The Utah Department of Transportation has indefinitely closed State Route 153 due to damage from the Cottonwood Fire and subsequent flooding. The fire, which burned 150 square miles, caused significant destruction to culverts beneath the roadway.
Nearly half-a-million acres have burned in Utah so far this year. This includes 106,000 acres from the Widemouth Two Fire in Millard County, which is currently 19-percent contained.
A cabin belonging to Gary and Liz Smith was destroyed by the Widemouth 2 Fire on August 3, 2026. As of August 4, the fire was mapped at 84,229 acres.
November 18, 1942 – August 14, 2026 Norma Rae (Birch) Reiter passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at the age of 83. She was blessed to be at home, surrounded by her family and cared for by Hospice. Norma was born in Price, Utah on November 18, 1942, the youngest child of Lavar and Odessa Gage Birch.
U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) convened a group of experts—including state elected officials, water experts, researchers, conservation leaders, and members of Utah’s technology sector—for a roundtable discussion on bold, long-term solutions to strengthen Utah’s water supply and protect the Great Salt Lake.
Federal officials have announced sharp water cuts for the next two years for three Western states that rely on the imperiled Colorado River. Under the Bureau of Reclamation's plan, California, Nevada and Arizona will reduce water use collectively by 1.
SANPETE, EMERY counties, Aug. 24, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The Black Canyon Fire, straddling the Sanpete and Emery county borders, remains at 78% contained, and drones are being used to identify hot spots along the western and northern perimeter.
President Donald Trump (R) meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (L) on Oct. 7, 2025. Trump on Sunday said Canada wants the "benefits of being a state, without being one." File Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI Aug. and its northern neighbor escalate.
(Orem, UT) — Turning Point USA is planning a memorial for its founder, Charlie Kirk. Kirk was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10th of last year.
The Department of the Interior has adopted a decision framework for the coordinated operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead through 2036. The framework was established after the seven Basin States failed to reach a consensus on long-term water management strategies.
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families that offers free museum admission to active-duty military personnel and their families. The 2026 program is scheduled to run from May 16 through September 7.
Tensions between President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune escalated as the Senate approached its August recess. The conflict centered on the stalled Save America Act and other legislative priorities.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game took place on July 29, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The MLS All-Stars defeated the Liga MX All-Stars with a final score of 4–3.
Forbes' 2025 list of the 400 Richest People in America shows that the wealthiest people in the U.S. have reached a record net worth of $6.6 trillion. This reflects a $1.2 trillion increase over the past year, driven by surging stock markets and AI mania.
Centennial Parents/Guardians, Please note the following weekly announcements. 1. Beginning-of-Year NWEA Testing Beginning-of-Year NWEA testing begins today, Monday, August 24. August 24–28: Students will complete NWEA Math and Science assessments. August 31–September 11: NWEA Reading assessments and make-up testing will take place. 2. Safety Drill – Today, August 24 We will conduct a school safety drill today, Monday, August 24. During the drill, students and staff will practice our evacuation
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.
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.
The Cottonwood Fire has reached 90% containment after burning over 97,458 acres near Beaver, Utah. Incident management officials are now working with local sheriffs to evaluate reentry for residents as crews continue fire suppression efforts.
The Cottonwood Fire in Fishlake National Forest has seen recent activity including fire reignition in North Creek due to rolling burning debris. State officials have issued a Fire and Fuels Advisory for Utah due to low fuel moisture and potential for extreme fire behavior.
