One suspect arrested, another still missing, in connection with alleged dog napping in Palm Springs

KESQ on November 7, 2025

Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Police say a 41-year-old Palm Springs man is facing felony charges after his arrest on suspicion of the theft of two dogs in Palm Springs last month.

A man and a woman were seen on video the morning of October 17th taking the two Yorkshire Terriers, Maggie and Winnie, after the dogs accidentally escaped from their home.

After an investigation, Palm Springs Police detectives were able to identify the two suspects, and say it was determined the pair took the dogs intending to collect the reward money they assumed would be offered.

Maggie was returned safely on November 1st, and on Thursday, the male suspect was arrested and booked on charges that include felony theft and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Detectives continue to look for a 44-year-old female suspect of Cathedral City for questioning about her involvement in the theft. Winnie, a light brown, almost blonde, Yorkshire Terrier approximately 3 years old, remains missing.

Anyone with information about the female suspect’s whereabouts or sightings of Winnie is asked to contact Detective Brook Edney at Brooklyn.Edney@palmspringsca.gov.

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Restoration of Krug Park castle ramps up as part of $12.7 million renaissance

News-Press NOW on November 7, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The iconic Krug Park castle is getting its turn for long-awaited improvements as project crews widen their net to multiple construction areas within the park this fall.

Brick by brick, specialized masonry workers repaired damaged and deteriorating mortar throughout the exterior of the 102-year-old castle Monday, using scaffolds to reach high-up areas and revitalize its appearance.

“They’ll do this as long as weather approves. Then they’re going to move inside the building and start doing some of the demo work in there,” St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Atkins said. “It’s major because there’s so much brick.”

Once complete, the interior of the castle will be transformed with a new reception and concession area, restrooms and event space upstairs, bringing to life original castle plans that went dormant nearly a century ago.

The plan is to pair the revamped event castle with the playground area next door, which will be remodeled into a theater-like entertainment venue with a new stage for scenic weddings, plays and other performances.

New seating and ADA-accessible pathways will be constructed on the hillside and outer walkway, including re-introduction of the once-popular glide swings.

“The beauty of that being the entertainment venue is you’ve got the castle right next door for the main support structure. Your bridal party can get ready for the wedding. The mid-level. You can have the bigger restrooms available for events. You’ve got the reception area. This area just becomes a hub,” Atkins said.

The latest phase of work is part of a widespread $12.7 million parks tax project to modernize nearly every section of the park, a project estimated for completion in 2027.

Now five months into construction, the castle and playground is one of multiple sites where upgrades are currently being carried out, pedestrians will also see the amphitheater area undergoing heavy renovations before arriving at the castle.

Plans for the amphitheater/bowl area include a new stage and viewing area with an improved backdrop with the lagoon, as well as new sidewalks, utilities, and a 24-by-56-foot concession stand to serve visitors during events.

“They’ve been bringing in a lot of dirt to change the grade where they took out the old stage, because the new stage will be just a little bit east,” Atkins said. “That’s kind of the beauty of this project. The citizens can come up and visit the job sites.”

Many of the park’s new features will harken back to the old days of the park, a result of considerable community feedback, including large slides and playground equipment in the new Buffalo Bowl Adventure area planned for Phase 3.

Phase 4 of the project includes upgrading the park’s entryway with a new walking path and improved connections to the Parkway, including a new sidewalk that loops around the entire lagoon.

In Atkins’ view, installation and upgrades to park utilities like water, sewer and electricity will be one of the more unheralded aspects of the entire project.

“Here real soon. They’re going to be doing some work up there to replace the utilities that serve the area,” he said. “You have to have a good quality sewer line coming out of it. All the non glamorous stuff. That’s probably some the most important.” 

For those looking ahead to the holiday season, construction wasn’t the only work taking place at Krug Park on Monday. City crews also kicked off the weekslong process of setting up Christmas lights and decorations for the popular Holiday Park show.

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65-year-old man seriously injured in Camden County crash

KMIZ on November 7, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 65-year-old man was flown to University Hospital in Columbia on Thursday evening after a crash was reported on Highway 7 in Camden County near Granger Lane, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report says a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado – drive by a 63-year-old Lake St. Louis man – was heading southbound when it crossed the center line and hit a 2022 Ford Maverick heading in the opposite direction. The Ford was driven by a 65-year-old man from Edwards, Missouri.

The Ford then crossed the center line and hit a 2018 GMC Acadia head-on, the report says. The GMC was driven by a 21-year-old woman from Brumley, Missouri.

The Chevrolet went then off the right side of the road and hit a tree and the other two vehicles also went off the side of the road.

The Edwards man was flown to University Hospital with serious injuries, while the Brumley woman had minor injuries and was brought to Lake Regional Hospital by ambulance, the report says. The man who drove the Chevrolet had no reported injuries, the report says. Everyone involved in the crash wore seatbelts.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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Veterans Day events around the Coachella Valley

KESQ on November 7, 2025

Cynthia White

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Communities around the Coachella Valley will be recognizing and honoring our nation’s brave heroes at Veterans Day celebrations this week. Here are some of the local events dedicated to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Monday, November 10, 5:30 p.m. – Stars, Stripes, & Songs – A Celebration of Veterans presented by McCallum Theatre and City of Palm Desert | McCallum Theatre – 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CAA special evening dedicated to honoring all who have served, along with their families whose love and sacrifices strengthen our nation. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with a patriotic pre-show celebration, followed by a USO-style performance of patriotic classics and uplifting American standards taking the stage at 7:00 p.m. An ice cream social follows the performance to end the evening. Tickets are $30.00 – Veteran tickets are $15 with promo code THANKYOU50. For ticket purchase and information, visit www.mccallumtheatre.org.

Tuesday, November 11, 7:00 a.m. – City of Indio Veterans Day 5k Run/Walk | Empire Polo Club – 81800 51st Avenue, Indio, CACelebrate and honor our nation’s heroes at this community event. This year’s 5K Run/Walk supports the Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation and American Legion Post 739, bringing the community together for a fun, family-friendly morning filled with fitness, gratitude, and community pride. Tickets are $43.40, with discounted pricing for veterans and children under 10 free. For ticket purchase and information visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/Indio/IndioVeterans5K.

Tuesday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. – City of La Quinta Veterans Recognition Ceremony | La Quinta City Hall Courtyard, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CAThe City of La Quinta invites the community to attend as it recognizes the dedication of 20 local veterans and honors the contributions and sacrifices of all service members at the city’s annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony. There will be a dedicated flyover by the Palm Springs Air Museum. Admission is free. For information, visit playinlaquinta.com/event/veterans-recognition-ceremony/ or follow the City of La Quinta on Instagram or Facebook.

Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – City of Desert Hot Springs Veterans Day Ceremony | Veterans Park, 10101 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CAThe City of Desert Hot Springs invites the community to join it in honoring, celebrating, and expressing gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country. This event will pay tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans with special presentations, patriotic music, and community reflections to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Admission is free. For information, visit cityofdhs.org/event/veterans-day-ceremony-3/.

Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – City of Cathedral City Veterans Day Ceremony | Desert Memorial Park, 31705 Da Vall Drive, Cathedral City, CAHosted by American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 and the Jon Castro Chapter of Veterans For Peace, the ceremony will honor our nation’s veterans and fallen heroes. Cathedral City Councilmember Rita Lamb will present awards to students who won an essay and poetry contest titled “Thank You Letter to Veterans.” The ceremony will feature musical performances, a benediction, and speakers including Palm Springs City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein and James Apedaile, national president of American Veterans For Equal Rights (AVER). Lee Wilson of the Fallen Heroes Project will introduce Gold Star Family members who will be speaking. Special recognition will be given to Palm Springs Police Officer Jorge Diaz, a Marine Corps veteran, and Natalina Garritano, a World War II survivor who was rescued by an American Army soldier. The event is free and open to the public. For information, contact Tom Swann Hernandez at (760) 324-5670 or tomswannhernandez@earthlink.net.

Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – City of Indian Wells Veterans Day Ceremony | City Hall, 44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CAA special ceremony with light refreshments. Admission is free.

Tuesday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. – Coachella Valley Cemetery District Veterans Day Ceremony | 82925 52nd Avenue, CoachellaAdmission is free.

Tuesday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. – General Patton Memorial Museum Veterans Day Celebration | 62510 Chiriaco Road, Chiriaco Summit, CASponsored by Intersect Power, LLC, the event commemorates those who have served, as well as families, featuring USO-style entertainment, a Salute to Veterans Fly Over, special presentations, a raffle for a free tank ride, and more. Guests are invited to take part in creating a permanent rock garden beneath the Patriot Tree in remembrance of those we have lost. Bring a decorated rock or decorate one at the event as a lasting symbol of tribute, hope, and healing with a name, a message, or a meaningful design.The ceremony will include a recorded message from Helen Patton, granddaughter of General Patton, award presentations to Wounded Warriors of America and Indio Mayor Glenn Miller, as well as a tribute to Harold Matzner, a benefactor of the Matzner Tank Pavilion.There will be a food truck on hand with hot dogs and more, and tank rides are available for a fee. Admission is free. for information, call the museum at 760-507-4143.

Tuesday, November 11, 3:30 p.m. – City of Palm Springs 28th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Concert: Honoring All Who Serve | Downtown Palm Springs – The parade will run along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road to Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CAFor over a decade, the City of Palm Springs has been officially designated as a Regional Site for the observance of Veterans Day by Veterans Day National Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Palm Springs Veterans Parade is of the largest in Southern California and a powerful tribute to the men and women of our military, featuring military units, marching bands, veterans’ organizations, and more. The parade concludes with a patriotic concert by the 300th Army Reserve Band, followed by a fireworks finale. Admission is free. For information, visit psveteransday.com.

Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 p.m. – 4th annual Military Appreciation Night | Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert, CAThe Coachella Valley Firebirds will honor the bravery and sacrifice of our nation’s service members during Military Appreciation Night, presented by Spotlight 29 Casino. The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive a Firebirds Military-Themed Bucket Hat, courtesy of Spotlight 29 Casino. There will be a large banner on the plaza for guests to sign and share personal messages of appreciation. Following the game, the completed banner will be presented as a heartfelt symbol of gratitude from the Coachella Valley community. The pregame celebration will also include a traditional Cake Cutting Ceremony featuring the oldest and youngest Marines in attendance, commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and honoring the legacy of those who have served.Spotlight 29 Casino activities include a concourse photo booth, American flags distributed to guests throughout the night, a t-shirt toss featuring custom military-themed shirts, and other giveaways. Ticket pricing varies. For information and tickets, visit acrisurearena.com.

Wednesday, November 12, 5:00 p.m. – Palm Springs Veterans Dinner & Concert in the Park | Downtown Park, 230 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CAVeterans and active-duty military members are invited to join the Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department for a complimentary dinner followed by a patriotic concert in the park. Each attending veteran will receive a Letter of Thanks, a Challenge Coin, and an American Flag as a token of gratitude for their service. Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m., followed by the concert beginning at 7:00 p.m. For information, visit palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/8507/23.

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Shepherd’s House Ministries Launches Annual Cold Weather Clothing Drive

KTVZ on November 7, 2025

Cami Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With temperatures dropping and winter winds sweeping through Central Oregon, Shepherd’s House Ministries is launching its annual Cold Weather Clothing Drive to help those facing the elements without proper gear.

This week’s chilly weather has highlighted a growing need in the community. Many individuals are spending nights outdoors, exposed to freezing temperatures without the protection of warm clothing or blankets. The nonprofit, Shepherd’s House, is urging residents to donate not just coats, but all types of cold weather gear — including gloves, sweaters, hats, and blankets.

Jerry Kaping, Director of Development at Shepherd’s House Ministries, emphasized the urgency: “A lot of people face very cold temperatures at night, and just a coat, a blanket, or a sleeping bag can keep them alive. We’re seeing more and more people in need, and we’re trying to meet that need.”

Donations can include gently used outerwear, but items worn directly against the skin—such as socks and underwear—must be new. The organization is especially seeking blankets this year, as they provide critical warmth for those sleeping outside.

The drive will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donations are accepted at two locations: The Men’s Shelter on Division Street in Bend, and the Redmond Shelter off Highway 97.

Community members are encouraged to participate and help ensure that no one faces the winter cold without protection.

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Showdown in the semis: LeBlond, St. Joe Christian among teams eyeing shot in district title games

News-Press NOW on November 7, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — It’s win or go home for high school football teams vying for a shot in the district title game next weekend.

From Bishop LeBlond to St. Joseph Christian, Mid-Buchanan and Savannah, district semifinal matchups are set to take place under the bright lights Friday with many area teams still in play.

Matchups will kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday, including local games at Bishop LeBlond High School and St. Joseph Christian, where the Golden Eagles and Lions will look to make it an all-city district championship next weekend with victories on Friday.

8-Man District 5

Matchups:

No. 1 Bishop LeBlond (5-4) vs No. 4 Stewartsville (2-8)

No. 2 St. Joseph Christian (4-5) vs. No. 3 South Holt Knights (3-6)

After a tough 1-4 start, the Golden Eagles flipped the script in the second half of the season, rattling off four straight victories heading into Friday’s semifinal matchup with No. 4 Stewartsville.

A victory Friday would earn Bishop LeBlond a second straight district championship appearance. Last season, the Golden Eagles defeated Plattsburg 76-22 to win the district crown.

The St. Joseph Christian Lions are set to face off with South Holt on the other side of the bracket. The Lions enter Friday’s showdown coming off a 42-38 home victory against Princeton, their first home win of the year.

Class 1 District 6

Matchups:

No. 1 West Platte (6-3) vs. No. 4 Penney (4-6)

No. 2 North Platte (5-4) vs. No. 3 Gallatin Bulldogs (6-4)

The No. 1-seeded West Platte Blue Jays enter the semifinal round looking to book their ticket to the district title game for the first time since 2015. The Blue Jays are coming off three-straight victories over North Platte, Lathrop and East Buchanan.

Despite a tough 1-3 finish to the season against top-ranked opponents like Mid-Buchanan and Lawson, North Platte enjoyed an overall bounce back year in 2025, finishing with a 5-4 record after going 3-9 last year.

Victories by North Platte and West Platte would set up a rematch from the regular season finale, a one-score game that West Platte won 41-34.

Class 2 District 8

Matchups:

No. 1 Mid-Buchanan (9-0) vs. Lawson (8-2)

No. 2 Cameron (6-4) vs. South Harrison (9-1)

It’s been an utterly dominant season for the undefeated Mid-Buchanan Dragons in 2025. The Dragons are coming off a lopsided 63-7 victory over rival East Buchanan and now turn their attention to Lawson in the district semifinal round.

With three shutouts already, the Mid-Buchanan defense has allowed an average of just 8.7 points a game this season. On the other side, the offense put up nearly 50 points a game, including two 60-point outings in Weeks 8 and 9.

Class 3 District 8

Matchups:

No. 1 Maryville (7-2) vs. No. 4 Pembroke Hill (5-5)

No. 2 Richmond (7-2) vs. No. 3 Chillicothe (4-6)

Class 4 District 8

Matchups:

No. 1 Kearney (9-0) vs. No. 4 Van Horn (7-3)

No. 2 Savannah (9-1) vs. No. 3 Smithville (8-2)

The Savannah Savages are set to face off with No. 3 Smithville on Friday in front of what should be a high-energy crowd in Savannah. The Savages have been dominant on both sides of the ball this season, holding seven of their ten opponents to 10 points or less while averaging nearly 45 points a game.

The only losses this season for Smithville have come against against top-ranked undefeated opponents, including Kearney (9-0) and Platte County (9-0).

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Local businesses preparing for winter visitors

KYMA on November 7, 2025

Joaquin Hight

Reporter Joaquin Hight spoke to several businesses in Downtown Yuma to see how they are preparing for the visitors, and if they are at all worried about a drop in winter visitor population.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the ongoing trade wars with Canada and the U.S., it has locals worried about how many of our Canadian winter visitors will be here this year.

The Yuma County population grows by almost 80,000 people during the winter months, and winter visitors contribute $452 million to Yuma’s economy every year, according to the Economic Development Basics on the Yuma County website.

With Downtown Yuma being a hotspot for tourists, many of the shops in the area are already seeing more customers.

Serena Koogle, owner of the local shop Rebel and Rove, shared how she is already beginning to see Canadian visitors and that she is not worried about a drop in numbers.

A new local business owner, Benya Blonski, says that even if the numbers drop, he believes Yuma’s local customers will be more than enough to continue to support shops.

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Tight timeline and mail-in ballots? Local News 8 gets answers for Bonneville Runoff Elections

KIFI on November 7, 2025

Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Ahead of several local elections in East Idaho heading towards a run-off on December 2nd, Local News 8 noticed viewers asking questions on social media about early voting and mail-in ballot procedures during run-off elections.

For answers, we turned to Bonneville County Clerk Chris Poulter. He says absentee ballots will go out to anyone who requested them for the November 4th election. He acknowledges voters will have to be aware of the December 2nd deadline.

“It does make a pretty tight timeline. But we are planning on sending out absentee ballots, likely between the 12th and the 14th. It doesn’t give people a lot of time to get them back. Once they get them.”

If you did not request a mail-in ballot for the November 4th election, but would like one for the run-off elections, the last day to request one will be November 21st. More information can be found here.

Early voting will also be available. It will look a bit different this year because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Normally, we do early voting up until the Friday before the election, but our office is closed Thursday and Friday because of the Thanksgiving holiday. So we will be doing it from the 17th through the 26th.”

More information can be found on this website: https://www.bonnevillecountyidaho.gov/county-departments/elections.

Local News 8 will also contact the Bannock County Elections Office for their information on mail-in ballots and early voting.

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Denver International Airport to be impacted by reduced air traffic

KRDO on November 7, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) – CNN reports that starting Friday, the Trump administration will reduce flights at 40 airports nationwide if the shutdown continues.

One of the airports included is the Denver International Airport (DIA). While the Colorado Springs Airport isn’t as busy as some of the other major hubs, travelers might not be able to catch their flight back. 

One Colorado Springs man, KRDO13 spoke with, is flying out to visit family Thursday night. He packed his patience as he heads to one of the major airports facing cuts.

“Well, I showed up early today for concerns of TSA, and of course, everyone flying out of Phoenix all the way back. But I’m even more concerned about getting back on a regular time,” shared Brad Griebenow.

Legally, if your airline cancels, they’re required to give you your money back. If you’re worried about that Thanksgiving trip, some airlines are even offering refunds if you choose not to fly. 

The looming cuts have also imposed a burden on travel agents who are now working to ensure their clients’ travel plans are in order.

El Paso County native Donna Evanoika has traveled the world. She’s gone everywhere from Africa to Paris. Now it’s her mission to help others see the sights. But as the shutdown continues, air traffic controllers aren’t getting paid. Evanoika empathizes with the federal workers, understanding how tired they must be, and yet they still show up.

To keep travel safe, the FAA is scaling back flights by 10%. And Donna’s making sure her clients still make their trip a reality despite looming delays and cancellations. 

“Our agent is going to be constantly monitoring these changes as we are as an office, through this, government shutdown, it’s not only affected that it’s affected the workers in the airport. We are also doing TSA and state fingerprints here, and the domino effect is hitting us now, a month later, because people aren’t going to work,” explained Donna Evanoika.

Evanoika is the president of Travel Leaders Colorado Springs. She tells KRDO13 they have made a file with all their clients’ upcoming flights and are tracking the delays and cancellations. Evanoika says since the moment they heard the news of the FAA scaling back, they immediately started preparing and looking for backup flights for their clients, so they can help to find them a new flight the moment they learn of a cancellation or delay. She says she’s grateful the FAA is keeping safety the number one priority. Evanoika said they’ve already had to move some trips around, including flights for a wedding this weekend.

“10% is still a lot. And it’s not Thanksgiving yet. However, it’s going to still affect a lot of people who are traveling. Delays, cancellations, long layovers, and unexpected overnights,” said Evanoika.

At Travel Leaders, Evanoika said they’re there to help travelers navigate these disruptions. She says they will help to monitor flights, handle problems before you know they’re there, and connect with their contacts to fix issues as soon as possible. She says they also provide on-trip coverage to help protect clients if they run into problems while on their vacation.

“Americans work really hard to get their vacations. And the last thing that you want to do, spend your vacation worrying, okay, that’s what we do. Believe me, we know how. We don’t worry. We just take action. So you don’t worry so that you can have a good trip,” shared Evanoika.

She recommends being prepared for the unexpected. Some tips Evanoika provided are to bring extra medication, tissues, chargers, and batteries in case you have an unexpected overnight delay or need to extend your trip due to a cancellation.

The Colorado Springs Airport sent KRDO13 the following statement regarding the 10% reduction in air traffic:

Colorado Springs Airport is aware of the FAA’s recent announcement regarding a planned 10% reduction in air traffic across the 40 U.S. Department of Transportation’s identified airports. We are actively monitoring the situation for changes within the national airport system. Once more information is released, we will assess any potential impact to our flight schedules. We advise that travelers should check directly with their airline for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, we recommend allowing extra time at the airport ahead of any scheduled flights.

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Columbia Public Schools show steady academic growth in latest DESE report

KMIZ on November 7, 2025

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools made significant strides in key academic measures for the 2024-25 school year, according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Annual Performance Report.

DESE released the report Thursday afternoon, highlighting year-over-year improvements among school districts across the state. CPS continued its upward trend.

The district scored in the top 15% of school districts in Missouri, achieving 88.7%. That’s a 2.2% increase from the 2024 APR score of 85.6%. It’s also an 18.6% increase from the 2023 score.

CPS Superintendent Jeff Klein said the district’s success reflects a consistent commitment from staff and students.

“It represents a commitment that we’ve made to focus on the outcomes that are important and measure what we’re doing and monitor the effectiveness of the programs we have in place. And at the end of the day, staff being committed to those outcomes for students is really a reflection,” Klein said. “With the additional growth over the growth we saw last year, it’s just a really proud moment for us,”

Proficiency rates improved in every content area on the Missouri Assessment Program Index, including a 3.1% increase in math and a 3.6% increase in science.

In English Language Arts, CPS recorded a performance level of 387, compared to the state average of 385.5. In mathematics, CPS scored a 372.8 MPI compared to the state average of 373.8. In science, CPS was at 385.3, while the state was 377.3 In social studies, CPS students scored a 378.1 compared to the state average of 385.7

A separate category was included called “student group,” which includes “five groups of students that historically tend to perform significantly lower than the state average: Black, economically disadvantaged, English learners, Hispanic, and students with disabilities,” according to DESE’s website.

CPS students in that category underperformed the state average in all categories. The Map Performance Index for Columbia students in English Language Arts was 339.7 compared to the state’s score of 350. In Math, CPS students scored 316.7 compared to the state’s 329.7 average. CPS students’ MPI in science was 332.8, vs. the state’s 339.2 score, while Columbia students had an MPI of 343.6 in social students compared to the 357.9 average for the state.

The district saw improvements in attendance, which has been a big focus for the district since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to DESE’s APR, for 2024 and 2025 the district had 80% of its students attending school 90% of the time. The district said it remains focused on improving student attendance to reach the state’s 90% goal.

‘If you’re in school 90-percent of the time or more, you will do better on these assessment. I think it’s two times better as well. So just being in school and participating in school and that community you’re going to be a better student. You’re probably going to have fewer behavioral issues,” Board of Education President John Lyman said.

“We saw a big attendance dip just after COVID. It’s been difficult to pick that back up, but we’ve seen that a little bit of improvement over the past couples of years, based on a variety of different efforts we’ve had at the building level to communicate with families,” Klein said. “The importance of attendance to reward and incentivize students and families for their attendance,”

DESE reported the district continues to maintain a high graduation rate, exceeding 92%. For Lyman, the steady graduation rate shows the district’s dedication to its students.

“It shows that our teachers, our faculty or staff, they truly care. This is a calling for them to come and do this, to work with our students to help them learn and grow and be better to help them have a plan when they graduate and leave Columbia Public Schools,” Lyman said.

The APR also reported CPS received 58 of the 60 available points possible in the Continuous Improvement. The district also received 119.5 out of 140 possible points in academic performance.

Out of the 20 categories in the Performance section, DESE reported CPS maintained or improved in 19 categories.

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