Outpouring of condolences shown for Kit Bond from both sides of political aisle

KMIZ on May 14, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

After the announcement of former Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond’s death on Tuesday, a large number of Missouri public officials from both sides of the aisle shared their condolences.

Bond died in St. Louis early Tuesday, according to a press release from Gov. Kehoe’s office. He served in various roles during his time in the public eye, including as governor from 1973-77 and 1981-85 and was in US senate from 1987-2011.

Once he retired, his seat was won by now-former Sen. Roy Blunt.

“No one understood Missouri better or served our State more effectively than Kit Bond. While he is most often recognized for his ability to bring federal dollars and new opportunities to Missouri, his fellow Senators saw him as a trusted leader on national security, transportation, and education. And I was fortunate to call him friend. Abby and I send our love to his family and will keep them in our thoughts as we remember this great American with fondness and appreciation for his friendship and leadership,” Blunt said in a statement sent to ABC 17 News.

The seat was eventually won by Sen. Eric Schmitt in 2022 after Blunt’s retirement.

“Today, I was saddened to hear of the passing of legendary Missouri Senator Christopher ‘Kit’ Bond. Kit proudly served our state as governor and then in the U.S. Senate for 24 years, with his trademark sense of humor and dedication to making Missouri the best state in our union. He helped to improve the lives of generations of Missourians across the Show Me State. Please join me in praying for Kit, his wife Linda, his son Sam, the entire Bond family, and all those who loved him,” Schmitt said in a statement.

Fellow Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley shared grief in a social media post.

“Erin and I were saddened to hear of the death of our friend, Kit Bond. What a champion for Missouri. He served his state and his nation with the utmost distinction for decades – and he was above all a fine man. He & Linda have been such good friends to Erin and me. We are thankful for them, and are praying now that the Lord would comfort Linda and their family,” Hawley wrote.

Erin and I were saddened to hear of the death of our friend, Kit Bond. What a champion for Missouri. He served his state and his nation with the utmost distinction for decades – and he was above all a fine man. He & Linda have been such good friends to Erin and me. We are…

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 13, 2025

Kehoe gave high praise to Bond during an interview on Tuesday.

“You could never be around Kit Bond and not smile, and you could never be around Kit Bond without knowing that his heart was with Missouri. He might have had a lighthearted approach to tackling some of the toughest solutions, but both as Missouri governor and Missouri senator, he was a leader,” he said.

Missouri Democrats also shared condolences and acknowledged Bond’s influence on Missouri politics.

“Kit’s service to Missouri was defined by his deep commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, whether through securing vital infrastructure projects or supporting critical economic initiatives. He was a man of principle, integrity, and, above all, love for the people of Missouri. His leadership set a high bar for future generations, and he leaves behind a powerful example of dedication and resilience,” Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan said in a statement.

Former Sen. Claire McCaskill shared sympathies on social media.

“My sympathies to the Bond family. I am proud that Kit and I were friends. He cared deeply and always about Missouri. #RIPSenatorKitBond,” she wrote.

My sympathies to the Bond family. I am proud that Kit and I were friends. He cared deeply and always about Missouri. #RIPSenatorKitBond

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) May 13, 2025

Former Gov. Jay Nixon showed his appreciation for Bond on his social media.

“Missouri lost a leader for the ages, smart, tough, and fun. Kit’s counsel and help to me personally as Governor was deeply appreciated,” he wrote.

Missouri lost a leader for the ages, smart, tough, and fun.Kit’s counsel and help to me personally as Governor was deeply appreciated.

— Governor Jay Nixon (@GovJayNixon) May 13, 2025

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce wrote about his influence.

“The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry mourns the passing of former Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator Christopher ‘Kit’ Bond – a dedicated public servant and champion for Missouri,” a social media post from the chamber reads. “Gov. Bond’s leadership helped lay the groundwork for economic growth and opportunity across our state. We are grateful for his decades of service, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Leaders from the University of Missouri – where a building at the Columbia campus is named after Bond — also shared their condolences.

“Senator Bond was a tremendous champion for Missourians and the University of Missouri,” UM System President Mun Choi said in a statement. “His incredible commitment to groundbreaking research in life sciences, agriculture and other critical areas impacted the state and secured our role as a world-class institution. We are grateful for his decades of support and proud to carry on his legacy of service.”

“The state of Missouri and the University of Missouri System have both tremendously benefitted from Senator Bond’s leadership,” UM Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves said in a statement. “His tenure of dedicated public service continues to positively influence Missouri today, and we value his tireless advocacy and support throughout his long and distinguished career.”

US Republican Rep. Mark Alford shared similar sentiments.

“It’s with deep sadness that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Christopher S. ‘Kit’ Bond. Leslie and I join the Bond family, the Show Me State, and a grateful nation in mourning the loss of one of Missouri’s favorite sons,” Alford said in a statement. “Kit was a true statesman and a mentor to many, including myself. He represented the highest ideal of public service.”

Kehoe announced in a Tuesday afternoon press release that a memorial service will be held for Bond at the Capitol Rotunda at noon Tuesday, May 20. The public is invited to attend and the former senator’s body will be at the Capitol Rotunda for 24 hours following the service.

Flags around the state will be lowered to half-staff until after Bond’s funeral on Thursday, May 22

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Groundbreaking new study reveals nearly half of Oregon households struggle to afford basics 

KTVZ on May 14, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There were 737,157 Oregon households unable to afford the state’s cost of living in 2023, according to the ALICE Report released Monday by United Way of Central Oregon and United Ways of the Pacific Northwest.

The report was released in partnership with United For ALICE, a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for people in financial hardship.

ALICE in Oregon: A Study of Financial Hardship places a spotlight on what United For ALICE calls the ALICE population — households earning more than the official Federal Poverty Level, but less than the cost of basics such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, technology, and taxes in their local community. 

ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — a large population of hardworking residents who work at low-paying jobs, have little or no savings and are one emergency away from falling into poverty.

The report is the most comprehensive depiction of financial need in the state to date, using the latest data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census. The Report unveils new measures, based on 2023 income levels and expenses, that quantify how many Oregon households are struggling financially, and why.  

In 2023, out of Oregon’s total 1.7 million households, a total of 528,716 households fell into the ALICE population. This number was more than double the official poverty rate, which accounted for another 208,441 households in the state.

Combined, ALICE households and households in poverty made up the population below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival and accounted for 42% of all households in Oregon. Details about Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties are below:

      Crook: 34% ALICE & 9% below the Federal Poverty Line (FPL)

      Deschutes: 23% ALICE & 9% below the FPL

      Jefferson: 28% ALICE & 14% below the FPL

“We all know ALICE,” said Diana Fischetti, Regional Executive Director of United Way of Central Oregon. “ALICE is the young family squeezed by the cost of child care, the recent college graduate living with roommates because rent is out of reach, and the mid-career professional underemployed despite doing everything ‘right.’ These are the people who teach our kids, care for our elders, and keep our economy running — and yet they’re struggling to afford the basics. That’s not a personal failure; it’s a sign of systems that no longer work for working people.”

The report is a project of United For ALICE, which leads a grassroots movement of United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations in more than half the United States, all using the same methodology to document financial need. ALICE Reports provide county-by-county data and analysis of how many households are struggling, including the obstacles ALICE households face on the road to financial independence.

“This Report provides the objective data that explains why so many residents are struggling to survive and the challenges they face in attempting to make ends meet,” said the Report’s lead researcher, United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D. “Until now, the true picture of need in local communities and states has been understated and obscured by misleading averages and outdated poverty statistics.”

The ALICE Report reveals:

▪    Between 2010 and 2023, the total number of households in Oregon increased by 15%, the number of households in poverty decreased by 4%, and the number of ALICE households increased by 27%.

▪    Single-female-headed households are especially impacted by the harsh realities of our economic systems, with nearly 40% living under the federal poverty line and an additional 32% ALICE.

▪    Households below the ALICE Threshold span all races, ages and genders, closely mirroring the state’s basic demographic make-up. Yet for certain groups, the struggle is disproportionate. For example, 61% of Black and 50% of Hispanic households in Oregon were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023, compared to 41% of white households.

“ALICE often is forced to make choices that compromise health and safety in order to make ends meet,” Fischetti said, “putting both ALICE and the wider community at risk of long-term societal and economic repercussions.”

“This data confirms what we see every day: that far too many families are stuck making impossible choices — between childcare and health care, or between food and rent,” Fischetti continued. “At United Way, we’re using the ALICE data to drive real solutions — by convening cross-sector partners, informing smarter investments, and advocating for systems that help families not just survive, but truly thrive.”

United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity and financial security, United Way works towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

For more information or to find data about ALICE in local communities, visit www.UnitedForALICE.org.

About United Way of Central OregonUnited Way of Central Oregon envisions a community where every person can meet their basic needs, every child thrives, every family has a stable home, and neighbors unite to recover stronger from disasters. Through initiatives focusing on financial security, community resilience, youth opportunities and healthy communities, UWCO is building a stronger, healthier Central Oregon. For more information, please visit https://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org or contact Diana Fischetti at diana@uwco.org.

About United Ways of the Pacific NorthwestUWPNW is the regional trade association for 30 local United Ways in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. United Ways in the Pacific Northwest are committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good in the areas of education, income and health.

About United For ALICE

United For ALICE is a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and for all. Through the development of the ALICE measurements, a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship has emerged. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, ALICE partners convene, advocate and collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability at local, state and national levels. This grassroots ALICE movement, led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, has spread to 31 states and the District of Columbia and includes United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations in Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin; we are United For ALICE. For more information, visit: UnitedForALICE.org.

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Leaks in Manitou Springs utility pipeline discovered before critical water shortage

KRDO on May 14, 2025

Michael Logerwell

Editor’s note: In a previous version of this article, KRDO13 reported that there was a delay in repairs. The repairs necessary for the leak were never delayed. CSU said when the leak was discovered, there were other CSU sources to pull water from at the time. As soon as the water crisis in Manitou Springs emerged, CSU added crews to expedite repairs. 

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – City leaders in Manitou Springs told residents on Tuesday that the water restrictions will likely remain in effect through the end of the week.

The city’s water treatment system can’t keep up with the heavy sediment brought in by recent runoff, and the backup connection to Colorado Springs Utilities can’t be used because of a leaky pipe.

Crews continue working to repair the leaks on the Old North Slope Pipeline, but the project will likely take several more days.

RELATED: Manitou Springs alerts residents of critical water supply emergency, issues severe restrictions on use

A map of Colorado Springs Utilities’ pipelines showing the North Slope System.

CSU told KRDO13 Investigates that the North Slope line is around 100 years old, and difficult to service because of the mountainous terrain it runs through.

According to CSU, the leak was discovered last week when workers were repairing valves.

Due to a variety of other water sources, the pipeline isn’t needed to supply water to CSU’s customers, so there was no immediate impact to CSU customers.

KRDO13 Investigates received this statement from leaders with the City of Manitou Springs:

“At this time we cannot provide an interview as our staff is focused on trying to resolve the issue while maintaining all other City functions. In an effort to conserve water within city facilities, employees that are able to work from home were given the option to do so to help conserve water. All essential staff are hands on deck, trying to get this resolved, as well as maintaining all other essential functions.”

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CAL FIRE: Under Pressure Part One

KESQ on May 14, 2025

Karen Devine

2025 is off to a burning start across the state. 

The Los Angeles wildfires, back in January, are now projected to be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

In an I-Team exclusive, CAL FIRE under pressure.

News Channel 3’s Karen Devine watched as wildland-trained firefighters went through grueling exercises, being tested to make sure they are ready for the summer firefight that’s expected.

“Fire is a big threat to the residents of California, and we like to stay 100% ready. And, we like to meet the CAL FIRE State mission of keeping all vegetation fires to 10 acres or less throughout the state,” said Eric Sauerwein, Battalion Chief, CAL FIRE Riverside County

Over the last several years California has had its worst wildfire history. 15 of the top 20 most destructive wildfires have occurred.

Find out what new tools are being implemented this year and if there’s enough help on the front lines to save lives and property.

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Funding cuts threaten LGBTQ+ support amid rising challenges 

KESQ on May 14, 2025

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Officials at the Transgender Health and Wellness Center told News Channel 3 on Monday that half a million dollars in federal funding was pulled from the ‘Marsha P Johnson LGBTQ Youth Drop-In Center,’ putting it at risk of shutting down.

But those funds go far beyond the center, and help support other local programs like the Gay, Straight, Alliance club at Palm Springs High School.

The club offers a safe space for students, something Elena Song, club advisor, says is the biggest need facing LGBTQ+ students right now.

A community that is facing increasing challenges. According to the Trevor Project, more than one in ten LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered attempting suicide in 2024.

“I just hope that our politicians would see that great need for our students because the fact that they can’t be who they are, there’s that high risk of suicide and that is something that can be avoided if we have the funding to help support these students.”

Elena Song, GSA club advisor

The club has been receiving funding support from the Transgender Health and Wellness Center, helping pay for shirts, funding scholarships for graduating seniors, and sponsoring trips. But with that funding now pulled, Song is having to look for other ways to keep these initiatives going.

“We need to get together and brainstorm different types of fundraisers. We’ll reach out to community members… Hopefully we’ll get a lot of participation from our community and community members.”

Elena Song, GSA club advisor

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Columbia Board of Education approves new chief academic officer, Benton STEM Elementary principal

KMIZ on May 14, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Board of Education on Monday night approved two people for leadership positions within the district, a Tuesday press release says.

Adam Taylor was picked as Columbia Public Schools’ chief academic officer for the 2025-26 school year, while Allison Chostner was chosen as Benton STEM Elementary School’s next principal, the release says.

Taylor is currently the executive director of secondary education and will replace Jeff Klein, who was recently announced the district’s next superintendent. The release says Taylor is a CPS graduate who has more than a decade of educational experience, including roles as athletic director, assistant principal and principal at Battle High School.

He also taught personal finance, business law and global business at Hickman High School for five years, the release says.

Chostner is currently the assistant principal at Benton STEM Elementary School and will replace Sarah Sicht, who is becoming the principal at Eagle Bluffs Elementary School, the release says.

Chostner has 17 years of experience in elementary education and has served as Benton STEM’s assistant principal since 2020, the release says. She has also served as an assistant principal at Bush Elementary School in Fulton. She began her career as a teacher at Parkade and Midway Heights elementary schools.

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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to provide free shred event in La Pine

KTVZ on May 14, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Republic Services, will be providing a free shred event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at their La Pine substation, 51340 Hwy 97.

This information can also be located on the DCSO website (sheriff.deschutes.org) under the Community/Public Notices tab.

This is a residential free shred event and is not intended for business/commercial shredding. We can accept paper clips and staples but cannot take plastic bags or three-ring binders. We are asking that people limit the number of documents to be shredded to no more than four boxes. If you have more than four boxes of material to be shredded, we are asking that you contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 to determine how to dispose of your items.

Medications accepted are prescription, patches, ointments, over-the-counter, vitamins, samples, and medications for pets.

NO SHARPS, THERMOMETERS, INHALERS, ETC.

This event also provides an opportunity for flag disposal. If anyone has an old tattered American flag, they would like properly disposed of, it can be done at these events.  Food donations are also accepted during the event, which will go to a local food bank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

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Idaho Falls Shelter rescues puppies, uncertain if all have been found

KIFI on May 14, 2025

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Animal Shelter rescued several puppies Wednesday after receiving reports of a group seen in a field at the corner of 17th and Skyline Drive.

A post on the shelter’s Facebook page reported that the shelter was able to recover three of the dogs, but unfortunately, one of them did not survive. The shelter directors are uncertain if they managed to secure all the dogs.

“We are not sure if this is all of them or if there is one lone puppy out there, hiding from the world. We cannot find any others, but ask that if you are in the area, please keep your eyes open,” said the Shelter Directors in the post. “We are not asking you to go into the field to look, but if you see one out there and can coax it to you, please do.  We are hoping that this is all of them. The folks who live in a house across the street are keeping an eye out as well. Just in case.”

The shelter has cleaned up the rescued dogs, but says they are not available for adoption yet.

“Please keep your eye on our Facebook page for availability,” said the shelter directors in the post. For more information, click HERE.

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Community home library project boosting early literacy and a love for reading

KYMA on May 14, 2025

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Arizona Department of Education has reported a decline in children’s literacy levels.

“The Arizona Department of Education, their stats and the data that are showing that from 2023 until 2024, there has been a decline. So it was 41%, but now it’s 39% of third grade readers deficient,” said Yuma Arizona’s Children Association language and literacy educator Denise Ramirez.

That’s why the Yuma Arizona’s Children Association started a home library project to support 100 Yuma County families with a personalized home library.

“Our goal was 100 families – to serve 100 families. They will get a complete kit…a book nook kit where there will be a cozy chair, a reading buddy, a carpet, and a set of ten books,” said Ramirez.

They’re partnering with Nova Home Loans to create library kits and need your help to make it happen.

Items they need:

1,000 Books of different genres. Preference age appropriate for children 0-8

100 Bookshelf’s

100 Cozy sitting pieces

100 Small soft rugs

100 Stuffed animals

“So what we’re asking is for our industry, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, if everybody did a little, no one would have to do a lot. And there’s no reason why we can’t all come together, buy ten books, buy a shelf, buy a single stuffed animal or sitting piece, and help Arizona Children’s Association get this over the finish line for these hundred families,” said Vice President Branch Manager of Nova Home Loans Jarrod Holiman.

They’ll be accepting donations through mid June. You can find drop off items at the locations below. They say they are thankful for the generosity of each of these partners:

Drop off Locations:

Nova Home Loans

Arizona’s Children Association

Primelending

Realty One Group Gateway

Elite Engraving & More

If you need to reach out for donations, you can email them below:

HomeStartsHere@novahomeloans.com

dramirez@arizonaschildren.org

salvarez@arizonaschildren.org

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Columbia businesswoman pleads guilty to fraud

KMIZ on May 14, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia businesswoman accused of fraud and embezzlement pleaded guilty on Thursday to two counts.

Kathryn L. Cunningham pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud and not paying payroll taxes. She was originally charged with 38 counts, which included bank fraud, stealing from an organization that receives federal funds and wire fraud.  

Cunningham is the former owner and CEO of payroll company Moresource, which had about 140 clients when it closed in 2020, according to previous reporting.

Cunningham was accused of embezzling from the payroll account that was held in trust for the company’s clients. Cunningham stole about $1.5 million for her personal benefit and to run her company, previous reporting indicates.

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