Director of the Oregon Prescription Drug Program and ArrayRx Steering Committee Member. “To the residents of Arizona, I want to extend a warm welcome. Your inclusion in ArrayRx and Governor Hobbs’ direction to implement the ArrayRx Discount Card Program marks the beginning of our journey together towards healthcare security for all. Together, we will work tirelessly to break down barriers and ensure that prescription medications are within reach for everyone.”

The press release says Arizona residents using the ArrayRx Discount Card “will be able to lower the cost of their prescription drugs by up to 80%.”

We talked to locals to see if they struggle to pay for prescription medication.

Harold Anderson, a Yuma local, said, “A lot of people do a lot of people in this area go down to Mexico to try and get their prescriptions a lot cheaper.”

Joining this program would make paying for prescriptions a lot easier for some locals.

“Yes, for sure I will join the program because I say on the 15th, I’m going to have surgery on my arm, and I know those medicines after my surgery is going to be needed,” says Jason Peters, another Yuma local.

To learn more about this, click here.

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