House sends new congressional map, initiative petition reform to Senate

KMIZ on September 9, 2025

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri House has sent the Senate a new congressional map that could eliminate a safe Democratic seat.

The House approved the new map, which carves up U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Fifth District, on a 90-65 vote early Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the morning, the House also sent a plan to reform the state’s ballot measure process to the Senate.

The House gave initial approval to the bills on Monday. The initiative reform bill was taken back up on Tuesday morning and passed by a vote of 98-58.

The new map, called “Missouri First” by Gov. Mike Kehoe, came about after the White House said Missouri should redraw its map — a process that usually takes place only after the census.

House members debated the legality of redrawing the map between censuses, as well as whether the new districts were fair to Missourians.

House Republican leadership wants to reform the state’s initiative petition process by requiring a ballot question to win support of a majority of voters statewide and in each of Missouri’s eight congressional districts.

House members spent hours debating the bills before their final votes.

Democrats held a press conference after Republicans voted to pass both issues.

“Today’s a pretty sad day in Missouri,” House Minority Leader Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City) said. “It’s a pretty sad day for our democracy.”

Aune said she anticipates a citizen referendum to repeal Gov. Kehoe’s Missouri First Map, should H.B. 1 pass.

The minority leader also said she is talking with Democrats in the Senate.

“As hard as it is, we are going to be handing over this fight to them,” Aune said. “I look forward to seeing what the fight looks like on that side of the building.”

The Senate will take up both proposed bills Wednesday after the veto session, which starts at noon.

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9/11 Heroes Run to honor Veterans and fallen heroes

KYMA on September 9, 2025

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma is gearing up for the annual 9/11 Heroes Run, an event dedicated to honoring Veterans, first responders, and families of fallen heroes.

Organizers say the run is not only a tribute, but also a way to empower the next generation through mentorship and community service.

Dale Dumo, a retired U.S. Marine officer and Yuma chapter leader for the Travis Manion Foundation, is serving as the race director.

Alongside him, Mark Martinez, Yuma City Councilman, Army Veteran, and retired law enforcement officer, also joined the discussion about the upcoming race and its mission.

“The Travis Manion Foundation empowers Veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations,” Dumo said.

The foundation provides holistic well-being resources and mental health support for veterans, families of the fallen, and civilians inspired to give back.

Martinez emphasized the personal significance of the event saying, “9/11 changed the world. Law enforcement, first responders, firemen…its impact on us was profound. Supporting the youth, Veterans, and first responders through the Travis Manion Foundation is a cause we should always remember.”

Participants in the 5K race will receive race shirts, merch bags, medals for top finishers, and other commemorative items.

Registrations are open until the day of the race, though organizers encourage signing up early to ensure timely distribution of race materials.

The event runs from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on September 13 at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex East Parking Lot and run along the canal past the Ocean to Ocean Bridge to Gateway Park and back.

For those who prefer not to run, the event will also feature static displays from the Yuma Fire Department, Yuma Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Border Patrol, and local vendors. It is free for the public to attend.

For more information or to register, visit travismanion.org, click on “Events,” and select the 9/11 Heroes Run.

The 9/11 Heroes Run offers a chance to honor the past, support veterans and first responders, and make a meaningful impact on the community.

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Tips for voting in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District Special General Election

KYMA on September 9, 2025

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County Recorder David Lara shares important reminders for the upcoming Special General Election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District.

Two candidates are running to fill the seat left vacant by the late Congressman Raul Grijalva, Republican candidate Daniel Butierez and Democratic candidate Adelita Grijalva.

During his interview with Manoah Tuiasosopo, Lara brought up some important dates:

“September 12th is the last date to request an early ballot, and we have to remember that now most of the county, actually about 70-80% vote early by mail. Less and less in person. So, September 12th is a very important date. September 16th is the last day to mail back your uh your ballot. September 19th is the last day to early vote in-person. It’s also important to remind people that you can go down to the Recorder’s Office 102 Main Street, and you can vote in-person. You don’t have to mail your ballot in. I like it when people vote in-person. I like the in-person feeling, you get the interaction one on one with staff, and I just like that feeling. And then September 23rd is the Election Day, and that’s the last day you can actually vote for this particular election.”

As for locations, Lara said, “I also want to mention the libraries and the drop boxes we have at the libraries. You can slip them in there if that’s what suits your needs.”

“And then last but not least, the emergency voting, which is the days right before the election. So, we’re set up, we’re ready to roll, and I think this is going to be a very interesting and important election. The winner of this election will then have to run again next year,” Lara shared. 

For those with any questions, Lara shares, “I know it’s confusing sometimes voting by mail but you can call the office or actually go to the office. That’s why we have the early voting and as I mentioned, I think when people go in person you get that interaction one on one. You get a human being there and it’s explained pretty well. We have a good staff down there and that’s located right down there on Main Street and come on board, we’re waiting for you and if you have any questions, you can call us or stop by the office.”

When asked why it’s so important for people to exercise their rights, Lara replied, “A lot of people ask me that, and this is all elections. Even people that are never interested in politics or voting, it’s important that that the public know that even I always use the example of Little League. That’s politics. People that don’t vote, don’t participate, somebody else is decided for. And everything that we do in this world now in this country is some way linked to politics. If you don’t vote, somebody else will vote for you and somebody else will decide for you.”

The Special General Election is taking place Tuesday, September 23.

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Oregon Department of Forestry says thousands of fires have sparked statewide so far this year

KTVZ on September 9, 2025

Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Forestry shared an update on the state’s active wildland fires.

Right now, two active large fires are burning on ODF-protected land and eight others are burning statewide.

So far this year, 945 fires have burned on ODF-protected land and another 2,464 statewide.

The department is reminding Oregonians that despite precipitation expected across the state, fire season is still in effect.

ODF warns the public against complacency until soaking, fall rains return.

It says remaining informed of local fire restrictions is a simple way to prevent you from bringing prohibited fire hazards onto the landscape and from potentially starting the next large wildfire.

Remember, the fewer human-caused fires in Oregon we have, the more you’re helping protect Oregon’s natural resources, communities, and firefighters.

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Miller County man flown to hospital with serious injuries after single-vehicle crash

KMIZ on September 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Kaiser, Missouri, man was seriously injured Monday afternoon in a crash on Highway 52, about a half mile south of Eldon, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The report says a 2005 Cadillac SRX – driven by the 37-year-old man – was heading westbound when it went off the left side of the road and hit a tree. The man had serious injuries and was flown to University Hospital, the report says.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes. The Cadillac was totaled. The report says the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

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The Best Taquito opens second location in San Luis, Arizona

KYMA on September 9, 2025

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Another major milestone for a local Mexican food restaurant! The Best Taquito opened its second location.

On Friday, September 5, they held a grand opening at Eddie’s Food and Drink in San Luis, Arizona.

Owner Alma Ornelas says she’s thankful for all the support from her friends and family. She’s excited to expand and bring her food to another part of Yuma County.

The new restaurant is right off of Avenue E and County 24th 1/2 Street. 

 

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‘She changed the game’: Former Auburn professor’s students remember her impact days after her murder

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Ayron Lewallen

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    BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WVTM) — It’s been two days since a retired Auburn University professor was found dead near the campus. Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was 59 years old. For the first time, WVTM 13 is hearing about the legacy she left behind by the students she taught on the Plains.

One of Schunelle’s former students said she’s seen the Facebook posts and the support her former professor is getting is overwhelming. Ashley Rutter said everyone loved Schunelle and couldn’t believe her life was cut short.

Auburn Police said Schnuelle’s body was found in a wooded area on Saturday afternoon. A suspect named Harold Dabney III was later arrested in connection with her murder. Police said she died on the spot after she was assaulted.

Rutter said Schnuelle was with her every step of the way during the four years she was in vet school and led by example. Rutter said she felt like Schnuelle made sure students knew there was nothing standing in their way of achieving their dreams. Rutter said Schunelle became a legend and inspired anyone who needed to see what a strong woman looked like.

“I heard a story one time of her having a baby, and she went in for [a cow that was having trouble giving birth],” Rutter said. “She had to sit down during the surgery, and they were all making fun of her because she had to sit, and you’re not supposed to sit during surgery. Then, once they found out that she had literally just had a baby, like, that day or the day before, it was very impressive. She was a hard worker.”

Dabney is facing a capital murder charge. According to court documents, he is eligible for a preliminary hearing. There is no word on when the hearing could be scheduled.

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Suspect arrested after retired veterinary professor discovered dead in Auburn park

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Ryan Lovell, Shannon Delcambre

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    AUBURN, Alabama (WVTM) — The Auburn Police Department announced an arrest had been made in the homicide of a retired Auburn University instructor.

Police responded to a call around 2 p.m. Saturday on Chadwick Lane regarding a body found in a wooded area of Kiesel Park, investigators said.

Officers found the body of a 59-year-old woman. Police said she had injuries from an assault and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Lee County Coroner’s Office identified the woman as Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired Auburn professor.

According to Auburn police, Harold Dabney III, of Montgomery, was charged with two counts of capital murder relating to the death of Dr. Schnuelle.

The police department said a red Ford F-150 belonging to Schnuelle was stolen and later recovered.

Police said Dabney was taken into custody after reports were made Sunday morning of a suspicious person on Beehive Road.

Schnuelle retired as a professor in the university’s Department of Clinical Sciences in 2021, according to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s website.

In a statement, leaders at Auburn praised Schnuelle as a “beloved member of the Auburn family” and said they extend their condolences to her family and loved ones “during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Police ask anyone with information to call 334-501-3100. The tip line can also be reached by calling or texting 334-246-1391.

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Couple to appear in court over child missing for 3 years

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Chantelle Navarro

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Ashley Rowland and Joshua Denton are scheduled to appear in court Tuesday in connection with the disappearance of London Kerr, a child missing for three years, as law enforcement continues to search for her.

The Oklahoma City Police Department has taken over the case and is seeking public assistance to locate the child, who is now 5 years old. The National Center for Missing Children released an age-progressed image of London last month.

“We get a lot of answers in some cases with tips or new information that we receive with the public’s help,” said MSgt. Dillon Quirk of the Oklahoma City Police Department.

Rowland and Denton are facing separate child neglect charges, and the court will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the criminal cases.

Court documents reveal Rowland initially lied to police, claiming her daughter was with her father in Georgia, before later stating she had given London to a man named “Carlos,” who she believed might be London’s father.

She also said “Carlos” was selling meth. Rowland later recanted, saying “Carlos” did not sell drugs or use meth.

Documents also indicate that Rowland and Denton’s other children reported instances of abuse, including witnessing Denton hit London with a wooden paddle and shoot a BB gun at her. A teenager reported being duct-taped to a chair and hit with a belt.

“We don’t have very credible information from the people that assumed responsibility or had custody of this child,” Quirk said. “So, when we take over an investigation, we have to go back and look at what has already been documented, so time is of the essence.”

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New ordinance could ban public nudity in Burlington, Vermont

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Michael Cusanelli

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    BURLINGTON, Vermont (WPTZ) — An eye-popping policy in Burlington may soon be outlawed after city leaders moved to officially ban public nudity late last week.

While public nudity was previously allowed in the Queen City, anyone caught walking around without clothes in public may now be forced to pay hundreds of dollars in fines thanks to a new ordinance.

That ordinance unanimously passed on Friday during a committee meeting. That ordinance must now be considered by the full city council before it goes into effect.

If passed, anyone who is caught while nude in Burlington could be fined $100, with a second offense costing $200. A third offense carries a $500 fine.

These fines can be dropped if the offender completes a program through the Community Justice Center.

The rule does not apply to children under five years old.

The ordinance also makes clear exceptions, including for certain events and permitted performances.

An old ordinance permitted public nudity, provided a person left their dwelling in that state. The ordinance, however, prohibited disrobing in public.

There have been multiple instances of people walking naked through the streets of Burlington over the years, particularly during the summer months.

Several downtown businesses recently voiced their disdain for those who choose to be nude in Burlington, saying it is bad for businesses during the busy summer tourism season. Residents have also complained. Those complaints prompted city councilors to take action and consider a change to the longstanding ordinance.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify that Burlington City Council must issue final approval before the ordinance goes into effect.

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