Wyoming Governor seeks rehearing after State Supreme Court strikes down 2023 Abortion Bans

KIFI on January 7, 2026

Seth Ratliff

WYOMING (KIFI) — Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is calling for an immediate rehearing and a constitutional amendment after the state Supreme Court struck down two 2023 abortion bans on Tuesday, Jan. 6. In a 4-1 decision, the high court ruled that the state’s “Life is a Human Right Act” (HB 152) and its ban on chemical abortions (SF 109) violate the Wyoming Constitution.

Summary of the Court’s Decision

The ruling hinges on a 2012 constitutional amendment guaranteeing that competent adults have the right to make their own healthcare decisions. Chief Justice Lynne J. Boomgaarden wrote in the majority opinion that the state failed to justify its restrictions on a woman’s right to healthcare, affirming a lower court’s 2024 finding that abortion is a healthcare decision.

“Although we recognize the State’s interest in protecting the life that an abortion would end, we conclude the State did not meet its burden of justifying the abortion statutes’ restrictions on a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions, as is expressly protected by the Wyoming Constitution,” wrote Chief Justice Boomgaarden in the opinion.

The ruling ends nearly three years of court battles sparked by a healthcare providers and reproductive rights advocates in response to the strict abortion bans.

Governor Gordon calls for legislative action

Governor Gordon responded swiftly, directing the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office to file a petition for a rehearing within the 15-day legal window, according to reports by Jackson Hole News & Guide.

While acknowledging the legal ruling, Gordon emphasized that the moral debate remains unsettled.

“This ruling may settle, for now, a legal question, but it does not settle the moral one, nor does it reflect where many Wyoming citizens stand, including myself. It is time for this issue to go before the people for a vote, and I believe it should go before them this fall. A constitutional amendment taken to the people of Wyoming would trump any and all judicial decisions,” stated Gov. Gordon in a press release.

Governor Gordon is now urging the Wyoming Legislature to draft a clear constitutional amendment during the upcoming session. If passed by the legislature, the amendment would appear on the ballot this fall, allowing Wyoming voters to decide whether to override the court’s interpretation and allow for abortion restrictions.

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First case of Measles confirmed in Eastern Idaho for 2026

KIFI on January 7, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from Eastern Idaho Public Health:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Eastern Idaho Public Health is reporting a case of measles in a child in Eastern Idaho. The child is a resident of Madison County who was unvaccinated against measles. The child had traveled out of state to an area with an ongoing outbreak. It is likely they were exposed at this time. EIPH does not believe that they contracted measles locally.

The patient was seen by the Madison Health ER for symptoms of measles and was not hospitalized. Madison Health has reached out to those who were potentially exposed, all of whom were educated by infection control specialists.

Aside from the ER visit, this case reports self-isolation during the infectious period and is no longer contagious. EIPH is currently monitoring the household for potential infection.

EIPH will not publish a separate press release for additional cases within the case’s household. As stated in other measles education shared by EIPH: The virus can easily spread through the air and can survive in the air up to two hours after an infected individual has left. About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who have measles is hospitalized. Individuals who have received the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles in the past, or are born before 1957 are considered immune to the measles virus.

Typical symptoms include:

High fever, up to 105°F

Cough, runny nose, and watery eyes

Characteristic rash starting at the head, moving downwards

Infection can spread four days before and after the rash appears.

“Measles is very contagious. Up to 90% of people exposed to it may contract measles if not protected against it,” said Rachel Mugleston, RN, Health Strategies Program Manager at Eastern Idaho Public Health.

Although measles is considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. Eastern Idaho Public Health encourages everyone to check their vaccination records with their primary care provider.

The best way to protect you and your family from infection is through up-to-date vaccination for measles/mumps/rubella (MMR). The measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles after receiving two doses.

If you believe you may have been exposed to anyone with measles, contact your health care provider, and monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. It is extremely important to call before arriving in person due to the contagious nature of the measles virus.

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Housing Works to open waiting list for 2026 Housing Choice Voucher Program next week

KTVZ on January 7, 2026

KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Housing Works, a housing organization dedicated to fostering stability and affordability in Central Oregon, has announced next week’s one-week opening of the 2026 Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list.

This essential program, formerly known as the HUD Section 8 program, provides rental assistance to eligible low-income residents of Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties, the organization said in Tuesday’s announcement, which continues in full below:. 

The waitlist will open at 8:00 AM PST on Monday, January 12, and close at 5:00 PM PST on Friday, January 16, 2026. Applications will be accepted online only via Housing Works’ official website: www.housing-works.org. 

Housing Works Executive Director Lynne McConnell shared her thoughts on the program’s importance, saying, “The HCV program is a lifeline for our struggling community members. Housing Works is proud to offer this program and thankful to the network of partners who assist in getting the word out and connecting folks to this resource. Our vision is to increase stability and affordability for our region, and the HCV program is one of the best ways to do this.” 

Key Information for Applicants: 

The time of application submission during the open period will not affect placement on the waiting list. 

All applications submitted by the deadline will undergo a randomized computer selection process to ensure equitable opportunities for all. 

Applicants who were on the 2025 waiting list but were not selected must reapply, as applications do not carry over from year to year. 

 Technical Assistance: Housing Works staff will be available to assist applicants from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST during the application window. Support will be provided in person, by phone, or via email at the following locations: 

REDMOND — Mon–Fri, 8–5: Housing Works Office (405 SW 6th St, entrance located behind building), and al Spencer Court Apartments (2445 SW Canal Blvd)  

BEND — Mon–Fri, 8–5: Phoenix Crossing Office (1475 NE Forbes Rd)  

LA PINE — Tue & Thu, 10–4:30: La Pine Library (16425 1st St)  

MADRAS — Tue & Thu, 10–4:30: Jefferson County Library (241 SE 7th St)  

PRINEVILLE — Tue & Thu, 9–4:30: Crook County Library (175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr) 

Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance early and avoid waiting until the final day.

For additional support, accommodations, or questions, please contact Housing Works at (541) 923-1018 or frontdesk@housing-works.org. 

About the HCV Program: The HCV Program enables participants to rent private housing that meets safety and affordability standards.

Participants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remaining amount, up to a set limit.

This program provides flexibility and financial relief, helping families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities achieve greater stability. 

Housing Works remains dedicated to providing equitable and impactful housing solutions for the communities we serve.   

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New parking restrictions approved in St. Joseph for Olive and Pacific streets

News-Press NOW on January 7, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Neighborhood residents will notice new parking restrictions enforced on two multi-block areas of Olive and Pacific streets moving forward. 

City Councilmembers approved a measure Monday from St. Joseph Public Works and Transportation to amend the city’s code of ordinances to create new parking restrictions on both streets following months of public discussion and requests from both residents and organizations. 

Under new restrictions, parking is now prohibited on the north side of Olive Street from Sixth to Eighth streets. A second change will see parking now prohibited on the south side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street all the way out to the Belt Highway, a near five-block stretch of roadway. Parking is now forbidden on both sides of the street.

This google maps image shows the area of Olive Street between Eighth and Sixth streets. Parking is now prohibited on the north side of the street.

The city began to explore the possibility of parking changes back in June when the St. Joseph Traffic Commission heard a request from a local resident about parking restrictions along Pacific Street, one of multiple requests.

The section of Pacific Street contains steep ditches and is a known area for speeding according to residents and law enforcement, putting parked vehicles in harms way and making it difficult for authorities to safely pass when cars are parked along the roadway.

It was also determined through a “No Parking” trial that restrictions on both sides helped provide additional sight distance, roadway safety and overall traffic movement. 

Requests for changes along Olive Street were prompted by the nonprofit group Community Missions, which has seen increased pedestrian activity on the roadway associated with the facility, creating unsafe conditions along a busy corridor. 

The Public Works Traffic Division and the Police Traffic Division reviewed the request and reported no concerns with the proposed change as adequate off-street parking is available nearby. A “No Parking” trial was also implemented, which showed noticeable improvements both in traffic flow and safety.

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Oregon State Parks seek public input on proposed rules for drone takeoffs, landings in state parks

KTVZ on January 6, 2026

KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore.

“The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources,” the agency said in Tuesday’s announcement, details of which continue below..

Public comments on the proposed rule changes can be submitted:

Online:

https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx

By email:

OPRD.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov

By mail:

Oregon Parks and Recreation DepartmentAttn: Robert Ellison725 Summer St. NE, Suite CSalem, OR 97301

A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony.

Virtual hearingTuesday, January 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q

The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes.

The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors.

OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment.

Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026.

If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.

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St. Joseph man pleads guilty, sentenced in 2024 murder

News-Press NOW on January 6, 2026

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Brian Helm pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 28 years in prison for his part in the murder of Dustin Allen Graham in November 2024.

According to court documents, Helm pulled into a parking lot behind Graham’s vehicle near the 1900 block of Jules Street on Nov. 10, 2024, blocking Graham in.

Helm exited his vehicle and approached Graham’s, striking the window with an object and then firing a single shot from a firearm at Graham.

Graham was able to back into Helm’s vehicle and was able to pull out onto Jules Street, traveling east before stopping at the intersection of 20th and Jules Streets. Graham was transported to Mosaic Life Care before he was pronounced dead.

Helm fled the scene following the incident. At the time, he also had an active parole violation warrant for burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

Helm was charged with armed criminal action and second degree murder. He pleaded guilty to both charges, saying, “I shot the confidential victim during the course of an attempted robbery and he died from his wounds…“

Helm was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge and an additional three years for the armed criminal action charge, to be served consecutively.

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‘Skiers and riders are in for a treat’: Mt. Bachelor ‘elated’ by lots of long-awaited snow due this week

KTVZ on January 6, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After a late start to winter and weeks of tantalizing and teasing storms that brought some, but not a lot of snow to the slopes of Mt. Bachelor – only to melt on warmer and rainy days – this week’s storm is going to deliver what winter sports enthusiasts have been hoping and waiting for — not just inches, but feet of fresh powder to play on.

“I don’t think I have ever used this word in a media alert, but I can honestly say we at Mt. Bachelor are elated to see FEET of snow in the forecast this week. 😊,” Mt. Bachelor Communications and Community Relations Manager Presley Quon said Tuesday in an update to the media.

“With up to 52” of snow possible by Thursday followed by a clear, partly sunny weekend, skiers and riders are in for a treat,” Quon wrote. “Snow is currently coming down hard, with an inch already accumulating on the snow stake since this morning.”

She advised everyone to “check the webcams to watch the snow stack up, and refer to the Mountain Report for operations updates throughout the storm cycle. Teams will be working around the clock on storm recovery efforts and to expand terrain, as conditions allow.”

However, that much snow in a matter of days has its share of risks that visitors need to be aware of, as Quon reminded.

“Be Advised: With heavy snow comes increased risk of snow immersion suffocation (SIS) and tree wells,” she said. “Mt. Bachelor urges guests to ski or ride with a partner and keep them in sight at all times. Sticking to open, groomed trails minimizes SIS hazards. To learn more about deep snow safety, visit: https://www.deepsnowsafety.org/.”

The National Weather Service has a winter storm warning in place for the east slopes of the Cascades and other areas of Oregon and Washington through 4 p.m. Thursday, with one to three feet of snow expected above 4,500 feet.

KTVZ’s Local Alert Weather Team has issued a Local Alert Weather Day for Wednesday, with 1-2 inches of snow possible in Bend and larger amounts at higher elevations that could mean tricky winter travel for many.

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Columbia man accused of strangling victim multiple times during assault

KMIZ on January 6, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged with two felonies after authorities after he allegedly strangled someone multiple times during an assault on Dec. 20.

Datroyt Williams, 32, was charged on Monday in Boone County with second-degree domestic assault and second-degree kidnapping. A warrant was ordered and no bond was set.

The probable cause statement says the victim ran to Boone Hospital after they were assaulted. Police spoke with them after midnight on Dec. 21, but the victim was initially unable to recall details because they had lost consciousness earlier, the statement says. Police noticed injuries and later interviewed the victim around 7:30 p.m.

The victim then claimed they were assaulted after an argument with Williams occurred, the statement says. The victim tried to break up with Williams and he had left the residence before coming back intoxicated, court documents say.

Williams then allegedly strangled the victim multiple times and hit them. The victim tried calling for police but Williams assaulted them while they tried to make the call and Williams ended up holding a gun before the victim go away, court documents say.

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Murder trial surrounding baby’s 2021 death begins in Boone County

KMIZ on January 6, 2026

Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) 

The trial of a Fayette woman charged with felony murder and endangering the welfare of a child in the 2021 death of an 8-month-old girl began Monday. 

Columbia police arrested Jennifer Johnson in April 2021, after being called to a home in the 1000 block of Elleta Boulevard in north Columbia. She is accused in the death of Hannah Kent.

The mother found the child around 8:30 a.m. unresponsive and cool to the touch after returning home, and immediately noticed bruising. The parents then took the child to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where the infant was pronounced dead.

Johnson allegedly told police that she last saw the infant alive at 2:15 a.m. after giving a bottle to the child. According to court documents, Johnson took a call from the parents saying the baby had died and the parents wanted to see Johnson.

Two people who knew Johnson brought items that Johnson had at the home to Columbia police. Investigators found baby formula on Johnson’s clothes, and a swab of the same shirt tested positive for blood, according to court documents in previous reporting.

Johnson’s family, however, maintains she is innocent, saying the families were close and that there are inconsistencies in the timeline.

The trial opened at 9 a.m. Monday with jury selection from a pool of nearly 70 potential jurors.

During the selection process, Johnson’s defense asked for a mistrial after a potential juror made a favorable remark about a law enforcement officer slated to testify. Judge Brouck Jacobs denied the motion, saying the remark was harmless and would not influence the jury.

Johnson’s defense indicated during jury selection that she would not testify, asking prospective jurors whether they could still find her not guilty if she did take the stand.

The prosecution delivered its opening statements, with Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Risa-Nicole Perkins arguing, “It was the defendant’s responsibility to care for them, feed them dinner, put them to bed, and ultimately ensure they were alive when their mother returned.”

The defense opted to reserve its opening statement to avoid telegraphing its theory of the case.

Hannah’s mother, Lanetta Hill, was the first witness to testify. She described Hannah as a “happy baby” with no prior medical issues. Hill said that on the night of the incident, she was at the home of Hannah’s father, Roy Kent, in Gilliam.

Hill testified that she and Johnson had been friends for more than a decade after Hill moved to Fayette and that she had previously allowed Johnson to watch her children. She said she asked Johnson to watch her children the night of the incident, noting it was the first time Johnson had cared for Hannah.

Hill said when she returned home the next morning, Hannah was cold and unresponsive. Concerned that emergency responders would take too long, she decided to drive Hannah to the hospital herself. As she was leaving the house with Hannah, Hill testified that Johnson said she did not know what happened and asked whether she would still be paid. 

The defense responded by asking about a previous incident at a hotel room where Hannah had fallen off a bed and hit her head, and also raised questions about her CPR methods.

Lanetta’s sister, Vernetta Hill, was the next witness. She testified that Johnson called her around 8:50 a.m. the day Hannah died. Vernetta described Johnson’s voice as “cracked” and said she repeatedly told her, “The baby’s gone, she hit her head, I don’t know.”

Medical personnel, including a nurse, also testified that Hannah was unresponsive and had no pulse when she arrived at the emergency room.

Check back for updates.  

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State Leaders and farmers to connect at upcoming Idaho Agriculture Day

KIFI on January 6, 2026

News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Next week, the Idaho State Capitol will showcase one of the Gem State’s most important industries, as the Idaho State Department of Agriculture hosts the annual Idaho Agriculture Day. This yearly event celebrates an industry that contributes a staggering $26 billion to the state economy, providing a platform for more than a dozen agricultural and food processing organizations to engage with the community.

Under the theme “A Taste of Idaho Agriculture at the Capitol,” the event aims to bridge the gap between state elected officials, industry leaders, and everyday Idahoans, fostering meaningful dialogue while enjoying the diverse food from local farms and ranches.

The ISDA invites the public to visit the second floor of the Rotunda from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to participate in the festivities. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to speak directly with the farmers, ranchers, and commodity group representatives who fuel Idaho’s communities.

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