Porter Huntsman

(Salt Lake City, UT) — US Magnesium is admitting it has stopped building a wall to prevent contamination of the Great Salt Lake. Under a settlement agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency, the company is required to construct a hydraulic retaining wall to prevent the lake from being contaminated with its acidic wastewater. Now, the mining company acknowledges construction has stopped as it's being sued by the contractor it paid to build it. The contractor alleges US Magnesium hasn't paid for any work in the past year. US Magnesium claims there doesn't appear to be any current wastewater leaks.

(Salt Lake City, CA) — Alliance for a Better Utah filed a complaint, alleging Senate President Stuart Adams failed to properly disclose campaign expenses. The group claims over 400-thousand-dollars in expenditures were reported under financial institutions instead of the actual recipients. Adams denied the claims, stating he has followed disclosure rules. The Lieutenant Governor's Office is reviewing the complaint.

(St. George, UT) — Gas prices are tumbling around Utah with the holiday season now in full gear. Triple A reports the average price for a gallon of unleaded was two dollars and 95 cents in the Beehive State as of yesterday. That's 21 cents cheaper than this time last month, and slightly below what Utahns were paying for gas last December. In southern Utah, the difference in gas prices between Washington and Iron counties is nearly 20 cents, with the latter enjoying a lower price at the pump.

(Washington, DC) — Senator Mitt Romney is predicting JD Vance is likely to be the Republican Party's 2028 nominee for President. Romney told CNN's “State of the Union” Vance is the ideal candidate as the GOP becomes synonymous with the MAGA movement. He said he's been proud to work with Vance in the Senate, noting the Vice-President elect is smart and well-spoken. Romney, who is leaving Congress at the end of his term, also said both parties will have to reevaluate their messaging to voters following the last election.

(Springdale, UT) — A southern Utah destination is among the top places to visit in the U.S. in 2025. The latest U.S. News and World Report's Best Vacations rankings placed Zion National Park at number eight, trailing a pair of cities and five other national parks. The rankings were compiled using several factors, including user feedback and affordability. Moab was also revered as a top destination at number 12.

(West Valley City, UT) — Homicide investigators are called in after five family members, including three children, were found dead in a West Valley City home yesterday. Officers discovered the bodies of a 42-year-old man, 38-year-old woman, 11-year-old boy, 9-year-old girl, and 2-year-old girl inside the house on Oxford Way. A 17-year-old boy was found with gunshot wounds in the garage and taken to the hospital. Police were alerted after a family member, unable to reach the woman who lived there, entered the house. It is unclear if the teen is a suspect or a victim, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities believe the incident is isolated and there are no other suspects.

(Salt Lake City, UT) — The organizing committee for the 2034 Salt Lake Games will not be announced until early 2025, missing the Christmas Eve deadline set by the International Olympic Committee. U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland explained the delay is due to the IOC's review of documents. Salt Lake City-Utah Committee President Fraser Bullock confirmed the IOC extended the deadline into early next year. Despite the delay, IOC President Thomas Bach has shown no concern.

(Salt Lake City, UT) — The Salt Lake City-Utah Committee For The Games is dissolving after securing the 2034 Winter Olympics bid. Chair Catherine Raney Norman, a former Olympic speed skater, called the conclusion “bittersweet” and expressed excitement for the future. She emphasized the importance of engaging Utah residents as preparations for the event begin.

(West Valley City, UT) — Officials in West Valley City are sharing new evidence following the deaths of a family found inside their home on Tuesday. Police say the father allegedly killed his wife and four children before taking his own life. The sole survivor, a 17-year-old son, is in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound. Police discovered the bodies after a welfare check was requested when the mother didn't show up for work. Authorities have not yet found a clear motive for the killings and are awaiting autopsy results. The family's names have not been released.

(Undated) — Utah's snowpack stands at 81-percent of normal, with hopes for near-normal levels by spring. The Uinta Basin is performing best at 164-percent of normal, while St. George is at just 46-percent. Soil moisture is improving, and statewide reservoirs are 75-percent full, slightly lower than last year but still above drought lows. Reservoirs remain crucial for water security amid ongoing climate challenges.