Mun Choi calls on Columbia city leaders to take action on downtown safety at business breakfast

KMIZ on September 9, 2026

Ellyse Edwards

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

University of Missouri President Mun Choi called on Columbia city leaders to take action Wednesday on safety concerns in downtown Columbia.

Choi made the comments during a presentation at a Columbia Chamber of Commerce quarterly breakfast event Wednesday morning. His presentation focused in part on violence downtown, particularly around East Walnut Street, and called for greater accountability from city leaders.

One slide in Choi’s presentation stated, “Violent Crimes and Homeless Crimes in Downtown Columbia are major issues.”

The slide continued, “It’s affecting your business and mine,” and called for “action and accountability from city leaders.”

Choi also showed attendees a timeline titled “Timeline of Recent Violence on Walnut Street.” The presentation listed several incidents between April and September that Choi characterized as violent fights or shots fired outside bars.

The slides reference “violent fights outside bars” on April 11, June 27, July 16, Aug. 9 and Sept. 5. The slide stated shots were fired outside bars on Aug. 9 and Sept. 5.

Another slide encouraged Chamber members to speak up and said silence could be viewed as indifference. It also encouraged attendees to contact city leaders and “demand results.”

Choi also focused on what he believes should be the city’s responsibility in addressing public safety.

The presentation said city leaders “must not divert attention and accountability through Violence Prevention and forming Task Forces to ‘study the problem.’”

The slide also said input and recommendations from Columbia Police Department leaders are essential, adding, “lives are on the line.”

Choi additionally told attendees, “We need to all take action moving forward, and if you look at where all this is happening, it’s East Walnut Street.”

Choi has pressured city leaders for months over downtown crime and the presence of homeless people around the MU campus. His campaign has included warning students away from a particular section of downtown at night.

City spokesman Christopher Ave said in a statement on behalf of Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and Columbia City Council members that the city shares Choi’s concerns.

“We share President Choi’s concerns. That’s why we continue to work collaboratively and legally to ensure that downtown—and the entire Columbia community—is safe for all,” Ave said.

Ave said the city, Columbia Police Department, the University of Missouri, The District, downtown businesses and other community partners continue to work together on issues related to public safety, traffic and pedestrian safety and the overall downtown environment.

Choi has not yet responded to follow-up questions, and the Columbia Police Department has not responded to a request for comment.

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Former Island Park city clerk charged with embezzling public funds

KIFI on September 9, 2026

Curtis Jackson

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — A former clerk for the City of Island Park is charged with embezzling over $219,500 from the city.

Reeca Marotz is charged with two counts of misusing public money after an investigation by the Idaho Attorney General’s Office.

According to court documents, the Attorney General’s Office began the investigation in February 2026 after an auditor found discrepancies while reviewing the city’s books and reported them to Mayor Bruce Ard. The auditor found written checks where the payee and signer were the same person, but the city’s accounting software listed a different payee. The written check was signed and made payable to Reeca Marotz, who had been the city clerk since 2011.

Court documents said the auditor found more altered checks written between 2018 and 2025. They also found copies of checks that may have been forged with a city councilman’s signature.

Court documents also noted that after Ard contacted investigators on February 27, 2026, about finding binders of past monthly expenses that appeared to include numerous unauthorized purchases, a suspected arson occurred at the city offices on March 1.

Investigators said they researched only the past five years and found that Marotz has stolen $219,506.71 in city funds since September 1, 2021.

Marotz made her first court appearance on August 26, 2026. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Marotz on Oct. 13, 2026, to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.

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8th Circuit decision in Missouri congressional map case appealed to U.S. Supreme Court

KMIZ on September 9, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A group wanting to bar the state from using a 2025 congressional map says it has appealed a federal appeals court decision denying its case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday turned down People Not Politicians’ appeal meant to overrule a federal district judge’s decision ordering Missouri officials to use the 2025 map in the November election.

People Not Politicians said about an hour later that he had submitted an appeal of that decision to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh later ordered for defendants in the case, including U.S. Rep. Bob Onder to respond to PNP’s filing by 9 a.m. Thursday.

People Not Politicians had filed an emergency appeal late Tuesday with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse an order by Eastern District of Missouri Judge Stephen Clark requiring the use of the 2025 map.

The court specifically stated Hoskins is not allowed to use “any congressional district map other than the HB 1 map for the November 3, 2026 general election.”

“The motion for a stay pending appeal is denied because we either lack jurisdiction over the appeal or, based on the briefing we have so far, the stay factors have not been met,” the appeals court wrote. The appeal was filed in a case brought by U.S. Rep. Bob Onder after a Missouri Supreme Court decision last week striking down the map.

The order went on to say that the court normally lacks jurisdiction to hear an appeal of a temporary restraining order, like that granted by the lower court ordering the new map’s use.

Clark granted a temporary restraining order Tuesday to Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in a lawsuit brought by candidates, preventing Hoskins from using any map except for the “Missouri First” map for the November election. Clark ruled that the primary election is integral to the voting process and that switching maps before the general election would cancel primary votes.

Hoskins later announced plans to follow Clark’s order, despite also being ordered not to use the “Missouri First” map by the Missouri Supreme Court.

PNP 8th circuit appealDownload

People Not Politicians argues Clark was wrong and that the 2022 congressional map is the status quo.

“Secretary Hoskins has already sent the certification to [local election authorities] and directed local election clerks to begin implementing the Missouri Supreme Court’s order using the 2022 Map. The TRO does not preserve the status quo; it disrupts it,” PNP wrote in its appeal.

PNP added that a single judge does not have the authority to decide on congressional districts and that the decision required a three-judge panel.

According to Dave Roland, Senior Legal Advisor at the Freedom Center of Missouri, the orders from the state and federal courts may not technically conflict. However, reading them together could leave Missouri unable to use either congressional map, putting the state in uncharted legal territory.

The secretary of state can, in fact, comply with both orders, if he says, ‘All right, we’re not going to use any district maps,’ but who knows how that’s going to work?” Roland said. “This is a completely unprecedented situation, so everyone is flying by the seat of their pants right now, no one is certain exactly how this situation is going to resolve.

The group’s application with the U.S. Supreme Court states that Clark had no jurisdiction to issue the restraining order, that federal courts shouldn’t intervene in ongoing state litigation and that the state is likely to lose its case.

People Not Politicians v. Onder Emergency Stay ApplicationDownload

Meanwhile, the Missouri Supreme Court has ordered Hoskins to appear by 10 a.m. Thursday to defend himself against PNP’s claims that he is in contempt of court for using the 2025 map.

“Although nothing in that order requires the Secretary to use the HB 1 maps, he [Denny Hoskins] immediately announced that he intends to do so,” PNP’s legal team wrote. “The federal court has no authority to overrule the Missouri Supreme Court’s determination that HB 1 is not and hasnever been the law. Nor does anything in the federal court’s order claim to ‘take precedence over the Missouri Supreme Court’s order.’ “

Hoskins, represented by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office, responded by asking the federal court to issue an order overruling the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision.

“Even if the Missouri Supreme Court does not hold the Secretary in contempt, the ongoing voter confusion and disruption of preparations for the November 3, 2026 general election inflict irreparable harm on the State,” the state wrote. “Defendant respectfully requests that the Court resolve the State’s Motion to Enjoin the Missouri Supreme Court as expeditiously as possible.”

The state and People Not Politicians have entered appearances for both the appeals case and the Missouri Supreme Court’s contempt hearing.

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway then filed a motion with the Eastern District court to prevent the Missouri Supreme Court from finding Hoskins in contempt.

The ACLU filed in the Eastern District case, claiming the district court’s temporary restraining order violates federal law.   

These cases come after an almost year-long legal battle between the state and People Not Politicians, with the Missouri Supreme Court ultimately deciding the 2022 congressional map should be in place for the November election and putting the Missouri First map on the ballot for the voters to decide.

The new map — approved by the Republican majority in the Missouri General Assembly last year — targets Missouri’s Fifth Congressional district. The seat is currently held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. The new map would fold the district into three others and that would be stretched across several rural areas of the state, giving Republicans an advantage.

The uncertainty over the “true” Missouri map comes less than two months away from the November election, with all county clerks in counties affected by redistricting ordered to hold off on printing ballots by the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities.

The main concern is whether ballots will be available for Sept. 18, when military and overseas ballots are sent out. Full absentee voting is expected to start on Sept. 22.

“Counties that are affected by the redistricting need a final ruling to determine which district and candidates to include on the ballot. Counties that are not affected can proceed with printing ballots,” MACCEA President and Scott County Allen Seabaugh said in a statement.

Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon told ABC 17 News that the county is doing what they can, including setting polling locations and training election judges.

Moniteau County Clerk Roberta Elliott also said that her office was prepared to personally receive the completed ballots from their printing vendors instead of getting them shipped to the office by mail.

Callaway County Clerk Ronda Miller added, “Our vendors that print our ballots will be working around the clock to get ballots printed once this is all determined.”

“We’re hoping to be able to have everything finalized because we don’t really want to end up in a situation where the balance changes after absentee voting has started,” Lennon said, “It’s certainly not ideal and I think that it will probably cause some additional heartburn in trying to make up the time.”

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‘Enough is enough’: Steve Hilton’s plan for California DMV

KESQ on September 9, 2026

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — In a news conference yesterday, Steve Hilton announced a plan to abolish the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

“This is step one in our plan to cut the cost of living for Californians,” Hilton said.

The proposal aims to simplify vehicle services and reduce registration costs across California. In addition to shifting routine transactions away from the state agency, the campaign plan calls for repurposing existing DMV buildings to expand educational facilities for children.

Under Hilton’s proposal, DMV services such as routine title, registration, license-plate and renewal transactions would move to county offices and certified local service centers.

Hilton also wants to replace the current vehicle-registration fee formula, which can cost hundreds of dollars, with a flat $73 fee.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from local drivers concerning state revenue and overall logistics. Matt Vogel, a Palm Desert resident, expressed interest in the lower cost while noting potential budget impacts.

“It certainly would make it easier in my pocket book, but I’m sure they have to consider how they’re going to make up the lost revenue,” Vogel said.

Some drivers expressed concern that closing DMV offices could add to the area’s vacant commercial buildings, while supporters argue that consolidating services could improve administrative efficiency.

This is not the first time a Republican California governor candidate has made DMV and vehicle-registration fees a campaign issue. In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger campaigned on repealing Gov. Gray Davis’ tripling of the vehicle license fee, which had become a major issue in the recall election. After taking office, Schwarzenegger rescinded the increase.

Hilton and competitor Xavier Becerra are set to face off in a candidate debate scheduled for Sept. 30. Becerra has not yet issued a response regarding Hilton’s proposal to eliminate the DMV.

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Update: Bend police arrest suspect in restaurant burglary after owners release surveillance video

KTVZ on September 9, 2026

Lance Campbell

Update: KTVZ News has removed the photos and videos of the suspect due to their age.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A suspect in a burglary at a Bend restaurant has been arrested after police released surveillance video and asked the public for help identifying the person.

The burglary was reported at Washington’s Restaurant on Monday night, Sept. 7, around 11:30 p.m., Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller told KTVZ News.

Wednesday, KTVZ News aired the surveillance video showing the suspect allegedly stealing from the restaurant. Today, Washington’s owners announced on social media that they had identified the person in the video.

Bend Police told KTVZ News the suspect was arrested Wednesday night on three counts of second-degree burglary and one count of first-degree theft.

The restaurant thanked the community for their help and support in identifying the suspect.

Police did not release the suspect’s name or additional details about the arrest.

Previous story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police are investigating a reported burglary at a local restaurant and are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect captured on surveillance footage.

The burglary happened around 11:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller told KTVZ News.

Police said the restaurant reported the burglary and officers are investigating. Surveillance footage from the business shows the suspect, but police have not released additional details about the incident.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact non-emergency dispatch.

Miller said police only recently received the report, so there is limited information available at this point in the investigation.

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Oregon proposes 92 cent workers’ comp premium for 2027

KTVZ on September 9, 2026

Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon employers would pay an average of 92 cents per $100 of payroll for workers’ compensation coverage in 2027 under a proposal announced today by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. The proposal includes an average 2.1% increase in the pure premium rate, marking the second-lowest rate on record for the state.

The proposed change increases the average loaded pure premium cost from 89 cents per $100 of payroll in 2026. The increase is driven by Senate Bill 1519, a 2026 law that modified weekly lost-time wage compensation benefits for injured workers with disabling claims. Despite the proposed increase, the pure premium rate per $100 of payroll will have declined 36.5% between 2018 and 2027.

Under Senate Bill 1519, effective Jan. 1, 2027, the weekly compensation rate for injured workers earning up to 75% of the state average weekly wage will increase to 75%. Compensation for workers earning more than 75% of the state average weekly wage will decrease to 65%. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, long-term declines in lost-time claim frequency continue to help offset upward cost pressure from higher medical and indemnity claim severity and benefit changes.

The state’s premium assessment rate will remain unchanged at 9.8% of premiums for the sixth consecutive year in 2027. The assessment funds state workplace safety and regulatory programs, including the Workers’ Compensation Division, Oregon OSHA, the Workers’ Compensation Board, the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers and the Office of the Small Business Ombudsman for Workers’ Compensation. For self-insured employers, assessment rates also remain unchanged from 2026 at 0.1% for individual self-insured employers and public-sector groups and 0.5% for private-sector groups.

Employers and employees also split cents-per-hour-worked assessments. The Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment will increase from 1.8 cents to 2.2 cents per hour worked in 2027 to fund return-to-work programs and disability benefits. Under House Bill 4027, a new BOLI Expense Fund component of 0.2 cents per hour worked takes effect in 2027 to help fund the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, bringing the total combined hourly assessment to 2.4 cents per hour.

The proposed rate changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, though employers will see changes when renewing their policies. Individual employer costs will vary depending on industry, payroll, claims experience and insurer expense factors. In 2024, Oregon’s workers’ compensation rates ranked as the 14th least expensive in the nation, according to a biennial study conducted by the department.

Public hearings on the premium assessment and Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment are scheduled for Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively. Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Sept. 24 by the Director’s Office of DCBS in Salem.

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Rise and Run hosting 5k/10k Run/Walk Turkey Trot in Yuma

KYMA on September 9, 2026

Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) – Rise and Run, an organization focused on bringing the community together through fitness, running, walking, and positive community events is hosting their Turkey Trot 5k/10k Run/Walk on November 8, 2026 in Yuma.

The event is more than just a race. It is an opportunity for families, friends, runners, and walkers to come together, stay active, and support a greater purpose.

As part of their community outreach, donations are open, and they are encouraging participants and supporters to help make a positive difference.

Rise and Run is highlighting the work of Crossroads Mission, which provides support to people experiencing homelessness, hunger, addiction, and other difficult circumstances.

Crossroads Mission provides services including emergency shelter, free meals, transitional living, adult education, and other programs.

Rise and Run encourages people to get moving, get involved, and come together while giving back to those in need.

For more information of if you’d like to register for the run/walk, click here.

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Despite speculation, Eastern Idaho State Fair will stick with traditional dates

KIFI on September 9, 2026

Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Eastern Idaho State Fair will maintain its long-standing schedule starting the Friday before Labor Day, despite recent date changes made by other major regional events.

General Manager Brandon Bird announced the decision Wednesday following discussions by the Fair Board regarding potential scheduling shifts across the regional fair circuit. The question arose after date changes at the Western Idaho State Fair prompted by scheduling shifts at the California State Fair.

“This tradition has been around for a while. We feel that it is the best decision for our community,” said Bird. “The Eastern Idaho State Fair is kind of part of the end-of-summer rhythm for how people do things as families and get together.”

While date changes at other fairs can create scheduling conflicts for traveling exhibitors, Bird noted that the majority of vendors in Blackfoot are local and could still meet the timeframe.

“We’re protecting this tradition and choosing to do what is best for the fair and the fair families,” said Bird.

The nine-day event draws an average of 255,000 visitors annually, with more than 50,000 traveling from over 50 miles away. Fair officials estimate the fair creates a nearly $75 million annual regional economic impact.

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Feeling the Humidity? Here’s How to Stay Hydrated

KESQ on September 9, 2026

Kiera McKinney

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- As temperatures remain high across the Coachella Valley, humidity can add another challenge for people spending time outdoors.

When humidity rises, sweat has a harder time evaporating off the skin. That matters because evaporation is one of the main ways the body cools itself. Even though sweat may not evaporate as easily in humid conditions, the body can continue sweating and losing fluids.

A 2026 study looking at people exercising in 95-degree conditions found that about 89% of sweat effectively evaporated at 15% humidity. At 75% humidity, that dropped to about 45%.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says high humidity can make it harder for sweat to evaporate, while continued sweating can increase fluid loss and the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.

NIOSH recommends people doing moderate activity in the heat for less than two hours drink about eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes.

But how should you change the way you hydrate when humidity rises? And when should you reach for electrolytes instead of just water?

News Channel 3 is speaking with a registered dietitian about what you should drink and eat during humid weather, the signs you may not be getting enough fluids and who may need to be especially careful.

Watch News Channel 3 at 5 for what you need to know about staying hydrated when the Valley gets hot and humid.

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Semi-truck rolls over on Interstate 8 in Yuma

KYMA on September 9, 2026

Manoah Tuiasosopo

UPDATE (3:46 PM): A semi-truck rollover crash in yuma created a dangerous situation on Interstate 8 (I-8) late Tuesday night.

News 11’s Manoah Tuiasosopo was driving home when he came upon the crash, and saw the dangerous conditions unfold.

The crash happened around 11:15 p.m. on I-8 heading west, about a mile from the Fortuna offramp.Tuiasosopo said he heard a loud pop, and looked across the freeway to see a semi-truck on its side.

The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) said the semi was hauling steel bars, Scattered debris and materials across the roadway.

Several vehicles hit the debris, with one car narrowly missing another vehicle before ending up in the median.

YFD says the semi driver was able to get out of the vehicle himself, but suffered significant injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Firefighters said crashes like this are among the most dangerous calls they respond to, outside of structure fires.

The scene was eventually turned over to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which worked to clean up the debris and reopen I-8.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A semi-truck rollover crash in Yuma created a dangerous situation on Interstate 8 (I-8) Tuesday night.

The late night crash sent debris into traffic, causing damage to handfuls of vehicles as first responders raced to clear the road.

Footage captured shows drivers having no clue a big object is in the road that can cause a lot of damage.

Footage also captured a car was a feet away from the first responding officer, striking debris before narrowly missing a vehicle and ended up in the dirt median on the westbound lane of I-8.

The semi, lying on its side, barely on the shoulders of I-8, with the nose of the truck facing oncoming traffic near the Frontage Road offramp.

The rollover crash forced over a handful of vehicles as well as fellow semi-trucks to pull over, with drivers being stuck on the side on the road well past midnight.

News 11 has reached out to local law enforcement and fire officials for details regarding the crash, and we’re waiting to hear back.

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