This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available.
Utah
Utah lab works with CDC to develop bird flu test
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah laboratory is now working with the CDC to prepare for potential virus outbreaks in the future. Their first task focuses on testing for avian influenza, also known as bird flu.
ARUP Laboratory applied for a grant with the CDC and was accepted, along with four other labs, to be contracted over the next five years.
Right now the lab is working to develop a test for the bird flu in case it is needed in the future.
This agreement comes after health officials discovered the 14th human case of bird flu in the U.S. in Missouri. The first case in the U.S. with no known source of the virus.
“The idea is we’re going to be ahead of the curve this time,” said Benjamin Bradley, MD, PhD, medical director for virology at ARUP Laboratory.
There is no current threat of the bird flu becoming a pandemic, as there is no evidence of human-to-human spread. However, the purpose behind CDC and commercial lab partnerships is to be prepared for any situation.
“We’re going to start developing these things early and have that infrastructure in place so that if we do have that instance where this becomes a bigger public health threat than it is right now, we have that test developed and ready to scale,” explained Bradley.
Beyond the bird flu
The agreement between ARUP Labs and the CDC can extend beyond the bird flu.
‘The idea is that over the next five years or so, if the CDC sees a need for additional testing for certain pathogens they can reach out to us,” said Bradley.
Bradley said early preparation for potential pandemic situations is one of the smartest things to be doing.
“In the relative scope of things, this is a minor amount of work, a minor amount of time to develop. But it could provide us such a huge protection at a national scale in responding,” said Bradley.
This initial grant is part of a larger series of potential grants the CDC may offer ARUP in the future.
“To be able to take on these grants for the CDC is a great opportunity for us to show… Salt Lake and the greater community the role that we can play in improving our responses to public health threats. I think it’s something we should really be proud of,” said Bradley.
Additional labs partnered with the CDC include Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, Aegis Sciences, and Ginkgo Bioworks.
ARUP Laboratories is a nonprofit enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology, as well as a national reference laboratory.
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Utah
Large police presence responds to the area of Crestwood Drive in South Ogden
SOUTH OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — There is a heavy police presence in the area of Harrison Blvd in South Ogden. ABC4 is working to learn more.
While police have not confirmed any information, ABC4 has acquired footage from a bystander that shows law enforcement detaining one individual. The individual can be seen handcuffed and without a shirt.
Several residents have also reported seeing over a dozen police vehicles heading to the area and reported hearing gunshots on social media.
Courtesy: Kade Garner // KTVX
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including Davis County SWAT, Weber County Sheriff’s Department, and Morgan County Sheriff’s Department. Officers from Riverton Police Department, Roy Police Department, Clinton Police Department, and Layton police Department all responded to the scene.
Law enforcement also used several drones and several armored vehicles responded to the scene. Additionally, it appears at least one person was transported from the scene by ambulance
Courtesy: Randy Ferrin
At this time, law enforcement has not confirmed any details regarding this incident. However, they appeared to have cleared from the scene.
Utah
Penalties to be enforced if Trump’s face covered on national park passes, reports say
SALT LAKE CITY — Those using a new national park pass who want to enjoy Utah’s “Mighty Five” better do so with President Donald Trump’s face perfectly intact, or you might pay a literal price.
The new annual park passes, which debuted on Jan. 1, feature Trump’s image alongside that of George Washington. At the same time as the release, the Department of the Interior reportedly updated its rules to ensure Trump’s face remains free and clear.
According to the Washington Post, the updated “Void if Altered” policy prohibits anyone from defacing the pass or covering up any images or information on the cards. Visitors found by rangers to have altered a pass by any means will be ordered to return it to its original condition or possibly be charged a regular entrance fee.
SFGate reported the policy originally prohibited any alteration of the signature portion of the pass, with the updated policy including the front of the card, with a warning that “writing on it or adding stickers or other coverings” is no longer allowed.
Anti-DEI mandates at national parks include Zion gift shop:
‘History deserves honesty,’ anti-DEI mandates at national parks include Zion gift shop
Many believe the updated policy is in direct response to the large pushback over the inclusion of Trump, leaving people to share creative ways to hide the president’s image from passes, including stickers and sleeves.
Along with the suggestions on how to hide Trump’s image, a nonprofit environmental group has filed a lawsuit claiming its design did not comply with legislation that requires public participation in the selection.
Utah
Two killed, six wounded in shooting outside Mormon church in Utah
Two people were killed, and at least six were wounded when gunfire erupted outside a funeral at a Mormon church in Utah on Wednesday night, according to authorities and reports.
Eight people were hit by gunfire when shots rang out outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City around 7:30 p.m., Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson Glen Mills told the Salt Lake City Tribune.
Two people were killed, and six people were injured in the shooting that occurred outside in the church’s parking lot as dozens were attending a funeral service inside.
Of the six wounded, three individuals are in critical condition, the Salt Lake City Police Department posted on X. All of the victims were adults.
There were no suspects in custody as of late Wednesday night, and it is not immediately clear if there were multiple gunmen involved. A motive was also unknown.
However, police said they have obtained solid leads in the investigation and are working to locate individuals involved in the shooting.
“We believe this was not a random incident,” Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd told reporters.
The shooting was not believed to be targeting a religion, Redd clarified.
Roughly 100 law enforcement vehicles swarmed the area in the aftermath of the gunfire as helicopters flew overhead.
The area around the Mormon church remained closed into the evening as authorities urged the public to stay clear of the still active scene.
“This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall.
The Salt Lake City Police Department did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
The incident remains under investigation.
With Post wires.
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