Category: kyma-local-news

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into health care.

Onvida Health announced a collaboration with Ambience Healthcare, the leading AI platform for clinical documentation.

The company offers a system that listens and creates thorough and compliant documentation in real time.

This means it could free up physicians to spend more time caring for patients and less time on paperwork.

Onvida Health says this new collaboration will improve documentation integrity as well as the workload for physicians.

Dr. Marc Chasin, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Onvida Health, says, “It decreases the burnout potential for providers by allowing them to really get back to why they went into medicine, which is to treat patients, allowing the doctor to really focus on the care and and the science and delivering appropriate medicine as opposed to the cognitive burden they feel by documenting and typing on their computer.”

The pilot program will begin this June among 100 providers.

They will test out the system, make improvements, and roll out the system to all medical groups later this summer.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Softball World Series is attracting hundreds of people the local area.

This gives the local community an opportunity to sell itself and show the country what Yuma has to offer.

According to Visit Yuma, around 800 people are in Yuma because of the tournament.

With 20 of the nation’s top junior college softball teams in town, their fans and family are also spending money in Yuma.

“Those people are staying in our hotels. They’re eating at our restaurants, they’re going to our shops, they’re experiencing our community, and so it is a huge economic opportunity. It’s also a huge opportunity for our community to truly showcase who we are,” said Marcus Carney, the Executive Director of Visit Yuma.

Gabriela Sosa, a catcher for one of the teams competing, says she is enjoying what Yuma has to offer.

“We’ve enjoyed it quite a lot. I mean like I said, coming from somewhere where southern hospitality is a thing, here is absolutely no different. Everyone’s been super accommodating like Coach Shelton said,” Sosa says.

Burgers and Beers restaurant is also seeing an increase of clients becuase of the tournament.

“There’s been a lot of movement this tournament helps Yuma Valley a lot, and we’ve seen a lot of rush in here. We’ve been packed these days and other than having Mother’s Day the other weekend, this tournament has been really great for us and for the community,” Jaime Honold, Burgers and Beer CFO.

Meanwhile, La Quinta Hotel shares how it’s also benefiting from the tournament. With around 45 rooms reserved for players and coaches, not including family and friends, it is safe to say business is booming.

“Being a hotel, that’s what we call it heads in beds, right? We need heads in beds and so something like this allows us to do that…Any tournament that we’ve had we’ve been at like 90% occupancy up to sold out,” said Crystal Rinaldis, General Manager at La Quinta Hotel General Manager.

The championship game is scheduled for this Saturday, meaning tourists will have more time to take in all that Yuma has to offer.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) says Interstate 8 (I-8) eastbound near Yuma is closed.

ADOT says this is due to a vehicle fire at milepost 18, and is advising drivers to expect delays and seek an alternate route.

While the left lane on I-8 eastbound is now open, ADOT says the right lane is still closed. However, the westbound lane on I-8 remains unaffected, according to AZ511.gov.

KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – All week long Marine Corps Air Station Yuma will be conducting it’s 2025 Semper Durus Exercise.

The antiterrorism and force protection exercise is designed to improve emergency preparedness and rapid response capabilities to threats and crises.

The exercise involves live training environments and realistic scenarios including active shooter drills, cyber-defense, and bomb threats.

The local community near may notice increased security measures and the presence of force protection personnel on and near the base all week long.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A suspect has been arrested in connection to a hit-and-run which left one person dead.

The suspect, 36-year-old Donovan Jamal Thomas of Scott, Louisiana, was located in the state of New York, where he was taken into custody and was extradited to Yuma last Friday, May 16.

This is in connection to the hit-and-run from December of 2024, which left 34-year-old Ijah Se’lah Smith, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, dead.

After being extradited back to Yuma, Thomas was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for first degree murder, kidnapping, and leaving the scene of an accident with death or injury.

Smith’s family was notified and Thomas’s bond is currently set for $1 million.

PR-2024-76-Fatality-Collision-(Homicide)-Update-2Download

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Dillon Fuhrman

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Calexico Police Department (CPD) are searching for two suspects in connection to an attempted kidnapping scheme.

It happened last Sunday, May 11, at around 7:30 p.m. when CPD responded to Cordova Park after receiving reports of a possible attempted kidnapping.

When officers arrived, CPD says one of the suspects, a Hispanic woman, described by police as wearing a pink shirt and had long brown hair, approached two children, a seven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy, and “attempted to lure them with candy.”

Courtesy: Calexico Police Department

CPD says the suspect then reportedly grabbed the boy’s arm and “began walking him toward a vehicle when the children’s mother intervened.” This caused the suspect to flee the area.

CPD also says the woman was accompanied by an unidentified man, and witnesses told them the suspect may have ran away in a gray Honda Crossover SUV, but “were not seen entering the vehicle.”

While CPD says officers searched the area and peruse through surveillance footage thanks to several homeowners who were contacted and provided them the footage which is currently under review.

The investigation is ongoing, and if anyone has any information regarding the case, call (760) 768-2140 or Police@calexico.ca.gov.

Press Release Attempted KidnappingDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) – Reetika Dhawan, Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College’s (AWC) Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs, has been awarded the Community Champion Award by the Institution for Digital Inclusion Acceleration (IDIA).

Dhawan received the award during the Lighting up the Future Dinner in Phoenix earlier this month, AWC says.

According to AWC, “the IDIA honors honors individuals and partnerships whose work contributes to Arizona’s digital economy.”

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

AWC says Dhawan was recognized “for her leadership in workforce development through innovative programs in digital infrastructure and technology which provide opportunities for students to enter high-demand careers.”

“Receiving the Community Champion Award from IDIA and a Congressional Certificate for my work in digital equity is deeply meaningful,” Dhawan shared. “As someone who came from India and now serves rural Arizona, I’ve seen firsthand how access to broadband and digital tools can transform lives. This recognition isn’t just mine it belongs to every student, educator, and community partner who believes in building a more connected and equitable future for all.”

“We couldn’t be more proud of Reetika for being honored with the IDIA Community Champion Award,” said AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to digital equity are transforming lives across rural Arizona. This award is a reflection of her passion and the powerful impact she’s making every day.”

Reetika Dhawan receives IDIA Community Champion AwardDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

Andrea Turisk spoke with locals to see if this is something they believe is necessary.

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is requesting 20,000 National Guard members along the border, including Yuma County, to help with immigration enforcement.

San Luis is no stranger to the complexities of immigration, but the new potential surge of military personnel is raising questions and concerns among residents.

According to DHS, the goal is to support enforcement not just at the border, but across the country as well.

One local, Collet Masillemoni, says he believes illegal entry has been at bay and the move to deploy more troops may not be necessary.

“The border is pretty well controlled right now. I don’t see why we have to send troops when there is hardly anybody crossing,” Masillemoni shared.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in fiscal year 2024, there were over 39,000 illegal encounters in Yuma. However, in fiscal year 2025, there were just under 7,000 encounters, showing an 82% decrease.

Still, other locals feel this move will help continue to keep the border safe.

“These are national matters. The exchange of drugs and other things probably imply that decision,” said Hector Muñoz, another local.

DHS says troops are being requested to assist law enforcement on logistics and operations related to immigration actions in the U.S., something some locals believe to be very important for border communities like ours.

“Based on all the violence that occurs here from all that illegal immigration, I think that’s great. Homeland Security stepping up finally,” said Frank Luna, another local.

The request from DHS now stands with the Pentagon, where the final decision will be made.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Residents across Yuma County are sharing their reaction to former President Joe Biden being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

On Sunday, the former president’s office released a statement saying the cancer has metastasized to the bone, which is a more aggressive form of the disease.

However, they also say, “This cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

It’s news that hits close to home for some, and in Yuma, people are reacting with honesty and with heart.

“[I] just wish him well and hope that it goes better than our friends. We know a lot of people with prostate cancer right now, so it’s just one of those things,” said Barbara Sharp, a local.

Former President Biden and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden spoke to the American people directly on “X” Monday morning, thanking everyone for their support.

One local, Bret Talbot, said, “I feel badly for him and his family, his wife Jill, he’s had tragedy in his life with his son dying. Yeah, I feel bad for him. He’s been crucified in the press relentlessly.”

The news comes off the heels of public speculation over his well being in recent years. 

Talbot shared what he thinks the Biden family needs the most right now saying, “He’s out of office. He’s not gonna be back in office, so just like leave him alone and let them deal with this privately, in peace.”

Some locals believe this diagnosis affirms the state of health they already believed Biden was in before leaving the White House.

“It was very blatantly obvious that he was dealing with issues, and I felt really bad that he or anyone is put out there,” said Jill Hunter, another local.

Even those who weren’t surprised say this will be a tough chapter, and that they hope the former president gets the care he needs.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – American Legion Post 56 is holding a Memorial Day Celebration next Monday.

Post 56 will be honoring and remembering those who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

The celebration is happening at Post 56, located at 1490 W. 3rd Street, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

During the celebration, there will be food provided, such as pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, pasta salad, fruit and other desserts.

In addition, the bar will be open during the celebration and there will be multiple raffles.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

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