Pocatello Police warn of rise in AI-powered virtual kidnapping scams

KIFI on September 12, 2025

News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello Police Department is urging residents to be on high alert following a recent increase in virtual kidnapping and ransom scams. The department has reportedly received three reports of a scammer using a local phone number to contact victims.

According to a press release, a male suspect has been falsely claiming to be part of a criminal cartel. The scammer threatens to have kidnapped a juvenile family member and demands a ransom payment. The department has confirmed that these threats are “entirely false” and no kidnappings have occurred.

Police have determined that the scammers are leveraging AI technology to make their threats more convincing. Scammers can use AI to create highly realistic fake images, videos, and even audio recordings that mimic a victim’s voice, making the fabricated situation feel terrifyingly real.

If you get a call like this, the Pocatello Police Department outlines two crucial steps:

Do not send money or share personal information.

Contact the Pocatello Police Department immediately at 208-234-6100.

The PPD is actively working to trace the phone numbers used in these cases. They are urging citizens to stay vigilant, be skeptical of urgent requests for money, and share this information with friends and family to prevent others from becoming victims.

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Law enforcement, PSUSD reassure parents and students following school threats

KESQ on September 12, 2025

Gavin Nguyen

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Parents and students are concerned after a number of school threats have been made to PSUSD schools in recent days.

Several emails and phone calls were made into the KESQ Newsroom after posts on social media began circulating online on Wednesday about violence that would occur on Thursday at Desert Springs Middle School in Desert Hot Springs.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department released a statement Thursday night and deemed the threat was not credible. The department said it will maintain an increased police presence on Friday out of an abundance of caution.

Palm Springs Unified School District reassured parents with several district emails and messages after the threat was deemed to be fake by investigators. Since the threat was first discovered, the district said it sent five messages to parents, acknowledging anxiety & fear over recent violence.

The most recent district update came at 4:35 p.m. on Friday:

Hello PSUSD Families!As we get ready for our weekend, it has become a happier Friday. Thanks to the diligence of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department, working in collaboration with our District security team and administrators, the author of recent threatening social media posts has been identified as a juvenile. In an abundance of caution, police and security presence around DHS schools will continue in the upcoming days.

We are grateful to our law enforcement partners and District security team for their dedication and commitment to keeping our scholars and staff safe and working together to bring this incident to resolution. We also want you to know that PSUSD has a zero tolerance for behavior that threatens the safety of our scholars, and the person(s) responsible for this incident will face the most severe disciplinary and legal consequences allowed,

I want to thank you all again for your continued support, understanding and confidence in us. Please hug your children and give them reassurance that their safety comes first and all of us at PSUSD are committed to providing a safe learning environment each and every day.

I wish you all a relaxing and peaceful weekend!

Sincerely,Marcus Funchess, Ed.D.Superintendent of Schools

Thursday’s threat comes after another phone threat was called into Palm Springs High School last week, which was also deemed to not be a credible threat.

Dr. Funchess said if parents or their students discover an online threat like the one on Thursday, they should remain calm. He encouraged parents to first speak with their children and help them stay calm, and if possible, get more information on where the threat came from.

Parents should also reach out to law enforcement, the school, or the district to inform them of the threat. They can call those places directly, or use the district’s reporting system called “Sprigeo.”

“Do you have a message for parents or students who might be a little bit scared to be going to school right now?” News Channel 3 asked the superintendent.

“Number one, I understand as a father first and a superintendent second, I understand those fears and anxieties, but I give you my 100% word that it is our job, our number one priority, and our goal to keep your scholar safe in our school district,” Dr. Funchess replied. “And that’s what we are working at and that’s what we will continue to do, working with our law enforcement professionals and working with you as our parents by communicating, receiving information from you and doing our job well.”

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The Morning News is joined by Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Director Karen Clark and jeweler Rachel Kenney

KEYT on September 12, 2025

Andie Lopez Bornet

The 10th annual Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival takes place this weekend at Elks Lodge. It’s an event for Ocean lovers and collectors to attend for shopping and educational panels.

Your Morning News was joined by Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival Director Karen Clark and a jeweler who will be selling jewelry, Rachel Kenney.

Tickets are still available on their website and will be sold at the door. The event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

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YWCA hosts annual Eliminate Racism Breakfast

News-Press NOW on September 12, 2025

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – On Friday morning, the YWCA hosted its 29th annual day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism Breakfast.

The day of commitment is a time to make a stand against racism of all kinds in the community.

Danielle Brown, YWCA chief executive officer, said the event is a chance for the community to stand together without any labels or titles.

“So whether it be race or gender biases that divide us in so many different circles that were in, we’re able to come together today without all of those labels and all of those titles and really try to stand together and to take that back out into our community,” Brown said.

The event featured different speakers, a music performance and two awards being presented to members in the community.

The 2025 Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice Award was won by LaTonya Williams.

Williams said she felt amazed and grateful when she found out that she won the award.

“A lot of times we do things in the community and I wonder if people are looking, if they’re noticing, or if they’re even appreciative of your work. And when I got the call, I was just really, really thankful,” she said.

There was a scholarship awarded to a MoWest student at the event. The 2025 Kelsy Beshears Scholarship was awarded to Jessica Laws.

The event ended with everyone reading the pledge to climate racism. This pledge was granted to use from Birmingham, AL.

Brown said her favorite part of the event is reading the pledge with the entire community.

“But the unity that comes from the pledge to eliminate racism when we all stand and say that together, it is very powerful and it’s something that, you know, I almost envision think just moving out into the community as we’re standing here taking it together,” Brown said.

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IDWR issues September methodology order, Idaho farmers avoid new water restrictions despite dry summer

KIFI on September 12, 2025

News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Farmers across Idaho can breathe a sigh of relief as the state’s water officials have announced that no new water restrictions are needed this year, despite a dry summer that caused a significant water shortfall.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) announced today that its enforcement efforts on existing water orders have been so successful that they’ve almost completely made up for the deficit. IDWR Director Mathew Weaver initially calculated a shortfall of 63,700 acre-feet for the remainder of the irrigation season, primarily impacting the Twin Falls Canal Co. and the American Falls Reservoir District #2.

However, the IDWR’s latest data shows that previous curtailment orders have already generated 58,000 acre-feet of water, leaving a small remaining deficit of just 5,000 acre-feet.

“Continuing the curtailment of ground water rights junior to October 11, 1900, will offset as much of the August IDS (In-season demand) as possible,” the director’s order stated.

Enforcement of the May and July Curtailment Orders

IDWR indicates the success of the effort is a direct result of cooperation from water users. Since a July curtailment order was issued, up to 15 IDWR staff members have been working in the field to help water users come into compliance.

RELATED — ”Without water, you’re not a farmer”: Local farmer clashes with IDWR after refusing to join water mitigation agreement

Of the 743 groundwater rights subject to curtailment, 469 have been resolved. This means nearly two-thirds of the users have either joined an approved mitigation plan, voluntarily stopped using their water, or were found to be exempt from the order.

IDWR provided the following breakdown:

158 users joined an IDWR-approved mitigation plan, which provides “safe harbor” and protects them from water being shut off.

204 users voluntarily stopped using their groundwater to comply with the order.

70 users who were difficult to contact have now been reached, and 48 of those cases are resolved.

Several other water users were found to be small domestic water users whose water use

is covered by the domestic exemption

IDWR does warn that users who do not comply or join an approved mitigation agreement to gain safe harbor may face penalties. The department has already issued Notices of Violation to three water users who ignored the curtailment order, and is seeking civil penalties of $300 per illegally irrigated acre.

Understanding Idaho’s Water Laws

Idaho’s water law follows the principle of “first in time, first in right.” This means water users with older, “senior” water rights have priority over those with newer, “junior” rights.

However, junior water users can avoid curtailment by joining an approved mitigation plan. These plans, like the 2024 Water Settlement, allow groundwater users to collectively offset their water use, which in turn helps ensure safe harbor and water supply for farmers and irrigators.

RELATED — New water agreement officially completed

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‘How much more am I going to have to advocate?’: Federal cuts threaten Oregon programs for deaf-blind students

KTVZ on September 12, 2025

Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video, adding comments from Redmond mother, CODSN)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Some Oregon families are concerned after learning programs supporting children with disabilities are losing federal funding.

“What’s next? How much more am I going to have to advocate?” said Redmond mother, Nicole Pierce.

Pierce is concerned about what this means for her 12-year-old daughter, Natalie.

Natalie Pierce is considered deaf and blind, with partial sight in her right eye. Redmond High School students and staff may recognize her since she was their sparrow back in 2023-24. 

She has a rare genetic syndrome called CHARGE. Only 1 in 10,000 babies are born with this condition. 

Despite the challenges of her condition, Natalie remains resilient.

“Everybody is always astounded when they get to meet her and see just how far she’s come in life,” said Pierce.

Based on her diagnosis, Natalie qualifies for a lot of services in Oregon. One of those is the Oregon DeafBlind Project, which serves a little over 100 students statewide. 

Pierce notes that since few children in the state have similar needs, the DeafBlind Project plays a crucial role in connecting families and providing essential support.

Last week, the Oregon DeafBlind Project received notice that its federal grant funding would be eliminated. 

At the same time, the Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN) is also losing its federal parent resource grant. The organization supports over 4,000 families across eight rural counties.

The organization says they’re losing about 150,000 dollars, and Hansen says the loss would hit rural families the hardest.

“Services in in central Oregon are already limited,” Nicole Pierce said. “It’s going to be more isolating.”

CODSN provides parents with training, advocacy, and tools to navigate special education.

“Quite frankly, we aren’t going to be able to provide the support that we’ve been providing,” said Dianna Hansen, Executive Director for the Central Oregon Disability Support Network.

The cuts come from the U.S. Department of Education’s decision not to renew certain IDEA Part D grants, citing language in applications that referenced diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Many applications for federal funding received approval during President Joe Biden’s administration, which often included requirements related to equity to qualify for government funding.

According to the notice of non-continuation of the grant award, CODSN’s application contained information that conflicts with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education.

“They’re using that information from 2021 that we were specifically asked to answer, against us. So that was shocking,” said Hansen.

The Department of Education has not responded to KTVZ’s request for comment.

CODSN has filed an appeal with the Department of Education. 

Some Oregon lawmakers are showing their support. Rep. Bynum, Sen. Merkley, and Sen. Wyden wrote a joint letter urging the department to restore funding.

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Councilmembers Andrew Trout, Jason Eslinger and Michael Grimm to seek reelection in 2026

News-Press NOW on September 12, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Six of the eight sitting city councilmembers in St. Joseph have now signaled plans to seek reelection in 2026.

Councilmembers Andrew Trout (District 3), Jason Eslinger (District 2) and Michael Grimm (District 4) have formally requested petitions to run for reelection in 2026.

Trout and Grimm are both seeking a second term after voters elected them in 2022, while Eslinger is seeking his first full term after being appointed by the City Council in April 2024 following the resignation of former councilmember Taylor Crouse.

Petitions were also requested by Dana Stickley (District 3) and James W. Kindred (at-large), two newcomers to the race.

Stickley is currently a board member on the St. Joseph Human Rights Commission as well as an alternate member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Petitions for district seats

Councilmember Madison Davis, seeking third term (District 1)

Councilmember Jason Eslinger, seeking first full term after appointment in April 2024 (District 2)

Councilmember Andrew Trout, seeking second term (District 3)

Dana Stickley, seeking first official term (District 3)

Councilmember Michael G. Grimm, seeking second term (District 4)

Petitions for at-large seats

James W Kindred, Sr., seeking first official term

Collin Clibon, seeking first official term

Councilmember Marty Novak, seeking third term

Councilmember Randy S. Schultz, seeking second term

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale also confirmed plans on Tuesday to run for a second term.

Tuesday marked the official start of next year’s municipal election process with petitions becoming available for those interested in running for mayor, city council and judge. All petitions must be filed with the city clerk between Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Tuesday, Oct. 28.

A minimum of 250 qualified voters must sign petitions for at-large seats. Petitions for candidates for district councilmember seats must be signed by no less than 75 qualified voters of the district.

St. Joseph’s Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 3, followed by the General Election on Tuesday, April 7.

The 2026 municipal election will feature races for mayor and all eight City Council seats. Four at-large councilmembers will be elected to four-year terms while four district councilmembers will be elected to an initial two-year term, with a subsequent district election to occur in 2028.

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Local small businesses struggle through uncertain summer months

KESQ on September 12, 2025

Timothy Foster

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — Summer in the desert is always a challenge for local businesses, but this year, some restaurant owners say the slowdown hit harder than usual.

From July through September, restaurants typically see a dip in sales as triple-digit heat keeps many customers away. Brian Murphy, owner of Jimmy John’s in La Quinta and Palm Desert, said this season was slower than last year. Other restaurant owners he spoke with reported that business was either flat or down. On top of that, rent, insurance, food prices, and minimum wage increases added to the financial strain.

To get through the slower months, many local restaurants adjusted staffing, cut costs, and carefully managed food orders. Murphy explained that business owners rely on forecasting, using data from previous years to make decisions about labor and inventory.

The challenges extend beyond the Coachella Valley. The National Restaurant Association warns that new tariffs on food and beverages from Canada and Mexico could cost the industry more than $12 billion nationwide. With restaurants already operating on slim margins of just 3.5 percent, owners remain uncertain about the future.

Marco Honnold, general manager of Burgers & Beer in La Quinta, said his restaurant benefits from having a reliable distributor, but he noted that smaller establishments without the same resources may struggle even more. He added that rising costs from tariffs or inflation put added pressure on everyone in the industry.

Customers like Justin Thompson also recognize the importance of community support. He emphasized that shopping and dining locally helps strengthen the regional economy, especially during the slowest part of the year.

As temperatures finally begin to drop, restaurants hope customer traffic and revenue will rise again. Until then, they say it is local support that makes survival possible.

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Felton Fire considers parcel tax to save department in Thursday night’s meeting

KION on September 12, 2025

Ata Shaheen

FELTON, Calif. (KION) — Dozens of Felton residents packed into the Felton Fire station Thursday night to hear talk about solutions. The big one is a potential tax to fund the department and have full time staff.

“We need to have a sustainable source of income coming into this fire department. Taxes, unsustainable…not good,” said one public commenter.

The Dire Department hasn’t called for a parcel tax in decades, and now it’s asking for people to pay $700 for each parcel of land they own.

“That number is driven by the chief’s estimate of what we need to make this a healthy district again, to bring us where we need to be. Certainly 400 or 500 is more palatable and has a better chance of passing. But if it doesn’t solve the problem, we’re back in the same boat,” said Craig Winter, Board Director for the Felton Fire Protection District

Many of the people who came out Thursday said they would feel better about paying the tax if they had some reassurance that past issues in the district will be resolved long term.

“I don’t want to ever hear somebody say were gonna be transparent again, because that means they were lying to us in the first place.”

The district was supposed to vote Thursday night on whether to put the tax on the ballot, but opted instead for further discussion and deliberation.

If they don’t find funding soon, or if voters turn down the potential measure, Felton Fire could have no choice but to merge with another department in the San Lorenzo Valley.

“The new district would have their own, they’d have their way in whatever way they want to do. I might not have a job,” said Volunteer Firefighter Owen De Cossy, who gets paid stipends for shifts with the station.

Some people are okay paying up in order to maintain fire services in Felton… but wonder if keeping the district independent is even the right thing to do.

“I am willing to pay the tax. However, I am also in favor of looking closer at the idea of uniting the fire departments across San Lorenzo Valley,” said Bill Fitler, a local emergency professional

With no vote Thursday, there’s still time for all options to be considered.

“I understand it’s a process. And you’re not going to come to one meeting, get all your questions answered and have everything zipped up like a john wayne movie,” said Liz Taylor-Selling of Felton.

The fire district is holding another meeting this Monday with a representative from the county agency that oversees the district.

The Interim Chief of Felton Fire should also be there after missing tonight’s meeting for personal reasons.

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Firefighters battle several lightning-caused blazes in Caribou-Targhee National Forest

KIFI on September 12, 2025

News Team

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews are actively working to contain several small, lightning-caused wildfires that have recently sparked in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. According to the U.S. Forest Service, firefighters are “actively engaged” in suppressing the blazes, with some already fully contained.

The most active fire is the Gormer Fire, located about 9 miles northwest of Swan Valley, Idaho. This 1-acre fire is still producing visible smoke from Highway 26. Because of the challenging, steep terrain, firefighters have adopted a dual strategy. They’re working to suppress the fire while also using a “confinement strategy” to protect nearby areas and ensure their own safety.

A nearby fire, the Olsen Creek Fire, is also still active but has been 100% contained. This half-acre fire is located about 4 miles south of Wayan, Idaho. Crews are reportedly still on scene, continuing to monitor the area for hot spots.

Meanwhile, a few other small blazes have been fully controlled. The Big Basin Fire near Alpine, Wyoming, and the Cromwell and Ross fires near Swan Valley are no longer a threat. The U.S. Forest Service reports that the Cromwell and Ross fires were both brought under control as of September 11th.

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