Zero Emission Vehicle Sales Exceed State Goals

KEYT on January 22, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you are seeing more electric cars on the road, the state says it’s a trend that is happening at a pace faster than expected.

This week the California Energy Commission (CEC) said California surpassed 2.5 million cumulative new zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales took place in 2025. Sales overall have gone up 300% since 2019.

To make driving an electric vehicle easier, more charging stations have had to be added to communities, including many on the Central Coast.

Sean McArthur is with the Santa Barbra Community Environmental Council Mitigation Team. He says, “range anxiety is something   I think is decreasing  especially   with battery technology getting better  we are starting to see energy density in the batteries. They will  hold more charge . “

A total of 17 were added to City of Goleta city hall parking lot last January.

This project was a collaboration with the city, Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready Program, and the Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) Clean Air Grants for Infrastructure Program.

The state goals have been focused on zero emission vehicle technology for years. Having the infrastructure in place is essential to make the change over from a gas or diesel engine to a zero emission vehicle.

While getting a charge at a Tesla station on upper State Street Alec Taylor said, “in California specifically there is a tremendous amount of charging stations.  Very easy plug in, you are good to go  in  Santa Monica for example there’s food and some other cool little spots so it is an enjoyable experience.”

Stopping by from Paso Robles Louise Scott said, if a spot is off line you will be a message. “When you come here you get a little  notification on your screen saying ya know C-2 is broken it will tell you.” She found an open slot, “because there was enough options.”

A Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student needed just ten minutes of energy in his vehicle and he would be fully charged for a ride home. Ryan Klinthond said, “you save a lot of money on gas especially with like  heavy gas powered cars you are going to save a tons of money.” He often drives to and from Sylmar to his college campus.

More financial incentives are expected in the years ahead from the state of California. A federal incentive ran out at the end of September.

(More details, videos and photos will be added here later today.)

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Mayoral hopeful Larry Miller aims to be voice of the people if elected

News-Press NOW on January 22, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A lifelong St. Joseph resident and political newcomer is making a push for the mayor’s office with the goal of uplifting community voices into meaningful change.

In two weeks, St. Joseph residents will head to the polls to vote for one of four candidates to advance in the mayoral primary election, including candidate Larry Miller, an active local community member seeking to strengthen communication and transparency between local government and residents.

“If it’s something I can sort. I’ll try to fix it. People pay the taxes and you know, they need a voice, they do,” Miller said. “I love Saint Joe. A lot of times I don’t understand what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.”

Miller, a former HS athlete and 1966 Central High School graduate known for his welcoming interactions each day with community members, isn’t shying away from the challenges facing the city and the task of overseeing the position.

For the last two or three years, Miller has contemplated throwing his hat into the ring, a decision he partially credits to encourage from residents in the community, a key area he hopes to further amid a gradual population decline in the city.

“I’m going to start every month, going to meetings with every district to meet the people in there and talk to them and see what some of their problems are,” Miller said, part of his vision that includes an open door policy. “Maybe I can get trust back into the people. And I think the way I’m going to do this with the open door policy.”

A former 35-year-employee at Johnson Controls, Miller hopes to continue working closely with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce to prioritize job growth, attracting businesses and luring housing developers to improve inventory.

“I think the Chamber of Commerce, I’m gonna try to work with them. I want to go out and be aggressive to find people to come in here and build,” he said. “Get people that want to work to turn this situation around. So when they get out of college, we’ve got good jobs here and they can make money here.” 

He is determined to find ways to boost amenities for residents and families in the hopes of increasing community engagement and population, including exploring the return of a Trail West-like event and improving aquatic opportunities.

Two key areas he hopes to bring attention to are street conditions and costs for services like sewer, concerns he often hears from residents.

“You’ve got to listen to the people that work here, listen to them and what they have to say. And I’m going to talk to a bunch of them,” he said. “I would like to see more of our people on the job. Whether it’s fire and police too.”

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MoDOT, local road agencies prepare for coming winter storm

KMIZ on January 22, 2026

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation and Missouri State Highway Patrol warned drivers to be careful this weekend as a winter storm bears down on the state.

Much of Mid-Missouri was placed under a winter storm warning on Thursday. The warning starts early Saturday and lasts through 6 p.m. Sunday. Up to 8 inches or more of snow is possible, with extreme cold also in the forecast.

The high Saturday in Columbia could top out in the single digits, with lows near 0 degrees. Those low temperatures will slow down snow-clearing operations, MoDOT officials said at a Thursday news conference.

Snow will move into the Columbia area from the southwest after midnight, moving to the northeast. The highest totals are expected south of Interstate 70. Sleet is possible in far southern Missouri.

MoDOT Deputy Director Ed Hassinger said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that the department started coordinating preparations Wednesday and will have 3,000 MoDOT crews working 12 hour shifts to treat the roads before, during and after the storm.

During severe winter weather, MoDOT says it runs on a system when treating the roads with main roads with heavy traffic being first priority. That includes interstates like I-70, I-44 and I-55.

“Our teams will be fully deployed across the state until we get everything to near normal and open to traffic but that could be into next week because that could be until next week because the temperatures are not going to get much above freezing and there won’t be any sunshine until middle of the week next week,” Hassinger said.

MoDOT crews will be using salt around the clock to keep the roads clear, but how effective it is can depend on the temperature.

“It takes 10 times more salt at 10 degrees than it would at 30 degrees so it becomes ineffective but we do have chemicals that we can add to that salt magnesium, calcium, beet juice makes it more effective at lower temperatures, what we do is patrol and plow,” Becky Alleroth Chief Safety and Operations Office with MoDOT said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will also have Troopers out across the entire state during the storm and after to respond to calls as quickly as possible. However, they are short 100 Troopers statewide, according to Capt. Scott White.

“We will be visible and proactive during this weather event, our goal is to prevent crashes, injuries and loss of life, we have adjusted staffing across the state and this is based on the anticipated conditions,” White said.

White encourages drivers to not be out on the roads unless they absolutely need to be. He urges drivers to be prepared with several items in your vehicle because a minor incident could quickly turn life-threatening. He wants drivers to keep in mind conditions on the roads can slow down response times for Troopers.

“Help can take longer to reach people, if you must travel what people do before hand is really going to matter that means checking your tires or fuel levels, make sure you keep a winter survival kit with blankets, water food and a phone charger that important thats probably one of the best tools people can have out there,” White added.

To be aware of weather conditions, the MoDOT traveler’s map provides hour by hour weather conditions across the entire state.

Cole County Public Works wrote in a Facebook post that a small crew will work early Saturday, with a larger crew coming in for a day shift.

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Santa Maria Hosts Annual Forum on Human Trafficking on the Central Coast

KEYT on January 22, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The issue of human trafficking on the Central Coast was discussed Thursday during an annual forum held in Santa Maria.

The event was hosted at the Santa Maria Country Club by the Rotary Club of South Santa Maria and was intended to shed light on a growing crime that is taking place not only nationally, but locally on the Central Coast.

“The purpose is to really make people aware of the fact that we do have this issue here on the Central Coast, that our children and youth and even adults are sometimes at risk,” said Event Co-Chair Victoria Conner. “It’s especially important for first responders, for law enforcement, the medical profession, teachers, counselors, anyone working with youth to understand that this is an issue that affects us here, as well as in metropolitan areas.”

Conner pointed out the geography of the Central Coast actually makes it an ideal location for trafficking to take place.

“Most people don’t know the Central Coast and Santa Maria area are hubs for human trafficking because they’re halfway between Los Angeles and the Southern California area and San Francisco and the Northern California area, and it’s also a hub for people coming from the (Central) valley. Most of us don’t recognize that.”

During the course of four hours, audience members heard from a lineup of speakers that includes survivors of human trafficking, as well as advocates, members of law enforcement, and other government agencies that are helping fight the issue on a daily basis.

“Right here in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara and everywhere humans congregate, we have more powerful people taking advantage of less powerful people,” said keynote speaker Russell Wilson, who himself was a victim of trafficking, but is now a nationally-regarded speaker and subjet matter expert. “The way we’re going to put an end to this is by having these conversations and bringing this topic to light. Nothing goes away in the dark. We have to bring it into the light.”

“Every single person has a role in combating trafficking,” said speaker Alia Azariah, a trafficking victim who is now the director of Aftercare at Safe House Project. “Whether it’s just being a safe person for the neighborhood kids, being a safe person for their own children’s friends, teaching digital safety to their own kids, or whether it is stepping into this work as a law enforcement officer or prosecutor or a case manager, every single person in our community has a role to play in combating trafficking and in helping people heal.”

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Winter storm to bring heavy snow, arctic cold to St. Joseph area

News-Press NOW on January 22, 2026

Danielle Bailey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Buchanan County. The warning will be in effect from 6 p.m. Friday, January 23 to 6 p.m. Sunday, January 25.

Snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible locally, according to the NWS.

Areas north of St. Joseph are under a winter weather advisory and could see 2 to 4 inches of snow. Accumulations of 5 inches or greater are possible south of the city.

The NWS advises travelers to prepare for slick road conditions. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions in Kansas can be obtained by calling 511 and by visiting traveler.modot.org in Missouri.

A blast of arctic air will also affect the region, with wind chills as low as 24 below zero expected locally. The NWS recommends taking cold weather precautions and dressing in layers if you must go out.

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One Dead After Vehicle vs. Bicycle Collision

KEYT on January 22, 2026

Michael Yu

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) – Oxnard Police Department responded to a fatal vehicle-bicycle collision.

The incident happened around 6:30pm Wednesday on Wooley Road in Oxnard.

Officers found a bicyclist suffering from major wounds at the scene when they arrived.

He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bicyclist had been traveling when the vehicle, also traveling eastbound, collided with him.

An investigation is ongoing.

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City of St. Joseph launches new Community Cares Court program

News-Press NOW on January 22, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The City of St. Joseph launched a program aimed to support individuals experiencing homelessness who are charged with nonviolent offenses.

“Community Cares Court” is a municipal court program that brings together law enforcement, local health and mental health providers and social service agencies to connect participants with housing, medical care and other essential services to help them build a more stable life.

The court is designed to provide support instead of relying solely on fines or jail.

Eligible individuals are connected with services such as mental health care, case management, employment assistance and housing resources.

A City news release said the goal is to reduce the repeated demands on police, court and social service agencies caused by low-level offenses committed by individuals who primarily need help and stability.

Participants facing minor, nonviolent municipal charges, including theft, trespassing and nuisance complaints, are paired with a dedicated case manager, where they work together to secure employment, stable housing and essential documents.

The program also helps participants obtain items such as birth certificates, medical insurance and access to health care and medications.

Court cases may be dismissed for those who demonstrate progress and actively engage in the program.

“All of us working together have a greater impact in getting individuals out of the cycle they are currently finding themselves in,” City Manager Mike Schumacher said in a news release. “Our aim is to connect people with housing, health care and services that help them improve their lives, rather than just punishing them.”

Community Care Court is a collaborative effort involving the St. Joseph Municipal Court judge and prosecutor, the St. Joseph Police Department, Community Missions, Mosaic Life Care and other community partners.

The pilot phase will include two to five individuals with active Municipal Court cases and a history of interaction with law enforcement, mental health providers and social service agencies. Officials are currently identifying participants, with the program expected to begin in the coming weeks.

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Thermal community raises concerns over approved Thermal Ranch development

KESQ on January 22, 2026

Luis Avila

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) — Growing concerns surrounding a development in Thermal.

The massive 619-acre development centered around a 231-acre luxury equestrian center would be called the Thermal Ranch. A lawsuit has been filed against the county over the project citing air pollution and manure removal concerns.

Ivanna Uriarte, a housing and land use policy advocate, says this will put nearby disadvantaged residents at risk.

“The ECV (Eastern Coachella Valley) unfortunately does lack a lot of access to clean water, adequate housing, a lot of nearby homes are mobile homes that rely on private wells and still don’t have access to clean water,” she explains.

News Channel 3 visited a mobile home community just a few blocks away from the project site.

One resident — who asked to remain anonymous — says the development and amenities it would offer its guests is unfair for residents who live in the area, adding she had recently lost access to electricity and water for three days.

Uriarte says the end goal is not to stop the project, but for residents to be heard when new developments come to the area.

She clarifies, “Semillas de Resistencia and residents aren’t opposed to development in the area. They just want to see development that really reflects their needs and priorities.”

The office of Supervisor V. Manuel Perez tells News Channel 3 infrastructure concerns have been addressed.

Thermal Ranch Development County Response:

“The Thermal Ranch project is a 619-acre development that includes an equestrian facility, a variety of residential units, including workforce housing, and retail-service uses.

The project represents a major investment in the Eastern Coachella Valley, proposing critical infrastructure and amenities within the community, most notably, a new water reservoir and new substation each with additional capacity for the community.

The equestrian facilities, residential neighborhoods, and commercial spaces will attract visitors and stimulate local tourism.

This combination of amenities is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including jobs creation related to hospitality, retail, and event operations.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Man Involved in Multiple Car Crashes Arrested in Santa Barbara

KEYT on January 22, 2026

Michael Yu

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A man believed to be involved in multiple car crashes was arrested Wednesday night.

Santa Barbara police arrested the man around 9:25 Wednesday night after a crash at Del Monte and San Pascual Street.

The suspect had initially fled from the scene but was arrested after.

It comes after another collision on Wentworth Street around the same time-frame.

The incident remains under investigation.

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4.7 magnitude earthquake rattles Utah-Wyoming border Thursday morning

KIFI on January 22, 2026

Seth Ratliff

SALT LAKE, Utah (KIFI) — A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck near the Utah-Wyoming border overnight, just as the Beehive State was waking up.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake began around 7:49 AM. The epicenter was located just under 25 miles south of Evanston, Wyoming, over 8 miles deep.

A 4.7 magnitude quake can often be felt but rarely causes damage, according to seismologists. Forecasters with the USGS expect at least one aftershock within the next week.

While this morning’s tremor was small, seismic activity is not uncommon in Utah. On March 18, 2020, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Salt Lake City, causing minor damage and injuries. Most notably, the iconic Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was undergoing a seismic upgrade at the time of the earthquake and sustained minor damage, causing the statue of the Angel Moroni to lose its trumpet.

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