Former active-duty U.S. Air Force Captain is honor by Missouri Air National Guard

News-Press NOW on September 10, 2025

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — On Wednesday afternoon, the Missouri Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing honored a former active-duty Air Force captain.

Guy Gruters was a prisoner of war (POW) for five years during the Vietnam War. He shared multiple stories, including ways he would communicate with the Vietnamese soldiers, the torture he and other American soldiers endured and staying connected to his faith.

Gruters said, even though his time in the prison camp was horrible, he has learned forgiveness.

“So I learned to forgive the people that were hurting me and torturing me,” Gruters said. “And I learned forgiveness in prison camp. I learned terrible hatred in prison camp. But at the same time, I learned forgiveness. So it was a wonderful thing for me to learn that,” he said.

Gruters said being a POW was probably the best thing that happened to him because it knocked down his pride.

“You know, you have real troubles and torture with pride and you have real trouble in a communist prison camp with pride, Gruters said. “And you know, the worst thing you can do? You got the love and you got pride,” he said.

Towards the end of the cermony, John Josendale, St. Joseph, mayor, issued a special proclamation recognizing Gruters.

Gruters said he wants the soldiers to take away two things from his story: doing the right thing and trusting God.

“I just hope they take apart, take out the two things that everything in life depends on doing the right thing and praying and trusting in God to make the big picture happen because we don’t have control over the big picture, you know,” Gruters said. So what you really want to do is just set up the circumstances where he makes good things happen, he said.

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Columbia porch fire caused by ‘improperly discarded smoking materials’

KMIZ on September 10, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A porch that caught fire Tuesday night in the 7400 block of Oakley Drive in southwest Columbia was caused by “improperly discarded smoking materials,” according to a Wednesday press release from the Columbia Fire Department.

“While the Columbia Fire Department reminds residents to utilize extreme caution when approaching hazards such as this, we recognize these efforts led to the minimization of damage and prevented injuries to the resident,” Columbia Fire Deputy Chief John Ambra said in the release.

A resident was found sleeping inside the home by firefighters, the release says. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters arrived to the scene and saw neighbors controlling the fire with a garden hose, the release says.

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Second suspect released as Charlie Kirk shooting investigation continues, FBI Director Patel corrects earlier statement

KIFI on September 10, 2025

News Team

UPDATE — 7:08 PM

OREM, Utah (KIFI) — The FBI has released a second suspect who was apprehended in the investigation into the fatal shooting of conservative political figure and social media influencer Charlie Kirk. The individual was released after a period of interrogation.

“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues, and we will continue to release information in the interest of transparency,” FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X.

The news of the release follows an earlier statement from Patel, who confirmed on social media that an individual had been taken into custody in connection with what he called the “horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk.”

UPDATE:

OREM, Utah (KIFI) — “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.

ORIGINAL:

WASHINTON D.C (KIFI) — President Donald Trump has directed that all national and state flags at public buildings and grounds be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The order, which was issued on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, will remain in effect until sunset on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

The directive comes just hours after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at a public event at Utah Valley University. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect in what multiple regional news outlets have described as a targeted attack.

Authorities in Utah are hosting a press conference at 4 PM to update the public on the shooting investigation. Local News 8 is livestreaming the conference above.

RELATED — Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and Trump ally, dies after shooting at Utah campus event

President Trump, a longtime supporter and ally of Kirk, shared a personal tribute on his social media platform, Truth Social. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote in part. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Reactions from Lawmakers:

The attack has prompted a wave of condemnation from across the political spectrum. Regional and national lawmakers and regional religious leaders have shared their condolences and called for an end to political violence.

Senator Cynthia Lummis – Wyoming

Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis states in part, “Today’s assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah is sickening and horrific. Charlie Kirk was a young leader, a husband, a father, and someone who had visited the University of Wyoming earlier this year to talk and engage with our students about the future of our country. Political violence is completely unacceptable. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I hope you will join me in praying for Charlie’s wife, young kids, family, and friends. John 13:34.”

Representative Mike Crapo – Idaho

Representative Mike Crapo posted on X, “Charlie was a leader in the conservative political movement with many promising years to come. His assassination is a vile and reprehensible act of political violence. Charlie promoted open dialogue and invited conversation from people of all backgrounds, especially with those with whom he disagreed. This loss to the conservative movement is deep.”

Senator Jim Risch – Idaho

Senator Jim Risch posted to Facebook, “Rest in peace, charlie kirk. Horrific acts of political violence must come to an end. Please join me and vicki in praying for charlie’s family, loved ones, and the countless people impacted by this tragic loss.”

Representative Mike Simpson – Idaho

Representative Mike Simpson posted to Facebook,”May god be with Charlie Kirk’s family. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his wife, their daughters, and all his loved ones. Every American should be outraged. Political violence has become far too common. Today’s sickening assassination must be condemned at every level. The radical rhetoric fueling this political mental illness must stop now.”

Idaho Democratic and Republican Parties

The Idaho democratic party posted this statement on their Facebook, “At moments like this, we must come together as Americans to reject hate and division. The death of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder that violence can never replace dialogue or democracy. Our hearts go out to the children who lost a father, the wife who lost a husband, and the rest of Mr. Kirk’s family.”

The Idaho Republican Party shared President Trump’s post announcing Kirk’s death and then added this statement saying, “May god have mercy on his soul, bless and protect his family, and may justice be done.”

Utah-based religious groups respond

The Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the shooting that took place at Utah Valley University, resulting in the death of Charlie Kirk. Our prayers go out to his family at this time. We condemn violence and lawless behavior. We also pray that we may treat one another with greater kindness, compassion, and goodness. For members of the Church, we reaffirm that the Savior’s teaching and admonition is to love our neighbor.”

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Alford to pause all town halls, public events after Charlie Kirk shooting

KMIZ on September 10, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) will be pausing all public events, including town halls, after Wednesday’s shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, a controversial figure and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during an event Wednesday at a Utah college.

Alford – who represents Missouri’s fourth district in the US House, which includes Howard, Pettis and Morgan counties, as well as the northern portion of Boone County – told ABC 17 News in a text message that he will not hold public events in the immediate future.

“Due to this rise in political violence, our office will be pausing all public events, including town halls, until further notice. I will not risk the safety of my family, my staff, or my own personal safety because some choose violence over dialogue,” Alford wrote in the message while giving condolences on Kirk’s passing.

Alford has held a number of public town halls in his district since President Donald Trump was sworn into office and has faced backlash at the events. A crowd in Harrisburg gave sharp criticism to him during an Aug. 27 event.  

Alford previously claimed an event in February — that was held in Benton — was “hijacked” after he was faced with jeers and boos.  

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Harold Matzner laid to rest, public Celebration of Life to be held on Oct. 21

KESQ on September 10, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – “Mr. Palm Springs” Harold Matzner was peacefully laid to rest on Wednesday.

Loved ones shared that a public Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 21 in the Palm Springs area. Further details will be released in the upcoming weeks.

Statement sent to News Channel 3

“The family of Harold Matzner wishes to share that he was peacefully laid to rest today, September 10, in a private ceremony attended by close family members. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time.”

Matzner, a prominent local philanthropist and icon of Palm Springs, died at the age of 88 on Thursday. Matzner was widely known as “Mr. Palm Springs,” who helped transform the city into a world-class destination for arts and civic life.

He was the chair of the Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards for more than 20 years, saving the festival from near collapse in 1999. 

Harold Matzner speaks with News Channel 3 in what would be his final interview

He is survived by his partner for life, Shellie Reade; his son, Devin; his daughter, Laura; his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emily; his nephew, Jason; and his two Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Little Guy and Doc.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice, in honor of Harold Matzner’s extraordinary spirit of giving.

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Palm Springs Police Department will host an open house for new station

KESQ on September 10, 2025

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police will host an open house for the department’s new downtown sub-station later this month.   

The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at 230 Museum Drive, according to the Palm Springs Police Department.   

The event will feature light refreshments, guided station tours and music by DJ Big John.

Police said the substation will make the department more accessible to the community, and “will provide a place to report crimes, ask questions and connect directly with our team.”

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Outpouring of reactions shown after Charlie Kirk shot to death

KMIZ on September 10, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A flurry of reactions occurred in social media and other places after the death of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk was announced.

Kirk, 31, the founder of Turning Point USA – which is a political group aimed at promoting conservative causes on college campuses – was shot to death Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. President Donald Trump gave condolences to Kirk’s family while announcing his death.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump also ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Kirk through Sunday evening, a social media post from the White House shows.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, also gave condolences on X. The Missouri Senate also held a moment of silence in the chamber amidst the redistricting debate occurring during Wednesday’s special session.

“Political violence tears at our nation’s very foundation. America was built on passionate yet peaceful debate and freedom of expression,” Kehoe wrote. “Charlie was an unwavering voice for conservatives across the country who raised the bar for civic engagement and political dialogue, inspiring countless young people to make their voices heard.”

Claudia and I are deeply saddened to hear of Charlie Kirk’s passing.

Political violence tears at our nation’s very foundation. America was built on passionate yet peaceful debate and freedom of expression.

Charlie was an unwavering voice for conservatives across the country who…

— Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) September 10, 2025

Turning Point’s chapter at the University of Missouri had shared a post on Instagram asking for people to pray for Kirk immediately after he was shot. The MU chapter will hold a vigil for Kirk at 8 p.m. at Traditions Plaza on the quad south of Jesse Hall.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TPUSA Mizzou (@tpusa_mizzou)

Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO) referred to Kirk as a “martyr” on social media.

Charlie is a martyr.

— Dr. Bob Onder (@BobOnderMO) September 10, 2025

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) made a comment on X condemning political violence after Kirk was shot.

“Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family,” Sanders wrote.

Zohran Mamdani, a left-wing politician running for mayor of New York City, also condemned political violence in a social media post.

“I’m horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country,” Mamdani wrote.

Mamdani’s post was shared by a number of people on X, including left-wing commentator Sam Seder.

Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt also issued condolences to Kirk’s family on social media.

“Charlie was a patriot in the fullest sense of the word. A loving husband & father. An incredible friend to me & so many,” Schmitt wrote.

Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) gave condolences in a text message and also announced he would be holding off on having public events in the near future.

“Leslie and I are horrified by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We are praying for his family, especially his wife and young children. We strongly condemn political violence in all forms. It has no place in the United States. Our country must be better than this,” Alford wrote. “While we didn’t know Charlie personally, it’s clear he was a God-fearing man and strong conservative who passionately loved our country.

“Charlie and I have both tried to listen to those who disagree with us and respond with reason and facts. That’s exactly what we did on our recently completed 15-stop town hall tour. Instead of respectful debate, he was murdered.”

A number of users on social media gave a variety of viewpoints, with many giving condolences to Kirk’s family, while others criticized his stance on issues including gun control.

Check back for updates.

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Charlie Kirk, prominent debater and political figure, was slated to speak in Woodland Park

KRDO on September 10, 2025

Celeste Springer

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) — Conservative speaker Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah on Wednesday, law enforcement officials confirm. President Donald Trump has confirmed that Kirk has died.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” wrote President Trump on Truth Social.

According to the Truth and Liberty Conference, Kirk was slated to speak on Thursday night at Charis Bible College in Woodland Park.

Scott Little, who lives across the street from the college, held up a sign outside the entrance that read Honk 4 Charlie,” and received plenty of supportive horns from college staff heading in to start the day.

“I had one driver flip me off, then come back and apologize,” he recalled. “I was looking forward to meeting Charlie. I would have thanked him for what he did.”

Two Republican Colorado Congress members — Rep. Lauren Boebert and Rep. Jeff Crank — are scheduled to speak at the event.

It’s also expected that Charis founder and Truth and Liberty president Andrew Wommack will replace Kirk as Thursday’s keynote speaker.

The bible college shared a video on social media reacting to the shooting, adding that they will continue on with the Woodland Park event in his honor.

“We pray that there would be more that would come to salvation through Charlie Kirk’s death than even in his life,” said Pastor Lorenzo Sewell during a moment of prayer.

The Woodland Park Police Department says that residents should expect to see an increased law enforcement presence, and they are closely monitoring the situation.

“While we are sensitive to all of the issues involved, we want to remind everyone that violence, of any kind, here or elsewhere, will not be tolerated and we ask the members of the community to report suspicious activity to the police department or your local authorities at any time you see it,” wrote the department on Facebook.

Just minutes before news broke of his death, Colorado House Republicans sent the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in our nation. Regardless of party or ideology, every American has the right to speak freely and participate in public life without fear of violence.

Charlie was scheduled to be in Colorado in just two days to meet with legislators at the Truth and Liberty Conference. This senseless act of violence has shaken many of us who were preparing to welcome him to our state.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his family, and all who were impacted. We stand united in condemning this attack and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all who engage in the democratic process.”

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Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and Trump ally, dies after shooting at Utah campus event

KIFI on September 10, 2025

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 10 SEP 25 16:43 ET

By Eric Bradner, CNN

(CNN) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed Wednesday after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University, President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He was 31.

As Trump remade the Republican Party, Kirk embodied the party’s newfound populist conservatism in the social media age. Trump has credited Kirk with galvanizing and mobilizing the youth vote for him.

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” the president wrote. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”

Kirk, himself a college dropout, was influential with college students and young voters — not only in helping to elect Trump to the presidency but also to inspire a new movement of conservative activists. His involvement began in the wake of the tea party movement and grew with Trump’s ascendance.

Having co-founded Turning Point in 2012 at the age of 18, Kirk was a prominent supporter of Trump who courted young voters and used his network of nonprofits to seek to turn out voters on campuses and churches for Trump in 2024.

Kirk frequently traveled to college campuses, speaking and taking questions from audience members in exchanges that often led to viral videos. Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University on Wednesday was the first of a 14-city fall “American Comeback Tour.”

Kirk was answering a question at the event when a single pop was heard. Video taken by attendees shows the crowd screaming as Kirk recoiled in his seat and appeared to reach for his neck.

Among those in attendance was former US Rep. Jason Chaffetz, a Utah Republican. He said on Fox News he was at the event with his wife, daughter and son-in-law. He said Kirk “came out, he was throwing hats, riling up the crowd,” and then started taking questions before the shot rang out.

“I was watching Charlie. I can’t say that I saw blood. I can’t say that I saw him get hit, but I did see him fall immediately backwards into his left,” he said.

The American Comeback Tour had Kirk’s signature “Prove Me Wrong Table,” where he would urge those who disagreed with him to debate an issue.

Kirk traveled with a private security contingent, a Turning Point USA aide traveling on the tour told CNN, whether he was speaking to large rallies like the one in Orem, Utah, or at smaller events.

Kirk most recently appeared in the Oval Office in May, attending the swearing-in ceremony of Judge Jeanine Pirro.

The president and dozens of other Kirk allies – as well as Democrats who had sharp disagreements with him – posted well-wishes and calls for prayer online in the wake of the shooting.

Kirk got his first experience in politics as a student at Wheeling High School in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, when he volunteered for the winning 2010 Senate campaign of Republican former Sen. Mark Kirk.

He earned national attention in 2012 when, as a high school senior, he wrote in Breitbart News that high school students were being indoctrinated by liberal textbooks. He briefly attended Harper College, but dropped out to become a full-time conservative activist, and went on to argue that college is unnecessary for many people.

Kirk and retired businessman and conservative activist Bill Montgomery co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012. The two had met when Kirk was 18, at a speaking engagement at Benedictine University that followed his Breitbart piece. The organization was quickly backed by a roster of major Republican donors, including Foster Friess.

He went on to become a best-selling author and well-known media personality who hosted a daily three-hour show.

In 2021, Kirk married Erika Frantzve, with whom he shared two young children.

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Marina’s shelter-in-place Wednesday in connection to Monterey County Fair incident

KION on September 10, 2025

Jeanette Bent

MARINA, Calif. (KION-TV) — A shelter-in-place in Marina issued around 12 pm on Wednesday, according to police, was related to the Monterey County Fair fight and evacuation incident that took place on August 30.

The order was lifted for the 3200 block of Crescent Avenue, Tallmon Street, Johnson Place and Sierena Del Mar.

Marina Police saying that the police activity was to issue a search warrant at a home on Tallmon Street, that person not home when police arrived.

Shortly after the shelter-in-place orders were lifted, Marina Police turned over the incident to Seaside Police.

Seaside Police saying that the warrant was for a suspect in relation to a shooting shortly after the gang-related incident that prompted the evacuation at the Monterey County Fair over one week ago.

“We are looking for a couple more suspects in relation to this incident as the investigation continues,” said Seaside Police’s Commander Mathew Doza.

Doza said that they’ve already made one arrest in connection to the incident at the fair.

Adrian Lopez Bernal was recently arrested for felony charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit crime with a bail set to $2 million, according to police.

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