Tyler Robinson hearing Day 3: Utah Judge weighs trial evidence against accused Charlie Kirk shooter

KIFI on July 8, 2026

News Team

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — The high-profile preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, 23, is scheduled to resume in a Utah courtroom today, where a judge will ultimately determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial for the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Wednesday’s hearing has now ended. Watch the recording in the video player above.

Tuesday marked the second day of the multi-day proceedings, which saw prosecutors introduce critical new surveillance footage from the Utah Valley University campus, recorded the day of the shooting.

According to prosecutors, the video tracks Robinson’s movements across campus, including footage of him walking with a distinct limp in a parking garage stairwell. Investigators also highlighted an encounter hours after the shooting, around 12:30 a.m., when Robinson’s vehicle allegedly made brief contact with a police officer working campus security while attempting to turn onto a restricted road.

The courtroom was filled with emotional family members and high-profile figures. According to CNN, Kirk’s parents and widow were in attendance but left the courtroom when the defense began describing a video of the shooting. Robinson’s family was also present, as well as Donald Trump Jr., a close friend of the late activist.

Robinson surrendered to police the day after the shooting. While he has not yet entered a formal plea, he faces multiple severe charges, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors have already signaled their intent to seek the death penalty if the case goes to trial.

Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from an original on-air broadcast report with the assistance of AI. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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Palm Springs Cultural Center to reopen theaters following fire

KESQ on July 8, 2026

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) – A fire that destroyed the roof and attic space in a kitchen area at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, which prompted immediate evacuations and a temporary closure, was set to reopen this Saturday.

The non-injury blaze was reported shortly after 7:30 p.m. June 27 in the 2300 block of East Baristo Road, according to the Palm Springs Fire Department.

A total of 31 firefighters halted the spread of the fire to the cafe area and evacuated 30 people. It was contained at about 8:10 p.m. and under control at 8:18 p.m. the same day.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. Theater officials announced on social media in the following days that the cafe was unusable, with water damage inside theaters 2 and 3 and the entire building smelling of smoke. Cleanup and restoration efforts were underway, including removing smoke particles and odors from the affected theaters.

The Historic Camelot Theatre will reopen with a film screening of “Jaws” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. “Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we are able to welcome audiences back to the Camelot while restoration efforts continue elsewhere in the building,” officials said.

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The Wienermobile arrives in the desert with a local resident behind the wheel

KESQ on July 8, 2026

Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – No matter the kind of day someone is having, the reaction to seeing a giant hot dog on wheels drive by is the same: shock, awe, and disbelief.

That’s what Oscar Meyer’s “Hotdoggers” noticed the most driving throughout the West Coast over the past couple of weeks. Here in the Coachella Valley, it’s no different.

For one of the two Hotdoggers driving the Wienermobile assigned to the West Coast, it’s been a “bunderful” homecoming. Lauren Trippeer, who grew up in Palm Desert and attended Palm Desert High School, was one of just twelve selected to drive the coveted hot dog-shaped vehicle – and she’s relishing every moment.

“Very few people get to even drive the Wienermobile. To drive it in my hometown… that’s a once in a lifetime experience,” Trippeer said with a beaming smile.

It’s clearly an attention-getter. I had a chance to sit inside, and everywhere we turned, it was the same deal: phones stuck out of car windows, trying to record the giant hot dog, and onlookers running out of stores to catch a glimpse.

Trippeer recounted, “The first time driving, I thought all of a sudden, like, I didn’t know how to drive. I thought I was making all these mistakes because people were honking at me. They were like, you know, waving. And then I realized, oh, it’s because I drive a 27ft long hot dog car.”

Trippeer’s parents have been lumped into the attention, too. When not driving around town, it’s parked right in front of the Trippeer home.

Nancy Brier and Gary Trippeer, Lauren’s parents, said the Wienermobile has certainly created a buzz around the neighborhood. It prompted them to host a community-wide hot dog party – and they’re meeting neighbors they didn’t even know they had.

“Everyone’s really happy. They either are happy to see it or they remember it from childhood. They have some story from their childhood when they saw the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile,” said Gary. The two had a chance to ride along with Lauren in the Wienermobile shortly after it arrived. Even despite the heat, Trippeer said it was incredible to see the attention they drew.

“It didn’t matter what people were doing. They stopped in their tracks and it didn’t appear it mattered if they had a bad day, a good day. They were just smiling and waving. It was universal,” he said.

And for Lauren’s parents, the opportunity to hold the coveted “Hotdogger” position is something they’re incredibly proud of her for. They said it all began last year, when Lauren recorded herself to apply for the position. Her parents said she was among thousands of applicants – but with the video she recorded, she positioned herself above the rest.

“She did a little video series on her own, and I think this is just a culmination of that. And it’s really neat to see her come back with the Wienermobile, such an American icon, and then being parked in front of her house. It’s just unreal,” said Lauren’s father.

It’s clear to see how Lauren is relishing every moment. She talked about how important it was for her to bring smiles and something out of the ordinary to those who call the valley home – just like her. As she and her copilot, “All Beef Aiden,” visited the Children’s Discovery Museum in Rancho Mirage, they handed out Wiener Whistles, stickers, and took photos with families taking it all in.

Sitting in the driver’s seat of the Wienermobile, she affirmed, “Driving the Wienermobile, its buns and buns of fun, and we’re spreading smiles everywhere we go.”

The Hotdoggers and the Wienermobile spend about a week in each city they visit. They will be at several more events in the Coachella Valley this week, including the following:

Wienermobile Events

July 9, 7pm-10pm, VillageFest at 1100 North Palm Canyon Dr

July 10, 6pm-9:30pm, Palm Springs Power Baseball at 1901 E Baristo Rd

July 11, 8am-1pm, Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market at 201 S Pavilion Way

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Under the sun, on the job: Outdoor workers get their flowers

KESQ on July 8, 2026

Matthew Pearce

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — Assemblymember Greg Wallis continues the annual observance of Outdoor Worker Appreciation Week. This statewide effort aims to show workers who push through the desert summers that the community recognizes the importance of their work.

Legislation authored by Wallis was signed in 2023, establishing a weeklong recognition of workers who work year round.

From pools to parks, workers maintain spaces families rely on during summer, despite extreme heat.

During visits to two Desert Recreation District sites, Wallis will thank employees, providing bottled water and frozen treats in recognition of their service.

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Santa Barbara County Fair resumes for five-day run through Sunday

KEYT on July 8, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara County Fair is reopening to the public Wednesday to begin the final five days its unprecedented split schedule this year.

Last Friday, the fair opened for a three-day run over the Fourth of July holiday weekend before closing to the public for the past two days on Monday and Tuesday.

Now, it’s opening its gates once again to make the start of its traditional five-day run from Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday, July 12.

“Normally we are open just for one weekend for the Santa Barbara County Fair, but we wanted to bring double the fun, so we are here for two weekends,” said Chloe Parks with Helm and Sons Entertainment. “After two days off, now we’re back again for the final weekend, this Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

For more than 25 years, the fair has been held over a five-day period in mid-July, beginning on a Wednesday and finishing the following Sunday.

This year, Santa Maria Fairpark Board of Directors decided to expand the schedule, especially with the opening weekend falling on the special 250th Fourth of July celebration.

“I’m going to call it a soft launch, even though we were open and all the typical hours that we would be as if it were the regular fair,” said Santa Maria Fairpark Interim CEO Todd Ventura. “It was solid crowds, very steady, I would say. I don’t think they were overwhelming crowds, but it’s the first year, and there was a lot of special circumstances, a lot going on around the 4th of July, family barbecues, fireworks, all those kinds of things. Nonetheless, we did have great crowds, particularly on Sunday, that was a really fantastic crowd for our our Fiesta day.”

In addition to a its new longer schedule, Ventura pointed out the fair will also feature an array of format changes and other new concepts.

“I think the I think the feedback has been very, very positive,” said Ventura. “The people have really enjoyed the new layout and the Fairpark being different, with different spots, different booths, different vendors, different commercial, there is a whole new a whole new Fairpark. The atmosphere is different. The vibe is different. The feeling is different.”

The fair has also expanded its carnival with more rides that ever before. The overall amount of rides that are spread out across the Fairpark is said to exceed that of any other local fair.

“This is humongous,” said. Parks. “We went from having just the major area and the kids area to having three different new areas. We have 60 rides, including three roller coasters. We have a brand new kiddy area. We had only two areas last year, but we expanded it, and we have five in total. We brought some fan favorites and then some brand new ones as well.”

The Santa Barbara County Fair will open at noon during the weekends and at 2 p.m. on weekdays and close each night at 10 p.m.

“There’s so much to do from the vendors, the food, the games, all the rides” said Parks. “There is just so much going on that it would be hard not to have fun here and enjoyment with the family.”

The fair’s concert series begins on Thursday with the first of three shows inside the Minetti Arena.

Alternative rock band Everclear takes the stage on Thursday, followed by country singers Dylan Scott on Friday and Rodney Adkins on Saturday.

Concerts are free to attend in the grandstand, with paid seating in the lower area closer to the stage.

For more information about the Santa Barbara County Fair, click here to visit the official website.

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Las Cruces museum system introduces Grief Cafes for emotional support

KVIA on July 8, 2026

Nina Gallegos

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The Las Cruces museum system is launching Grief Cafes, which are free community gatherings designed to provide a safe space for individuals to share their emotional experiences.

The gatherings are intended to help participants connect with others and reduce feelings of isolation. The museum system is expanding the program in observance of National Grief Awareness Day in August, according to organizers.

The Grief Cafes are not therapy or counseling sessions, but rather an open environment where people can discuss loss. This includes not only death-related grief but also significant life changes, such as moving, starting a new job or other major transitions that can evoke feelings of grief.

Galen Skibyak, a visitor experience curator for the Las Cruces museum system, described the program as “a space where anybody can kind of come and share their emotional experiences, share their stories, share their feelings with others.”

Skibyak said the cafes are “just kind of a space that’s safe for everybody to kind of come and share whatever they need to.”

The museum system previously offered similar Death Cafes two years ago for Dia de los Muertos. The events were popular and Skibyak says attendees asked for more similar events.

Emilia Linley, museum manager for visitor experience for the Las Cruces museum system, explained the purpose of the cafes.

“We want to make not only the museums a safe space for people, but just kind of Las Cruces, a generally safe and welcoming space for anybody who needs to express their emotions and to help people find other people that are feeling the same way and really make connections with each other,” Linley said.

Linley said the Grief Cafes will be held in a similar format.

“Our grief cafes are going to be held similarly. We will not necessarily have a death doula on site every evening,” Linley said. “But it will just be an open space where people can talk about grief in an environment without judgment, without any form of consulting or counseling or anything of that nature.”

The Grief Cafes begin in July and are scheduled for the third Tuesday of every month. In observance of National Grief Awareness Day, three additional Grief Cafe sessions will be held in August, according to organizers.

“That’s the most important thing about these grief cafes, is for people to leave knowing that they’re not alone,” she said.

Linley distinguished the cafes from professional counseling.

“Counseling is a place where you’re going to be given tools and things to work on in order to help ameliorate the grief in a way that is constructive. But it is not a space where you’re going to receive counseling.”

Linley also offered advice for supporting loved ones experiencing grief.

“Most people don’t want to hear you have to be better by a certain time frame. There is no time limit on grief,” Linley said. “Grief will come and go. It will ebb and flow.”

She suggested treating grieving loved ones like “houseplants,” making sure they get “some water and some sunshine, but otherwise just allowing that space.”

In addition to the Grief Cafes, a Grief and Safety Fair is scheduled at the Railroad Museum on Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More information about events and programs is available on the Las Cruces museum system’s Facebook and Instagram pages under “LC museums.”

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GoFundMes created to help two Yuma families after fire destroys their homes

KYMA on July 8, 2026

Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A couple of GoFundMes were created to help two Yuma families after a fire destroyed their homes.

According to Rural Metro’s Facebook post, the fire was reported around 5 a.m. near Avenue C and South El Prado Road, close to Valley Baptist Church.

Firefighters arrived to find two homes and a vehicle engulfed in flames before quickly bringing the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes.

No injuries were reported, and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families.

Rudolfo Acosta, a neighbor, said one of the homeowners believes the fire may have started after a bonfire spread because of windy conditions.

However, Rural Metro says the official cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Acosta said one of the homes belonged to a family of five that had been remodeling their house before the fire.

“They are very sad for what happened to them,” Acosta said. “They were remodeling their house, but no one was hurt.”

The GoFundMe’s organizer says while everyone got out safely, all of their furniture, clothes, bedding and mattresses were “completely destroyed.”

The organizer says the GoFundMe was created as she, her husband, stepson and granddaughter, who is seven-years-old, are in need of clothes, food, household items, blankets, pillows, furniture and beds.

In addition, the GoFundMe has a goal of $2,200, with over $1,100 raised so far. If anyone would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

There is also a GoFundMe created to help another family who lost their home in the fire. It has a goal of $7,000, with only $400 raised so far. If anyone would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

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Better Business Bureau: How to avoid locksmith scams

KYMA on July 8, 2026

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Most people only call a locksmith when they are desperate for help. That means it’s easy to overlook red flags and fall prey to a scammer.

By getting to know the signs of a locksmith scam ahead of time, you can avoid trouble if an emergency does arise.

How Locksmith Scams Work

You’ve locked yourself out of your home or car! You take out your phone and do a quick search for locksmiths in your area. This is where the scam begins. Many locksmith scammers use the name and logo of a reputable locksmith to advertise their business.

When you call these imitators, they may answer with a generic “Hello, locksmith services,” rather than a specific business name.

In one common version of this scam, the person on the phone offers you an extremely cheap quote, as low as $15. However, once the locksmith arrives on-site, they find a number of “reasons” to raise the price.

Scammers prey on consumers’ feelings of desperation, and victims often end up paying hundreds more than what they were initially quoted.

In other cases, scammers may also claim that opening your door is impossible. They insist you need to drill the old lock and replace it with a new, expensive lock. This, too, is most likely a deception; a skilled locksmith can open just about any lock.

In addition, scammers like to sell “extra-secure” locks that, in reality, are cheap and anything but secure. What’s even more disturbing is that a scam locksmith now knows where you live or work and how to gain reentry later on.

How to avoid locksmith scams:

Critique their advertising. Look closely at the business’s advertisements. Is the specific name of the business clearly identified? Does the ad look similar to other ads but have a different name? Does it appear that the dealer actually operates under several names?

Ask plenty of questions. Most consumer complaints concern fees that were not disclosed when they called the locksmith. Ask about the cost of a service call, mileage, and parts before you agree to have the work performed. Get an estimate before any work begins, including emergency service. If the on-site estimate doesn’t match the price quoted on the telephone, have the job done by someone else.

Check identification. Most legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle and provide identification. Remember that you will be allowing a stranger into your home. Check to see if the locksmith is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America https://www.aloa.org/consumers

Licensed? Some states require locksmiths to have a license to operate. In California, verify that through the state’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. 

https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/online_services/verify_license.shtml

Be wary of “necessary” drilling. Understand that it isn’t routine for a locksmith to insist on drilling the lock to open it. Most locksmiths have the skills to open almost any lock.

Demand an invoice. You can’t dispute a charge without proof of how much you paid and what you paid for. Insist on an itemized invoice that includes parts, labor, mileage and service charges. The invoice should also include the business name and address. Use your credit card to pay for locksmith services for added security.

For More Information

More scam warnings at joeknowsbetter.com

Find BBB Accredited Locksmiths before you have an emergency. Keep their number in your wallet or phone, in case you find yourself in need of services later on.  Find out more about BBB Accreditation Standards.

If you’ve been the victim of a locksmith scam, report the incident to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help alert others to similar scams.

Sign up for BBB Scam Alerts

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Colorado sheriff frustrated over base jumper who called for, then declined help: “should have known better”

CNN Newsource on July 8, 2026

By Alan Gionet

Click here for updates on this story

    SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, Colorado (KCNC) — The San Miguel County sheriff is expressing frustration after a man from western Colorado sought help but then declined it following a reported fall during a base-jumping incident south of Telluride.

“His decisions unnecessarily diverted emergency resources, including a Care Flight helicopter, that may have been needed for other emergencies,” posted Sheriff Dan Covault.

The 31-year-old from Grand Junction sent an SOS message on Monday saying he was in trouble about six miles south-southeast of Bridal Veil Falls in the Columbine Basin. He reported he had fallen about 150-200 feet and believed his leg was broken, indicating he could not walk and needed help.

“We took motorcycles and a UTV to a spot we could get to. They had to hike another 1.5 miles to reach the area where he was,” said sheriff’s office spokesperson Susan Lilly. “We have to land, get personnel off, unload weight to go into high altitude. We loaded a search and rescue member, went up for, you know, just kind of check it out.”

The ground team was the first to reach the man.

“They were with him, and he ended up changing his mind. Whether that’s because he saw the helicopter and said, ‘Oh, you know, this is going to cost me a lot of money,'” said Lilly. “That was probably a factor, but you know, maybe he would have thought of that earlier.”

The man told rescuers he would walk out. While search and rescue organizations in Colorado do not charge, there is a charge for medical helicopter evacuation.

The man was no stranger to rescues, having been a search-and-rescue volunteer in another Western Slope county. He was also the subject of a big rescue operation ten years ago after a base-jumping accident in the Swiss Alps that left him stranded for 13 hours.

“We thought, ‘Gee, of all people, he should probably know better that we’re going to deploy these resources,'” said Lilly.

The sheriff’s office and search-and-rescue organizations do not want to discourage people from seeking help. Delaying calls can worsen situations.

“I can’t emphasize enough that we want people to call when they’re in distress, whether it’s medical, they have an injury, or they’re lost. We want them to call search and rescue. That’s what we’re here for,” said Lilly. But she expressed exasperation at the recent situation, “It’s very frustrating when we get up there, and someone says, ‘ Never mind, I’m going to walk out on my own.'”

“The fact that he was able to hike back down shows a profound lack of respect for the tremendous effort and resources devoted to this rescue,” the sheriff said in his statement.

CBS Colorado attempted to contact the man for comment but was unable to reach him.

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.

“Like a war scene:” Dozens injured in multi-vehicle crash involving MTA bus in Baltimore

CNN Newsource on July 8, 2026

By Adam Thompson

Click here for updates on this story

    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Dozens of people were injured in a multiple-vehicle crash involving an MTA bus, which rammed into a building in Baltimore County on Wednesday.

The crash happened around 6 p.m. in the 1500 block of Reisterstown Road in Pikesville, spanning several blocks between Old Court Road and McHenry Avenue.

Massive response to Pikesville crash

Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph Dixon said the MTA bus drove into a building, and a dozen other vehicles were involved in the crash. Some of the vehicles were heavily damaged, including one that flipped onto its roof.

“The span of this being from Old Court all the way down, you can see the vehicles in the roadway. It’s more like a war scene,” Dixon said.

Fire officials said that 15 ambulances responded, along with other units, to assist in taking people to the hospital.

Some businesses along Reisterstown Road were damaged, and power lines were knocked down.

BGE responded to assist with the downed power lines.

“As a fire chief, I am concerned about the businesses, but right now, we are concerned about the people,” Dixon said. “BGE will come in and take care of that, but we want to render this safe for the community altogether.”

Police said Reisterstown Road is closed in both directions between Old Court Road and McHenry Avenue.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

State and local leaders react

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore posted on social media that his team is closely monitoring the crash, while staying connected with Baltimore County officials to provide support.

Moore expressed his concerns for those involved.

“Dawn and I are keeping everyone impacted in our hearts and prayers,” Moore said. “We are deeply grateful for our first responders who acted with speed and skill to ensure the safety of our neighbors.”

Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones stated that a coordinated response is underway.

“I have every confidence in the first responders working with urgency to rescue those in danger, care for the injured, and bring this emergency to a safe conclusion,” Jones said. “My prayers are with everyone affected, especially the victims and their loved ones.”

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.