AP Utah

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and TERRY TANG Associated Press PHOENIX (AP) — Witches and warlocks, ghosts and ghouls can breathe a little easier this Halloween: Coronavirus cases in the U.S. are generally on the decline, and trick-or-treaters can feel safer collecting candy. And while a new poll indicates Halloween participation is rebounding but still short of

By JOHN FLESHER AP Environmental Writer WEITCHPEC, Calif. (AP) — Native tribes in the U.S. West are making progress toward restoring their ancient practice of treating lands with fire. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples set fire to clear forest floors of undergrowth. It supported foods such as acorns and hazel wood used in baskets.

By JOHN FLESHER AP Environmental Writer WEITCHPEC, Calif. (AP) — Native tribes in the U.S. West are making progress toward restoring their ancient practice of treating lands with fire. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples set fire to clear forest floors of undergrowth. It supported foods such as acorns and hazel wood used in baskets.

HOUSTON (AP) — Bojan Bogdanovic scored 19 points and seven Utah Jazz players reached double figures in a 122-91 win over the Houston Rockets. Utah is off to its first 4-0 start since the 2006-07 season. Joining Bogdanovic, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Eric Paschall, Hassan Whiteside, Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles also scored in double

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A new study says endangered California condors can have “’virgin births.” Researchers with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance say genetic testing confirmed that two male chicks hatched from unfertilized eggs in 2001 and 2009 were related to their mothers. Neither was related to a male. It’s the first report of

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 97 more COVID-19 cases, but no deaths for the 19th time in the past 29 days. The tribe had reported 119 additional cases on Wednesday along with nine coronavirus-related deaths. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 36,508 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the

By The Associated Press Welcome back coach Bronco Mendenhall as he faces his former team for the first time since leaving for the Virginia head coaching job. While at BYU, he recorded five 10-win seasons in his 11 seasons. He also took the Cougars to a bowl game each season he was in charge. But

RENO, Nev. (AP) — The University of Nevada, Reno intends to require fans to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations to attend Wolf Pack men’s or women’s basketball games this season. Fans who prove they’ve been vaccinated won’t have to wear a mask at the games at the Lawlor Events Center on the Reno campus. The

By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A group of Democratic lawmakers is urging the Biden administration to enact emergency protections for gray wolves in the U.S. West. Twenty-one U.S. senators asked Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Thursday to shield wolves from being killed for 240 days while permanent protections are considered. The

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah has struggled with its run defense this season after leading the Pac-12 in that category for the past three seasons. The Utes get another big test on Saturday against UCLA, a team that ranks second in the league in rushing yards per game. UCLA

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The Interior Department on Thursday issued draft guidelines for a new conservation corps that will allow Native youth to work on projects that benefit their own communities. The department scheduled a series of consultations to get feedback on the guidelines from Native American tribes, Alaska Native corporations and Native Hawaiians. The

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Damir Kreilach and Albert Rusnák each scored in the final 10 minutes and Real Salt Lake beat FC Dallas 2-1. Kreilach scored his 15th goal of the season for Salt Lake to tie it in the 80th and Rusnák put a low shot inside the far post off a feed from

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 119 more COVID-19 cases and nine additional deaths. It marked only the 10th time in the past 28 days that the tribe has reported a coronavirus-related death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 36,409 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the

By JANIE McCAULEY AP Sports Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Five teams from the Pac-12 are in The Associated Press preseason poll for a sixth straight season, led by defending champion Stanford. The Pac-12 is tied for the most ranked teams with the ACC and Big Ten. Stanford sits at No. 3 and Oregon at

By SCOTT SONNER Associated Press RENO, Nev. (AP) — State officials have decided to close and fully drain a reservoir in eastern Nevada to expedite repairs and eliminate potentially dangerous conditions at the 89-year-old Cave Creek Dam sooner than originally was planned over several seasons. The Nevada Department of Wildlife said Wednesday Cave Lake will

By MATTHEW COLES Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Rudy Gobert had 23 points and 16 rebounds and Donovan Mitchell added 22 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 122-110 win over the Denver Nuggets in a game where Nikola Jokic left with a knee injury. The reigning NBA MVP had 24 points

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 32 more COVID-19 cases and one additional death. It marked only the ninth time in the past 27 days that the tribe has reported a coronavirus-related death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 36,255 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah will retire jersey No. 22 during its game against UCLA on Saturday to honor Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe, friends and teammates who died nine months apart. The No. 22 will be the first jersey retired in program history. Jordan died at 19 in an accidental shooting on Christmas

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, a Utah Republican, has abruptly quit the state’s independent redistricting commission after criticizing it for favoring urban areas. Bishop said Monday that the commission’s congressional map proposals favored Democrats. The commission will present its map proposals to the Legislature’s redistricting committee on Nov. 1. House

By ANNE M. PETERSON AP Sports Writer Oregon State running back B.J. Baylor leads the Pac-12 in rushing and the Beavers’ improved ground game is one of the main reasons the team is just a win away from bowl eligibility for the first time since 2013. Oregon State ranks seventh nationally for rushing offense and

IONIA, Mich. (AP) — A woman has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for a drunken driving crash that killed a Michigan state trooper. Thomasina Jones was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty in Ionia County Circuit Court to second-degree murder, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and other charges. Police have said that trooper Caleb

RENO, Nev. (AP) — The amount of rain that fell in Reno the last two days was nearly as much as the previous 12 months combined as rainfall records fell across much of northern Nevada. The National Weather Service said Tuesday the 2.92 inches of rain recorded at Reno-Tahoe International Airport Sunday and Monday was

By CURT ANDERSON Associated Press ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A family lawyer says the initial autopsy on the remains of Brian Laundrie did not uncover a cause of his death and a more intensive examination will be done. Laundrie’s skeletal remains found in a Florida nature preserve were positively identified last week using dental

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Monday reported 37 more COVID-19 cases, but no coronavirus-related deaths for the 18th time in the past 26 days. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 36,161 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets will try to turn around their season without Zach Wilson for a few games. Coach Robert Saleh confirmed Monday an MRI revealed the rookie quarterback has a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will be sidelined

FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST, Utah (AP) — Search crews in Sevier County have recovered the body of a 13-year-old boy from Fish Lake after his father reported the boat they were in capsized. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the Cedar City boy and his father had been fishing in the high alpine lake in Fishlake

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported 61 more COVID-19 cases, but no coronavirus-related deaths for the 17th time in the past 24 days. The latest numbers released Saturday pushed the tribe’s totals to 36,083 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known

By SONJA HUTSON KUER-FM MOAB, Utah (AP) — Politically, Moab is a blue dot in a sea of red. The city is split down the middle into two different state House districts. KUER reports local residents told lawmakers the district split dilutes their voice in the state Legislature. They asked the committee to put the

SAINT GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Trae Self threw three touchdown passes and Stephen F. Austin rolled to an 37-20 victory over winless Dixie State. Self completed 20 of 30 passes for 326 yards and connected with Xavier Gipson for two touchdowns and one to Chad Aune. Gipson finished with eight receptions for 208 yards. Self’s

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) — Dylan McCaffrey threw for one touchdown and ran for another and Northern Colorado defeated Southern Utah 17-9. McCaffrey, the former Michigan quarterback now playing for his dad, had modest passing numbers — 11 of 23 for 74 yards — but rushed for 100 yards on 14 carries. Tru Wilson added

By STEVE GRESS Associated Press CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Luke Musgrave blocked and returned a punt for a touchdown, B.J. Baylor rushed for over 100 yards and a score, and Oregon State rallied from an early deficit to defeat Utah 42-34. The Beavers trailed at the half but scored touchdowns on their first three possessions

CHICAGO (AP) — Robert Beric scored moments before halftime and the Chicago Fire held on to beat Real Salt Lake 1-0. Beric stopped a cross by Miguel Ángel Navarro, turned and blasted a shot inside the post in the 45th minute for Chicago. Gabriel Slonina had five saves for the Fire and the 17-year-old rookie

CHENEY, Wash. (AP) — Kris Johnson ran for three touchdowns and Weber State converted four times on fourth down to shock Eastern Washington, which missed an extra point with 2:51 remaining, 35-34. After the Eagles, ranked second in the FCS coaches poll, converted a turnover into a touchdown with Dennis Merritt’s second touchdown run, a

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Tyler Allgeier ran for 191 yards and two touchdowns and BYU beat Washington State 21-19 on Saturday in Washington State’s first game since head coach Nick Rolovich was fired for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Rolovich and four assistants were fired Monday for not

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Fans of Washington State’s football team say they will continue to support the program in the wake of the firing of coach Nick Rolovich over his refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Joe Trull, 55, of Port Orchard, Washington, says he was disappointed that Rolovich

By DENNIS ROMBOY Deseret News SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — In the months since Utah did away with the law requiring the a permit to carry a concealed firearm, in-state applicants for permits have steadily declined from a high of 4,819 in January to just 765 in September. The Deseret News reports fewer than 780

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Connor Coles kicked a career-best four field goals, including a 34-yarder to give Utah State a two-score lead with five minutes left, and the Aggies held off Colorado State 26-24. Coles was a perfect four-for-four on the night with kicks of 45. 30. 42 and 34 yards, his last giving the

By MICHAEL WAGAMAN Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points, Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 20 rebounds, and the Utah Jazz beat the Sacramento Kings 110-101 on Friday night. Mike Conley added 17 points for the Jazz, who won their fifth straight against Sacramento. Harrison Barnes led Sacramento with 25

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Zach Wilson remembers what happened last time he faced the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick’s bunch made the New York Jets’ quarterback look like a rookie, forcing him into four interceptions in a miserable performance. Wilson is optimistic he and the Jets

By The Associated Press Regional airline SkyWest has canceled hundreds of flights over the last two days because of what it calls an internal technical issue. SkyWest said Friday that it fixed the issue Thursday night and was working to return to normal operations. SkyWest operates flights on smaller planes that usually hold fewer than

By CURT ANDERSON Associated Press ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — An attorney says family members are hoping for more answers from law enforcement regarding the cause of death for Brian Laundrie, who was a person of interest in the death of girlfriend Gabby Petito. Steve Bertolino told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Friday that law

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 77 more COVID-19 cases, but no coronavirus-related deaths for the 15th time in the past 22 days. Tribal officials had reported 78 more cases and seven deaths on Wednesday. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 35,660 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and SOPHIA EPPOLITO Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A federal civil rights investigation found widespread racial harassment of Black and Asian American students at a Utah school district, including hundreds of documented uses of the N-word and other racial epithets over the last five years. The probe released Thursday by

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal authorities say a North Dakota man is charged with second-degree murder in the decapitation killing this month of a man at the victim’s home on the Navajo Nation in northwestern New Mexico. A criminal complaint alleges 28-year-old Shilo Aaron Oldrock attacked and decapitated the victim with an ax on Oct.

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A group representing Navajo communities is presenting its case to an international human rights body, saying U.S. regulators violated the rights of tribal members when they cleared the way for uranium mining in western New Mexico years ago. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights based

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Celebrity Paris Hilton and activists who successfully pushed for reforms in the so-called troubled teen industry in Utah are now calling for federal legislation to regulate youth residential treatment centers. The Salt Lake Tribune reports Hilton and the nonprofit Breaking Code Silence appeared outside of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. She

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Utes are entering a new basketball season with a new head coach, several new players and trying to embrace a new basketball philosophy that traces back to the program’s roots as the Runnin’ Utes. Coach Craig Smith is starting his first season at

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The top prosecutor in Utah’s most populous county says he will no longer offer plea deals to defendants accused of gun-related crimes in an effort to combat gun violence. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said Wednesday he was putting people “on notice” that his office will come down

By The Associated Press No. 10 Oregon visits UCLA on Saturday in what will be one of the top national games of the weekend. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will originate from UCLA’s campus for the first time. It also marks GameDay’s first visit to a Pac-12 game since Oct. 20, 2018, when the show was in

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Rudy Gobert tallied 16 points and 21 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to a 107-86 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Six different players scored in double figures for the Jazz in their season-opening win. Bojan Bogdanovic led the way with 22 points. Jordan

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 78 more COVID-19 cases and seven additional deaths. It was just the seventh time in the past 21 days that tribal health officials had reported a coronavirus-related death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 35,583 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah lawmakers are proposing legislation that would ensure that Native American students are allowed to wear tribal regalia during their high school graduation ceremonies. The bill’s sponsor told an interim committee hearing Monday that the bill was inspired by the story of a Native student last year who was asked

WASHINGTON (AP) — Brazilian winger Luiz Araújo has a $3.6 million base salary after joining Atlanta from Lille and has total compensation of more than $3.9 million, making him the highest among players to join Major League Soccer teams during the 2021 season. Argentine forward Sebastián Driussi had the second-highest pay among the midseason signings,

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 85 more COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the 14th time in the past 20 days. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,999 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press Washington State acting head coach Jake Dickert says his immediate focus in his new role is providing stability for players who were left hurting and shocked after Nick Rolovich and other coaches were fired for refusing to comply with the state’s vaccine mandate. He says he addressed the team

By JONATHAN J. COOPER Associated Press PHOENIX (AP) — The Biden administration is threatening to revoke the authority for three Republican-controlled states to handle their own workplace safety regulations because they have refused to adopt rules to protect health care workers from COVID-19. The threats were sent to Arizona, South Carolina and Utah as the

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer Kyle Whittingham of Utah is the Pac-12 coach of the first half in a vote by writers from The Associated Press who cover the league. Whittingham was picked in part for keeping the team bonded through a heartbreaking season during which defensive back Aaron Lowe was killed in a

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee says it is trying to help world champion bobsledder Kaillie Humphries obtain a way to compete in this winter’s Beijing Games. But it stopped short of predicting if the effort would be successful. Humphries is a three-time Canadian Olympic team member and two-time

By JAMES ANDERSON Associated Press DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reclassified a rare Colorado River Basin fish called the humpback chub from endangered to threatened status after a decades-old effort to stabilize its populations. The fish with a fleshy bump behind its head is one of about a dozen that

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Monday reported 30 more COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the 13th time in the past 19 days. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,914 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death

By ERIC OLSON AP College Football Writer Georgia’s defense leads three statistical categories as the college football season reaches the midway point. The Bulldogs are allowing an average of just over six points per game, 145 yards passing and 201 total. LSU’s Tyrion Davis-Price turned in the top rushing performance of the season, so far,

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported 31 more COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the 11th time in the past 17 days. The latest numbers released Saturday pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,814 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known

By K. SOPHIE WILL The Spectrum VIRGIN , Utah (AP) — Zion National Park is the third most popular in the nation and the small gateway town of Springdale now sees over four million people pass yearly. The Spectrum reports that many employees serving that tourism surge can’t find affordable housing. Some employees feel pushed

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Cameron Rising threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns in the second half, rallying Utah to a 35-21 victory over No. 18 Arizona State. Rising added 59 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Tavion Thomas ran for 84 yards and a touchdown. The Utes

SAINT GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Steven Duncan passed for 299 yards, Javy McDonald rushed for 173, and Tarleton defeated Dixie State 41-20. Duncan passed for 275 yards and three touchdowns in the first half as the Texans took a 31-13 lead. In the second half, Adrian Guzman kicked a couple of field goals before McDonald’s

SANDY, Utah (AP) — Damir Kreilach had a goal and two assists in Real Salt Lake’s 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night. Real Salt Lake (12-11-6) has won a club-record seven straight home matches. It also matched New York City FC (June-August) with the longest home winning streak of the season. Kreilach’s

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Elelyon Noa’s 11-yard touchdown run with 35 seconds left carried Utah State past winless UNLV 28-24. Noa’s first touchdown of the year marked the fifth scoring change of the contest. Charles Williams’ 5-yard touchdown run with 8:18 left marked UNLV’s last lead of the game. The Rebels (0-6, 0-2) now have

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — RJ Martinez passed for 417 yards and five touchdowns, Kevin Daniels rushed for 229 yards and Northern Arizona celebrated homecoming with a 59-35 victory over Southern Utah. In a game with 1,263 yards total offense, the individual numbers kept piling up. For the Lumberjacks, Martinez completed 23 of 29 passes and

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer WACO, Texas (AP) — Abram Smith ran for 188 yards with three touchdowns and Baylor beat future Big 12 foe and 19th-ranked BYU 38-24. Bears linebacker and part-time fullback Dillon Doyle scored on both of his offensive touches, with a rushing TD and a receiving one as well. Baylor

Salt Lake City (AP) — A company building affordable apartments in a six-story building made out of recycled shipping containers says a shortage of materials will delay the opening. Eco Box Fabricators owner Rod Newman says a delay in getting roofing materials and an elevator have pushed back the opening to the end of the

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — After being closed for over three years, the oldest Arizona temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is opening for five weeks of public visitation in advance of its rededication on Dec. 12. The Mesa temple was shuttered in May 2018 for a major renovation. The visitation period

By MARJORIE CORTEZ Deseret News SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The latest American Family Survey indicates more than half of respondents whose children did not attend school in person chose not to return to the classroom when they had the option. The Deseret News reports the survey found this was the case for more than

OGDEN, Utah (AP) — Freshman kicker Blake Glessner’s two field goals in the third quarter made the difference in a defense-heavy contest as Montana State edged Weber State 13-7. Montana State played catchup after Weber State jumped ahead on the game-opening drive. The Bobcats, ranked No. 9 in the FCS coaches poll, knotted the score

OGDEN, Utah (AP) — The National Park Service has scaled back the search for Kim Crumbo, a conservationist from Utah who disappeared along with his brother during a Yellowstone backcountry trip in September. A spokesman told the Standard-Examiner in Ogden, Utah that the national park covering parts of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana has gotten a

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 64 more COVID-19 cases and one additional death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,670 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death toll now is at 1,464. Tribal officials still are

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer For USA Luge, the Olympic season is here. The team’s home track in Lake Placid, New York, opened for training Thursday, with two-time Olympic luge qualifier Tucker West getting the distinction of taking the first official run down the icy chute at Mount Van Hoevenberg. It’s unseasonably warm in

By PAUL J. WEBER Associated Press AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal appeals court is once again allowing Texas to continue banning most abortions. The decision Thursday night keeps the law known as Senate Bill 8 in place as the Justice Department tries to halt the law. The Biden administration is suing Texas over the

By The Associated Press Arizona State can solidify its hold on first place in the Pac-12 South with a win over Utah. The Sun Devils have opened league play with wins over Colorado, UCLA, and Stanford while allowing 351.3 yards and 15.3 points per game. The Utes have bounced back from a 1-2 start with

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Arizona State has quietly emerged as the top defensive team in the Pac-12. The 18th-ranked Sun Devils rank first in scoring defense, total defense, sacks and tackles for loss. They face a critical test Saturday against a Utah team with a resurgent passing attack. The

By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer International big men have risen to prominence in the NBA. Proof came in last season’s MVP voting, when three of the top four finishers were big men from other countries. Denver’s Nikola Jokic of Serbia was the MVP winner. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid from Cameroon was the runner-up. Milwaukee’s Giannis

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 11 more COVID-19 cases and six additional deaths. Tribal health officials say the case total includes 83 delayed reported cases dating back to Oct. 4. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,600 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball Writer The Pac-12 enters a new season buoyed by the league’s accomplishments in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. The conference turned heads with three teams reaching the Elite Eight and UCLA playing in the Final Four. Now it’s time to take that next step and consistently do well in March. The

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer BYU’s game at Baylor has been on the schedule for more than five years. Nobody knew then or even before this season that this week’s trip to Texas would be a sneak peek of their new conference for the 19th-ranked Cougars. They have played as a football independent since

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer The Western Conference has the best regular season team from last year in Utah. The West champion Phoenix Suns are primed for another run. But the team to catch might be the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James and Anthony Davis now have tons of proven players alongside them like

By SOPHIA EPPOLITO Associated Press/Report for America SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Apple CEO Tim Cook and retired NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade have joined Utah leaders to announce the completion of a local advocacy group’s campaign to build new homes that provide services for LGBTQ youth. A non-profit providing mental health services for LGBTQ youth

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — UCLA is an overwhelming favorite to win the Pac-12 after reaching the Final Four last season. The Bruins’ men’s basketball team received 32 votes from 34 media members who cover the league in the preseason poll. Oregon received the other two first-place votes and was second, followed by Southern California, Arizona

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 48 more COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the ninth time in the past 13 days. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,506 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer Trying to figure out the Pac-12 Conference’s top offensive player remains a difficult proposition even this far into the season. Colorado running back Jarek Broussard was last year’s Offensive Player of the Year but he has yet to post a 100-yard game as the Buffaloes have struggled. But much

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Zach Wilson says he’s overthinking at times and aiming the football instead of just throwing it. The New York Jets rookie quarterback is being a little too “robotic,” as he called it, and that’s one of the things Wilson is focusing on during

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — With the governor of Texas leading the charge, conservative Republicans in several states are moving to block or undercut President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates for private employers before the regulations are even issued. The growing battle over what some see as overreach by the

By JANIE McCAULEY AP Sports Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The reigning NCAA champion Stanford women’s basketball team has been picked to win the Pac-12 regular-season title in a preseason poll of conference coaches. The Cardinal earned 11 first-place votes. Oregon was chosen second after a run to the Sweet 16 and received the other

By MEAD GRUVER Associated Press CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A coroner in Wyoming says slain cross-country traveler Gabby Petito was strangled. The 22-year-old woman’s body was found last month near an undeveloped camping area in remote northern Wyoming along the border of Grand Teton National Park. Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue said in a

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Monday reported 11 more COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the eighth time in the past 12 days. Tribal health officials had reported 55 news cases and two deaths on Sunday. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,458 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the