Budget cuts lead to layoffs in Secretary of State’s office

KMIZ on June 2, 2025

Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

More than 20 state employees in the Secretary of State’s Office were laid off on Friday.

According to a spokesperson, 17 full-time employees from the Archives and 5 full-time employees from the State Library were let go.

A letter from Secretary of State Denny Hoskins that was shared with employees still employed stated this was due to recent legislative actions and budget cuts to the office.

“After exhausting all currently available alternatives, we have been forced to make the painful decision to reduce staffing in certain divisions,” Hoskins said in the email. “These decisions were not made lightly and do not reflect the value or dedication of those impacted.”

The Missouri Senate and House passed House Bill 12, which includes 25 full-time employee positions cut from the Secretary of State’s Office.

Conference Committee documents show no other elected officials had positions cut from their budget, except one other position from the Lieutenant Governor’s office.

The Secretary of State’s Office now has 194 employees as of Monday.

Hoskins was elected in November after defeating Democratic candidate Barbara Phifer.

Click here to follow the original article.

Department of Justice files federal hate crime charges against Boulder terror attack suspect

KRDO on June 2, 2025

Celeste Springer

WASHINGTON (KRDO) — The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed federal charges against Mohammed Sabry Soliman, the 45-year-old man accused of setting people on fire in Boulder on Sunday.

The FBI called it a targeted terror attack, as he allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at people gathered for a demonstration in support of the Israeli hostages. Soliman’s criminal complaint alleges he yelled “Free Palestine” during the attack.

The DOJ is seeking federal hate crime charges, according to court records.

pic.twitter.com/GmmP5VddGr

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 2, 2025

“(Soliman) stated that he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead,” the criminal complaint read. “Soliman stated he would do it (conduct an attack) again.”

According to the complaint, Soliman had allegedly been planning the attack for a year and waited until his daughter graduated to carry it out.

“The Department of Justice has swiftly charged the illegal alien perpetrator of this heinous attack with a federal hate crime and will hold him accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our prayers are with the victims and our Jewish community across the world,” read a statement from Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This vile anti-Semitic violence comes just weeks after the horrific murder of two young Jewish Americans in Washington DC. We will never tolerate this kind of hatred. We refuse to accept a world in which Jewish Americans are targeted for who they are and what they believe.” 

He reportedly traveled from his Colorado Springs home, where he lived with his wife and five kids, to Boulder.

Editor’s note: Previous information from the FBI spelled the suspect’s name as “Mohamed.” The criminal complaint spells his name “Mohammed.” Because a criminal complaint is a legal document, KRDO13 is currently reporting that spelling unless other information comes to light.

Click here to follow the original article.

CVAG gives update on regional pavement management analysis

KESQ on June 2, 2025

Luis Avila

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – CVAG is working on a plan to better manage and maintain major roads across the region. Right now, each city or county handles its own roadwork. A regional program would help spread out costs, improve road quality, and reduce traffic disruptions.

In 2024, CVAG hired a consultant, Michael Baker International, to update the condition of about 558 miles of major roads.

CVAG’s AtlasView Dashboard

The average road condition score (called PCI) was 75.5 out of 100—rated as “satisfactory.” Replacing all the roads would cost about $1.5 billion. To keep roads in their current condition, the region needs to spend about $21.9 million per year.

CVAG is reviewing five different long-term funding scenarios and will use the results to make policy recommendations later this year.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Big Bear eaglet takes first flight from nest

KESQ on June 2, 2025

Jesus Reyes

BIG BEAR, Calif. (KESQ) – We have first flight! The moment so many people have been waiting for finally happened Monday morning.

Sunny, one of the two eaglets at the Big Bear nest, flew for the first time. The moment happened at around 10:46 a.m.

You can watch a livestream here

Sunny has been building up to her first flight for a few weeks, hovering for a few seconds but never taking that big leap.

It’s already been a big couple of days for Sunny and Gizmo, after officials found out that both are sisters.

For more on the eaglets and their nest, visit friendsofbigbearvalley.org

Click here to follow the original article.

High Fire Season Comes with More Equipment and Renewed Planning by Residents to Respond Safely

KEYT on June 2, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The transition to high fire season has begun and it will be like turning on a power switch for fire agencies.

With the first sign of smoke, a full response goes out and it will be adjusted depending on what the fire source is and its potential growth.

This includes extra engines, water tenders, aircraft, bulldozers, mutual aid and command teams.

“We are going to dispatch the most resources  that we possible can to each vegetation fire reported vegetation fire within the county,” said Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig in a briefing at the County Fire headquarters.

He was flanked by area fire leaders and front line firefighters. That included cities within the county, CalFire and the U.S. Forest Service which is dealing with lightening-sparked fire right now from the monsoonal style weekend storm in the back country.

Some of the engines that will be used to fight the fires were on display including engines used for structure fires and wildland fires.

Fire officials are also requiring property owners to clear back brush away from their homes and remove flammable items stacked near their structures.

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann said she even dug up some plants. “Zone zero the area within five feet of your home.  Remove anything flammable, wood piles, dry vegetation you are not even supposed to have plants. I took all of my foundation plantings that I was very proud of.”

There will also be an education outreach about the potential for intense weather, including winds similar to what was devastating to the Palisades and Alta Dena communities. Montecito Fire Chief David Neels said, during that specific fire, conditions in Montecito were very close to the same wind and fuel moisture levels, which created a serious watch locally for several hours.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said fires can sometimes move faster than the alerts can come out. “If at any time you do not feel safe, leave immediately. Furthermore deputies may use a high low siren to signal the need for rapid evacuation.”

And in crowded areas with tight roads. “it is very possible that you will be out on the road with all of your neighbors. At that point and as we found down south you could be stuck in gridlock and not to be able to get out at all,” said Hartwig.

The Montecito community has been tested many times over including during the 2017Thomas Fire which came with some advance mobilization to clear residents out and bring in fire hoses and engines. Chief David Neels says “our preparedness and the things we were able to do way before the fire came into our community helped our resiliency. ” He also says, there’s weather equipment at different slope levels for real-time data and the differences between what is felt close to the beach in Montecito compared to what is likely moving aggressively in the upper hills. Sometimes the winds can jump up in the area above what is forecasted and get to over 70 miles an hour which moves a fire into populated areas quickly.

Supervisor Laura Capps said the alerts in English and Spanish come out to those who sign up at ReadySBC.org. You can add multiple numbers including family members or your workplace. She also suggested residents meet their neighbors or at least leave them a note with your phone number in case help is needed in a crisis.

Through the ‘Ready! Set! Go! Program,’ there is also information, resources, contact numbers and diagrams linked to fire safety for all.

For information on the ‘Ready! Set! Go! Program,’ please log on to www.sbcfire.com

Ventura County Fire is expected to declare High Fire Season on June 22.

Restrictions on fires in the Los Padres National Forest for campers will be put out soon.

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.

. 

Click here to follow the original article.

New Child Care Grant Program launches in Goleta

KEYT on June 2, 2025

Patricia Martellotti

GOLETA, Calif. – Finding childcare in Goleta hasn’t been easy for Brenda Rodriguez.

“There aren’t many options and all the options that we do have a really expensive so as a single mom, myself, I went through the whole venture of finding a daycare for my son,” said Rodriguez.

The City of Goleta wants to do something to help ease the pressure of finding affordable childcare for mothers like Rodriguez.

For the first time, the City of Goleta is joining forces with Santa Barbara Foundation in a new childcare grant program.

“And that program will provide resources to childcare providers really with a goal of increasing capacity and making our local childcare infrastructure more resilient,” said councilman James Kyriaco of Goleta.

The Goleta Child Care Grant Program will offer awards of up to $15,000 for each recipient.

“Times are tough and families are struggling with all the changes occurring right now it is a difficult economy … cost of living is high and many families struggle to find the care they need for their families for their children,” said director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Beatriz Garcia of Santa Barbara Foundation.

The City of Goleta hopes to receive several grant applications to help all families in need of childcare.

“It is high-quality that is affordable and will help prepare their children for school,” said Kyriaco.

The application period is June 2nd through June 30th.

Applicants must be a licensed nonprofit child care provider and be based in the City of Goleta.Santa Barbara Foundation and the City of Goleta are partnering in a new grant program for child care providers.

The focus is to open more child care spaces for children in Goleta.

This grant program is made possible through Measure B, City of Goleta’s one-cent sales tax, approved by voters in 2022.

From Santa Barbara Foundation:

GOLETA, CA, May 16, 2025 – The Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF), in partnership with the City of Goleta, is proud to announce the launch of the Goleta Child Care Grant Program.

The intent is to strengthen the child care sector and support the workforce that serves Goleta’s youngest residents.

Applicants must be a licensed nonprofit child care provider and be based in the City of Goleta.

Go to the Santa Barbara Foundation’s website to learn more and apply.  The link will go live on June 2nd and will remain open until the June 30th deadline.

“At the Santa Barbara Foundation, we believe every child deserves access to safe, affordable, and high-quality care,” said Beatriz Garcia, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Santa Barbara Foundation. “That’s why we are so excited to partner with the City of Goleta on this program.”

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “These grants are an important step toward building a more resilient and equitable childcare system in Goleta — one that supports our workforce, uplifts families, and helps children succeed.”

The Goleta Child Care Grant Program will offer awards of up to $15,000 each, focused on the following priority areas:

• Child Care Workforce Development – Increasing the number of qualified child care professionals and promoting ongoing skill-building.• Sustainable Business Models – Strengthening organizational operations and financial sustainability.• Family Engagement – Supporting culturally responsive and inclusive family partnerships.• Leadership in Child Care – Advancing equity, inclusion, and strategic responses to local needs.For more information, contact Beatriz Garcia at BGarcia@SBFoundation.org.

Background:The Council last December 2024 approved $250,000 in childcare funds thanks to revenue from Measure B, a one cent sales tax approved by voters in 2022. The funding was awarded to several child care initiatives to bring more options to residents, help support local families and enhance community well-being. The Santa Barbara Foundation received $50,000 to launch this childcare grant opportunity.According to the 2024 Santa Barbara County Child Care Facilities Needs Assessment, there is a shortage of 9,371 licensed spaces for children ages 0-5 in the county. Goleta families and providers continue to face rising costs and limited availability, impacting both child development and working parents’ ability to thrive.

About Santa Barbara FoundationThe Santa Barbara Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Santa Barbara County for all who live, work, play and visit here. Working in partnership with individuals, community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, education and government, the Foundation strives to address our local communities’ most challenging needs. Recognizing that its work depends on the strength of the social sector, the Foundation is committed to the health and vitality of local nonprofits. Nearly every Santa Barbara County nonprofit organization and essential community project has been supported by the Foundation during its 96-year history. The Foundation connects philanthropists, subject matter experts, and our community members facing challenges – all who dream of stronger communities in Santa Barbara County. To learn more, please visit https://sbfoundation.org/.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Two orphaned bobcat kittens rescued from rest area, now being cared for at Think Wild in Bend

KTVZ on June 2, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update-Adding Video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center, has admitted two orphaned bobcat kittens rescued from a highway rest stop for rehabilitation.

The young siblings were rescued after being found alone at a rest stop near Tygh Valley in Wasco County, with no sign of their mother, who is suspected to have been killed by a vehicle, the organization said Monday.

After an initial night in the care of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the kittens were transferred to Think Wild two weeks ago, on May 19. 

At intake, both kittens were estimated to be about four weeks old, underweight, hypothermic, and had diarrhea and external parasites. They had also been fed an inappropriate diet prior to arrival.

Since then, they have received around-the-clock care, including antiparasitic treatments, supportive fluids, proper nutrition, a bath, and their first round of vaccines. 

Over the past week, the kittens have shown promising signs of recovery.

“They are gaining weight steadily, their coats are cleaner and healthier, and they are beginning to exhibit more natural bobcat behaviors like hiding, hissing, and avoiding human presence,” said Savanna Scheiner, Lead Wildlife Technician at Think Wild.  

To minimize the risk of habituation, the kittens are cared for under strict protocols, including limited human interaction, use of camouflage gear, and grooming techniques that simulate maternal care. The tentative plan is to raise the kittens with as little human contact as possible and release them back into the wild after ample live prey testing and once they are old enough to survive on their own. 

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are elusive native predators found throughout Oregon. They are most active at dawn and dusk and prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Young bobcats remain with their mothers for 9–12 months to learn vital hunting and survival skills.

Orphaned kittens face extremely low survival chances in the wild without rehabilitation. With proper care, rescued bobcats can return to their natural habitat and play a vital role in balancing local ecosystems. 

To support the care of these young bobcats and other patients like them, Think Wild invites the community to make a donation to the nonprofit wildlife center. Contributions are tax-deductible and help cover food, medical treatment, and housing needs. Donations directly support the rehabilitation of Central Oregon’s native wildlife and can be made at www.thinkwildco.org/support-us/donate. 

About Think Wild 

Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Bend. Their mission is to inspire the High Desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through rescue and rehabilitation, outreach and education, and conservation. They provide veterinary treatment and care at the wildlife hospital, staffed by expert wildlife rehabilitation staff, animal husbandry volunteers, and our staff veterinarian. Wildlife conflicts or injuries can be reported to our Wildlife Hotline at (541) 241-8680, which is monitored seven days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit us online at thinkwildco.org, or on Instagram or Facebook @thinkwildco.   

Click here to follow the original article.

Mexico holds first judicial election, reports low turnout

KVIA on June 2, 2025

Heriberto Perez

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Mexico held its first judicial election in history Sunday, in which voters elected members of the federal and state judiciary.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in her daily news conference that the first judicial election reported approximately 13 million Mexicans who voted, which accounted for only 13% of Mexico’s total registered voters.

Despite that low voter turnout, President Sheinbaum said: “It was a complete success.”

The judicial election had around 7,700 candidates contending for more than 2,600 judicial positions.

More updates in later newscasts.

Click here to follow the original article.

‘Gnome for Noyes Home’ initiative begins

News-Press NOW on June 2, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Noyes Home for Children announced its 2025 ‘Gnome for Noyes Home’ initiative is beginning for St. Joseph residents and businesses.

For $25, residents and businesses can decide who will be next in the “gnome invasion” antics.

All proceeds from the gnome activities will go toward funding summer activities for the kids at Noyes Home.

To gnome someone, call (816) 232-5650, or go to noyeshome.org/donate and put “gnome” and who you want to gnome in the comments.

Click here to follow the original article.

Blue alert issued after Lee’s Summit officer shot

News-Press NOW on June 2, 2025

NPG Content Share

var cachebuster = Math.round(new Date().getTime() / 1000); var player = new Playerjs({id:”player_kyma”, file:”https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2025/02/MGN-lights-road.jpg”, poster:”https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2025/02/MGN-lights-road.jpg”, label:”Blue alert issued after Lee’s Summit officer shot” , vast_replace:{“[wpcategory]”:”spanish”,”[wprand]”:””+cachebuster+””}});

Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Blue Alert was issued Monday morning by the Missouri State Highway Patrol after a police officer was shot in Lee’s Summit.

MSHP put an alert out around 8:45 a.m. after a suspect was named in a shooting in Lee’s Summit.

A Blue Alert is issued after a member of law enforcement is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

Officials are looking for Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, after he allegedly shot at an officer during a chase.

Lee’s Summit police said officers were called to a domestic disturbance around 11 p.m. Sunday night. The first officer arrived at the scene and while waiting for another officer, they saw Tolbert running from the scene.

Police said the officer was shot multiple times by Tolbert. The officer was taken to an area trauma center with serious injuries.

The Highway Patrol said he left the scene in a car that was found in Grandview, Missouri. The alert also stated Tolbert has a history of aggravated assault and shooting at law enforcement.

The alert was sent to phones in Northwest Missouri; specifically, Cass, Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte and Ray Counties.

This is a developing story.

Click here to follow the original article.

Click here to follow the original article.