More maquiladora job losses south of the border

KVIA on September 16, 2025

Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The Mexican National Association of Importers and Exporters (ANIERM) in Juárez reports that the Transformation Sector (manufacturing side) continues its downward trend of job losses, with 834 eliminated in August alone.

According to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Ciudad Juárez lost 155 jobs last month, dropping from 488,368 in July to 488,213 in August.

The city has already seen a total decrease of 27,420 jobs over the past two and a half years, when it topped out at 515,633 positions registered with the IMSS in March 2023.

Compared to August of last year, 7,038 jobs have been lost, based on IMSS data.

ANIERM states that social services gained 504 jobs, business services added 214, commerce increased by 30, the electrical industry added 26, and the agricultural sector increased by 4. Other sectors that shed jobs included transportation, losing 61, and construction, which lost 37.

“The pillar of the economy, manufacturing, has lost nearly 28,000 jobs, accounting for almost all of the losses,” said Marcelo Vázquez, Chihuahua Delegate for ANIERM. “This is serious because when manufacturing declines, other sectors of the economy also begin to contract.”

So far, construction is the sector that has lost the most jobs, with 1,441 fewer positions over the past year, according to ANIERM.

“Much of this is due to the uncertainty caused by tariffs, and another part of this trend is because wages in Juárez are 50% higher than in the rest of the country,” added Delegate Vázquez.

ANIERM states that Maquiladoras are hesitant to invest and expand on the border because labor costs have become too high. Other factors of uncertainty include labor reforms, the threat of reduced working hours, double bonuses, and other issues that could further increase labor expenses.

Additional concerns involve reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Trump on several Central American countries, which prevent maquiladoras from relocating.

“Right now, the business sector and the government must prioritize improving conditions for companies and work to attract and develop new Mexican businesses,” Vázquez also said.

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Riverside County Board of Supervisors cancel meeting set for Tuesday

KESQ on September 16, 2025

Cynthia White

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (CNS) – The Riverside County Board of Supervisors’ meeting that had beenscheduled for Tuesday, September 16th has been canceled.

Chief Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen did not publicly announce a specific reason, saying only that theagenda prepared for Tuesday’s meeting will be combined with a “special meeting” agenda set for Monday, September 22nd.

Board meetings are generally reserved for Tuesdays. The September 22 meeting will take place at the usual time, at 9:30 a.m., in the County Administrative Center, first floor board room, 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside.

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Columbia receives $14.3 million settlement in Brightspeed lawsuit

KMIZ on September 16, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A years-long court case is over.

Internet provider Brightspeed, which was previously CenturyLink, will pay the City of Columbia $14.3 million in a settlement over unpaid license taxes and fees, according to court documents.

The settlement – which was obtained by ABC 17 News through a records request on Monday – was reached on July 16.  

Columbia and the City of Joplin filed the lawsuit in 2014. The lawsuit was scheduled for a trial last summer, but the judge dismissed the case in July because of the settlement.

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City of Bend seeking analyst as it looks to streamline housing permit review times

KTVZ on September 16, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend said Monday it is requesting proposals from qualified parties to analyze permitting processes and recommend best practices. This work is intended to improve housing permit review times in Bend.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) opened Monday and closes on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m., according to the city.

The city’s announcement continues in full below:

This analysis intends to fulfill a purpose outlined by the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing grant that was awarded to the City of Bend by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

That purpose is to support the identification and removal of barriers to affordable housing production and preservation, including ways to streamline and modernize local permit processing and eliminate requirements that unduly delay the permitting process or establish unreasonable thresholds for approvals.

Specific requirements are outlined within the Request for Proposals document, which can be found at bendoregon.gov/housing.

The City will select one respondent, and cost proposals shall not exceed $175,000. The respondent could be a single person or one agency with multiple designated staff, and the work deliverables should be completed within six months of entering an Agreement for Award.

Interested parties should direct questions to the Issuing Officer, Mellissa Kamanya, either via email or by attending virtual office hours (registration is required, and the process is indicated in the Request for Proposals document).

For additional information on the PRO Housing grant and its planned outcomes, the PRO Housing grant application and its approved Action Plan can be found by visiting bendoregon.gov/housing.

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1 injured after train hits mail truck in Audrain County

KMIZ on September 16, 2025

Ryan Shiner

AUDRAIN COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Officials say one person was injured Monday afternoon after a mail truck was hit by a train in Audrain County.

Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp said the mail truck was hit at a crossing.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report says the 2015 Jeep Wrangler was heading southbound on Audrain County Road 165 when it entered the crossing and was hit by a 1979 GM GP40-3 Canadian Pacific Kansas City Train.

The Jeep then went off the right side of the road and the train came to a controlled stop. The Jeep’s driver, a 64-year-old woman from Centralia, suffered moderate injuries and was brought to University Hospital by ambulance.

The train was heading west at the time of the crash, the report shows. The driver of the Jeep was not utilizing a safety device, according to the report.

The Jeep was totaled while the train had minor damage, the report says.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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Fountain City Councilor charged with felony theft, alleged she stole $37k from gov. programs

KRDO on September 16, 2025

Michael Logerwell

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (KRDO) – A Fountain City Councilor is facing multiple charges of felony theft after the District Attorney’s Office claims she forged letters, refused to accurately report her household income, and even denied that she was a Fountain City Councilor.

The probable cause affidavit starts in January 2022, when a specialist with the El Paso County Department of Human Services says she called a client, City Councilor Detra Duncan, about missing a food assistance interview. Duncan told the specialist that it was just her and her son living at the residence, and they take care of two disabled adults who live upstairs, named Earlie Mae Johnson and Ervin Jeffery Johnson.

However, the county specialist notes on the county assessor’s website that Derta and Larry Duncan bought the home in 2005. However, when asked about this, the affidavit states that Duncan claimed Larry was her nephew who lives in Louisiana with a medical disability.

The affidavit says the specialist later called back shortly after the first call, where Duncan said she made $300 monthly as a custodian for the City of Fountain. Later that same night, as the first call, the affidavit says Duncan closed her request for food assistance.

At this point, El Paso County requests that Jefferson County assist in the investigation.

The affidavit states that Jefferson County Investigators found the pay stubs from the City of Fountain that Duncan submitted were altered, and her job title, “City Councilor,” was marked out.

The affidavit says the investigators found that she was still married to her husband, Larry Duncan, who had a job with the USPS. His income was not reported on benefits forms. The affidavit continues to state that Larry Duncan did qualify for VA benefits, but his income from the USPS exceeded the limit for benefit programs.

The affidavit also claims that Duncan forged two letters, signatures and all, for the elderly woman and her disabled son, whom she said she cared for. The Jefferson County Investigators say they confirmed that Earlie Mae Johnson and Ervin Jeffery Johnson were both deceased when the letters were written and had never lived in Colorado.

When asked for comment, the City of Fountain said,

“While we appreciate your inquiry, we don’t comment on ongoing litigation, involving the city or not. Thank you for your understanding.”

KRDO13 Investigates went to the home listed in the probable cause affidavit to ask Councilor Duncan about the criminal allegations made against her. A truck was parked in the driveway, but no one answered the door or the video doorbell at the residence.

KRDO13 Investigates also spoke to Duncan’s attorney over the phone. She said that they can’t comment on an open case and added that her client retains the presumption of innocence.

According to the El Paso County Court Docket, Duncan’s next court appearance is set as a plea hearing in late October.

On Sept. 16, Duncan resigned from her position with the following statement:

“It is with deep reflection and a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as a member of the Fountain City Council, effective September 16, 2025.

While I firmly believe in the integrity of my service and my commitment to the residents of Fountain, I also recognize that recent circumstances have cast a shadow over my ability to serve effectively. The people of our community deserve leadership that can govern without distraction or doubt.

My decision to step down is not an admission of wrongdoing but rather an acknowledgment that the work of this Council, and the trust of the public, must come before any individual. I care deeply about our city, and I do not wish for ongoing questions surrounding me to diminish the important initiatives we have advanced together.

I am proud of the progress we have made during my tenure, particularly in advocating for affordable housing, supporting of our Military, advocating for clean water, the Fountain Youth Council, legislative issues protecting the citizens of Fountain, water issues and so much more. I have full confidence that this Council will continue to move forward with integrity, vision, and dedication to the people we serve.

I remain grateful to the residents who placed their trust in me, to my colleagues for their collaboration, and to city staff for their professionalism. Though I am resigning from office, my commitment to Fountain and its future remains steadfast.”

Fountain City Council says the vacancy of the position will be discussed at a future council meeting.

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Park it: COCC joining in national ‘Week Without Driving’ campaign

KTVZ on September 16, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With a mission of encouraging carpooling, bus rides and bike trips in the name of recognizing that some one-third of Americans aren’t able to drive, Central Oregon Community College is participating for the first time in the national Week Without Driving initiative, Sept. 29 to Oct. 3.

As fall term gets underway, faculty, staff and students are being encouraged to try different modes of getting to campus, in partnership with Commute Options, the city of Bend, Cascades East Transit and other regional groups and agencies.

Here’s the rest of Monday’s COCC announcement:

“Not everyone drives, and Week Without Driving helps us understand what it’s like for those who can’t, such as those with vision impairment or a low-income level or people facing mobility barriers,” said Hal DeShow, assistant professor of geology at COCC, who presented the idea of participation to the college’s board of directors earlier this year.

“Plus, it’s a chance to connect — ride the bus with a colleague or classmate, share a laugh while trying the new Veo bikeshare program, or walk and talk your way to campus.”

Started in Washington state in 2021 by an advocate for those living with disabilities, Week Without Driving is a challenge to experience a week’s worth of commutes or trips, barring single-occupancy car travel. Staged from California to Maine, the educational campaign is a way to highlight the needs of non-drivers to elected leaders, policymakers, transportation departments and entire communities.

COCC’s president, Dr. Greg Pereira, and other college leaders will be hosting a series of morning meetups throughout the week at Bend-area coffee shops and other locations to treat participating COCC staff and students to coffee and pastries, and to complete the commute together.

Each day of the week will spotlight a different mode of travel: carpooling on Monday, walking or rolling on Tuesday, bus riding on Wednesday, ridesharing on Thursday and “anything goes” on Friday.

Last year, across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., 523 local organizations and 10 national organizations promoted Week Without Driving events and advocacy.

For more information on COCC’s Week Without Driving, contact Lucas Alberg, director of marketing and public relations, at 541-383-7599 or lalberg@cocc.edu.

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Judge accepts NAACP lawsuit against state as advocacy group petitions against redistricting

KMIZ on September 16, 2025

Marie Moyer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Advocacy groups are taking two routes to block potential redistricting, which was approved Friday by Missouri’s general assembly and is awaiting Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe’s signature.

The NAACP sued Kehoe, Senate Pro-Tem Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Shelbina) and Speaker of the House Jon Patterson (R-Lees Summit) around the start of the special session earlier this month, arguing that the special session and redistricting were unconstitutional and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

The group plans to push on with the lawsuit. Court documents allege Kehoe’s actions to call the special session were unconstitutional since redistricting wasn’t an eligible reason to call an extraordinary session.

“COVID, COVID is extraordinary, right? There’s been a devastating storm that wiped out half the state a la St. Louis or Joplin, Right? That’s extraordinary,” Attorney Nimrod Chapel Jr., representing the NAACP, said. “The idea that there may be a lawsuit one day brought by somebody, and we can’t identify anybody doing any of the above is anything but extraordinary; it’s ordinary.”

The group also claims Kehoe overstepped his bounds as governor by calling the special session to change legislation, which goes against the executive branch’s responsibility to carry out laws and not create them.

“If he signs it, then we have a measure that’s been passed in violation of the Constitution that is critically important, and it doesn’t matter what party you are, if you’re a voting person in this state, it’s important to stop that,” Chapel said.

The attorneys representing the state declined to comment. However, they did argue that Kehoe was within his rights to call a special session and that several arguments from the NAACP were irrelevant since the session ended, adding that the money had already been spent and lawmakers had returned home.

If signed by Kehoe, the new congressional map will be in place for the 2026 election. This will reduce Missouri’s Democrat congressional seats from two to one.

At the end of the special session on Friday, the advocacy group People Not Politicians sent in a referendum petition request to the Attorney General’s office. The group has until Dec. 11 to get signatures equal to 5% of the last governor’s race turnout in at least six of Missouri’s eight congressional districts.

Courtesy: People Not Politicians

People Not Politicians began collecting signatures for the referendum petition on Monday and are confident they can make the tight deadline, adding that more than 800 people across the state are helping with petitioning.

“On the abortion campaign, in less than three months, we collected over 380,000 signatures,” Tori Schafer, Director of Policy and Campaigns of the ACLU of Missouri, said. “It’s Democrats, Republicans, independents, regardless of political party, people are excited to collect on this.”

Referendum petitions are similar to initiative petitions and require approval by the attorney general. Signatures are later verified by the Secretary of State, who writes how the petition will appear on the 2026 ballot for voters if enough signatures are collected. Signatures can be collected in advance before the attorney general’s approval.

“Missourians should pick our elected officials. Elected officials shouldn’t pick who they wish to represent in Missouri.” Richard Von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians, said. “The people that are going to put this issue on the ballot are Missourians and then the people that are going to have the final say on this are Missourians.”

Cole County Judge Christopher Limbaugh accepted both the NAACP suit and the state’s motion to dismiss the case on Monday. Future court dates have not been set.

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Man accused of armed robbery while taking Rolex in Casey’s parking lot

KMIZ on September 16, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man has been charged with three felonies after he allegedly pulled out a gun and took a Rolex from someone who was selling it in a Casey’s parking lot.

Deon Webb, 21, is charged with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A hearing was held on Monday.

The probable cause statement says the victim and a witness drove to a Casey’s location on Clark Lane in Columbia in order to sell a watch to Webb.

Webb allegedly went into the witness’ car, tried on the watch and walked away while flashing a gun, court documents say a witness said. The victim allegedly told police that Webb pulled out the gun, but did not point it at him, the statement says.

Video from the scene allegedly showed Webb having his hand near his pocket, but court documents did not describe a gun being seen in the video, the statement says.

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Quarterbacks shine at Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table

KEYT on September 16, 2025

Dave Alley

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) – A pair of quarterbacks won top honors at today’s Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table.

During the weekly luncheon at Giavanni’s Pizza in Orcutt, the athlete of the week awards went to Lompoc’s Tara Terrones and Kruz Balbona of Orcutt Academy.

The award was the fourth overall for Terrones in her standout athletic career with the Braves, where she stars in multiple sports.

With her mother Claudia Terrones, who is also the Lompoc athletic director on hand, Terrones claimed the honors after helping lead the Braves to a record of 4-0 at their own Surf and Turf Classic tournament over the weekend.

During the four games, the senior quarterback passed for eight touchdowns and ran for three more.

“It’s an amazing feeling to earn this award,” said Terrones. “I love my team. I know that they all have my back and I have theirs and we work together really well, and everything I do, I do it with a passion, and I try to stay positive as much as I can.”

For Balbona, who is a sophomore, the weekly award he earned on Monday from the Round Table was the first in his young high school career.

On Saturday, Balbona played a big role in the Spartans 62-38 win over Coast Union, throwing for 300 yards and five touchdowns.

The victory was the third for Orcutt Academy this season, keeping their perfect record intact.

“It’s actually pretty important to me,” said Balbona. “It’s my first game starting. So, you know, I think it’s a pretty big achievement for me. I like getting out there. I’m always practicing, always trying to figure out a way that I can improve myself and get better. I also have my parents pushing me, so that just makes it even ten times better.”

Other athletes on hand during the one-hour luncheon included those from football, flag football, cross country and water polo.

The Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table will meet again next Monday, Sept. 22 at Giavanni’s Pizza,and will include athletes from football, flag football and golf.

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