Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces changes to meeting schedule

KIFI on March 31, 2026

Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The First Presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced changes to its Sunday worship schedule. 

Beginning on September 6, Sunday school classes along with the Relief Society, Elders Quorum, Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood meetings will be held each week during the second hour. 

Sacrament meeting will remain at sixty minutes, followed by Sunday school for 25 minutes and then men’s and women’s classes for 25 minutes. Primary will also continue for the full hour. 

This comes just before the LDS Church’s General Conference, set for this weekend. 

You can read about the changes here.

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Tea and art lounge opens in Downtown Bend, blending creativity and calm

KTVZ on March 31, 2026

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Tea and Art Lounge has opened in downtown Bend, offering a combination of local beverages and accessible art projects. The new business is located on Bond Street next to Deschutes Brewery.

The lounge specializes in “bite-sized” art projects designed to be completed in a short amount of time, such as a lunch break. The concept focuses on providing a calm environment where customers can enjoy tea while engaging in creative activities.

Sarah Swoffer, an art teacher and the owner of the Tea and Art Lounge, established the business to encourage relaxation through making art. “The tea and Art lounge is the comfy, cozy living room of Bend,” Swoffer said. “We want to create a place where people can come relax and enjoy the tea. And that is when we are our best and most creative selves.”

The facility includes an art studio located in the back of the building where staff provide art lessons. The space is also available for social gatherings, such as book clubs or group get-togethers.

In addition to daily projects and tea, the lounge offers high-tea services that can be booked in advance. The menu features local brews and a variety of baked goods.

The Tea and Art Lounge will participate in the city’s next First Friday event. The lounge will feature artwork created by local students during the celebration.

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‘It’s very painful’: Costilla County Commissioners scramble to appoint interim sheriff

KRDO on March 31, 2026

Mackenzie Stafford

COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – After 13 Investigates first broke the news that arrest warrants were issued against the Costilla County sheriff and four others, nearly half of the sheriff’s office’s law enforcement members, the fallout continues.

Sheriff Sanchez resigned from his role after turning himself in. Undersheriff Soto and Deputy Sanchez were placed on administrative leave while the county conducts an investigation, according to Costilla County officials.

The indictments left the department with only three deputies unaffected by the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s (DA) Office’s investigation. One of those deputies resigned shortly after the allegations were made public, leaving only two deputies to cover the county over the weekend. Costilla County officials tell KRDO13 Deputy Joe Smith and Corporal Adam Fresquez remained on duty throughout the weekend.

On Monday, Costilla County Commissioners appointed Deputy Joe Smith as the interim sheriff to lead the department in the meantime. His appointment came in a special meeting following Sanchez’s resignation.

Since there are many people throwing their hats in the ring for the Sheriff election, the board sought a candidate without political ties, according to Commissioner Steven Romero.

“That could either make them or break them. Like it could have really helped them out and help them to become sheriff, which we would have then been seen as political agents instead of, you know, people trying to make the best decision on behalf of the county,” explained Commissioner Steven Romero.

He was also hoping to find a candidate who maintained a positive relationship with the district attorney’s office. Commissioner Romero said that is part of what made Deputy Smith stand out. This follows prior allegations by the DA regarding the mishandling of evidence under the leadership of Sanchez.

STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF JOE SMITH ON TAKING OFFICEDownload

“We need to establish rapport and a good working relationship with the district attorney’s office. That, to me, is goal number one, because unless we have that relationship, you know, things are bound to fail again,” said Romero.

Commissioner Romero described the situation as a difficult transition for the region. He noted how the commissioners knew of the past allegations of mishandling evidence, so when he heard of the criminal indictment, he said he was not surprised.

“So it wasn’t a complete shock. But, you know, it’s very painful. It’s a very sad day for the county and for us. And, you know, it’s just a really painful situation. And so, the initial reaction is to try to, you know, support everybody,” explained Romero.

He says he hopes this can create change and ensure that the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is following the proper procedure.

“I hope that there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Romero said. “I hope that the growing pains produce something good.”

While the office works toward reaching full staffing levels, several agencies are providing support, according to a Costilla County official. They say Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Blanca Town Police and the County Sheriff’s Association of Colorado are assisting with patrols and community safety.

Despite the staffing shortage, Commissioner Romero said the county will not allocate additional funds for recruitment or training. He said more than half of the county budget is already dedicated to the sheriff’s office and the jail.

“I mean, if we had unlimited resources, it would be a completely different ballgame, right? It’s the fact that we do have a very limited budget, it’s it’s it’s a tough, tough position,” said Romero.

A representative for the Board of County Commissioners tells KRDO13 that Smith is working on his background check to be sworn in as interim sheriff as soon as possible. A new administrative role will also be created to oversee the operations of the CCSO during the transition, according to Commissioner Romero. He says they are still ironing out the role, but says it will be created by the DA’s Office and Commissioners.

Do you have something we need to know? If so, send a tip to KRDO13Investigates by emailing 13investigates@krdo.com.

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73-year-old Columbia man threatens to kill woman in front of cop

KMIZ on March 30, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 73-year-old Columbia man was charged with four felonies after he allegedly threatened to kill a woman in front of a police officer on Friday.

Conrad Brown was charged with first-degree domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and third-degree domestic assault. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A court appearance was held on Monday.

The probable cause statement says Brown was upset about getting a traffic ticket and hit the victim with a bottle, which caused a cut inside her mouth. Brown then allegedly tried to hit the victim with his cane, but she was able to get away with her child and call the police, court documents say.

While a police officer was speaking with the victim, Brown allegedly walked outside while holding a knife, the statement says. Brown allegedly yelled that he was going to kill the victim, court documents say.

After police detained him, Brown allegedly made comments about “knowing people in New York to get him out of this,” court documents say.

The victim allegedly told police there was another incident where Brown tried to choke her, the statement says.

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Bonneville County clarifies early voting dates for May primary election

KIFI on March 30, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County election officials are working to clear up confusion after inaccurate flyers regarding the upcoming May Primary Election were handed out throughout the area. The flyers in question contain incorrect dates for early voting.

The correct early voting period will run from May 4 through May 15, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the elections office.

For more information, call the Bonneville County Election’s Office at (208) 529-1363 or click HERE. General voting information can be found on voteidaho.gov

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MEC reports submitted for Columbia candidates candidates 8 days before election

KMIZ on March 30, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The eight-days-before-election financial reports were due at 5 p.m. Monday to the Missouri Ethics Commission and all four candidates for the Columbia Board of Education submitted theirs on time.

Four people are running for three spots. Board President John Lyman, Vice President Paul Harper and Boardmember April Ferrao are trying to retain a spot on the board, while Dr. Keary Husain is looking to get on the board for the first time.

MEC filings show Lyman has raised $500 this election cycle and has $695 on hand heading into the home stretch. Harper has raised 1,473 this election and has $1,060.01 on hand, while Ferrao raised $1,612.99 and has $1,170. 25 on hand and Husain raised $690 this election while having $500 on hand.

For the city of Columbia council race, Don Waterman – who is running for the Fifth Ward seat – has raised $8,850 for this election cycle and has $2,866 on hand. The latest report for Christina Hartman, also running for the Fifth Ward, was not available as of Monday evening.

Election Day is Tuesday, April 7.

Check back for updates.

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KEYT on March 30, 2026

News Channel 3-12

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The time has come to see who will represent the Spirit & Junior Spirit of Fiesta. The search was narrowed down to 20 finalists from throughout the community of Santa Barbara.

Cn Saturday, April 11th, the Spirit & Junior Spirit of Fiesta will be chosen at a final audition at the Lobero Theatre.

In anticipation, your News Channel will be showcasing one Spirit and one Junior Spirit candidate each day leading up to the final audition, starting Monday, March 30th.

Spirit of Fiesta Finalists:
Junior Spirit of Fiesta Finalists:

Alejandra Quepons
Valentina Vega

Lane Danhauer
Aleah Valdez-Estrada

Paloma Aguilar
Amarah Saenz

Emilio Gonzales
Penelope Hernandez

Mia Talaugon
Alessandra Goycochea

Alexandra Nocker
Bobbi Sanchez

Natalie Rodriguez
Catalina Montepeque

Chloe Kossen
Kaili Kauka

Tessa Shyrock
Emiko Dorfman

Jenna Ramirez
Sophie Godinez

You can find a complete list of finalists here.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Local nonprofits receive over $625,000 from Rexburg Light The World Giving Machines

KIFI on March 30, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Light the World Giving Machine presented checks to 7 local nonprofits this afternoon.

These machines, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, work as vending machines in reverse, allowing people to donate various items in a simple purchase; Such as meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, school materials, and livestock.

Over 48 days (from November 15th to January 1st), more than 95,000 people visited the machines. 78,000 donations were made across Pocatello, Rexburg, and Idaho Falls.

The total donations raised in Rexburg was $625,270.00

Care USA- $112,060

Right to Play- $116,710

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho- $65,985

Idaho Falls Rescue Mission- $67,390

Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center- $67,825

Family Crisis Center- $106,670

Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership- $88,630

The non-profits were very appreciative of all of the donations they received. These amounts are not just numbers, but a showcase of the care within the community.

“We had 1695 family meals donated. Our new home starter kit for survivors who have escaped abuse and are starting a new home. We received 140 starter kits, new beds, 170 for nights of safety, 274 nights of safety and transportation assistance, 305 of those,” Marie Harris, the representative for the Family Crisis Center, said. “[It’s] just overwhelming how much support and the impact that this is going to have for survivors of abuse in our community.”

Each donation could be life-changing. The Eastern Idaho community came together to make a change for many people’s lives.

“We were able to get a month of utility assistance, and there are so many families with the cost of living right now being really high, that’ll be very useful,” John Radford, the representative for Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, said. “We also had senior meals, which are desperately needed. So those dollars will help our local senior centers get more food into more seniors’ homes.”

The Light the World will present Pocatello’s numbers tomorrow, March 31st, and in Idaho Falls on Thursday, April 2nd.

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Multi-car crash kills one in SLO County Saturday night

KEYT on March 30, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A three-car crash killed a person just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday near Higuera Ranch on the southbound side of Highway 101, according to the SLO CHP.

A 2026 Toyota Camry tried turning left from Higuera Ranch onto the highway when a 2023 Highlander going north hit the Camry at an unknown rate of speed, according to the CHP.

Both cars crashed, and the Highlander came to rest on the southbound 101 right shoulder, while the heavily damaged Camry faced the wrong way in the northbound #1 lane, according to the CHP.

A woman in the Camry came out of the passenger side door, trying to exit the car, when a 2024 Hyundai Tucson going north did not see the Camry and unfortunately hit the woman at an unknown speed.

The Tucson hit the Camry as the woman exited and landed in the southbound 101 lane following the collision, according to the CHP.

First responders later pronounced the woman dead, and five more people, two adults and three children, went to Sierra Vista Hospital for minor to moderate injuries, according to the CHP.

CHP officers kept the #2 lane and the shoulders for Highway 101 open for traffic during the initial analysis of the crash. Alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, according to the CHP.

The incident remains under investigation, according to the CHP.

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Fire crews to conduct prescribed burn near Madras Tuesday; drivers advised to use caution

KTVZ on March 30, 2026

Campbell Porter

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters will conduct a prescribed jackpot burn on the Crooked River National Grassland beginning Tuesday, March 31. The project will treat approximately 311 acres of land located four miles southeast of Madras.

The burn is situated within Pace Jackpot Burning Unit 3, near Buck Butte and east of Highway 26. Operations are scheduled to continue through Wednesday, April 1, provided that weather and ground conditions remain favorable for the project.

Smoke from the jackpot burning may be visible from Madras, Prineville and the Highway 26 corridor. Light smoke impacts are expected to affect Southeast Grizzly Road, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours when air typically settles into low-lying areas.

Prescribed burn warning signs will be placed in both directions along Grizzly Road and on Highway 26 near the project area. Motorists traveling through the vicinity are advised to reduce their speed, use their headlights and be prepared for changes in visibility.

Following the initial ignition, piles of debris may continue to smolder and produce smoke for several days. Firefighters will remain on the scene to monitor the piles until they are officially declared out. Officials have requested that the public does not report these ignitions.

The project is scheduled to finish on Wednesday, April 1. Fire crews will continue to monitor the 311-acre site until all burning piles are fully extinguished.

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