Children create new app for students to help regulate mental health

KRDO on December 22, 2025

Marina Garcia

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Most families bond over board games or perhaps a day at the park, but a Colorado Springs family has taken an interest in software coding.

Now, a lot of apps are made for children, but not many are made by children.

This app, Fight or Delight, checks both those boxes, and the Rushing family says it helps students reflect on their emotions through language analysis.

Created for students, it works as a journal in which kids can submit entries describing their day. The app will then respond with whether the day was a flight, meaning a bad day. Or a delight, meaning it was a good day.

Bonnie Rushing tells us her daughter, who is six years old, can’t wait to use the app at the end of her day.

She says it allows young students to express themselves, with another important element—increased family communication. 

“You can look at trends, okay. She’s had three pretty rough days in a row. What does that mean? How can we help her? Why is it rough? And you can go back and see her entries,” says app creator and mother, Bonnie Rushing.

The family tells us they intend to keep developing the app. For example, they’d like to add time stamps to the entries and make versions for older students, too. 

However, the family has a very important message for everyone: you shouldn’t always trust what A.I. tells you, and humans should always double-check their work.

Fight or Delight is not available in app stores yet, but Rushing tells us it is a work in progress.

If you are interested in trying the app, you can do so here.

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United in Light: How Idaho’s Jewish Community is Finding Warmth in Hanukkahs glow

KIFI on December 22, 2025

Max Gershon

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — As the eighth and final night of Hanukkah arrives, families across Idaho light their menorahs, celebrating a miracle of light that dates back over 2,000 years. In a state with one of the smallest Jewish populations in the United States—ranking eighth from the bottom— the history of Judaism here is both deep-rooted and inspiring. From gold rush pioneers to the first elected Jewish governor in the nation, Idaho’s Jewish community has woven itself into the fabric of the state’s mountainous spirit.

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of a small group of Jews, led by Judah Maccabee, against oppressive Greek rulers in 165 BCE. These rebels reclaimed their defiled temple in Jerusalem, where a single day’s worth of oil miraculously burned for eight days. Rabbi Sara Goodman of Temple Emanuel in Pocatello describes Judah Maccabee as “sort of the first Jewish superhero.” She explains how this outnumbered band “fled into the hills outside of Jerusalem” and fought back against a massive army, refusing to abandon their faith.

The holiday is timed for the darkest period of the year, between the winter solstice and the new moon, when sunlight and moonlight are scarcest. “What the rabbis wanted to do is to offer this holiday of light in the darkest time of the year,” Rabbi Sam Klein of the Wood River Valley Jewish Community says. “It’s the idea of bringing light, bringing this miracle of our existence out to the world.” In Idaho’s chilly winters, communities from Pocatello to the Wood River Valley keep these traditions alive, blending ancient rituals with the state’s rugged landscape.

Jews have been part of Idaho’s history since before it became a state in 1890. Ari Goldstein, whose family has ties to the Wood River Valley, traces the earliest arrivals to the 1860s gold rush. “The earliest recorded Jews that we have in Idaho are two gold prospectors,” Goldstein notes. “They came in winter 1861; their names were Harrison and Haas. We only have last names, but gold had been discovered in Idaho in 1860, and people started to come from all over the West, trying to strike it rich.”

Waves of immigration followed: German Jews in the mid-1800s, then Eastern Europeans around 1900. Many settled as merchants in mining towns, contributing to the growing territory. A major milestone came in 1914 when Moses Alexander was elected as Idaho’s governor—the first democratically elected Jewish governor in the United States. “He was the very first elected Jewish governor,” Rabbi Daniel Fink of Boise said. “When that happened, it was really a big deal in the Jewish world. American Jewish newspapers across the country had big stories that a Jew could be elected governor in a state where there were hardly any Jews.”

As Idaho’s Jewish communities light their final Hanukkah candles tonight, they honor a history of resilience—from ancient rebellions to pioneer trails in the American West. In places like Pocatello and the Wood River Valley, the miracle of light continues to shine brightly against the odds. Whether through family gatherings or synagogue services, this small but vibrant community reminds us that even in the darkest times, faith and tradition endure.

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Remembering Riggins: Beloved Mt. Bachelor Avalanche Dog Leaves Lasting Legacy

KTVZ on December 22, 2025

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Mt. Bachelor community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved members — Riggins, a long-time avalanche rescue dog who passed away Thursday, December 18th, surrounded by his family at 14 and a half years old.

Riggins was the trusted partner of Betsy Norsen, who has been part of the Mt. Bachelor team for more than 25 years. Norsen has served in several leadership roles over the years, including Patrol Director, Director of Mountain Operations, and Senior Mountain Operations Manager.

Riggins joined the Mt. Bachelor team in 2011. His first ride on the mountain came that summer — tucked inside Betsy’s jacket at only seven weeks old. From that moment on, the duo was inseparable. Riggins patrolled full time through 2022, training and serving as part of the resort’s avalanche safety team. Even after retiring, he continued to spend time on the mountain, taking his final chairlift ride this past summer.

Known for his love of the slopes, rivers, trails, and lakes, Riggins thrived outdoors — whether running cat tracks, swimming, or playing fetch. His playful energy and strong work ethic made him a standout avalanche rescue dog and a cherished member of the Mt. Bachelor family.

Over the years, Riggins answered to many nicknames — Riggy, Riggles, Ribbons, Riglet, and Riggs among them. His family finds comfort knowing he’s reunited with his late brother, Kenai, who also served as an avalanche dog.

“Raise a carrot, apple, or anything crunchy for Riggins,” his family shared, remembering a loyal companion whose spirit will always be a part of the mountain he loved.

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Rabbi from Australia shares thoughts during Light up The Harbor in Ventura

KEYT on December 22, 2025

Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) The Light Up the Harbor Chanukah Celebration in Ventura was led by Rabbi Yakov Latowicz from Melbourne, Australia.

His wife Sarah seemed glad he would get to share his thoughts following the tragedy during the first night of Chanukah at a Bondi Beach celebration one week ago.

“All the Chabad Rabbis around the world are resolved not to cancel a single menorah lighting, to add menorah lightings, to add public menorahs,” said Yakov Latowicz.

Some people skipped the local celebration in wake of the deadly shooting that is being investigated as terrorism against Jews.

Latowicz said they want everyone to feel the light and love and hope of Chanukah.

“I want people to know that they shouldn’t be afraid, they should specially for the Jews, they should be proud to be Jewish, they’ve got to be bold, the kind of people who perpetrated the atrocity in Bondi they want us to cower, to hide, to hide under the bed to take our star of David, our Chai, take the mezuzah off the door, at times like this, we have to be prouder than ever, we’ve got to take our Judaism outside, not hide it indoors, very, very important and it is important to the non-Jewish community, we need you guys, we are part of your community and we need allies, we need friends, that is why we do public lightings,” said Latowicz.

He said he was sent to the local community by the worldwide leader of the Chabad movement.

“You counter random acts of violence with random acts of kindness and goodness and charity and that is the message we want to send out to everybody, be kinder than you were yesterday, be sweeter to another person than you where yesterday that is the message of Chanukah.”

Chabad Ventura invited Chris the Juggler to entertain the crowd in Ventura Harbor Village before the lighting of seventh candle on the menorah.

During the celebration children had a chance to make Chanukah cards that sparkled.

 Some people wore menorah inspired clothing including light blue Micky Mouse ears.

One dog owner dressed his four-legged-friend in a Chanukah outfit.

Chanukah began Sunday, Dec. 14 and ends at nightfall on Monday, Dec. 22.

For more information about Chabad Ventura at https://www.chabadventura.com

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Interfaith Vigil held on Longest Night

KEYT on December 22, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT)  An interfaith vigil marked the longest night of the year.

Santa Barbara County workers invited people to come together to remember lives lost while experiencing homelessness.

They gathered for the annual Longest Night Memorial at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse arch.

The event offered space for reflection, remembrance, and community.

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Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory Hosts Kids Day to Help Children See Clearly

KEYT on December 22, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) The Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory host another successful Kids Day on Sunday.

It’s a day when the popular local business gives children in need free glasses, following free eye exams.

“We’ve been doing for, more than 30 years now and, and it’s all about the community,” said Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory President Gregg Feldman.

He has worked alongside his father Rick for years and together the Feldman family has been giving back for decades.

Optometrist Dr. Joshua Pe said Sunday was his first Kids Day.

“It’s a great way to give back to the community and, you know, really be active as a part of, the Santa Barbara community,” said Pe.

Feldman said they served about 100 kids.

Some of the children had never had an eye exam.

“We’re able to help the community. Help support the community in a special way. The kids really appreciate, sometimes for the first time, they get glasses that they didn’t know they needed,” said Feldman.

They had help on Sunday from a special Santa Claus who shared his own story.

“When I was a young man, my family was very poor. And there was an elderly gentleman in our neighborhood that used to bring gift, one year I asked him what he would like from me in return for his kindness and he told me when I got older, I d like you to pay this forward,” said Santa.

Kids Day helps children see clearly in school and life.

“There’s a real need for, for the, the kids and families. Some of which just can’t afford glasses. And, when when kids can’t see, they can’t achieve their potential,” said Feldman.

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Incoming Missouri minimum wage increase brings relief for some local workers

KMIZ on December 22, 2025

Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Minimum wage workers across Missouri will soon see a boost in their paychecks.

In November 2024, voters approved Proposition A, a ballot measure designed to raise the state’s minimum wage and provide earned paid sick leave for certain workers. As part of that measure, Missouri’s minimum wage will increase from $13.75 to $15 an hour in 2026.

The increase was initially set to begin annually starting in 2027, but that was repealed over the summer along with the earned paid sick leave requirement, through House Bill 567.

Several workers told ABC 17 News the increase will still make a meaningful difference.

Julian Horton, who recently started working at a Jimmy John’s, said the pay cut compared to his previous jobs has been difficult.

“It definitely needs to go up,” Horton said. “We’ve been stuck at $13 for a while, and I think a lot of people here aren’t making enough money.”

By 2026, Missouri’s minimum wage will have increased by $7.35 over the past 11 years.

Missouri Minimum Wage History:

2015: $7.65

2016: $7.65

2017: $7.70

2018: $7.85

2019: $8.60

2020: $9.45

2021: $10.30

2022: $11.15

2023: $12.00

2024: $12.30

2025: $13.75

2026: $15.00

However, not all employers are required to follow the state’s minimum wage law. According to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, small retail or service businesses earning less than $500,000 annually are exempt and may pay workers below the state minimum wage.

“Some companies don’t make enough money to afford that,” Mike Emfinger, employee for Rally House Sports. “But for the ones that do, they should absolutely be paying employees for the hard work they do every day.”

According to the Department of Labor, an employer is allowed to lower an employee’s pay under the law. However, employers covered by Missouri’s Minimum Wage Law or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act cannot reduce wages below the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher.

Missouri law also requires employers to give workers written notice at least 30 days before any pay cut takes effect. If an employer fails to provide that notice, it must pay each affected employee $50. Employees can recover that money by filing a private lawsuit if the employer does not pay voluntarily.

Kabul Market, a family-owned Afghan market in downtown Columbia, opened four months ago. Workers there said while the wage increase may not affect them, they support higher pay for employees.

Meanwhile, Missouri continues to rank among the lowest cost-of-living states in the country, placing sixth lowest nationwide, behind Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, and Kansas.

Costs vary widely across Missouri, with Joplin ranking among the least expensive cities, while Springfield ranks as the most expensive. Joplin falls below the state’s overall cost-of-living index, while St. Louis, Columbia, and Springfield are among the highest-cost cities in the state.

According to the latest state data, Missouri’s cost of living index for Q3 2025 was 89.0, with housing costs significantly lower than the national average of 100.

Even with the low living costs being reported, some workers said that there is still a daily struggle.

“I know a lot of people are barely getting by,” Horton said. “Food prices keep going up, and that’s hitting people really hard.”

Missouri’s job market is continuing to grow with private industries, like fast food and retail, adding 4,400 jobs. Government employment also increased by 13,900 jobs. Overall, the state added nearly 49,000 jobs over in past year, with the biggest gains in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government jobs.

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Raise a carrot for Riggins: Mt. Bachelor honors beloved avalanche rescue dog

KTVZ on December 22, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Mt. Bachelor community is mourning Riggins, a beloved avalanche rescue dog, teammate, and friend, who passed away Thursday, Dec. 18.

Betsy Norsen, a Mt. Bachelor veteran of nearly 26 years and longtime Patrol and Mountain Operations leader, brought Riggins to the mountain in 2011, when he took his first ride tucked in her jacket at just seven weeks old on the Fourth of July.

Riggins patrolled full time through 2022 and kept visiting the mountain in retirement, taking his final chairlift ride this past summer.

Riggins went by many nicknames over the years, including Riggy, Riggles, Ribbons, Riglet, and Riggs.

Betsy Norsen says his late brother, Kenai (also an avalanche dog) was his best friend, and their family finds peace in knowing that the two will be reunited in the afterlife.

The Mt. Bachelor team invites everyone to raise a carrot, apple, or anything crunchy for Riggins, whose legacy will always live on across the mountain he called home.

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Central Union student earns four associate degrees before graduating high school

KYMA on December 22, 2025

Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – An 11th grade student became the youngest graduate of Imperial Valley College’s Dual Enrollment program.

Noah Munguia earned four associate degrees before completing high school.

His degrees are in psychology, behavioral science, social science and university studies: social and behavioral science.

Munguia is planning to earn his fifth associate degree by May 2026.

“It’s important to not give up, keep working no matter how hard it is and have people there to support you, that’s what really matters, having people to talk to and be there for you when you really need it,” said Munguia. “It’s just amazing being able to do all of this and being a student-athlete, accomplishing a lot of my goals.”

Munguia wants to continue his education at California State University San Marcos and work towards both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

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Inmate death at Yuma state prison was gang related

KYMA on December 22, 2025

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Arizona Department of Corrections says the death of an inmate at the state prison in Yuma was gang related.

50-year-old Jacob Major was killed last week after he was attacked by several fellow inmates.

The Department says this targeted attack does not represent a threat to the wider inmate population.

Another inmate who was killed at the Arizona State Prison in Buckeye this week was also due to gang violence, according to the Department of Corrections. 

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