Federal government says food aid will halt, local food banks pick up slack

KRDO on October 28, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Local food pantries are reporting an uptick in shoppers as the government shutdown nears its fourth week.

Cross Fire Ministries tells KRDO13 that they typically have 20 families a day sign up as new guests, but after recipients of SNAP benefits were alerted that they would not have access in November, Cross Fire Ministries says the new sign-ups doubled.

On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1 as the government shutdown drags on.

The same day, the Cimarron Hills Food Pantry at Freedom Church reports its biggest distribution yet. In two hours, they say they served 54 families representing more than 100 people. The food pantry says it typically serves 30-40 people on Sundays.

KRDO13 spoke with many people who rely on SNAP benefits, who say Cimarron Hills Food Pantry is a great place to find essentials.

One woman, Kaveen Rose, works nearby and tells KRDO13 it was a shock to hear the federal SNAP benefits were ending.

“I wonder what the heck I’m going to eat for breakfast or lunch or dinner, depending on what I’m working. But I worry about how I’m going to eat. It’s like, well, I always needed a diet. I didn’t think that I would be on one now,” said Kaveen Rose.

For now, Rose says she finds comfort in the food and the people at the Cimarron Hills Food Pantry. She says people like Pastor Scott Maxon and the other volunteers are always willing to listen.

“It’s just a wonderful opportunity to give back. You know, one of the mottos for our food pantry is serving our community in Jesus’ name, so people can go get food anywhere, any food bank. But what makes us unique is is we take an interest in the folks that come and visit us,” explained Pastor Scott Maxon.

The food pantry is always accepting financial and food donations to continue giving back to the community. You can connect with and find ways to donate to the Cimarron Hills Food Pantry here.

KRDO13 also reached out to multiple school districts to see if they would assist students and families during this time.

Colorado Springs Academy School District 20 sent this communication to families:

Academy District 20 has learned SNAP benefits for November may be delayed. However, school meals are still available. For families in need of additional food before SNAP benefits are available, there are local resources that can help:

·         Colorado 211: Call 2-1-1- or 866-760-6489 or visit www.211colorado.org

·         Feeding Colorado: Visit www.feedingcolorado.org/find-foeod or email info@feedingcolorado.org

·         Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626

Academy District 20 also participates in the state program, Healthy School Meals for All, meaning free breakfast and lunch will still be provided at school.

A Colorado Springs School District 11 spokesperson tells KRDO13 that they have food pantry programming at certain schools throughout the year.

Colorado Springs School District 11 has notified families that they can continue to rely on free school breakfasts (where available) and free school lunches. Many of our schools are also stocked with food pantries to assist families who may be experiencing need. Programs like Cougars Care at Coronado High School exemplify the generosity and community spirit that support our students and families year-round.

As always, our school counselors and community liaisons are working closely with families to connect them with community resources and local partners, including Care and Share Food Bank, Pikes Peak United Way, and numerous churches who generously support our school communities.

Harrison School District 2 is encouraging families to take advantage of the free school meals for students.

In Harrison School District 2, we’ve been proactively communicating with our families, staff, and community partners about this situation. All D2 students continue to receive free breakfast and lunch, and this program will not be affected. We’re encouraging families to make the most of both meal opportunities for their students.

To further support students and reduce food waste, we’re launching a USDA-approved Share Table program. This allows students to leave any unopened, shelf-stable items—for example, a sealed applesauce cup—on a shared table for other students to take if they wish. It’s a simple, effective way to ensure good food doesn’t go to waste while helping address food insecurity.

We also maintain an up-to-date list of local food pantries and distribution sites located near our district or with strong ties to our families and staff. These resources are available on our district website for anyone who may need additional support. 

Here is what Pueblo School District 70 will provide:

Pueblo County School District 70 students will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch. There is no change to the current meal schedule. We understand that some families may need additional support during this time. We have provuded information for local resources, including Colorado 2-1-1, to help families access food and other essential services.

Pueblo School District 60 also has many plans in place to support students.

All Pueblo School District 60 students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch each school day. In addition, the district partners with several community organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County and local libraries, to expand access to meals outside of school hours. Boys & Girls Club members receive meals through club programming, and free suppers are also available to anyone under the age of 18 at participating library locations. These meal programs are funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and offered through the Colorado Food Program.

To help ensure students have consistent access to food, the district’s food share program makes shelf-stable items that are not consumed during the school day available to any student who needs them. In addition, many D60 schools operate on-site food pantries or backpack programs, allowing families to take food home for evenings and weekends. The district’s nutrition services provider, SFE, is also coordinating a canned food drive in partnership with D60 to further support students and families who may experience food insecurity during the federal government shutdown.

All D60 students will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch. School meals will not be affected by the federal government shutdown. Pueblo School District 60 will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, Monday through Thursday, at every school site.

KRDO13 also contacted District 49 and has not received a response.

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CPS adult English program secures funding for 2026, future funding remains uncertain

KMIZ on October 28, 2025

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools’ Adult English Language Learner program secured funding through fiscal year 2026 after facing uncertainty due to potential cuts to adult education grants.

The proposed federal budget included a 24% cut to adult education funding, reducing it from $642 million to about $486 million.

The CPS program provides free online and in-person classes for adult students trying to improve their English language skills. The director says the funding is critical because the program serves hundreds of immigrant, refugee, and working-class families in Mid-Missouri.

“We’re alive, which wasn’t 100% clear over the summer, but we did make it through fiscal year 26, which means we should be funding all the way through June 30,” Program Director Noah Siela said.

Student Gabriel Lima has been in the U.S. for a year and has been a part of the adult English Learners program for about two months. She said in that short timeframe, the program has been beneficial.

“It’s amazing I learn a lot and my English improved a lot because of this program,” Lima said. “The material forcing you to speak and write and improve your listening. So after I begin here I think my goal is to improve a lot.”

The program has been serving Columbia for about 20 years and is funded through a combination of state and federal grants. Federal funding pays about 75% of the cost of the approximately $300,000 program with the remaining coming from the state.

“I think we served 7,000 students statewide last year, that didn’t have enough high school diplomas, had some English language deficiencies that put them in the workforce,” Siela said.

Siela said the cost-per-student is around $1,600, which is much lower compared to other programs in the state that cost $7,000-$8,000 per student. Last year the CPS English Learners Program served about 250 students, according to Siela

To secure continued funding, Siela said he and others spent the summer advocating for the program and raising awareness of its importance.

“Our enrollment doubled this year which is a great problem to have. It’s strange to be having an influx of students when there’s so much uncertainty, but I think that’s a testament to our teachers and our staff of providing an environment for our students that is beneficial,” he said.

While funding is secured through the end of June next year, future support remains uncertain amid the ongoing government shutdown. Siela said the program has paused its application for the next three-year grant cycle.

“Normally that would happen in December but we start thinking about it because applying for a grant is a pretty big deal, but there’s so much uncertainty with the current shutdown,” Siela said. “I’m not even really preparing for it because we could get new chunks of information that could send us going in a lot of different directions in terms of how we apply for a grant, the funding available and how many students we plan on serving,”

Siela said the three-year grant provides about $10 million in funding for about 28 statewide programs. He said the CPS program normally receives $300,000-$350,000. He said when he applies, he is going to ask for more funding.

“You got to think optimistically when you’re applying for a grant because if you think pessimistically you’re going to short yourself,” he said. “I was going to kind of swing for the fences because I know that with more money that means more students we could serve and I think there’s a need for it just based on our role at numbers this year.”

Siela said he will likely apply upwards of $400,000.

Carryover funds, which are appropriated by the state are often used when there is funding left over from programs across the state. Siela says that money was not an option this year. He said he usually uses it to hire part-time teachers since there is always a need for additional staff.

“I don’t have that this year, they’re being conservative with that,” Siela said.

However, Siela said that lack of carryover funds is not due to the government shutdown and is rather people who manage the grants in Jefferson City. He believes they are being more cautious this year about how they want to send the funding out. Lima said future funding for the program is essential.

“If you live in the United States you have to speak English, especially if you live in Missouri because we don’t have much influence of another countries here, like in Florida, ” Lima said.

If the program were to come to a halt due to funding cuts, Lima said it would affect those who can’t afford to pay for an English learning course.

“It’s going to be terrible because many people, immigrants that come here, they don’t have money to pay for an English course,” Lima said. “It’s really expensive to that opportunity to study for free I think is the most important thing in our life as immigrants now so if it’s finished that would be terrible.”

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Yuma County Education Foundation holding 2025-2026 Hall Of Fame nominations

KYMA on October 28, 2025

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Education Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Hall of Fame.

The event will be merging with the Legacy Gala to announce winners of the awards.

Awards include the Professional Educator Award, Frances Woodard Award, Estelle Dingus Award, Outstanding Organization Contributing to Yuma County, Special Achievement Award, and the Founders’ Award.

Gila Vista Junior High School Principal Frank Nunez shares how important the event and Gala are for the community.

“The Hall of Fame event and the Legacy Gala commit themselves to honoring all the educators of the past who have made an impact on Yuma community education,” he said.

Applications for nominations can be submitted no later than November 13th, 2025. Community members, educators, teachers, alumni, leaders and organizations are encouraged to submit cominations.

Inductees will be revealed at the January 22, 2026 Legacy Gala, and again at the Teacher of the Year Banquet on April 30, 2026.

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Lane of Paris Road closed after crash

KMIZ on October 27, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A lane of Paris Road in Columbia was closed on Monday evening after a crash occurred near Nelwood Drive.

Two vehicles appeared to be involved in the crash and were stopped in the turning lane of Paris Road when an ABC 17 News photographer arrived at 6:30 p.m. The northbound driving lane was still open for traffic, while the passing lane was closed off.

A tow truck arrived on the scene at 6:38 p.m. and both vehicles were removed by 6:48 p.m. The road reopened at the same time.

Boone County Joint Communications sent a notification about the crash at 6:11 p.m. A second notification indicated first responders closed the lane at 6:14 p.m.

Two Columbia Police Department Vehicles were on the scene.

Check back for updates.

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Government shutdown leads to Fort Leonard Wood to close west gate on weekends

KMIZ on October 27, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Beginning this Saturday, the west gate at Fort Leonard Wood will be closed on weekends.

The Army wrote in a social media post that the change comes, “due to changes and impacts to resources.” The federal government shut down on Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. The Senate was set to vote on the bill again on Monday night.

The west gate at Fort Leonard Wood will still be open 4 a.m.-9p.m. on weekdays. No changes will be made to the north or south gates, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days per week the post says. The east gate will continue its hours of 5-8:30 a.m. and 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the post says.

“The decision to close the West Gate on weekends was based on the need to keep the community and those who live on, work on, and visit the installation safe and secure with the available resources we currently have,” the post says. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to work through the changes and impacts while also protecting our installation.”

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Three people injured after crash on Varner Road in Cathedral City

KESQ on October 27, 2025

Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Three people were hospitalized after a crash along Varner Road in Cathedral City Monday afternoon.

The crash was reported just after 3 p.m. on Varner and Mountain View Road.

Two patients suffered critical injuries, another sustained moderate injuries, authorities said at the scene.

The road was blocked in the area on both sides for more than an hour, however, it was back open by 4:30 p.m.

We have a crew at the scene gathering injuries.

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El Paso Sector sees decrease in migrant encounters along the border

KVIA on October 27, 2025

Heriberto Perez Lara

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico (KVIA) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection released its operational statistics for last month, closing Fiscal Year 2025, stating it was a historic one characterized by restored control, empowered agents, and record-low crossings.

“The numbers tell the story – enforcement works,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “We are delivering the most secure border in American history, thanks to the President’s leadership. Border crossings remain historically low, and those who do cross are being apprehended, detained, prosecuted, and swiftly removed.”

Border Patrol El Paso Sector recorded 47,165 migrant encounters in Fiscal Year 2025, compared to 256,102 in Fiscal Year 2024 and 427,471 in Fiscal Year 2023, according to CBP data.

According to Border Patrol data, they also recorded 504 rescues and 35 deaths in Fiscal Year 2025, compared to 981 rescues and 176 deaths in Fiscal Year 2024 and 597 rescues and 149 deaths in Fiscal Year 2023.

CBP also said illegal crossings in September throughout the southwest border remained historically low:

26,002 total encounters nationwide — 93% below the peak of the Biden administration’s 370,883.

8,386 Border Patrol apprehensions on the southwest border — 95% lower than the monthly average of the Biden administration, and less than the number apprehended in five days in September 2024.

279 USBP apprehensions per day — 95% lower than the daily average under the Biden administration, and less than the number apprehended every two hours under the Biden administration.

Zero parole releases — compared to 9,144 released by the Border Patrol under the Biden administration along the southwest border in September 2024.

According to CBP, this marks an 81.6% drop in the El Paso Sector alone and an 84.5% decrease across the entire border strip.

ABC-7 reached out to Border Patrol El Paso Sector for an interview. They had to decline due to the government shutdown; they are currently operating at limited capacity.

Right now, CBP is restricting officers and agents to only national security and law enforcement duties due to the shutdown; nonessential functions are being limited.

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Olive Garden is coming to Jefferson City

KMIZ on October 27, 2025

Ryan Shiner

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City is finally getting its Olive Garden.

A spokesperson for the company confirmed in a Monday email that the chain will be located at 504 Missouri Boulevard, near the Marriott Hotel.

An opening date was not announced by the company, but the spokesperson said more information will be available once construction officially begins.

The chain’s only current location in Mid-Missouri is on Interstate 70 Drive Southwest in Columbia.

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Desert Hot Springs Police Department holds community resource fair

KESQ on October 27, 2025

Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Desert Hot Springs Police Department (DHSPD) held a Community Resource Fair in conjunction with National Night Out, on Monday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

It took place at the Desert Hot Springs Health & Wellness Center.

Organizers said the event was a celebration of community, connecting attendees with local agencies.

The evening was filled with entertainment, resources and fun for all ages.

“National Night Out has always been about bringing people together — but this year, it’s about more than connection,” Police Chief Steve Shaw said. “It’s about celebrating the people of Desert Hot Springs — our neighbors, our families and everyone who contributes to making this city stronger. When we come together like this, we’re not just sharing a fun evening; we’re building trust, unity, and pride in the place we all call home.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for an inside look into tonight’s celebration.

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Thousands of Voter Ballots Returned, But Turnout Low So Far in Santa Barbara County

KEYT on October 27, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – About 80 percent of the voters who are eligible to participate in the November 4 election in Santa Barbara County have a ballot, but have not yet mailed it.

According to the County Elections Office on Monday morning, approximately 52,000 have been returned. That adds up to about 21 percent of the registered voters countywide.

Helena Hill is a voter who said, “I am horrified.  I am really horrified.  I hope they get out there and vote. Maybe they are all waiting to vote at the polls.”

Dawn Draper said, “I do know that people do wait until the last minute to do most things. so I am hopeful they will get out and vote .”

The ballot asked voters to make only one choice.

Proposition 50 concerns congressional redistricting in the state. It was placed on the ballot by the state legislature and specifically focuses on the redistricting process. Officially it is called The Electlon Rigging Response Act.

There are no candidates on the ballot.

A “Yes” vote would allow the state to temporarily use new, legislatively drawn congressional district maps for elections beginning in 2026. This would last until the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission redraws the maps following the 2030 U.S. Census.

A “No” vote would keep the current congressional district maps, drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, in place until new maps are adopted after the 2030 Census.

The vote by mail ballot can be returned at a U.S. Post Office mail box, a white special ballot box, or in person on election day at any precinct location or the election office.

Hill said, either way with the boxes is fine. “Yea I feel safe with them.  I feel safe here too.  I want to make sure my vote counts.”

At the main post office downtown, Tim Lyons said, “I like to bring it to the post office.  yes   It seems secure,  seems appropriate.”       

The ballots went out, the first week of this month and some filled it out immediately.

Renee Templeraud said, “I don’t wait until the last minute.  I don’t believe in doing that for anything.” She began voting by mail in 1973.

The California Secretary of State says voters have options on how to return their ballot. 

Voters can:

Drop off their ballot at a secure designated drop box, polling location, vote center, or county elections office.

Mail in their ballot. Ballots must be post-marked on or before Election Day. If mailing your vote-by-mail ballot, it is recommended that you mail your ballot early. In some locations, mail may not be postmarked by USPS until the following day; it is recommended to get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside your local U.S. Post Office if mailing your ballot on Election Day.

Voters also have the option to vote in-person.

More information about voting options can be found here: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/.

California voters can register to vote or update their voter registration online at: registertovote.ca.gov.

Voters who are unsure of their voter registration status can quickly check it online at: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.

Upcoming California key deadlines and dates for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election can be found at: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/statewide-special-nov-4-2025/key-dates-and-deadlines.

The last day to register to vote online is October 20, 2025.

Same day (conditional) registration will be available October 21, 2025 – November 4, 2025 https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today.)

La Oficina Electoral del Condado de Santa Bárbara recuerda a los votantes las opciones de devolución de boletas Las oficinas de Santa María y Santa Bárbara servirán como centros de votación el día de las elecciones, 4 de noviembre de 2025.

(SANTA BÁRBARA, Calif.). El Secretario a cargo del Registro de Votantes del Condado de Santa Bárbara, Joe Holland, les recuerda a los votantes que, a medida que se acerca la Elección Electoral del Condado del martes 4 de noviembre de 2025, existen varias opciones de devolver su boleta para que pueda incluirse en el recuento.

“Todos los votantes registrados en el Condado de Santa Bárbara recibieron una boleta oficial de voto por correo, junto con materiales de votación a principios de octubre”, afirmó Holland. “Ahora es el momento de devolver la boleta”.

Después de marcar sus selecciones, los votantes deben ingresar la boleta en el sobre de devolución que fue proporcionado, sellarlo, firmarlo y escribir la fecha en el sobre. “Es fundamental que el sobre de devolución esté firmado”, enfatizó Holland. “Cada firma en la boleta se verifica con la firma de registro del votante para validar la boleta antes de que se cuente”. Maneras de devolver una boleta.

Por correo: las boletas pueden ser devueltas a través del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos. No se requiere franqueo siempre y cuando estén selladas a más tardar el Día de las Elecciones, 4 de noviembre. El Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos invita a los votantes a enviar sus boletas por correo con antelación para asegurar la entrega oportuna para el procesamiento y el conteo.

En las urnas oficiales: las urnas seguras están ubicadas en todo el Condado de Santa Bárbara y están disponibles las 24 horas del día hasta las 8 p.m. el Día de las Elecciones. Puede encontrar la lista de las ubicaciones oficiales de las urnas en Urna ubicada en Allan Hancock en Santa María cada boleta enviada por correo y está publicada en sbcvote.com.

Votar en persona: aunque todos los votantes registrados reciben una boleta de voto por correo, aquellos que prefieren votar en persona pueden hacerlo en su centro de votación asignado el día de las elecciones. Hay más de 50 centros de votación ubicados en todo el condado para asistir a los votantes el Día de las Elecciones. Los votantes pueden encontrar su centro de votación visitando sbcvote.com e ingresando su dirección residencial.

La Oficina de Elecciones de Santa Bárbara ubicada en 4440-A Calle Real en Santa Bárbara y la de Santa María en 511 Lakeside Parkway en Santa María servirán como centros de votación de servicio completo el día de las elecciones, martes 4 de noviembre, de 7 a. m. a 8 p. m.

Para obtener más información:Los votantes tienen muchas opciones para obtener información electoral. El personal electoral está disponible para apoyar por teléfono al (800) 722-8683, a través del sitio web de la Oficina Electoral, https://www.countyofsb.org/164/Elections, y por correo electrónico a electionsupport@countyofsb.org.

Además, la Oficina Electoral de Santa Bárbara ubicada en 4440-A Calle Real en Santa Bárbara está abierta de lunes a viernes de 8 a. m. a 5 p. m. La oficina también abrirá el sábado 1 de noviembre, de 9 a. m. a 2 p. m.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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