Reed Gym hosts first college swim meet in 6 years

KIFI on December 7, 2025

William Syslo

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State’s Reed Gym Pool hosted it’s first collegiate competition in 6 years this Saturday, December 6th. The ISU Swim club hosted Boise State, Utah State, and Weber State for the Bengal Invitational meet. The pool at Reed Gym hasn’t been completely unused since the renovation though. It has played host to numerous high school meets since the re-opening in 2024.

Swim Club President Abigail Couch is working on building up the school’s club. “I’ve been trying to really grow the club this year,” she said. “So we’ve been having practice five days a week, been trying to recruit more kids from ISU to swim on the club.” Now with the reintroduction of collegiate meets at the school, now is as good a time as any to continue building up the group.

This meet was a collaborative effort between members of the club, ISU athletics administrators, and intramural/club officials. “We kind of all worked together to organize this and hold off other club meets we’d seen or ran in the past,” said Couch. “Honestly, I’m just hoping that the swim club members that are competing here can have a good time because it’s been so long…”

The ISU swim club is certainly looking forward to hosting more meets at Reed Gym in the future.

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Aid For Friends Raises Awareness for Homeless Through Park Encampment

KIFI on December 7, 2025

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Aid For Friends Shelter in Pocatello hosted their annual homeless encampment at Caldwell park overnight on Saturday, December 6th. Participants raised awareness and money for the shelter to continue helping the homeless population in the area by sleeping in cardboard boxes overnight at the park.

The event began with a winter weather training at a nearby church. Participants learned about winter weather safety and how to stay warm in their boxes overnight.

Throughout the afternoon, the encampment grew, with people setting up their boxes for 1-2 people. They filled them with blankets and sleeping bags to make them as comfortable as possible for the frigid night.

Aid For Friends Grants and Programs Administrator Jessica Buckley told us they’ve been doing the encampment for 19 years. The shelter was at risk of funding cuts, and they wanted to show the community and legislators what would happen if the people who use the shelter were forced into Pocatello’s local parks and streets.

The shelter estimates around 70 people living outside the shelter during the winter months. Even then, Buckley says this is an undercount because of the “invisible homeless” population.

“We want the folks that pass by to see the number of invisible homeless people in our area represented by the boxes,” said Buckley.

A local boy scout troop has been participating in the campment for years and makes the dinner each time. Those who made it through the night without bailing for warmer places got to enjoy a breakfast in the morning.

Buckley encouraged us that there is always hope and someone to help. The shelter has local partnerships with other organizations for connecting to those in need.

Donations are always welcome to the Aid For Friends shelter, both food and funds. You can learn more about how to support the cause at aidforfriendspocatello.com.

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Locals attend City of Yuma’s Downtown Christmas

KYMA on December 7, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals were in the holiday spirit as the City of Yuma hosted the annual Downtown Christmas over the weekend.

The event took place along Main Street in Downtown Yuma Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

There was a variety of food and drink vendors, live entertainment, and fun activities for families to enjoy. There was also an appearance from Santa Claus and the Grinch during the event.

Brissa Garcia, the Special Events Coordinator for the City of Yuma, shared what the events means to locals across Yuma.

“It is quality of life to have services like this free to the public for them to come and have fun and not worry that they have to pay it out of pocket,” Garcia explained.

One of the main attractions is the ice skating rink, where families got to choose a time slot via a QR code at the entrance of the skating rink.

The event lasted until 9:00 p.m.

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Championship Recap: Lee’s Summit, Kearney and Blair Oaks claim state titles in MSHSAA Show-Me Bowls in St. Joseph

News-Press NOW on December 7, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A state record 457 rushing yards by Lee’s Summit’s Preston Hatfield propelled the Tigers over high-powered Nixa in an electric MSHSAA Class 6 State Championship game on Saturday in St. Joseph.

Lee’s Summit’s Preston Hatfield sprints down the sideline during the Class 6 State Championships game on Saturday in St. Joseph. Cameron Montemayor | News-Press NOW

The game capped off a three-day slate of high school football title games at Missouri Western State University which kicked off Thursday, the first time all seven championships took place in St. Joseph.

Lee’s Summit’s Hatfield set a new MSHSAA Show-Me Bowl rushing record during a back-and-forth win over Nixa, finishing with 457 yards rushing on 33 carries with four touchdowns, breaking now-NFL running back Kyren Williams’ state record in the process.

The title win by Lee’s Summit completes an incredible turnaround after starting the year 0-4, reeling off 10 straight wins to reach the promised land.

Blair Oaks and Platte County claimed back-to-back state titles with victories over St. Pius X-Festus and Carthage, the latter a high-scoring overtime victory Friday night. Both teams finish the season with impressive undefeated records.

Blair Oaks head coach Ted LePage celebrates after winning the Class 2 State Championship Game on Saturday in St. Joseph. Cameron Montemayor | News-Press NOW

The defense for Blair Oaks was suffocating from start to finish as part of a 59-0 shutdown victory, registering multiple turnovers on the day.

Class 4 powerhouse Kearney capped off an impressive undefeated season with a 21-14 victory over Hannibal to win gold. Tipton and Seneca also won state championships in Class 1 and Class 3.

With Worth County’s state title victory over Rock Port on Thursday, the Tigers claimed their 8th state title in school history, tying Mound City for the most 8-man state championships in MSHSAA history.

RECAP OF STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS GAMES

8-Man State Championship: Worth County 56, Rock Port 46

Class 1 State Championship: Tipton 39, Putnam County 14

Class 2 State Championship: Blair Oaks 59, St. Pius X Festus 0

Class 3 State Championship: Seneca 33, Lift For Life 26

Class 4 State Championship: Kearney 21, Hannibal 14

Class 5 State Championship: Platte County 34, Carthage 28

Class 6 State Championship: Lee’s Summit 41, Nixa 37

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Suspect arrested in hit and run on S. Avenue B in Yuma

KYMA on December 7, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) says a suspect has been arrested in connection to a hit and run in Yuma.

According to a press release, it happened before 5:00 a.m. Saturday in the area of S. Avenue B and W. County 14th Street.

YCSO says the victim was walking on the side of the road when a “passing vehicle struck her and continued without stopping.”

The victim, identified as 21-year-old Mariella Acosta of Yuma, was pronounced dead at the scene, YCSO says.

During the investigation, YCSO says the suspect, a 27-year-old man from Somerton, came forward, and was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for “failure to stay at scene with death or injury.”

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call YCSO at (928) 783-4427, call 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

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Downtown Bend lights up for the holidays with annual Christmas tree lighting event

KTVZ on December 7, 2025

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding interview with attendees, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Downtown Bend kicked off the holiday season this weekend with one of the community’s favorite traditions: the annual Christmas tree lighting in the heart of downtown.

Families packed the streets Sunday night, filling the sidewalks around the big tree as music, laughter and the smell of hot cocoa set a festive scene. The event featured live performances by local choirs singing holiday favorites, visits with Santa and plenty of holiday lights brightening up downtown.

Kids lined up to “sit with Santa,” share what they’re hoping to find under the tree this year and snap photos on their families’ phones and cameras. Volunteers handed out candy canes, adding to the classic small-town holiday feel.

The lighting of the tree happened mid-event, with Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler helping lead the countdown and flip the switch that officially signaled the start of the season. As the tree lights came on and downtown’s twinkle lights glowed overhead, the crowd cheered and many families stayed to stroll through the decorated streets and take in the magic.

KTVZ’s Claire Elmer live-streamed the celebration and spoke with attendees about what makes the night special.

“I think just the atmosphere, right? It’s the holiday season — getting festive, getting to enjoy it with the family. It doesn’t get better than that,” one dad, Bobby, said.

Young attendees were especially taken with the towering downtown tree.

“It’s a pretty tree,” a group of girls told Elmer, quickly agreeing that their favorite part was “the star on the top” and “the colorful lighting,” while sipping hot cocoa and trying to stay warm in the chilly evening air.

The Downtown Bend Business Association, which hosts the celebration, said the Christmas tree and downtown holiday lights will remain up through the New Year, giving residents and visitors more time to enjoy that holiday glow on evening walks and shopping trips.

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Palm Springs Vintage Market hosts holiday food drive

KESQ on December 7, 2025

Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Vintage market is hosting a holiday food drive today to support the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Organizers say they will be accepting donations all day and are looking for non-perishable food items such as tuna, dry pasta and cereal.

The market is located at 200 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

If you’re unable to make it today, organizers say you can drop off your donations at the center’s food bank located at 2901 E Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

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Pedestrian hospitalized after being struck by car in Palm Springs

KESQ on December 7, 2025

Isaiah Mora

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One person is the hospital with significant injuries after a vehicle vs. pedestrian in Palm Springs Saturday night.

Around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Palm Springs Police Department sent out a road closure alert for a traffic collision on North Indian Canyon Drive, near Mel Avenue and Tachevah Drive.

On Sunday morning, Police confirmed with News Channel 3 the collision involved a vehicle and pedestrian. The pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital with significant injuries.

Palm Springs Police reported that DUI does not appear to be a factor in this crash. Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on this story.

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Festival of Lights Parade dazzles Downtown Colorado Springs

KRDO on December 7, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On Saturday night, nearly 100 floats took to the streets of Downtown Colorado Springs.

The annual Festival of Lights Parade marked its 41st year with inflatable Santas and jolly faces in the crowd.

KRDO13 spoke with festival-goers who enjoy the tradition each year, as well as those experiencing it for the first time.

Watch the dazzling display above captured by KRDO13 Photojournalist Collin Willis.

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Two women injured in UTV rollover crash in Morgan County

KMIZ on December 7, 2025

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Kansas City woman was seriously hurt in a UTV crash in Morgan County on Saturday, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

A 56-year-old Oklahoma woman was driving a UTV westbound on Seals Road just before 4 p.m. when she drove up a steep hill, the report says. The vehicle overturned and rolled down the hill.

The 53-year-old passenger was flown to University Hospital with serious injuries, and the driver was taken to Lake Regional Hospital with moderate injuries, according to the report.

Both women were wearing seatbelts.

The 2025 Polaris Razor had extensive damage, the report says.

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