AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes hosts town hall meeting in Downtown Yuma

KYMA on May 15, 2025

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A town hall meeting was held in Yuma to discuss federal firings and DOGE funding cuts.

Dozens came out to the Historic Yuma Theatre in Downtown, many of them in favor of the work being done by Arizona’s Attorney General. Items discussed include Medicaid cuts, social security, tariffs, and education.

Brian De La Hoya, a teacher in San Luis, says he supports Mayes’s resistance to cuts on public education.

De La Hoya, also the Chair of LD23 Democrats of Arizona, says, “I don’t think public school districts should be defunded at all. If anything, we should fund them more.”

Attorney General Mayes, along with several Attorney Generals from other states, have filed 18 lawsuits against the Trump Administration.

One of those lawsuits is in regards to the administration’s sweeping tariffs.

Attorney General Mayes says, “I’m very worried about the tariff impacts on Yuma, especially the farmers that export their goods to other countries and I’m worried about the small businesses in Yuma that imports their goods from China.”

Another focal point of the town hall was the cuts to Medicaid.

Mayes says these cuts, if successful, would be catastrophic to rural communities throughout the state.

“The Medicaid cuts carry the biggest potential for catastrophe, not even to speak on the impact that’s going to have on Yumans themselves, who may not have a hospital to go to if these Medicaid cuts go through,” Mayes explains.

But not everyone in attendance was in favor, one local applauding the President for keeping his promises and saying he doesn’t agree with the bombardment of lawsuits.

Mayes adds, “I love that I was challenged by a couple of folks that didn’t share my views. This is about letting people sound off, tell me how they’re feeling, and gathering evidence.”

This is Mayes’s 11th town hall she’s hosted in the state on the topic of federal firings and DOGE funding cuts.

She’ll host her 12th in Apache County on Monday.

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Cathedral City recommends speed limit changes on 11 roads

KESQ on May 15, 2025

Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City’s City Council is cracking down on varying speed limits and crashes throughout the city. In a study session Wednesday night, council members discussed the speed limits on 74 roads.

Out of the roads discussed, for 11 of them the council proposed changes to either reduce or increase the speed limits. The council has not yet voted on the changes, and they have not been approved, but they expect to discuss them again on May 21 before the decision to adopt the ordinance on June 25.

Residents told News Channel 3, they feel these speed limit changes are necessary.

“I asked a policeman here not too long ago if the speed limits around here were advisory,” Larry Sherris laughed. “He of course said, ‘Of course not.'”

Sherris has been living part time in Cathedral City for nearly 20 years, and said he’s had scary experiences driving on Ramon Road and Vista Chino on his motorcycle. Areas he said other drivers speed and drive recklessly.

“I started out with my motorcycle and some fella blew the light coming the other way and turned right in front of me,” Sherris said. “And I was able to get my motor cycle stopped and down before he hit me, and I was very fortunate.”

Another Cathedral City resident, Rick Wenzel, said the speed limit signs are inconsistent. Whether it’s a lack of signage or speed jumps, he feels there needs to be improvement.

“You don’t know which street you’re on [or] how fast you’re supposed to go,” Wenzel said.

Sherris and Wenzel agree reducing the speed limits would help the safety of the community, and they believe it should’ve been done sooner.

“I’ve long thought that these major thoroughfares should have a much lower speed limit,” Sherris said. “So I’m thinking they should not be over 40 [mph]. To me driving here is very dangerous.”

The Cathedral City City Council is proposing speed limit changes to 11 roads. Those changes are below:

For the city council study session discussion on the speeding and crash survey leading to this proposal go to https://www.youtube.com/live/NWY7NgahTCE?t=329s

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more about the proposed changes to busy roads in the Valley and how locals are responding.

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OSP says 310 animals have been seized, relocated from West Coast Game Park Safari; three others were euthanized

KTVZ on May 15, 2025

Kelsey Merison

(Update: OSP issues new info, tally of seized animals)

BANDON, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police said Tuesday that 310 animals have been seized and relocated from the West Coast Game Park Safari, where a raid took place last Thursday after a lengthy criminal investigation. Three others were euthanized due to their condition.

Their latest release is below.

On Sunday, May 18, just before 10 p.m., investigators concluded their search of the West Coast Game Park Safari and cleared the area. As a result of the search, 310 animals were seized and relocated to accredited and/or permitted animal sanctuary or rescue facilities.

No animals were released into the wild or unattended as a result of the search warrants.

Unfortunately, due to their physical condition, a chicken and a kinkajou were euthanized. This is in addition to the camel that was euthanized on the first day of the search (and is not the young camel featured in the previously distributed photograph).

Investigators are now processing all of the evidence obtained during their four-day search of the property. Due to the ongoing investigation and future adjudication of the case, no further information is available for release.

Oregon State Police thanks our partners and the multiple animal sanctuary and rescue organizations who assisted during the multiday incident. These efforts would not have been possible or successful without their continued assistance.

—

Earlier OSP update:

Update: Animal care specialists continue assessing animal welfare at West Coast Game Park Safari

A complete inventory and forensic assessment of animals is continuing today and seized animals will be transported to appropriate, reputable facilities where they will receive specialized veterinary care. The preplanning for the operation accounted for the relocation of all seized animals.

Veterinarians and staff with the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Agriculture evaluated animal welfare on scene. This assessment includes an animal’s physical condition, food quality, water supply, sanitation, enclosure conditions, and care sufficient to preserve their health and well-being.

Animal care has been a primary consideration during the investigation. Teams of veterinary staff evaluated dietary needs of the animals and supplied fresh feed for each species. The Oregon Humane Society purchased food and staff from all agencies are assisting in animal feeding.

During initial assessments on Thursday, May 15, one camel was diagnosed with multiple serious medical conditions and suffering. Onsite veterinary staff determined the animal’s condition was sufficiently grave and treatment or transportation would likely result in death. Unfortunately, humane euthanasia was the appropriate option.

On May 15th, the Wild Game Safari Park near Bandon was served multiple search warrants following a lengthy criminal investigation into the facility’s operations, according to Oregon State Police.

It comes just months after an extremely critical report by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. KTVZ News was one of the few outlets in Oregon to report on the USDA’s inspection.

Since then, it appears the Oregon State Police have been criminally investigating the popular game park.

West Coast Game Park Safari was visited by Oregon State Police in coordination with multiple local, state, and federal partners. Agencies searched for evidence related to animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing, and business practices.

Credit: Oregon State Police

In a Thursday morning release, OSP said:

“Oregon State Police is working in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coos County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon Department of Justice, and the IRS Criminal Investigation. Participating agencies provide regulatory oversight or bring specialized expertise in animal care to assist investigators with evaluating evidence gathered during the property search.”

The park is closed while investigations continue. No further information is available at this time, but Oregon State Police tell KTVZ News they expect to have more information on Friday.

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“Slow down, respect the land:” Bear struck and killed in Bear Lake State Park

KIFI on May 15, 2025

Seth Ratliff

LAKETOWN, Utah (KIFI) — Officials in Bear Lake State Park are asking visitors to slow down and respect the land after a black bear was struck and killed on Wednesday.

According to park officials, the bear was discovered on a dirt road near the Cisco Beach area on the Utah side of the park.

“This loss is particularly tragic, as black bears were once native to this valley but were nearly wiped out in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to overhunting and habitat loss,” wrote park officials in a post on the Bear Lake State Park Facebook page. “Seeing one return to the area is a rare and powerful reminder of the wild beauty that once thrived here.”

Park officials remind travelers that wildlife do not follow crosswalks, and as more people travel to enjoy Bear Lake, it is critical that they drive with extreme caution.

“Let’s honor the memory of this bear by keeping our eyes open, slowing down, and respecting the land we share with the wild,” wrote park officials.

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Winery Wellness Walk helps spread Mental Health Awareness in Santa Barbara County

KEYT on May 15, 2025

John Palminteri

BUELLTON, Calif. – This weekend walkers can take a step in the right direction to raise money for mental wellness in Santa Barbara County.

The fundraiser called, Peace of Mind – 10,000 steps in the Right Direction, is the 6th annual walk through the Alma Rosa vineyard, just outside of Buellton.

Debra Eagle is the former General Manager at Alma Rosa Winery and she has come back to coordinate this event. “The winery proprietors, Bob and Barb Zorich, have been longtime advocates of mental health, research and treatments.  All proceeds, every registration fee, every donation, 100% goes to the two foundations. We’re supporting, mental wellness center here in Santa Barbara and One Mind, which funds research.”

Annmarie Cameron, CEO of the Santa Barbara Mental Wellness Center said, “it’s really an expression of starting conversations about mental health. And so when people come together and they go for the walk through the winery, they get, the feeling of helping others, they help themselves”

The walkers will be on a route through the winery for about four miles. It goes through the vineyards at different elevations. Some are not normally open for the public. Eagle said, “these fabulous vantage points that look out over the valley that aren’t normally seen. If they’re driving through the Santa Rita hills, they’re down on the road.”

This special walk began in 2019 and hundreds have taken part in the effort to support the programs funded by the benefit event.

All the money raised will go to the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara and related programs to assist in mental health through the One Mind organization. This year marks a big milestone, as the winery is aiming to surpass $1 million. Cameron said, “we’re so blessed to have the lead sponsor on the  Alma Rosa Winery match donations. Dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. And with the local corporate sponsors that have come to help us, we’re only about $5,000 short of our match. “

This is all in line with May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

“We are a safety net. We provide support to adults, to their families. We reach into the schools and educate youth, and we provide a lot of housing in the community, ” said Cameron.

Many on the walk have a personal connection. ” I would say probably a majority have someone in their lives who may suffer from more of your everyday anxiety, depression issues, which were very big, during the pandemic and shortly afterwards to people who have, family members who have very serious conditions.”

The walk begins at 9:00am and ends about noon with a reception involving wine and snacks. Additional wineries in the area are also pouring at this event. Live music will be provided by Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, local legends in guitar, blues and harmonica songs.

The event is supported by several regional wine makers.

For more information go to: Alma Rosa Winery

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SJSD School Board approves new administrators

News-Press NOW on May 15, 2025

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education has approved the appointments of two administrators for the 2025-2026 school year.

Dr. Kati Reid has been appointed as the Director of Secondary Education, replacing Dr. Lara Gilpin, who is retiring on June 30, 2025.

Reid began her career in 2009 and joined SJSD in 2010. Reid was an English teacher at the middle and high school level for 12 years. Most of her teaching career was invested in Spring Garden Middle School. She has been an assistant principal and principal at Benton High School for the past three years.

Reid earned her Ed.D in Superintendency and Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Williams Woods University.

She also has a Bachelor’s of Science in English and a Masters of Science in Assessment from Missouri Western State University.

Makayla Mekonnen has been appointed as assistant principal at Oak Grove Elementary for the 2025-2026 school year. She replaces Tom Evans, who was appointed as principal at Edison Elementary.

Mekonnen began her career in SJSD in 2015. During her 10 years of education, she has held varied k-12 roles, including special education, classroom teacher and behavior interventionist.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from MWSU and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

Mekonnen is currently pursuing her Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from Baker University, with anticipated completion in 2025.

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CVUSD teachers share their fate after district layoffs finalized

KESQ on May 15, 2025

Athena Jreij

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) — A months-long, mass layoff process at Coachella Valley Unified School District is coming to a head Thursday, the deadline for finalizing layoff notices.

News Channel 3 has followed this story since the beginning, when it was revealed CVUSD was facing a more than $50 million budget deficit.

The district has authorized 300 staff members to be laid off, including 44 teachers and 252 classified staff.

CVUSD has stood behind the layoffs, saying the district is overstaffed due to pandemic funds they used to hire on more people. Now, they say they have a surplus of employees they can’t afford to keep.

In March, News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij spoke with the Coachella Valley Teacher’s Association, after more than 900 Reduction In Force (or RIF) notices were sent out by CVUSD.

This evening, News Channel 3 speaks with several teachers impacted by layoffs and how they think this could hurt students.

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WATCH: Protesters rally against abortion, sick leave votes outside Missouri Capitol

KMIZ on May 15, 2025

Erika McGuire

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Dozens of abortion and Proposition-A advocates gathered at the Capitol on Thursday to protest the recent passage of two bills during the legislative session.

On Wednesday, the senate ended its session after republicans forced a vote to approve a ballot measure to send abortion rights back to the voters. It also passed a bill to repeal voter-approved sick leave.

More than 100 advocates were at the Capitol and rallied in support of both. Voters passed both measures in the November election. The newly proposed amendment on abortion rights would go back to voters on the ballot next year, or sooner if Gov. Mike Kehoe calls a special election.

“I have two children, one is non-binary and does not want children and should have that right. Even though they take precautions, things happen. My other child wants kids when she’s ready  and they should have the same rights I had. I terminated at 17 and have zero regrets,” said Denise Morgan-Irish, who is a volunteer with Abortion Action Missouri.

Theresa Miller also attended the rally in support of abortion rights. She said her support comes after her daughter faced a tough decision during her pregnancy.

“If her life was threatened in her pregnancy, they were going to choose her and not the baby. She had a 2-year-old at the time. That’s a choice and decision for another, not for a legislature or anybody else,” Miller said.

Tanya Hannahford, another volunteer with Abortion Action Missouri, said protecting abortion access is personal for her family.

“My daughter has Type-1 diabetes and a host of other health issues that could complicate her pregnancy, and I will choose my beautiful daughter over a clump of fetal tissue every time,” Hannahford said.

Proposition-A went into effect on May 1 this year and was repealed 14 days later.

Advocates at the rally said repeating the measure strips away basic protections for working families living pay check to pay check and lawmakers are ignoring the will of the people.

Rep. Marty Joe Murray (D- St. Louis) spoke at Thursday’s rally. He said voters showed up and proved what they wanted.

“You all changed the law. They disrespected us yesterday, no doubt. But, we’re going to let them know Prop A can turn into Amendment 1 real quick, you hear me? So you wanna change the statutes, well we’ll change the Constitution and we’ll do it every single time,” Murray said.

Fran Morion with Missouri Workers Center has worked in the fast food industry for more than 20 years. She said paid sick leave impacts her ability to take care of herself.

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Witness recalls cold and windy conditions on day father presumably drowned at Lake Pueblo

KRDO on May 15, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed to KRDO13 a 53-year-old man was discovered deceased on Sailboard Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park on Wednesday, May 14, due to a suspected drowning. 

CPW said the man went out to help his kids and their friends swimming in rough waters. CPW said none of the children were wearing a life jacket.

Surrounding park visitors saw him go under the water and went to pull him out, according to CPW. The agency said rangers from Lake Pueblo State Park received the call for help just before 2:45 p.m. and were on the scene within minutes. The witnesses, park staff, and medical personnel all assisted with CPR for approximately 40 minutes, but were unsuccessful, according to CPW.

CPW said the man was not wearing a life jacket, and the water temperature was cold in the upper 50s with heavy winds.

KRDO13 spoke to one woman who was at the shore that day, who said the conditions were rough for swimming.

“We couldn’t believe they were swimming as cold as the water was,” said Ginny Bosley, a lake goer.

On top of the cold water temperatures, she recalled the wind gusts being memorably strong.

 “It was crazy. It was whitecaps, like everything it about blew us out of our chairs,” she said.

The agency said his body was turned over to the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office for identification and an official determination of the cause of death. Two of the kids were the victim’s children, and two were friends, according to CPW. The agency said all of the kids are safe and with their respective guardians.

“You hate to think of something like that. When I heard it on the news last night, I think, oh my gosh, we were there. And that poor guy, we probably even seen him,” said Bosley.

Ahead of the boating season and summer holidays, CPW encourages all park visitors participating in water recreational activities to do the following:

Wear a life jacket​. A life jacket will keep your airway clear of water and your head above water and support your body should you stop swimming or become unconscious.

Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply. 

Be aware of the dangers of cold water shock. Water below 68 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause gasping, inhalation of water, and hypothermia, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as muscles become numb.

Heavy rain or snow melting in nearby mountains can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.

“CPW offers condolences to the family and friends of the victim and everyone involved in the incident,” said Becky Buist, Operations Manager at Lake Pueblo State Park.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Colorado Parks and Wildlife working suspected drowning at Lake Pueblo

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North Shoppes hotel expected to open by August 

News-Press NOW on May 15, 2025

Chris Fortune

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Construction on a Hilton-affiliated hotel continues throughout the spring after work appeared to go stagnant over the winter.

Home2 Suites by Hilton is accepting reservations beginning August 18 at 3701 N. Village Dr., according to its website.

It will be the latest addition to a string of hotels emerging in St. Joseph. My Place Hotel celebrated its grand opening a month ago down the street from the Home2 Suites.

Christian Mengel, director of marketing and communications with the St. Joseph Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said the additional hotel space helps when events such as the NCAA men’s golf regionals come to town and they need 100 rooms for the players.

“That’s over 10% of our total occupancy, where if the same event was happening in Springfield, it’s just a little over 1%,” he said.

Higher occupancy rates typically result in higher hotel prices because of supply and demand. When St. Joseph hosts large events, it can cause rates to increase due to a lack of hotel rooms.

“When you have a Missouri Western graduation, for example, now all of a sudden you’re talking about 200-plus dollars a room night,” Mengel said. “And families just don’t want to pay for that.”

Local hotels will prepare for another major event on the horizon in 2026. Kansas City will host World Cup matches next June and July.

“We’re well within the boundary of hotels being affected,” Mengel said. “I mean, they’re saying 200 plus miles will have some impact, like there will be somebody staying in those communities in that surrounding area for the World Cup.”

Two additional hotels and a conference center are under development on Frederick Avenue, but it’s unclear if they will be open by next summer.

A total of $237,480,031 tourism dollars were spent in Buchanan County in 2024, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

“We obviously want them all here by the World Cup,” Mengel said. “That’d be great. But the fact that they’re even coming in at all, we’ll be able to work with it.”

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