Woman, 3 children injured in Randolph County crash

KMIZ on July 13, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 29-year-old woman from Macon was seriously injured in a Sunday afternoon crash on Highway 63, about a mile south of Cairo, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Three children 8 years old and younger were in the 2016 Ford Explorer with the woman when it crashed, the report says. The vehicle was going northbound when it went off the left side of the road, hit an embankment and overturned in the median, the report says.

The children had minor injuries and were taken to University Hospital in Columbia by ambulance, along with the woman, the report says. Everyone in the vehicle was secured in a safety device, the report says.

The vehicle was totaled.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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Jeanne Snodgrass resigns from Columbia Board of Education, bullying policy update tabled

KMIZ on July 13, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Board of Education member Jeanne Snodgrass resigned from her position during Monday’s meeting.

She wasn’t at the meeting in person, but the board read her letter of resignation.

Snodgrass submitted the letter dated July 9 saying that she is moving next month “and will no longer live within the eligible boundaries.”

At Monday’s board of education meeting, members said they will put an application online for any members of the public who want to apply.The board will then review the applications and have an open meeting to discuss applicants.

At a later date, the board will invite up to give applicants to a meeting to ask questions, at which point the board will vote on a candidate.

Snodgrass’ replacement will serve the remainder of her term, or about one year. The board said they don’t expect to have anyone sworn in by the start of the fall semester.

Snodgrass was first elected to her role in 2021 and won a reelection bid in 2024. Her term was set to end next years.

“It has been a true privilege to be part of the work this board has done for over five years in supporting and advocating for public education generally and our Columbia public schools specifically,” her resignation letter states. “I am proud of the many accomplishments of the students, teachers, and staff of our district. Columbia is a community that cares about education and I leave knowing that the other current board members share a commitment to helping every child in our district succeed.”

Board delays moving forward with bullying policy updates

The Columbia Board of Education also delayed action on proposed changes to the district’s anti-bullying policy, saying it wants more feedback from the community before moving forward.

Board members were expected to discuss revisions to the policy Monday night, but instead opted to postpone the discussion until their next meeting after saying most of the feedback received so far has come from district staff and administrators.

“Optimally, we’d love to have more feedback from the community and not just parents. I mean, we’re supposed to be getting it from students, administrators and staff in general. We’ve gotten it from administrators and staff. We haven’t really gotten a lot of input from the community. We always want feedback from the community for our policies,” Board Vice President Paul Harper told ABC 17 News.

The proposed revisions would shift the district’s approach from primarily requiring staff to report bullying incidents to also expecting employees, substitutes, volunteers and educational contractors who work directly with students to intervene when appropriate, assist the student being bullied and then report the incident to a building principal or designee.

The draft policy also expands victim support by requiring schools to provide supportive measures during investigations, including possible safety plans, counseling, schedule changes and no-contact agreements. The proposal also directs schools to move the alleged perpetrator rather than the victim when students must be separated.

Other proposed changes would clarify when the district can respond to off-campus cyberbullying, continue accepting online bullying reports year-round and require written investigation findings to be shared with families after an investigation is completed.

Harper said the revisions are intended to make the policy easier for families and staff to understand while ensuring students receive appropriate support.

“To put it simply, the bully policy needed to be updated. We needed to ensure that the process was better known to all of our families and to our staff. So really the goal is to make it readable, to make it a process that everybody understands and also that supports some of our students when they are in these situations, both for the student who has been bullied as well as the bully themselves because we’re an educational entity.”

Harper said the board will review any additional public feedback, determine whether changes should be made to the draft and hopes to bring the policy back for approval in August or September.

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Jefferson City sees 149% increase in money collected from parking tickets after fine hike

KMIZ on July 13, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City is seeing a sizable difference in the money collected from parking enforcement after changing the rates for metered parking fines earlier this year.

Previous reporting shows the city issued 4,674 expired meter citations between Jan. 6-June 30 this year, compared with 3,963 during the same period in 2025. 

From Jan. 6- June 30 this year, $94,016.40 has been collected from parking tickets, records obtained by ABC 17 News show. The total during that same period in 2025 was $37,794.50, marking a 148.75% increase.

The increase comes after Jefferson City contracted with PCI Municipal Services LLC to provide parking management and enforcement at the beginning of the year. The City Council also increased the fine for expired meters from $6 to $25.

Previous reporting shows ticket totals were higher early in the year before gradually declining each month. The city issued 998 expired meter tickets in January; 1,020 in February; 840 in March; 696 in April; 635 in May and 485 in June.

During the same months in 2025, the city issued 182 tickets in January; 639 in February; 1,110 in March; 889 in April; 546 in May and 597 in June.

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“It was very preventable”: Boise greenbelt murder suspect was acquitted of separate knife assault just months prior

KIFI on July 13, 2026

Linda Larsen

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — As Ross Allen Wardlaw of Boise faces first-degree murder charges for the deadly July 6 stabbing of Jordan Harbst on the Boise Greenbelt, a voice from his past is speaking out. Hannah French, who says she survived a violent encounter with Wardlaw less than a year ago, says the recent tragedy could have been prevented.

A History of Violence

French, a Fremont County native, claims Wardlaw attempted to stab her less than a year ago while she was working at the Interfaith Sanctuary in Boise.

According to court documents, Wardlaw was charged with aggravated battery and aggravated assault in June 2025. Those charges stemmed from allegations that Wardlaw broke a man’s nose at the shelter. French says she was speaking to the gentleman who had been punched in the face when Wardlaw chased her with a knife. 

In addition to the assault and battery charges, prosecutors argued Wardlaw was a persistent violator, as evidenced in the litany of his criminal charges in his court records

However, a jury found Wardlaw not guilty in that case this past May. He was released from custody less than two months before the fatal attack on the Greenbelt.

“Housing Status is Not a Reason People Commit Murder”

French expressed profound grief over Harbst’s death, emphasizing that the tragedy highlights a breakdown in how the justice and healthcare systems handle severe mental illness.

“My heart was broken for the individual, the victim,” French said. “It’s just very unfortunate that in order to possibly get Ross Wardlaw help with his mental health and things like that, an individual had to be murdered.”

French also says the problem is not Wardlaw’s homelessness but rather an unaddressed mental health crisis. She suggests he should have been remanded to a psychiatric facility rather than released.

“I think it’s important, besides the fact that the system failed this 25-year-old victim, to understand that people don’t commit crimes because they’re unhoused; they commit crimes because there are internal factors at play,” French said. “Housing status is not a reason that people commit murder. Being unhoused shouldn’t rope you into this stereotype because of one individual.”

Community Support Pours in for Harbst’s family

In the aftermath of Harbst’s death, a verified GoFundMe for Harbst’s family has already raised more than $50,000. The fundraiser identifies Jordan as the oldest in his family, survived by his younger sister and two parents.

“The loss has left the Harbst family devastated, and they are now facing the unimaginable challenge of saying goodbye to their beloved son,” states the Fundraiser. For more information, click HERE.

His accused killer, Wardlaw, remains in custody and is scheduled to return to an Ada County court next Monday, July 20, for his preliminary hearing.

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Metolius man gets help from BrightSide after nearly 100 cats rescued

KTVZ on July 13, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Metolius man who found himself caring for nearly 100 cats is getting help from BrightSide Animal Center, after the Central Oregon shelter stepped in to rescue the animals and provide medical care.

Last week, BrightSide staff visited the man’s home for the first time and removed 61 cats, most of them kittens. Kristen Davidson, executive director of BrightSide Animal Center, said the team plans to return this Wednesday with the goal of bringing in the remaining cats.

Davidson emphasized that the man is not in trouble and is not being treated as an abusive pet owner. Instead, she said, his situation reflects how quickly cats can repopulate when they are not spayed or neutered.

“Cats repopulate at a very high and fast rate,” Davidson said in an interview. “The man in question here, he loves cats. He is really just wanting to do right by these animals and really got himself into a situation he was not prepared for pretty quickly.”

According to BrightSide, all but four of the 61 cats brought in so far are kittens, and many are still nursing. Shelter staff prioritized removing nursing mothers and their litters, along with the youngest kittens, because they are most vulnerable to illness in crowded living conditions.

As expected in a home with that many animals, BrightSide’s veterinary team is seeing health problems among the cats, especially upper respiratory infections. Davidson describes URI as “kind of like a kitty cold,” but said it can be much more serious for very young kittens if not treated quickly.

“Even when somebody is doing the best they can, when you have this many cats living in that kind of space, it’s inevitable they’re going to get sick,” she said.

BrightSide plans to spay and neuter the cats before placing them for adoption and will also fix several of the man’s remaining pets, then return those animals to him. Davidson said the case highlights the importance of spay and neuter resources, which are available at low or no cost through several organizations in Central Oregon.

“Number one advice: spay and neuter, definitely,” she said. “No matter how many cats you have, go ahead, spay and neuter all of them if you don’t want to end up in this kind of situation.”

BrightSide has already made some of the older kittens available for adoption and expects more cats and kittens to become adoptable over the next month, as they grow and complete medical treatment. Davidson said many of the cats are highly adoptable, and some are likely to appeal to Siamese cat lovers.

She added that community support has played a major role in the response, from donations of kitten food and formula to offers of foster care.

“The more that our community puts into us, the more we can put back into it,” Davidson said. “Seeing the community show up just reaffirms that people appreciate that we’re providing this service.”

BrightSide Animal Center is encouraging local residents to help by fostering kittens, adopting a cat or making a monetary donation to support veterinary care and supplies. Those interested in helping can contact BrightSide at (541) 923-0882.

Reported: July 13, 2026; 11:40 am

Brightside Animal Center in Redmond is sounding the alarm after taking in more than 100 cats and kittens from a local resident.

The shelter says its staff is stretched thin, caring for newborns needing around-the-clock feedings, sick and underweight kittens, and mothers with litters.

Officials are now asking the community to step in and help as resources run low.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday spoke with shelter staff about the urgent situation—and what’s needed most right now.

Watch the full report tonight on KTVZ News at 6 pm.

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Eisenhower Health study links air pollution to increased health care visits

KESQ on July 13, 2026

Matthew Pearce

Rancho Mirage, Calif. (KESQ) — Research from Eisenhower Health has found that short-term increases in airborne particulate matter are associated with higher emergency department and urgent care visits across the Coachella Valley.

Conducted in collaboration with the City of Indian Wells, the study examined the relationship between fine particulate matter, coarse particulate matter and patient visits.

The preliminary findings from the study suggest that even modest increases in air pollution can have a measurable impact on community health. An increase in fine particle pollution (PM2.5) levels, that can occur during dust storms or other periods of poor air quality, was associated with an estimated 407 additional emergency department visits and about 1,658 more urgent care visits each year at Eisenhower Health.

A increase in coarse particulate matter (PM10) was linked to an estimated 135 additional emergency department visits and 262 more urgent care visits annually.

Children ages 0–17 appeared to be the most affected by short-term exposure to particle pollution, while asthma and acute coronary syndrome showed the strongest associations with elevated PM2.5 levels.

“Our community experiences unique air quality challenges, and this research helps us better understand how air pollution may affect residents, especially children and older adults,” said Eric Leroux, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer at Eisenhower Health.

Researchers also observed stronger associations with urgent care visits than emergency department visits, suggesting worsening air quality may first prompt patients to seek treatment for less severe, but clinically significant, symptoms.

While the findings are still undergoing scientific review, health experts recommend monitoring local air quality and limiting outdoor exposure during periods of elevated particulate pollution, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals and those with asthma, COPD or heart disease.

The manuscript is currently being prepared for submission to the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology for peer review.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more. Coverage starts live at 4 p.m.

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Rocket launcher, fentanyl pills seized during homicide investigation in Juárez

KVIA on July 13, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Chihuahua State Police seized a rocket launcher and 1,000 fentanyl pills from a couple in Juárez. Police the seizure happened Sunday afternoon in the Parajes del Sol neighborhood during a homicide investigation.

Officers used drones an the Sentinel Platform suveillance system and found a Toyota Corolla allegedly linked to the crime. They tracked it until it stopped next to a Ford Escape SUV.

While inspecting both vehicles, officers found weapons including the rocket launcher, assault-style rifles, 50 rounds of ammunition, magazines and a handgun, SSPE said.

They arrested Jonathan G. R. and Maritza P. G. They went to the Public Prosecutor’s Office along with the seized items for further investigation, SSPE said.

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Man charged for alleged stabbing in Las Cruces

KVIA on July 13, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Las Cruces police arrested and charged a 37-year-old man suspected of a stabbing during a disagreement Saturday.

After noon Saturday, the Las Cruces Police and Fire Department went to Apodaca Park off E Madrid Avenue. They reportedly found a 28-year-old man with what appeared to be at least one stab wound, police said.

Crews airlifted him in critical condition to an El Paso hospital, where he remains hospital as of Monday, police said.

Police said they found Pascual Jose Diaz near the alleged stabbing scene and took him into custody.

Investigators said the two men may have had an argument that escalated.

Diaz faces felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence.

He booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond.

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Missouri cases of diarrhea-causing illness are connected to travel, DHSS official says

KMIZ on July 13, 2026

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missourians have been mostly spared from the diarrhea-causing illness contracted by eating contaminated produce or water.

Currently, the Department of Health and Senior Services has reported 43 cases since this time last year, and data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control show Missouri with zero reported cases of cyclosporiasis since July 9. Cases reported in Missouri are believed to be connected to travel.

“I do want to note that, although we have cases in MO, none are expected (at this time) to be related to the outbreak causing national headlines. We have cases reported each year around this time, usually related to international travel,” Lisa Cox, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said over email.

DHSS epidemiologist Nathan Koffarnus said the cases are being investigated further, and the CDC will update national data weekly.

“I think we also have to keep in mind that because we have some other states seeing really large outbreaks and numbers of cases, that could mean that we’ve got residents that have traveled to those states, so maybe they haven’t left the country, but they got exposed elsewhere in the United States,” Koffarnus said.

The CDC reports 843 confirmed cases in the U.S. since May 1, with Michigan having the highest count, and 86 people have been hospitalized.

“CDC is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed,” the tracking map of the illness on the CDC’s website reads.

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department told ABC 17 News there were four cases reported in 2026. Spokesperson Austin Krohn said those cases are travel-related and not connected to the national outbreak.

Boone County saw 10 cases in 2023, which had the most cases within the past five years, with 2024 following with eight cases. No cyclosporiasis cases were reported in the county last year.

MU Health Care Dr. Christopher Sampson said he’s treated some patients from the Mid-Missouri area over the weekend, but couldn’t give a specific number.

Sampson said the symptoms of diarrhea can last weeks, unlike food poisoning.

“The biggest danger is really dehydration, so if you’re having large quantities of diarrhea, you can lose a lot of water and get dehydrated,” Sampson said. “Most people, thankfully, are able to be discharged home after treatment.”

Cases are likely underreported, especially if people are infected but don’t receive medical treatment, according to the CDC.

The CDC said cyclosporiasis is typically seasonal, with cases increasing between May and August, typically because people are traveling abroad or, in this case, imported fruits and vegetables are contaminated. Previously, outbreaks have been linked to basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries and snow peas.

The best prevention is hand washing and washing produce.

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St. James man accused of having hundreds of child porn files

KMIZ on July 13, 2026

Ryan Shiner

Timothy Morris/Phelps County Jail

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A St. James man was charged on Monday in Phelps County with seven counts of possessing child sex abuse materials.

Timothy Morris, 41, is being held at the Phelps County Jail without bond. He applied for a public defender on Monday. A hearing has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says law enforcement received a cyber tip on June 18 about a Yahoo account having more than 300 files of child sex abuse materials.

A warrant was served at Morris’ home on July 10 and he allegedly admitted to owning the Yahoo account and that he “collected” child sex abuse files for several years, court documents allege. An initial search by police found at least eight files containing child sex abuse.

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