Former UCSB student convicted of sexual assault after three-month trial

KEYT on January 20, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Arian Eteghaei, a 23-year-old former UCSB student, received multiple charges for sexual crimes after a three-month trial, according to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office.

A jury returned guilty verdicts against Eteghaei for forcible sexual penetration, misdemeanor domestic violence and forcible rape against two victims, according to the SBCDAO.

These charges included crimes committed against more than one victim though jurors could not reach a verdict on 14 other counts, according to the SBCDAO.

Eteghaei faces a sentencing of 30 years to life in state prison scheduled for April 8 later this year. He remains in custody pending sentencing and is remanded without bail, according to the SBCDAO.

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Montgomery County man accused of repeatedly assaulting woman, is charged with 10 felonies

KMIZ on January 20, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jonesburg, Missouri, man was charged with 10 felonies after authorities claim he assaulted a woman several times.

Joey Glass was charged this week in Montgomery County with three counts of first-degree domestic assault, two counts of armed criminal action, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, one count of first-degree kidnapping, one count of endangering the welfare of a child and pair of counts of third-degree domestic assault.

The probable cause statement says deputies were called on Sunday to an apartment complex in Montgomery County for a reported assault. Someone described as a witness had allegedly seen Glass assault a woman in the back of a maroon vehicle, the statement says.

A youth, who was also described as a victim, allegedly told law enforcement that Glass had been assaulting the victim for months, the statement says.

The child had described an assault that occurred earlier in the day at a residence that led to Glass assaulting the victim in the vehicle and then allegedly trying to run her over, the statement indicates.  The youth had allegedly tried to separate the two during the assault. The child then described an assault that occurred on Saturday.

Another witness described a public incident where they allegedly had seen the victim “running for her life” through a parking lot while Glass chased her, the statement says.

Glass denied all allegations when he was arrested, the statement says.

A judge was assigned to the case on Tuesday and an initial court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday.

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UnitedHealthcare, SSM Health reach multi-year deal

KMIZ on January 20, 2026

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare reached a deal to keep the insurance giant’s customers in-network for “multiple years.”

SSM Health didn’t say how long the agreement will be in effect in a news release Tuesday, instead labeling it simply a “multi-year” deal. SSM Health operates St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

UnitedHealthcare has about 140,000 customers across the state, according to the release.

The announcement follows up a temporary extension of the companies’ old agreement that was reached Dec. 31, 2025. Prior to the agreement, UnitedHealthcare said in an online release that it was negotiating to keep care affordable and uninterrupted, citing rising hospital costs as a factor driving higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

However, SSM Health argued that instead of working with them on an agreement, “UnitedHealthcare is prioritizing its own profits over what its members truly deserve: high-quality, accessible care.” SMM Health also claimed UnitedHealthcare “hasn’t demonstrated a willingness to collaborate on a new, fair agreement, and the expiration date of our current contract is quickly approaching on December 31, 2025.”

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State Senator Broadman of Bend, colleagues to try again on bill to allow small Kei trucks on Oregon highways

KTVZ on January 20, 2026

KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — State Representatives Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg) and Alek Skarlatos (R-Canyonville) and Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) are reintroducing bipartisan legislation for the 2026 legislative session to allow the registration and on-road use of Kei trucks in Oregon.

“The bill responds to continued interest from small businesses, farmers, contractors, and community members seeking affordable, practical transportation options that better match their needs and scale,” the news release said, continuing below:

This bill is a continuation of efforts in the 2025 session to modernize Oregon’s vehicle laws in response to rising transportation costs and evolving workforce needs.

Kei trucks are compact, lightweight utility vehicles commonly used in other states for agriculture, maintenance, deliveries, and job-site operations. While legal to own and operate on private property in Oregon, current law prevents these vehicles from being registered for on-road use, limiting their usefulness for many working Oregonians.

“Across much of Oregon, functionality and efficiency are more important than vehicle size. Kei trucks are affordable, well-suited for a wide range of jobs, and meet real needs in rural and working communities.” said Representative Osborne. “This bill provides flexibility while maintaining Oregon’s existing safety standards.”

Supporters of the legislation say allowing on-road registration would help reduce transportation costs, expand access to reliable equipment, and give small businesses and rural operators more flexibility to move between job sites and communities.

Senator Broadman said, “Expanding access to affordable, right-sized transportation helps remove cost barriers for small businesses and working Oregonians and supports stronger local economies across the state.”

Representative Skarlatos said, “Our laws should reflect the freedom to use the right vehicle for the right job. We have an opportunity to ensure our transportation system reflects the real needs of Oregonians.”

The bill establishes clear parameters defining Kei trucks by size, engine capacity and age, and allows them to be registered within Oregon’s existing motor vehicle framework. The approach aligns Oregon with neighboring states that have already adopted similar policies while maintaining existing safety and roadway standards.

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Lawyer for man charged in Columbia standoff seeks mental examination

KMIZ on January 20, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The lawyer for a Columbia man charged with 10 felonies after a late-November standoff with police has filed paperwork to have his client undergo a mental evaluation.

Kaitlyn Bullard filed the motion for a mental evaluation for Rodquel R. Jones, 21, last Thursday. The motion states that Bullard has concerns about Jones’ ability to understand his case and help in his own defense.

Rodquel Jones, 21, of Columbia, was charged with six counts of first-degree harassment and one count each of unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, resisting arrest and stealing a gun after a standoff that lasted about six hours at a residence on Sieville Avenue.

Jones remained in the Boone County Jail without bond on Tuesday. A hearing scheduled for Tuesday was rescheduled for March 16.

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Edgar Springs man accused of repeatedly bringing girl to his home

KMIZ on January 20, 2026

Ryan Shiner

Andrew Birkby

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Edgar Springs man has been arrested after he was accused of picking up a former student and bringing her to his home.

Andrew Birkby, 25, was charged on Saturday with child kidnapping in Phelps County. He is currently being held at the Phelps County Jail without bond. A confined docket hearing is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Birkby is described as a former teacher of the victim, but court documents do not say where he was employed. A superintendent of an area school district confirmed Birkby met at Kaleidoscope Discovery Center in Rolla.

The superintendent of a Phelps County school district contacted law enforcement about Birkby allegedly picking up a girl and purchasing a tablet to communicate with the youth, the statement says. Law enforcement asked the girl for the tablet on Jan. 13 and she handed it over, the statement says.

The tablet allegedly showed Birkby arranging meetups with the child, the statement says. After Birkby was arrested he allegedly admitted bringing her to his residence about 10 times and having physical contact with the youth, court documents allege.

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Recent earthquakes are wake-up call for residents to be prepared

KESQ on January 20, 2026

Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A 4.9 Magnitude earthquake that struck north of Indio on Monday has left many residents shaken and is serving as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness.

According to the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network, residents should have a go-bag ready with at least two weeks’ worth of water, nonperishable food, hygiene supplies, extra clothing, and a flashlight. Officials warn that in the event of a major earthquake, first responders may not be able to reach the Coachella Valley immediately, as emergency resources could be prioritized in larger, more densely populated areas.

Residents are also encouraged to download the MyShake app, which provides early earthquake alerts. Even a few seconds of warning can help people take cover and reduce the risk of injury.

Officials stress that preparation now could make a critical difference when the next major earthquake strikes.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Rexburg puts Winterfest 2026 on permanent ice due to total lack of snow

KIFI on January 20, 2026

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Due to an unseasonal and total lack of snow, the City of Rexburg’s Winterfest 2026 has put on permanent ice. The Rexburg Parks and Recreation Department confirmed the cancellation on Facebook.

City leadership had initially put celebration on ice, postponing the event until January 24, in hopes of a late-season storm, but with no significant snowfall in the forecast, the city chose to call off the festivities entirely.

Winterfest typically serves as a highlight of the Rexburg winter season, usually held in January or February, featuring traditions like the Cupid Cup cross-country ski race and a polar plunge.

“Without winter conditions, Winterfest won’t take place this year, but we already have some big plans in mind for our 2027 event,” the city stated in their Facebook post. “Thanks for understanding, and we’ll see you next year… when winter will hopefully decide to show up.”

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inspireU to provide four free admission nights to families

News-Press NOW on January 20, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Mosaic Life Care Foundation announced it received a gift for the inspireU Children’s Discovery Center last fall, allowing families free admission for four different nights.

inspireU, located Downtown at 521 Felix St., is dedicated to fostering physical health, mental wellness and educational enrichment.

The center already hosted its first free night at the end of 2025, and now prepares for its next free night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22.

The Foundation thanks the Leah Spratt Charitable Trust, Committee Members Rhonda Rochambeau, Rick Rochambeau and Rene Rochambeau McCrary for the commitment.

inspireU features over 20 core exhibits, a rooftop exploratorium, interactive play areas and educational spaces for children ages birth to 10 and their families.

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Felon who killed Indio woman without provocation sentenced

KESQ on January 20, 2026

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A probationer who gunned down an Indio woman without ever giving a clear reason why was sentenced today to 55 years to life in state prison.

Johnny Jose Rodriguez, 32, of Indio pleaded guilty on Jan. 5 to second- degree murder, as well as sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations, under a pretrial agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. No charges were dismissed under the plea bargain.

During a hearing Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Superior Court Judge Kristi Hester imposed the sentence required under state law.

The defendant fatally shot 32-year-old Angela Struzas inside her home on the 38000 block of Rancho Los Coyotes Drive, near Avenue 38, on Jan. 14, 2020.   

Crime scene on Rancho Los Coyotes Drive in Indio (1/14/20)

During a preliminary hearing later that year, Indio Police Department Detective Kelly Hawkins testified that officers were taken aback when they entered the victim’s room to collect evidence.

“She was just drenched in blood, in a pool of blood,” the detective said.

Detective Matthew Gutting said Rodriguez immediately admitted perpetrating the shooting while being questioned by investigators, saying “I’m a good aim.”  

Gutting said the defendant described firing a bullet into Struzas’ arm with a gun that he claimed at the time was handed to him minutes earlier by the woman’s housemate, who allegedly told Rodriguez to “get her.”   

A second shot killed the victim.   

The defendant would not specify what led to the attack. The housemate, whose identity was not disclosed, was arrested alongside Rodriguez, but detectives ultimately determined the party had no part in the deadly attack.   

The defendant underwent medical examinations to determine whether he was mentally competent to stand trial, leading to a brief round of psychiatric treatment before criminal proceedings resumed.

He had a prior conviction for possession of controlled substances for sale.

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