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Black Canyon Fire Reaches 3,264 Acres with 78% Containment

The Black Canyon Fire has grown to 3,264 acres in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, with containment reaching 78% as of August 24, 2026. Firefighters are utilizing direct suppression tactics and contingency lines to manage the blaze, which was ignited by lightning on July 30, 2026.

Utah Vaping Rates Rose 260% While Cigarette Use Hits Historic Low

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.

Joyce Marlene Tirella Passes Away at 87 After Adventurous Life

Joyce Marlene Tirella passed away on July 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of adventure and service. Born in Ohio and having lived extensively across the United States, she spent her final years in St. George, Utah.

Washington City Commission Reviews Residential and Industrial Rezoning Requests

The Washington City Planning Commission met on August 5, 2026, to review several land use requests, including a general plan amendment and zone changes for residential and industrial developments.

Salt Lake CityAugust 22, 2026

Red Fort Cuisine of India Opens in Ogden Location

Red Fort Cuisine of India has opened a new location in Ogden. The restaurant is situated in the former El Matador Building at 2564 Ogden Avenue.

St. GeorgeAugust 22, 2026

St. George man sentenced for sexual battery at motel

A St. George man was sentenced in 5th District Court after pleading guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery. The charge follows an incident involving a motel guest at the Red Roof Inn on Bluff Street.

St. GeorgeAugust 22, 2026

Utah Governor Admits Housing Price Reduction Efforts Are Failing

Governor Spencer Cox admitted Thursday that state initiatives to lower housing prices have not been successful as demand continues to outpace supply. Despite a 2023 goal to build 35,000 starter homes by 2028, only 7,400 have reached the market as Salt Lake County home prices hit a record median of $645,000.

PriceAugust 22, 2026

Washington County School District to Hold Special Board Meeting

The Washington County School District Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting for August 24, 2026, at 121 West Tabernacle in St. George. The session will include a public comment period and discussions regarding various district updates and action items.

St. GeorgeAugust 22, 2026

St. George, UT - Dixie Days

Dixie Days Presented by: Third Annual Dixie Days | Sept. 14-20, 2026 Dixie Days Festival Learn more Dixie Days Carnival Learn more Dinner on Main Learn more Become a Sponsor Learn more (Opens in new window) Dixie Day's Dash Learn more…

St. GeorgeAugust 22, 2026

St. George Family Shares Survival Story Amid Surge in Child Bike Injuries

A St. George family shared their experience of surviving a vehicle strike to advocate for helmet safety. The news conference highlighted a significant rise in e-bike-related injuries among children and teens.

St. GeorgeAugust 22, 2026

Utah National Guard Welcomes New Commander | Utah National Guard

DRAPER, Utah –The honorable Spencer J. Cox will oversee the transfer of command of the Utah National Guard from Maj. Gen. Dan Boyack to Col. Michael Kjar at a change of command ceremony on August 3, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Roland R.

St. GeorgeAugust 22, 2026

‘Can You Hear the Music?’: New musical tribute to the Osmond Family premieres in St. George

A brand new, first-of-its-kind musical tribute to the Osmond Family is having its world premiere in St. George. Opening on Thursday, Aug. 20 at St. George Musical Theater, Can You Hear the Music? depicts the Osmond family’s story from the beginning to international fame.

via ABC 4St. GeorgeAugust 20, 2026

Bill proposal puts a target on expired renewable energy requirement • Utah News Dispatch

Bill proposal puts a target on expired renewable energy requirement. A couple of sections of Utah code mandating electric utilities to procure 20% of their energy portfolio in renewables expired in 2025. St. George Republican Rep.

via Utah News DispatchSt. GeorgeAugust 20, 2026

New Trail Park Pedals into Desert Color This Fall

The Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office is gearing up to unveil a brand-new trail park designed for both local residents and visitors to enjoy. This exciting project, created in partnership with Desert Color and the Utah Trust Lands Administration, is nestled north of State Route 7 and west of River Road within the Desert Color community.

via suindependent.comSt. GeorgeAugust 20, 2026

Golf Never Sleeps: Inside St. George's Back Nine Franchise Boom

Back Nine Golf (St. George, UT) has grown from a startup into a nationwide franchise network offering automated 24-hour indoor golf facilities, combining simulator technology with a low-staff operating model and international expansion. Elainna Ciaramella Jul 31, 2026 - 5 min read Share this article The link has been copied!

via techbuzznews.comSt. GeorgeAugust 20, 2026

Comedy and Heartfelt Drama Take the Stage at The Electric Theater

The Stage Door is bringing a dynamic blend of laughter and poignant storytelling to downtown St. George this season with two major productions at The Electric Theater. Audiences can look forward to an upcoming slate that ranges from a fast-paced period comedy to a contemporary, award-winning musical exploring the complexities of modern connection.

via suindependent.comSt. GeorgeAugust 20, 2026

Red Fort Remains One of St. George's Most Flavorful Staples

I'm honestly surprised it's taken me a year to write about Red Fort. For as often as I find myself recommending it to friends, it should have made this list months ago. Indian food has become part of my regular dining rotation, and about once a month I inevitably find myself craving the warm spices, fragrant basmati rice, fresh naan, and rich sauces that have made Red Fort one of St.

via suindependent.comSt. GeorgeAugust 20, 2026

Utah weather: Thunderstorm chances continue to start out the week

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.

via ABC 4StatewideAugust 24, 2026

Wildfire response and public safety highlight Huntington council meeting

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.

via etvnews.comStatewideHuntingtonAugust 24, 2026

Utah, Colorado Senators Honor Firefighters Killed in Wildfires

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.

StatewideAugust 24, 2026

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Caribou-Targhee National Forest occupies over 3 million acres and stretches across southeastern Idaho, from the Montana, Utah, and Wyoming borders.

StatewideAugust 24, 2026

Environmental Groups File FTC Complaint Against Utah Nuclear Campaign

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.

StatewideSummit CountyAugust 24, 2026

Ted Capener, who shaped the University of Utah's public image, dies at 94

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.

via Salt Lake TribuneStatewideAugust 24, 2026

Colin Hilton, who kept 2002 Utah Olympic venues active before a 2034 reboot, dies at 58

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.

via Salt Lake TribuneStatewideAugust 24, 2026

Jana Riess: Do former Latter-day Saints join another religion?

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.

via Salt Lake TribuneStatewideAugust 24, 2026

University of Utah Sandy Center to close at end of 2026  - @theU

University leaders are working with colleges, academic departments and advising teams to support students who have taken courses at the Sandy Center.

StatewideSandyAugust 24, 2026

Intermountain West Drought Persists Amid Record Heat and Low Reservoir Levels

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.

StatewideAugust 24, 2026

Widemouth 2 Fire Surges to 111,000 Acres After Fatal Crash

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.

StatewideAugust 24, 2026

Brain Food Books and Utah Food Bank launch mobile book pantry program across southeastern Utah

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.

via utahbusiness.comStatewideAugust 24, 2026

Former BYU professor charged with explicitly messaging 'teen girl' handed 3 years on probation

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.

via KSLStatewideAugust 24, 2026

National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Tooele, Box Elder counties

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.

via gephardtdaily.comStatewideTooeleAugust 23, 2026

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Salt Lake County with 70 mph winds possible

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.

via KUTVStatewideSalt Lake CountyAugust 23, 2026

Utah voters turn on incumbents as statewide approval ratings drop into the red

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.

via KSLStatewideAugust 23, 2026

'We just didn't see a way to limp through': Fishlake National Forest opens after Cottonwood fire, businesses face uncertainty

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.

via ABC 4StatewideAugust 23, 2026

North Fork Sheep Creek Closed for Cutthroat Trout Restoration

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.

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

San Diego Temple rededicated after years of extensive renovation

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.

via ABC 4StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Utah fans gather at Rice-Eccles Stadium for annual Fan Fest

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.

via Fox 13StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Visitors spent a record $13.7B in Utah's economy last year, report finds

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.

via KSLStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Human-caused wildfire approaches Reno, Nevada, forcing thousands of evacuations

A fast-growing wildfire destroying homes in northwest Reno, Nevada, on Sunday was human-caused and uncontained, authorities said, as they encouraged some 90,000 people to evacuate. The Hawk Fire began Saturday and quickly grew to 20 square miles (53 sq.

via KJZZStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Are these Utah’s nicest dorms? Take a peek at the U.’s latest luxury on-campus housing.

By Courtney Tanner | Aug. The $155 million luxury living space is filled with top-of-the-line features, including four in-house dining options and ski and snowboard storage. Students can start moving in this month, ahead of when fall classes start Aug.

via Salt Lake TribuneStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Utah Public Lands Alliance invites community, off-road enthusiasts to join Toquerville Falls cleanup

The Utah Public Lands Alliance is inviting off-road enthusiasts, families and community members to participate in the Toquerville Falls Public Lands Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19.

via stgeorgeutah.comStatewideToquervilleAugust 23, 2026

Monsoon Rains Trigger Flooding in Eastern Washington County

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding across eastern Washington County, following significant flood risk concerns identified in July. Residents are encouraged to monitor real-time water levels as local authorities continue mapping efforts to mitigate future risks.

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Lee Introduces Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act, restructuring the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals to more accurately reflect modern population growth and geographic interests. Cosponsoring the legislation are Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Ohio State wins AP Top 25 battle for No. 1 ranking. Here’s how I voted in preseason poll

QBs Attending Class Ohio State wins AP Top 25 battle for No. 1 ranking. Here’s how I voted in preseason poll Ohio State is the preseason No. 1 in the AP poll for the first time since 2015 and the ninth time ever after finishing ranked No. 5 last season.

via nytimes.comStatewideAugust 23, 2026

New Wildfire In Sevier County

A new wildfire has sparked in Sevier County. According to the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page, firefighters are responding to the Rock Canyon 2 Fire, which started Aug. 22 on the face of Cove Mountain, east of Annabella, on the Fishlake National Forest, Richfield Ranger District.

via midutahradio.comStatewideSevier CountyAugust 23, 2026

Paper Jams: Sunburnt Sky brings fresh reggae-inspired grooves and alt-rock soul to Southern Utah

Southern Utah's live music scene is flourishing, and the St. George News crew is having a blast highlighting local musicians. So, gather around for another session of Paper Jams.

via stgeorgeutah.comStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Harley Fire burns nearly 200 acres in northern Utah, damages power structures

The Harley Fire has grown to just under 200 acres in northern Utah, forcing evacuations and causing power outages. The human-caused fire ignited Friday, spreading to 199 acres by Saturday morning, according to officials with Utah Fire Info.

via KUTVStatewideAugust 23, 2026
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