JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1035

SALT LAKE CITY — Police said a shooting in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after a funeral on Wednesday night killed two people and wounded six others. The attack occurred after 7:30 p.m., three victims were reported in critical condition. No suspect was in custody and authorities conducted an active manhunt while saying there was no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators said the shooting grew from a dispute among people who knew each other and they are reviewing surveillance and home video to identify suspects. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Frankfort, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear presented his State of the Commonwealth address, outlining budget proposals, workforce investments and funding. He cited $10.5 billion in private-sector investment and 9,600 new jobs in 2025, and proposed $150 million for teacher raises, funding for universal pre-K, fully funded Medicaid, affordable housing and more than $100 million to cover SNAP benefits. Beshear allocated $70 million for site development to attract employers and noted company investments. Republican leaders responded with statements on fiscal policy, while legislators signaled plans to review incentives tied to Ford’s BlueOval SK project. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

San Francisco: Google and Character.AI agreed this week to mediated settlements resolving lawsuits filed by families who said AI chatbots harmed minors, including a Florida lawsuit claiming a 14-year-old's suicide in February 2024 was linked to a Character.AI chatbot. Filings show cases span Florida, Colorado, New York and Texas and require court approval; terms were not disclosed. Separately, Kentucky's attorney general has sued Character.AI alleging the platform exposed children to sexual content and self-harm prompts. Companies declined detailed comment in filings. Judges must approve settlement terms before any final resolution. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting publicly available research.

ATLANTA — President Donald Trump filed a motion this week seeking more than $6.2 million in attorney fees and costs after a Fulton County election-interference case was dismissed. The charges were brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in August 2023; she was removed from the matter in December 2024. A successor prosecutor dismissed the case in November 2025. Georgia lawmakers in 2025 enacted a statute permitting defendants to recover reasonable legal fees if a disqualified prosecutor’s case is dismissed. The filing requests $6,261,613.08, according to court documents. Filed Jan. 7, 2026. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States meteorologists issued First Alert Weather Days Friday into Saturday across multiple states as a strong storm system brought heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated severe storms. Local offices in Birmingham, Greenville, Knoxville, Atlanta and Wausau warned of rainfall totals ranging from one to over five inches, flood watches in low‑lying areas, ponding on roadways and potential isolated tornadoes. Forecasters said rain would change to snow in parts of Wisconsin, creating slick travel overnight. Authorities advised caution for outdoor plans and events. Forecasts indicated colder weather returning Sunday into next week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Trenton, New Jersey — Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed a law Thursday requiring K–12 school districts to ban nonacademic use of cellphones throughout the school day, effective 2026–2027; officials cited classroom focus and mental-health concerns. In Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox and lawmakers proposed statewide "bell-to-bell" restrictions ahead of the Jan. 20 legislative session, following last year's classroom-level limits and local district bans. School districts and teachers have begun adapting schedules and policies, with some students and educators reporting logistical challenges. Thirty-seven states and Washington, D.C., now limit school devices. Enforcement plans vary locally. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will seek to bar large institutional investors from buying single-family homes and urged Congress to codify such a ban. He wrote on Truth Social that "people live in homes, not corporations," and said he would act immediately while presenting further housing proposals in coming weeks. Republican Rep. Pat Harrigan introduced the Families First Housing Act of 2026 to prioritize families with a 180-day first-look period for federally-backed homes; Representative Josh Riley is co-lead. Local outlets reported investor purchases have tightened supply and rental markets. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, The U.S. State Department paused all assistance to Somalia recently after alleging Somali officials destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Programme warehouse and seized 76 metric tons of donor food intended for vulnerable civilians. The department, citing a zero-tolerance policy for diversion of aid, said resumption depends on Somali accountability and remedial actions. The allegation was posted by the U.S. under secretary for foreign assistance on X; Somali authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The pause follows heightened U.S. scrutiny of Somali migrants and diplomatic tensions over recognition issues. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump ordered US defence contractors to halt dividends and stock buybacks until they increase weapons production and improve maintenance, and capped executive pay at $5 million, the White House said this week. Markets reacted as shares of major contractors fell after his posts. The administration proposed reallocating payouts toward new plants and faster delivery, and Trump called for a $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027. The White House released an executive order and statements on social media, and production bottlenecks persist. Officials cited Truth Social posts and market data. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The Trump administration on Wednesday released the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, urging reduced consumption of ultraprocessed foods and added sugars while promoting protein and healthy fats. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and officials presented a reversed food-pyramid graphic elevating meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables above grains. Officials said the guidance will inform federal nutrition programs and will be promoted via a roadshow next week. Nutrition experts expressed mixed reactions, noting some praise for cutting sugar but concern about emphasis on red meat. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.