‘Seat Belts Save Lives’: Bear Lake Sheriff issues warning after two injured in rollover crash

KIFI on May 15, 2026

Seth Ratliff

BEAR LAKE, Idaho (KIFI) — A rollover crash that injured two people on Thursday afternoon has prompted an urgent seat belt safety reminder from the Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash happened just before 4 p.m. on May 14th, on North Beach Rd. near the fish ladder. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the initial investigation indicates the vehicle left the roadway and rolled once before coming to rest.

Both the driver and a single passenger were injured in the crash, and one was even ejected from the car during the rollover. While both individuals were evaluated at the scene by the Bear Lake County Ambulance Service, the exact extent of their injuries has not yet been released.

Now, the sheriff’s office is reminding drivers that seat belts and child restraints save lives. In an official Facebook post, the office urged every driver to make sure all passengers are buckled up.

“During rollover crashes, properly restrained occupants are significantly less likely to suffer serious injury or be ejected from a vehicle,” states the Sheriff’s Office. “Even short trips close to home can become life-threatening in a matter of seconds. Taking the time to properly secure every passenger can prevent tragic outcomes.”

To help local families stay safe, the Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office also noted that they offer complimentary child passenger safety checks and educational resources to ensure car seats are installed correctly. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

WATCH: Be Mindful: Take Action

KVIA on May 15, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and ABC-7 brought you live special coverage through an extension of its initiative, “Be Mindful: Take Action.”

Viewers submitted their questions about mental health for a panel of experts to answer during live newscasts at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

The panelists were Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Dr. Sarah Martin, El Paso Children’s Hospital’s Michelle Barron and Jesse Montero from La Mente Behavioral Health

They answered questions ranging from managing grief to balancing your wellbeing as a caregiver.

Launched in 2023, ABC-7’s Be Mindful: Take Action multi-platform initiative seeks to strengthen the Borderland’s mental health system by empowering its residents through information and education in order to promote a culture of resiliency, reduce stigma and improve wellness.

Watch the full segment (plus some questions that weren’t answered on air) above.

You can also browse through the hundreds of stories ABC-7 has produced highlighting challenges and solutions around mental health by clicking here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Missouri senator asks Boone County prosecutor, attorney general to take action against Boone County clerk

KMIZ on May 15, 2026

Alison Patton

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

There is growing tension between the secretary of state and the Boone County clerk over when to tie voters to a new congressional map that eliminates a safe Democratic district, and now state Sen. Rick Brattin is asking for the clerk to be removed from office.

Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon, a Democrat, wrote a letter to Secretary of State Denny Hoskins on Wednesday, informing him that the voters can’t be tied to the new 2025 congressional districts ahead of this year’s August primaries until he certifies a referendum that would ask voters to confirm the new districts.

In an interview with ABC 17 News, Lennon said she and many other election officials are waiting on Hoskins to update map files so that they can tie voters to the new districts.

Lennon has another concern. If Hoskins certifies the referendum, which he would need to do on or before Aug. 4, the congressional districts revert to the 2022 map. However, the referendum would go on the November ballot.

“Which means we have effectively held an entire primary under a map that is no longer valid. That is an open question and uncharted territory. I do not know what the outcome of that will be, but the overall concern that I think a lot of us have about what the overall integrity of what our elections are going to be in August,” Lennon said Friday.

Hoskins, a Republican, responded to Lennon’s letter the following day, Thursday, telling all local election authorities that the 2025 map is legal and backed that claim with recent court rulings upholding the map.

During a news conference Friday in the state Capitol, Hoskins said the Missouri attorney general or even the U.S. Department of Justice could take action. Hoskins also said he doesn’t believe it is legal to hold a referendum on a new congressional map.

“I’ve not said whether I rule it [the referendum] constitutional or unconstitutional,” Hoskins said.

Brattin said the authority to redraw congressional maps belongs solely to the state legislature.

The map, called “Missouri First” by supporters, has been under legal fire since it was passed during a special legislative session in September. The Missouri Supreme Court upheld the legality of the map Tuesday.

The 2025 map is likely to cut out Democrat Emanuel Cleaver (D-Kansas City) from District 5 and turn the district over to Republican control. Brattin announced he is running for the new District 5, which now includes part of Boone County, in February.

Brattin wrote letters to the Boone County prosecutor and Missouri’s attorney general, asking for immediate action if Lennon doesn’t implement the map.

“If the Boone County Clerk is refusing to implement a valid and currently operative congressional map, that conduct raises serious concerns of a willful failure to perform a mandatory legal duty under Missouri law,” Brattin wrote to Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson. “Election officials are not policymakers. They are tasked with administering the law as written, not substituting their own judgment for that of the legislature.”

Brattin asked Johnson and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway to look into the matter and remove Lennon from office if necessary.

“If you’re not capable or willing to execute the law of the land, especially create absolute chaos within the election process, then you have no business being here,” Brattin said during a press conference.

Brattin said he is acting in his official capacity as a state senator to bring up these concerns.

“This is something we fought for the 7-1 map [seven Republicans, one Democrat], back in ’22,” he said. “This is something I’ve been near and dear to before I was a political candidate, but regardless, my oath is to uphold the Constitution, and it’s clear that she’s [Lennon] not upholding the law of the land that we’ve passed.”

State Rep. Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City) said states across the country are falling into dangerous mid-decade redistricting.

“I would love to have a conversation in this building [the Capitol] about how we can address that and how we can avoid a situation where our county clerks are put in a position where they don’t quite know how to proceed,” Aune said at a press conference Friday evening.

Click here to follow the original article.

‘The Butcher & The Brewer’ coming to Bend for one night only, offering a unique dining experience

KTVZ on May 15, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening next, a unique event is coming to Bend on Tuesday, May 19th: ‘The Butcher & The Brewer’. 

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge, as two local powerhouses collaborate on a multi-course experience. 

Join Chef Carlos Anthony at Hawkeye and Huckleberry and UPP Liquids for a beer dinner, celebrating bold flavors, ranch-driven cooking, and expertly-paired, crafted beers. 

It’s one night only with limited tickets available. 

Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Click here to follow the original article.

Inflation Rises as Iran Conflict Drives Energy Costs

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Tom LoBianco | Quincy News Correspondent

Click here for updates on this story

    Washington (Quincy News) — New inflation and spending figures are offering the clearest picture yet of how the war in Iran is driving up energy costs and squeezing American consumers.

Year-over-year inflation rose 3.8% last month, driven by a 17.9% increase in the cost of energy, according to the April Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Treasury Department figures released Tuesday showed higher military spending tied to the war, $43 billion less in tax collections following last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and rising interest payments on U.S. debt.

The April CPI data, which typically lags world events by several weeks, showed American spending keeping pace with price increases, though analysts warned that may not last.

“The big Achilles’ heel in the economy right now is what we’re all seeing when we drive by and go to the gas station,” said Heather Long, chief economist for Navy Federal Credit Union, on C-SPAN. “The cost of living and inflation is now eating up all the wage gains for a typical worker.”

Analysts with KPMG noted that steady spending is starting to wear thin with growing defaults on items like car loans and decreased spending on higher-end purchases to offset increased spending on basics.

“That suggests the consumer spending contribution to second quarter GDP will be modestly positive,” said KPMG senior economist Yelena Maleyev.

The latest data comes as President Donald Trump celebrated a key victory amid ongoing tensions with the Federal Reserve after the Senate confirmed his pick for the next chair, Kevin Warsh. Former Chair Jerome Powell, who has faced criticism from Trump and scrutiny related to the Fed’s headquarters renovation project, said he plans to remain on the Board of Governors after stepping down as chair.

Food and energy prices are typically excluded from core inflation measures within the CPI. While some of April’s increase reflected corrections tied to missing data during last fall’s government shutdown, inflation pressures also broadened into core categories as the war dragged on.

Separately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) which publishes the CPI, announced it would begin incorporating secondhand clothing purchases into the index as U.S. consumers become more price-conscious and environmentally aware.

“The shift toward secondhand apparel is driven by consumer concerns about clothing costs and environmental sustainability, particularly within younger generations,” BLS wrote in the announcement.

Treasury officials said during a briefing on the April Monthly Treasury Statement that some effects of changes made under the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed last year began appearing in April, with additional impacts expected this fall as key provisions continue taking effect.

Individual refunds jumped 17% in April to $101 billion and corporate tax refunds jumped 87%, according to a Treasury Department official.

The year-to-date deficit stood at $954 billion, but interest payments on the U.S. debt hit a monthly record in April of $112 billion, the Treasury official said on a call with reporters Tuesday.

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.

No charges will be filed against Iberia teacher accused of sexual misconduct

KMIZ on May 15, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No charges will be filed against an Iberia teacher who was accused of having sexual misconduct with a student.

Miller County Prosecutor Robert Seek, who was appointed to the position earlier on Friday, told ABC 17 News that no charges will be filed against Casey Ann Mason.

Mason, 28, was booked into the Miller County Jail on Thursday afternoon and was released at 10:15 a.m. Friday. The school district wrote in an earlier press release that she was arrested on suspicion of having sexual contact with a student.

Seek told ABC 17 News that he will not charge Mason because he felt that it did not apply since the alleged victim was 18 years old.  

District Superintendent Amanda Mace wrote in the social media post that Mason had resigned.

“At this time, I do not have information about whether the arrest will result in formal criminal charges against Ms. Mason,” she wrote. “However, Ms. Mason has submitted her letter of resignation from the District and will not be returning to employment with the District.”

The district says it is cooperating with investigators.

Mace on Friday declined to give any more information, including Mason’s position and years of service.

Click here to follow the original article.

The School Buzz: Vista Ridge softball star now ranked #1 uncommitted catcher in nation

KRDO on May 15, 2026

Josh Helmuth

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — A local softball player is getting national attention, and she’s doing it while dominating both on the field and in the classroom.

Jocelynn “Jojo” Kalkman is a student-athlete at Vista Ridge High School. And she’s awesome. She is now ranked the number one uncommitted catcher in the country for the class of 2027 according to Extra Inning Softball, known for her explosive bat, strong defense behind the plate, and her versatility in the field — she also plays third base and shortstop.

Her coaches say what really makes Jojo special is her leadership. Coach Gabe Gonzalez says she’s the first to show up, the last to leave, and helps lead teams, saying she’s like “having another coach on the field.”

Jojo also sets the standard in the classroom with a 4.4 GPA.

Her mom says Jojo has been one of the “hardest working kids she’s ever known since she picked up a softball at 7 years old.” And Jojo says none of this happens without the people around her.

“I think I’ve gotten to where I am because of my amazing coaches that have taught me everything I know and my support system I have within my family that pours everything into my dreams,” said Jojo to KRDO13.

“Yes, I’ve worked hard to get here, but that work wouldn’t mean a thing without the incredible village I have around me,” she said.

Jojo says she wants to become a doctor someday, maybe exploring politics and journalism as well.

Do you have someone unbelievable at your school? Hit us up, SchoolBuzz@KRDO.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

California rancher honors late wife’s dream with Luke Bryan concert

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Cecil Hannibal

Click here for updates on this story

    ELK GROVE, California (KCRA) — Tom Mahon, a fourth-generation rancher in Elk Grove, is turning his historic family ranch into a concert venue this weekend, hosting 20,000 country music fans for a Luke Bryan performance that fulfills his late wife Cindy’s dream.

“This is a house our great-grandfather built in 1891,” Mahon said, reflecting on the legacy of his family’s ranch, which produces beef, hay, and alfalfa hay. “We’re very proud of that. We’re glad to be a part of a vital service.”

Mahon said he has recently expanded his ranch’s activities to include entertainment. His wife, Cindy, a devoted Luke Bryan fan, had expressed her wish for a country music concert on their property just weeks before her passing in September.

“Cindy and I were married for 44 years,” Mahon said. “She was a great wife, partner. She was a really good woman.” He shared that Cindy passed away suddenly while they were watching Netflix together, and doctors suspect her heart gave out.

Since her passing, Mahon has been coping with grief by keeping himself busy. “It’s been very lonely. I have been working till dark every day, and I come in the house and work for a few more hours. It helps me to sleep if I go to bed exhausted,” he said.

About a month and a half after Cindy’s death, Mahon received an unexpected phone call asking if he would host a Luke Bryan concert on his ranch. “I said, yeah,” Mahon recalled.

Mahon revealed that Cindy had shared her dream of hosting a country music concert on their property just two weeks before her passing. “She said, you know, it would be really neat if we could have a country western concert here someday. She said that would be really cool to have somebody like Luke Bryan or Jelly Roll.”

Mahon said he never reached out to concert organizers, and they had no idea about Cindy’s wish.

“That’s a pretty big coincidence,” he said. “I got to believe that she had something to do with this. She was always the one to be in the background, making things happen.”

In just a few days, thousands of music fans will gather on Mahon’s ranch, turning empty fields into a lively concert venue.

“She would be ecstatic about it,” Mahon said. “That’s 100% the motivation for me.”

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.

NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown hosts charity events for kids in Sacramento

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Daniel Macht

Click here for updates on this story

    SACRAMENTO, California (KCRA) — NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown is hosting two community events in the Sacramento area this week through his charity, 9-1-1 for Kids.

The first is the California State 9-1-1 Heroes Awards Ceremony, which happened on Wednesday at the State Capitol, honoring people and dispatchers recognized for lifesaving 9-1-1 calls.

Brown will also host the Tim Brown Mentor Mini Camp on Friday at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. The camp pairs 100 disadvantaged boys with CHP officer mentors for football training, guidance, and support.

Brown, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Raiders star, has long been involved in youth mentorship and public safety programs.

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.

‘Like a coward’: Kansas City woman saw deadly hit-and-run wreck involving mail carrier, later learned it was her brother

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By JoBeth Davis, Andy Alcock

Click here for updates on this story

    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — Avia Ramsey came outside Wednesday night to go pick up her daughter from school and saw the wreckage.

“By the time I came outside, there were police cars, fire trucks and ambulances everywhere. The streets were blocked off,” she said.

That wreck, at 30th and Benton, involved a USPS van and a gray Chevy Equinox SUV. Police said the USPS van was driving down Benton when the Equinox entered the intersection, hitting it. That van overturned, partially throwing the driver from the vehicle and killing him.

Ramsey was concerned at the time. She works for the postal service as a mail handler. She thought their usual mailman had been hurt. She later found out it was much worse.

“I had no idea that it was my little brother out here. I didn’t find out that it was him until later on that evening,” Ramsey said.

Her brother, a mail carrier, was filling in along her street.

The driver that struck him ditched the SUV and ran from the scene on foot.

“Like a coward,” Ramsey said. “You couldn’t even face what you did, face your consequences.”

Ramsey picked her daughter up, came home, and said a prayer for the driver of the van who died.

“We sat here all night praying for him, praying for him regardless of who it was. But it hurts me even more to know that it was my little brother.”

Family members have identified the victim as 34-year-old Gerald Nevels.

Nevels’s family was proud of him, a long time USPS employee and a public servant.

“He didn’t do nothing to nobody,” she said. “He do his work. He don’t bother nobody. He don’t mess with nobody. He is a hardworking young man that did not deserve to go out like that…he was loved. Y’all took somebody that was loved out here.”

Now a makeshift memorial sits at the intersection where he was killed, a fence still showing damage from the crash.

“I hate that this is so close to my house without me knowing,” she said. She’s hoping someone will come forward.

“This happened right across the street from a church. They have camera footage. There is footage of the vehicle. People know who this is…we are in the middle of the inner city. Somebody knows something. They know exactly who did it. They know whose car it is. So we just need the person to man up. Let’s let you come and be a man about the situation before somebody finds you.”

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.