Cole County judge upholds school voucher program

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Cole County judge on Tuesday upheld the state’s voucher program that lets some students attend their school of choice — public or private.

Judge Brian Stumpe denied the Missouri National Education Association’s request for an injunction to halt the Missouri Scholars Program.

The Missouri General Assembly appropriated $51 million for the program in the current fiscal year. Missouri Scholars pays for students with specialized education plans and those from low-income families to attend a school of their choice. That school can be public or private.

The MNEA filed the lawsuit after last year’s legislative session, alleging the program would divert money from public schools and harm public education. The teachers’ group also argued that the legislature did not have the authority to fund scholarships.

Circuit-Court-DecisionDownload

Stumpe wrote in his order that the MNEA did not demonstrate that anyone had been harmed by the program. He wrote that “fears of indirect harm to the functioning of public schools” were baseless.

“Evidence in this case even details how public schools could benefit from the Missouri Scholars Program,” Stumpe wrote. “Not all children who receive scholarships through the Missouri Scholars Program will leave the public-school system — scholarships do not solely cover private-school tuition.”

However, granting an injunction to halt the program in the middle of a school year would risk harming low-income families, Stumpe wrote.

The MNEA has vowed to appeal the decision to the Missouri Supreme Court. In a statement, the organization maintained that the voucher program violates the Missouri Constitution.

MNEA is a union representing 45,000 educators in Missouri, the organization states.

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Historic building in downtown Pocatello set for demolition

Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Monarch building, A historic brick building in downtown Pocatello, is set to come down this summer after years of decay, despite efforts to revive it.

The building was believed to have been built around 1909, and has sat open to the elements for more than a decade after a fire left it roofless and unsafe. The Pocatello Development Authority, which now owns the property, says demolition is necessary to protect public safety and make way for new development.

The Monarch was originally built as a hotel, with a separate entrance leading to rooms on the second and third floors and retail space on the ground level. Over the years, the upper floors were used as low-income housing while the street level continued to host various businesses.

The building remained in use until the 2014 fire effectively ended its life as a functioning property.

After the fire, the original owners sold the building to private individuals who attempted to clean out and renovate the structure. Those efforts stalled early, leaving the building exposed.

Eventually, the building was gifted to the Pocatello Development Authority, but recent safety concerns contributed to the decision of tearing down the building.

“We feel it’s a really important asset to downtown, and we went through many steps to try to preserve it,” said Brent McLane, executive director of the Pocatello Development Authority. “But it’s just financially not feasible.”

As debate continues over the loss of a familiar landmark, McLane said he hopes residents will understand that the agency tried to save the building but ultimately had to balance sentiment with safety and financial reality.

“We really wanted to see it saved, but it needs to be saved in a way that is going to economically enhance the downtown as well,” he said. “We want it to be something that comes back that is going to really enhance and add to the downtown and enhance and add to the experience of Pocatello.”

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Bubba’s 33 to hold fundraiser benefitting American Eagle Foundation

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Bubba’s 33 locations across the country, including Yuma, is holding a fundraiser to support the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) next week.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, the fundraiser is taking place Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and every Bubba’s 33 locations will donate 100% of all dine-in and to-go proceeds to AEF as it is in honor of their mascot, Ace the Eagle.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with an iconic brand like Bubba’s 33,” says Lori Moore, CEO of AEF. “This partnership allows us to further our mission in an engaging and authentic way. We’re ready to soar with ACE the Eagle!”

Courtesy: Bubba’s 33

“The Bubba’s 33 partnership is driven by our passion to secure the future for the Bald Eagle population,” says Lauren Lilly, Marketing Coach.  “American Eagle Foundation’s mission is based on the conservation of bald eagles and other birds of prey through educational outreach and rehabilitation initiatives. We’re honored to partner with this incredible organization.”

In addition, Bubba’s 33 says they will also be partnering with schools, churches, libraries and other organizations in their community “by providing them with coloring sheets that children 12 and under can color and turn in at any Bubba’s 33 location to receive a free Kids Meal.”

Last year, Bubba’s 33 said they raised $123,000 for AEF. To learn more about the organization, click here.

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Feel the Rhythm: Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month This April

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and International Jazz Day falls on April 30. The Jazz Exchange shares ways you can support jazz in your community.

https://www.thejazzexchange.org/

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Honoring Yuma’s 911 dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The voices on the other end of a 911 call are being recognized this week as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

In Yuma, dispatchers play a critical role in emergency response, working behind the scenes to connect police, fire, emergency medical services, and animal control.

All four agencies operate out of a combined dispatch center, using a shared radio and computer-aided dispatch system to communicate in real time when emergencies happen.

“We’re all a team. We all signed up to support the mission of helping and serving others,” Gabrielle Trevino, a 911 Emergency Dispatch Supervisor, said. “We care about our officers, we care about all of our personnel. Our fire personnel, animal control. We want to ensure that we’re providing the best service that we can for the community.”

Dispatchers are often the first point of contact during emergencies, gathering critical information while simultaneously coordinating a response.

Trevino says that even as call-takers ask questions, help is already being sent.

“Our questioning does not delay the dispatch. We have, again, a combined center where we have call takers and dispatchers,” Trevino said. “So, when one person is taking the phone call, they’re inputting the information and it’s being dispatched out by another co-worker. So, it’s all being done simultaneously.”

The Yuma Dispatch Center also takes time during Telecommunicators Week to recognize its staff internally. Each year, the department celebrates with a unique theme. This year’s theme, “Hooked on 911,” highlights the teamwork and dedication that goes into every call.

While they may not be seen on the scene, dispatchers remain a vital link in the chain of emergency response, helping ensure that when someone calls for help, the right resources are on the way.

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There’s Good News: Neighborhood dogs delight in free treats and toys at local stand

Kelsey Merison

WARREN, Michigan (KTVZ) — A community dog treat and toy stand, built by Trisha Rowe and her daughters, has become a popular spot in a quiet Warren, Michigan neighborhood. The family created the free stand to bring joy to local dogs and their owners passing by their home.

KTVZ first aired this story on Sunrise and a viewer reached out to inform us that there is a similar library in Eagle Crest!

Take a look at these photos from Susan O’Donnell:

As you can see, it’s a part of the ‘West Ridge Little Library’–you can see a box of dog treats in the bottom right corner by some books. And down below, a dog stick library! Thanks for sending these in, Susan.

The Michigan initiative was inspired by the numerous dogs that regularly walk past the Rowe family’s house, prompting them to find a way to contribute to the community.

The simple wooden box, known as the Corner Dog and Treat House, offers an assortment of free, dog-safe snacks, tennis balls, toys, and other unique items. Rowe and her daughters, who own five dogs themselves, aim to make neighborhood walks a little brighter for everyone.

The stand provides all items free of charge to any furry friend and their owner.

James Noe, a Michigan resident, praised the concept. “I honestly think it’s genius, you know, you see the, the book libraries everywhere. I’ve never seen anything other than the books be done,” Noe said.

Lynne Lundgren, another Michigan resident, discovered the stand while walking her dog. “We just discovered it last night and my dog loved it,” Lundgren said.

Rowe explained her motivation for building the stand. “There’s about 20-30 dogs always walk past our house, so we’re like, hey, what can we do to help?” Rowe said.

The stand features various items, including some made by Rowe and her daughters using their 3D printer. “We 3D printed some poop bag holders. So you can actually put your poop bags in there if you want to, or while you’re walking, you can actually tie it in until you get home to then throw it away,” Rowe said.

The community has responded positively, with many walkers taking treats. “We had a couple of people that have walked by and taken treats and everything. I kind of explained what it was and they were super excited about it,” Rowe noted. The stand also includes a doggy stick pile.

Other local dog lovers have offered to contribute to the project. Rowe mentioned, “A few people that own treat businesses that reached out and want to do samples and just put them in to donate to the dogs and that way you can actually support local businesses in the long run, but they’re also helping donate.”

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Six more access lanes open at San Luis Port of Entry

Abraham Retana

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – If anyone is going to San Luis, Mexico, they will experience some changes coming back to the U.S. at the San Luis Port of Entry.

The vehicle traffic will be detouring to several new lanes to cross the border.

Starting Tuesday morning, the San Luis Port of Entry opened eight lanes, two for sentry travelers and six for all traffic, which is more lanes than before.

By the time the project is complete, there will be a total of 16 lanes.

San Luis, Arizona Mayor Nieves Riedel says this new access will boost the local businesses

“This is unique, something historical. This will help the economic development of the entire region,” said Mayor Riedel.

The new border crossing will be at second street in San Luis, Mexico and will come in to the U.S. through William Brooks Avenue and Urtuzuastegui Street.

“The difference will be how the traffic will come out. It won’t stop. It will flow and it’s going to be very good,” explained Mayor Riedel.

Some locals says this a long time coming and will help ease the long wait times to cross the border

“That’s very good. The traffic won’t stop it will flow faster,” said Juan Carlos Bond, a San Luis, Mexico resident.

However, some border crossers are not so optimistic.

“Serves me if I can get across the border faster, but I don’t think [it’s] going to get any quicker because they don’t have enough employees in to man it,” expressed Michael Knori, a Yuma resident.

“I hope they open all of them to have more cars crossing faster. Because they say they are going to open all of them, but they don’t they just open three or four,” said Edith Carrillo, a San Luis, Mexico resident.

The construction of the port of entry is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2029.

More than 5.5 million people cross through the san Luis Port of Entry every year.

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Yuma City Council candidate accused of misconduct during time as police lieutenant

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma City Council candidate is responding to misconduct allegations from his time as a police lieutenant.

According to an internal investigation document, Henry Valenzuela is accused of missing work hours, failing to supervise, and misreporting his time between January and April of 2025.

The document also claims he used a city vehicle for personal reasons and skipped required training.

Valenzuela denies the allegations.

He believes the investigation was made public at this time to tarnish his political campaign and in retaliation for past criticism of city leadership.

“I saw it on its face for what it was. Again, more political retaliation because i refused to put loyalty above my honor and my integrity,” said Valenzuela.

We reached out to the Yuma Police Department and they proved us the following statement:

“It is the department’s policy not to comment on individual personnel matters. The department stands by its administrative procedures, guided by law, policy, and fairness. These processes are designed to ensure transparency where appropriate, accountability in our actions, and fair treatment for every member of the organization. These standards help us maintain the expectations and the trust placed in us by the community we serve.”

A memo of investigation is included below:

IQ 25-4 Memo of Investigation_Redacted IQ25-0004Download

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HomeGrown: Master Irrigator Program launches in Yuma

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In this week’s Home Grown report, a new program, launching in Yuma, is aiming to improve water conservation and efficiency in local agriculture.

Organizers say the four-day Master Irrigator course will provide hands-on training with tools like moisture sensors and drip systems to help improve water efficiency as drought conditions continue along the Colorado River.

The bilingual program will also include real-time translation tools to support both English and Spanish speakers.

The Arizona Master Irrigator Program is a partnership between the Agribusiness and Water Council of Arizona and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

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Robotics team ‘Chaos Theory’ from Summit High School makes history at district level

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Summit High School’s “Chaos Theory” robotics team is preparing for the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, after a strong performance at the Pacific Northwest District Championship.

The team made history at the district level with their recent achievements, setting the stage for their global competition later this month.

“Chaos Theory” was initially ranked number one among 126 teams from Oregon, Washington, and Alaska at the Pacific Northwest District Championship. They concluded the event ranked number two overall, finishing ahead of the reigning 2025 World Champion, who placed third. The team also secured their third Industrial Design Award of the season.

The public can see the team and robot on Thursday, April 16th, at Ridgeview High School. “Chaos Theory” will participate in the Central Oregon Aerial Drone Competition, which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, offering a chance to meet the team and see their robot.

Last year, “Chaos Theory” advanced to the semi-finals at the World Championship, competing against top teams globally. Their run ended after a narrow defeat. They will return to Houston with 600 teams from around the globe, competing from April 29th to May 2nd.

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