Assault charges filed in Stephens Park standoff

KMIZ on August 12, 2025

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo.

Charges have been filed against the man involved in an hours-long standoff at Stephens Lake Park on Monday.

Tre’Shon Terrell Smith, of Columbia, is charged with third-degree assault of a special victim, fourth-degree assault, first- and second-degree property damage and resisting arrest. Two of the charges are felonies.

The probable cause statement says multiple calls came in reporting a man was in the park with a knife and alcohol Monday afternoon. A drone unit with the Columbia Police Department saw multiple injuries on the man and saw him with a knife.

Probable cause statementDownload

The Columbia Police Department urged the public to avoid Stephens Lake Park during the response.

“Please avoid Stephens Lake Park! Columbia Police are currently responding to an active incident. We’re asking the public to avoid the area while the incident unfolds,” CPD wrote in a social media post.

A CPD spokesman said police were sent to the park at about 2:20 p.m. for a call of a suicidal person. The man had a knife and had threatened “suicide by cop.”

Court documents say Smith was trying to harm himself and destroy property at Stephens Lake Park. Officers used a stun gun to take him into custody. The documents say he also destroyed several picnic tables at the park.

An ABC 17 News reporter saw police on scene Monday putting Smith in handcuffs just before 7 p.m.

Officer Benjamin Ludwig wrote in the probable cause statement that he was responsible for taking Smith to University Hospital’s psychiatric center.

Smith allegedly damaged Ludwig’s police car during the drive by kicking it and causing more than $750 in damage. Ludwig said Smith also threatened to locate and harm him, Officer Matthew Kempfer and Kempfer’s family.

Ludwig also said he observed Smith make statements to multiple officers about how he would locate them and their families on social media and how he wished to sexually assault their partners.

Smith allegedly attacked Kempfer and hospital employees while being taken to receive treatment at University Hospital. Documents say he cut Kempfer and bit a hospital employee.

Criminal complaintDownload

Smith remained at the University of Missouri Psychiatric Center on Tuesday morning. A judge set bond at $10,000. The state sought a $25,000 bond, citing the extension resources used in taking Smith into custody and the aggression he showed to first responders. The bond memo also says he tried to escape custody multiple times.

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New real-time weather data system to enhance safety of students in PSUSD

KESQ on August 12, 2025

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – New technology will protect students from dangerous weather conditions.

Palm Springs Unified School District announced it deployed eight Perry Weather Monitoring Stations across its schools. It said the system tracks temperature, air quality, humidity, and severe weather (including lightning) to help schools make informed decisions about outdoor activities.

PSUSD set up a webpage showing real-time data from these weather stations. The eight stations are installed throughout the district, and parents are instructed to find the closest weather station to their student’s school as outlined in the chart below.

District officials explained that these weather systems help make them more informed decisions for canceling sports practices and games because it provides site-specific weather data.

“We’re over 500 square miles wide, and so what that means is sometimes, the weather on one side of our district is very different from the weather on the other side,” stated Laura Dyson, the district’s Director of Health Services.

It’s a problem that schools have had to navigate in the past. Assistant Principal Art Sanchez, Jr., of Palm Springs High School, recounted, “If you’re in Desert Hot Springs, because of the wind, or you’re closer in the cove, where we are, where the wind isn’t a factor, we were shutting down the whole district based on the air quality in a place that is 30 minutes [away].”

He also added that making the weather data available to the public creates more transparency between the decisions of school administration and parents.

“Parents will always know and the community will know that we’re making the best decisions on the best data for our students safety,” he said.

Other districts in Riverside County have already adopted these weather systems, though PSUSD officials said they’re glad to be the first in the valley to implement the technology.

“We are happy to be the first to implement it, but I’m hopeful that other districts in the Valley will jump on this with us because we, as you know, sports, travel. And so we need to be able to know what’s going on all around us,” said Dyson.

Officials at Desert Sands Unified School District confirmed it will be installing the same system in the coming months.

“Our Board recently approved a contract with Perry Weather, Inc., for the installation of one weather station at each comprehensive high school. These stations will serve as reference points for schools within their respective regions. This system will provide all our schools with real-time weather data and heat stress measurements, offering more precise information than general weather apps. The Perry Weather system will deliver instant updates and notifications, enhancing our existing heat mitigation efforts. As a result, the district’s email notifications will be discontinued in favor of the system’s real-time alerts. Wet bulb globe thermometers will still remain a key part of our safety protocol, providing an additional layer of heat monitoring. The Board originally approved the agreement with Perry Weather, Inc. on June 24, 2025. A small amendment to the contract is being presented for approval tonight. Once finalized, the district will move forward with installing the systems for use across all schools.”

Desert Sands Unified School District

News Channel 3 also reached out to Coachella Valley Unified School District. A spokesperson provided the following statement:

Currently CVUSD does not have plans to implement this technology in our schools. However, we continually evaluate tools and resources that enhance safety and learning environments for our students, so we’ll certainly keep this in mind.

Coachella Valley Unified School District

Be sure to stay with KESQ as we continue to follow this technology.

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When to see the Perseid meteor shower in Colorado

KRDO on August 12, 2025

Celeste Springer

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) — A Perseid meteor shower will light up the sky for people across Colorado tonight into tomorrow morning. The spectacular sighting is a favorite among those in the Northern Hemisphere, as Perseids can be seen shooting across the sky at rates as high as 50 to 100 meteors per hour, according to NASA.

What are Perseids?

The shower peaks each year around mid-August, and according to NASA, it’s the most popular meteor shower of the year. They can be seen around the same time each year because they are the result of Earth passing through debris trails that were left behind by comets making their way around the sun.

When can I see them?

Nationwide, the peak time to view Perseids will be the evening of Aug. 12 into the morning of Aug. 13. While peak viewing time begins around midnight, when the sky is dark, it might be possible to see them as early as 10 p.m.

The best time to view Perseids in Southern Colorado this year is 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Southern Colorado is expecting some cloud cover at 10 p.m. Tuesday night, particularly in Pueblo and Las Animas Counties, but as we approach later hours, the sky will begin to clear up.

Viewing tips

Try to look away from the moon so your eyes can adjust for the best view. Light pollution is the biggest hurdle for viewing showers. It’s always best to try to get away from an area of town with a lot of lights. At best, try to look at the darkest part of the sky. Remember to be patient; your eyes will need time to adjust, and it may take time to start seeing showers.

Meteorologist Chevy Chevalier’s “Science is Cool” Trivia

So, how big are the meteoroids associated with a meteor shower?

A.) A grain of sand

B.) A golf ball

C.) A beach ball

D.) A small SUV

Meteoroids (i.e., the stream of debris released from a comet or asteroid) are usually as small as a grain of sand. Despite that, Perseids can still appear pretty bright!

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Rent, medical costs drive year-over-year inflation

KMIZ on August 12, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Increases in rent and medical costs drove Midwest inflation in July compared to the year before, but prices for food and energy fell for the month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Year-over-year inflation in the Midwest, including Missouri, was up 2.6% in July, the bureau stated in a news release Tuesday. That increase was driven largely by a 5.1% increase in home ownership costs, a 3.6% increase in medical costs and a 5% increase in rent.

Those increases were balanced by falling food and energy prices that pegged inflation at just 0.2% compared to June. Natural gas and gasoline prices decreased, while electricity prices were up in July, according to the release.

Food prices were down 0.2% compared to June. Grocery prices fell 0.5% while food consumed away from home increased 0.3%.

Energy and food prices were all higher compared to last year, with natural gas prices rising 14.6% during that time.

The Midwest numbers were similar to those reported nationally, with prices up 0.2% compared to June and 2.7% compared to the year before.

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Indio PD heightens general traffic enforcement to target unsafe drivers

KESQ on August 12, 2025

Kendall Flynn

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Indio Police Department is starting a general traffic enforcement to lookout for unsafe driving. 

Officials are reminding residents to obey speed limits, stop at signals and stop signs, buckle up and keep from handheld phone use. 

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from officials on why this enforcement operation is necessary in the City. 

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133-year old Kodak says it might have to cease operations

KIFI on August 12, 2025

CNN Newsource

By Jordan Valinsky, CNN

New York (CNN) — Eastman Kodak, the 133-year-old photography company, is warning investors that it might not survive much longer.

In its earnings report Monday, the company warned that it doesn’t have “committed financing or available liquidity” to pay its roughly $500 million in upcoming debt obligations. “These conditions raise substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” Kodak said in a filing.

Kodak aims to conjure up cash by ceasing payments for its retirement pension plan. It also said that it doesn’t expect tariffs to have “material impacts” on its business because it manufactures its many of its products, includings cameras, inks and film in the United States.

“In the second quarter, Kodak continued to make progress against our long-term plan despite the challenges of an uncertain business environment,” said Kodak CEO Jim Continenza in the earnings release.

In a statement to CNN Tuesday, a Kodak spokesperson said that it’s “confident it will be able to pay off a significant portion of its term loan well before it becomes due, and amend, extend or refinance our remaining debt and/or preferred stock obligations.”

Shares of Eastman Kodak (KODK) slumped more than 25% in midday trading Tuesday.

Rise and fall

The Eastman Kodak Company incorporated in 1892, but the company traces its roots back to 1879, when George Eastman obtained hist first patent for a plate-coating machine. In 1888, Eastman sold the first Kodak camera for $25.

At the time, photography was not a mass business because of the technical skills and equipment needed to do it, but the Kodak camera was designed to make photography more widely accessible. Eastman coined the slogan: “You push the button, we do the rest.”

The name was largely meaningless, with the word “Kodak,” according to the company, being invented by Eastman out thin air: “The letter ‘K’ had been a favorite with me — it seems a strong, incisive sort of letter.”

Kodak had a century of success producing cameras and film. At one point in the 1970s, it was was responsible for 90% of film and 85% of camera sales in the United States, according to The Economist. Paul Simon’s hit song “Kodachrome” topped the charts in 1973.

But that powerful market position would not last because of technology that the company invented: Kodak introduced the first digital camera in 1975.

Kodak failed to capitalize on the rise of the digital technology. In 2012, it filed for bankruptcy. At the time of its Chapter 11 filing, it had 100,000 creditors and debts totaling $6.75 billion.

In 2020, Kodak had a brief moment of reprieve when the US government tapped it to transform into a pharmaceutical ingredients producer. Kodak’s stock price rose so fast it tripped 20 circuit breakers throughout the trading session.

Despite its recent losses, Kodak recently said it aims to expand that part of its business. The company continues to manufacture films and chemicals for businesses, including the movie industry, and it licenses its brand for a variety of consumer products.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

CNN’s Clare Duffy contributed to this report.

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15-Year-Old Ventura Swimmer Completes 12-Mile Anacapa Island Crossing for Veterans and Firefighters

KEYT on August 12, 2025

Andie Lopez Bornet

VENTURA, Calif. — Fifteen-year-old Grace Nackers swam from Anacapa Island to Silver Strand Beach in Ventura County on Aug. 8, completing the roughly 12-mile crossing in 7 hours and 24 minutes to raise awareness and funds for first responders and veterans.

Nackers, the daughter of a Ventura Fire Captain, began the swim before sunrise and reached the beach after 1 p.m., battling strong currents, big swells and high winds along the way. “It was definitely a really big challenge,” she said. “I was expecting really smooth waters originally, but… it became a lot more of a challenge than I expected.”

The longtime competitive swimmer said she has dreamed of making the crossing since she was 12. “I just see Anacapa and it’s right there and I’m like maybe I could swim there one day,” Nackers said. She trained year-round in the pool and during the summer in open water, often swimming at 5 a.m. along the coast to build cold-water endurance.

During the swim, she spotted a mola mola, or sunfish, which she described as “really inspiring.” She credited her motivation to honoring her father, his coworkers, and other first responders who have taken their own lives. “I gotta keep going to show others that they can persevere and keep going and reach for new,” she said.

Her father accompanied her on a kayak for the duration of the swim. “We persevered together… just getting to swim seven hours together,” Nackers said.

Nackers is also fundraising for the Sept. 7 9/11 stair climb at the Crowne Plaza in Ventura, aiming to sponsor veterans, firefighters and first responders who served during major wildfires.

People may still donate by visiting her Instagram @bluebirdoceandays.

For more information and to see other local swimmers who recently accomplished the crossing visit https://santabarbarachannelswim.org

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Sunday Funday: Fresh air and vibrant roses

KVIA on August 12, 2025

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Municipal Rose Gardens offers a welcoming weekend escape in Central El Paso.

The four-acre oasis features about 1,900 rosebushes across 500 varieties, creating a vibrant tapestry of color.

Visitors can wander along winding paths that overlook our vibrant city and families will appreciate the stroller-friendly routes and free admission to the gardens. Anyone looking to stretch their legs will enjoy taking a refreshing outdoor stroll that doubles as light, cardio-friendly activity.

El Paso Municipal Rose Gardens stay open with extended hours on Saturdays, making it easy to fit a late-afternoon visit. Nearby picnic spots and accessible facilities also add convenience for a full family outing.

For a quick and affordable weekend reset the El Paso Municipal Rose Gardens stand out as a peaceful, locally loved option.

Residents are encouraged to visit soon before the roses fade and the season ends around late October.

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Through heat and cold: Chiefs fans never back down

News-Press NOW on August 12, 2025

Abigail McCluskey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Being located in Missouri, Kansas City Chiefs fans know they have to be ready for any weather coming their way.

Whether it’s the blistering heat of training camp or the freezing, snowy conditions at Arrowhead Stadium, Chiefs fans stick it out to cheer on their team. They’re some of the most dedicated fans in the NFL — no matter the season, no matter the weather.

This summer, fans at training camp once again had to deal with Missouri’s unpredictable climate. Several camp days saw heat index values soar above 100 degrees.

On top of that, a few sessions were moved indoors due to thunderstorms and heavy rain. But for die-hard fans, it’s all part of the experience — a kind of preseason training for what they’ll face during the regular season.

Arrowhead Stadium, famously open-air, offers no protection from the elements.

During the 2023 AFC Wild Card game against the Miami Dolphins, fans faced wind chills near -27 degrees. Some battled frostbite, and a few even suffered severe enough exposure to require amputations.

Yet, they showed up, bundled in layers and loud as ever.

Extreme weather may be part of the Chiefs fan experience, but it’s also part of what makes it so memorable.

Mike Numan was a former male chiefs cheerleader in the 60s. Numan was also able to participate in the first Chief’s Superbowl in Los Angeles in 1967.

Mike Numan recalls memorable moments of a foggy Super Bowl.

“So we went to the Super Bowl, and then we got fogged in out there and so we ended up spending the night and got to go to the all the parties, it was really fun.” Said former cheerleader Numan.

Another die hard Chiefs fan, Dustin Chestnut, went to the 2022 AFC championship game against the Bengals and experience the bitter cold.

“During that game it was freezing cold. I couldn’t feel my toes, my wife hated it but it was amazing.” Said Chestnut.

Whether sweating it out in July or freezing in January, fans create unforgettable moments — together with family and friends — that go far beyond the game.

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In Gardner Minshew, Chiefs have a reliable backup behind Mahomes

News-Press NOW on August 12, 2025

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Dating back to the 2019 season, Gardner Minshew has made a name for himself in the NFL with his strong play, along with his iconic mustache and mullet.

The 178th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft has been a steady presence on many teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders and now the Kansas City Chiefs. Entering his 6th season, Minshew has completed 1,094 passes for 11,950 yards, 68 passing and 5 rushing touchdowns.

As training camp as progressed, Minshew has drawn praise from the Chiefs coaching, Andy Reid included. Reid specifically noted Minshew’s experience in starting multiple games as something that has been noticeable.

“He’s smart. He’s got good accuracy, poise,” Reid said. “You kind of have a heads up because he’s actually started in games. You kind of know how he handles the pressure. We liked what we saw on tape and I’ve seen the same thing here.” 

The the skill in his accuracy and poise that Reid mentioned dates back to his high school days with the Brandon Bulldogs in Brandon, Mississippi. When his former Brandon offensive coordinator, Wyatt Rogers, started working with Minshew after his 8th grade year of school, he immediately took notice to Minshew’s attention to detail.

“Probably the biggest thing that foreshadowed his success was his attention to detail,” Rogers said. He was always hungry for more. He would ask the right questions. After he got home, maybe two hours after we had watched film, he would shoot me questions over text.” 

That same attention to detail has played a role in Minshew getting more comfortable and familiar within Kansas City’s offense.

“They communicate very well on like potential looks,” Minshew said. “You can understand how the play might adjust on the fly, really give the guys opportunity to play ball and be successful. That’s what has been a lot of fun”

Of the aspects of his game that have grown over the years, Rogers has seen Minshew’s running ability being put on more on display.

“He makes plays with his feet now,” Rogers said. “He didn’t really do that in high school. He was more of a a guy that was going to drop back and stay in the pocket. He ran some, but you particularly saw it once he got to Washington State (Cougars). It was like he found a new gear in his athleticism.”

The ‘new gear’ Rogers mentions was seen in the Chiefs’ preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Minshew completed 6 of his 9 passes for 54 yards, rushing 3 times for 4 yards and 1 rushing touchdown.

When the Chiefs signed Minshew back in March, they were looking for a reliable backup if Patrick Mahomes had to miss time. His early success in training camp and the preseason is showing exactly why they wanted to bring him to Kansas City.

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