Riverside County’s jobless rate falls ahead of holidays

KESQ on January 9, 2026

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Growth in payrolls across most sectors of the regional economy pushed Riverside County’s unemployment rate down below 6% in November, according figures released today by the California Employment Development Department.

Statewide labor market figures for that month were released Friday, following delays stemming from the federal government shutdown in the fall, which impacted all data collection and publication by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in turn affecting EDD’s publication schedule.

The October data remains undetermined, leading the agency to skip over that month for now.  

The belatedly released figures for November indicated that the countywide jobless rate, based on preliminary EDD estimates, was 5.5%, compared to 6.1% in September.

According to data, the November 2025 rate nearly equaled the rate of November 2024, when countywide unemployment stood at 5.4%.   

The combined unemployment rate for Riverside and San Bernardino counties — the Inland Empire — was 5.4%, down from 5.9% in September, the EDD said.

Bi-county data indicated that, during November, payrolls expanded by the widest margin in the broad sector designated “trade, transportation and utilities,” where an estimated 16,100 positions were added, largely in warehousing and logistics.

Additional gains were recorded in the agricultural, financial, health services, leisure, professional business services and public sectors, which grew by an aggregate 6,400 positions, according to figures.

Payrolls contracted by the largest amount in the construction sector, where cuts numbered about 2,700 in November. The manufacturing and mining sectors, along with miscellaneous unclassified industries, altogether shed 1,200 positions, EDD said.

The information technology sector was unchanged.   

The statewide non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November was 5.4%, according to state officials.

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University of Missouri’s closes bidding for commercial development to ‘enhance game day experience’

KMIZ on January 9, 2026

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

University of Missouri closed its bid portal on Friday for companies looking to shoot their shot at enhancing game day experiences.

The university has laid out three zones with eight properties on university land as potential commercial development sites.

There will be three development zones:

Development Zone No. 1: North Campus/Central Business District

Fifth and Locust Street North

Fifth and Locust Street South

10th and Locust Street

Hitt and Paquin Street

University Avenue

Development Zone No. 2: Campus Core

Flat Branch Creek

Stadium Boulevard and Tiger Avenue

Stadium Boulevard and College Avenue

Development Zone No. 3: Athletic Sports Complex

Hearnes Complex

Gustin Golf Course

A map provided by the University of Missouri shows proposed development zones.

According to university bid documents, MU would consider selling the sites included in Zone 1. Zones 2 and 3 would be offered as lease agreements.

The university will prioritize projects that generate significant revenue, either through upfront funds or over time through ongoing payments. It’s also looking for something that could work as a year-round commercial development for university and community members.

Projects proposed within the MU Athletics Sports Complex should look to elevate MU Athletics above other schools.

The university does not want any of its own money to be committed to the projects or any projects that require the use of bonds and stipends.

Developers will have to consider building removal or redevelopment on some sites. However, in Zone 3, the university has made it a requirement that the Hearnes Center should be considered a central part of any development plans for that site and that its current functions must not be impacted.

The university also wants developers to assume no connection to campus utilities and plan for independent utility use. Developers will also have to provide information on potential traffic impacts as well as parking impacts if their proposal falls into a zone that could alter MU’s parking portfolio.

University officials will narrow down their list of bids by Feb. 6 and start an interview process. The final selection will be made around March or April.

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Homeless outreach teams work to reach individuals in need of help

KESQ on January 9, 2026

Kendall Flynn

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission’s Outreach Team is working to help individuals with resources, but they say the weather has made it more difficult. Staff say cooler temperatures reduce individuals willingness to go out and seek aid.

CVRM sets up a portable shower trailer and table with supplies on Fridays at churches in Indio. On Friday, the team was set up at Trinity Baptist Church.

Staff say they tend to see up to 20 people in the four hours they’re at the church, but during cooler days like Friday they only see between one to five. Many of the people they help are individuals they’ve reached out to by driving around the city.

Stay with News Channel 3 at 5 p.m. to hear from staff about what they’re doing to help homeless individuals during cooler weather.

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Santa Maria’s Community Police Academy Accepting Applications For Spring

KEYT on January 9, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Applications are being accepted for the spring course of Santa Maria’s Community Police Academy.

This is a class for civilians.

It’s been running for three decades now, and it’s open to all community members.

Every Thursday evening at 6:30 for 8 weeks starting February 19th, Santa Maria police officers engage with community members at the station on Betteravia, giving them an inside perspective on their job.

“It’s a non formal interaction that we get to just kind of be ourselves, talk,” says Sgt. Oscar Corral of Santa Maria Police Department. “That’s what makes it really rewarding is we get to hear their perspective, and teach them what we do, and hear from them. Concerns, questions or just, you know, something they’ve learned throughout the academy.”

Active duty instructors say a wide range of subjects is covered in the class, including law enforcement philosophy, various methods and procedures, as well as how the department is structured.

“What we’ve done in the past, and that’s also received good feedback is we’ll do scenarios,” says Sgt. Corral. “So we’ll have actors act out what a typical like crime would be here in the city and we have our participants basically be in the shoes of the officers and go through the steps that need to be done after learning what an officer does.”

The academy scenarios provide insight into criminal law, traffic, patrol routines, investigation protocols, in addition to the nuances of narcotic and gang enforcement.

“It has made me more aware of my surroundings,” says Connie Kruse, who lives in Santa Maria and has taken the course. “My eyes have been opened to when you’re out and about and things that are happening, I can look back and think, I think I know what they’re doing now.”

Community members who have taken the course say

that, even if there was a sign-up fee, it would be worth paying for.

“I think one of my favorite ones was standing right out here and using the radar gun, able to see how fast people were flying by,” says Kruse. “Also, you were able to see what a person who’s intoxicated—they’d have you walk on the line and you would wear the goggles, which showed just how you know how bad it can be.”

The course is free, and you can sign up for the class by scanning the QR code you see on their flyers and social media pages.

Graduates of the class say they gained a greater understanding of police work, and better relationships with the men and women in uniform.

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Chamber to hold Annual Banquet to celebrate accomplishments

News-Press NOW on January 9, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will hold its 106th Annual Banquet Saturday, which serves as an annual meeting for Chamber members.

The banquet will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Civic Arena. The theme is: “An Evening of Elegance: Garden Gala.”

Entertainment will be provided by the Saint Joseph Symphony String Quartet. Gina’s Cafe is providing the catering.

The banquet not only serves as a meeting for the Chamber’s more than 1,200 members and investors, but it also will include sharing 2025 accomplishments, honoring retiring Board members, key volunteers and businesses that have significant Chamber membership anniversaries.

The program will also include presentations by 2025 Chairman of the Board Scott Gann of Scott Gann Construction and 2026 Chairman of the Board Nancy Potter Lyle of Taylor Siemens Elliot CVreedy & Lyle PC.

The Annual Banquet is open to Chamber members and their guests. Late registration is $85 per person and can be made online at saintjoseph.com.

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New schedule announced for Idaho Falls City Council meetings

KIFI on January 9, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — As part of an ongoing effort to make city government more accessible to the public, the Idaho Falls City Council has changed the start time of its regular meetings. On Thursday, Jan. 8, City Council voted to move regular City Council meetings from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The new meeting time will take effect immediately, beginning with the next scheduled City Council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions that impact the community.

“We want all residents have the opportunity to participate in the decisions that shape our community,” said Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw. “Changing the time of City Council meetings will increase the Council’s efficiency and effectiveness, especially on nights with long agendas. In addition, the new time should make it easier for people to attend the meetings in person or follow along on the livestream.”

City Council meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the City Annex Building, 680 Park Ave. In addition to regular meetings, the council holds Work Sessions to discuss upcoming topics and projects. Work Sessions are typically held on the Monday of Council Meeting Week at 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Both City Council meetings and Work Sessions are designed to be accessible to all residents. They are open to the public, livestreamed with closed captioning and Spanish interpretation and can also be watched later through archived videos on the City’s website.

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ABC-7 Xtra Sunday – The Future of the Sun Bowl

KVIA on January 9, 2026

Andrew J. Polk

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — What is the future of the Sun Bowl and the college football bowl game system overall – and could it be in jeopardy?

An increasingly common phenomenon is top players with draft aspirations sitting out the end-of-season games that were seen in years past as a reward and capstone for teams with the best records.

A notable escalation this year was Notre Dame refusing any bowl invitation in response to being snubbed from the college football playoffs.

And the trend can be traced back to the Sun Bowl game.

In 2016, then-Stanford Cardinal player Christian McCaffrey announced he would sit out the game so he could begin his “draft prep immediately” – one of the first ever to do so for non-medical reasons.

And now, with further changes such as the NCAA student athlete payment settlement and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) licensing possibilities, what will this mean for schools, teams, coaches, players and fans going forward?

Join host Andrew J. Polk as he talks with Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas and ABC-7 Sports Anchor Bea Martinez about how the college football playoffs, bowl economics and more could affect the Sun Bowl and dozens more going forward. Tune in Sunday at 10:35 p.m., right after ABC-7 at 10 Weekend.

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Freightliner blocks I-29 Friday morning

News-Press NOW on January 9, 2026

Carter Ostermiller

ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — Two passengers are unharmed in a Friday morning semi-truck crash on Interstate 29 in Andrew County.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Shane Hux, the crash occurred around 5 a.m. when a white 2019 Freightliner Cascadia was northbound on I-29 in the driving lane

The Freightliner then veered off the road, crossed the median and overturned onto the southbound lanes of I-29, striking a guardrail.

The vehicle was carrying railroad car bearings.

The accident blocked the southbound lane of I-29 at the 56-mile marker until around 11 a.m. The Freightliner was towed by R&W Towing.

Neither of the Freightliner’s occupants was transported to the hospital, according to MSHP.

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High winds stall demolition of historic Idaho Falls water tower

KIFI on January 9, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — High winds have forced the City of Idaho Falls to postpone the demolition of the historic 1937 water tower. Originally scheduled to begin Friday morning, the demolition is now slated to start this coming Monday.

Today, crews have assembled a large crane to dismantle the 89-year-old structure, starting from the bowl. The entire project is still expected to wrap up by early February.

The original tower was shut down in October, following the completion of the new, million-gallon tower directly across the street, doubling the city’s water storage capacity.

“This project is an important investment in the reliability and resiliency of Idaho Falls’ water system,” said Chris Fredericksen, Idaho Falls Public Works director, in a press release. “By replacing the 89-year-old tower, we are ensuring safe, reliable water service for our community for generations to come.”

While the tower is being removed to make way for modern infrastructure, the city will preserve specific portions of the original structure. However, most of the materials are slated to be recycled.

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Super flu: Worst influenza season in 30 years sweeping Idaho

KIFI on January 9, 2026

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A rash of influenza cases in Idaho is raising alarm bells around the state.

Corbin Bunnage, a physician assistant at Sterling Urgent Care, says this is the worst flu season he’s seen in decades.

“It’s been one of the worst flu seasons that we’ve had in 30 years,” Bunnage said. “In such a brief period of time, we went from having almost no flu cases to just being one of the worst in Idaho in the entire country.”

On the three-day weekend following Christmas, Sterling Urgent Care treated 180 patients, and 1/3 tested positive for influenza, he reports.

“We’ve had, I think the most recent CDC estimates is 11 or 12 million cases that we’ve had, and most of those have come just within the last six weeks,” Bunnage explained.

Corbin Bunnage discusses the rising number of influenza cases across eastern and southern Idaho.

Eastern Idaho Public Health’s Health Strategies Program Manager Rachel Mugleston confirmed that three local individuals have died from influenza in Public Health District 7 this season.

“It’s definitely an upward trajectory of these influenza-like illnesses across the state,” Mugleston said.

Last year, 87 Idahoans died of influenza, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports. The DHW has designated all of southern Idaho as “very high” for influenza transmission.

“Primarily, right now we’re seeing H3N2, which is influenza A,” Mugleston explained.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has designated all of southern Idaho as “very high” for influenza transmission.

This year’s virus has been particularly widespread because it mutated to develop a subclass K variant, commonly known as the super flu.

Bunnage said that as vaccination rates have declined, disease transmission is up.

Experts still recommend receiving the flu vaccination to help protect against this year’s super flu variant.

Vaccines are available at Eastern Idaho Public Health offices located in Bonneville, Custer, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties.

You can visit Eastern Idaho Public Health’s website for more information, to schedule an vaccination appointment or to call one of their local offices.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated Idaho “Very High,” it’s highest rating, for influenza transmission.

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