MU Health Care to offer COVID-19 vaccines based on AAFP guidance

KMIZ on September 25, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

MU Health Care is set to follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Family Physicians ahead of the cold and flu season.

The recommendation is universal for anyone 6 months and older looking to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This is different from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation last fall, which limited the vaccine to only patients with underlying conditions or those aged 65 and older.

The AAFP adds that patients 65 years and older, who have a risk for severe COVID-19 infection, or have never had a COVID-19 vaccine, are especially urged to receive a dose.

This includes people with heart problems, cancer, diabetes or who know people who are immunocompromised.

“This year, no recommendation is necessary, you know, in terms of a particular health condition, so folks who would like to get vaccinated can certainly come through our event and do so,” MU Health Care Physician and co-chair of MU’s flu and COVID vaccination committee, Dr. Margaret Day, said.

The ACIP has been sidelined since a federal judge blocked their meetings in March.

MU Health Care adds that Medicaid, Medicare and children’s insurance programs will continue to cover the vaccine even without ACIP recommendation. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover vaccines recommended by ACIP.

“Certainly, you can check with your insurer for your particular circumstance and network status. But we’re expecting it largely to be covered,” Day said.

Without insurance, MU Health Care expects a COVID-19 vaccine to cost around $186.

ABC News reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that uninsured adults could find free COVID-19 vaccines at their state or local health departments.

MU Health Care will be offering flu and COVID-19 vaccine events in Columbia and in surrounding counties through October. No appointment is needed and patients are asked to bring a photo ID and insurance card.

Patients will be receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at any MU Health Care vaccine event.

“We’re entering into the kind of respiratory illness season again, and so we recommend for your health to get vaccinated with both influenza and COVID vaccines,” Day said.

A Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services spokesperson confirmed to ABC 17 News the department is also following AAFP recommendations and will provide COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

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Restaurant Roundup: Handwashing concerns at Chinese spot, local coffee shop clean & changing the scene

KRDO on September 25, 2026

Julia Donovan

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – One Chinese restaurant in the Security-Widefield area failed a recent routine health inspection after inspectors documented several handwashing and glove-use violations.

Meanwhile, three local restaurants earned perfect scores in this week’s Restaurant Roundup, including a coffee shop on South Eighth Street that says cleanliness and community are both part of its recipe for success.

East Dragon cited for handwashing violations

East Dragon on Security Boulevard failed its recent routine health inspection with six violations.

According to the El Paso County Health Department inspection report, an employee was observed washing their hands without soap. Another employee washed their hands in a food-preparation sink while wearing gloves.

The inspector also reported that an employee blew into a pair of gloves before putting them on, potentially contaminating the gloves.

KRDO13 stopped by the restaurant following the inspection. An employee called the manager, who said staff was being trained on the issues.

“We were just wondering if you’re doing anything about that,” KRDO13 reporter Julia Donovan asked.

East Dragon passed its re-inspection the following day.

Local restaurants earn high marks

Several restaurants received high scores in this week’s roundup.

Those receiving high marks included:

The Coffee Exchange on South Tejon Street Five Guys at North Powers Boulevard and North Carefree Circle

Three restaurants received perfect scores:

Culver’s in Fountain Sushi Spot on S 8th Street Caffeinated Cow on S 8th Street Caffeinated Cow focuses on cleanliness and community

At Caffeinated Cow, co-owner Jake Norment said employees regularly train and work through cleaning checklists to keep the kitchen ready for inspection and for customers.

“It’s not a secret the health department’s coming. You know they’re coming. You should be ready for the health department every day, all day,” Norment said.

The shop serves up delicious coffee, ice cream, breakfast sandwiches and more — but Norment said the atmosphere and sense of community are a major part of what keeps customers returning.

“It’s our cow-munity. It’s our neighbors. It’s our people,” he said.

Keep an eye out for KRDO13’s Restaurant Roundup awards at your favorite restaurant — and remember, a high score means the kitchen has passed its routine health inspection.

Reminder: All high and low scores in this roundup are based on routine health inspections conducted by the El Paso County Health Department.

Click here for a look at all the most recent health inspection scores.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.

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Dan Rayfield leads 26 AGs in push for national AI safety regulations

KTVZ on September 25, 2026

Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield led a bipartisan coalition of 26 attorneys general today in sending a letter to congressional leaders, calling on Congress to enact national safety regulations for the artificial intelligence industry.

The coalition warned that AI programs developed without proper safeguards pose risks to the nation’s financial system, critical infrastructure and national security. The attorneys general argued that technology companies are currently self-policing and urged lawmakers to establish federal safety standards while maintaining state enforcement authority.

Oregon Rayfield emphasized the impact of artificial intelligence on daily life. “Oregonians are trusting AI with more of their lives, using it at work, at school and at home and they deserve to know that trust isn’t being abused,” Rayfield said. “Right now, the companies building this technology are largely policing themselves and we’ve seen the harm unregulated AI can do. Congress needs to set real safety standards without tying the hands of states that are ready to act.”

The call for legislative action follows recent incidents involving artificial intelligence systems. In July, AI tool-sharing platform Hugging Face reported a system attack. OpenAI later confirmed that its programs had gained unauthorized access to Hugging Face systems using stolen passwords after escaping a testing environment. OpenAI acknowledged knowing the programs’ capabilities but did not monitor or stop them.

Anthropic and Meta have also acknowledged that their AI programs performed unauthorized actions on the open internet. According to the letter, AI models are trained through reward and penalty systems, which can incentivize programs to take reckless shortcuts to achieve designated goals.

Some technology industry executives have supported calls for federal oversight. OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer requested “mandatory, capability-based national AI safety regulation.” Anthropic’s chief executive officer also urged federal leaders to coordinate international development, stating that the effort “will require government support.”

President Donald Trump has criticized calls for AI regulation, calling industry concerns a “HOAX” and a “SICK conspiracy.” Trump stated publicly that “the only control or ‘guardrails’ that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT and the U.S.A. has that, in spades.”

The bipartisan coalition requested that federal legislation include five core components: expert-led federal oversight of safety testing, a public government incident investigation process and safety leaders authorized to act without profit pressure. The proposal also calls for international cooperation on AI development and full power for states to enforce federal rules without preemption of state protections.

The letter was addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The signing coalition includes the attorneys general of Oregon, Ariz., Calif., Colo., Conn., Del., Hawaii, Ill., Maine, Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., Nev., N.J., N.M., N.Y., N.C., Okla., R.I., Vt., Va., Wash., Wis., the District of Columbia and American Samoa.

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Airbnb launches new grant program to help Utah farmers

KIFI on September 25, 2026

Fox13

Originally Published: 25 SEP 26 13:43 ET

By Caroleina Hassett

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    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KSTU) — It’s been a rough year for farmers in Utah.

“We’ve all seen the pressures of rising fuel prices, and just every single thing costs a little bit more,” said Caroline Scheidell with the Utah Department of Agriculture. “Add in that, an unprecedented drought, wildfire issues, recent hailstorms.”

With many farmers losing their crops to these conditions, Scheidell said it takes a huge toll financially.

“It really takes everything going right to stay profitable. We’re noticing a lot of farmers really struggling this year, and it’s something we’re really concerned about,” she said.

However, one solution could help farmers get more money into their pockets: agritourism.

“Anything that could travel visitors to a farm…. this is the season for corn mazes and pumpkin patches, Scheidell said.

But if certain crops were lost, companies like Airbnb are encouraging farmers to use the property itself as a way to make money. In collaboration with American Farmland Trust, Airbnb is funding a new “Farm to Stay” grant program where for-profit farms can apply and get up to $10,000 if they qualify.

“We can look specifically at Utah, where in 2025 the typical farm stay host earned approximately $8,900, and so that’s a really great opportunity for again folks to have that additional cushion where they can then use that extra income in other ways that make sense for them,” said Ashley Brucker with American Farmland Trust.

“I think farm stays are one of the most interesting things that producers could do to draw people onto their farms,” Scheidell said, “I think it’s such a great way to support visitors, both in-state and to draw out-of-state and international guests.”

While some farms are no stranger to Airbnb, the hope is that the grant program gets farmers back on their feet financially.

“I don’t know of a single farmer out there who isn’t so proud to share the work that they do,” Brucker said, “this really provides this great opportunity for our farmers and ranchers to share their passion, their livelihood, their stewardship with others.”

Other qualifications for the grant include farms that have been in operation for at least a year, they must be a production farm and show at least $1,000 in profit over the past year.

UDAF and the Utah Office of Tourism are eager to continue to support agritourism development. A virtual meeting to gain input from anyone involved in agriculture will be held Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. to help guide future priorities.

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.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Judge Shawn Thierry Takes the Bench as Harris County’s Inaugural 515th District Court Judge

CNN Newsource on September 25, 2026

By Francis Page Jr, Burt Levine

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    September 25, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — From the Texas House to the Harris County courthouse, Shawn Thierry’s latest public-service chapter now comes with a black robe, a new courtroom and a newly created judicial district.

On Friday, September 25, 2026, Thierry participated in the ceremonial oath of office and investiture as judge of Harris County’s 515th Judicial District Court. The 4 p.m. ceremony was held in the Ceremonial Courtroom on the 17th floor of the Harris County Civil Courthouse, 201 Caroline in downtown Houston.

The Honorable Bruce Bain, judge of the 165th District Court, administered the oath of office. The Honorable Michael Landrum, judge of the new 514th District Court, presided and later adjourned the proceedings. In one of the afternoon’s most personal moments, Klaire Bijou Marie Thierry joined Judge Thierry’s mother, Joyce Marie Thierry, a longtime educator, in the enrobing of the judge — a meaningful family touch amid the formal traditions of the judiciary.

The program reflected a broad cross-section of Houston’s civic, legal, faith and educational communities. Father Jaison George Mangalath, SVD, of St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church delivered the invocation. State Rep. Mano DeAyala led the United States Pledge of Allegiance, while State Rep. Valoree Swanson led the Texas pledge. Soloist Erica Young provided a vocal selection.

Houston Bar Association President Gregory Ulmer welcomed Thierry on behalf of the bar. Remarks were also offered by former Texas Southern University Board of Regents Chairman Brandon Simmons and current Regent Dr. Richard Johnson III. Reverend Willie Davis, Houston City Council Member At-Large Position 2, delivered the benediction. A reception was scheduled immediately following the ceremony.

photo Judge Shawn Thierry Takes the Bench as Harris County’s Inaugural 515th District Court Judge – joined by Reverend Willie Davis and Amy Peck on the left

The investiture was ceremonial, but Thierry’s service on the bench officially began September 1. Gov. Greg Abbott appointed her August 25 to a term scheduled to expire December 31, 2028, or until a successor is duly elected and qualified. Thierry is the inaugural judge of the 515th District Court, giving her a role in establishing the administration and working culture of a court that did not exist before this month.

The Texas Legislature created the 513th, 514th and 515th judicial districts in Harris County effective September 1, with each court directed by state law to give preference to civil cases. Two additional Harris County districts, the 516th and 517th, take effect October 1. Together, the additions expand judicial capacity for a county whose civil courts handle disputes involving contracts, property, businesses, personal injuries and other matters affecting residents and the regional economy.

Thierry brings nearly three decades of legal experience to the bench. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Management from Howard University and her Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She previously represented Texas House District 146 for four terms and, before her judicial appointment, served as executive director of Policy in the Office of General Counsel at Texas Southern University. Abbott also appointed her to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board in 2025.

A judgeship carries a different public responsibility from legislative office. Inside the courtroom, the governing standards are law, evidence, procedure, due process and equal treatment before the court. Public confidence depends on those principles being applied consistently, regardless of politics or personality.

Thierry’s September 25 investiture therefore marked more than a ceremonial change of title. It formally introduced the first judge of the 515th District Court and placed another piece of Harris County’s expanding judicial system into operation.

The invitation stated that it was not printed or mailed at taxpayer expense, while the ceremony program likewise noted that the event was not paid for at taxpayer expense.

For Houston Style Magazine readers of Harris County, a new court now has its first judge. For Shawn Thierry, the next chapter will be written not through legislation, but through rulings, procedure and the daily work of administering justice.

More Information on Harris County Judges

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Kierra Lee
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Imperial PD receives additional call on threats to elementary school

KYMA on September 25, 2026

Skylar Heisey

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Police Department (IPD) received another call on an additional threat Thursday afternoon.

IPD said they responded to Ben Hulse Elementary School regarding a threat received by a concerned parent after school hours.

Upon arrival, IPD said officers conducted an investigation, and found no threat to the school or the community.

This was the second school threat IPD investigated that day as they received a call Thursday morning regarding a threat involving Frank Wright Middle School, leading to a teen’s arrest.

If anyone becomes aware of an immediate threat or an emergency, call 911.

For Immediate Release_ IMPERIAL POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES ADDITIONAL CALL ON THREAT TO SCHOOLSDownload

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NYC’s Global Citizen Festival 2026 canceled due to nor’easter

CNN Newsource on September 25, 2026

By Jesse Zanger

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — The 2026 Global Citizen Festival that was set to take over the Great Lawn in New York City’s Central Park Saturday has been canceled.

Organizers said the expected rain and wind from this weekend’s nor’easter prompted them to put the kibosh on the star-studded event.

“Forecasts predict dangerous conditions and circumstances in which we cannot safely bring tens of thousands of Global Citizens, artists, crew, vendors, partners, and staff onto the Great Lawn, let alone all of the equipment required. Safety has to come first. This is the first time in 14 years we’ve had to cancel. We have spent this week working through countless contingencies, which were ultimately not possible, and cancelling is a decision we have not taken lightly,” organizers said in a statement announcing the cancellation.

Typically, lightning is the top concern that prompts shows to be canceled. While lightning isn’t a particular concern with this weekend’s nor’easter, the soaking rains and high winds – and damage those things could bring to the Great Lawn – are factors.

In 2023, the Great Lawn suffered serious damage after the Global Citizen Festival concert went ahead during a torrential downpour.

Thousands of people had been expected to pack the park for the live festival, which brings some of the biggest names in music together in a bid to help end poverty and promote social justice. Performers slated for this year included Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey and TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER). Hugh Jackman was set to return as host, and “CBS Mornings” host Gayle King, along with actress Rachel Brosnahan, was set to make an appearance.

Tickets to the event were free, but those free tickets needed to be earned through taking actions that support the nonprofit’s mission. Otherwise, general admission and VIP tickets were purchasable. Organizers said those who purchased tickets will be refunded automatically. Donations for tickets can also be refunded.

“Together, we have invested time, energy, and hope into the movement. You took action to earn your tickets. You made plans, booked travel, and in many cases came to New York from across the country and around the world to be with us in Central Park, and we are sincerely grateful for your commitment to our mission,” Global Citizen said in a statement. “We will be back in Central Park next year. We can’t wait for you to be there with us.”

Alexa Herrera contributed to this report.

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DNA testing leads to life sentence for suspect in rape cold case, DA says

CNN Newsource on September 25, 2026

By Dan Raby

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — A Decatur man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty this week to a rape charge in connection with the assault of a woman in her apartment 36 years ago.

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said that 67-year-old Moses Robinson’s identity remained a mystery for decades until the work of the Georgia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Task Force (GASAKI) helped connect him with the crime.

According to officials, the attack happened on Jan. 13, 1990, at the Misty Waters Apartment complex. Prosecutors say the victim was lying in bed early that morning when a man kicked her back door, walked into her bedroom, and pulled her into the living room.

After telling her he had a knife, Robinson pinned the victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her, officials say. He then stayed in the apartment for two hours talking to the victim before fleeing.

The victim contacted police and went to Grady Memorial Hospital for a sexual assault exam. The evidence gathered in that sexual test kit remained untested for years because the Georgia Bureau of Investigation didn’t have a suspect at the time. That changed when GASAKI was formed in an effort to test kits from crimes that had never been solved.

Authorities say a DNA test connected the kit to Robinson. A DeKalb County grand jury indicted the Decatur man in August 2025. He was arrested that same month and has been in the DeKalb County Jail without bond ever since.

After Robinson pleaded guilty on Tuesday, a judge sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 14 years.

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Why Florida officials say you should never put a stranded sea turtle hatchling back in the ocean

CNN Newsource on September 25, 2026

By Sergio Candido

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning beachgoers not to put stranded sea turtle hatchlings back into the ocean as storms and rough surf can wash the young turtles ashore during nesting season.

In guidance issued Friday, the FWC said high winds and waves from storms on and offshore can affect sea turtles, hatchlings and their nests. Hatchlings may be found tangled in seaweed along the shoreline or in unusual places such as swimming pools and yards.

Anyone who finds one of these stranded “washback” hatchlings should not pick it up or return it to the water, according to the FWC. Instead, people should immediately call the agency’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) for instructions.

Hatchlings that are actively crawling toward the ocean should be left alone and do not need assistance, the agency said.

All sea turtles are protected as threatened or endangered species and stranded hatchlings can require specialized care, FWC said.

Florida law also protects sea turtles and their hatchlings from being disturbed or possessed without authorization. Under the state’s Marine Turtle Protection Act, illegally taking, disturbing, molesting or harassing a marine turtle, as well as possessing a marine turtle or hatchling, is a third-degree felony.

A third-degree felony in Florida is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Why do sea turtle hatchlings wash ashore? After emerging from their nests, hatchlings travel across the sand and into the ocean, beginning a journey of several miles to reach floating vegetation that provides food and shelter.

The young turtles can end up in floating patches of sargassum, which can be pushed back toward shore by storm-driven currents and winds. When that happens, the sargassum can carry posthatchling sea turtles with it, leaving the turtles stranded onshore, FWC said.

What should you do if you find sea turtle eggs? Storms and high waves can also uncover sea turtle eggs or sweep them from their nests.

The FWC is asking people who encounter exposed eggs to leave them where they are. According to the agency, eggs rarely survive after being swept from a nest by rough surf.

Storms, however, do not necessarily spell disaster for an entire sea turtle nesting season.

Female sea turtles deposit eggs in several nests throughout the season, increasing the likelihood that some will successfully incubate even when hurricanes or tropical storms affect Florida’s coastline.

The FWC said that even during years when Florida experienced direct impacts from multiple storms, hatching and emergence success rates remained within the normal range.

Florida sea turtle nesting season continues through October Sea turtle nesting season continues through October in Florida, and wildlife officials are reminding residents and visitors to keep beaches “clear, clean and dark.”

Beachgoers can help by taking chairs, umbrellas and other equipment with them when they leave, filling in holes dug in the sand and properly disposing of trash. Fishing line should also be recycled or discarded appropriately.

Lights on or near the beach should be turned off at night because artificial lighting can interfere with nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.

Anyone who encounters a stranded, injured, trapped or dead sea turtle or hatchling should also report it to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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Red Kettle Run Returns: Salvation Army Unites El Paso for Holiday Giving

KVIA on September 25, 2026

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The Salvation Army in El Paso announces its annual Red Kettle Run on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Braden Aboud Memorial Park (4325 River Bend Dr., El Paso, TX 79922). The event, a family-oriented 5-mile run and 1-mile walk, brings the community together to raise money for The Salvation Army’s holiday food and shelter initiatives.

The Red Kettle Run contributes to The Salvation Army’s mission by first buying 400 turkeys for families in difficulty during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The registration fee is $35 and it is still possible to join. Businesses can sponsor for $250 and support the community.

Sign up or get more information at salvationarmyelpaso.org.

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