Senator Wyden to hold Prineville town hall on swing through Central, Eastern Oregon

KTVZ on March 18, 2026

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced Wednesday that he will hold 10 open-to-all town halls starting March 28 in Eastern, Central and Southern Oregon, as well as in the Columbia Gorge. His local town hall will be in Prineville on Wednesday, April 1.

Heading into these 10 town halls from March 28-April 2, Wyden has held 1,152 open-to-all town halls statewide in keeping his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties.

“I made my town hall pledge because all Oregonians’ voices matter,” Wyden said. “I very much look forward to these upcoming town halls to hear questions, concerns and ideas from rural Oregonians to make their hometowns and neighborhoods even better places to live, work and raise a family.”

The schedule for the upcoming town halls is as follows:

Saturday, March 28

Sherman County, 1:30 pm, Wasco School Events Center, 903 Barnett St., Wasco

Wheeler County, 5 pm, Fossil High School, 600 E B St, Fossil

Sunday, March 29,

Gilliam County, Noon, Veterans Memorial Hall, 120 Main St., Condon

Morrow County, 4 pm, SAGE Events Center, 101 Olson Road NE, Boardman

Monday, March 30

Umatilla County, 5 pm, Pendleton High School Auditorium, 1800 NW Carden Ave., Pendleton

Tuesday, March 31

Wasco County, Noon, Fort Dalles Readiness Center, 402 E Scenic Dr, The Dalles

Hood River County, 4 pm, Hood River Valley High School, 1220 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River

Wednesday, April 1

Crook County, 10 am, Crook County Fairgrounds, Grizzly Mountain Pavilion, 1280 S Main St., Prineville

Thursday, April 2

Lake County, 12:30 pm, Lakeview Elks Lodge, 323 N F St., Lakeview

Klamath County, 5 pm, Oregon Institute of Technology, College Union Building, Auditorium, 3201 Campus Dr., Klamath Falls

For everyone’s security, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed in the town halls. Similar to major sporting events, there is a clear bag policy for town halls, allowing only clear bags (max 12″x 6″x12″), one-gallon clear plastic bags, or small clutches (max 4.5″x 6.5″), plus essential items like medical bags or infant necessities, with no storage for disallowed bags. Backpacks and non-clear bags are prohibited, though medical/infant needs have exceptions. Doors will open one hour before the town hall start time for attendees, except in Hood River where doors will open at 3:30 pm.

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Columbia Animal Hospital to shut down; reason for closure remains unclear

KMIZ on March 18, 2026

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Animal Hospital is set to close on Friday, but a clear reason for the sudden shutdown hasn’t been provided.

The hospital, located in northern Columbia, announced the closure last week in a social media post saying, “After many years of serving the Columbia community, it is with sincere sadness that we share that Columbia Animal Hospital will be permanently closing as of Friday, March 20th.”

No reason was given, and a staff member says employees haven’t been given one.

“I’m so sorry, but I really don’t have a solid answer on why we are closing, as our staff is also unsure,” a staff member wrote in an email to ABC 17 News.

The hospital is owned by CareVet LLC, and registered to a Jefferson City address. CareVet describes itself as a partnership with more than 500 licensed veterinarians.

Staff members say they were given about two weeks’ notice of the closure by the hospital’s corporate ownership. In total, eight employees are affected, according to the staff.

The hospital is encouraging clients to request their pets’ medical records as soon as possible, but warned there may be delays in fulfilling those requests.

At this time, the hospital has not recommended a specific veterinary clinic for clients to continue their pets’ care.

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Missouri courts warns of scammers spoofing Casenet

KMIZ on March 18, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri courts are warning residents of scammers trying to spoof its website Casenet.

Casenet is the website where the public can view charges, court documents and other public information as well as pay fines for traffic tickets. Missouri courts gave the warning in a press release on its website.

The official Casenet can be accessed online at https://www.courts.mo.gov and https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/.

Wednesday’s press release says scammers are spoofing the website with a fake url containing “Casenetmo.us,” as well as others including:  

mo-casenet.us

casenetmo.net

mo-case.net

casenetmonet.website3.me

www-casenetmo.us

The release says the fake websites may contain malware or viruses. Law enforcement is investigating.

“These other websites are not managed by or affiliated with the Missouri courts. It is unclear at this time whether they pose similar dangers. The investigation remains ongoing,” the release says.

Court administrators can be reached at (888) 541-4894 or by email at OSCA.Help.Desk@courts.mo.gov. 

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Imperial Unified District School parent claims son is facing retaliation from district’s administration

KYMA on March 18, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – A parent of a student in the Imperial Unified School District (IUSD) is claiming their son is facing retaliation from the district’s administration.

Jeffrey Jimenez says his son was suspended after reportedly filming a fight on campus at Frank Wright Middle School on March 5. He alleges the suspension is retaliation for reporting the vice principal following a previous suspension of the child which has since been expunged.

That previous suspension stems from an off-campus incident in which the vice principal allegedly suspended several students for fighting.

We obtained a letter from IUSD, which stated that even though there was enough evidence to justify disciplining the student, the school did not follow proper legal process.

The letter reads, “California Education Code § 48911 requires a pre-suspension informal conference to inform a student of the reasons and evidence for a proposed suspension from school and allow a response.”

“My son was involved in an incident off campus in February and Vice Principal Genaro Sanchez responded to that incident and didn’t do an investigation. Didn’t get any statements didn’t do anything. He immediately told us our son was suspended, didn’t do an investigation. Didn’t get any statements and that’s in violation of California law. Due process laws,” Jimenez told KYMA.

Our newsroom contacted the IUSD, but the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Summer Heraz, said the school is not at liberty to comment on student disciplinary action due to privacy.

We’ll keep following this story and provide you with the latest details as they become available.

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Better Business Bureau: How to spot misleading weight loss ads

KYMA on March 18, 2026

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a troubling trend involving deep-fake videos that promote a weight loss product.

Over the course of two months, BBB Scam Tracker received over 170 reports regarding a product called LipoMax, which is marketed as a form of the popular “pink salt trick” on social media.

What you’ll learn:

How scammers use AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities and doctors to market weight loss products like LipoMax.

Real consumer experiences, including reports of fake endorsements, improper billing, poor product quality, and pressure to buy more supplements.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from weight loss scams, including spotting misleading ads, avoiding subscription traps, and reporting suspicious activity.

Reports describe how fake videos were used to sell the supplement. Consumers reported seeing deep-fake videos of celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, as well as alleged physicians, endorsing the product on social media.

Reports have been received from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin. 

A consumer from Illinois told BBB’s Scam Tracker: “I was on Facebook and noticed a video with Oprah Winfrey and a doctor speaking of the ‘pink salt trick diet.’ Oprah herself talked about the magnificent results as did others on the video. Oprah also claimed she funded the project to manufacture the LipoMax product (pink salt trick). I figured Oprah-this must be legit. Over $400 after ordering the product I did indeed receive the order…Now I continue to receive emails asking me to sign on with a weight loss coach for more money.”

A Florida consumer reported: “I purchased a 6-month supply for $303.95. I thought [the] video was really with Oprah in it about LipoMax. I was also contacted by a ‘coach’ for LipoMax after my order, who tried to sell me $800 in additional supplements.”

A BBB investigation revealed that LipoMax is trademarked by a company registered in Wyoming; however, consumers are directed to send returns to addresses in Lakeland, FL and Largo, FL.

Reports also claim improper billing, non-existent customer service, ineffective ingredients and continued pressure to buy additional supplements, by someone claiming to be a LipoMax “coach.”   

In response to the BBB, a LipoMax representative stated that the use of AI-generated or “deep-fake”videos is neither authorized nor endorsed by the company, and the videos are not produced by the company.

They also added that due to the independent nature of affiliate marketing, they do not have control over the content affiliates may create. The company stated it is committed to addressing any misuse in order to protect its brand and consumers.

To help avoid weight loss scams, BBB has a list of tips on misleading ads and subscription traps for weight loss.

Remember, don’t be quick to trust endorsements. Many scammers use pictures of celebrities, TV show mentions, or well-known company logos without their permission in order to gain consumers’ trust. Always research the company before doing business. 

Hire Trusted Accredited businesses and BBB ScamTracker at bbb.org

Read the full Attorneys General letter sent to Meta regarding weight loss ads HERE.

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Eldon man charged with statutory rape in Morgan County also charged in Miller County

KMIZ on March 18, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Eldon man who was charged with second-degree statutory rape last month in Morgan County is now facing the same charge in Miller County.

Ethan Wood, 22, was charged on Wednesday in Miller County with second-degree statutory rape. A $30,000 bond was requested in that case. In his Morgan County case, court filings show he bonded out of jail on March 5 and has a hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 7.

The probable cause station in the Miller County case says law enforcement spoke with someone who knew the victim on Jan. 29 about the victim having sex with Wood. That person did not know Wood’s name, but was able to provide law enforcement with images sent to them by the victim that contained Wood.

Law enforcement spoke with the victim, who first denied the interaction but then admitted to it occurring at Wood’s home in December. Police spoke with Wood on Jan. 30, who first denied it occurring before allegedly admitting to it, the statement says.

In the Morgan County case, he is accused of having relations with a girl the same age as the victim in the Miller County case.

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Idaho House to consider making ethics investigations against lawmakers secret

KIFI on March 18, 2026

Idaho Capital Sun

By Kyle Pfannenstiel, Idaho Capital Sun Originally Published: March 17, 2026

Editor’s note: Idaho Capital Sun reporter Kyle Pfannenstiel is a board member for the Idaho Press Club, which opposed the proposal.

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho House is set to consider changing its rules to make ethics hearings against sitting lawmakers secret. 

Currently, House Rule 45 says ethics complaints are made public after four-fifths of the House Ethics and House Policy Committee determines there is probable cause that misconduct may have occurred. Public hearings follow.

Nearly five years ago, the House Ethics Committee conducted high-profile hearings against former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, who was accused of sexually assaulting a legislative intern. After public ethics hearings, von Ehlinger resigned after the committee recommended he face sanctions. He was later convicted by a jury of rape, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Under House Resolution 27, information related to the ethics committee’s work would be secret unless the committee votes unanimously to release it. 

Idaho state Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, takes his seat before the Jan. 7, 2025, meeting of the House State Affairs Committee at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise. Also pictured is Rep. Mike Pohanka, R-Jerome. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)during the House State Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise.

Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, a member of the House Ethics Committee, is sponsoring the resolution to make ethics hearings secret. In a letter to the judge in von Ehlinger’s criminal case, Barbieri described von Ehlinger as “an upstanding person,” Boise State Public Radio reported. 

Barbieri told lawmakers in a Tuesday committee hearing that ethics hearings should be secret “until there’s a reason to make it public.”

“The idea here is to look at this and protect the individual that is being accused until the time that the committee makes the determination that there should be some disciplinary action,” Barbieri said.

The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee on an 8-7 vote Tuesday approved advancing the bill to the full House. The committee’s three Democrats and four Republicans opposed the bill.

Rep. Chris Mathias, a Boise Democrat, said the public wants more transparency.

“The Idaho public is going to look at us and say: ‘Why are they trying to protect themselves so much?’” Mathias said. 

State Rep. Chris Mathias, D-Boise, (center) speaks from the floor of the Idaho House of Representatives on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

The proposal would also prevent lawmakers under investigation from being able to be represented in their hearings by attorneys. That part worried some lawmakers, including Rep. John Shirts, a Republican from Weiser and an attorney. He said during von Ehlinger’s hearings, people were sworn in under oath for testimony.

“I cannot, in good conscience, subject our members, you all, my friends, to potential perjury, without representation of counsel,” Shirts told committee members. 

Idaho Press Club lobbyist Ken Burgess testified against the bill. He said that journalists relay information from ethics hearings to lawmakers’ constituents.

“The current ethics process allows for witnesses and testimony, so the public has the same facts as the Ethics Committee has. That doesn’t happen in a House floor debate after the fact. Fair and balanced reporting happens when reporters have all the relevant information,” Burgess told lawmakers. “If you put this process behind closed doors, it only furthers the increasing distrust the public has in government institutions.”

Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com.

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Motorcyclist dead in crash on S. Avenue D in Yuma

KYMA on March 18, 2026

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) says a motorcyclist is dead following a crash Wednesday morning.

According to a press release, the crash happened in the area of S. Avenue D and W. Francis Street before 6:30 a.m.

YPD says a 72-year-old man was riding a black 2023 Honda VT 750 southbound on Avenue D when it crashed into the rear of a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, which was driven by a 26-year-old man and had three passengers, “that was towing a utility trailer.”

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, according to YPD, who says no other injuries were reported.

While speed appears to be a factor in the crash, the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has information regarding the crash, call YPD at (928) 783-4421, or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Fatality Collision S. Avenue D and Francis Street 26-20157Download

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Wireless emergency alerts to guide World Cup fans during potential disasters

KMIZ on March 18, 2026

Nate Splater

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to come to Kansas City this summer for the World Cup, and local organizers and emergency management officials are preparing with strategic safety plans.

These emergency plans are designed to be flexible and applicable to a wide range of hazards. Jacob Waller of Boone Emergency Management said his agency’s plan of action is similar to their regular procedures for fires, natural disasters or other emergencies, but will be adaptable to the high volume of travelers in the area.

In the event of severe weather or natural disasters, emergency management officials will use wireless emergency alerts to communicate with the public. Waller said these notifications are designed to reach people directly on their cell phones, providing immediate instructions during a threat.

“We would use what’s called a Wireless Emergency Alert to activate people’s cell phones, to direct them to the nearest safe place,” Waller said. “So that might be, well, first of all, alerting people that there is some sort of threat coming in and then kind of telling people to find shelter.”

Most people are already familiar with Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) such as AMBER Alerts or imminent threat alerts (like a severe thunderstorm warning). WEAs are geographically targeted and will be broadcast to any mobile device within the area affected by an emergency.

The alert system can also accommodate international fans by automatically translating emergency messages into the native languages set on their mobile devices. Megan McConachie at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau noted that this feature will apply to mobile browsers and text messaging systems used by international visitors.

“For a vast majority of these international visitors, they will be on mobile devices that will automatically translate information for them,” McConachie said. “Any sort of messaging about emergencies, that is going to come through in their native language.”

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65-year-old man found in baby crib after Randolph County standoff

KMIZ on March 18, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was wanted for a drug warrant prompted a large law enforcement response Tuesday in Randolph County.

Dennis Nash, 65, of Moberly, was charged on Wednesday with drug possession and resisting arrest. He is being held at the Randolph County Jail on a $10,000 bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says law enforcement saw Nash outside of a shed at a property around 9 a.m. Wednesday. Nash ran inside the shed after law enforcement gave him commands to give himself up, the statement says.

Another warrant was applied for by law enforcement to enter the shed. A SWAT team was called in and sent “chemical munitions” into the shed, the statement says.

After about seven hours, officers entered the shed and found Nash hiding in a portable baby crib under several blankets, court documents say.

Law enforcement found a glass container and 5.1 grams, or 0.18 ounces, of methamphetamine.

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