Missouri attorney general emphasizes World Cup human trafficking prevention

KMIZ on June 11, 2026

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Human trafficking is believed to impact at least 27.6 million people globally, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Large sporting events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup create a prime environment for traffickers, with big crowds helping them fly under the radar.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said Wednesday that her office is sounding the alarm about the threat of trafficking coming to Missouri with six FIFA World Cup matches taking place in Kansas City and at least 650,000 visitors expected to the area. The first match in Kansas City will see Argentina and Algeria battle it out on Tuesday.

However, the official kick-off is on Thursday in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa.

“We’re concerned that this is going to be the Super Bowl times at least 10,” Hanaway said. “They’re staying here longer, they have a lot of disposable income, this is a very expensive endeavor to travel to a game and to buy tickets, and it’s very male-dominated.”

Kansas City also has an international airport in its backyard, which may ease travel struggles for many, but that provides another avenue for potential trafficking. The Kansas City Aviation Department reported more than 900,000 passengers arrived and departed through Kansas City International Airport’s gates in April.

Hanaway’s office has partnered with It’s a Penalty and the Safe House Project to combat potential trafficking efforts. Part of the collaboration includes promoting the app Simply Report. Hanaway is urging those who see anything concerning to say something.

“Don’t be afraid to overreport — law enforcement can figure out if it’s a good tip or not,” Hanaway said. “If you see young people who are in the control of an adult that they don’t seem to have a natural relationship with, if you’re at a hotel and there’s a lot of traffic in and out of a particular room, just report it. If the hotel room turns out to just be a party, the hotel is probably aware of it.”

Hanaway detailed warning signs that potential targets of traffickers should look out for.

“If they talk to you about modeling or traveling or something that pays really well for the kind of work that it is. Particularly if they start to talk to you about coming to a hotel or a house of some kind,” Hanaway said.

Scams

The Attorney General’s Office is also focusing on consumer scams ahead of the Kansas City matches. Specifically, rental, parking and towing and ticket scams. Hanaway said her office has already been alerted to reports of scams tied to the World Cup events.

“Hotel rooms as far out as Columbia and St. [Joseph] are now all booked up. So if you’re hearing about some last hot deal, you’re going to want to make sure it’s not just somebody taking your money who doesn’t have housing to provide to you,” Hanaway said.

Hanaway suggested using a credit card with fraud protection for purchases or bookings you may be unsure about. As for ticket purchases, she urged people to use reputable sites, or if you’re buying from a person, make sure it’s someone you know and trust.

Parking and towing scams could also be prominent throughout the games. Hanaway is reminding people to double and triple-check the area where they leave their cars during the World Cup events.

“Make sure that either the sign is permanent or that it’s has some indication of being official. Anything that looks like it’s haphazard and put up at the last minute, you want to watch out for,” Hanaway said.

With hundreds of tow companies in the Kansas City area, Hanaway also cautioned drivers to proceed with caution — make sure they actually have your car.

“Don’t start paying anyone until you’ve gone to their tow lot and confirmed that they have your car,” Hanaway said.

Federal, state, county and local safety agencies are all taking part in prevention and security measures.

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Deputies searching for missing 20-Year-Old Bonneville County Man

KIFI on June 11, 2026

Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies are seeking the public’s help to locate a missing person, 20-year-old Tayson Paul Thomas. Friends of Mr. Thomas reported him missing the morning of June 10.

He was last seen at 2:30 AM on Sunday, June 7, near Mitchell’s Restaurant and the On the Run Truck Stop (formerly KJ’s) on Iona Road near Lewisville Hwy. Thomas fled the area on foot after he saw law enforcement to avoid being arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Deputies checked the area, and his friends located Thomas’ cell phone at a nearby residence, but Mr. Thomas was not located at that time. Known friends and family have not heard from Mr. Thomas since then, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Thomas is described as approximately 5’9″ tall, 140 lbs., bald with a goatee and multiple tattoos on his body. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Bonneville County Dispatch at 208-529-1200.

Tips and information can also be shared anonymously online through East Idaho Crime Stoppers at www.IFcrime.org or via the P3tips mobile app.

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Longtime environmental activist Idaho Lorax dies at 74

KIFI on June 11, 2026

Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Longtime Idaho environmental advocate Carta Reale Sierra, commonly known as the Idaho Lorax, has died at age 74. His passing on June 9, 2026, was first reported by the Idaho State Journal and later confirmed via an online obituary shared by Rez Radio Fort Hall.

His online obituary describes him as “one of Idaho’s most unforgettable educators, entertainers, passionately eccentric public activists, and fiercely independent politicians.”

Beyond activism, Sierra was a persistent figure described as a “relentless disruptor” in local politics, running for public office multiple times. Most recently, he launched a campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District as a member of the Constitution Party.

“Channeling Dr. Seuss, he adopted the name ‘Idaho Lorax,’ believing deeply in speaking up for what cannot defend itself,” states his obituary.

To honor his life and legacy, an informal gathering will be held at Lookout Point in Historic Downtown Pocatello on Saturday, June 13, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

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Man drowns at Lake of the Ozarks

KMIZ on June 11, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 31-year-old man from Lebanon, Missouri, drowned at the Lake of the Ozarks on Wednesday afternoon, according to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report says the man entered the Niangua River, “just off big Niangua Arm” became trapped in a low-head dam and drowned.

The man was pronounced dead by the Camden County medical examiner.

MSHP’s Troop F – which covers much of Mid-Missouri – wrote in a 3:15 social media post that the man was found unresponsive “a short time later” after entering the water.

The man’s body was brought to Hedges-Scott and Millard Funeral Home in Camdenton, the report says.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in drownings.

🚨Drowning at Lake of the Ozarks🚨

Troopers are investigating a drowningat the 8MM of the Big Niangua Arm of Lake of the Ozarks.

An adult male entered the water and a short time later, was found unresponsive.

More information will be released as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/KjtDAEJPdZ

— MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) June 10, 2026

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Portneuf Medical’s “Center of Excellence” shows off new Hernia Robot Surgery Technology

KIFI on June 11, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – June is hernia awareness month, and some surgeons at the Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello are highlighting new technology to ensure each hernia surgery goes as smoothly as possible.

The technology has taken off in the world of surgery, changing how doctors operate on many injuries, including hernias.

“We do a lot more complex uses, different planes, different anatomical places to place the mesh,” said Dr. Jorge, a general and trauma surgeon at Portneuf Medical Center. “All of it is because we are so close and we’re so precise that the robot has really revolutionized hernia repair.”

Dr. Jorge explained the surgeries take slighly more time in the operating room, but have been significantly easier for patients to recover from. The patients don’t get as large of an incision and can return to work sooner, sometimes, within days of their operation.

The surgeons also wanted to clarify the robots are under human control throughout the surgery. Doctors can remotely control the arms of the robot, using its specialty tools and optics.

“It’s still our hands controlling the arms, it just takes any little tremor out of the process and holds everything so precise,” Dr. Jorge said. “It’s better than your naked eye cause it’s also so close, I feel like the robot optics are better than my naked eye.”

The optics on the robot are so impressive that it can read the writing on the buildings on a five dollar bill. Dr. Jorge says technology is advancing very quickly, but it’s important to have autonomy and control over the technology in the operating room.

Each hernia case is different and some don’t even require a surgery. A hernia occurs when an internal organ pushes against muscle or tissue, causing a bulge in an area of the body, commonly on the stomach or groin area.

“We may have to repair them even though they are asymptomatic,” Dr. Jorge said. “Just based on the characteristics of the hernia, what we find in the CT scan, it’s important to at least get evaluated and we can have a discussion on whether to operate now.”

If the patient doesn’t receive an immediate operation, or is suspicious they have a hernia, it’s important to watch for warning signs of an emergency situation.

“The worrisome complication is when a bulge doesn’t go away,” he said. “It becomes hard and extremely tender. You might have nausea, vomiting and things like that from the obstruction, even a little change in the color of your skin on top of it.”

Those symptoms, Dr. Jorge says, are cause to go to the emergency room.

Hernia is now its own specialty within the medical world, with surgeons like Dr. Jorge receiving specific training and certifications in hernia surgery. Doctors say its become increasingly important to get care from a high-volume center, like the Portneuf Medical Center, meaning the doctors have had many cases in that specific surgery.

“The more you do, like with anything, the better you get,” Dr. Jorge said. “The more touches you have on the robot the better you get. For us, it’s really important to see a lot of hernias, do a lot of repairs because you tweak the process a little bit every time and the results get better with time and practice, too.”

Dr. Jorge said he believes it’s a trend we’ll continue to see with hernia surgeries and more specialized centers will pop up around the country. Even with the new robots, doctors still encourage outpatients to take it easy for several days before returning to work or physical activity after the surgery. Patients can leave the same day they arrive for their operation, with patients receiving a full abdominal reconstruction being the only ones kept at the hospital for several days.

If you’re concerned you may have a hernia, local surgeons encourage you to come to the Portneuf Medical Center office to get it checked immediately.

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St. Pius X Catholic School closing due to low enrollment, financial struggles

KVIA on June 11, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — St. Pius X Catholic Parish announced the closure of St. Pius X Catholic School Wednesday.

The parish said the school’s enrollment fell since the COVID-19 pandemic and caused financial challenges.

According to parish leaders, current and estimated enrollment numbers indicate an annual operating deficit totaling more than $300,000. Keeping the school open would “jeopardize the long-term financial stability and pastoral mission of the parish.”

“While this chapter of our parish’s history is coming to an end, our mission as a community of faith continues,” Pastor Rev. Sánchez said. “We remain committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of our children, supporting families, and accompanying those affected by this transition.”

The parish said its leaders will work with families to help them look at other educational options for the next school year.

Fr. Sanchez shared his gratitude for the school’s principal, board, teachers, staff, volunteers and parents for dedicating themselves to the school’s mission.

According to the school’s Facebook, students had their last day of school May 22.

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Another 7-OH seller halts sales in Missouri

KMIZ on June 10, 2026

Ryan Shiner

Editor’s note: The headline has been updated to be more clear.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Another business that sells 7-OH has agreed to suspend sales in the state, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced in a Wednesday afternoon press release.

The release says Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading, LLC, also known as RRR, agreed to immediately stop selling 7-OH and “other kratom alkaloids.”

7-OH is a synthetic form of Kratom and has no age requirement to purchase it. The drugs are marketed without safety testing or regulatory approval, Hanaway has previously said.

The Kansas City business stopping its kratom sales within the state also ends a lawsuit the AG’s office had against it, the release says.

“This resolution is a win for Missouri families. 7-OH is a dangerous opioid that is infecting our communities,” Hanaway was quoted in the release. “These are addictive, unregulated, chemically synthesized compounds with unknown outputs. My office will continue to hold accountable bad actors who sell harmful drugs in Missouri.”

Last week, American Shaman agreed to stop selling kratom and 7-OH products.

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Columbia bars prep for World Cup with extended hours and ‘Adopt a Team’ initiative

KMIZ on June 10, 2026

Sutton Parker

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As the World Cup kicks off on Thursday, soccer fans in Columbia will have an extra hour to celebrate in select bars.

Last year, Gov. Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 1041, allowing bars to remain operational for up to 23 hours a day during the World Cup. However, the Columbia City Council chose to opt out and allow bars to remain open an extra hour on select days if they filed an application.

Megan McConachie, the Communication and Outreach Supervisor with the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the application is more of an informational piece.

“We look at it, we share it over with our friends at CPD and the fire department, and then they can go and approve that. It is just so everyone is on the same page,” she said.

The Roof and The Deuce Pub & Pit so far are the only local establishments approved for the extended hours. And McConachie said Eastside Tavern is still in the approval process.

“We recommend applying at least two weeks in advance of the date(s) they would like their hours to be extended. At this point, that leaves only two of the remaining dates.” she said.

As for how the Columbia Police Department is preparing, they say they have been in in meetings since August 2025 alongside other local officials. When it comes to bars operating for extended hours, the department says they will be operating as if it is any other bar night.

The dates bars will be allowed to apply to stay open later include:

June 14

June 17

June 20

June 21

June 23

June 27

July 3

For establishments not taking advantage of the extended hours, the city’s “Adopt a Team” imitative is drawing tournament excitement directly to local venues. The program pairs local bars and restaurants with official World Cup teams, turning the business into local fan headquarters.

Matt Jenne, co-owner of Addison’s, says they wanted to get in on the World Cup Fun by adopting team Argentina.

“I felt like it was kind of a neat idea, Argentina is a good compromise,” Jenne said. “And I think the other thing is that they are actually playing in Kansas City, so there will be some extra excitement about that.”

As opting into the extended hours, Jenne said the tournaments time zones do not justify the late hours.

“These games are not in Korea, they are here in the United States and so it seems like most of the games are during the say or in the evening at a reasonable time so that made sense to us,” he said.

The businesses and corresponding teams include:

Addison’s – Argentina

The Heidelberg – Germany

Hooters – Mexico

Rio Grande – Team USA

The Deuce Pub & Pit – Brazil

The Roof – New Zealand

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – France

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Flock cameras spark debate over public safety and privacy in Southeast Idaho

KIFI on June 10, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– As Southeast Idaho continues to grow, so do the appearances of Flock cameras. With that, a growing debate is emerging over how much surveillance is acceptable in the name of public safety.

According to Flock website, Flock cameras are solar-powered automated license plate readers. They also record different types of vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color of a car. They’re typically used by police departments, municipalities, and private communities.

Sgt. Bryan Lovell from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office claims that Flock cameras are no different than an officer taking down information with a pen and paper.

“I know it since they’ve been in Idaho (it’s) been a factor in a lot of those cases where it’s narrowed down a search, it’s eliminated people as possible involvement or suspect activity in that, it’s narrowed down suspects and information and helps us kind of, narrow down a search for someone that might be involved in a crime,” Lovell said.

According to Sgt. Lovell, that data is only accessible by the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and data can only be shared with other agencies in the case of investigation purposes.

But not everyone is convinced, some Idahoans are concerned about who can access the data.

“This idea of tracking people, and the government surveilling us versus just having a camera like we have in our town. But when you change trying to protect an area or secure the playground from vandalism, and then you shifted from that into tracking people to the point of all their comings and goings. I think that that takes a significant shift in what our purposes of protecting people versus surveilling people,” Tyler Cain, a member of DeFlock Idaho, said.

Cain argues the technology goes beyond reading license plates.

“If you’re taking a picture of a car with a license plate, you can still see through the windshield so you can see who’s driving. It’s not they’re not only tracking license plates,” Cain said.

Sgt. Lovell says these cameras do not collect biometric or personal device information.

“They don’t collect biometrics or anybody’s mobile device information. It collects basically the same things that anybody in the public can see on a vehicle out with their eyes,” Sgt. Lovell said.

As Southeast Idaho continues to install flock cameras, the debate is likely to continue. The question comes down to where the line should be drawn between public safety and personal privacy.

To see a map of Flock cameras near you, visit HERE.

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Yellowstone Underpass in Idaho Falls to close next week

KIFI on June 10, 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Drivers in Idaho Falls should prepare for a temporary closure on Yellowstone Highway next week as crews repair drains in the Yellowstone Underpass.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, the southbound lanes of the U.S. Highway 26 Business Loop at the underpass will be closed June 16 and 17.

The closure will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

ITD says crews will level drains in the roadway to create a smoother ride for drivers.

During the closure, southbound traffic will be detoured onto Boulevard and through the roundabout at Broadway Street before reconnecting with Yellowstone Highway.

Northbound traffic will not be affected.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and watch for crews in the area. Additional information on road closures and construction projects is available through Idaho 511.

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