Momotaro statue from Japan stolen from San Jose park; police seek suspects

CNN Newsource on October 30, 2025

By Tim Fang

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    SAN JOSE, California (KPIX) — Police in San Jose are searching for at least two suspects after a sculpture gifted to the city from Japan has been stolen from a city park in downtown last month.

According to officers, a bronze Momotaro statue was cut down and stolen from Veterans Memorial Park around 7 a.m. on Sep. 25.

The statue, which features a depiction of the popular hero in Japanese folklore also known as the “Peach Boy”, was a gift from San Jose’s sister city of Okayama, Japan. San Jose’s sister-city partnership with Okayama is its longest-running, dating back to 1957.

A statement from the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs on Oct. 21 described Momotaro as “an important and beloved part of our community.”

Photos shared by police showed one of two suspects pushing the statue in a shopping cart, heading northbound towards Park Avenue.

Anyone with information is asked to email detectives at 5029@sanjoseca.gov or to call the department’s non-emergency line at 408-277-8900, referencing case #25-288-0623.

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Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Man arrested after police seize IED materials, ghost guns

CNN Newsource on October 30, 2025

By Tim Fang

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    MONTEREY COUNTY, California (KPIX) — A Monterey County man has been arrested after authorities said they found unregistered “ghost” guns along with materials to manufacture improvised explosive devices during searches of two homes earlier this week.

According to the Marina Police Department, 21-year-old Ryan James Keating of Marina was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on Tuesday. Police said an investigation was launched after officers received a tip concerning online posts by Keating.

Detectives, in conjunction with the San Francisco Office of the FBI, obtained search warrants for two homes tied to Keating. A Gun Violence Restraining Order was also obtained.

On Tuesday, warrants were served at homes on Mildred Court in Marina and Olmstead Avenue in Pacific Grove. “Riley”, a police K-9 trained to locate firearms and ammunition, was brought in to help.

During a search of the Marina home, police said they located two ghost gun handguns and two ghost AR-15 rifles, which were in the process of being manufactured. Firearms parts and a 3D printer were also found.

Officers said they also located chemicals and components to manufacture improvised explosive materials and devices (IEDs). The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was brought in to ensure the materials were rendered safe.

The search also yielded 2,500 rounds of ammunition, two shotguns, one handgun and three rifles which were legally purchased.

At the Pacific Grove home, officers located four legally purchased handguns and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

Police said in both homes, they found “racial and hate motivated literature”, along with books on the manufacturing of improvised weaponry and military tactics.

Keating was booked into the Monterey County Jail on $50,000 bail. Police said he faces charges of possession of destructive device material and possession of high-capacity magazines.

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Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

High school’s rare corpse flower blooms just in time for Halloween

CNN Newsource on October 30, 2025

By Cecilio Padilla

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    California (KMAX, KOVR) — A corpse flower at a Northern California high school picked almost the perfect time to bloom.

Roseville High School’s Think Green Club, a student-led organization, has been taking care of three Amorphophallus titanium plants that were originally adopted by a longtime school staff member. The plants are commonly known as “corpse flowers” because of the stink they emanate when blooming.

Further, the plant — which is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature — takes anywhere from seven to ten years to have its first bloom.

Thursday morning, just ahead of Halloween, one of Roseville High’s corpse flowers decided that the time was right.

“These plants mean so much to our students,” said Jeffrey Underwood, a science instructor at RHS, in a statement.

Corpse flower blooms last around 24 to 48 hours. A public viewing for Roseville High’s flower is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

SB Humane Returns to Your Morning News Live with Maya!

KEYT on October 30, 2025

Michael Yu

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – SB Humane is back with Your Morning News with Maya, an 8-year old Husky!

Maya was surrendered to Humane after the owner moved and could not afford to take her along.

Maya is house trained and affectionate. Fun fact, she also runs the front desk at the campus! She greets visitors, and goes to lunches with staff. She was also recently in a pet parade.

Santa Barbara Humane was also just named the Best Place to Adopt a Pet for the fourth consecutive year!

Two local Pilates classes will benefit SB Humane as well on November 7th at Pilates & Or in Santa Barbara.

On November 16th, the Santa Maria campus is hosting a Car Show & Donation Drive. Adoptions will be 50% off that day as well.

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Public Schools could save millions by changing procurement practices, city controller says

CNN Newsource on October 30, 2025

By Lauren Linder

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    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The city controller said Pittsburgh Public Schools could save millions of dollars by changing the way it hands out contracts. She shared her recommendations in a new report.

The district is facing a nearly $26 million budget deficit next year, and Pittsburgh City Controller Rachael Heisler, who also serves as the school district’s controller, believes that could be addressed by enacting new standards when hiring for professional services.

“Are we maximizing every dollar? And the answer right now is no,” Heisler said. “We are not going to the public and searching for the best vendors.”

According to her report, the district is losing out on millions by not always going through a competitive bidding process when handing out contracts for professional services, something already done by Philadelphia. It said the district only did this about four out of 498 times from January 2024 through August 2025.

Instead, Heisler said the district is trying to save money by, for example, telling teachers they cannot order paper or access crayons.

“We can’t impact student outcomes through these arbitrary cost-saving measures,” Heisler said. “That’s silly, right?”

However, Heisler said even saving money may not be enough to stop the district from closing schools.

“The footprint conversation needs to continue to happen, because the district is contracting in size as it relates to student enrollment,” Heisler said.

In response to the report, the district referred KDKA to a statement at the end of the document from its solicitor:

“The report confirms that the procurement practices of the School District of Pittsburgh including its practices with Requests for Proposals are in conformity with the Public School Code, the Pennsylvania Procurement Code and other applicable laws.”

“That’s the bare minimum. I mean, I think it’s not unfair to expect the school district to go above and beyond as it relates to procurement,” Heisler said.

Despite the district’s statement, Heisler said she’s already talked to school board members who have shown interest in making changes.

“There is nothing stopping us from doing this,” Heisler said.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

City Home expanding in the Old Mill District

KTVZ on October 30, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The home furnishing and decor store, City Home, is slated to expand into the old mill district in addition to a seasonal pop up in November.

The full press release is below:

Bend just can’t get enough of City Home.

The Portland-based retailer known for its eclectic vintage-inspired home furnishings, decor, and accessories is set to open a seasonal pop-up location in the Old Mill District between lululemon and Will Leather Goods. The approximately 900-square-foot space will sit less than 25 yards away from City Home’s 4,400-square-foot anchor store in the Old Mill District along the Deschutes River.

The new space, which looks to open in early November, will give City Home more room to showcase its various art pieces, rugs, lamps, and furnishings.

“It’ll be a curated collection of elevated, Western-inspired furnishings,” City Home owner and founder Kim Pelett said. “Lots of unique wall art, reclaimed wood furniture pieces, hide rugs and one-of-a-kind antique accessories.”

City Home, which celebrated four years in the Old Mill District this summer, is the passion project of Pelett, who boasts more than 35 years of home decor sales experience. Pellet, who launched the business in 2012, has six full-time locations in addition to this winter’s pop-up.

“We love everything they’re doing so it was a pretty natural choice to give them additional space this winter,” said Beau Eastes, the Old Mill District’s Marketing Director. “Especially when you consider how close it is to their main store. And it’s a great fit next to lululemon and Will Leather Goods.”

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Bend Chamber announces new CEO

KTVZ on October 30, 2025

KTVZ News Partners

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Chamber of commerce announced Sara Odendahl as its new CEO beginning November 3rd.

The full press release is below:

The Bend Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Sara Odendahl as its new CEO effective November 3. Sara has served as the interim CEO since June 30, in addition to continuing her duties as the Chamber’s Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives.

A seasoned government affairs professional, Sara has led the Chamber’s policy and advocacy work since coming on staff in 2023. Sara has been an instrumental member of the Chamber’s leadership team and co-led the organization’s Workforce Housing Initiative and newly launched Regional Business Alliance.

“Sara has gained incredible trust in Bend and Central Oregon for her effectiveness and collaboration in advocating for business at the local and state levels,” said Tia Lewis, Bend Chamber Board Chair. “She is highly respected and will be a steady hand at the helm as the new CEO.”

The Bend Chamber initiated a national search to secure a new CEO in June. To start the process, executive search firms were vetted and The 360 Group was selected as the recruitment partner. The 360 Group is a well-established regional firm that routinely works with a variety of community-focused associations. This partnership enabled the Chamber to identify candidates who understand Bend’s unique place, dynamics, and opportunities. Casting the net nationally allowed for a comprehensive search of strong leaders near and far.

The initial process included in-person stakeholder meetings with Chamber staff, as well as the formation of a selection committee comprised of the five Bend Chamber Executive Board members and six at-large members of the Bend business community. Those early discussions clarified the organization’s cultural attributes, strengths and growth opportunities, challenges, expectations and preferred traits of the new CEO. The results of that due diligence became the basis of a detailed position profile that was shared nationally.

Applications from Virginia to Washington were received and vetted for those that most closely aligned with the Chamber needs. By September, interviews with a select group of candidates began, and, from those meetings, three finalist candidates were invited for in-person interviews. The three finalists provided presentations based on a prompt and written answers to a battery of values-based questions from The 360 Group and the selection committee.

Ultimately, after thoughtful consideration of the information gained from the interview process, the result was a unanimous decision by the selection committee to appoint Sara Odendahl to the permanent CEO position. Her experience and skillset best aligned with the Leadership Profile that was developed and make her uniquely qualified for this high-profile position within the Bend business community.

“It’s an incredible honor to lead the Bend Chamber at such an important moment in our history. Our strength has always come from collaboration—between businesses, community partners, and the people who make Bend thrive. As we approach our 100-year milestone, I’m excited to build on that legacy and ensure the Chamber continues to be a trusted voice and convener for our region’s future,” said Odendahl.

Before joining the Bend Chamber, Sara Odendahl served as an independent consultant supporting the Chamber’s Advocacy Council and leadership team on local and state policy priorities. She brings more than a decade of experience in political consulting and public policy, including extensive work at the Colorado State Capitol advancing initiatives in business, health care, early childhood education, and regional economic development.

Sara began her career in strategic communications, leading public awareness and issue campaigns for advertising and marketing agencies. Since relocating to Bend in 2019, she and her husband, Kent, have co-founded Work-Collective, a thriving coworking community with two Bend locations.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Colorado Denver. Known for her collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and coalition-building skills, Sara is committed to guiding the Chamber into its 100th year and beyond with a focus on partnership, advocacy, and long-term regional prosperity.

The selection committee has the utmost confidence in Sara’s ability to lead, grow and position the Chamber to serve Bend’s businesses and community, while prioritizing thriving businesses of all sizes and livability for all residents.

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Law enforcement agencies gives tips to stay safe on Halloween night

News-Press NOW on October 30, 2025

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Halloween night can be full of spooky fun and sweet treats, but it doesn’t come without safety tips and tricks to know while roaming the streets.

Trick-or-treaters and parents need to stay safe on Halloween night.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 3,200 Halloween-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. 

Sgt. Jeremy Peters with the St. Joseph Police Department shared multiple tips for parents and children on Halloween.

While trick-or-treating, if a child gets lost, they should contact the police immediately.

“That’s going to pose a unique set of challenges with all of the costumes and masks and everything like that. But call 911, let us know,” Peters said. “Suspicious activity, missing kids, lost parents, whatever the case may be, we will respond as quick as possible and try to get that result.”

Peters said while trick-or-treating, try to stay in well-lit areas and have a flashlight with you.

“Use sidewalks, wherever they’re available, try to have flashlights or reflective clothing with you so that you can be seen. Just general things like that,” said Peters. “You know, just be aware of your surroundings.”

Peters wants to remind trick-or-treaters not to eat their candy until they are done trick-or-treating, so they can check their candy at home under a light.

“There’s always a possibility that somebody with bad intent could try to do something. Just make sure everything is sealed in original packaging as best you can,” he said. “Let your parent or guardian inspect it before you know as a kid that you would go around eating the candy that you get.”

Peters also said to be aware when crossing the street.

“I think just be visible. A lot of costumes are dark and that’s part of the fun,” he said. “Be visible when you’re crossing the street. Make sure you’re looking both ways. Take the extra time”.

On Halloween night, sex offenders are required to stay in their homes from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office conducts patrols on Halloween night to make sure all sex offenders are abiding by the law.

Investigator Kenneth Shryock said parents can check the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website for sex offenders in the area.

“They can put their addresses in there. They’re going to, and that will pull up all the offenders in that area and kind of map it out for them,” he said.

Overall, Peters hopes everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.

“We want to wish everybody a happy Halloween! We hope everybody is safe,” he said. “And if anybody ends up needing anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

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Schnucks accepts donations for food banks as shutdown continues

KMIZ on October 30, 2025

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Schnucks is helping out Missourians who lost their November SNAP benefits with a food drive at all stores across the state starting Thursday and running through Nov. 11, according to a press release.

The chain is asking people to donate shelf-stable, nonperishable items like canned goods, noodles and pasta sauce.

A manager at the Forum Blouvard location in Columbia said Thursday afternoon that there were several large donations since that morning.

Missouri food bank donations have been increasing since the federal government shutdown began Oct. 1. November SNAP benefits were paused as a result, forcing more people to fall back on food banks.

Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday announced that over $15 million is going to food banks and a program to feed senior citizens.

The Boone County Commission a week before Kehoe’s announcement said that the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri will receive $50,000 to use within the county.

The average SNAP recipient received about $187 a month last year, with national spending nearly reaching $100 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Police warn parents to check Halloween candy as fentanyl crisis continues

KESQ on October 30, 2025

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — As Halloween approaches, police across the Coachella Valley are reminding parents to stay alert and carefully inspect their children’s candy before letting them dig in. While reports of fentanyl-laced treats are rare, law enforcement officials say the ongoing drug crisis warrants extra caution.

Indio Police Sergeant Abraham Plata says that simple precautions can go a long way in keeping families safe.

“Don’t let your children eat candy while they’re trick-or-treating. It’s dark outside, and they won’t be able to see what they’re ingesting. Go through the candy at home in a well-lit room. If anything looks tampered with or glued, just throw it away.”

Sgt. Abraham Plata, Indio Police Department

Plata says officers continue to encounter fentanyl during arrests and overdose calls across the valley.

“We periodically get calls for service involving fentanyl. Usually it’s related to an overdose, but we also find fentanyl on people during arrests.”

Sgt. Abraham Plata, Indio Police Department

Officials are also warning parents to look closely at candy packaging. Some items may closely resemble well-known brands but could actually be infused with harmful substances.

If someone finds something that looks suspicious or potentially dangerous, police urge them to avoid handling it and call 911 immediately.

By taking a few extra minutes to inspect candy and stay vigilant, families can help ensure a fun and safe Halloween night.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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