President Donald Trump recently signed executive orders shrinking the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. These orders reduced the monuments by about 90% or nearly three million acres. The president also disbanded the Bears Ears Commission, which facilitated consultation with five tribes in the area.
One day after Trump's national monument cuts, Moab-based Kimmerle Mining filed seven claims within the old boundaries of Bears Ears. Less than a month later, Craig Rosequist filed two claims within Grand Staircase.
Art lovers often know that feeling when a scene is so inspiring they feel energized to capture it. Participants can prepare to experience that, perhaps repeatedly, at the Escalante Canyons Art Festival from September 18–27, 2026. Located near the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument, the festival offers opportunities for visual artists, writers, and musicians to hone their skills and seize the day.
In a recent LTE to The Insider, Bud Donmoyer celebrated the reduction of Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument (GSENM). I found it interesting that we seem to want some of the same things for the contested area. BUT, how to get there and the final goals are somewhat different.
Internal White House documents reveal that administration officials were briefed on recreational opportunities within the Bears Ears National Monument a month before President Trump signed proclamations to shrink the monument, contradicting the president's claims that recreation was virtually impossible in the area.
ESCALANTE – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Clem Hunter Griffin. Clem was born on January 24, 1932, in Escalante, Utah, to William Ernest and Clarice Heaps Griffin, the youngest of eight children. He had wonderful memories of his childhood and growing up surrounded by close family and friends, which he loved to share with …
President Donald Trump signed executive orders on July 13, 2026, significantly reducing the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah. The decision, supported by the Utah federal delegation and Governor Spencer Cox, aims to align monument boundaries with the Antiquities Act, though it has sparked widespread protests across the state.
The State of Utah and conservation groups are at odds following President Trump's July 2026 decision to significantly reduce the boundaries of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. While state officials argue the smaller scale allows for better management and resource allocation, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance has labeled the move unlawful and vowed to challenge it in court.
Tribal leaders from five sovereign nations expressed deep disappointment following President Trump's decision to reduce the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, stating they were not consulted. The decision, which also terminates the Bears Ears Commission, faces criticism from conservation groups while receiving strong support from the Utah federal delegation.
President Trump signed proclamations on July 13, 2026, to drastically reduce the boundaries of the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments, a move sparking intense legal and social division in Utah. Conservation groups are preparing to challenge the decision in federal court, while local officials expressed support for the reduction.
Escalante Elementary has announced registration requirements for all new and returning students for the upcoming school year. Online registration opened on July 15, 2026, with in-person registration dates scheduled for early August.
The Trump administration reduced the size of Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments by approximately 90% each. The decision, made via executive proclamations under the Antiquities Act, aims to expand resource development and has faced backlash from tribal and environmental groups.
Senator Curtis is working with Utah transportation leaders to develop policies addressing the state's rapid growth and affordable housing needs. This initiative follows years of local efforts in Lehi to manage population density and transit-oriented development.
Governor Newsom announced the deployment of additional firefighting resources and specialized personnel to Washington and Oregon Published: Aug 4, 2026 California is stepping up across the West to help our neighbors to battle historic…
But with a wife and a widowed mother to help support, he needed a quick solution. "I can't afford to be out of the workforce for four years. The condensed programs have exploded in popularity. "This is not innovation. But those programs maintained the same course load, measured as credits.
This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. To learn more, view the following link: Privacy Policy Manage Preferences Can you hear the theaters ka-ching?
The bottom line? Showers and thunderstorms will continue with the threat of severe thunderstorms producing gusty winds possible for northern Utah. Temperatures will remain slightly above average with clouds and sunshine through the week and chances of thunderstorms into the weekend.
HUNTINGTON — The Huntington City Council approved five business licenses during its meeting Wednesday, Aug. Licenses were approved for Desert Contracting, Jessica Lee Cleaning and Landscaping, TC West LLC, Contour Beauty Academy and Solrise.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), John Curtis (R-UT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the bravery and sacrifice of several firefighters whose lives were lost while combatting recent wildfires on the Utah-Colorado border.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest occupies over 3 million acres and stretches across southeastern Idaho, from the Montana, Utah, and Wyoming borders.
Environmental groups have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against a pro-nuclear energy campaign in Utah. This legal action follows a long-term state initiative launched in 2024 to double power production through programs like Operation Gigawatt.
Ted Capener, whose work as an executive at the University of Utah helped shape the U.'s public image, has died at 94. He also conducted hundreds of interviews for shows on PBS Utah.
As head of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, Hilton led efforts to make three Olympic venues accessible for Utahns and viable for another Winter Olympics. Hilton died Aug. 21, 2026, at age 58.
When Latter-day Saints leave their church, do they find another spiritual home? Maybe, but it's usually not in an organized religion, studies show. Most also don't plan to return to the LDS Church.
University leaders are working with colleges, academic departments and advising teams to support students who have taken courses at the Sandy Center.
Nearly 95% of the Intermountain West is currently experiencing drought conditions, according to a report published August 20. While monsoon rains have provided some local relief, officials indicate they are unlikely to resolve long-term water supply challenges in the region.
The Widemouth 2 Fire has grown to over 111,000 acres in the Fishlake National Forest, following a fatal helicopter crash on August 7, 2026. Firefighters continue to battle the lightning-caused blaze, which has already claimed the lives of two pilots during emergency water-dropping operations.
The program goes beyond placing books on shelves. The Book Nerd Mobile, Brain Food Books's traveling community bookstore and outreach vehicle, will return throughout the year to replenish the Book Pantries, introduce new titles, host community book events, and connect readers with books they choose for themselves.
He was sentenced on June 29 to 364 days in jail for both charges, but the terms were suspended and he was given credit for the 32 days he had already served. A court order on Aug. "(McKean) continued to communicate with the purported 17-year-old and expressed concerns that it was illegal.
Utah state health data reveals a significant rise in vaping rates alongside a decline in traditional cigarette smoking. While cigarette use has reached historic lows, vaping rates saw a 260% increase between 2012 and 2022.
UTAH, Aug. 22, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for south central Box Elder County and northeastern Tooele County. Sunday unless it is extended. For ongoing updates, check this link.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued Sunday night for parts of Salt Lake County, with wind gusts up to 70 mph possible. The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued the warning for areas including West Jordan, Sandy and South Jordan.
Utahns handed statewide leaders an overall negative approval rating in August, continuing a downward trend for Gov. The poll of nearly 800 registered Utah voters revealed an anti-incumbent mood that left no one untouched. The state Legislature and Sen.
BEAVER, Utah (ABC4) — Much of the Beaver Ranger District in the Fishlake National Forest has reopened to the public for the first time since the Cottonwood Fire erupted two months ago. The blaze burned nearly 97,000 acres and while visitors are returning, local businesses and road infrastructure continue to deal with the aftermath.
The Ashley National Forest has issued a temporary closure for North Fork Sheep Creek through September 2, 2026, to facilitate a second round of rotenone treatments for native cutthroat trout restoration. These efforts, coordinated with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, aim to remove non-native fish species to protect the future of the Colorado River cutthroat trout.
On Sunday, following a years-long renovation project, President D. Todd Christofferson rededicated the San Diego Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The San Diego temple first opened in 1993 and closed in 2023 for extensive renovations.
Utah football doesn’t kick off its season with its first game until Thursday Sept. 3, but Rice-Eccles Stadium was still the place to be for Utes fans on Saturday night as hundreds gathered for Utah Athletics Fan Fest. Whether you were a young fan experiencing the tradition for the first time or have been cheering on the Utes for decades, the event had something for everyone.
6% increase from 2024, when adjusted for inflation, the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute noted in a report released on Thursday. "Utah's tourism economy demonstrated considerable resilience in 2025. The increase in spending came despite modest declines in statewide hotel occupancy, as well as state and national park visitation.
