Semi-Truck and passenger truck crash kills two, snarls I-15 traffic

KIFI on October 21, 2025

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A major two-vehicle collision on Interstate 15 has left two people dead and severely snarled northbound traffic between Fort Hall and Pocatello this morning.

Idaho State Police (ISP) Sgt. Teresa McClure confirmed to Local News 8 that the fatal crash involved a Peterbilt semi-truck and a Ford F450 flatbed pickup, both traveling north.

ISP has confirmed that the two people killed were the driver and passenger of the Ford pickup, who were not wearing seatbelts and succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The driver of the flatbed pickup was identified as a 42-year-old male from Rupert, Idaho, and the passenger was a 44-year-old male from Paul, Idaho.

According to preliminary reports, the pickup left the road and overturned. The driver of the semi-truck, a 75-year-old male from McCammon, Idaho, was wearing a seatbelt and was not transported for injuries.

Northbound traffic between Fort Hall and Pocatello has been periodically blocked and rerouted by emergency personnel as they work the scene. Commuters should expect major delays.

The cause of the crash is still under active investigation by ISP troopers.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A major two-vehicle crash brought traffic to a screeching halt along I-15 between Fort Hall and Pocatello.

First responders are on the scene at Milepost 77 north of Pocatello. The right northbound lane is currently blocked.

Multiple outlets are reporting that the crash was fatal; however, ISP has not released an official statement at this time. Local News 8 has reached out to ISP to confirm these details.

The Idaho Transportation Department is urging drivers to use caution when traveling through the area.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more details as they become available.

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department asks for public feedback on Recreational Trails Plan

KTVZ on October 21, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging the public to provide feedback on the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan. The department said the plan outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding, and recommends actions to improve trails on public land in Oregon over the next 10 years.

According to the department, “The recommendations cover all non-motorized and motorized trails on public land and waterways in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. Trail users, land managers, and partners are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28 online. They can also join a virtual open house/webinar to learn more about the plan Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon. (A recording will available for those who can’t attend).”

You can register in advance by clicking here.

Read the full press release below:

“The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan, which outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails on public land in Oregon over the next 10 years.  

The recommendations cover all non-motorized and motorized trails on public land and waterways in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. Trail users, land managers, and partners are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28 online.  

They can also join a virtual open house/webinar to learn more about the plan Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon. (A recording will available for those who can’t attend). Register in advance at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-4YrUfpeR2yFNBF-8Ihqpg 

“We appreciate the time and energy trail users and partners have put into helping us develop the next trails plan, which will guide investments to make our trails even better in the future,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning.   

“Each year, more than 80% of Oregonians use trails across the state, generating over $890 million in spending at local businesses and contributing to Oregon’s overall economy.” 

The Oregon Recreational Trails Plan covers non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian), motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails, and non-motorized boating and water trails. It helps provide guidance to not only Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, but to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners. 

Information for the draft plan came from multiple sources including statewide surveys of trail users and recreation providers conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, multiple follow-up focus groups with specific user groups in May, and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is published every five years.  

The current Oregon Statewide Trails Plan covers 2016 to 2025. Once the public review and comment period ends, staff will incorporate feedback and present the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.  

For questions about the draft Oregon Trails Plan, please visit our website or contact OPRD Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning at Jessica.r.horning@oprd.oregon.gov.  “

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Highway 97 single-lane closures Tuesday-Thursday around Bend

KTVZ on October 21, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, Highway 97 will have a single-lane closure southbound in Bend near milepost 144 today, October 21st, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The department says drivers should expect delays and asks motorists to please slow down and watch for crews and equipment in the work zone.

Also, on Wednesday and Thursday nights, Highway 97 will have single-lane closures north of Bend between mileposts 132 and 134 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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Officials remind public of safety tips through school bus safety week

News-Press NOW on October 21, 2025

Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Local law enforcement is reminding the public about School Bus Safety Week and what it entails.

Monday, Oct. 20, marked the start of School Bus Safety Week and is meant to remind the public of tips regarding school bus safety.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said students, parents and motorists should be aware that school bus safety is an important part of driver and passenger etiquette.

MSHP also urges, not only motorists, but school bus drivers as well, to be extra cautious with student riders, whether they are on the bus waiting for their stop, or getting ready to cross the street.

For motorists encountering a school bus, the MSHP also emphasizes patience.

“The motoring public… they need to remember school is in session this time of year here in northwest Missouri, so expect delays during your morning commute. If you get behind a school bus, be patient, be cautious,” said Sgt. Shane Hux, public information and safety officer for the MSHP.

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North Carolina Senate approves redistricting map, aiming to secure more Republican seats

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Marisa Sardonia

Click here for updates on this story

    RALEIGH, North Carolina (WLOS) — Republicans in the North Carolina Senate have approved a new map that redraws the state’s congressional districts, plainly stating their intent to help Republicans gain another U.S. House seat under President Donald Trump’s push to retain his party’s grip on Congress next year.

The proposed map is now headed to the House, which is expected to give it final General Assembly approval later this week.

The new map aims to shift District 1 from a swing seat to one favoring Republicans. The current 1st District covers a region that has elected African Americans for over 30 years and where some counties have majority Black populations.

The push to retool congressional district boundaries for the ninth-largest state comes amid an emerging nationwide battle between the major parties as they seek advantages in states like Texas and California ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

An Oct. 13 news release from Senate leader Phil Berger, with support from House Speaker Destin Hall, says this move “follows President Donald Trump’s call urging legislatures across the country to take action to nullify Democrat redistricting efforts.”

On Oct. 17, Trump took to Truth Social to express his thoughts on the redistricting proposal in North Carolina. Trump wrote, in part:

“Thank you to North Carolina’s incredible Republican State Legislators, who just introduced a new, fair, and improved, Congressional Map, a situation I am watching, and strongly supporting, very closely[…] This new Map would give the fantastic people of North Carolina the opportunity to elect an additional MAGA Republican in the 2026 Midterm Elections, which would be A HUGE VICTORY for our America First Agenda, not just in North Carolina, but across our Nation.”

Shortly after the North Carolina Senate approved the state’s redrawn U.S. House district map on Tuesday, Sen. Phil Berger posted to X, stating that “this new map respects the will of the North Carolina voters.”

Not everyone agrees with the GOP’s plan.

The North Carolina branch of Common Cause, a nonpartisan organization focused on protecting voting rights and fighting gerrymandering, released a statement in response to the proposal. The statement reads, in part:

“It’s an insult to the citizens of our state that lawmakers are prioritizing rigging a congressional map over meeting the needs of the people by passing a budget[…] The plan by Republican legislative leaders to further rig our state’s already extremely gerrymandered voting maps is a slap in the face of the people of North Carolina.”

Various North Carolina Democratic lawmakers, including Governor Josh Stein, have also outwardly opposed this proposal.

“They are failing the voters of North Carolina by deciding for them who their congressional representation will be,” Gov. Stein said, in part, in a video posted to X on Oct. 20. “It’s outrageous. The people should be choosing our representatives.”

State law prevents Democratic Gov. Josh Stein from using his veto stamp on redistricting action. Litigation challenging the map is almost certain, with allegations of harming the voting power of Black residents likely.

Residents were asked last week to submit public comments on the proposal.

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Fargo activist pleads guilty to misappropriation of state grants

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By April Baumgarten

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    MANDAN, North Dakota (WDAY) — A Fargo activist has pleaded guilty to theft charges that allege she misappropriated state-issued funds to her family.

Faith Monique Shields-Dixon, 46, entered guilty pleas to three felony counts on Monday, Oct. 20, in Burleigh County District Court. Two other counts of theft will be dismissed.

The charges allege Shields-Dixon gave grant money from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction to businesses owned or managed by her relatives from Feb. 3, 2022, to April 10, 2023. Those businesses included her husband’s food stand, her brother’s music and production company, and her sister-in-law’s dance studio, according to court documents.

Shields-Dixon applied for $1.5 million in grants from the DPI through her nonprofit, the Faith4Hope Scholarship Fund, according to court documents.

The grant was meant for after-school programs that help students who were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 school closures, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said in a statement issued after Monday’s hearing.

Shields-Dixon started her nonprofit in 2016 as a way to help low-income families, according to the Faith4Hope website. That website is no longer available online.

The DPI approved $350,000 for the fund that would be handed out over the course of three years to Faith4Hope, court documents said. Shields-Dixon allocated $124,000 to her family’s businesses, according to reimbursements described in court documents.

The DPI asked the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which Wrigley’s office oversees, to look into Shields-Dixon’s nonprofit after “initial disbursements revealed significant conflicts of interest in violation” of the DPI grant program, Wrigley said in his statement.

“The DPI works hard to support strong programs for students while also making sure public dollars are spent responsibly and with accountability,” Wrigley said in the statement. “We all want to ensure the money is being used to benefit children who participate in after-school programs, and this criminal prosecution should serve as a deterrent to others who might try to use these funds unlawfully.”

Charges were filed Oct. 10, 2024, in Burleigh County District Court because state money was involved and the DPI is based in Bismarck. Monday’s plea hearing was held in Mandan, which is the Morton County seat. Burleigh and Morton counties use each other’s courthouses interchangeably.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 20 in Morton County. Prosecutors from Wrigley’s office plan to ask Judge Bobbi Weiler to sentence Shields-Dixon to 11 months in the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center, according to a plea agreement she signed.

Her defense attorney, Dane DeKrey, will argue for four months behind bars, the agreement said.

In a news release issued earlier this month, Shields-Dixon asked the public to wait until after her sentencing to draw conclusions. Facts of what did and didn’t happen in the case are expected to come out during sentencing, DeKrey told The Forum after the Monday hearing.

He and prosecutors agree Shields-Dixon did something illegal, DeKrey said.

“The specifics of what and how are going to be the central focus of the sentencing hearing,” he said, adding that will determine her sentence.

Shields-Dixon is an activist in the Fargo-Moorhead area who has fought for the rights and voices of people of color.

Her husband, Charles Dixon, was also charged with two felony counts of theft in connection to her case. A four-day trial for his case is scheduled to begin Nov. 18.

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Local nonprofit to host Third Annual Light the Night for Hope Walk

KYMA on October 21, 2025

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local nonprofit organization is spreading awareness for victims of domestic violence.

The Healing Journey will be hosting their Third Annual Light the Night for Hope Walk to spread awareness of domestic violence.

Cynthia Luna, the event coordinator, shared why she wants to continue to shine a light on domestic abuse victims.

“The whole metaphor about domestic violence being in the dark. And usually, a lot of the violence, it does happen in the night. So there is a reason why we are doing it in the evening, and the whole thing about us being light. Bringing light to the darkness,” Luna explained.

The event will take place Monday, October 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, beginning at Del Sol located in the area of Fourth Avenue and 16th Street.

To learn more about the event, click here.

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Bald eagle stuck in truck grille rescued by DNR

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Matt Henson

Click here for updates on this story

    KITTSON COUNTY, Minnesota (WDAY) — A church trip took an unexpected turn for Cindy Vagle on Sunday, Oct. 19, when a bald eagle became an unlikely co-pilot.

Vagle was driving along U.S. Highway 59 from Lancaster to Lake Bronson when she spotted the bird in the opposite lane. A few miles later, she discovered the eagle clinging to the grille of her pickup.

“Here the dang bird is hanging on the front of the truck still alive,” Vagle said.

About an hour earlier, Vagle had slowed down when the eagle flew across the road. She heard a thump but didn’t see the bird until she reached town. She carefully avoided disturbing it.

“Very beautiful, but just hanging there moving its head side to side just looking at me. I was like ‘Ohh … I better not get too close to that thing because it had quite the beak,” Vagle said.

The eagle’s feet were caught in the grille. About an hour later, an officer with the Department of Natural Resources arrived and rescued the bird, releasing it back into the wild. Vagle said the officer confirmed the eagle was not hurt.

“I wish I knew what was going through that bird’s mind, that must have been quite the experience for it,” Vagle said.

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Veterans Memorial vandalized in Calexico

KYMA on October 21, 2025

Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Calexico Police Department (CPD) is asking the community for help after the Veterans Memorial monument was vandalized.

A video from law enforcement revealed a man who police believe is responsible of vandalizing the Veterans Memorial monument located on Heber Avenue and East Seventh Street, right next to Calexico City Hall.

CPD say more than one hundred plaques were removed from the monument’s wall.

“We believe the suspect might be recycling the metal value of the plaques. We are currently investigating that at the moment,” said Luis Daniel Sandoval with CPD.

CPD say they are currently in communication with recycling businesses in the city.

A local says he was out for a run on Friday and saw that some plaques were missing.

“They started with a few plaques and then they got bold and then they got some more plaques and then later on they just cleaned us out on the weekend,” said George Rashid, who called the police.

Rashid says he has family members whose names are on those plaques, and one of those is his son who served.

“I was kind of disbelieving at first and then it just got me mad…I have no good words about it but it really ticked me off like my dad was saying you know you think it something its going to be there forever then it’s just gone and its gone for no good reason,” said Rashid’s son, who is also named George.

CPD say the suspect will be charged with grand theft, and if you have any information, call CPD.

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San Luis debuts first inclusive playground at Joe Orduño Park

KYMA on October 21, 2025

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – San Luis is taking a big step toward inclusion with new playground equipment at Joe Orduño Park.

The playground features a special swing, a carousel, and a bilingual communication board, all aimed at making playtime fun and accessible for every child.

The project was funded through a partnership with the Cocopah Tribe and Campesinos Sin Fronteras. City leaders say it’s part of a larger goal to create more inclusive spaces across San Luis.

“This board lets kids point to whatever they need and show what they want…one side is in English and the other in Spanish,” said Park Supervisor Alvaro Escalante while demonstrating the new feature.

Parks and Recreation Director Angélica Roldán says this project is only the beginning. The city is already planning a sensory play area designed to stimulate and engage children with special needs.

Local teacher Marie Betancourt says families are already feeling the impact.

“It’s actually helping other families feel more a part of the community, in bringing their kids to an environment where they feel safe, accepted, and be able to explore,” she said.

Roldán added that the goal behind these projects is to make sure every child feels welcome.

“We’re just very excited to have this for the kids and just to remember our parks are for everyone,” she said.

With this new playground, San Luis is showing that inclusion starts with a place where every child can play together.

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