AP Utah

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Monday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the second consecutive day.  The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s total to 32,545 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago.  The known death total remained at 1,403.  Based on cases from

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Zach Wilson became a college star and top NFL prospect for all the things everyone saw each week on the field at BYU. It was a lengthy list that seemed to grow with each performance. But the New York Jets rookie quarterback’s

By COLLIN BINKLEY AP Education Writer The Education Department says it’s investigating five Republican-led states that have banned or limited mask requirements in schools, saying the policies could amount to discrimination against students with disabilities or health conditions. The department’s office for civil rights sent letters to education chiefs in Iowa, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee,

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah marine who died in a horrific suicide bombing at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport was a young boy when the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 happened but he already knew he wanted to serve. The Salt Lake Tribune reports the uncle of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover said at a Sunday

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, MICHAEL KUNZELMAN and JACQUES BILLEAUD Associated Press Some people charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and their Republican allies claim the Justice Department is treating them harshly because of their political views. They also say those arrested during last year’s protests over racial injustice were given leniency.

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, MICHAEL KUNZELMAN and JACQUES BILLEAUD Associated Press Some people charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and their Republican allies claim the Justice Department is treating them harshly because of their political views. They also say those arrested during last year’s protests over racial injustice were given leniency.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Ryan Gauld had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Whitecaps beat Real Salt Lake 4-1 on Sunday night to give Vanni Sartini a victory over fellow interim coach Pablo Mastroeni in their debuts. Sartini, Vancouver’s director of methodology, took over as coach Friday after Marc Dos Santos was

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Sunday reported 24 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s total to 32,528 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death total remained at 1,403. Tribal health officials reported 35 new cases and three

By DAVID A. LIEB Associated Press New population data from the 2020 census is being used by citizens commissions in some states to try to influence the way voting districts are redrawn for the U.S. House and state legislatures. Commissions in states such as Indiana and Ohio have been holding public hearings to produce new

By BETHANY RODGERS The Salt Lake Tribune SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Newly released census figures show that adults in rural Wayne County grew more as a share of the population than anywhere else in Utah over the past decade. The Salt Lake Tribune reports the share of adults increased from 70% in 2010 to

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Nick Starkel threw for four touchdowns and 394 yards and defending Mountain West Conference champion San Jose State kicked off the season with a 45-14 win over Southern Utah. Starkel, who finished 17-of-28 passing to nine receivers with one interception, also had a rushing touchdown to tie his career high

By BRIAN MELLEY and AMY BETH HANSON Associated Press A Marine sergeant who cradled a baby in her arms at the airport and posted on social media that she loved her job. A young husband with a child on the way. A man who planned to become a sheriff’s deputy when his deployment ended. More

By AMY BETH HANSON, JANIE HAR and AMY FORLITI Associated Press A young husband with a child on the way. Another man who always wanted to be in the military. A man who planned to become a sheriff’s deputy when his deployment ended. Details began emerging Friday about some of the 13 U.S. troops killed

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation reported 38 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Friday and no new deaths. Tribal President Jonathan Nez says the daily increase in cases is in line with other places across the country. He urged residents of the vast reservation that extends into New Mexico, Utah and

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The nation’s fifth-largest school system has begun using ultraviolet light as a classroom germ-killer to stop the spread of COVID-19 in and around Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the Arc system by Utah biosafety startup R-Zero is designed to kill surface and airborne pathogens in a closed unoccupied room.

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer Kaillie Humphries is the reigning women’s bobsled world champion and would be the gold-medal favorite in two events at the Beijing Olympics this winter. But she is in serious jeopardy of not being able to compete at those games because her U.S. citizenship is not completed. She has asked

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 55 new COVID-19 cases and one more death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 32,430 coronavirus cases and 1,400 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The vast Navajo Nation spans parts of New Mexico, Utah and Arizona.

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer The Pac-12 says it will stand pat with its membership and not look to add schools to the 12-team conference, making it highly unlikely the Big 12 schools being left behind by Texas and Oklahoma will find new Power Five homes. The announcement comes two days after

By MATTHEW BROWN and PADMANANDA RAMA Associated Press BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Huge gaps between air quality sensors in the western U.S. have created blind spots in the warning system for wildfire smoke plumes sweeping North America this summer. That comes amid growing concern over the potential health impacts for millions of people being exposed

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 57 new COVID-19 cases _ 20 more than the previous day _ plus one more death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 32,374 coronavirus cases and 1,399 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The vast Navajo Nation

By ANNE M. PETERSON AP Sports Writer A handful of Pac-12 teams have yet to name a starting quarterback with their season openers looming. Washington state coach Nick Rolovich has trimmed the race to Jayden de Laura and graduate transfer Jarrett Guarantano. Oregon State has a three-way race going, including Tristan Gebbia, who started last

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Pac-12 will hold a conference baseball tournament for the first time. The inaugural Pac-12 baseball tournament will be held May 25 to May 29 next year at Scottsdale Stadium in Arizona. The initial agreement with the city of Scottsdale runs through 2024. The top eight teams during the regular season

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 37 new COVID-19 cases and one more death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 32,315 coronavirus cases and 1,398 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The vast Navajo Nation spans parts of New Mexico, Utah and Arizona.

By FELICIA FONSECA Associated Press FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Federal scientists are launching an effort to better understand the hydrology in the U.S. West. The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday announced a new kind of climate observatory near the headwaters of the Colorado River. Scientists say data gathered from the equipment will help better

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Indigenous leader from New Mexico and former U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt are calling on the federal government to overhaul its oil and gas leasing program to ensure the protection of cultural resources. Acoma Pueblo Gov. Brian Vallo and Babbitt highlighted the recommendations outlined

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer Oregon coach Mario Cristobal wants his players to have the mindset that they’re the hunters, not the hunted, as they enter a new season. The outside expectations for the 11th-ranked Ducks are quite high, however. The Ducks are predicted to win their third straight Pac-12 championship. Oregon could also

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Kids in Salt Lake City are headed back to school Tuesday wearing masks after the mayor issued a mandate order. That’s despite heavy restrictions on mask mandates imposed by the GOP-dominated Legislature.  Democratic Mayor Erin Mendenhall said she used her emergency powers to protect kids as the highly contagious delta

MOAB, Utah (AP) — Residents of a Utah tourist town near the site where a newlywed couple was recently gunned down while camping say they’re puzzled and concerned as the police investigation unfolds. Crystal Turner and Kylen Schulte were discovered near Moab, where they’d been living. KUTV reports police believe someone killed the women and

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Researchers are planning to use ground-penetrating radar at the site of a former Indigenous boarding school in southern Utah where tribal leaders say there may be unmarked graves. The Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday that tribal leaders and historians say there may be at least a dozen Paiute children buried

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Some members of Congress want protections put in place to address ongoing intergenerational trauma as more information comes to light about the troubled history of Indigenous boarding schools in the United States. A group of 21 Democrats sent a letter last week to the Indian

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A group of Utah parents is suing the state over a law that bans school districts from approving mask mandates. It’s the latest U.S. legal challenge over rules for face coverings in the classroom. The lawsuit filed Monday seeking to overturn the law argues that

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah parents file lawsuit challenging restrictions on masks in schools amid COVID surge concerns.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — All Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or face regular testing. Tribal President President Jonathan Nez announced the new rules on Sunday. They apply to full, part-time and temporary employees, including those working for

By BEN WINSLOW FOX13 NEWS SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The town of Colorado City is asking a federal judge for changes in a long-running lawsuit alleging discrimination in policing and government services by members of a polygamous church. Fox13 in Salt Lake City reports that Colorado City said a policing consultant’s services should no

By AMY BETH HANSON and LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A shortage of bus drivers is complicating the start of a new school year already facing a surge in COVID-19 cases and conflicts over whether masks should be required in school buildings. School districts are offering hiring bonuses, training to get commercial

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Diego Rubio and Philip Mayaka converted headers five minutes apart in the second half in the Colorado Rapids’ 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night. Mayaka scored the winner in the 71st minute, getting his head on a perfect cross from Braian Galvan. Five minutes earlier, Rubio stayed

By TIM VANDENACK The Standard Examiner NORTH OGDEN, Utah (AP) — Seeing the Afghanistan government collapse quickly to the Taliban following the departure of U.S. forces from the country is tough for Jennie Taylor. The Standard-Examiner reports she is nevertheless adamant that the U.S. push to promote democracy in the nation were still worth it.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The mayor of Salt Lake City has issued a mask order in the city’s schools as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus spreads. Mayor Erin Mendenhall said Friday that she used her emergency powers to issue the order. She says she plans to work with health officials to

By MATTHEW BROWN and JOHN FLESHER Associated Press FARIBAULT, Minn. (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration is sticking by former President Donald Trump’s decision to lift protections for gray wolves across most of the U.S. But a top federal wildlife official on Friday told The Associated Press there is growing concern over aggressive hunting and

FARIBAULT, Minn. (AP) — Biden sticks with Trump decision to lift US wolf protections, but officials have worries over states’ aggressive hunting.

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mark Davis has already left his imprint on the Las Vegas Aces in his first year as the team’s owner. He’s connecting the team’s past to the present. He saw firsthand how much his father, Al Davis, cared for former Raiders players by starting the

By WILSON RING and ROY NKOSI Associated Press DEDZA, Malawi (AP) — The Peace Corps is beginning the process of returning its volunteers to countries across the globe, but how quickly that happens will depend on the pandemic. The U.S. government program is marking its 60th anniversary this year. But in March 2020, more than

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah could finally have all the right pieces in place this season to add a true passing threat to its traditionally run-heavy offense. The 24th-ranked Utes are flush with experience and talent at wide receiver and tight end. led by Britain Covey and Brant Kuithe.

By RYAN J. FOLEY Associated Press IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A pair of new lawsuits contend the office of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is illegally delaying the release of public records related to its $26 million, no-bid coronavirus testing contract. Reynolds and her office’s public records custodian are the latest officials to be accused

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Officials on the Navajo Nation are asking residents who live on the vast reservation to do their part in helping to curb the spread of the coronavirus as cases rise. The tribe reported 60 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday and two more deaths. Those figures bring the total number

By DENISE LAVOIE AP Legal Affairs Writer RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A surge of COVID-19 cases is prompting federal courts to impose new restrictions and requirements for mask-wearing and vaccinations. In many cases that move is setting up a dynamic where lawyers and plaintiffs who oppose mask mandates and other restrictions must mask up and

By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. officials have launched a review of climate damage from coal mining on public lands as the Biden administration expands scrutiny of government fossil fuel sales that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Interior Department officials said Thursday that their review also will look at whether companies

By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer The nation’s two newest passenger airlines are showing signs of growth — raising money and announcing new destinations. But at the same time, they’re worried about the surge in COVID-19 cases, and hoping that the virus is only a short-term obstacle for their success. On Thursday, Avelo Airlines announced

By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press GREELEY, Colo. (AP) — The northern Colorado city of Greeley is in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. But that growth may not be sustainable as the city encounters a problem common in the drought-ravaged West: There may not be enough water to meet future needs. City

SANDY, Utah (AP) — Anderson Julio rolled a shot inside the post in the 88th minute to give Real Salt Lake a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dymano on Wednesday night. Justin Meram also scored for Real Salt Lake. It has won back-to-back games and has just one loss in its last eight. Fafà Picault

By COLLIN BINKLEY AP Education Writer President Joe Biden has ordered his Education secretary to explore possible legal action against states that have blocked school mask mandates and other public health measures meant to protect students. Biden’s order takes aim at Republican governors in Florida, Texas and other states that have barred schools from mandating

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and JAMES ANDERSON Associated Press TOOELE, Utah (AP) — Tens of thousands of wild horses roam the American West, their power and beauty a potent symbol of rugged freedom central to the mythology of the range. But the region is also in the clutches of a megadrought worsened by climate change, and

RED VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) — A return to in-person classes at a Navajo Nation school will be on hold indefinitely because of a unknown radiation levels, likely caused by decades of uranium mining. A Navajo Nation education official said Monday the presence of radioactive hotspots inside Cove Day School in Red Valley near the Arizona-Utah

CARLIN, Nev. (AP) — A monument memorializing a northeast Nevada mining town’s first Chinese pioneers will be unveiled in Carlin next month. Three years ago, the remains of 13 Chinese men were buried in the Carlin Cemetery after they were discovered in 1996 during an excavation behind a house. The Elko Daily Free Press reports

By MEAD GRUVER Associated Press CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Missouri family alleges in a federal lawsuit that Yellowstone National Park rangers and Wyoming sheriff’s deputies seeking a murder suspect held them at gunpoint without adequate cause for an hour. Brett and Genalyn Hemry, of Independence, Missouri, seek unspecified damages to be determined at trial.

By SCOTT SONNER Associated Press RENO, Nev. (AP) — Sen. Dianne Feinstein is calling on federal land managers to conduct an investigation to determine how many of the wild horses captured on public lands in the West end up at slaughterhouses. The California Democrat is urging the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to reevaluate the

By KEVIN McGILL Associated Press NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration is appealing a federal judge’s order that blocked Biden’s suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and waters. A Louisiana-based federal judge issued the ruling in June, siding with Louisiana’s attorney general and officials in 12 other states. Those

By The Associated Press The Associated Press preseason college football poll has been released and Alabama is No. 1. Oklahoma, Clemson, Ohio State and Georgia round out the top five. A brief look at every team in the Top 25 from the Crimson Tide to the Sun Devils.

QUINCY, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters battling flames in Northern California forests are girding for new bouts of windy weather, and a utility has warned thousands of customers it might cut their electricity to prevent new fires from igniting if gusts damage power lines. Conditions that suppressed the huge Dixie Fire overnight gave way Monday afternoon

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Sunday reported 37 more COVID-19 cases and one additional death as the tribe gets ready to return to “Orange Status” on Monday due to the recent rise of coronavirus cases. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 31,920 cases and 1,390 known deaths since the

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation officials have called for all flags on the vast reservation be flown at half-staff to honor former tribal President Kelsey Begaye. They say Begaye died of natural causes Friday in Flagstaff at age 70. He was was elected the fifth president of the Navajo Nation in November 1998

By CHARLES McCOLLUM The Herald Journal LOGAN, Utah (AP) — When it comes to working with visually impaired infants and their parents, few are as experienced, skillful and knowledgeable as Elizabeth Dennison. The Herald Journal reports she started Utah’s Parent-Infant Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired 40 years ago and it has since become

SANDY, Utah (AP) — Bobby Wood scored in 32nd minute in Real Salt Lake’s 1-0 victory over expansion Austin FC on Saturday night. Wood found space between defenders to bounce a header past goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Real Salt Lake improved to 6-6-0, and Austin dropped to 4-10-4.

By EUGENE GARCIA and CHRISTOPHER WEBER Associated Press QUINCY, Calif. (AP) — Thousands of Northern California homes remain threatened by the nation’s largest wildfire and officials warn the danger of new blazes erupting across the West is high because of unstable weather. Thunderstorms haven’t produced much rain, but whipped up winds and generated lightning strikes

By EUGENE GARCIA and DAISY NGUYEN Associated Press QUINCY, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters battling the Dixie Fire face “another critical day” as thunderstorms pushed flames closer to two towns in the forestlands of Northern California. The unstable weather whipped up winds and produced lightning, threatening thousands of homes not far from where the fire destroyed

By JON REED KUER-FM The northern Utah town of Brigham City was once home to the largest Native boarding school in the world. KUER-FM reports that Native American activists say it’s part of a troubling history of native boarding schools in the U.S. They are hoping it will be investigated during a probe by the

SUMAN NAISHADHAM Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The sweeping $1 trillion infrastructure bill approved by the Senate this week includes funding for Western water projects that farmers, water providers and environmentalists say are badly needed across the parched region. The Senate voted this week in favor of the legislation that seeks to rebuild America’s roads

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation officials say the tribe continues to see a surge in new coronavirus cases. On Friday it reported 67 new cases and one additional death. Health officials on the reservation reported no deaths and only a handful of cases for eight consecutive days from Aug. 1-8. But the Navajo

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer A deal BYU has made available to its football players could test how much allowing athletes to be compensated by outside companies for name, image and likeness can be used as a competitive advantage. BYU has announced that a Utah-based company that makes protein snacks will give

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Zion National Park may soon require reservations to hike one of its most famous trails. The Angel’s Landing hike is a narrow trail perched on the edge of a red-rock cliff in southern Utah. It is one of the most sought-after destinations in a park

By SCOTT SONNER Associated Press RENO, Nev. (AP) — Conservationists are accusing federal land managers of illegally withholding information about plans to build fuel breaks to slow wildfires across six western states. The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit in federal court in Reno this week under the Freedom of Information Act. It says the

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation will return to “Orange Status” starting Monday due to a recent rise of COVID-19 cases. On Thursday, the Navajo Department of Health issued three new public health emergency orders for businesses and schools while revising in-person gathering limits for certain events. The tribe’s mask mandate remains in

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Pac-12 teams that cannot play because of COVID-19 issues will likely be forced to forfeit games this season. The conference announced it is reinstituting its forfeiture policy after it modified its rules last season because of the pandemic. Last season, a game that could not be played because of COVID-19 problems

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has renewed its prior calls to members to get a COVID-19 vaccine and to wear face masks in public gatherings. Church leaders said Thursday that available vaccines have proven to be both safe and effective and urged members to help limit the

By MATTHEW BROWN and CHRISTOPHER WEBER Associated Press LAME DEER, Mont. (AP) — Wildfires tearing through eastern Montana and elsewhere in the U.S. West are devouring vast areas of rangeland that ranchers depend upon. That’s setting the stage for a potential shortage of pastureland and forage for cattle as the hot, dry summer grinds on.

By The Associated Press Tony Bennett has canceled his fall and winter 2021 tour dates. The legendary crooner is pulling out of concerts in New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Arizona, Oklahoma and Canada. Ticket holders should check with the local venues for information regarding refunds. Bennet, who just turned 95, teamed up with Lady Gaga for

By DAVID A. LIEB and ACACIA CORONADO Associated Press The once-a-decade battle over redistricting is set to be a showdown over the suburbs, as new census data showed rapid growth around some of the nation’s largest cities and shrinking population in many rural counties. From Texas to Florida, some of the biggest gains reported Thursday

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Utes have entered camp undecided on who will be the starting quarterback for the second straight year. The competition to lead the offense has turned into a two-man race between Baylor transfer Charlie Brewer and redshirt sophomore Cameron Rising. No discernible gap exists

TSAILE, Ariz. (AP) — A four-year tribal college located on the Navajo Nation is offering free tuition for the spring 2022 semester to all students who are enrolled full-time this fall and receive at least a 2.0 grade point average. Classes begin Aug. 16 for the fall semester at Diné College, which is offering 361

By FELICIA FONSECA Associated Press CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (AP) — The Colorado River has been a go-to source of water for cities, tribes and farmers in the U.S. West for decades. But climate change, drought and increased demand are taking a toll. Next week, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is expected to declare the first-ever

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 49 new COVID-19 cases and two additional deaths. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s pandemic totals to 31,715 cases and 1,386 known deaths. Health officials reported no deaths and only a handful of cases from Aug. 1-8 on the reservation that is the country’s

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis says the state should be able to reopen a vital interstate highway corridor that was blocked by massive mud and debris slides in a wildfire burn scar area to limited traffic on Saturday. Polis made the announcement after touring repair work along Interstate 70 in the

By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The latest album from The Killers started, unusually, with silence, lyrics first. As the pandemic gripped the nation in 2020, words began spilling out of frontman Brandon Flowers based on growing up during the 1990s in the tiny, remote Utah town of Nephi. The words

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The top health official in Utah’s most populous county says she will seek a mask mandate in schools for kids under the age of 12. Salt Lake County Health Director Angela Dunn said Tuesday that she issued an order of constraint requiring children under 12 to wear masks in school.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 16 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s pandemic totals to 31,666 cases and 1,384 known deaths. Based on cases from July 23 to Aug. 5, the Navajo Department of Health has issued a health advisory notice for