Contractor picked for I-70 truck parking project

KMIZ on May 6, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has picked a contractor for the Improve I-70: Truck Parking project, according to a Wednesday press release from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

KCI construction Team was picked for the projects in Concordia, Boonville, Mineola and Wright City, the release says. The truck parking project is a part of the Improve I-70 Project, which aims to make the interstate a three-lane highway on both sides across the state.

 About $33 million of the project in grant funding is to be used for expand truck parking along Interstate 70, the release says. MoDOT claims all of the public truck parking areas along I-70 are over capacity and 75% of private truck stops are also over capacity.

According to the release, the proposal for the contractor includes:

Pavement improvements and parking expansion at existing Concordia, Boonville, Mineola, and Wright City rest areas.

255 additionaltruck parking stalls, totaling 506 available public truck parking stalls across the I-70 corridor.

195 car parking stalls and five RV parking stalls.

Bathroom remodels at the Wright City and Concordia locations.

Lighting upgrades at all locations.

17 acres of pollinator habitat planting spread across multiple sites

The project is expected to be completed by Dec. 1, 2028, the release says.

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Idaho medical cannabis supporters submit more than 150,000 signatures for 2026 ballot initiative

KIFI on May 6, 2026

Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho announced Wednesday that they have submitted more than 150,000 signatures in an effort to qualify The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act for the November 2026 ballot.

The Path to the Ballot

According to Idaho law, the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act must meet Idaho’s ballot qualification requirements, which include obtaining signatures from at least 6% of registered voters in a minimum of 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts.

“After a rigorous signature gathering effort that stretched to every corner of Idaho, the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho is proud to report that more than 150,000 signatures across all 44 counties of Idaho were submitted by the May 1 deadline in the effort to qualify the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act for the November 2026 ballot,” said Amanda Watson, communications lead for the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho.

County clerks now have until June 30 to verify signatures before forwarding certified totals to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, which will determine whether the initiative qualifies for the ballot.

If certified, Idaho voters would decide whether to legalize medical cannabis in the state during the November 2026 election.

Legislative Pushback

Despite the high signature count, the initiative faces stiff resistance from the Statehouse. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 127, urging residents to reject efforts to bring the initiative to the ballot.

In the resolution, lawmakers cited concerns about potential increases in cartel activity, health risks, and expanded access to marijuana beyond medical use.

“The Legislature has sent a strong and unifying message that it understands the danger that marijuana legalization is to Idaho families,” Sen. Scott Grow said in a statement included in the resolution.

Idaho remains one of the few states in the nation without a legal medical cannabis program. Should the Secretary of State certify the signatures this summer, the final decision will rest with Idaho voters on November 3, 2026.

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Audrain County man charged with first-degree sodomy of child

KMIZ on May 6, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Audrain County man is accused of sexually abusing a child younger than 12 years old.

Caleb Claggett, of Mexico, Missouri, is charged with first-degree sodomy. He is being held at the Audrain County Jail without bond. A confined docket hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday.

The probable cause statement says Claggett allegedly admitted to sexually abusing a child to his case worker in February. The child was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center on March 4 and described sexual abuse by Claggett, the statement says.

Claggett was interviewed on April 23 and allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he sexually abused a child in 2019, court documents say.

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Missing Blackfoot man with dementia found safe

KIFI on May 6, 2026

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — In an update posted shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the Blackfoot Police Department confirmed that 76-year-old Tom Loefler has been located.

ORIGINAL:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Blackfoot Police Department is searching for a missing endangered adult, 76-year-old Tom Loefler.

Loefler has dementia and was last seen leaving his home along Lilac St. in Blackfoot. Police say he left the house this morning without his phone, carrying a blue backpack, and is believed to be in danger.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, contact the Blackfoot Police Department Dispatch Center at 208-785-1234.

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Education funding dominates House budget debate

KMIZ on May 6, 2026

Marie Moyer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Both houses of the Missouri General Assembly took up the state budget Wednesday, with contention over whether the legislature would properly fund K-12 education.

The budget bills are due on the governor’s desk by Friday.

After several days of deliberation in a conference committee, the total operating budget comes to around $48.7 billion — about $3 billion less than recommended by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

“It’s a budget that balances and starts to take a critical look at making sure Missouri state government is living within its means,” Budget Chairman Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-Seneca) said during a news conference.

The education funding bill, House Bill 2002, drew heavy debate. The 2027 budget has a little under $4.3 billion set aside for the state’s Foundation Formula. The program helps fund districts and private schools based on enrollment.

While around $13 million more than last year’s Foundation Formula budget, the funding falls short of what the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requested by around $190 million.

Supporters of the budget argue that education has consistently been prioritized. The House also voted to approve a $15 million fund for school transportation.

“We did put, again, half a billion dollars in last year, fully funded the transportation line that goes up every year,” Deaton said. “I would challenge anyone to look at anything else in the state budget and tell me where we’ve done more, where we have prioritized more.”

“I don’t recall a whole lot of ‘atta-boys’ for fully funding the formula the previous years, it wasn’t enough then,” Rep. Darin Chappell (R-Rogersville) said.

Opponents argued that the funding request was calculated to continue underfunding public education. Budget committee member Rep. Kathy Steinhoff (D-Columbia) reported that for the current 2026 fiscal year, the state has been $245 short of the Missouri State Adequacy Target for each K-12 student, or the baseline per-student funding foundation formula.

“Just because we are spending a hefty amount on schools, which we are, it doesn’t make it our priority; if it were our priority, we would fully fund it first and then work out the rest,” Steinhoff said.

Opponents also called out the sources of funding for education, including a projected $106.5 million from the Lottery Proceeds Fund and $6.8 million from the Sports Wagering for Education Fund. These are annual proceeds from the state lottery and sports betting that go to education.

“Fully funding educational opportunities for kids in classrooms is my number one priority, so I am uncomfortable using dollars that may or may not be there later on down the road,” Budget Committee Ranking Minority Member Rep. Betsy Fogle (D-Springfield) said.

Stienhoff added that current lottery earnings have not met expected funds.

“People aren’t playing the lottery as much as we banked on, the sports wagering wasn’t coming in like predicted, the shortfall has been passed on to the children of this state, we are underfunding this current year’s expenses,” Stienhoff said.

Deaton adds that the projected numbers are based on numbers from previous years.

“Is House Bill 2 [2002] based on projections of lottery? Yes, just like the whole state budget is,” Deaton said.

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Kofa student receives $20k scholarship

KYMA on May 6, 2026

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A student from Kofa High School received a scholarship worth $20,000.

Enrique Diaz was selected as the recipient of the El Valle Puede Scholarship.

The scholarship was funded by the Helios Foundation and other Arizona organizations who awarded five seniors with the opportunity to further their education.

“It feels like a load I’ve been carrying on how to pay for nursing school without going into debt has finally been lifted,” Diaz said. “Before this, I was seriously considering enlisting in the Navy just so I could afford school and have my education paid for. Because of this scholarship, I now have the opportunity to focus fully on my goals without that pressure. It still leaves me with a grin every time I think about it, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse with this kind of support.”

To learn more about this, read the press release below.

PR – Kofa student earns El Valle Puede scholarship worth $20,000 (1)Download

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Gov. Katie Hobbs attends Future48 manufacturing facility opening in Wellton

KYMA on May 6, 2026

Madeline Murray

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) made a stop in Wellton Wednesday for the ribbon-cutting of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator.

The new facility will support hands-on training in electrical technology, manufacturing, internet fiber and solar energy where programs are designed to match local employers needs so people can train for real jobs in the area.

“Arizona Western College is proud to celebrate the opening of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton as a major step forward in strengthening our region’s workforce ecosystem,” said Dr. Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs. “This facility represents the power of collaboration between education, industry, and community partners to create real pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers. We are excited about the opportunities this center will provide to our students and the long-term economic impact it will have across Yuma County and beyond.”

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

Students and workers will lear from programs developed directly by local employers like the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, Allo Fiber and Trax International.

Gov. Hobbs says the opening of the facility is just a step forward in her goal to assure every Arizonan has the resources they need to excel in our fast-growing economy.

“This facility is developed with flexibility in mind so it can adapt as workforce need evolve and ensures that local students and workers train on the same equipment and technology used by employers across the region,” Hobbs expressed.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

The facility was created to prepare Arizona for the future of tomorrow, leading to real career pathways.

To watch the livestream of Hobbs’ appearance at the grand opening ceremony, see attached video.

Arizona Western College opens Future48 Workforce Accelerator to power high-wage careers in WelltonDownload

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Imperial County Board approves mandatory trash collection and rate hikes

KYMA on May 6, 2026

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Last month, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a new solid waste rate and collection system for unincorporated areas to comply with California’s Organic Waste Reduction Law, aka Senate Bill (SB) 1383.

Effective July 1, the county will transition to a mandatory three-container system, replacing the long-standing reliance on self-hauling to local landfills.

Residents will receive 96-gallon bins color-coded for household trash (black), recycling (blue), and organic waste (green).

The service will cost residents approximately $26.51 per month. The fee, totaling roughly $320 per year, will be billed annually on the county property tax roll. Under the new mandate, no residential waivers are permitted.

Commercial businesses will also be required to use the three-bin system, with service levels tailored to their specific needs and billed monthly by the hauler.

Unlike residential users, commercial entities may apply for certain waivers if they meet specific state criteria.

While the deadline to implement SB 1383 passed in 2022, Imperial County has operated under a series of extensions.

With those extensions set to expire, the Board moved forward to bring the county into compliance and avoid potential state-mandated penalties.

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More Citations Going Out in Isla Vista Under New Parking Enforcement

KEYT on May 6, 2026

John Palminteri

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new parking compliance program is now in place in Isla Vista and it is going to be a costly issue for repeat offenders.

The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) has a new parking compliance project manager and team to distribute tickets to vehicles, costing around $37.50 each. They will be higher for violations of the hanicaped parking laws.

Last month was a warning period and now the tickets with fines are going under the windshield wipers and enforced.

Offenses include blocking the sidewalk, parking in a red zone, parking in front of a fire hydrant, parking in the same spot more than 72 hours, and parking too close to an intersection.

The compliance team went through special training prior to the ticket program starting. That included instruction on the law and dealing with interaction with the public.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department also has jurisdiction over the area but parking enforcement can exceed its staffing levels on most days.

This program was developed by the IVCSD in coordiantion with the county.

A start up loan of $300,000. was approved by the Board of Supervisors and it will be paid back through the collection of fees. The fees partly go to the county and the ticket processing company. The bulk of the fines collected go to the district, and mainly to pay for the program costs annually.

Isla Vista Community Service District Public Works and Sustainability Director Jenna Norton said, “it is essential to insure accessibility for everyone including people walking, biking even those in their car so they can clearly see who is in the road.”

Some blocks were identified with over 50 violations. It was described as “alarming.”

The district has been very concerned about the cars parked over the sidewalk and how it diverts pedestrians, especially those who are in mobility assisted devices. “Some people don’t have the means to do that if they are using mobility device or say they are pushing a stroller and it is not fair it’s not safe,” said Norton.

Compliance manager Kaci Bardel says when she cites a vehicle, the paperwork goes under the windshield wiper. At one locations she said, “here we have a ticket and then we have an information card, we have the one that applies. “

The IVCSD says the enhanced parking program makes Isla Vista a safer community.

They are hoping someday to have full compliance but Norton says, “we’ve taken a really strong educational first approach and we hope some day to write zero tickets.”

Bardel said often, vehicles are parked not only in the red but in front of a fire hydrant. “I was shocked at the number of fire hydrants that were blocked. It was a lot higher than I would anticipate.”

A four year Isla Vista resident saw some benefits of the enforcement but not all aspects. Will Cronin said, “I think the $37.50 ticket for what the 72 hours or just over the sidewalk. I think that is overkill in my opinion. Fire hydrants I can see the safety issue but red zones, two cars can go right there, I don’t see an issue with it.”

The IVCSD says if a driver is nearby there may be more of a conversation than a ticket, or a verbal warning.

Norton says it is a legitimate safety and quality of life issue for the areas with intense housing of college students and also the year-round residents and their families. “It is something that we genuinely deserve because it will contribute to a better quality of life at the end of the day,” she said. “We’re in a position to take a unique approach for this unique community because we know and love it so well.”

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Idaho Falls Rotary Club cuts ribbon on Heritage Park, kicks off 35th annual Duck Race

KIFI on May 6, 2026

News Team

 The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — City officials, Idaho Falls Rotary Club members and community supporters gathered today to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for two new picnic shelters at Heritage Park and kick off the Idaho Falls Rotary Club’s 2026 Duck Race.

Located along the western banks of the Snake River, Heritage Park is a 10-acre park designed to highlight the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Idaho Falls, and many of the upgrades, including the new picnic shelters, were funded with money raised by the Idaho Falls Rotary Club’s annual Duck Race.

“Heritage Park connects people to the Snake River, provides space for recreation, and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” said Parks & Recreation Director PJ Holm. “The new park shelters in Heritage Park are not just structures. They are gathering places, where families will celebrate birthdays, where friends will reconnect and where memories will be made for decades to come.”

Since 2018, the Idaho Falls Rotary Club has contributed over $800,000 to projects in Heritage Park. Projects have included: grading the property, installing the irrigation system, building pathways throughout the park, purchasing sod, and most recently paying for two shelters.

Heritage Park stands as a testament to the power of community partnership. The Smith families donated the land that made the project possible, while Ball Ventures funded construction of the parking lot. Morgan Construction transported and donated the fill material needed to bring the park to its current elevation, and volunteers from JustServe organized an effort to install more than four acres of sod in a single evening.

The shared vision and collaboration of numerous private, nonprofit and community partners has brought to life a park that will serve as a lasting community asset for generations to come.

“The Idaho Falls Rotary Club has played such a key role in developing the River Walk, and especially Heritage Park,” Holm said. “We are grateful to Idaho Falls Rotary Club for its ongoing commitment to creating beautiful spaces along the River Walk for current and future generations.”

After the ribbon-cutting event, the Idaho Falls Rotary Club kicked off the 2026 Duck Race with a parade featuring some of this year’s prizes, including a sedan donated by Stone’s KIA and an ATV donated by ICCU. Ducks will soon be available for sale online or at sales booths around the community this summer. This year’s Duck Race will be on Saturday, Aug. 8. Follow the Rotary Club’s Facebook page for more information.

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