St. Charles Road bridge demolition complete, drivers still face impacts from detours

KMIZ on April 12, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Drivers can no longer use the St. Charles Road bridge to access I-70 in Columbia.

The Missouri Department of Transportation confirmed to ABC 17 News on Sunday that the demolition of the bridge was completed.

An ABC 17 News reporter saw the bridge demolished and final cleanup work being done Sunday morning. Several cranes and frontloaders were also seen in a section of I-70 between where the bridge had been.

Traffic on I-70 is temporarily being moved to the on- and off-ramps during demolition. The ramps are expected to reopen after demolition. However, drivers will still be unable to use St. Charles Road to cross I-70 for the next several months during construction.

Courtesy: MoDOT

Columbia Public Schools alerted commuters of the change with increased backups expected during peak school hours, such as in the morning and afternoon, and on alternate roads like Route Z, Paris Road and Rangeline.

The closure is also expected to impact several schools on the East side of Columbia, with CPS recommending alternate routes to locations such as Battle High School, Cedar Ridge and Two Mile Prairie Elementary.

Drivers on I-70 are recommended to use the more eastern Exit 133 instead of Exit 131. They can then use Route Z to head North or South to nearby schools.

Drivers heading southbound on Highway 63 are encouraged to exit at Route B or Paris Road and head east on Mexico Gravel Road.

Drivers going northbound on Highway 63 are recommended to exit at Discovery Parkway onto Rolling Hills Road. Drivers can then use Richland Road, onto Rangeline Road then Route Z to get to nearby schools.

CPS also advises drivers to leave early and warns that bus routes may experience delays. According to prior reporting, a spokesperson for DS Bus Lines, which provides transportation for Columbia Public Schools, said bus pickup times will remain the same.

Completed construction will allow three lanes of traffic onto I-70 as well as a taller and pedestrian-friendly overpass bridge.

Bridge demolition is expected to be complete at 6 a.m. Construction in the area is expected to continue through the end of September.

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USA BMX national event rolls into Redmond

KTVZ on April 12, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Riders from across the country took on big jumps and sharp turns at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend for the Great Northwest Nationals — part of the USA BMX National Series.

The event brought dozens of elite racers to the First Interstate Bank Center at the fairgrounds, including competitors from two local teams — Bend BMX and Smith Rock BMX. The national series is one of the sport’s most prestigious circuits, drawing riders from all corners of the United States to compete for rankings and championship points.

Olivia Armstrong, who coaches both Bend BMX and Smith Rock BMX, said the chance for local riders to compete so close to home is something special.

“It’s so cool,” Armstrong said. “We have two tracks here, and so having these kids be able to come 40 minutes from their house and race a national event — they don’t know how special that is. Because these people are traveling from all over the country to come to Redmond, Oregon and have this in their backyard. So we’re very fortunate to have it here at the Expo Center.”

The competitions continue Sunday (April 12, 2026) starting at 8 a.m. at the fairgrounds, with racers chasing podium spots and points toward national titles.

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Community honors Bend outdoorsman Stratton Matteson with weekend celebration

KTVZ on April 12, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Friends, family, and fellow adventurers are gathering this weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of Bend native Stratton Matteson.

Matteson, a well-known split-boarder and experienced outdoorsman, was killed in an avalanche on Feb. 26 at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in British Columbia. He was a prominent figure in Central Oregon’s backcountry community and the owner of a local bicycle-based landscaping business.

Organizers say Sunday’s (April 12, 2026) event will be a day filled with laughter, music, and movement in Matteson’s honor — a reflection of his deep love for the outdoors and his community spirit.

Friends and neighbors will come together for games and a community bike ride through Bend, finishing with an outdoor screening of Matteson’s film “Sierra to Baker.”

The celebration begins at 2 p.m. at Miller’s Landing Park, with the group ride starting at 5:30 p.m. and the movie at 7:30 p.m.

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There’s Good News: ‘Permission to Dance’ Prom gives Central Oregon residents with disabilities a night to shine

KTVZ on April 12, 2026

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The red carpet rolled out Saturday night at the Riverhouse Lodge for a special celebration, the second annual “Permission to Dance” prom, created for people with disabilities to enjoy a night of music, dancing, and connection.

From sparkling dresses to smiling faces, guests experienced a full prom experience — complete with a DJ, photo booth, food, and plenty of fun giveaways.

“I have been waiting for this day,” said Lydia, one of the prom participants. Another attendee, Makaio, said his favorite part was meeting the DJ and even getting a chance to pick a song to play.

The evening wasn’t just memorable for participants, but for their families as well.

“And just to bring some joy in the lives of these kids,” said Wendy Edde, mother of one of the participants. “It’s all inclusive, and it’s wonderful to see the community come together and really support.”

Volunteers and community members made sure every guest felt celebrated. Carlie Shields, who flew home from college just to help with the event, said it was worth every mile.

“It’s very meaningful, because it’s giving kids an opportunity to express themselves in ways they may not feel comfortable in other settings,” Shields said.

Of course, no prom would be complete without a King and Queen — and plenty of smiles on the dance floor.

Every person who attended left with a story to tell — and a memory to keep — from a night where everyone truly had “permission to dance.”

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Second Annual Permission to Dance Prom will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at The Riverhouse in Bend, Ore. Due to the event’s popularity, it is currently full.

Scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the prom provides attendees with a traditional dance experience in a supportive and welcoming environment. The evening will feature a live DJ, an energetic dance floor, appetizers, desserts, and a photo booth to document the celebration.

KTVZ’s Spencer Sacks will be at the prom and will have a full report from the sights and sounds of the fun event. Tune in tonight for KTVZ News at 10pm on Fox and KTVZ News at 11pm on NBC.

The prom is completely free of charge for all participants. This accessibility is maintained through donations from individuals, businesses and community partners throughout Central Oregon’s three counties.

Major sponsors for the 2026 event include The Riverhouse and the Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon. Various other organizations committed to inclusive community programming also provided support for the evening.

Robert Tadjiki, the event organizer, emphasized that creating environments where individuals with disabilities feel accepted requires active planning. He noted that the prom serves as a significant opportunity for connection within the region.

“Opportunities for individuals with disabilities to truly be themselves and feel accepted in their community don’t just happen—they take intention and effort,” Tadjiki said. “That’s what makes this night so meaningful. Permission to Dance Prom is a chance for people from across Central Oregon to experience the joy of dancing, connection and celebration. It’s not just a gift for those attending—it’s a reminder for all of us to celebrate life, inclusion and what it means to belong.”

Organizers hope to grow the event each year. They plan to use the annual celebration to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive community experiences for individuals with disabilities.

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Drake restaurant in downtown Bend rebranding as Olive & May

KTVZ on April 12, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A longtime downtown Bend dining spot is getting a fresh new identity.

Drake, located on Northwest Wall Street, will serve its final meals Sunday (April 12, 2026) before temporarily closing for a full rebrand. The popular restaurant has been a staple in the downtown dining scene for years, known for its upscale comfort food and welcoming atmosphere.

KTVZ can exclusively reveal that when the restaurant reopens Memorial Day weekend, May 23 through 26, it will debut under a new name — Olive & May. Owners say the new concept will feature a refreshed menu and updated look, while keeping the same emphasis on local flavor and quality service.

In a statement, the owners said the rebrand reflects their goal to evolve with the community and continue offering a space for locals and visitors alike to enjoy downtown Bend’s growing dining scene.

Olive & May is expected to officially open Memorial Day weekend.

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Few turnout for San Francisco parade renamed after Cesar Chavez allegations

CNN Newsource on April 12, 2026

By John Ramos

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — On Saturday morning in San Francisco, the annual parade and festival to honor Cesar Chavez was held with a new name and a new focus. But rainy weather and lingering disgust over the allegations about the disgraced labor leader combined to keep the numbers down.

Mother Nature decided to rain on the parade, but even before that, there was a dark cloud hanging over the annual celebration. The child abuse and sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez made for a pretty sparse turnout in an event that, in the past, drew thousands of people.

“Yeah, I guess there’s mixed feelings about that right now,” said parade-goer Edgar Flores about whether the allegations were reflected in the small turnout. “That’s the thing. If there wasn’t any rain and people didn’t show up, I’d say it was reflected. Otherwise, who knows? I mean, the rain may have had something to do with it. I’m not sure.”

The parade and festival were officially renamed for Dolores Huerta, the woman who co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Chavez, and who recently admitted in published reports to being a victim of assault herself. Azalia Merrell Dorner helped organize the event and said a lot of thought was immediately put into the renaming.

“It was talked about in advance of the article that was put out and pushed the article forward and allowed us to pivot,” she said. “So, you know, it was never about a single person. It’s about the workers. It’s about the farmworkers growing the food that you serve to yourself, your family. They should always be about the message. And the message is, the workers matter.”

But it’s hard to pivot to a more generalized message when for so many years it’s been about the man himself. And a lot of mythology has grown up around Chavez. In recent years, he was seen as a champion of immigrant rights, when in fact, as a labor leader, he actually pushed for greater border enforcement, viewing immigrants from Mexico as an economic threat to his union members.

Eva Royale has been a UFW organizer for decades in the Central Valley, and she seemed reluctant to erase Chavez’s legacy completely.

“How do we want to remember Cesar? Cesar was more than what’s being put out now. They don’t even cover all the work that he did during his lifetime,” she said. “I guess we like to have heroes and people we look up to. But he did so much great work. I mean, I don’t see that coming out at all.”

But Royale said she is also a friend of Huerta, and she said Huerta recently called to say that she did not want her name substituted on schools and streets currently named for Chavez.

“She’s more supportive of having farmworkers being acknowledged,” she said. “So, you know, it could be ‘Campesino Way,’ or something related to the farmworker movement and farmworkers.”

But Royale said she fears that the scandal will be used to tarnish Democrat politicians who have enthusiastically embraced Chavez’s image in the past. And she said she is concerned that shame over the allegations will lead to voter suppression within the Latino community at a time when they feel they are already under attack.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Suspect remains at large after deadly shooting at Natomas High School, officials say

CNN Newsource on April 12, 2026

By Richard Ramos

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    SACRAMENTO, California (KOVR) — Sacramento police said a suspect remains at large after a deadly shooting at Natomas High School on Friday.

A Natomas High parent called in to CBS News Sacramento late Friday afternoon to report that their child, who is a student at the school, had informed them that the campus was on lockdown due to a shooter.

CBS News Sacramento then reached out to the Sacramento Police Department, which confirmed that just after 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the school after learning of the shooting. Police have since confirmed the suspect is a current Natomas High student.

CBS News Sacramento obtained a letter Natomas Unified sent out to families following the shooting, which stated that the victim had died and was a former Natomas High student enrolled at another local high school. Officials previously stated that the victim was a student of Natomas High. Neither the victim nor the suspect has been identified.

“Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, and the entire Natomas High School community impacted by this devastating loss,” the district said in the letter. “Natomas is a close-knit community, and when something like this happens, it affects us all. We know this news is difficult and may bring a range of emotions for our students, staff, and families.”

City Councilmember Karina Talamantes, who represents the area, said the shooting happened after school got out for the day.

“Our hearts are with the victim and with the students, staff and families impacted,” Talamantes said.

Natomas Unified stated in its letter that law enforcement officials said the victim was intentionally targeted and that this appeared to be an isolated incident.

Anthony Gamble, a spokesperson for Sacramento police, said no one has been detained at this time as the search continues for the gunman.

Talamantes confirmed the school was put on lockdown while law enforcement officials continued processing the scene.

Natomas High School is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Truxel and San Juan roads. Officers were also seen in the parking lot of the Natomas Village Apartments, directly across the street from the school. A Sacramento Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicle was also seen moving through the complex.

Micah Grant, a Natomas Unified School District board member, called it a “horrific tragedy” and said the district was working with police to have “a heightened safety presence on our campuses.”

“We can never treat tragic situations like this as being unavoidable and we will never accept it,” Grant added. “I’ve confirmed that the district has mobilized our safety and safe schools department as well as our school psychologists and counselors to support our kids, staff, and community through this difficult time.”

California Senator Angelique Ashby, whose district includes Natomas, said her office would be cooperating with Sacramento’s police and fire departments, as well as the Natomas Unified School District.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Burglar kills dog, stabs 2 more at cemetery

CNN Newsource on April 12, 2026

By Nicole Comstock

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    COMPTON, California (KCAL, KCBS) — After enduring years of thieves stealing headstones, the owner of a Compton cemetery decided to sell the property after a person stabbed her three dogs on Friday.

“I have given Woodlawn every bit of me, but when you get to the point of causing injury,” owner Celestina Bishop said.

Bishop said someone trespassed onto the cemetery and stabbed her three cane corsos named Zeus, Ghost and Ro Ro, who were guarding the property.

Ro Ro died. The two others are still recovering from surgery.

“My dogs yesterday, perhaps me tomorrow,” Bishop said. “That’s my worry. Is Woodlawn worth me dying?”

She said the violent attack was the final straw that convinced her to put the cemetery on the market, even though she has a close connection to it.

Bishop’s mother, Billie Collier, is buried at the site. Collier and Bishop’s sisters were murdered in 1977, when Bishop was just a baby. She was rescued by her grandmother.

Over time, the cemetery fell into disrepair. Bishop acquired the property, intending to preserve the inactive cemetery as a memorial site for the military veterans buried there, some dating back to the Civil War.

She tried but hit roadblocks at every corner. With the thieves and vandals digging up gravestones and stealing plaques made of precious metals, Bishop has spent an extraordinary amount of money on repairs, security and maintenance.

“We wanted people to respect the grounds, and it seems like that is the most far-fetched thing that has happened to Woodlawn,” Bishop said. “These dogs didn’t deserve that. They’re good dogs.”

The suspects left behind a cell phone, gloves and mace. Bishop believes they might have bite marks from the dogs.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said they are investigating the case.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Deputy caught scrolling apparent dating app during SWAT operation

CNN Newsource on April 12, 2026

By Matthew Rodriguez

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    RIVERSIDE COUNTY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A deputy on a SWAT operation in Riverside County was caught scrolling on what appeared to be a dating app during a standoff with an armed suspect on Wednesday.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement released on Thursday that it is investigating the incident.

“This behavior does not reflect the standards, expectations, or policies of our department,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote. “We have initiated an internal investigation and will take appropriate action based on the findings. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to professionalism and holding our employees accountable.”

The hours-long standoff happened after an armed pursuit suspect crashed into a wall near a Jurupa Valley school. Aerial footage captured by CBS LA showed the deputy scrolling through his phone while taking cover behind an armored vehicle parked a few feet from the suspect’s car.

The suspect, who was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher during the standoff, refused to surrender after deputies deployed pepper balls and robots. After several hours, deputies approached the suspect and pulled his body out of the car. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect had “injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

Riverside County Fire Department paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. Authorities have not identified him.

The standoff happened after the suspect led deputies on a stop-and-start pursuit for a few hours. After stopping at an intersection near Jurupa Valley High School, the driver sped away as a deputy closely followed. The deputy attempted to use a pursuit-ending tool called a Grappler, but it appeared to cause the suspect to lose control of the car, which then slammed into a brick wall.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Coal mine debris in Colorado extinguished after burning for 20 years

CNN Newsource on April 12, 2026

By Logan Smith

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — The state announced Thursday the completion of a nearly year-long effort to extinguish a burning pile of century-old coal mining debris near Florence.

The pile of rock, dirt and low-quality coal began slowly burning two decades ago, according to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS). The fire ignited by spontaneous combustion.

In May 2025, the agency measured temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit inside the roughly 35-foot tall, 150-foot wide, and 300-foot long pile. Temperatures had previously stayed in the 100-200 degree range, according to an DRMS press release.

The spike was deemed concerning enough to address. State crews began turning the mixture less than a month later. Inside the pile, they found coal pockets reaching 1,000 degrees, per DRMS.

The first phase of the Corley Mine Surface Burn Mitigation Project started with an additional eight acres of “fire barrier” established around the 1.5-acre pile. Once surrounded and isolated from vegetation, the pile was excavated. The refuse pile consisted of coal waste, carbonaceous shale, and coal ash. Approximately 82,000 cubic yards in total, per DRMS.

Crews spread the debris out, sprayed water on it when needed, then rolled in an identical amount of “non-carbonaceous material” like gravel into it. They waited until the remnants of the pile measured less than 90 degrees before covering it with another 164,800 cubic yards of dirt and rock.

That phase of the project was completed in November, per DRMS. Since then, crews have worked on reclamation, or returning the site to aesthetic state similar to its surroundings. Another 30,000 cubic yards of fill were moved in to improve drainage and reduce erosion, then native seed mixes were planted over the entire 9.5 acres.

The Corley Mine operated between the 1920s and 1990s about nine miles south-southwest of Florence. A total of 15 mines were dug over that time at the site. The old refuse was collected into a single pile in the 1950s and newer operations continued to accumulate waste there, per DRMS.

Old, abandoned coal mines have slowly burned underground in other parts of the state. Two such sites south of Boulder were once considered the possible causes of the wind-driven Marshall Fire in 2021, the state’s costliest wildfire. Those sites were later eliminated as the cause, but DRMS dug up the burning remains of those coal mines, treated them, and reburied them.

DRMS crews continue to mitigate another underground coal mine site near Glenwood Springs. A coal seam there has burned since 1910. It was blamed for igniting the Coal Seam Fire which burned more than 10,000 acres and destroyed 28 homes in 2002. Surface measurements there reached 600 and 900 degrees in 2025.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.