This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available.
Utah
Inflation causing struggle for Utah small businesses
SALT LAKE CITY – Derek Miller, the president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, said that inflation has become an un-ignorable problem for many people. However, Utah small businesses get hit the most.
“About 37%, roughly four in ten, rate inflation as their number-one concern,” said Miller. He added that the same amount was reflected by small businesses.
“In the past, not many people were talking about inflation around the dinner table. But they’re talking about it now… The things they are eating are costing a lot more,” said Miller.
Economic backing for Utah small businesses
Inflation increases the cost of inputs, lowers sales, and raises interest rates for small businesses. Miller called the effects a perfect storm for a state where small business is the backbone of the economy. Fortunately, he said, the economy is still strong.
According to Miller, there are three fundamental principles to make sure the economy remains strong.
First, Utah needs a workforce that continues building small businesses and spending money.
“We are a consumer-led economy, and so the fact that people have jobs is important,” Miller said. He added that Utah needs to continue its strong business environment.
Miller said that businesses “crave predictability,” pointing to low and stable tax rates.
Second, Utah’s reasonable regulations need to continue. Miller said the same regulator reform should be adopted at the federal level. For example, updating business licenses by email instead of mail.
Third, Miller said Utah small businesses need market access.
“We do really well in Utah at expanding outside our own borders, including outside the borders of the United States.” Despite being landlocked, midsized, and in the mountain west, Miller said Utah is a top export state.
“Exporting goods and services is just importing money.”
Improvement timeline
If Utah can follow those three principles, then Miller hopes inflation will begin going down.
“There was a goal by the Federal Reserve to get it down to 2%…. I would say coming down from 9% to 3.4%, as of April, we probably have two wheels of the airplane that have landed softly,” said Miller.
He admitted inflation is not where the Federal Reserve wants it to be. However, inflation has gone down enough to avoid a recession. Even then, Miller thinks we can hit the goal of 2% by the end of the year.
“I’m hopeful that we can. All the indicators show we can,” said Miller.
Utah launches Startup State Initiative to help entrepreneurs and small businesses
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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