Two dead, 8 injured after shooting at Utah LDS Church

KIFI on January 8, 2026

News Team

UPDATED: Jan 7, 2026 / 07:56 PM MST

By Amelia Hobson: Click HERE for Updates on this story:

Police are responding to a shooting near 660 N Redwood Road and have closed Redwood Road to traffic. They have confirmed multiple individuals were injured and two died as a result of the injuries.

As of 9:50 p.m., it appears that police have taken someone into custody. Law enforcement confirmed that they have detained individuals but could not confirm how many were detained at this time. ABC4’s Bayan Wang captured the following images.

Case details

Salt Lake City Police Department PIO Glen Mills confirmed that around 7:36 p.m., a call came in about a shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse. There was a funeral taking place at the meetinghouse and an altercation reportedly broke out, leading to shots being fired.

According to Mills, there are at least eight victims, two of which died as a result of their injuries. Three are also in critical condition and three individuals are in unknown condition. Some of the victims were taken via private vehicle to the hospital, which Mills says has complicated the situation.

Brian Redd, the Salt Lake City Chief of Police, confirmed that all victims are adults.

Police are actively looking for at least one suspect, who fled the scene, and have established a search area from 500 north to 700 north. Mills says there is an active manhunt and they are still determining exactly how many suspects were involved.

Additionally, Redd says that law enforcement is pulling surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residents as part of their investigation. Additionally, at this time, they are asking the public to come forward and call 801-799-3000 if they have any information.

Chief Redd also confirmed that gang detectives are on scene, but they cannot confirm if it is a gang-related incident at this time. Preliminary evidence have reportedly indicated that it was not a random shooting, but does not appear to be targeted towards any religion.

Law enforcement has also said there doesn’t appear to be an active threat to the public.

Public reactions

Notably, police confirmed that the shooting took place during a funeral that was being held at the Church meetinghouse, with many attendees already grieving. ABC4 spoke with some of the attendees and bystanders who witnessed the shooting.Bystanders react to shooting during funeral at LDS church that killed two

 “I still have my family in the church, and they won’t let us leave, because the whole back of the church is a crime scene,” said one of the attendees, who was the cousin of the deceased.

Additionally, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement on the shooting, extending prayers for the tragedy. Their full statement can be read here.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available.

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Santa Barbara Protest and Vigil held for Woman Killed in Minneapolis

KEYT on January 8, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Protesters held signs and electric candles at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on Wednesday evening.

They chanted the name Renee Nicole Good.

This protest and others like it erupted nationwide following viral video showing Good, 37, being fatally shot in Minnesota.

One speaker said he was shocked that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would shoot a white woman in her car.

Others talked about how disturbing it was to seeing what happened on what has become viral video.

Chelsea Lancaster, who described herself as an SB Resiste community organizer, looked like she was close to tears behind a mask that said Love. 

“We are asking you to get out here and help us you all are living history right now. They couldn’t live stream fascist Germany we are watching in real time what is happening. They said the revolutions would not be televised but it is  where is everybody, get out of your comfort zone because they are coming for you, too,” said Lancaster.

Some local elected leaders including Santa Barbara City Coucil member Wendy Santamaria spoke too.

Some protesters on the public sidewalk projected members of the Trump Administration and Jeffrey Epstein onto the Santa Barbara County Courthouse walls.

They are urging residents to stay informed and get involved in local resistance groups including @805Undocufund, @805Respeuestararapida, @SBResiste and @Carp_sinfronteras.

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City of Eldon discusses recent boil order at town hall

KMIZ on January 8, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Eldon held a town-hall meeting on Wednesday night at the city’s community center to discuss a recent boil order.

The area was under a boil order from the Department of Natural Resources for three weeks until this past Tuesday.

City officials on Wednesday night gave a time line on the water tests that led to the boil order, and the next steps to improve the city’s water infrastructure. The city says it plans to flush the water system and gradually chlorinate the water over the next week. The flushing will be carried out by the Missouri Rural Water Association. The project is expected to cost between $8,000-$20,000 and will begin Thursday morning.

About 60 residents attended Wednesday night’s meeting, voiced their concerns and gave suggestions on how the city can do better. 

“I think it went very well. I think that a lot of our citizens were here in support of our community and the work that has been done,” City Administrator Mandy Asbury said. “We always have opportunities to learn during times like this. And so I think that any time something like this happens, in the future we know what to do a little better.”

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Public weighs in on proposed changes to Oregon’s “Motor Voter” program

KTVZ on January 8, 2026

Triton Notary

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– Oregon’s “Motor Voter” program, the system that automatically registers eligible voters through the DMV, is now up for public debate.

State election officials held a public hearing this week in Salem, inviting citizens to share their views on proposed rule changes to the program. The Secretary of State’s Office says the updates are meant to strengthen the accuracy, security, and oversight of voter registration.

The review comes after an independent audit found hundreds of people were mistakenly registered to vote through the program and a handful even cast ballots. The audit’s findings fueled renewed scrutiny over how voter eligibility is verified.

At the hearing, several citizens raised concerns about voter trust and verification. One speaker urged the state to take extra care to ensure only eligible citizens are registered, saying confidence in the system is vital to preserving election integrity.

Public comments on the proposed changes are being accepted through January 13th. Residents can find details and submit feedback through the Secretary of State’s website.

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New North Pointe Veterinary Hospital sets opening date for Jan. 14, open house this Friday

News-Press NOW on January 8, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The highly-anticipated opening date and an open house for St. Joseph’s new urgent care hospital for pets has been announced.

The new North Pointe Veterinary Hospital is pictured at 5423 N. Pointe Drive in St. Joseph.

North Pointe Veterinary Hospital, a new and locally-owned clinic at 5423 North Pointe Drive, announced on Facebook it will officially open its doors on Jan. 14.

An open house for the new facility is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9.

The clinic will offer routine wellness, overnight hospitalization, urgent and emergency care veterinary services in the St. Joseph, Missouri, and surrounding areas for dogs and cats, a welcome addition for many local pet owners.

In cases of vet emergencies, the clinic will offer 24/7 on-call emergency services outside of standard business hours. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome.

Andrew County native and longtime veterinarian Austin Haeker will lead the practice. The hospital is located next to the Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel on North Village Drive.

St. Joseph-based Lehr Construction Co. was responsible for constructing the new facility.

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Vibrant Art Comes to the Streets of Santa Barbara with the Public’s Help

KEYT on January 8, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – With the help of a special grant, a new look will come to the streets of Santa Barbara in a one-of-a-kind art project.

Recently a demonstration was held at the Saturday Farmers Market on Carrillo St. and State St. where the colorful and cultural project will ultimately take place.

Another one takes place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Lead artists Eddy Jimenez and Irene Ramirez are providing an introduction to Zapotec rug weaving, natural dye techniques, and the cultural symbolism embedded in traditional designs.

Textiles will be on display along with educational materials, and live demonstrations.

The worksmanship will reflect generations of cultural knowledge and craftsmanship.

This is all part of the Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative. Santa Barbara was one of only four cities to get this grant in the U.S.

The City of Santa Barbara, in collaboration with the County Office of Arts & Culture, has been awarded $100,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture Executive Director Sarah York Rubin says there will be designs that will likely show community, the ocean and other aspects of the people and region that will, “integrate those ideas into a design that’s a design for the street.”

Beyond painting the street with these designs, there will also be work on the surrounding lights.

The asphalt art installation goal is to revitalize the State and Carrillo intersection and enhance pedestrian safety.

The final designs will be made in the coming weeks with the painting taking place in the next few months.

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A New Restaurant Operator is Sought on the Santa Barbara Waterfront

KEYT on January 8, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The now closed Anchor Rose restaurant space has become available for the next restaurant operator who wants to take over the two-story waterfront location.

Interested parties have been working fast to get their proposals in to the City of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront Department.

The lease ended for the Anchor Rose on December 31st.

The city confirms the Anchor Rose was still open with customers after the lease deadline and was then ordered to cease operations.

The site at the historic Maritime Museum, has both an upstairs and a downstairs dining area along with two patios on top and one on the bottom. Proposals coming in could be for both sites or two separate operations.

They will be evaluated by the staff and when an agreement is reached it will be brought to the Harbor Commission meeting. The location has scenic views of the harbor and over 700 parking spots nearby.

It was formerly occupied by Chucks Waterfront Grill and the Endless Summer Bar Cafe, Chomp on the Rocks and Salt on the Beach.

Dart Coffee is in a corner of the building and patio. It remains open with a separate lease.

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Renewal of $2.7 million federal grant assures five years of funding for NeighborImpact’s Head Start program

KTVZ on January 8, 2026

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As child care providers across the country await clarity amid delayed and frozen federal funding, NeighborImpact said Wednesday it has received confirmation of a renewed $2.7 million federal grant that will enable its Head Start program to continue serving families in Central Oregon for the next five years. 

While NeighborImpact continues to assess how ongoing child care funding uncertainty may affect other programs, it said “this renewal provides continued, reliable early learning and care for families enrolled in Head Start.”

NeighborImpact Director of Marketing and Communications Rachel Haakenson told KTVZ News the grant awarded for 2026 totals $2,748,320.

“This is the same exact amount that was awarded in 2025 and is the first time in at least six years —possibly longer — that funding remained completely flat over the prior year,” she said.

The grant renewal supports NeighborImpact’s Head Start program in Crook and Deschutes counties, which currently serves 617 children and their families through early childhood education, health services, and family support. (Jefferson County is served by another grantee.)  

Head Start is a comprehensive early learning and family engagement program for children from birth to age 5. Designed to support families facing economic hardship, the program offers classroom- and home-based education and connects families to health screenings, nutrition support, and other resources that help children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn and help parents build stability at home. 

“This funding allows us to continue doing what Head Start does best — supporting children’s development while partnering with families during some of the most formative years of a child’s life,” said Kim Brown, director of Head Start at NeighborImpact. “For the families we serve, Head Start isn’t just pre-school. It’s a foundation for long-term success.” 

NeighborImpact pointed out that it has continued to grow its early-learning services in Central Oregon. The organization recently opened its second Early Head Start Center, providing in-person care and education for 2- and 3-year-olds in classroom settings. 

Early Head Start centers are currently located in Redmond and Prineville, where families have access to reliable child care that allows parents to work. NeighborImpact is seeking funding to expand Early Head Start classrooms in Bend, La Pine and Sisters.  

“Especially in times of uncertainty, families need consistency,” said NeighborImpact Executive Director Scott Cooper. “This renewal allows us to continue providing stable, high-quality Head Start services that are proven and effective in ending intergenerational poverty.” 

NeighborImpact said the Head Start programs support children and families in Central Oregon by strengthening early learning and long-term well-being. The program takes a whole-family approach, offering support that extends beyond the classroom. 

NeighborImpact Head Start is accepting applications now. Families interested in enrolling their children can call 541-323-6543 or visit www.neighborimpact.org/headstart for more information. 

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St. Joseph School District announces ‘FAFSA Night’ to help seniors and families

News-Press NOW on January 8, 2026

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District will hold an informational event to help college-ready students prepare for the next step in their academic careers.

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, financial aid experts from local colleges and universities will be on hand to help seniors and families as part of SJSD FAFSA Night, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Troester Media Center at 3401 Renick St.

Parents and students are asked to bring their FSA ID and 2024 tax information. Translation services will be available as well.

Students in attendance will be eligible to apply for a $500 scholarship as part of the occasion. FAFSA applications are for the fall 2026 semester.

In the event of inclement weather, the backup date is set for Wednesday, Jan. 21.

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New hemp bill could streamline federal policy, bring more clarity for consumers

KTVZ on January 8, 2026

Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: Adding quotes from Senator Merkley and video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After weeks of confusion regarding the legality of hemp on a federal level, a new bill could bring clarity to consumers, producers, and dispensaries.

We’ve gone from “more relaxed” after 20-18, to an impending ban on hemp products in 20-25.

During the government funding bill votes, a provision was put in by Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell that would close the hemp loophole making it illegal.

Now both Oregon Senators are trying to keep the “more than one billion dollar industry” legal.

A new bill co-authored by Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden will create a federal framework to legalize hemp. 

Senator Merkley shares, the biggest concern is “Delta-8” that has circumvented other state’s laws

“My hope is to have a nationally regulated, market that, avoids the abuses that have occurred with delta-8 and youth, and delta-8 being a replacement for marijuana in states that don’t allow marijuana, which has made those states angry,” Senator Merkley told KTVZ News. “We can fix those things, and preserve a very healthy, profitable hemp market.”

The bill would also create guidelines on product and consumer safety, like making the federal legal age to be 21 like alcohol, and limiting its marketability to kids.

The bill would also create serving sizes for edible, inhalant, topical, and drinkable cannabinoids.

For example, edible cannabinoid products can not contain more than five milligrams of thc per serving, and a container can not have more than 50 milligrams. 

If it passes and becomes law, it’ll benefit producers by creating a nationwide market place for hemp products.

On the consumer side, it would create a database, like what we have in Oregon, that can track the entire journey from seed to sale.

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