Pikes Peak Pride prepares for annual parade, hopes to ensure safety during the event

KRDO on June 11, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Preparations are underway for Pikes Peak Pride. The festival celebrating the LGBTQ community kicks off this Saturday for a weekend full of performances, a parade, but also added security.

Organizers of Pikes Peak Pride say that since there have been so many protests and some heightened energy levels downtown, they want to make sure all Pride participants are safe. While they say they can’t watch over each and every person, they make sure to prepare security levels to match the crowds they anticipate will attend.

“Safety is always our number one concern. We work for a year planning this event every year. We start again in August. And, so, you know, we’re always thinking about how do we keep our guests safe. How do we make sure that we have the best experience?” explained Justin Burns, vice president of Pikes Peak Pride.

They say this weekend they’ll have more security than they have had in years past. 

“Our sponsorship dollars are actually up this year. And we think that’s attributable to our community here, the resilience and that the community here actually needs this,” said Justin Burns, vice president of Pikes Peak Pride.

As a rainbow parade makes its way from America the Beautiful Park to Alamo Square Park, participants will stand out and say they want to be seen and heard.

A map of the parade route from Pikes Peak Pride.

However, this year there will be no rainbow crosswalk; the city points to ADA regulations as the reason.

“Due to accessibility and safety concerns, the City is not allowing crosswalks to be modified for any events. The City is providing outdoor space at the Pioneers Museum, where Pride is being held, for decoration by event organizers.”

-A spokesperson for the City of Colorado Springs

The Mayor released the following statement on the Pride event.

“This will be the third time Mayor Yemi has spoken and participated at Pikes Peak Pride, and it was the first major event he participated in after being sworn in during 2023. Mayor Yemi believes it is critical for him to be a mayor for all residents, and in creating a safe and welcoming city for everyone. This festival is a celebration of community and acceptance for many Colorado Springs residents, and it is a testament to the strength of our city.”

-Mayor Yemi Mobolade

City Council President Lynette Crow Iverson chose not to issue a Pride Week proclamation, saying their role is not to engage in identity-based political gestures.

“City Council Leadership has chosen not to issue a formal proclamation for Pride Month this year. As a non-partisan legislative body, we believe our role is not to engage in identity-based or political gestures, but to focus on governance that benefits all residents.

We want to be clear: we welcome everyone to Colorado Springs. We support the rights of every individual to live safely, freely, and with dignity. We extend our best wishes for a safe, respectful, and successful event, and we remain committed to ensuring our city is a place where all people feel valued and secure.

Our decision is rooted in a desire to avoid divisive or performative politics. Instead, we aim to serve every citizen equally, without favor or pandering, and focus on the issues that unite us—such as public safety, infrastructure, economic vitality, and quality of life.”

-Council President Lynette Crow-Iverson

“We do feel the love from the city,” said Burns. “But it is disheartening that the new leadership is not willing to proclaim Pike’s Peak Pride Week.”

Organizers encourage everyone to come out and celebrate this weekend.

“It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be amazing. The parade is huge. We’ve got more floats. We’ve got like two semis and everyone is super excited. The new route is going to be great and we’ve got more vendors than we’ve had any time. So we’ve got 25 food vendors, 180 I think local vendors and two days full of entertainment on the mainstage. So come out, celebrate. It’s going to be a blast and we’re so excited to see you,” invited Burns.

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Missing 10-year-old found safe

KIFI on June 11, 2025

News Team

UPDATE:

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The missing 10-year-old has been located and is safe, according to the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office. In a post on Facebook, BCSO thanked the public for their help.

ORIGINAL:

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office is urgently asking for the public’s assistance in locating 10-year-old Eli Barker, who has been reported missing. Eli has been diagnosed with autism and is non-verbal.

Eli was last seen at an unspecified location within Bingham County, wearing a purple shirt, gray shorts, red and black glasses, and carrying a dragon toy

Law enforcement is asking anyone who may have seen Eli or has information regarding his whereabouts. If you have seen Eli Barker or have any information, call Bingham County Dispatch at 208-785-1234. For more information, click HERE.

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Bee attack in Yuma harms family

KYMA on June 11, 2025

Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A terrifying bee attack in Yuma has left a family shaken, two dogs dead, and multiple people recovering from serious stings.

On what began as a typical Tuesday morning, the Lujan family was feeding their dogs in their backyard when a swarm of bees suddenly descended on them. The aggressive attack sent several family members to the hospital and tragically killed two of their beloved pets.

“It was just so devastating, and we’re so shaken up from it,” Mario Lujan told 13 On Your Side. “It’s probably the worst feeling you could have—to be so helpless.”

Mario and his wife were stung repeatedly as they tried to rescue their dogs. They believe the swarm came from a hidden hive inside a trailer near their property.

By the time first responders from Rural Metro Fire Department arrived, the damage had already been done.

“When Rural Metro came, she was almost unconscious—soaking wet,” Mario said, referring to his wife. “They just put her on the gurney, and off to the hospital we went.”

Local beekeeping expert Nicole Burns says the extreme heat could be a key factor in the bees’ sudden aggression.

“Anytime it’s above 100 degrees, bees like to be at 95 degrees, so anything past that can make them very agitated,” Burns explained. “That’s when we see people calling us—whether they’re mowing their lawn or they don’t know they have a beehive in a tree.”

Burns also emphasized that bees typically don’t seek out trouble unless they feel provoked.

“They’re kinda just like a wild animal, like bears,” she said. “People can see them doing their own thing—leave them ‘bee,’ literally, is what I always tell people.”

The Lujan family says they are grateful their loved ones survived but are still processing the trauma and heartbreak from the attack.

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Cathedral City man convicted of killing teen

KESQ on June 11, 2025

City News Service

MURRIETA, Calif. (KESQ) – A jury deliberated one day before convicting a young man of first-degree murder for fatally shooting a 17-year-old Cathedral City boy during a street confrontation that possibly stemmed from ill-will that had developed when the two worked together.

A Murrieta jury on Tuesday afternoon found Juan Alfredo Landeros Garcia, 26, of Cathedral City, guilty of the murder count, along with shooting at an occupied vehicle and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations, for the 2020 slaying of Isaiah Guerra.

Jurors had begun deliberations in the nearly two-week trial late Monday afternoon at the Southwest Justice Center.   

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Johnnetta Anderson did not immediately schedule a sentencing hearing, according to court minutes.   

Garcia is being held without bail at the Byrd Detention Center.   

According to a trial brief filed by the District Attorney’s Office, on the evening of April 4, 2020, Garcia was walking to a relative’s house, crossing near the intersection of Avenida Alvera and McCallum Way, when Guerra drove up in his Hyundai Elantra.

The victim got Garcia’s attention, but it was unclear what words were exchanged between them. Prosecutors said they had previously worked together at a Palm Springs Italian restaurant, though specific details about their on-the-job relationship and any conflicts were speculative.

During the roadside encounter, Garcia pulled a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fired 10 times, striking Guerra in the chest, arms and legs as he sat in the driver’s seat of the four-door sedan, according to the brief.   

The mortally wounded motorist attempted to drive away but crashed 300feet from where the gunfire erupted, his vehicle coming to rest on a sidewalk. He died at the scene.   

Garcia ran from the location, tearing off his shirt and throwing the pistol onto a rooftop, the brief stated. Security surveillance cameras mounted on homes throughout the neighborhood captured the defendant in his flight, recording images of his tattoos and other salient marks later used to confirm he was the shooter.   

Cathedral City police detectives obtained a warrant for Garcia’s arrest less than a week later, and he was taken into custody without incident at a family member’s property on Modalo Road.

The defendant admitted to his girlfriend, whose identity was not disclosed, that he’d shot the victim, but insisted that the teenager had “banged” on him, referring to gang-related hostility, then asked him, “Do you remember me?” according to the brief.  

Garcia told the woman he’d pulled his gun and fired in self-defense.   

The defendant had no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

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Wooldridge man accused of stabbing woman

KMIZ on June 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Wooldridge man was arrested and charged after he was accused of stabbing a woman on Tuesday.

Donald Rybolt, 61, was charged with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Cooper County Jail on a $250,000 bond. A court date has not been set.

The probable cause statement says that deputies were called to a residence after someone was stabbed. The victim was sitting in the back passenger seat of a vehicle with blood “all over” her right arm, the statement says. The woman had a “deep” cut that was about 2 inches long, the statement says. She was also bleeding from her face, according to court documents.

The victim allegedly told deputies that she was moving her possession from a shared residence when Rybolt because upset and attacked her, the statement says. He allegedly accused her of having his phone and first started punching, the statement says.

The victim left the home and tried to get into a vehicle, but Rybolt stabbed her while she was in the car, the statement says.

Rybolt allegedly told deputies that the victim swung a box cutter at him first and he swung a knife, but claimed that he wasn’t sure if he hit the victim, the statement says.

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Commute Options, city of Bend launch E-Bike Rebate Program, providing $1,800 to eligible residents

KTVZ on June 11, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Commute Options, in partnership with the City of Bend and funded by the Pacific Power Foundation, said Wednesday it’s proud to announce the launch of the E-Bike Rebate Program, beginning next Monday.

The program will provide $1,800 rebates to eligible residents for the purchase of electric bikes from local bike shops BendR Cyclery/Ride2You and Bend Electric Bikes.

Commute Options says it hopes to offer transportation options for those unable to afford them.

Residents must also take a safety class to apply. It comes as safety of e-bike riders is top of mind this summer.

This initiative supports Commute Options’ mission to increase access to transportation options across Oregon, while enhancing mobility, community connectivity, and public health in Bend.

“E-bikes are a powerful tool to improve mobility and connect people to work, school, and essential services,” said Brian Potwin, executive director of Commute Options. “With the support of the Pacific Power Foundation and our partnership with the City of Bend, we’re helping more residents access affordable, healthy transportation options that meet their daily needs.”

“The E-Bike Rebate Program is a collaborative partnership that can drive meaningful change in our community,” said Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. “By making electric bikes more affordable and accessible, we’re not only supporting local businesses, but also promoting healthier lifestyles, easing traffic congestion and helping Bend move toward a more sustainable future. We’re proud to work alongside Commute Options and the Pacific Power Foundation to bring this initiative to our community.”

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the rebate, applicants must:

Be 18 years or older

Be a resident of the City of Bend

Be a Pacific Power customer

Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income

Complete Commute Options’ e-bike safety course

Applications open on June 16, 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit commuteoptions.org for full program details, application instructions, and eligibility guidelines.

Rebate recipients will be selected through a lottery process every three weeks until all 70 rebates have been awarded. This approach ensures a fair and equitable opportunity for all qualified applicants.

“Pacific Power is proud to partner with local organizations to support sustainable transportation initiatives in the region,” said Shawn Grant, director of Customer Solutions at Pacific Power. “This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in enabling Commute Options to foster a brighter future for our community. We take pride in supporting Oregonians as they embrace electric mobility, all while progressing toward a more sustainable energy landscape.”

Eligible e-bikes must be purchased from one of the two participating local shops: BendR Cyclery/Ride2You or Bend Electric Bikes, supporting both local businesses and community-centered mobility solutions.

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Local clinic to host Back to School event next month

KYMA on June 11, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Regional Center for Border Health San Luis Walk-In Clinic is hosting a two-day Back to School event next month at two different locations.

The first day of the event is taking place Friday, July 11, at the clinic in Somerton, located at 950 E. Main Street Building B, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Courtesy: Regional Center for Border Health

The second day of the event is taking place Saturday, July 12, at the clinic in San Luis, located at 1896 E. Babbitt Lane, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

During the two events, students will receive backpacks, school supplies, physicals, immunizations, sports physicals and eye exams.

Courtesy: Regional Center for Border Health

For more information about the Somerton event, call (928) 236-8001. For information about the San Luis event, call (928) 722-6112.

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MDC releases updated statement on future of Pigeon Hill shooting range, community reacts 

News-Press NOW on June 11, 2025

Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s announcement of the indefinite closure of the Pigeon Hill shooting range has sparked controversy among community members. 

The Department announced the closure following an incident involving improper gun use at the range. 

St. Joseph residents say that while safety is an important concern, the closure of the range creates a significant inconvenience for many gun users across the northwest region. 

“I don’t see why they shut it down completely,” said resident Tony Casias. “Because a lot of people actually hunt and they like to go target practice, even our police.”

The shooting range in St. Joseph is among numerous unstaffed facilities throughout Missouri, prompting some to believe that the lack of supervision may encourage illegal activities at the location.

Staff at Bull’s Eye Trading Guns and Range in St. Joseph said that despite some backlash from the community over the closure, safety should remain the top priority. 

“I can understand peoples’ concern about it being shut down because it’s one less place for serious shooters to shoot locally,” said Bull’s Eye Shop Manager James Wymore. “But at the same time, if the person standing next to you isn’t serious about gun safety, it’s probably a good idea to just shut it down completely.”

Missouri Department of Conservation Media Specialist Erin Woodiel provided an updated statement to News-Press NOW about the future of the Pigeon Hill shooting range. 

“As of right now, we are going to still have the Pigeon Hill range as an option for educational programming within MDC, but we do not have plans at this time to reopen it for public use. We will evaluate as time goes on, but currently, we don’t have any concrete plans in place. We want to make sure everyone is following our rules to make it a safe place for everyone. When that doesn’t happen, we have to make such calls.”

Officials are reminding the community to use this situation as a reminder to always practice safety when operating a firearm. 

“You have to always be aware of where you’re pointing that firearm,” Wymore said. “It’s a lethal weapon. It is also a tool but it’s only as safe as the person holding it.”

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Flag Display Vandalized in Santa Barbara, American Flag Set on Fire

KEYT on June 11, 2025

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The American flag posted outside First Bank in Santa Barbara was set on fire sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

A caller told your News Channel that someone had burned the American flag outside of First Bank, at the corner of Las Positas Rd. and State St. in Santa Barbara, and damaged multiple sandbags.

Flags from countries around the world are displayed, but the caller says only the American flag was damaged.1

Photos sent in shows sand covering the sidewalk where the vandal, or vandals, had cut open sandbags used to anchor the flag poles.

Russ Lazarenko

Russ Lazarenko

The caller told your News Channel that they believe someone had used a blowtorch to destroy the flag, leaving it nearly reduced to ashes.

The vandalism comes at a time of political unrest in the state and in local communities. Yesterday, hundreds gathered outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse in response to federal immigration raids and a growing military presence in Southern California.

Communities rallied in Ventura County Tuesday following several Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting produce workers and farms across the county.

The American flag was replaced with a new one this morning.

Your News Channel has reached out to law enforcement for information regarding the vandalism, and is awaiting response.

This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Sedalia man accused of demanding family at park to ‘show their papers’

KMIZ on June 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Sedalia man has been charged with a felony after he allegedly accused a family of being illegal immigrants and demanded to see “their papers.”

Dean Murphee was charged with first-degree harassment and is being held at the Pettis County Jail on a $2,500 bond. A court date has not been set.

The probable cause statement says a woman was at Liberty Park on Tuesday with her husband and two children when Murphee began yelling and following them. The woman put her children in the family’s car and Murphee allegedly demanded she “stop,” the statement says. The woman told her husband to drive, but Murphee went to the driver side window and demanded the husband show “their papers,” the statement says.

Murphee then allegedly yelled at the family that they “better be legal” before asking to see their “papers,” again, the statement says. Court documents say Murphee grabbed the handle of the car door.

Murphee tried to stop them from leaving, so the family went the “wrong way” out of the park to get away from him, but came back when police arrived, court documents say.

Police spoke with Murphee, who claimed he is a retired veteran “who serves and protects this community,” and goes to the park nearly every night, the statement says.

Murphee allegedly told police that he “caught a bunch of ‘illegals’ tearing up the rose garden and trashing the gazebo. Dean then started going off on a tangent about communication between shifts,” according to court documents.

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