The first cherry trees at the Utah State Capitol bloomed more than 90 springs ago -- but faded into the past, as most of the trees you see today are from the third set of cherry trees planted after the capitol building got remodeled 15 years ago.

The history of the Utah State Capitol

Legislators and visitors have been using the Utah State Capitol building for more than 100 years of lawmaking sessions.

The state broke ground in December 1912, on land that was given to them by the city.

It was quite the deal -- there was a steam shovel with all its noisy gears, pulleys, and chains -- and with the governor, mayor, and architect there for support.

In 1914, the then-governor gathered everyone once again to lay the cornerstone, which was reportedly very well-attended. You couldn't miss it.

According to Emmy Lou Manwill, the location for the building was very intentional, as it could be seen from several locations.

"They liked that it was prominently placed on a hill overlooking the biggest city in Utah, and that it could kind of watch over the state," Manwill said. "I think it was more than people could have imagined. The amount of intricate details in this building is really, really incredible."

The video, obtained by ABC4.com from Cowboy State Daily, shows a man toying with an injured wolf before torturing and killing it.

Wyoming Game and Fish cited Cody Roberts, 42, of Daniel, Wyoming, for keeping a live wolf back in February. He was fined $250 and, at this time, it is unclear if he will face more penalties.

According to Cowboy State Daily, Roberts captured the wolf after running it down with a snowmobile. He then took the wolf to a bar in town, teasing it and showing it off.

Nick Gevock of the Sierra Club Utah Chapter said what this man did was "atrocious."

"We see efforts in Idaho where they're aria gunning wolves. Montana has passed gross laws where they are trying to kill as many wolves as they can, as fast as they can and in Wyoming, it's legal to do what this guy did ... and run a wolf over with a snowmobile. I think that's atrocious," Gevock said.

Wolves are designated "predatory animals" across 85% of Wyoming, which makes them exempt from the standard limits on killing under state wildlife management principles.

Here in Utah, wolves are still considered a protected species -- even within the small portion of northeastern Utah where they are not currently listed under the endangered species act.

The Division of Wildlife Resources said it is still not legal to hunt wolves in Utah.

"The states that have shown they are just terrible at managing wolves; that they are ill-suited to do this and they don't share the conservation groups of the larger United States. And thus we believe that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should step in and restore federal protection for them," Gevock said.

The DWR said the species at risk is called the bluehead sucker, which lives in the Millsite Reservoir. The DWR called the bluehead sucker "a species of greatest conservation need" in a social media post.

"The illegal introduction happened in the past few years, as we found several age classes in our sample," the DWR said.

According to the DWR, officials have been working to ensure a "healthy balance" in the ecosystem at the Millsite Reservoir that supports both recreation and the conservation of the bluehead sucker.

"The illegal introduction of Utah chub has put it at risk," the DWR said.

In its post, the DWR reminded Utahns that moving fish between bodies of water in Utah is illegal -- especially because those introduced fish may prey on other species, including native or endangered species.

"Bucket biology could also introduce disease into the waterbody because the fish and any water introduced have not been certified disease-free," the DWR said.

What is the Utah chub?

Utah chub is the common name for the species Gila atraria, and are often found in freshwater areas -- such as lakes or creeks, according to the website FishBase.

The fish are said to have a "deep, compressed body" with large eyes and a short snout, FishBase said.

"Introduced populations often reach great abundance and become serious competitors with sport fish, especially trout," according to a USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species fact sheet.

Utah officials have said the illegal introduction of the Utah chub at the Millsite Reservoir has put the ecosystem of the reservoir at risk.

What is the bluehead sucker?

According to the DWR's Utah species field guide, "bluehead sucker" is the common name for the species Catostomus discobolus, which is native in parts of Utah, Idaho and several other states.

The fish is said to have a modified mouth that helps it scrape algae from the surface of rocks, as it dwells at the bottom of the bodies of water it is found in.

"In Utah, bluehead suckers have been reduced in numbers and distribution due to flow alteration, habitat loss/alteration, and the introduction of nonnative fishes," the DWR said in its guide.

Utah officials said the main cause of population decline for this species is alteration to and loss of its habitats.

Why is moving fish illegal in Utah?

The DWR has asked that Utahns "Don't ditch a fish," and has also encouraged Utahns to know the law regarding moving fish.

The most important things to note are that introducing fish into Utah waters is illegal, and transporting live fish between waters is a violation of state law.

Additionally using live baitfish while fishing is illegal in Utah, and releasing any species of fish into a body of water in the state is illegal.

The DWR has an updated guidebook with the most recent fishing regulations available online.

On Monday, the NHL's executive committee approved the move, according to Sportico. The relocation vote will now go to the entire Board of Governors, which comprises all 32 teams.

Sportico said the league has yet to respond for comment.

When the deal is completed, Sportico reports that Arizona's hockey operations department and players will be rebranded and relocated to Utah in time for the 2024-25 season.

Over the weekend, ESPN reported the NHL brokered the deal to move the Coyotes to Utah, where they will begin to play at the Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz. The NHL and the Smith Entertainment Group, owners of the Jazz, have yet to make any official announcement, but one is expected to come later this week.

However, sources told ESPN that the NHL has made it clear to the Smiths that a hockey-specific upgrade is needed at the Delta Center in order for the arena to become the team’s permanent home.

Smith already has government support. A bill was passed in the Utah State Senate to help fund a renovated entertainment district downtown in anticipation of an NHL franchise. The bill already has approval from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

This post may contain graphic images or details. Reader discretion is advised.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- Salt Lake City Police have released bodycam footage of the officer-involved critical incident from Tuesday, April 2, that left a man dead.

The incident occurred on the 800 block of South State Street. Police received a 911 call from an employee working at a Chevron gas station.

The employee reportedly told police that the suspect, later identified as Cameron Ammon Cloward, 36, had a knife and tried to stab him through a window. Based on the employee’s statements, police believe Cloward may have committed an aggravated robbery by using — or threatening to use — a dangerous weapon during the commission of a robbery or attempted robbery.

Officers arrived at the scene at around 2:30 a.m., finding Cloward walking in the parking lot while holding a knife. Cloward reportedly began walking north from the gas station on the east sidewalk of State Street. Cloward allegedly turned around, faced officers, and started walking back into the gas station parking lot.

Bodycam footage from one of the officers on the scene captured the officer telling Cloward to stop walking toward the gas station.

The footage then shows Cloward holding his knife with the blade positioned under his chin. Officers gave Cloward commands to stop and get on the ground, but he refused to comply, repeatedly saying, "I don't care."

One SLCPD officer reportedly requested a "less lethal shotgun," before four officers then fired shots, resulting in Cloward's death.

No officers were injured during the incident. The knife found at the scene matched the description provided by the store employee as a pocketknife. The blade of the knife was found extended, police said.

The four SLCPD officers who used deadly force have been placed on standard paid administrative leave.

The videos released today captured the incident from the body-worn cameras of six SLCPD officers.

"Any loss of life is tragic, and the use of deadly force is a traumatic event for our officers. This situation unfolded very quickly and involved safety risks to our community and officers. Our officers are trained to perceive, interpret, and respond to a person’s actions. The body-worn camera footage released today shows our officers urging, and ordering, Mr. Cloward to put down his knife and to stop walking toward them. Maintaining the safety of our community can be full of risk and unpredictability," a press release from SLCPD states.

Here are links to the six bodycam videos, provided by SLCPD:

• Bodycam Video 1
• Bodycam Video 2
• Bodycam Video 3
• Bodycam Video 4
• Bodycam Video 5
• Bodycam Video 6

No further information is available at this time.

Over the weekend, ESPN reported the NHL brokered the deal to move the Coyotes to Utah, where they will begin play in the 2024-25 season at the Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz. While the NHL and the Smith Entertainment Group, owners of the Jazz, have yet to make any official announcement, that is expected to come later this week.

So what will it look like to have the Utah Jazz and Utah's future NHL team sharing the same stadium? Will the Delta Center undergo renovations to accommodate the two teams? Can Utahns expect the Coyotes to go under a new name?

Sharing an arena?

The NBA and NHL seasons run at the same time, stretching six months from October to April, not including pre- or post-season. If the two do end up sharing the Delta Center, it would mean the two leagues will have to juggle scheduling 82 games between basketball and hockey.

While that sounds like a titan of a task, it's not impossible.

Currently, there are 10 arenas across the United States and Canada shared by both NHL and NBA. Most of the time, the two teams will mirror one another. While one team is on the road, the other plays at home. However, that's not always the case.

Earlier this season the New York Rangers played hockey at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 16 and Oct. 19. The New York Knicks took over for one night on Oct. 18.

Thankfully, it doesn't seem to take long to convert an arena from basketball to hockey and back again. The United Center in Chicago, home of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls, takes a little more than two hours to make the swap, according to reporting from the Chicago Tribune.

So while there won't be much of a scheduling conflict for both the Jazz and the Coyotes, there is the question of will the Delta Center be ready.

Delta Center renovations?

Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith has proven hockey games can be played at the Delta Center. In 2021, Frozen Fury — a preseason series between Las Vegas Knights and Los Angeles Kings — was exclusively hosted in Salt Lake City. But that doesn't mean Smith wouldn't want a few upgrades.

If there were to be some renovations, the initial ones likely wouldn't be very extensive — just enough to make the center playable for both leagues easily. There is only a six-month off-season to facilitate work on the arena, after all. However, some Salt Lakers are already groaning about the Delta Center's unfavorable NHL configuration.

Depending on where you sit during an NHL game, the entire rink may not be visible. Either the far end is blocked or the space directly below is out of sight, according to commenters online. But Smith has a vision.

Earlier this year, Smith shared a render that showed a new look for Salt Lake City's downtown. At the heart of that render was a brand new arena, presumably to be designed to host the two leagues with ease.

The proposed arena has been at the center of some controversy, however, as the Utah legislature passed a bill that could see Salt Lake sales taxes by up to 0.5%. The bill passed with landslide success in both houses and was signed by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Meanwhile, some Salt Lake City residents have complained about funding a multi-million dollar project with taxpayer funds.

There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding a new arena in Salt Lake City but rest assured ABC4 will follow those developments as they happen. Another area of uncertainty is what a Utah NHL team would be called.

Coyotes getting a new name?

While it seems the Arizona Coyotes players and staff will be moving to Utah, they might be doing so without their signature colors or logos. Chris Johnston with The Athletic reported that Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo will hold on to the rights to the Coyotes brand as part of the deal to relocate the team to Salt Lake.

This means the Utah NHL team will need a new name and — while this is speculative — it appears the Utah Yeti is the clear winner, if social media fans have their say.

Last week, Ryan Smith put the feelers out on different names for a potential Utah-based NHL team. While fans were quick to offer up suggestions, Yetis rose to the top as the popular choice. One astute person on Twitter noticed the website "utahyeti.com" was purchased over the weekend. Fans who attended Saturday's Real Salt Lake game, which Smith also has part ownership of, may have also noticed a standee with cartoonish yetis in the plaza of America First Field.

While these developments don't necessarily guarantee the Coyotes will rebrand into the Yeti, it does seem to be the favorable option.

More information is expected to come out in the next week. National Hockey League officials are reportedly expected to announce the move at the end of the regular season, according to ESPN.

The beavers reportedly tested positive for a disease called tularemia -- also known as rabbit fever, hare plague, and deerfly fever -- which is caused by a bacteria. The disease is fatally infectious to rabbits, hares, and other rodents, including beavers, according to the DWR.

It can be transmitted through the bite of a tick or deerfly, by direct contact with blood or tissue from infected animals, or by ingestion of contaminated water or undercooked rabbit or hare meat from an infected animal.

The disease killed nine beavers in the state over the last few weeks in what the DWR calls an "unusual" circumstance.

"The bacteria that causes this infection is known to be in the environment in many parts of Utah; however, it is unusual to see this many animals die from it at once," DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout said. 

The deceased animals were found in the following areas:

• Five dead beavers were discovered near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter by preserve staff between March 23 and April 2. All five beavers shared one beaver lodge at the preserve. 
• One dead beaver was found near Midway on April 5 by a DWR fisheries crew. 
• Two beavers and a vole were found dead near the Jordanelle Dam on April 8.
• One dead beaver was discovered in the Birdseye area of Utah County on April 10.

Humans are, in fact, susceptible to tularemia, though human cases usually result from the bite of a tick or deerfly in the summer "or when someone handles infected animals harvested during hunting or trapping seasons," according to the DWR.

The disease can reportedly be life-threatening for people if not treated quickly, however, most infections can be treated with antibiotics.

"There is a concern about the possibility of tick-borne or fly-borne diseases, so it’s advised to take the necessary precautions by wearing protective clothing, using appropriate insect repellent and checking for ticks after being in brushy areas," Stout said.

The DWR advises that if you see a dead rabbit, beaver or other rodent, you should not touch the carcasses and should report them to their nearest DWR office.

The last confirmed case of tularemia killing wildlife in Utah was in 2017, according to the DWR, with a cottontail rabbit in the Kanab area.

For more information on the disease, visit the Dept. of Health and Human Services website here.

Prosecutors brought more detectives to the stand in the morning portion of the trial as they attempted to paint a picture of Chad Daybell's behavior while law enforcement officers investigated his property on June 9, 2020. On that day, investigators discovered the bodies of Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16.

Finding JJ and Tylee's bodies

Prosecutor Rocky Wixom called Rexburg Police Department Det. Eric Wheeler to the stand. Wheeler's main job on the morning of June 9 was crowd control, traffic control and security at the Daybell property. He testified that he kept an eye on Daybell throughout the morning.

As investigators combed Daybell's property, Chad Daybell was allowed free rein to move about as he chose. Wheeler testified that Daybell spent a large portion of the morning in his vehicle. Some of that time was spent on the phone, but Wheeler testified that Daybell "awkwardly" kept looking toward the fire pit where Tylee Ryan's remains were found and a pond where JJ Vallow's body was discovered.

Wheeler testified that later in the morning, Daybell drove next door to where his daughter, Emma, lived. Chad Daybell spent around two hours in Emma's home before he got back into his vehicle and drove off.

Wheeler testified that at the same time Chad Daybell left, detectives had discovered JJ's remains. They instructed Wheeler to intercept Chad Daybell, which he did near the Fremont County and Madison County lines.

Wheeler testified that he felt Chad Daybell sped away from the scene, but defense attorney John Prior noted that Daybell was leaving the scene to meet his lawyer. Body cam footage shown to the jury showed that when Wheeler pulled Daybell over, detectives informed Daybell that he could have his lawyer come to the property instead.

That traffic stop appears to be the first time anyone had told Chad Daybell that bodies had been discovered on his property. Wheeler testified that Daybell was handcuffed and placed in a patrol car but was not placed under arrest at that time.

An in-car camera in the patrol car showed Chad Daybell speaking to his daughter Emma, instructing her on how to handle certain finances. Prosecutors seemed to attempt to paint the picture that Chad Daybell knew he was caught at this time, as he mentioned that he "wouldn't be coming back," even though he hadn't been arrested yet.

Prior, meanwhile, countered with the idea that Chad Daybell was nervous because over two dozen law enforcement officers were combing his property. Also, he noted that being pulled over by police is a natural reason to be nervous.

A portion of Wheeler's testimony was focused on times Chad Daybell looked over his shoulder while in the patrol car. Prosecutors pushed to say that Daybell was looking at the areas where the bodies were found, while the defense countered that he was simply looking over his shoulder as his daughter walked away.

Tammy Daybell's death

The court called Lt. Joe Powell, of Fremont County Sheriff's Office, to the stand. They asked him questions regarding his decision to exhume the body of Tammy Daybell after the death was originally determined to be from natural causes.

Prosecutors asked Powell what his reasons were to reopen the investigation into Tammy Daybell's death. He pointed to medical records saying she didn't have any serious medical conditions and didn't go to the doctor often.

The defense, however, challenged that by having Powell read a document from the time of Tammy Daybell's death that says she had anemia, noting anemia can become serious, and was having fits and seizures at the time of her death. The document said she had vomited prior to going to bed that night.

The document also says she did not like the doctor and preferred to use home remedies and essential oils. It ruled Tammy Daybell's death as natural saying it was due to a "cardiac event and pulmonary edema." The defense noted that the medical records said Tammy Daybell's dad had a history of heart issues. 

“You didn’t take that into consideration when you decided to dig up Tammy Daybell, did you?” Prior said.

The prosecution then combated the defense pointing out that much of the information in the document came from Chad Daybell. Wixom also asked if other reasons besides her medical records prompted him to exhume Tammy Daybell's body.

Powell said the death of Charles Vallow and Lori Vallow Daybell's brother Alex Cox being implicated in an attempted murder contributed to his decision to exhume the body. Prior countered that by noting that Chad Daybell was not implicated in Charles Vallow's death or the attempted murder incident.

The court is on recess and will return shortly.

Recently, he’s gone through a bit of a tough loss for a seven-year-old: One of his prized possessions went missing.

“My sweet boy got a scooter for Christmas just a couple months ago,” Lincoln’s mother Nicole Neff said. “I took him to an appointment and we forgot that he had the scooter at school.” 

When the Neffs got back, Lincoln’s beloved scooter was gone. 

“I was crying for like maybe the next half-hour of school,” Lincoln said. “I was super sad.”

Nicole posted on Facebook to see if anyone had seen the missing scooter. After that, she received a message from another woman in the Herriman Facebook Community page. 

“She sent this message saying that her son had passed away in 2022 and she had a scooter that’s been in the garage ever since and she would like to give it to my son Lincoln because it was time for a kid to enjoy that scooter,” Nicole said.

So, Nicole and Lincoln went to meet the woman. When she gave him the scooter, Lincoln had a message to share with her.

“I felt bad for her,” he said. “I said, ‘I’m sorry about him. I’m sorry about what happened,’ and she said, ‘It’s fine.’” 

Now, thanks to an act of kindness from a stranger, Lincoln has a new scooter -- and a few new tricks. 

“I do know some tricks, like a tailwhip,” he said. 

The Neffs are hoping to pay that kindness forward by doing one kind act a day. 

“So, we’ve been doing kind acts every single day of April, trying to hopefully make a little bit of influence on our kids to just be kinder and spread goodness,” Nicole said.

A seemingly simple act, bringing a child joy every day with a new used scooter.

Hundreds of family members, friends and loved ones were at Hill Air Force Base, welcoming the airmen home with open arms after a morning of anticipation.

Cori Carey was one of many wives waiting at Hill AFB to welcome her husband back.

"I’m nervous, but excited all at the same time," Carey told ABC4.com. "It’s been nerve-racking, having him gone and having the three kids at home and trying to maintain life without him."

Carey said her husband missed their son's first Christmas and his first birthday, but she is interested to see how her husband will react to how much their son has grown after coming home.

"It's gonna be nice to have him home and be a family again," Carey said.

Allyson Kinder was also at Hill Air Force Base to welcome her husband home.

"It's very scary," Allyson Kinder said. "I'm anxious constantly, but I think it really strengthens our relationship -- just having that distance, that 16-hour time difference trying to make it work and communicating."

United States Air Force Deputy Commander Col. James Buessing said the airmen spent time at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, and had been there since November.

"They worked with our partners and allies, mostly to deter any kind of instability that could happen in the Pacific region," Buessing said.

Buessing shared about his own experience with combat deployment and acknowledged the high amount of anticipation from both family members and military members.

"Definitely no sleep the night before, anxiously cleaning the house, making sure everything is good to go," Kinder said.

While awaiting their return at Hill AFB, some families found out about the return sooner than others -- for Carey, she said found out about her husband's return the week it happened.

"He kept it a secret until just a couple days ago," Carey said.

On that windy Sunday, friends and family were standing in line and holding signs as the time ticked by, the wheels touched down and the reunions could begin.

Families got to experience the long-awaited hug and kiss that they said was well worth the 149 days.

Returning airmen said that returning felt surreal, some said it brought relief and others said it felt great to be with their families once again.

"It’s an awesome opportunity just to see all the families and friends that come back to an open our airmen with open arms," Buessing said.

Isaac Wixom, 22, was arrested on seven charges, including four counts of felony discharge of firearm (in the direction of a building), two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon under the influence of alcohol/drugs and one count of intoxication, documents said.

At the scene, documents said officers found two guns -- one of which was said to be a rifle and and the other which was said to be a handgun -- in addition to four bullet casings and the same number of "possible bullet holes" in one of the apartment's balconies.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the rifle was found on the ground near where Wixom was standing, and the handgun was found at the scene slightly northeast of where the rifle was found.

Multiple witnesses reportedly confirmed Wixom was the individual who was firing several rounds.

"One witness even saw the muzzle flash," documents said.

Wixom reportedly told officers that "he meant to fire his rifle into the air knowing that the rounds would strike or fall down and strike the habitable structure instead of hitting a person," according to the affidavit.

One of the tenants in the apartment complex told police Wixom was firing at their balcony, and when officers looked at that tenant's balcony, they found the "possible bullet holes."

According to the affidavit, Wixom was initially described to dispatch as being intoxicated because he stumbling. Documents said Wixom admitted to being "heavily intoxicated" and consented to a blood draw.

Wixom was booked into the Davis County Sheriff's Office on the seven charges above.

Elizzibeth Rose Lanphear, 15, of South Willard, was reportedly last seen on the morning of Friday, April 12, at Box Elder Middle School in Brigham City.

Police said Lanphear did not return to her home in South Willard after school.

She is described as 5'6", 124 lbs, with strawberry blonde hair and green eyes.

Police consider Lanphear to be a runaway at this time.

If you have any information regarding Lanphear's whereabouts, please contact the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office at 435-734-3894.

No further information is available at this time.

"A jaunt on a 4x4 ended with a response by the Fire Department to assist getting a person out from the middle of Dry Creek in Mountain Green tonight," Mountain Green Fire stated on social media.

The person was reportedly riding a 4x4 when they attempted to cross a "shallow creek crossing," but was instead swept around 200 feet downstream while still on the 4x4. The creek is full of water this time of year due to snow melt, according to Mountain Green Fire.

When the 4x4 came to rest in the middle of the stream, the driver was reportedly uninjured but also unsure of the depth of the water and the stability of the vehicle. Instead of attempting to get out of the creek on their own, they "wisely called for help in getting to shore," Mountain Green Fire stated.

Fire units from Mountain Green Fire, Weber Fire, and Riverdale Fire responded to the scene with water rescue technicians. Upon arrival, crews found the person stranded in the creek and assisted them to shore using rope.

"Our thanks to all responding agencies and Weber Area Dispatch 911 & Emergency Services District for providing a positive outcome to a potentially dangerous situation," Mountain Green Fire stated.

The individual was determined to be uninjured in this incident.

No further information is available at this time.

Today will bring mostly sunny skies with daytime highs that reach the 60s and 70s for most outside of the high country! Even Park City will reach the upper 50s this afternoon. In St. George, we're likely to see our first 80° day of the year. That's a little behind average, but still well ahead of the latest on record. If you can, get outside and enjoy today.

Tonight, will bring clear skies with cool, but not cold overnight lows.

If you thought today was warm, just wait until tomorrow. In some cases, daytime highs will run about 20 degrees above average which will be good enough to see highs along the Wasatch Front reach the mid to upper 70s! Park City will even see 60s tomorrow. There will be some subtle changes though as high pressure begins moving to the east. Winds will increase and there will be a few more clouds with a slight chance we see a few stray showers in the high country. 

There won't be many changes to our weather to begin the weekend, however, as the high pressure moves away, temperatures will begin to ease down. Highs will still run about 10-15 degrees above average under partly cloudy skies with a breezy southerly wind. By Sunday, a storm will start to approach from the west. At this point, any moisture looks to hold off until Monday which means the weather through the weekend looks pretty good outside of the breezy conditions.

On Monday there will be a chance of isolated showers across the state as temperatures drop to near or even below seasonal norms. A trailing system will bring even cooler temperatures and likely a better chance of wet weather to northern Utah Tuesday into Wednesday before we start to warm things back up by the second half of the week. The Utah Spring weather roller coaster continues!

Stay up-to-date on our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

Over the past 10 years, every time Soberanis has been deemed not competent to stand trial, a judge has dismissed his case – including assault and sex abuse allegations.

Soberanis’s forensic evaluators have listed several potential disabilities including ADHD, depressive disorder, autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and unspecified neurodevelopmental disorder.

The federal investigation

For the first time, Soberanis is now facing federal charges – accused of obtaining and distributing child pornography. According to federal investigators, Soberanis used a New Zealand storage platform to download and distribute the pornography, using end-to-end encryption to conceal his tracks. 

This information was used to reopen past cases in which Soberanis was found not competent to stand trial, including an instance where Soberanis was accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old in a bathroom and urinating on the boy’s feet. Additionally, a new case has been brought up in which Soberanis was accused of peeking in a boy’s window and trying to get into his home when he was alone. 

"He wanted to hurt my son … he wanted to take my son's innocence,” said the boy’s mother, Stefani Davis. 

Despite this new information, state evaluators again found Soberanis not competent to stand trial and the judge dismissed the charges. 

“I was screaming at my computer. I couldn’t believe it,” Davis said, describing the virtual hearing.

Federal vs. state

Defense attorney Mark Moffat would not comment specifically on Soberanis’s case but said while competency is complicated, it is crucial to our justice system. 

"If they don't have that fundamental level of understanding, it's not fair. It violates due process to prosecute them under those circumstances,” Moffat said.

Moffat said there are many misconceptions about federal vs. state competency standards. 

"Competency standard is the same, whether or not you're charged in federal court or state court,” he said.

When determining competency, an evaluator must answer two questions:

1. Can they understand basic courtroom proceedings?
2. Can they work with their attorney to defend themselves?

And while the standard is the same, Moffat said disagreements usually stem from whether someone can adequately assist in their own defense. 

If there is only one evaluator or both evaluators agree, more often than not the judge will support their finding in court. 

That said, Davis still believes an out-of-state evaluator could make all the difference – as, according to her, “the evaluators in Utah are not qualified.”

Davis said she lost her faith in Utah’s legal system the moment she met Soberanis and all she can do now is hope he will soon have his day in court. 

“I hope he never gets out,” she said. 

At approximately 12:30 p.m. Thursday, the high school's resource officer received an anonymous tip that the student had brought a gun, a press release states. The high school was placed into a "HOLD" status while the officer and school administration responded to that student's classroom.

The student was removed from the classroom and was found to be in possession of the gun and ammunition in his waistband.

In an interview with the student and his parents, the officer reportedly learned the firearm belonged to the student's father. The student informed the officer that without his parent's knowledge, he obtained the gun from a locked safe.

Additionally, there was information that the incident may have gang connections. The student said he brought the gun for protection, the release states.

The student was taken into custody and booked into Weber Valley Detention on gun-related charges. The officer said that there is no information that the suspect was in possession of the weapon for any other reason than protection.

"Our top priority is the safety of your children, teachers and staff and maintaining a safe environment to learn and educate," the Roy City Police Department said.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- Ruby Franke's husband, Kevin Franke, filed a lawsuit against Jodi Hildebrandt Thursday, April 11, citing emotional distress and negligence for him and his children.

Based on the facts outlined in the complaint, the three causes of action are "intentional infliction of emotional distress," "negligent infliction of emotional distress," and "negligence."

Kevin Franke is seeking judgment for past, present, and future special damages, along with pain and suffering; for losses and harms; and for all other general damages as well as pre/post-judgment interest, costs, and attorney fees.

According to the lawsuit, Kevin Franke's minor children were moved to Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, while he was living in Utah County.

While those children were in her home, the lawsuit states they were confined and were not allowed to leave, under the threat of increased punishment or "going to jail."

Kevin Franke alleges Hildebrandt physically tortured the children, forcing them, in part, to perform labor, stand in direct sunlight for several days, run barefoot on dirt roads, and jump into a cactus "multiple times," to name a few.

One of the children, called "R," was forced to remain outside in isolation at all hours of the day and night with little food or water, the lawsuit states.

In July 2023, R attempted to run away from the compound. He was ultimately caught by Hildebrandt and Ruby, who reportedly bound his hands and feet and tied them to weights.

"Many times, the binding included two sets of handcuffs, on his wrists and ankles," the lawsuit states. "At times, while he was laying on his stomach, ropes were used to tie the two sets of handcuffs together so that his arms and lower legs were lifted off the ground in a hogtied fashion."

When the handcuffs cut through his skin and damaged muscle and tissue, they were treated with cayenne and honey and covered in duct tape, the lawsuit states.

The other child, called "E," was treated similarly, forced into isolation and extreme and demanding physical tasks, as well as denied adequate food and water.

Both R and E were regularly indoctrinated, the lawsuit states, being convinced that they were evil and possessed, that the punishments were necessary for their repentance, and that the abusive behavior was "acts of love."

On Aug. 30, 2023, R reportedly escaped from Hildebrandt's home and contacted a neighbor, requesting food and water and that law enforcement be called "so he could be taken to jail."

"The latter request was because he had been so indoctrinated by [Hildebrandt] that if he escaped, he would go to jail," the lawsuit states.

Instead of jail, R was cared for by first responders and admitted to a hospital.

That same day, Hildebrandt was arrested and E was found sitting in a closet in Hildebrandt's home.

After hours of reassurance from law enforcement, she, too, was admitted to a hospital, according to the lawsuit.

The Department of Child Services then took custody of all four of Hildebrandt's children, "who had been so seriously and adversely manipulated and indoctrinated," the lawsuit states.

"The children's personalities, emotions and psyches were so damaged and altered that it was beyond [Kevin Franke's] capability to restore them without professional intervention," the lawsuit states.

Utah officials responded to Wilson's passing online, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

"Ted Wilson devoted most of his life to public services. As a Utah National Guardsman, Salt Lake City's mayor, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics and a trusted advisor to Gov. Gary Herbert, Ted always put people over politics. Abby and I are grateful for his devotion to our state and we express our deepest sympathies to his family," he wrote.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall shared her memories of Wilson online, writing that he was her mentor and a cherished friend.

"To this City, he was a giant and a champion. His legacy is a permanent thread in our City's story. He was a committed leader, a driver of progress and someone willing to listen, learn, and evolve," she wrote.

Mendenhall went on to describe Wilson as a driver of progress, saying her heart is with Wilson's family.

"Ted Wilson made Salt Lake City better in more ways than we’ll ever be able to count. I look forward to the day when thinking of Ted again brings more smiles than tears. Until then, I will miss my friend, and Salt Lake City will miss a true legend," she wrote.

Wilson was born on May 18, 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in 1964, a master's from the University of Washington in 1969 and an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Westminster College in 1983.

He served in the Utah Army National Guard from 1957 to 1963. Wilson later started his political career in 1973 as he was appointed Chief of Staff to Utah Congressman Wayne Owens. In 1975, Wilson was appointed to direct the Department of Social Services in Salt Lake County.

He was elected to three terms as the mayor of Salt Lake City, serving from 1976 - 1985, before he later became the Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. Wilson ran for U.S. Senate in 1982 against Orrin Hatch and in 1988 was the Democratic candidate for Governor of the State of Utah.

Wilson was known for overseeing the city's response to the floods of 1983, working to reconstruct the Salt Lake City International Airport and his community and environmental efforts.

Wilson worked as the director of the Utah Clean Air Partnership and the director of the Utah Rivers Council, as well as serving as the environmental advisor to Gov. Gary Herbert.

The Hinckley Institute writes that outside of politics, Wilson had a great love for mountaineering.

"He has climbed peaks around the world from the Alps to the Andes, established three climbing schools, and he received the Department of the Interior Valor Award in 1967 for his role in a rescue on the North Face of the Grand Teton," their website said.

Wilson and his first wife Kathryn Carling had five children together, including current Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. He was later married to former Salt Lake Tribune columnist Holly Mullen and was stepfather to her two children.

The campus went on full lockdown around 9:30 a.m. following reports of the possibility of an active shooter near the Science Buildings. At the same time, the Iron County School District placed a lockdown for several schools in the Cedar City area where Southern Utah University is located.

Officers with Southern Utah University and the surrounding agencies who responded to assist spent the morning searching and clearing several buildings on campus, including the Science Buildings. Law enforcement determined by 10:30 a.m. that no shots had been fired on campus.

"It takes a lot of man hours. It takes so much effort, so much cooperation," said SUU Chief of Police Carlos Medina about clearing the campus. "We have such a good working relationship with other agencies that it makes it pretty fluid and easy, given the circumstances, to really do our job effectively and not only help our SUU community but also the citizens of Cedar City."

Throughout the afternoon, the Southern Utah University officials lifted the lockdown building by building as law enforcement completed their sweep of the campus. The lockdown was fully lifted by 1:10 p.m.

"Thank you for your cooperation. We take the safety of our campus very seriously," University officials said through social media.

The University canceled classes and activities on campus for the rest of the day. Classes are expected to resume a normal schedule on Friday, April 12.

Medina did not disclose the source of the reported gunfire-like noise but did confirm that SUU police are working with the FBI as they continue their investigation. Medina refused to say if authorities believe the threat was a hoax, saying that will be determined through the investigation.

"We're taking it seriously until we find out through our investigation that it was a hoax, then we will call it that," said Medina. "But, as of right now, it's an active investigation and we are treating it like an active shooter."

Shortly after the lockdown began, the University released details of a suspect but officials later said it was "highly unlikely" the suspect was actually involved in the threat.

"We are grateful to SUU Police and the many local law enforcement agencies for their swift response and superb coordination, prioritizing safety on our campus in our community," said SUU President Mindy Benson. "Thank you to all who were an important part of the successful resolution of the situation."

The university said students and employees can contact SUU's Counseling and Psychological Services at 435-865-8621 or access support online at suu.edu/mentalhealth and suu.edu/hr/benefits/eap.

After a crack was found in the Panguitch Lake dam, officials held a town hall meeting -- answering questions and discussing topics like mitigation measures, evacuation plans, and preparedness information.

The damage was found on Monday, April 8, and since then, highways closed, flood watches were issued, and a "Level 2 Emergency Situation" was declared.

"Two or three days ago we got a notice of a 'little leak' at the dam, and things have really started happening since then," Soper said.

Soper thanked the community for the outpour of help and reminded everyone to be prepared and follow the city's emergency plan.

Additionally, he said sandbags are available "in truckloads" to those who need them.

Right now, according to the city, top priorities are life safety, property preservation, and scene stabilization.

If an evacuation were to take place, sirens will sound and officials will go door to door. Additionally, those signed up for the city's alert system will be notified.

Evacuation plan

Sargent Cox with Utah Highway Patrol outlined evacuation plans in the event of a breach.

For elementary school students, 100 South eastbound from 300 South will become a one-way street. The road will filter around to 300 West and then to 100 South in front of the elementary school, through the pickup lane.

Every child attending the elementary school will need to follow that, Cox said.

At the high school, 100 South will continue as a one-way eastbound street in front of the high school. The students that drive are permitted to drive themselves away from the school, with siblings only.

As they travel eastbound, Cox asked they turn at the intersection at 400 east and 100 south and go north toward center street, to return home.

"This is something we have time to do," he said. "This does not need to be rushed."

If the dam is breached, there is roughly two hours before the water hits the city, Cox said, asking the community to remain orderly.

He also asked people choose to go southbound on Highway 89, should the situation require evacuation.

What is the county doing?

The Garfield County Commissioner said they have road crews on scene, placing rock on the top two feet that are areas of concern on the dam. If it moves, he said, there is support.

Additionally, he said an emergency declaration was issued today, meaning funding sources from the state and federal government can be opened up if needed.

While he said no plan is perfect, the city of Panguitch is prepared.

"We'll be there to help each other get through it. I trust the plan," he said.

For more information, including dam updates, the full town hall meeting can be viewed via the video below.

Earlier this month, the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (WBWCD) was awarded a chunk of $19 million in federal funding to test the idea, which could be rolled out on a massive scale across the American West to improve the region’s resilience to drought and climate change.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, WBWCD will get $1.5 million to install solar panels in the upper portion of the Layton Canal, which is located in Weber County. The project will be a five-year demonstration, collecting data on the feasibility of the novel concept to conserve water and generate renewable energy.

“We love the implementation of new technologies,” said Jonathan Parry, assistant general manager for the water district. “We’re excited to see how this can play a role in our energy portfolio.”

How is this supposed to work?

According to Parry, the water district is aiming to install solar panels on a 1,400-foot section of the Layton Canal, shading what is currently an exposed area of open water.

This is expected to reduce evaporation from solar radiation, meaning there’ll be more water in the irrigation system. The shade should also limit toxic algal blooms, thereby improving water quality.

Additionally, studies suggest that any evaporation that does happen off the water will act as a coolant on the solar panels, making them more productive in energy generation, Parry said.

These potential benefits are all things the WBWCD will look to monitor over the course of the project. Should it play out as expected, more solar panels could be installed in the district, which supplies water to parts of Davis, Weber, Morgan, and Summit counties.

“We’ve got a lot of canals that have the potential for these types of installations,” Parry said.

When will the project be up and running?

The WBWCD expects the Layton Canal project to be up and running in the next two to two-and-a-half years. But before construction gets underway, details need to be finalized and all the equipment needs to be gathered.

According to Parry, in the next six months, the WBWCD will get a consultant on board to help with designing the project and equipment selection.

Other projects in the West

Two other water districts in California and Oregon also received federal funding this month to test floating solar panels in canals, and last year, $5.6 million went to fund a solar panel project at the Casa Blanca Canal in Arizona.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, the money for these projects came from the Inflation Reduction Act, which carved out $25 million to design, study and implement solar projects on water facilities connected to the Bureau of Reclamation.

The WBWCD has a close relationship with the bureau, Parry said, adding that the original Weber Basin water project was a federal undertaking in the 1950s and '60s. Parry said the bureau often works with the WBWCD to provide grants and alerted the water district about this particular opportunity.

“We want to be providing as much value as we can to our communities and doing it as efficiently as possible,” Parry said. “We’re hopeful that this is another tool and resource to do exactly that.”

Chad Daybell, 55, is facing charges of first-degree murder, insurance fraud, and conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in connection with the deaths of Tammy Daybell, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan. Last year, their mother, Lori Vallow Daybell, received a life sentence without parole for the killings.

Prosecutors say the couple justified the three killings with doomsday beliefs, part of an elaborate scheme to eliminate any obstacles to their relationship and to obtain money from survivor benefits and life insurance. Vallow Daybell referred to her two youngest kids as zombies, one friend testified during her trial.

Chad Daybell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he self-published fiction loosely based on its teachings.

In fall 2019, he tried to fraudulently collect on his late wife’s life insurance policy, and Vallow Daybell continued to collect both children’s social security benefits after they died.

Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial is expected to take more than two months. Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty if Daybell is convicted.

While the prosecution's opening statement leaned heavily on the timeline of the murders and their proximity to Lori and Chad's marriage, the defense team attempted to paint Lori as a manipulator pulling his strings. They also positioned Lori's brother, Alex Cox, as a "protector" who would defend her no matter what.

Courtroom recap: Day 1

The state began its case against Daybell by calling a Rexburg, Idaho police detective to the stand.

Det. Ray Hermosillo testified that he was asked to investigate the apartment complex where several of the case's main people lived. Originally, Hermosillo said he was asked to surveil the Daybells by officials from a police department in Gilbert, Arizona. Specifically, he was asked to do a welfare check on JJ Vallow and to seize and impound a Jeep owned by Charles Vallow, Lori's late husband.

He noted that when he first went to perform a welfare check on JJ Vallow, he met Chad Daybell and Alex Cox. Both of them initially claimed they had no mobile phone number for Lori, though Chad eventually did give Hermosillo the number. Hermosillo testified that Chad had initially refused to give Lori's phone number because he felt he was being accused of something.

Hermosillo said Chad later provided Lori's phone number after it was requested again. Hermosillo said he called the lieutenant and said that he felt there was more going on with JJ because of the lies and apparent deception. Hermosillo also said he asked the lieutenant to gather detectives and report to the scene.

Detectives learned that Lori's niece, Melanie Pawloski, lived in the same apartment complex, but no one answered her door when officials knocked at her apartment.

Hermosillo said detectives called and left a voicemail for Lori at the number provided by Chad. When she called back, police advised her to open the door. Detectives entered the residence wearing a body camera, and even though Hermosillo was not there, he said he watched the video.

Search warrants were obtained for three apartments in the complex -- 175, 174 and 107 -- and, while executing search warrants, Hermosillo said everything looked "ordinary" in apartment 175. Then detectives saw there were no clothes on any hangers in the closet and no sign of JJ.

In a crawl space in apartment 175, Hermosillo said there was a child's suitcase and a prescription bottle of Risperidone (used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia) belonging to JJ. Investigators seized the suitcase and the prescription bottle.

Hermosillo said apartment 107 was vacant. In apartment 174, investigators seized a large amount of cash. In both of those apartments, Hermosillo said there was no evidence of JJ.

In apartment 175, Hermosillo said investigators found several weapons -- including guns, rifles and Army knives -- and seized the weapons for safekeeping. Investigators also found a contract for a Rexburg storage unit in the name of Lori Ryan.

In the storage unit, Hermosillo said investigators found some photos with JJ and Tylee in them, along with some photos of Lori. He said there was nothing of importance.

When asked if investigators were looking for Tylee at that time, Hermosillo said no.

The defense asked Hermosillo questions about the photographs taken at the residence, and asked why he wouldn't know the name of the photographer despite being there when the photos were taken. Hermosillo said there were a lot of people at the scene.

Photos from the residence were shown to the courtroom on a screen, which showed the suitcase and various pictures of the interior of the residence. Hermosillo referred to the suitcase as a "72-hour kit."

Other photos showed a bedroom said to be used by Alex Cox, some of Cox's belongings and the empty hangers in JJ's closet.

Another series of exhibits was shown to the courtroom depicting what was in the garage of apartment 175, from Nov. 27 and Nov. 28, according to Hermosillo. He said some of the items were moved, but the photos properly represented what was in the garage.

Some of those photos showed ammunition, rifles, suppressors and knives. Another photo showed a Halloween mask and duct tape, along with rope. Alex Cox's passport was also found in the garage.

The prosecution objected to some items being staged for photos outside of the scene, as some photos were taken at the police department, and some items were removed from tubs for the photos.

Hermosillo was later asked if the search expanded to include the search for Tylee Ryan, and Hermosillo said yes. Birth certificates for both children were presented as evidence. Both Tylee and JJ were entered into a national database for missing children in December 2019.

Hermosillo said neither Chad nor Lori had reported Tylee and JJ as missing. Hermosillo said he received tips on the missing kids, and while most were anonymous, investigators would follow up on the tips.

In January 2020, eyewitnesses reported seeing Chad and Lori in Hawaii, and Hermosillo said he went to Hawaii to assist local police. Hermosillo said there was no sign of JJ or Tylee.

Lori and Chad got married in Hawaii 17 days after the death of Chad's ex-wife, Tammy, and Lori was said to be shopping for wedding rings while Tammy was still alive. Hermosillo said he was aware of a suspicious death investigation into Tammy Daybell dating back to October 2019.

Based on timestamps for photos seized from Lori's online cloud accounts, the last photo of JJ and Tylee together was taken on Sept. 8, 2019 at 2:49 p.m. at what appeared to be Yellowstone National Park. The last known photo of JJ was of him sitting on a sofa in Lori's apartment on Sept. 22, 2019 at 11:46 a.m.

On Jan. 3, 2020, Hermosillo said the first search warrant was executed on Chad Daybell's residence. He then confirmed officials executed another search warrant on June 9, 2020, beginning around 7 a.m.

Hermosillo said that, at the execution of the June 9 search warrant, Fremont County and Rexburg City Police were involved. There were also individuals from the Attorney General's Office, the FBI and the FBI's Evidence Recovery Team, or ERT.

When they arrived on the scene to execute the warrant, officials were told that Chad was still asleep. Hermosillo said they eventually made contact with him and showed him the warrant before Daybell asked to speak to his attorney.

Chad later asked to make a phone call. He went outside to make the call and Hermosillo said he went outside as well. Chad made the call in a vehicle on the property, and Hermosillo said he stood next to the vehicle.

Hermosillo said he was observing Chad's behavior during the call. As the call progressed, Hermosillo said Daybell was "intently" looking over his shoulder, which Hermosillo said he thought was "odd."

Hermosillo said he looked in the same direction as Chad and saw investigators marking an area under a tree.

Hermosillo said that he was tasked with looking through a fire pit in the backyard, and was sifting dirt from the pit with other investigators around 9 a.m., which he said he did for about 35 to 45 minutes.

Hermosillo said he later moved to a different area to search and said the ERT marked off a section of grass. Hermosillo said ERT was excavating that site and said, "We could start to smell the odor...."

Hermosillo said there were large white rocks, and underneath those rocks was different layers of dirt. Some of the dirt was dry and some of it was wet, according to Hermosillo.

Hermosillo said a “black-brown object” began to “protrude” through the dirt, and when asked to describe it, he said "it appeared to take shape" of the crown of a human head.

Hermosillo said the FBI’s ERT team cut through a layer of black plastic before cutting through a layer of white plastic. Under that plastic, Hermosillo said there was “brown human hair." He later said a small body was removed from the plastic that appeared to have duct tape around it.

The court adjourned after Hermosillo described the removal of the body.

5. Increase Your Deductible. Now might be the time if you haven’t raised your deductible recently. Consider a thousand-dollar deductible to save on your annual premium. Remember, you’re increasing your potential out-of-pocket repair costs after a crash, so make sure you have access to the money just in case. Or use the savings to build an emergency fund.

4. It might be time to Drop Collision and Comprehensive Insurance. As your car's years and miles pile up, its value decreases. That lowered value might not justify the expense of paying for collision and comprehensive coverage. As a general rule, when the premium is more than 10 percent of the car’s value, it’s time to consider dropping collision, and maybe comprehensive, too.

3. Take a Defensive Driving Course. Some insurance companies let you take a safe-driving course to get a discount. It only takes a few hours, tends to cost around $25 and the savings can add up. And you might even be able to take the course online.

2. Shop Around Then Bundle. You may be able to save hundreds a year by combining your home and auto policies.

1. Sign Up for Driver Monitoring. You can save up to $800 with some insurance companies if you allow them to track your driving habits with a smartphone app or a device that plugs into your car’s diagnostic port—so long as you prove to be a safe driver. There are some tradeoffs. Remember, you’re giving up some privacy, much the same way you do when using certain smartphone apps, in exchange for a potential discount.

And if you drive under 10,000 miles per year most insurance companies factor in annual mileage in their pricing. You could save about $100 if you’re not making the mark.

NWS said low-lying areas along Panguitch Creek are affected, in addition to reminding residents to keep informed and be prepared.

ORIGINAL STORY: PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) -- The Garfield County Sheriff's Office posted an "urgent public safety announcement" on Tuesday night after the Panguitch Lake Dam was discovered to have a large crack in it.

The sheriff's office said its monitoring of the situation was updated to a Level 2 Emergency Situation around 6 p.m. on Tuesday "due to potential risks identified with the dam's integrity."

Officials said the emergency designation was precautionary, and was aimed to ensure the safety of nearby residents.

What is a Level 2 Emergency Situation?

According to the sheriff's office, a Level 2 Emergency Situation means that there is potential for dam failure.

"While there is no immediate threat to public safety, the situation could rapidly evolve," the Garfield County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

Officials said they are prepared to "escalate" their response if the situation calls for it.

How to prepare for possible dam failure

"It is crucial that residents of Panguitch and surrounding areas be prepared for a possible evacuation should we reach a Level 3 situation, which would indicate dam failure," officials said.

The sheriff's office urged residents to stay informed, have an evacuation plan, have emergency kits and inform others.

Officials said they will communicate "through all available resources," including social media and local news outlets.

"Should evacuation be necessary, residents should proceed east towards Hatch as the primary evacuation route," the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office said it is continuing to monitor the situation and urged residents to follow instructions and be prepared.

"Please know that if a failure occurs, we feel there is plenty of time to conduct an orderly evacuation before the water reaches Panguitch," officials said.

A fact sheet from FEMA about potential dam failures is available online.

On Wednesday evening, the sheriff's office said the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner has confirmed that the remains belonged to Rounds.

Rounds first went missing in May 2022 at the age of 19, and was reportedly living in an RV-camper near the Nevada-Utah border. In March 2023, James Brenner was formally charged with Rounds' murder.

On April 9, 2024, remains that were believed to be Rounds were "recovered in the remote western Box Elder County area of Lucin," officials said.

The Box Elder County Sheriff's Office said the FBI assisted with the investigation and processed the area for evidence, in addition to recovering the remains.

Rounds' mother, Candice Cooley, confirmed with ABC4.com that Brenner led authorities to the location of Rounds' body as part of a plea agreement.

Officials said the remains were taken to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner for confirmation of the identity. The next day, the remains were identified as belonging to Rounds.

"Our hearts go out to the family of Dylan Rounds," the sheriff's office said. "We offer our sincerest condolences for the loss of their family member."

The sheriff's office said the investigation and search took 23 months, and expressed its gratitude to everyone who has assisted with the investigation.

'Life taken too soon': Dylan's mother speaks out

"To us, this is not a shock," Cooley told ABC4.com.

Cooley said her family has fought hard and screamed loudly. She said she knew her son's remains would be found, but she didn't know when.

"Everybody tells me, 'I'm sorry.' And I tell them don't. Don't tell me you're sorry," Cooley said. "Don't be sorry that we brought Dylan home. It doesn't make any sense to me to be sorry for that."

Cooley said the office of the prosecuting attorney had been a great help throughout the process. She said she and her family were able to be involved at every step of the plea deal.

"It's crazy how it feels like it's taken an eternity," Cooley said. "But I blink, and I'm like, 'Where did the last 700 days go?'"

Cooley said she learned about the discovery of Rounds' remains when she got a call from the attorney's office. She said she still hasn't finished processing the news.

"It's so relieving to have him, it's so much stress off shoulders," Cooley said. "Every day we were waiting for that phone call."

Cooley said one book has closed, and Dylan can now be laid to rest. But, she said the next step is working to change the laws in Utah, saying it's "one ending to a new beginning." She also said she hopes Dylan knows that his family didn't lie, and that they were never going to give up.

"Life taken too soon," Cooley said. "What he did accomplish in his 19 years -- almost 20 years -- was more than most grown adults do in their whole life."

She said he was a hard worker and a good farmer who owned more equipment than most people would even think about.

"We'll make it so the next Dylan Rounds gets to stick around longer," Cooley said.

Dylan Rounds' disappearance

Around May 30, 2022, Rounds' mother first discovered no one had seen her son in a few days. His family reportedly traveled to Utah after not hearing from Rounds and becoming concerned.

"We knew our son," Cooley said. "Dylan would never walk away from that farm. Ever."

In June 2022, it was confirmed that a pair of boots belonging to Rounds was found on the property where he was living in a camping trailer.

In July of 2022, a suspect was named in connection to the disappearance of Dylan Rounds. That suspect was James Brenner, who was being held on unrelated federal firearm charges.

Previous reports indicated Brenner was reportedly "squatting" on Rounds' property. He was also said to have a violent past.

In August 2022, Nevada authorities executed a search warrant on Brenner's home.

In October 2022, the case was declared a homicide investigation by Box Elder County officials.

In March 2023, Brenner was formally charged with aggravated murder and abuse or desecration of a human body. According to documents, digital forensics revealed a time-lapse video allegedly showing Brenner cleaning a gun with blood on his arms and shirt.

Officials say they obtained Brenner's shirt, analyzed it and discovered DNA belonging to Rounds.

The free public tours are scheduled to run from April 13 through May 18, except on Sundays. The church recommended that visitors reserve a timeslot in advance online.

The temple was first announced in October of 2019 and ground was first broken at the site in October of 2020. The temple is scheduled to be dedicated later this year, on June 2, according to Church Newsroom.

"A temple is considered a house of the Lord, where the teachings of Jesus Christ are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other sacred agreements that unite families for eternity," the church said in a press release.

The church said the architectural style of the temple was "inspired by local pioneer tabernacles." Inside the temple, the colors used were intended to reflect the colors of the valley and the surrounding area of the temple.

The church said the new Taylorsville temple is one of 30 temples throughout the state of Utah that was officially dedicated, or otherwise under construction or renovation.

Public tours at the Taylorsville Temple are scheduled to begin exactly one week after the church's annual general conference that was broadcast around the world. On the second day of the conference, the church's president announced 15 new temples the church plans to build.

Of the 15 new temples most recently announced by the church, two more are expected to come to Utah -- with a Latter-day Saint temple planned to be built in Lehi and another expected in West Jordan.

EcoFlight, a Colorado-based company, uses small aircraft to boost conservation efforts across the Western United States. This week, their focus returned to the Wasatch Front.

Bruce Gordon, the founder and chief pilot for EcoFlight, said that years ago his passengers were shocked when they saw that water from the Bear River wasn’t reaching the Great Salt Lake.

“You can look at statistics all you want, you can look at lines on a map all you want, but when you get up there, all of a sudden it gives the land a voice,” he said. “It really shows you what is going on. It translates those lines into reality.”

In November of 2022, when the Great Salt Lake shrunk to a record low, EcoFlight helped provide some of the first aerial images of the struggling saline lake, which scientists said was on the brink of ecological collapse.

Since then, the nonprofit has returned each year to see the lake begin filling up with water after back-to-back years where snow dumped on northern Utah’s mountains.

“We’re thrilled to see the lake filling up, and I hope it can continue,” said Jane Pargiter, executive director of EcoFlight.

This week, the nonprofit again took to the air over the Great Salt Lake, and ABC4 reporter Kade Garner was onboard, as was Soren Simonsen, executive director of the Jordan River Commission.

While the EcoFlight planes only seat five, the company says it aims to create diverse passenger lists to help key decision-makers come to important management decisions over the lake’s future. Among Utahns chosen for flights are politicians, local officials, filmmakers, and wildlife biologists.

From the plane’s windows on Tuesday, the passengers could see rivers flowing into the lake, the variation in water color from red to green, the wetlands harboring wildlife, swaths of dry lakebed, and the berm that separates the lake’s north and south arms.

“To be up above the lake but close enough in a small aircraft to see what’s happening is pretty amazing, it’s a really unique experience,” Simonsen said.

He added that it filled him with joy to see water filling up Farmington Bay, something he’d seen dry from the ground.

But while he applauded the Utah Legislature’s recent efforts to pass laws aimed at getting more water into the lake, he said that climate change and other factors still pose a serious threat for the lake’s future.

“We have to be vigilant,” he said, “because there’s a lot more work that has to happen to put those policies into practice to really create long term health and sustainability for the lake.”

Until that happens, EcoFlight will be returning to Utah to give more people an overhead view of what’s happening to the lake, on which communities, ecosystems and businesses along the Wasatch Front depend.

Gordon hopes his passengers absorb what they see and strive to get involved in the lake’s future.

“We hope to inspire you to be an activist and advocate what you care about in these situations," he said.

The Provo Police Department said the incident took place just minutes after midnight Sunday morning after they attempted to stop a vehicle for "driver license and moving violations." They say the driver fled eastbound on 500 N and officers lost sight of the vehicle.

When they located the vehicle, it had crashed into a home near 130 E 500 N and landed on top of two cars.

Lexi Nelson, a Provo resident, said she was in the basement getting ready for bed when she heard a crash and her roommates yelling upstairs.

"It really was the loudest crash I had ever heard in my life," Nelson said. "I looked out the window and I saw the female running into our backyard to go jump our fence or running into the neighbor's yard somewhere back there."

According to witnesses and video footage, the involved vehicle flipped in the air before landing on the cars and crashing into the stairs and porch railing of Nelson's home. Witnesses report seeing both the male and female occupants climbing out the window and running away, with one witness catching the alleged escape on video.

When police arrived, they said they found the car empty.

"The car was completely smashed," Nelson said. "It's honestly really incredible that anyone made it out alive of that car, and to see them just hop out of the window and run away was crazy."

Once the occupants had left, she and her roommates walked outside to scope out the damage. She said the suspects' vehicle and her neighbor's car were totaled. Her roommate's car, while technically drivable, was also towed to a mechanic.

They found glass shards, shoes, clothes and a car seat "sprawled out around [their] house and on the road," she said.

Nelson said it was lucky no one else was hurt in the crash, as the car could have hit further into their home or hurt someone walking on their usually busy street.

As of Monday afternoon, police said they are still searching for the suspects but are not in need of public assistance at this time. They say the suspects could face several charges including fleeing or eluding officers, criminal mischief, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash and driving on a denied license.

The new stadium, sponsored by Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU), will be situated on the west side of the existing Clyde Field and will provide an "unparalleled experience" for players, fans and the community.

Once completed the stadium will be able to hold 3,000 fans and include covered plaza seating, a Major League Soccer-style press box complete with broadcast capabilities and 10 luxury seats. The University previously announced the new stadium would include improved concessions, restrooms and a team shop as well as dedicated student sections.

The players will have dedicated locker rooms a team lounge and locker rooms specifically built for visiting teams and officials. Once finished, UVU said the stadium will be one of the top facilities in NCAA Division I Soccer.

"This groundbreaking is a testament to our vision for UVU Athletics and our partnership with UCCU," said Utah Valley Director of Athletics Dr. Jared Sumsion. "The new stadium will not only enhance our competitive edge but also create a vibrant hub for community interaction and support."

The groundbreaking will happen at 12:45 p.m. in a ceremony open to the public. UVU officials plan on announcing a timeline for construction as well as other stadium features during the event.

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) -- A crack found in the Panguitch Lake Dam has led to officials limiting access to one Utah highway and Panguitch Lake.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office said the damage to the dam was found Monday, April 8. The damage reportedly resulted in a cracking on the upper portion of the dam. GCSO along with Panguitch City officials, emergency management and the West Panguitch Irrigation Company are "monitoring the conditions."

The Sheriff's Office said the damage is not severe enough for authorities to issue any evacuation notice, but access to the lake and Highway 143 will be limited.

"As a precaution, Garfield County Sheriff's Office has closed Highway 143 and will limit all access to Panguitch Lake," said the Sheriff's Office in a press release. "Highway 143 will remain open above Panguitch Lake."

Emergency personnel stationed at the dam will closely monitor the structure's conditions. If the conditions worsen, the Sheriff's Office said an emergency notification will be made through "all available resources."

Officials did not disclose what may have caused the damage to the dam.

News anchors were breathless and reporters waxed poetic. Of course, ABC4's Craig Wirth was right there, covering the 1979 event from Montana.

Back then, the technology used to stream the eclipse was the best of the best. This eclipse was not seen all over the country -- just the northern part -- so the livestream was really something special.

1979 was one of the first years live TV could cover an event like this, allowing the world to get its own breathtaking glimpse.

"People are hushed in what almost seems like a ritual thing that mankind has been silenced by in awe since the beginning of civilization," ABC's science reporter Jules Bergman said of the event.

People in the 70s did not have animated maps or graphics like we do today, but they made great strides in another area -- selling "canned dark" and, of course, T-shirts.

Viewers were excited, and it was a moment they'll likely never forget.

"Oh there you can see it the roar of the crowd is going up," one said. "This is just the most exciting thing I've ever participated in."

According to Sergeant Cameron Roden with UHP, a semi truck and three other cars were involved in the crash. The crash is said to have taken place near mile marker 202 on Route 6 in Utah County.

UHP said the driver of the semi truck was taken to the hospital in serious condition. The semi truck that was involved in the crash reportedly ended up overturned.

The other people involved suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate, and three others were taken to the hospital.

The crash was said to have blocked two lanes of traffic, but the lanes were able to reopen after a couple hours.

Officials are urging drivers to be careful when driving and to plan trips ahead of time. Officials also recommend drivers keep their eyes on the road at all times and be mindful of what is in the car.

"We respond to crashes on a daily basis where we find things that should have been in the back of the vehicle that are now in the front seat," Sergeant Kristopher Cope said. "And those are just projectiles that can hit you in the head or cause serious damage."

There is no further information at this time.

"Kaufusi’s Keikis is a free optional health outreach program to provide all elementary-aged children with potentially life-saving annual screenings," one program webpage said.

The initiative is part of a partnership between the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine -- or Noorda-COM -- and the Provo City School District, and aims "to develop a preventative health outreach program with the long-term goal of changing the health trajectories of Provo’s next generation."

So, where does the name come from?

Keiki -- pronounced "kay-kee"-- is a Hawaiian word that can mean child or offspring. The name "Kaufusi's Keikis" essentially means "Kaufusi's Kids."

The program announced it would officially be launched on April 9, after being given a $25,000 donation from The Provo Open. The program aims to offer free, opt-in health screenings for Provo students, which it said would be "especially beneficial" for communities with low incomes.

Under faculty supervision, the health screenings will be conducted by student doctors with Noorda-COM and, eventually, other medical students in the area. One student called the initiative "an invaluable opportunity" to engage with the community.

President and CEO of Noorda-COM Dr. Norman Wright said Kaufusi's connection to growing up in the Provo community helped to make it clear that launching Kaufusi's Keikis "was the right choice."

Kaufusi said the outreach program is personal to her because she grew up getting free and reduced lunch at school, as one of seven children of a single mother.

"We were always in survival mode as a family, so my success would not have been possible without a caring community who stepped in to make a difference," Kaufusi said. “Kaufusi’s Keikis is another example of our caring community coming together for the health of our children."

Caleb Price with the Provo City School District expressed gratitude to the Provo Open and Noorda-COM for their partnership on the outreach program.

According to a press release, the first health screening fair of the Kaufusi's Keikis Health Outreach Program will be on May 1 at Timpanogos Elementary School. The screening stations will include vital signs, neurology and basic vision, among others.

Other optional health screenings will be held at three of the Title I schools in the Provo School District.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of our health outreach initiative for our hometown, Provo, and to dedicate it to Mayor Michelle Kaufusi," Wright said.

Authorities confirmed the suspect is a minor and did not release any additional information about his identity, due to his age.

The suspect was reportedly involved in a shooting on Thursday, April 4, at the Meadowbrook TRAX station. Two people were hospitalized as a result of the shooting, one in critical condition, and the other in serious condition.

Utah Highway Patrol confirmed with ABC4 that as of Friday, April 5, one victim was still in the hospital in critical but stable condition. The other has since been released. Authorities did not release the identity of either victim.

ABC4 is working on getting an updated condition on the victim hospitalized over the weekend.

UTA said an investigation into the shooting is still ongoing and further details have not been released.

Restoring Ancestral Winds, Inc. (RAWI), a non-profit dedicated to supporting Native American communities, established the helpline in honor of sexual assault awareness month.

Victims will be able to call the hotline at 1-833-NTV-HEAL (688-4325).

RAWI Executive Director Yolanda Francisco said the helpline will be a great benefit for the Native American community, which the National Institute of Justice reports has a higher victimization rate than any other ethnic group. Native American women are more likely to need these services but are less likely to have access to them.

"One in three Native American women experience violence in their lifetime," said Francisco. "Our mission is to address this disparity by providing support to Native Americans and others including those living in urban populations. We deeply appreciate existing partners who have joined us in the work to address the harm happening in the Great Basin."

The Utah Department of Public Safety, which helped launch the helpline, said the number will be a great additional resource for victims during a difficult time. Deputy Commissioner Jimmy Higgs said the department encourages everyone to report domestic and sexual abuse but there is a recognized need for different cultural needs.

Utah Rep. Angela Romero (D) said meeting those cultural needs requires a dedicated effort that views issues through "a Native lens."

"Ensuring that victims have access to culturally competent care is fundamental in our efforts to support and empower Indigenous communities," said Romero.

Francisco added, "Together, our focus is to help end sexual assault and domestic violence with the realization that everyone in Utah is entitled to safety and harmony."

Investigators say the two men may have been involved in a fight at a nightclub near 1000 East and 2100 South just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10.

Two people were taken to the hospital as a result of the fight -- a 45-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man. Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but police say the woman's injuries were considered "serious."

"Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe the fight happened in the parking lot between the man in the light-colored shirt and the 47-year-old man," SLCPD said in a press release.

Police said shortly after the fight, the two men got into a silver car and drove away. The driver, the man wearing the dark-colored shirt, is believed to have hit the 45-year-old woman with the car before taking off.

SLCPD said no additional details will be released as an investigation into the fight is still ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3000 and reference case number 24-53536. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the CityProtect website.

Devin was arrested for five different charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, failure to remain at an accident involving serious injury and reckless driving. 

“It's been really hard seeing the charges against Devin, considering that we thought we were doing all the right things for him -- from taking him to the emergency room for help on Saturday, and then again on Sunday -- and I just feel like he has totally been let down,” Devin’s Mother Mary Myers said.

The family said they took Devin to get help on the Saturday before Easter. 

"I took him to the hospital downtown, gave him a pink slip at the hospital, and then he was released a few hours later,” Devin’s Brother Drake Myers said.

Devin's family said they tried finding help again the next day.

“I stayed up with him all night, and then he was still bad in the morning,” Drake said.

Drake said Devin was tested for drugs at multiple hospitals. However, Drake said all the tests came back clean.

“He would never hurt anyone," Mary said.

"Never has, never would," Drake said. "It wasn't him at that time, is what makes it so sad."

Both Drake and Mary said Devin was scared for his life and scared of things that "weren't there."

On March 31, it was reported that Devin ran out of the hospital, stole a car and injured a security officer trying to stop him.

The family said they contacted the emergency room at the South Jordan Health Center before taking Devin in.

"We were told that they could handle it. Like, is there a crisis team? Is there a mental health crisis team?” Mary asked.

Mary and Drake said they have not seen Devin since Thursday. They were allowed to talk with him for 30 minutes.

“He wasn't very stable then. So, we had left the room after speaking with him and let them know like he's ... there's no way he could go to jail. Like he's ... he's not doing OK,” Drake said.

The family said Devin was diagnosed with a mental disorder. They believe the whole situation would have been different if he were properly treated.

The family added that Utah is not paying attention to mental health the way it should. That is why they want to spread awareness for more resources to be available.

You can visit National Alliance on Mental Illness Utah (NAMI) for more help and resources, by clicking here.

President Nelson announced the temples in a pre-recorded address that aired during the Sunday afternoon session of the conference at the church's Salt Lake City Conference Center.

The 15 temples will be constructed in several different countries -- with a few of them in the United States, including two more temples in Utah.

The new temples have been announced in the following locations:

• Uturoa, French Polynesia
• Chihuahua, Mexico
• Florianópolis, Brazil
• Rosario, Argentina
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Brisbane Australia South Area
• Victoria, British Columbia
• Yuma, Arizona
• Houston Texas South Area
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• West Jordan, Utah
• Lehi, Utah
• Maracaibo, Venezuela

According to the church, the Edinburgh, Scotland temple will be the first Latter-day Saint temple in Scotland.

The Des Moines, Iowa temple will be the first Latter-day Saint temple in the state, while the temple in Honolulu will be the fourth in Hawaii -- with the third Hawaii temple being announced in Kahului in October 2023.

During his Sunday afternoon address, President Nelson also mentioned the church's recent acquisition of the Kirtland Temple from Community of Christ.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds its general conference twice a year, first in April, then in October. The individual sessions of the conference are each about two hours long and take place over a Saturday and a Sunday.

At the conclusion of the October 2023 general conference sessions, President Nelson announced 20 new temples in a pre-recorded message -- a number of temples that was said to be the second-highest number ever announced at once.

According to Church Newsroom, the church had a reported membership of more than 17.2 million people throughout the world in 2023, with more than 340,000 new members being added that year.

At around 10:30 p.m. on April 6, Brigham City officers and firefighters responded to the 800 block of West Forrest Street on a report that a vehicle had crashed into a building.

Witnesses reportedly said the vehicle had struck the building and become fully engulfed in flames. According to police, the vehicle had struck the gas line, "causing the fire and the building to collapse onto the vehicle," a press release states.

The deceased has been identified as Brendyn Miller, 20, of Riverdale.

Miller was reportedly the driver and only person in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

800 West between 50 South and West Forest Street will be closed while Brigham City Fire personnel monitor the structure.

"Brigham City Police and Fire Departments would like to offer their heartfelt condolences to the
family and ask that the family not be bothered in their time of grieving," the release states.

This is an ongoing investigation. The cause of this crash is unknown at this time.

ABC4 will update this post as more details become available.

At around 5 a.m. on April 7, a Dodge pickup truck towing an empty flatbed trailer was heading westbound on US-6 at mile marker 223.

The pickup drifted across the center line of the highway, according to DPS, crashing head-on into an eastbound semi-truck and trailer.

The two vehicles collided passenger side to passenger side, according to DPS.

The daughter of the pickup truck driver, who was seated in the backseat on the passenger side, did not survive the impact.

The drivers of both the pickup and semi were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Drowsy driving is suspected to be the cause of this incident, according to DPS.

The identity of the victim has not been released.

No further information is available at this time.

On April 6, the sheriff's office announced that the body had been identified as Tristen White, 27, who was first reported missing several months earlier.

The day the sheriff's office released the identity of the body they found on Tuesday, ABC4.com spoke with the family of Tristen White.

"My son, he was missing for a long time," Ana said. "It was just reopening a wound that, deep down ... it was just very hard to hear anyways. It was devastating."

Family members Ana, Samantha and Cecilia White said the news from April 6 was news that no family wants to hear. Ana is Tristen's stepmother, and Samantha and Cecilia are his sisters.

Ana described Tristen as being a great person who made the people around him better, in addition to being free-spirited, creative and hard-working. Samantha said Tristen was goofy and outgoing.

"It’s been really hard," Cecilia said. "There would be times we’d have a lot of hope and think that he's OK, that he's just somewhere doing something, and then other times we'd think the worst and then we'd just go back and forth."

His relatives said 27-year-old Tristen was in Garden City doing construction work, but no one had seen or heard from him since the end of January. Cecilia said when Tristen stopped communicating, they knew something was wrong.

"There's still a lot of unknowns. We're not quite sure what happened to him," Ana said.

On April 2, they learned that volunteers and Rich County Sheriff's Office found his body -- news that the family said hit hard.

"It’s just really strange this had happened to him, and it’s just random and horrible," Cecilia said.

At this point, with heavy hearts, their message is simple.

"I want people to be aware that he went missing. I want them to know what kind of person he was, and how much he was loved, and how much he loved people," Ana said.

Tristen's family credited a non-profit organization with helping find him, and letting family know where he was found.

The Rich County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the cause of Tristen's death.

"He’s going to be so missed, but never forgotten," Ana said. "And we love him."

The investigation began shortly after 12:30 a.m. Saturday, when police received information about a person injured at a home near the block of 1000 West and 300 South. Paramedics took that individual to the hospital -- his injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

During the investigation, police learned that a second person had been injured and taken to a local hospital. That man's injuries are also considered non-life-threatening.

SLCPD's SWAT Team responded to the scene and assisted in carrying out a search warrant on the home. Police reportedly found multiple guns inside the residence. Those guns were booked into evidence.

The exact location and time of the shooting is unknown at this time, and no arrests have been made.

Detectives are currently working to determine the role of both injured men in this incident. Police said they are both in their 20s, though no further details about them have been released.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at 801-799-3000 and reference case number 24- 74034. Community members can also submit anonymous tips by using the CityProtect website.

"I want to thank the officers and detectives who are working this case," said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. "Many of them stayed well past the end of their already busy shifts to secure the scene, track down witnesses, and to further this investigation. Their commitment to our community, no matter the time, is a core value of ours, and I appreciate their efforts and dedication."

No further information is available at this time.

The block "U" has been wrapped a total of seven times, according to the university's press release, and was first wrapped with colored stripes in 2021 for Pride Week. It has since been wrapped three other times for Pride, twice for Veteran's Day and once for the university's Basic Needs Collective referral hub.

The university said they changed the policy after the vinyl wrappings damaged the paint on the block. They said the repair costs could range anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

In addition, university officials say each wrap costs $3,500 to install and remove and has to be placed on the block when temperatures are between 45 and 80 degrees. They say the logistics and high costs limit the organizations that can wrap the block.

"We know that having communal landmarks on campus and the ritual associated with them creates a unique sense of place for University of Utah students and is essential to creating college town magic," said Chief Experience Officer Andrea Thomas. "Though it’s necessary to change this practice, we are committed to finding alternatives to wrapping the Block U."

The director of the university's LGBT Resource Center, Harry Hawkins, sent a statement saying they were deeply disappointed in the change.

"It is with a heavy heart that I address the recent announcement concerning the tradition of wrapping the block U for Pride Week on our campus. Learning that we will not continue this vibrant expression of solidarity and visibility during Pride Week has been a source of deep disappointment," the statement read.

The director continued to say the resource center has always been committed to paying the costs of the wrap and removal as they believe "fostering an inclusive environment transcends financial considerations."

Hawkins wrote that they are working with others to create a new way to highlight Pride Week. University officials also wrote in the initial announcement that the school will continue to light the columns running along the Hall of Flags every Pride Week.

The policy will go into effect at the end of this academic year and the final wrap will be taken off the block.

"I understand that this news may evoke feelings of frustration and sadness within our community, and it's okay to feel that way," Hawkins wrote in the statement. "Though the block U may no longer be adorned with Pride colors, our dedication to supporting our LGBTQ community remains unwavering."

The woman who rescued the dog, Tanner Tamllos, said the dog has made significant progress in his recovery. She said he is now eating, walking and playing again.

"He's proving everybody wrong," she said. "We went from 10% chance of life to where he's at now — playing in the backyard with three other dogs. And so it's pretty crazy that now we're here, and he's happy and being shown the love that he deserved in the first place."

Tamllos was visiting her family in Carbon County for Easter when she said she saw a dog in a ditch on the side of the road on Friday, March 29. She said he looked malnourished and as if he had been attacked by an animal. After taking him to the vet, she learned he had been shot twice in his head.

The dog, a young wirehaired vizsla whom she named BluJay, received treatment from Dr. Harmer at Castle Country Vet before being transferred to MedVet in Salt Lake County. He has undergone surgery several times to remove both the bullets and his left eye.

After this last surgery, which was highly risky, doctors called Tamllos saying she could bring him home on Thursday, April 4. When she had dropped him off initially, he was not strong enough to walk and had to be taken in on a gurney.

"All of a sudden, I see his little nose peek around the corner and he was walking, and I broke down into tears," she said.

While BluJay survived the incident and subsequent surgeries, he did not leave the shooting without permanent damage. Doctors say he is now "fully blind" and has bullet fragments littering his brain.

Doctors say removing the shrapnel would likely prove "too much for him" and have chosen to leave it in with hopes they won't move and cause brain damage. If he continues to do well and improve, Tamllos will take him back to MedVet in a few weeks for a CAT scan to check on the shards.

"We're not out of the woods right now, there is still a chance that he just hits a decline," Tamllos said.

BluJay is currently staying with her cousin's family alongside three young children and several pets. If it is a good fit for BluJay and the family, he will live there permanently. Otherwise, two other homes have offered to take him in, including Tamllos' dad.

"He's doing really well, I've gotten videos of him playing today, eating and chewing on his toys," she said.

She said the local mailman also dropped by the home to take a picture with him. When they stopped to buy dog food at Tractor Supply, people recognized them and asked to come see BluJay.

"Everybody loves him, he's such a good boy, he's so sweet."

While the community loves BluJay and has shown support through donations of all kinds, it extends much further than Carbon County.

"I had people [donate from] Louisiana, Florida, New Mexico, British Columbia, London, Canada, like all these different places, so it went even farther than our little community and our state," Tamllos said. "His story's everywhere."

She said all the current medical bills have been paid through donations, including a donation from Dr. Harmer who helped cover the remaining bill before transferring BluJay to MedVet. Those who still want to donate can access BluJay's Amazon Wishlist or donate to Tamllos' Venmo for his upcoming CAT scan costs.

"Just a huge thank you to not only our community, but people all over that have come near and far to help us do this. Without them, I could not have gotten him the care that he needed," she said.

Tamllos reported the incident to the Carbon County Sheriff's Office last Saturday who spoke with her on Easter Sunday. She has not heard back since. The CCSO told ABC4 they would have more information available next week.

They say the individual "may be involved in an isolated, non-transit-related incident at the TRAX Meadowbrook Station."

If you know this individual or have any information about this incident that could help the investigation, UTA said to contact 801-287-EYES (3937) or text the UTA Police at 274-637.

The accident happened just after 3 a.m. at mile marker 1, south of St. George.

The Department of Public Safety said the wrong-way vehicle, a Dodge, impacted a Lexus. The Dodge had one occupant, an elderly woman, and the Lexus was occupied by three high school boys.

"No one was transported to the hospital and only minor injuries were reported," DPS said. "It is suspected at this time that the vehicle was traveling wrong way due to an elderly/disoriented issue."

No further information is available at this time.

We keep the spring warmth in place today and in most spots, it will actually be a fraction warmer. We will start to see changes though as we get increasing clouds and winds as our next storm starts to approach from the west. 

Across the state we'll see a mix of sun and clouds with a little more cloud coverage than sun in northern Utah. Highs will range in the 50s and 60s for most, but there will be several spots in the 70s. Along the Wasatch Front we'll see upper 60s and low 70s with a chance some try to sneak into the mid 70s. Places like St. George will reach the mid 70s comfortably while Moab may make a run at 80°. 

Winds today will be strongest along and west of I-15 through the day and for most spots west of I-15, there is a Wind Advisory in effect through midnight tonight as southerly wind gusts may reach 55 mph. In eastern Utah, there are multiple High Wind Watches posted that will be in effect tomorrow as gusts could reach 65-75 mph. Even for areas not included within alerts, it will be windy today and tomorrow.

The increased winds are in response to our next winter storm. That storm will begin to move in tomorrow and send in two cold fronts. The first arrives tomorrow and will result in daytime highs running about 10-20 degrees cooler compared to what we find today. That will mean most will see highs near or below average with a chance some see that high early in the day as colder air continues to trickle in. There will be scattered showers as the front moves in with wet weather favoring the northern half of the state. We'll mainly see valley rain and mountain snow with snow levels likely starting near 7,000 ft. 

The core of the colder air will push in from the second half of Friday into Saturday morning. As scattered showers stick around, there's a chance that we see snow levels in northern Utah fall all the way to valley floors where some accumulations can't be ruled out at this point. By Saturday daytime highs will mainly be in the 30s and 40s up north while southern Utah sees only 40s and 50. That will be good for highs about 10-15 degrees below average. 

When it comes to potential snowfall accumulations, the forecast is tricky as models are split on the strength of this storm. As of right now, it looks like 6-12" looks achievable for the northern mountains with a chance we see up to 2 ft. if everything comes together. The central and southern mountains won't do as well with wet weather favoring northern Utah, but 2-6" looks possible. For valleys, we could see straight rain while northern valleys could see a trace-4" with maybe a little more for the benches. Mountain valleys in northern Utah will likely land between 2-6" with locally up to 10" for valleys higher in elevation. 

Our storm will move away by Sunday; however, a trailing system will result in unsettled weather hanging around Sunday and Monday with a slight chance of spotty showers. By that point though, daytime highs will begin to moderate. High pressure will build in by the middle of next week which will help temperatures climb to above seasonal norms once again by next Wednesday. The Utah spring weather roller coaster continues!

Always stay one step ahead of the weather with Utah's 4Warn Forecast both on-air and online! We are Good4Utah! 

Caregivers across the Beehive State are experiencing both employment challenges and support needs -- and subsets like age, gender, income, employment status, hours of caregiving, and living situation need more support, according to the report.

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute surveyed individuals who have offered short-term or long-term assistance to a family member or friend with a serious chronic illness or disability during the past year.

Of those individuals, 40% work full-time and 16% part-time, with a little more than a third not currently employed. Additionally, it is important to note that the vast majority are unpaid (97%).

According to the report, more than 40% of Utah caregivers reported financial stress and even more reported mental health concerns -- and at higher rates the more time devoted to caregiving.

Additionally, more than half reportedly felt the need to turn to family or friends for help with caregiving, while only 11% paid for assistance or a home health service. Those who found help through government or community programs made up 11% and 42% indicated that financial support through a government caregiver program would be helpful.

According to the report, the more time a person spends caregiving, the more likely they are to delay their own personal healthcare.

More than half of caregivers who provided more than 40 hours of care have reportedly delayed healthcare for themselves in the past year. Additionally, a third or more who provided 6-40 hours of caregiving have also delayed their own healthcare, the report states.

"There is no simple way to define Utah caregivers or their caregiving experience," the report states. "According to several measures, most caregivers are comfortable with their situation. However, for almost every measure, there are segments of the population who are more likely to struggle."

For more information, you can read the report here.

UPDATE, 4/5: One victim is still in the hospital in critical but stable condition and the other has been released, UHP confirmed.

UPDATE, 5:11 p.m.: Two people were shot today, April 4, on a TRAX platform at the Meadowbrook Station. The suspect is still on the loose, UTA confirmed.

One is in critical condition and the other in serious condition, according to UTA.

ORIGINAL STORY: SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4) -- There is a large police presence on a TRAX platform in South Salt Lake.

Due to that police activity, UTA said to expect possible major delays on all TRAX lines.

Additionally, a bus bridge is being activated between Millcreek and Murray North, UTA said.

There is no further information available at this time.

The Tooele County School District planned a unique opportunity for students to ask an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) questions through radio. Students will talk with Astronaut Michael Barratt, who is currently working as the pilot of NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission.

Organizers of the event say they secured a grant to facilitate "amateur radio experiments" in Tooele classrooms, which included communication with the ISS. They say the purpose is to inspire students and foster enthusiasm for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

"How many students in the world can say they talked directly with astronauts in space from their school? This is a unique chance for our students to engage with space exploration in a tangible and unforgettable way," said Clint Thomsen, the teacher who spearheaded the project.

The communication with Barratt will take place on Monday, April 8, at the Community Learning Center in the Blue Peak High School gym at 11:45 a.m. and will be roughly 20 minutes long.

While speaking with an astronaut is the main event, teachers planned a "full-day STEM extravaganza" that includes themed lessons and activities, according to a press release.

Who is Astronaut Michael Barratt?

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched into orbit from Florida on March 3 manned with a four-person crew, according to NASA.

Michael Barratt is the pilot of the Dragon spacecraft, which is named Endeavour. He is joined by Commander Matthew Dominick, Mission Specialist Jeanette Epps and Russian Cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin.

Once arriving at the space station, NASA said the crew joined seven other astronauts from European, Japanese and Russian space agencies. Some of the astronauts from earlier crews have since returned to Earth.

NASA announced the purpose of the mission is to "conduct new scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefit humanity on Earth." The crew will conduct 200 science experiments while at the ISS.

Barratt, who will speak with students via the Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS), has been to space three times and spent a total of 212 days in space prior to this mission. NASA said he has performed two spacewalks, which it defined as "any time an astronaut gets out of a vehicle while in space."

Barratt is from Washington State and has five children with his wife Michelle Lynne Sasynuik.

On his social media accounts, Nelson said he was grateful that members of the Church could watch, listen to or attend the general conference, especially as time marches on. Nelson, who is expected to celebrate his 100th birthday in September, said his body reminds him every day that it's nearing the century mark.

"As senior leaders in the Church, we are called to serve for the remainder of our lives, often long beyond 'retirement age,'" Nelson said. "This means that you may see some of us during general conference speak while sitting down, or pre-record our message to be shared at the appropriate time, or even require a little assistance getting to and from our seats in the conference center."

While it is unclear if Nelson would be speaking this weekend through a pre-recorded message or in person, Nelson did watch last year through technology. His announcement in 2023 came just weeks after he fell and injured the muscles in his lower back. Nelson began making a slow return to Church meetings in November 2023.

Earlier in 2023, Nelson also confirmed the rumor he began using a walker saying he was having a small challenge with his balance from time to time. Despite his age, Nelson said his heart is good and his spirit is strong.

"I thank the Lord every day for the privilege of still being here with you," Nelson wrote in his most recent social media post. He added, "I don't have words to express how grateful I am for strong colleagues on whom I can lean in many ways as we strive to serve the Lord."

Nelson's full statement can be found below:

Dear brothers, sisters, and friends, how grateful I am that we can watch, listen to, or attend general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this weekend. I know that the General Authorities and General Officers of the Church who will speak to us have prepared thoughtfully to teach us what the Lord would have them teach. I encourage you to view each session, prepared to make note of the spiritual impressions you receive.

For each of us, time marches on. As many of you know, I am closing in on my 100th birthday. Though my body reminds me every day that it is nearly a century old and to go easy on it, I honestly don’t know where the years have gone. They have simply flown by.

As senior leaders in the Church, we are called to serve for the remainder of our lives, often long beyond “retirement age.” This means that you may see some of us during general conference speak while sitting down, or pre-record our message to be shared at the appropriate time, or even require a little assistance getting to and from our seats in the conference center.

From my point of view, this is cause for celebration. I thank the Lord every day for the privilege of still being here with you. I cherish working alongside colleagues who are wearing out their lives in service to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, despite the aches and creaks that come with advancing age. I don’t have words to express how grateful I am for strong colleagues on whom I can lean in many ways as we strive to serve the Lord.

May each of us, regardless of our individual circumstances, listen with open hearts and minds to what we hear this weekend so that the Lord can continue to direct each of us in our individual paths. Happy general conference, my dear brothers and sisters!

President Russell M. Nelson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) -- A Taylorsville man has been charged after police said his dogs attacked his mother, causing injuries that led to her death.

Jeremy Miller, 38, was charged last week on seven attack by animal charges, all class B misdemeanors.

In October 2023, an officer with the Taylorsville City Police Department responded to South Shakestone Drive on reports of an animal attack.

The officer said that as he climbed the fence to enter the backyard, he saw several pit bulls with "blood on and around their mouths and appeared to be in a frenzy," according to the affidavit.

When the officer got to the victim, identified as Sandra Miller, he said she had "extensive injuries" on her face and hands, making her unable to move.

"Her leg had no flesh on it and only the bone remained," the affidavit states. "There was so much blood [the officer] could not see her other injuries."

The affidavit states the dogs remained "extremely aggressive," taking multiple police and animal control officers to keep the dogs away from the victim and contained in the yard.

A female pit bull reportedly tried to escape, but the affidavit states an officer shot her six times "and noticed other officers shot her as well." The other dogs were taken into custody.

Officers said they found a phone number for Sandra's son, Jeremy, who confirmed he lived at the address where the incident took place. Jeremy reportedly arrived home approximately 20 minutes later, "clearly upset about his fence being damaged and his dogs being taken by animal control," the affidavit states.

Sandra was taken to a hospital but later died as a result of her injuries.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

James Edgar Conner, 42, was sentenced to six years in prison and 15 years of supervised release. Based on court documents and statements, the DOJ said Conner "knowingly possessed electronic files depicting child pornography" between April 2019 and June 2023.

"Conner was charged with offenses relating to the CSAM he downloaded, the surreptitious videos he recorded, and the sex doll he possessed," court documents said.

Investigations began in June 2023, according to the DOJ, when law enforcement received tips about an online cloud storage account that was owned by Conner. The cyber tips revealed child sexual abuse material, or CSAM.

Officers executed a search warrant on the online account that was said to be associated with Conner.

Through their investigation, they found that the account was linked to Conner's cellphone and email address, in addition to finding 23 child pornography videos and "personal identifying information" including Conner's driver's license and work badge.

During initial reports, Conner said he would use the term "young teen" in his searches for pornography but said he may have accidentally downloaded child pornography. However, he later admitted that he knew he was downloading child pornography.

"During an interview, Conner admitted knowingly downloading multiple CSAM videos to his phone, some of which depicted children under the age of 10," the DOJ said.

Toward the end of June 2023, a search warrant was executed on Conner's St. George residence after he had been arrested. In his residence, the DOJ said officers found cellphones and "covert camera equipment" in addition to other digital devices.

"Law enforcement also found several surreptitious videos that Conner covertly recorded of adult women using his restroom," the DOJ said of Conner's online account.

Conner admitted to setting up the hidden camera in his bathroom to film women who used it.

Furthermore, court documents revealed that officers recovered "a lifelike sex doll that appeared to approximate the size of an early pubescent child" in Conner's home. Conner admitted to buying clothes for and having sex with the doll.

The St. George Police Department investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Burton prosecuted the case.

"It should not be forgotten that while Conner did not himself physically abuse these victims, he possessed the videos and images of their abuse for his own sexual gratification," court documents said.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture told Americans to smash and destroy the insect’s namesake egg masses if they find them in the wild, in forests or urban areas. The reason for this is because spongy moth caterpillars can strip entire forests of leaves during the growing months.

In recent years, the voracious insect has been captured in Utah, although there are currently no established areas in the state where the bugs are breeding, officials say.

While the species is mostly a problem in the Northeastern United States, it's slowly moving west. Wisconsin has had large outbreaks, and Minnesota is spraying forests with insecticide to combat them. Meanwhile, mountain states like Utah and Colorado put out hundreds of spongy moth traps each year, a first line of defense against the gluttonous insect.

“Last year, we placed 1,800 traps for spongy months,” said Kristopher Watson, state entomologist with Utah Department of Agriculture.

He said between 1,700 and 2,000 traps are set each year across all of Utah’s 29 counties. The traps use a female pheromone to lure and ensnare a male moth.

The last time a spongy month was found in Utah was four years ago. In 2020, a single moth flew into a trap in Salt Lake County.

In response, the Utah Department of Agriculture put up a delimiting grid, surrounding the initial capture area with 120 traps within a square mile, Watson said. The grid was in place for two years, and no other spongy moths were captured.

This suggested the 2020 finding was a one-off, not an indication of an established population.

The reason Utah is on guard against this invasive bug is because its preferred host is oak trees. In Utah, oak is common in the canyons and foothills, where the trees' roots hold up hillsides and store water in the watersheds.

Should an outbreak of spongy moth occur in Utah, years of significant defoliation could harm or kill trees, damaging the ecosystem and the state's economy.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, spongy moth also feasts on aspen, apple, and willow, as well as some birch and alder trees. Most conifers are immune to the pest, as are a few other tree species, such as ash, American sycamore, and black cherry.

The invasive species, which was formerly known as gypsy moth, also poses a threat to trees in urban areas, where infestations can lead to costly tree removals. Orchards are also susceptible.

Every year, Utahns report suspected sightings of spongy moths to the Department of Agriculture, Watson said. He advises those who come across the moths or their egg sacks to dispose of them and alert the state's Plant Industry Division.

But how do you dispose of spongy moth egg sacks? Federal officials say that people should smash them and scrape them into a plastic bag, which then can be tossed in the trash.

It’s a move that’s being cheered by Utah lawmakers, even as climate experts and environmental groups see it as a significant setback.

PacifiCorp, the parent company of Rocky Mountain Power, updated its Integrated Resource Plan this week, detailing that it’s now working to keep its coal-fired plants in Huntington and Hunter running until their original retirement dates of 2036 and 2042 respectively.

This marks a dramatic shift from last year, when PacifiCorp’s plan sought to retire both of the plants in 2032.

Behind the reversal was a development concerning federal regulations over the Ozone Transport Rule. In short, a lawsuit led to a court staying the enforcement of the rule in Utah, which would have capped how much coal the state could burn.

David Eskelsen, spokesperson for Rocky Mountain Power, said these planning changes in response to regulations are a normal part of business as the company works to provide reliable and reasonably priced energy to consumers across the American West.

“It’s part of our regular process to try to be nimble enough to alter our planning as necessary to reliably meet customer needs in the future,” he said.

Eskelsen noted that Rocky Mountain Power, which supplies electricity to customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, still aims to transition over to fully renewable or non-carbon-emitting energy sources by 2050.

‘Drastic step backwards’

Logan Mitchell, climate scientist and energy analyst for Utah Clean Energy, called PacifiCorp’s reversal on retiring its coal-fired plants in Utah a “drastic step backwards.”

He said the updated plan is relying on old, polluting technologies from which the country is shifting away at a time when solar technology and batteries are becoming increasingly economically viable.

“Instead of investing in new, cleaner, cheaper resources, we’re relying on trying to band-aid together these coal plants that have been around for 50 years,” he said, adding that the carbon-emitting Utah plants will require expensive upgrades to keep running.

HEAL Utah, an environmental group that promotes clean energy for Utah, is also calling for an accelerated transition to clean energy in the wake of Rocky Mountain Power’s decision.

The group said that Utah’s continued reliance on fossil fuels has the potential to cause lasting harm to the state’s environment.

Keeping the lights on

State Rep. Colin Jack, R-St. George, said he was relieved to see PacifiCorp’s switch on the coal plants.

“One of the key things that we need to remember is that coal is the fuel that’s keeping the lights on here in Utah and the Western United States,” he said.

While Jack acknowledged that Rocky Mountain Power plans to phase out coal by 2050, he said that the resource replacing it -- whether it's nuclear or something else -- needs to be up and running before Utah ditches its coal plants, which have been dependable for decades.

He’s not the only lawmaker who thinks this way. In this year’s legislative session, Utah passed House Bill 224, which directs Rocky Mountain Power to continue to use coal-fired plants as a “proven dispatchable resource” to ensure low energy costs for Utahns.

The bill also aims to position Utah to be able to sell additional energy from coal plants to other states, as lawmakers foresee there’ll be increased demand for dependable energy as nearby states aggressively transition to cleaner resources.

Devin Myers, 34, was arrested for five different charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, failure to remain at accident involving serious injury and reckless driving. The first four charges are all felonies.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Myers was taken to the South Jordan Health Center by his family for a mental health evaluation after "psychotic episodes." Documents said Myers was "physically resisting" family members and staff at the hospital, and left the hospital just before 4 p.m.

"Devin exited the facility and was seen running out of the emergency department into an adjacent roadway causing vehicles to stop as the hospital security guard attempted to return Devin to the hospital," the affidavit said.

Documents said Myers crossed the street to a nearby 7-Eleven gas station, where he found a truck that was left running with one adult passenger inside.

Myers reportedly began opening a door on the driver's side of the truck "while physically resisting the hospital security guard and a family member" of the truck's owner. Documents claimed Myers assaulted the truck owner's family member, which caused them to fall backward.

"Devin then entered the vehicle while the hospital security guard was still attempting to prevent him from leaving," the affidavit said.

Documents said the hospital security officer was holding on to the truck through an open door on the driver's side, and another person was standing in front of the car as Myers drove away. Myers then reportedly began driving westbound in an eastbound lane on Daybreak Parkway.

"As the vehicle continued westbound in the wrong direction of travel the security guard was thrown from the vehicle onto the roadway and ended up underneath the vehicle where he was possibly ran over," arrest documents said.

The affidavit said the security officer suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung. He was transported to the hospital by helicopter and had a breathing tube and a chest tube in the ICU after the incident.

Documents said that, after the officer fell off the truck, a passenger in the rear seat climbed into the front and began fighting to stop the vehicle. The passenger was able to hit the brakes before the truck went into an intersection and collided with a northbound vehicle.

High pressure is building in, and we'll see mostly sunny skies across the state today with daytime highs that will come close to seasonal norms! In northern Utah, we'll see a mix of 40s and 50s while southern Utah will see 50s and 60s. 

Tonight will bring clear skies and cool temperatures, but it looks great for the Bees home opener! 

With the high pressure moving east, we'll see more of a southerly flow by tomorrow. That will allow temperatures to climb above average for our Wednesday.

For most, highs will run about 5 to 10 degrees warmer than what we find today under mostly sunny skies once again! We'll get close to 70 in Salt Lake, while St. George will likely be in the mid-70s.

Thursday will bring some changes, though. This is thanks to the quick movement of the high pressure. By Thursday, it will start to move out of the way as a storm begins to approach from the west.

Clouds and winds will increase, then by Friday, that storm will dive into Utah. It will send in a cold front and that will spell a big drop in temperatures between Friday and Saturday.

By Saturday, we may not get out of the 40s along the Wasatch Front as St. George comes tumbling back down to the 50s for highs.

While most of what we'll see will be valley rain and mountain snow, brief periods of snow in some of our valleys can't be ruled out. Unsettled weather may hold on through the weekend into next week, but temperatures will gradually begin to moderate. 

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- On Tuesday, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of Utah -- including the Utah prison system -- just weeks after the DOJ released findings that a Utah prison discriminated against a transgender inmate.

The DOJ claims that the prison system violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against a transgender woman who had gender dysphoria.

"People with gender dysphoria, including those held in jails and prisons, are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and are entitled to equal access to medical care just like anyone else with a disability," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said.

Who is listed in the lawsuit?

In the nine-page lawsuit, the defendants are listed as the State of Utah, the Utah Department of Corrections and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. The plaintiff is the United States of America.

The purpose of the lawsuit, as stated in documents, is to enforce Title II of the ADA.

"Defendant, through UDOC, has unlawfully discriminated against the Complainant on the basis of her disability, gender dysphoria, by denying her equal access to healthcare services and failing to reasonably modify policies, practices, or procedures where necessary to avoid discrimination against the Complainant," the lawsuit claims.

The DOJ also claims that the prison system "imposed unnecessary eligibility criteria for evaluation and treatment for gender dysphoria" -- criteria that the DOJ said are not required for other health conditions.

A footnote in the suit clarifies that the Utah DHHS was named in the lawsuit only for events that took place after the DHHS took over health care services for those incarcerated at the Utah Department of Corrections in July of 2023.

What are the facts of the case, as given by the DOJ?

Within the lawsuit, the DOJ provides a definition for gender dysphoria, saying, "Gender dysphoria is a serious medical condition experienced by some transgender individuals and is a diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)."

The DOJ also said medical care and "living consistently with one's gender identity" can help mitigate gender dysphoria, but untreated gender dysphoria can bring increased risk of suicide, among other negative effects.

Facts about the complainant, as given by the DOJ:

Also included in the facts section of the lawsuit are details about the complainant herself.

According to the lawsuit, the complainant is transgender, has gender dysphoria and has been incarcerated since July 2021. Because she is incarcerated, she is qualified to take part in the prison's programs and activities.

The lawsuit says gender dysphoria is, by definition, a disability, especially because it is "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of her major life activities."

Facts about the alleged discrimination, as given by the DOJ:

Additionally, the lawsuit lists facts regarding how the Utah Department of Corrections reportedly discriminated against the inmate.

The suit says UDC has a general policy regarding treatment and medical care, but also has a separate policy regarding treatment of gender dysphoria, including the presentation findings from mental health staff to a committee dedicated to gender dysphoria.

"The gender dysphoria committee decides whether or not to refer an individual to a contract psychologist for diagnostic evaluation," the lawsuit says. "If the committee declines to make the referral, the individual must wait one year before requesting to be reevaluated."

According to the suit, both medical and non-medical staff are part of the committee, but there are no similar requirements for other medical evaluations or treatments.

"Complainant made multiple requests to UDOC staff for treatment for gender dysphoria, including multiple requests for hormone therapy," the lawsuit says.

The complainant was diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a contract psychologist with the prison, nine months after the inmate first requested hormone therapy, according to the lawsuit. She did not receive hormone therapy until 17 months after her initial request -- another six months after her official diagnosis.

"When UDOC started the Complainant on hormone therapy it did not do so safely or effectively," the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit also says the inmate requested "reasonable modifications" to some of the prison's policies and programs, but those were denied. During her incarceration, the lawsuit says the complainant's gender dysphoria worsened, leading to "dangerous self-surgery" and hospitalization.

What is the goal of the lawsuit?

Among other things, the U.S. is asking the court to order the defendant to "adopt or revise policies to ensure that individuals with gender dysphoria who are incarcerated at UDOC are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from its services, programs, and activities, including health care services."

The DOJ is also asking the prison to provide "nondiscriminatory" services to the complainant for her gender dysphoria, and seeking modifications to policies and procedures -- as well as trainings and designated ADA employees -- within the prison.

Additionally, the plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages to be awarded to the complainant and "other aggrieved individuals for injuries caused by the ADA violations alleged in this Complaint."

What does the Utah Department of Corrections say?

"Because it is pending litigation, we have no additional comment at this time," a spokesperson for the Utah Department of Corrections told ABC4.com.

The spokesperson referred to the comment given when the issue was first announced in a letter of findings from the DOJ in March.

We have been working to address this complex issue, and were blindsided by today’s public announcement from the Department of Justice. We have also taken steps on our own, and as a state, to address the needs of inmates while maintaining the highest safety standards.

We fundamentally disagree with the DOJ on key issues, and are disappointed with their approach.

Statement from March 12, 2024, by Brian Redd, Executive Director of Utah Department of Corrections

They also thanked everyone dropping off donations at the shelter over the last few days, including Petco for donating many much-needed supplies.

In the comments, the shelter responded to those asking about Oliver's condition by writing, "He's slowly making progress day by day!"

For information on what supplies the shelter needs, visit their website.

ORIGINAL POST: WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The Weber County Animal Shelter is asking for donations for the only surviving dog infected by a recent outbreak of canine parvovirus at the facility.

Lisa Weiss, an animal care specialist at the shelter, said they've had four confirmed cases of canine parvovirus. Of those dogs, their only survivor so far is a 15-month-old mixed-breed dog named Oliver.

In a Facebook post, Weber County Animal Services said they appreciate the community asking how they can help following the outbreak. One option, they wrote, is donating toward Oliver's care.

Oliver has been with the Mountain West Veterinary Specialists getting treatment for the virus since Friday and is still too sick to transfer to another vet clinic.

"Treatment for dogs with parvo is very expensive and we are not funded to cover these costs," the post said.

If you're interested in donating, the shelter said to call Mountain West at 801-683-6201 and tell them you are donating for Oliver.

Weiss said that Oliver is currently having a difficult time keeping food down right now, but his white blood cell count is rising.

"Mountain West has a few techniques to help him with digestion. He will be spending another night there tonight. We are all pulling for him," she said.

Oliver has been at the shelter since January this year.

"When he first arrived, he was so scared he didn’t want anything to do with any of us. Through the help of our volunteers, Oliver has made strides here at the shelter and has become a favorite amongst the shelter staff and volunteers. He enjoys playing with other dogs and if we can pull him through this rough time, he will go into our adoption program," Weiss said.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, canine parvovirus, or “parvo,” is a highly contagious disease caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) that attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.

AVMA said that the disease is easily spread by direct contact with infected dogs, contact with feces from infected dogs, or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces — including kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.

On Monday, April 1, Weber County Animal Services announced they are unable to adopt any dogs until April 10 as the shelter undergoes a quarantine due to the outbreak. They're also asking anyone with their dogs at the facility to pick them up immediately.

Weiss said that a dog can carry parvovirus in its system for 5-7 days before symptoms appear.

"We know who our patient zero is. Unfortunately, he did pass away from parvovirus because it just it struck him really fast and really hard," she said.

Weiss said the first dog who was infected was acting lethargic, drooling and had diarrhea.

"He was not eating or drinking anything. We have a test that we can do, it's a fecal test, and we took the sample and the test did come back positive," she said.

The shelter is having no new dogs stay in the room where parvovirus was found. She said shelter workers are using special personal protection equipment as they enter the room, which is being thoroughly cleaned each day with heavy-duty supplies.

Weiss also said that any dog who comes in as a stray will be getting a canine parvovirus booster, whether they may need it or not.

"Since we don't know the back history of these dogs, right now, we're giving it to them as a little bit of a shield to help in case they do come in contact with it," she said.

The AVMA said that vaccination is key to protecting dogs from parvovirus, and boosters are recommended to maintain that protection.

He spent 45 days in the hospital, Utah Highway Patrol said, and expresses his gratitude for the support he has received.

"We are excited to see him on the path to recovery and are thankful for his strength and dedication to his community," UHP said in a social media post.

Myer was injured in February while assisting the Salt Lake City Police Department in stopping a suspect who fled a drug investigation. As he was deploying a spike strip to deflate the suspect's tires, he reportedly fell from an overpass near 7200 West near I-80 onto a dirt road below. A DPS helicopter transferred Myer to a local hospital in serious condition.

Over his career, Myer has worked a range of assignments including security detail for former Gov. Mike Leavitt, traffic planning for the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Emergency Vehicle Operations instructor.

Myer had retired from the Utah Highway Patrol in 2006 but later returned in 2010. Since his return from retirement, Myer served as UHP motors coordinator helping to direct motors enforcement and activities around Utah.

“Trooper Myer is recognized throughout the state as a leading expert in motor officer training, high-profile escorts, and motorcycle enforcement operations,” DPS said.

"While the trial brings its own set of challenges, our love for Tammy fuels our determination to make a positive, lasting impact in her name," said Michael Douglas, Tammy's oldest sibling and CFO at the Tammy Douglas Daybell Foundation, a non-profit that advocates for literacy programs in both Utah and Idaho. "Through our work together, we honor her memory and foster literacy in our community; something she worked her whole life to achieve."

"We are committed to carrying forward her legacy by helping children discover the magic of reading," said Tammy's youngest brother and Foundation President Ben Douglas. "Through partnerships with local schools and libraries, we aim to provide resources and support to ensure that every child has the opportunity to love the written word."

Chad and Tammy Daybell married in Manti, Utah and lived in Springville where the two started the Spring Creek Book Company. Chad published several religious and post-apocalyptic books with the company while Tammy served as the "true backbone" of the company, designing book covers. She also worked as an assistant librarian at two different Idaho schools.

Tammy Daybell died in November 2019 and was at first presumed to be natural causes. However, her death was later ruled to be a homicide by asphyxiation.

In the wake of her loss, Tammy Daybell's siblings found the Tammy Douglas Daybell Foundation. They said it serves as their way to continue her mission, keep her memory alive and honor her legacy.

"It's been a privilege to honor her passion for books through the foundation's work,” said Brooke Unti, Tammy's niece and TDDF Media Director.

Her husband, Chad, has been accused of her death, as well as the deaths of his second wife's children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan. His second wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, was found guilty in May 2023 for the deaths of her children and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Tammy Daybell.

If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the crimes.

Michael Douglas said that while he and his siblings are dedicated to continuing Tammy's work, they also carry "the weight of profound grief" as they navigate the challenges ahead.

"Today, as the trial begins, our hearts are heavy with the reminder of the woman we have last lost," said Douglas.

Those who wish to support the Foundation can make donations through the non-profit's website.

The Associated Press attributed to this report.

It was announced the beloved baseball team would leave the 30-year-old ballpark at the end of the 2024 season early last year. Starting in 2025, the Bees will play ball at their new home in the heart of the Daybreak community in South Jordan.

The Bees have called Smith's Ballpark home for the entirety of its 30 years. Originally known as Franklin Quest Field, the Bees played their first game in April 1994 against Edmonton. Since then, the Bees have played 29 memorable seasons, filled with fireworks, hot dogs and nachos, claiming eight division titles and three conference titles.

Many of the players such as starting pitcher Kenny Rosenberg expressed his nostalgia for the ballpark. Rosenberg, who is starting his third season with the Bees, said Smith's Ballpark will always hold a special place in his heart.

"It being downtown, I think certainly has its perks and its drawbacks," said Rosenberg. "But for us, and for what the stadium has been and been able to provide for the community, it's been nothing short of a great experience."

But the players weren't the only ones feeling some emotions about the ballpark. Smith's Ballpark groundskeeper Kennie Deluna told ABC4.com it was going to be sad seeing the Bees go.

"It's actually pretty sad knowing they are moving just because this is a sentimental spot," said Deluna. "There are a lot of fans that come here and support this stadium."

Deluna said the ballpark, from which the surrounding neighborhood took its namesake, will always be loved by the community. He said for those who were born and raised in the area, the ballpark has held many sentimental memories that they'll never be able to share with their kids.

"I've got a kid and I would love to bring my daughter here too but it's a sad thing. It's a sad thing," said Deluna.

For the final season, Deluna and the rest of the grounds crew have been working hard to clean up the ballpark on 1300 South. He told ABC4 they've been doing their best to pick up trash around the stadium, clean up the lawns and replace old equipment that has needed to be replaced. He said he worries a lot of that work to make the ball more attractive and presentable will go to waste once the Bees move out.

But the future of the ballpark is still up in the air.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall launched the Ballpark NEXT competition in 2023, inviting Utahns to submit concepts for the 13-acre lot. Over 150 members of the community submitted ideas, emphasizing a desire to keep a community-focused location - whether that be a green space and parks, a performance center or a community recreation center.

The winning submissions saw the park transformed while keeping the outward-facing facade and ballpark look. The final vision for the ballpark is still a ways off though.

The Salt Lake Redevelopment Agency is currently working to select a Design Consultant Team, according to the project's timeline. Once the team is selected, they will work to create an Urban Design Framework which will be used as the blueprint for the project.

For now, though, it's not too late to make some final memories and enjoy one more hot dog at a Salt Lake Bees game at the historic ballpark. The Bees 2024 season begins on Tuesday, April 2 with several multi-day home stretches for 75 home games until the final home game on Sunday, Sept. 22.

Arnie Ferrin and the 1944 Utes will always be one of college basketball's greatest stories.

With World War II, it was hard to even field a team. Despite this, four boys from within 40 miles of the U showed up and said they wanted to play basketball. One of which was Ogden freshman Arnie Ferrin.

"I don't believe [the coach] knew who I was. I knocked on his door and asked if I could try out for the team and ... he asked if I had my own shoes," Ferrin said in a 1999 interview.

The team faced several challenges -- they couldn't even play at their school, as troops were sleeping in the fieldhouse -- but they still won each game.

They ended up being a last minute replacement for that year's NCAA tournament, and the four freshmen from Utah beat powerhouse Dartmouth 42-40.

The team without a fieldhouse now had an NCAA trophy from a tournament they weren't supposed to be a part of, and Ferrin was named most valuable player.

But the story doesn't end here.

The Red Cross saw a chance to give war-torn America something to cheer about: a "super championship" with the University of Utah against NIT champions St. John's.

The Utes played their hearts out and ended up victorious.

Their return to Utah was triumphant -- horn-honking automobiles and a hastily mustered band greeted the young champions.

"We had a parade with all the fire engines in the city. We paraded downtown, they closed the school, [and] we brought the parade up in the president's circle," Ferrin said.

Ferrin was eventually asked to help America accept a new idea of a professional basketball with the then-Minnesota based team, the Lakers.

We're coming off a very active Easter weekend that saw some resorts get close to and even exceed three feet of snow since Friday! With our added snow our snowpack is doing really well, just not quite as well compared to last year. 

As our storm system begins to exit today, we'll still hold onto a chance of spotty showers across the state in the form of valley rain and mountain snow with daytime highs that range in the 40s and 50s for most outside of the high terrain. We also could hear a few rumbles of thunder in southern and southeastern Utah this afternoon. Outside of any wet weather skies will be partly cloudy to partly sunny and it will be breezy at times with winds out of the north. By tonight, the chance of any wet weather comes to an end as it turns chilly!

High pressure will be building in from tomorrow through the middle of the week. This will result in some beautiful spring weather. Tomorrow will bring mostly sunny skies with daytime highs near seasonal averages. By Wednesday we'll be above average with highs in the 50s and 60s for most. Could get close to 70 on Wednesday in Salt Lake. If we don't hit 70 on Wednesday, it's likely we do on Thursday as it looks to be the warmest day of the week. 

Thursday will bring some changes though. This is thanks to the quick movement of the high pressure. By Thursday it will start to move out of the way as a storm begins to approach from the west. Clouds and winds will increase, then by Friday, that storm will dive into Utah. It will send in a cold front and that will spell a big drop in temperatures between Friday and Saturday.

By Saturday we may not get out of the 40s along the Wasatch Front as St. George comes tumbling back down to the 50s for highs. While most of what we'll see will be valley rain and mountain snow, brief periods of snow in some of our valleys can't be ruled out. Unsettled weather may hold on through the weekend, but from Sunday into next week, temperatures will gradually begin to moderate. 

"There were no permits for demolition," Salt Lake City Planning Director Nick Norris said. "There has been no development plan submitted to the city."

On Sunday afternoon, city officials say they received calls of an illegal demolition taking place at 740 S. 300 W., where a building sits that is over a century old.

"One of our city employees actually was driving by yesterday and witnessed the demolition happening, confronted the crew that was doing the demolition, and asked them if they had permits," Norris said. "They claimed that they had a permit and they were like, well, we looked. You don't. And they got in a truck and drove away."

The building -- which was originally constructed in 1910 and later sold by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, saying this is a significant religious structure in Salt Lake.

The Utah Historic Preservation Office said being added to that register gives it official recognition but doesn't actually add any additional protection to the building.

"An honorific designation doesn't prevent them from demolishing the building or doing whatever they want with it," said Utah SHPO's National Register Coordinator Cory Jensen.

However, the building is recognized by the city as historic, which does add protection from demolition.

"The local designation means that, as a landmark site, any change to that property has to be reviewed and approved by the city," Norris said.

As of now, the future of the building is unknown because, due to the damages it sustained, it could be removed from the national registry.

"It loses integrity like this, you have to make an argument that it no longer retains enough historic integrity," Jensen said.

However, the city said it's looking into what happened and why permits weren't obtained or even requested by the property owner.

"I think just the fact that somebody who's a known developer in the city had crews that they hired out demolishing a building on a weekend without permits, to us, is enough that, you know, it certainly destroys whatever trust the city has and in issuing permits to that individual and following through," says Norris.

Depending on what they find, all hope may not be lost for this building.

However, the city said that what happened on Sunday stands as a reminder of why certain policies are in place -- and a reminder of the importance these buildings have to Utah's history.

"You know, if you come in and you work with the city, we're going to help you find a solution," says Norris. "Do what you want to do with your property, including being creative about how a property is used when it's historic, and ensure the ultimate goal is to preserve our landmark sites."

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture said the affected farm in Cassia County had imported cattle from another state previously identified as having the virus, suggesting that the strain could be transmitted “cow-to-cow.”

Previously, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspected that infected herds in other states, such as Texas and Kansas, were exposed to the virus from dead migratory birds that contaminated the farms.

The identification of the virus in Idaho marks the second state bordering Utah known to have the virus, which causes dairy cows to suddenly be less productive and produce thick, syrupy milk. The other Utah border state with herds that presumptively tested positive was New Mexico.

In response to the highly pathogenic bird flu outbreak, which is the first recorded among the nation’s dairy cows, the Utah Department of Agriculture tightened requirements on importing cattle.

The requirements were initially set to last 30 days, and applied only to lactating dairy cows from affected states, which now include Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Idaho, and Michigan.

So far, no cases of infected dairy cows have been reported in Utah. However, state officials told ABC4.com that highly pathogenic avian flu will be difficult to keep out of Utah if it’s spread by migrating birds, not to mention from cow-to-cow.

According to officials in Texas, the highly pathogenic bird flu virus identified in herds last month is the Type A H5N1 strain, which is known for causing deadly outbreaks in birds and occasional transmissions to humans.

On Monday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported a human case of H5N1.

This was the second-ever case of the illness reported in people in the United States, and it's the first linked to the dairy cow outbreak. Officials said the infected person had direct exposure to one of the infected herds. The patient's only symptom was eye inflammation.

Federal and state officials maintain that the risk to the general public remains low, noting that it's highly unlikely that H5N1 can pass from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other state and federal agencies are monitoring the virus to see if it becomes more transmissible to people.

Federal officials also maintain there is currently no risk to the commercial milk supply, as the mandated pasteurization process inactivates bacteria and viruses, including influenza. Even so, the Food and Drug Administration is reminding raw milk consumers that the product can harbor dangerous microorganisms.

Although the virus is leading to milk production losses, the scale of the issue isn't large enough to affect consumer prices.

“Milk loss resulting from symptomatic cattle to date is too limited to have a major impact on supply and there should be no impact on the price of milk or other dairy products,” the USDA said Friday in a summary report. "Further, the U.S. typically has a more than sufficient milk supply in the spring months due to seasonally higher production."

Aside from reduced milk production, other symptoms of the virus in dairy cows include lethargy, loss of appetite and slight fever. According to the USDA, most cows that get the virus recover after isolation with “little to no associated mortality.”

Any farmers in Utah (or across the country) who see symptoms in dairy cows are urged to call a veterinarian and report the symptoms to state officials so that the virus can continue to be monitored.

After six years, the process of releasing the new hymnbook, titled "Hymns for Home and Church," will begin in stages, as groups of hymns will be released every few months until 2026.

The church said the first group of new hymns will be available online on May 30 in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. By 2030, the church plans to translate the new hymnbook into as many as 50 languages.

The church said some of the released music will be new to members and others will be familiar, such as "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing."

In 2018, the church requested submissions of original songs and feedback on current hymns to begin the process of updating the hymnbook, which has been around since 1985. The church said tens of thousands of people gave their feedback and 17,000 original songs were submitted.

The church says the new hymnbook aims to connect with church members across the globe by making them "more globally relevant" with styles that "are more universally inclusive."

"We're now more than ever a worldwide Church," said Mack Wilburg, music director for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. "To be able to share hymns together from the worldwide Church, I think, is a really significant and an exciting thing."

The new hymnbook will also include children's songs, which historically have been separated from the other hymns.

More than 150 people from across the world helped review the current music and select additional songs. The church says they had criteria outlining what reviewers should look for in the music, including increasing faith, teaching core doctrine, inviting joyful singing, comforting the weary and unifying members.

"We are just so excited about the opportunity that a new hymnbook will give us as a Church to become unified, to meet those sacred music goals, and to come closer to our Heavenly Father and worship not only at church but at home every day," said Steve Schank, chair of the new hymnbook committee.

The church reports more than 2 million church members live in Utah, which has a population of approximately 3.3 million, according to census data. A recent study claims the number of active members in the church comprises about 42% of the Utah population.

The Kirtland Temple was the first temple that members of the church built. Members believe many sacred experiences happened inside -- the most significant of which they say is a visit from Jesus Christ himself.

The week that the temple reopened, hundreds of members from all over the world visited Kirtland, Ohio, for tours of the temple, and ABC4's Sarah Murphy went inside, too. 

I. A look inside the Kirtland Temple

Nearly 30 miles east of Cleveland, visitors drove down a road to find the "white church on top of the hill." The simple yet intriguing white building brings in hundreds of visitors from around the world every week.  

On March 25, the temple reopened for the first time in more than three weeks, with tour groups of 25 people starting every hour. The tours were led by senior missionaries, or elderly couples who were called by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve in Historic Kirtland.

“We're looking forward to seeing the temple. We were here a few years ago, and since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gained repossession of it, we wanted to tour it again, and have the perspective of taking the tour with the missionaries, and seeing it from that aspect,” said the Randall family, visiting from Idaho.

The site leader over Historic Kirtland, President Scott Barrick, said the moment he and his missionaries learned about the acquisition of the temple, they started preparing. 

“We were in the temple the next day with all of our missionaries and our colleagues from Salt Lake, talking about the approach and the sample of how we would want to do the tour,” Barrick said.

In just weeks, they went from 12 senior missionary couples to 16. Missionaries Bart and Marion Davis said it has taken time to learn the ropes.

“We don’t learn as fast as we used to when we were younger. It takes us a little longer," Elder Davis said. "Our minds are still adequate and good, and we are honored to be part of it, but it takes a lot of work to go through the materials that have been prepared.”

They continued to say they recognize miracles that have come along the way. 

“The feeling of sharing the experiences of what happened here, they fill your heart, and, um ... kind of amazing and very touching and heartwarming," Sister Davis said.

Those feelings, they explained, come while inside the temple. ABC4.com was able to get a look inside the temple, despite not being allowed to film the tours.

The tour takes visitors up 66 stairs to the third floor, where they find an area with classrooms, many original floorboards from the 1800s, and an original window built by early Latter-day Saints. The second and the first floor each hold all-white chapels.

“What stood out to me was the craftsmanship. These people were poor, but they put everything they had into that temple. It’s, like, just the little designs and, like, the handwork that went into it,” said Ryley Knapp, a 16-year-old visiting Kirtland over spring break.

For some, being in the temple brings back memories of visiting in the past.

“I remember going up the stairs, because those were really steep and I got tired," 13-year-old visitor Cosette Randall said. "I remember the big room, and it was like ... it looked like a chapel."

The Santiago family, visiting from Virginia, said their experience was something they’ll never forget.

“My experience has been great, and also being able to bring my family here," Gerardo Santiago said. "It’s a blessing to be able to be here.” 

A place where skies might be gray -- but inside the building on the top of the hill, for many, it turns brighter. Church leaders and members say the temple stands as a beacon to all.

II. The relationship between the churches

Before the acquisition, Community of Christ owned the Kirtland Temple for more than 140 years -- and both churches acknowledge the impact of the change of ownership. 

Across the street from the Kirtland Temple is Kirtland Community of Christ, which is different from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Latter-day Saints' first modern-day prophet was Joseph Smith. His son, Joseph Smith III, was ordained as President of Community of Christ in 1860.

While sharing many similar beliefs, one of the main distinctions between the two religions at the time was that Community of Christ recognized Joseph Smith’s descendants as leaders. Meanwhile, the Latter-day Saints looked to their Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Community of Christ, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or RLDS, acquired legal ownership over the Kirtland Temple in 1901.

The Kirtland Temple and Kirtland Community of Christ rest at the top of a hill. Just down the road, one will find Historic Kirtland, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

President Scott Barrick, leader of the Historic Kirtland site, said that years ago, given their history, there was a time where the relationship between the two churches was complicated.

“For many years, there was this antagonistic attitude with the Community of Christ and the Church -- this is decades ago, not now, because we’ve a wonderful relationship -- but in times past, it used to be like, 'You stay at the top of the hill and we'll stay at the bottom of the hill,'" Barrick said.

Over the years, though, their relationship evolved and strengthened to the point where, now, the change of ownership of the temple brings strong emotions to members of both parties.

Kirtland Ohio Stake President Nathan Johnson said there are mixed feelings. President Barrick agrees.

“It has been a bittersweet experience for us. The bitter has been that … We have these wonderful close friends of the Community of Christ, and this has been their life and their livelihood,” Barrick said. “It has been a little bit hard to watch that transition.”

He also acknowledged the great care with which Community of Christ maintained the temple and the work they did with it. 

President Barrick explained one positive that’s coming out of the change is the opportunity to “tell the stories of what happened there.”

In a statement, Community of Christ said it is “reassuring to know these important places are in the care of people who will love and cherish them with the same devotion we have cared for them over the last century.”

Elder Kyle S. McKay is a General Authority 70, historian and recorder for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Remember that this temple is a temple of the Lord and it doesn’t belong to us, it doesn’t belong to organizations — it’s His house, and so it’s a day to remember that,” McKay said.

Whether it’s the church at the top of the hill or the church down the road, members agree that it’s something greater than them. 

III. The history of Kirtland -- Why is it important?

Down the hill from the Kirtland Temple, you’ll find Historic Kirtland, an area with additional historic landmarks, like the Newel K. Whitney Store. Church leaders say the history of Kirtland is rich.   

In Kirtland, Ohio, Scott Barrick said he is shoulder-to-shoulder with history every day. President Barrick is not only leader of the Historic Kirtland site -- for the time being, he lives there.

Historic Kirtland is home to a visitors' center and seven historic structures, including the Newel K. Whitney Store and the home of Newel and Ann Whitney.

"The early residents of Kirtland -- sometimes we often talk of them as seekers -- they were people who were expecting a restoration," Barrick said. "They were looking for further light and knowledge than they had at that time. Ann and Newel Whitney were among those.”  

The Whitney couple opened their two-story, 1500-square-foot store in Kirtland as well. Latter-day Saints believe the second floor was home to many sacred experiences. Members said those feelings and testimonies extend to inside the Kirtland Temple as well.

“The main thing that comes out of this temple -- at least for me, and I think for people of our religion -- is that the savior appeared here. He accepted it, and the temple had a purpose," Elder Kyle S. McKay said.

Members believe that, whether or not you’re in Kirtland, the principles they teach there affect people across the globe. 

IV. The future and spirit of Kirtland

Church leaders acknowledged that not everyone will get the opportunity to go to Kirtland, or go inside the temple, but they say anyone anywhere can experience the spirit of Kirtland.

Members said every crack and corner of the Kirtland Temple stands for what they believe in. They invite everyone to see the Kirtland Temple.

“I would also invite them to come. The message here is pretty simple," Elder Davis said. "The Lord God Almighty loves his children, and he has manifest Himself here in Ohio several times, and especially in the Kirtland temple.”

Kirtland Stake President Nathan Johnson extended an invitation for everyone to go to Kirtland.

“It really is a special place. Even for those in this area, Kirtland is somewhat unique in the faith community," Johnson said. "We just want everyone to experience the feelings and the spirit that accompany this sacred ground.” 

Church leaders also said that spirit extends farther than just Kirtland.

“It’s important to understand that the spirit is the same yesterday, today and forever, in Kirtland, Nauvoo, or Salt Lake, or Alaska, or anywhere," Elder Kyle S. McKay said.

Leaders said the temple -- which has been standing for more than 100 years -- is meant to stand for more than 100 years more. 

"We have places like this -- memorials, historic sites -- to connect us to the past, but above all, to remind us of Jesus Christ," McKay said. "And that’s the only one that we’re under covenant to remember always."

Shortly after 5:45 a.m. on March 31, police received information about a crash near 1100 South 900 West in Salt Lake City's Glendale neighborhood.

According to police, the driver, identified as Jose Ignacio Ramirez-Morales, crashed into a parked Acura while driving southbound on 900 West. The crash reportedly pushed the Acura into a neighbor's yard.

After the crash, Ramirez-Morales allegedly turned around in the middle of the road and headed northbound, where he crashed into a second parked vehicle. Ramirez-Morales then crashed through a fence and ended up in a neighbor's yard a few feet from the second crash.

Police said he then get out of his car and fled.

Officers arrived and began searching for Ramirez-Morales. They reportedly spotted him in a yard and began chasing after him.

Ramirez-Morales refused to stop and resisted arrest, police said. He was then taken into custody.

Ramirez-Morales reportedly had a suspended driver's license. Police also found evidence of alcohol inside his car.

Officers booked Ramirez-Morales into Salt Lake County Jail on the following charges:

• Failing to stop at the command of a police officer
• Interfering with an arresting officer
• Failing to comply with the duties of a driver after a crash resulting in property damage
• Being a restricted driver – alcohol
• Operating a vehicle without the required interlock device
• Having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle
• Driving on a suspended license

Shortly before 5:15 a.m., police responded to an auto-pedestrian crash on I-215 West near 3100 South.

According to Cpl. Michael Gordon, UHP, a man was walking on the freeway when a vehicle heading northbound struck him.

The man was pronounced dead on scene, Gordon said.

The identity of the victim has not been released at this time.

No further information is currently available.

We talk with independent candidate Robert Newcomb (Experience — Robert Newcomb for U.S. Senate (senatornewcomb.com)). An Ogden resident, Newcomb is a Navy veteran and engineer who works in the defense industry. He talks about running as an independent, his frustration with the two-party system and why he believes lawmakers should pay more attention to artificial intelligence and how to regulate it. Newcomb also has a lot to say about free speech and social media.

We will also speak with Wendy Davis. She holds a doctorate in Political Science and ran for the Utah House of Representatives in 2020 as a Democrat. Though she lost her race, Davis learned a lot about running for office in Utah. She documented her experience in a new book “The Fight You Don’t See” (The Fight You Don't See - Page & Podium Press (pageandpodium.com)). In the book, Davis describes candidate training, fundraising and the grassroots nature of campaigning. She also touches on the importance of civic engagement.

This week also brought major news in Washington. The Supreme Court justices are considering arguments over the abortion medication mifepristone. Anti-abortion groups are hoping to limit access to the pill. Our Washington correspondent Maddie Biertempfel explains why some of the justices may be skeptical of the groups’ arguments.

As hostilities in the Middle East continue, there are also growing tensions between the United States and Israel. Those tensions are becoming increasingly public. The United States abstained from a key vote in the United Nations, much to Israel’s dismay. Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin welcomed his Israeli counterpart to Washington to push for alternatives to an invasion of Rafah.

Inside Utah Politics airs Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. on ABC4.

UPDATE 4/1/24 5:30 p.m.: BluJay was taken to MedVet in Salt Lake City Monday to receive a CT scan and get care from several specialists. Before traveling north, doctors said he was "up and eating" and told Tamllos he was "such a good boy."

ORIGINAL STORY: HELPER, Utah (ABC4) -- A wounded dog is on the path to recovery after a local woman said she found him in a ditch Friday afternoon with gunshot wounds between his eyes.

Tanner Tamllos, a Price native, said she was on a drive with her family when she noticed a dog standing in a ditch near Consumers Road in Helper. She said he looked malnourished and as if he had been attacked by an animal.

"He is in terrible shape and has been out there for quite some time and looks as if he has been attacked by something," she wrote in her original post about the rescue.

She said they wrapped the dog in a blanket and brought him to Castle Country Vet for care.

"He had no energy but was still fighting. We put him in the car in a warm blanket. He laid down and began to rest. He seemed to be at peace and happy to have found kind people to help him," she wrote.

After the doctors examined the dog, she said they found two bullet wounds, one lodged in his throat and another in his left eye.

"We are all outraged and shocked, just as I'm sure you all are too," she wrote after learning of the bullet wounds.

Tamllos originally said he had a 10% chance to live and that the doctors were "going to do all that they can to save it." They later were able to successfully remove the bullets in surgery and now have plans to conduct another surgery to remove his left eye.

The dog, whom Tamllos named "BluJay," survived the night, and while she says he still has a long road to recovery, the outcome is already looking much better. If BluJay continues to recover from his injuries, Tamllos told ABC4.com that he will live with either her dad or a friend who has offered to take him in.

"We would like to thank Dr. Harmer and his staff for all that they are doing and on a holiday weekend," Tamllos said.

To help pay for the medical fees, several local businesses donated gift cards for a giveaway to help raise funds. McKenzie Dotson Photography, Naturally Inspired Boutique, and Down Home Store all contributed to the fundraiser. If the money is not raised, she said she will be responsible for paying the medical bills.

For those wishing to contribute to the medical bills directly, call 385-341-4444. For more information on the fundraiser and how to donate, see Tamllos' page.

Box Elder officials say the remains were found on Saturday, March 30, around 10:45 a.m. on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge to the northwest of Willard Bay. Officials confirmed the skeletal remains were human.

Authorities from the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office and the Weber Metro Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit collected the evidence and are working to confirm an identity.

There is no further information available at this time.

On Tuesday, Stroeer, who lives in southern Utah, joined four men in completing the winter ultra-marathon on skis for the first time. Before this year, no one had ever completed the trail on skis.

The nearly 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational can be raced on foot, dog sled, fat bike, or ski. Ski is generally considered to be the most difficult option due to steep hills, lack of trail grooming, and the challenge of skiing with heavy survival gear.

She trekked through rough terrain and dangerous survival conditions -- including temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit -- before crossing the finish line at 29 days, 21 hours and 55 minutes.

Why race?

The fact that no one had ever completed the task on skis was part of what made the race appealing to Stroeer.

"I like doing things that seem hard and daunting and maybe impossible, so I wanted to try to become one of the first," Stroeer said.

Stroeer is 38 years old and is originally from Germany. She moved to the U.S. about twenty years ago and has lived in Utah for four years operating an adventure company in Kanab.

Before the race, she did not consider herself a skier.

"I was enamored with the idea of skiing to the South Pole, but I wasn't a cross-country skier. I needed to learn," Stroeer said.

In an effort to learn how to cross-country ski, she chose to sign up for the short version of the Iditarod -- a 300-mile race that takes around 10 days to complete. She bought her first pair of skis three weeks before the race.

Fast forward a few years, and Stroeer met her goal of becoming one of the first people to ever complete the intense journey on skis in the 20-year history of the race.

However, the historic accomplishment came with moments of fear, exhaustion, and even dangerous survival situations.

A day on the trail

She said her days comprised of waking up between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. to prepare for a 12 to 21-hour day on skis crossing more than 30 miles of wintery terrain.

"There were a couple of days that needed to be shorter because of conditions or I actually took some rest days because I was completely spent and exhausted. I just couldn't go on," Stroeer said. "So I had many days where I had to ski 40 miles or as many as 50 miles in a single day."

At night, she would stay in shelter cabins, Airbnbs, race checkpoints, school gyms and even classrooms. On five nights, however, there were no shelters nearby, forcing her to sleep outside in the snow with temperatures she recorded to be as low as -42 degrees.

"There was nothing around, so I literally just slept out in the snow ... I think that's when I got a little bit of frostbite on my thumb, unfortunately, trying to deal with a stove and all of the chores around camp," she said.

While shelter was always preferable to sleeping out in the elements, it was not always as ideal as one might imagine. The shelter cabins need wood to be heated, and Stroeer said there was no wood for long stretches along the Alaskan coast, meaning the cabins kept you from the wind but not the cold.

As for food, she tried to stock up on calories at every chance she got. She said one lodging had breakfast and she ate a 10 egg omelet with four pancakes. Other times, she ate freeze-dried meals or instant-ready foods.

Stroeer said she saw other racers often along the trail, but there was a 200-mile stretch where she didn't see anyone.

"I had, I think, three full days where I didn't see a single soul, like just nobody," she said.

Sometimes she said being alone was zen-like and meditative, however, that was not always the case.

"There were other times where the loneliness really hit me and I felt a lot of sadness and I felt really alone," Stroeer said. At those moments, she said she would contact loved ones on her GPS communicator or play "Hotel California" and "Happy to Be Here" on her phone.

She said she relied on a quote from the film "The Martian" that says: "You solve enough problems, you get to come home."

Survival

In theory, racers who are trapped in dangerous or even potentially deadly situations, can contact someone and be rescued.

"Just because you can talk to the outside world doesn't mean that somebody can get in and help," she said. "Alaskans say that you are your only option. If something happens, if you have an accident, if something goes wrong ... you are your only option."

Stroeer said earlier this year a pair of snow machiners died on the trail "while trying to outrun a storm."

"By the time rescue could get to them, two days later, they were dead. So yes, there's an option for rescue, but rescue may not be timely and you're on your own," she said.

Stroeer said there were two instances on the trail in particular when she was afraid. The first was during a 200-mile stretch with no villages in extremely low temperatures.

"I knew that I was at the very margin of my own personal safety and having to deal with forward progress being the only way for me to extricate myself from that, but getting more and more tired and running lower and lower in calories and getting colder and colder. That was really scary because I knew I had no option," she said.

The other time was at mile 740 on the trail when she was skiing on sea ice in the dark after a long day with strong winds. She said she hit glare ice -- sea ice that is not covered with any snow -- with the wind pushing her from behind.

"The wind grabbed me and it just flung me across the ice at speeds that were terrifying, like absolutely terrifying," she said. "I was screaming in terror because I was so scared and so afraid and I was going so fast."

Eventually, she crashed and continued to slide across the ice "like a ragdoll" until her body came to a stop. She was then able to remove her skis and continue on foot until she was off the glare ice.

She said there were many times along the trail when she wanted to give up, but didn't because she "didn't have a reason to give up."

"I did have many moments where I wanted to drop but nothing in the end that actually allowed me to have a legitimate reason," she said.

What's next?

"It's not that I wouldn't do it again. I had a very difficult but an amazing time on the trail, and I'm so grateful for those 30 days. I'm pretty certain I will do other things like it again," Stroeer said. "It's just this incredibly extraordinary experience and something that I think is a huge privilege to experience."

Stroeer said she plans on taking a four to five-week break after the race and spending time with her husband and dog. After that, she is returning to Alaska to climb Denali with her friends and then guide mountaineering trips in Utah and abroad with her women mountaineering expedition company called AWExpeditions.

She said she is also interested in guiding on Mount Everest in the future and has something brewing in the works there.

"The reason that I'm drawn to the Iditarod Trail Invitational and similar challenges to it is that I really thrive on pushing boundaries and testing my own limits. If there's something that I know that I can do it's not interesting to me," she said. "If it scares me, I don't know if I can do it, I'm really curious."

She continued to say she knows the Iditarod Trail is "entirely unrelatable" but she hopes her story is not.

She said she didn't grow up as an athlete and started these adventures in recent years.

"I feel still very strongly that if I can do something like this, so can anybody else who wants to try. And it doesn't have to be a 1,000-mile trail in Alaska. It doesn't have to be Everest ... If there's something that's just a little daunting and a little challenging and a little curiosity invoking for somebody else, you know, if I can do it, so can you."

Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden and Intermountain Medical Center in Murray were ranked as two of the nation's Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals for 2024 by Fortune Magazine and Pinc AI, which evaluates heart hospitals annually to determine facilities that are excelling in providing high-quality, affordable heart care, Intermountain Health said in a press release.

This year's rankings examined 940 hospitals across the U.S. and assessed their performance based on metrics including clinical outcomes (inpatient deaths and complications, as well as readmission and 30-day mortality rates), operational efficiency (average length of cost and stay), and overall patient experience.

The rankings focus on short-term, acute care, nonfederal hospitals that treat a variety of cardiology patients. Additionally, hospitals must provide all levels of cardiovascular care to be included in the study, the release states.

Intermountain Health said that according to the authors of the study, those in the Top 50 operated at lower cost and had better outcomes than peer hospitals, "recording significantly higher inpatient survival rates, fewer patients with complications, lower readmission rates and up to nearly $10,000 less in total costs per patient case."

"These outcomes add up to meaningful differences," the release states. "If all hospitals operated at the level of this year’s top performers, there could be 7,600 fewer deaths due to heart disease, 6,700 fewer bypass and angioplasty patients who suffer complications, and more than $1 billion in inpatient costs could have been saved for the 2024 study year."

This is the fourth consecutive year that Intermountain Medical Center has been named to the Top 50 list, and the first year for Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital.

Eric Lindley, MD, medical director of the cardiovascular program at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital, said it is a terrific honor to have their efforts recognized by Fortune Magazine.

"Our goal is to provide the very best heart care to our patients close to home here in Northern Utah," Lindley said. "We’re proud to have those efforts recognized nationally. That’s a credit to our entire team."

Stephen McKellar, MD, medical director for the cardiovascular program at Intermountain Medical Center, spoke similarly, saying that having two Intermountain hospitals ranked among the Top 50 "is a real honor and speaks to our commitment to our patients."

After a stormy Thursday, the cold front that brought on the gusty winds, rain and snow is not finished bringing wet weather to parts of the Beehive State just yet.

The cold front stalled in central Utah last night and this morning, resulting in showers, especially around Castle Country. That front will lift north as we move through today, bringing with it more shower potential to most spots along and north of I-70. By this evening, we could see a round of wet weather for the Wasatch Front and Back. Daytime highs will be a bit cooler today with highs expected to top out in the low 50 along the Wasatch Front, a mix of upper 40s and mid 50s throughout Central Utah and a mix of 60s expected in spots in southern Utah like Moab and St. George.

The storm driving the cold front today will start to move into our area over the Easter weekend. This will result in a good chance of showers across the entire state. While we won't see non-stop showers everywhere, there's a good chance that at any point over the weekend that wet weather will find you. Northern Utah won't see many changes with temperatures, but we will cool down slightly down south. For any planned Easter Egg hunts, it would be a good idea to have an inside contingent plan just in case! 

Most of what we'll see through the Easter weekend will be valley rain and mountain snow with snow levels likely fluctuating between 5-7,000 ft. There will be instances where valleys could see some snow, especially at night and in cases where heavier showers help drag down snow levels quicker than they otherwise would. Through the weekend mountains will likely see half a foot or more. Through Saturday along, we could see 4-10" for most mountains with a chance some see over a foot. The upper cottonwoods will likely land between 10-20" just through Saturday with more expected-on Sunday. Mountain valleys could see a few inches with a chance some see closer to half a foot. For our valleys and benches, rain is mainly expected, but minor accumulations can't be ruled out. The most likely time we see snow in our valleys would be Sunday night behind another cold front.  

We'll hold onto some moisture potential on Monday as our storm begins to pull away before entering a calmer and milder pattern into the middle of next week. High pressure looks to set up Tuesday and dry us out a bit. Stay tuned.

Stay tuned to your 4Warn Forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

A MarketWatch study published earlier this month dug through recent U.S. Census data and found that women in the Beehive State earn 73.1% of what men make on average.

Kolene Anderson, the associate director for the Utah Women and Leadership Project, said the finding is legitimate and rhymes with similar studies from her organization and other publications.

“We just keep being the worst in the nation,” Anderson said. “The number is not moving.”

Utah has held this bottom-of-the-pack position for years in several annual reports. Meanwhile, the national pay equity gap, according to MarketWatch, has women earning about 82% of what men make -- a figure that’s roughly 10% narrower than Utah’s wage gap.

“We’ve got a long way to go to be at the national average for the gender wage gap, yet that shouldn’t be our end goal,” Anderson said.

Why is Utah last?

Hailey Neff, a member of the MarketWatch research team, said that her organization’s study doesn’t give a precise reason as to why Utah is in last place.

Even so, she suggested that it could perhaps be linked to the influence of the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has traditionally encouraged women to stay home and care for children.

“Even if you really aren’t super religious or you are not Mormon in Utah, all of those cultural things are still around you and it permeates the expectations for women,” she said.

Parenthood can have a big impact on wages for mothers and fathers, but men tend to stay in the workforce and see increasingly higher earnings, the MarketWatch study noted.

In Utah, state data show that mothers participate in the workforce at rates between 52% and 75%, depending on the ages of their children. Meanwhile, men hold a labor force participation rate of about 77%.

According to the Utah Women and Leadership Project, Utah women have high rates of workforce participation up until age 25, but then they fall below the national average until they reach their 50s.

Anderson agreed that cultural issues play a role in the wage gap, but she noted that the issue is complex and involves various factors, such as the state’s low rates of high educational attainment, the sky-high cost of child care, and a lack of state legislation designed to boost pay equity.

“All of these things are intertwined and contribute to the gender wage gap,” she said.

A closer look at the findings

The MarketWatch study said that the gender pay gap is most pronounced at the lower end of the educational attainment scale, with women without a high school diploma making far less than their male counterparts.

However, for women with a graduate or professional degree, the pay gap narrows, especially in fields related to the media, liberal arts, healthcare, or social services. Large pay gaps persist in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as law, sales and transportation.

But the gender wage gap affects different women in different ways. According to a Pew Research study, Black women and Hispanic women earn 70% and 65%, respectively, of what the average white American man makes.

Looking forward

The MarketWatch study highlights that the national gender pay gap has narrowed in recent decades, shrinking by nearly 40% between 1960 and 2022.

This has happened as more women are participating in the workforce, achieving advanced degrees and working for businesses that actively encourage them to apply for higher-paying positions.

Signs that Utah is working to narrow the gap include Gov. Spencer Cox’s returnship initiative, which aims to provide meaningful professional opportunities to workers re-entering the workforce. Many of these workers are women.

Still, Anderson said that many employers in Utah don’t acknowledge all the work women do during their years at home and don’t pay them accordingly for their experience once they return to the workplace.

As for the Utah legislature, Anderson said that many people in positions of power either don’t think the gender wage gap is a real problem or are reluctant to address it.

“We’re slow on that, to be willing to talk about it,” she said.

Charges will not be filed against the officers involved.

Penisimani Halai, 41, allegedly fled from police and chastised officers into shooting and killing him before breaking into a house where there were two residents were living. While in the home an officer with the SLCPD fired Halai, critically injuring him.

Halai was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he died a week later. SLCo District Attorney Sim Gill said officers had previously attempted to use a taser Halai, though it failed to incapacitate him.

Bodycam footage of the incident released in 2023 showed the moments when Halai fled from officers and broke into the home. While explaining his findings of the incident, Gill called the situation very dynamic and that Halai had produced a knife.

"It's a high felony stop, he's been involved in an aggravated robbery, he is known to have weapons, he is meeting with people who have weapons, he has resisted, he's run, he's rammed a police car and now he is trying to break into other people's home," said Gill.

Gill said the officer who took the critical shot gave a statement saying it was the only moment he had to prevent a possible hostage situation or any harm coming to the residents inside the home.

This major expansion will give access to "wide open bowls, prime glades, and expert chutes galore," according to a press release -- with a new lift serving 900 acres of ski terrain and another 147 acres of hike-to access, for a total of 1,047 acres of public advanced terrain. 

Powder Mountain CEO Reed Hastings added that their commitment to keeping the mountain uncrowded has not changed, and that they plan on staying independent.

"To refresh everyone, the previous business model was failing. While we’ve historically been uncrowded and inexpensive, we’ve been losing money, not upgrading lifts or lodges, and building up debt," Hastings says. "The rise of Epic and Ikon have made the independent ski resort business very challenging, and we likely would have been acquired by one of the mega pass owners had we stayed on the old model."

Last December, Hastings outlined the resort's plan to stay "uncrowded and unspoiled." Hastings now says they've made significant progress in keeping that commitment.

But he did wish to explain why they've opened season tickets to everyone.

"First, we will avoid crowding by limiting day ticket sales, expanding terrain and parking, and staying out of the Epic and Ikon passes. Second, season pass revenue is very helpful to us because it comes early and is weather-independent. Third, community members knowing they can buy a season pass if they wish avoids much anxiety about waitlists or getting excluded," Hastings explained.

Well, now Hastings announces that they're planning to construct a lift in Wolf Canyon, going up to Lightning Ridge.

"You’ll be able to ski DMI and some of the best expert and advanced terrain in Northern Utah," Hastings says.

Guided adventure experiences are reportedly coming next winter, with Summer 2025 as the target for lift installation. Surveying and planning will start this summer, Hastings says, with specifics on construction timelines and exact routing of the lift to follow.

The Wolf Canyon expansion comes in addition to three other updates to the resort -- upgrading Paradise, upgrading Timberline, and adding the new Lightning Ridge.

"And, for our homeowner community, we have contracted to buy the adjacent Davenport area on the back side of Raintree to expand the private terrain," Hastings states.

Lastly, Hastings adds that limiting day ticket sales and not accepting mega passes continues to fulfill their promise of keeping the mountain uncrowded and independent.

Police said the incident began as a domestic violence situation at around 7:30 p.m. When officers arrived, they met with the victim, an unidentified adult woman, and learned the suspect "pulled out a knife" and threatened her.

The suspect, who has been identified as Sheron Taylor-Shephard, 26, allegedly locked himself in the apartment and refused to respond to police.

Officers said they attempted to contact Taylor-Shephard several times.

SLCPD requested the help of SWAT and crisis negotiations and around 10:30 p.m. - three hours later - Taylor-Shephard was safely taken into custody. Taylor-Shephard was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and faces charges for aggravated assault and violation of a protective order.

Details on how police were able to take Taylor-Shephard into custody were not made available. There were no reported injuries.

Executive Director Ryan Newcomb is stepping down from his position after taking on the role in September 2023, citing health as his reason for leaving. According to the center, Chad Call will step up in the interim.

When Newcomb took over, the center said all but three employees had been either laid-off or furloughed. Additionally, they said they faced dwindling cash and ongoing expenses that far exceeded any actual or anticipated revenue.

Newcomb was reportedly able to help find solutions, the center said, but the workload took a toll on his health.

"I hope that Ryan's health is okay, and I hope he's been able to heal in the ways that he needs to," June Hiatt, a member of the queer community said. "But it's really challenging to see another leader walk away from this organization."

Along with the change in leadership, a letter sent out to supporters of the Utah Pride Center announced the building is moving, reportedly to recover from a 2023 financial crisis.

The center is now slated to close on April 18 and will move to the top floor of the McIntyre Building in downtown Salt Lake City -- a decision, however, it seems not everyone is happy about.

"[The Utah Pride Center makes] terrible decisions and then our community pays the price," Hiatt said. "We're seeing that in the ultimate way."

Hiatt said the center is a "reckless asset to lose."

"The fact that they feel that they can just sell this building on April 18th and walk away with their debts paid is devastating to every person who should be using that building as a safe space to gather with other queer community," Hiatt said.

The Utah Pride Center said they still have plans for the Utah Pride Festival on June 1 and 2, adding they have been working tirelessly to right the ship.

On Thursday at the Utah State Capitol, environmental groups, scientists and community members announced the filing of a petition to get Wilson’s phalarope listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

According to petitioners, if the small migratory bird comes under federal protections, it would be the first listing under the Endangered Species Act that’s directly connected to the crisis unfolding at Great Salt Lake, which just two years ago was teetering on the edge of ecological collapse.

"We're taking this really serious action to save the birds but also to save us," said Deeda Seed, senior campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity, who was at the capitol news conference.

Were the bird to be listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it would put considerable limits on what Utah lawmakers and business interests could do regarding the lake, as its health is directly tied to the fate of Wilson’s phalarope.

Yet, petitioners say that getting the bird listed is not their main goal. Instead, they want to trigger a process that gets state, federal and private interests to join forces to mount a rescue plan for the lake.

“We are pioneering a new path here and it’s going to take help from all sides,” said Ben Abbott, a professor of ecology at Brigham Young University and a co-petitioner on the filing.

The filing of the petition for Wilson’s phalarope starts a series of reviews.

First, there’ll be a 90-day review over which federal officials will determine if the petition is legitimate. After that, there’ll be a much longer review to figure out if Wilson’s phalarope should be listed as threatened or just considered a so-called “candidate species.”

Brigham Daniels, the project director for the Great Salt Lake Project at the University of Utah Law School, said that if Utah lawmakers don’t want federal protections to strip away state autonomy, it’d be prudent for them to show they are willing partners in the effort to help the bird.

“The way to make their case strong is by putting their ducks in a row and sharpening the plan to save Great Salt Lake,” Daniels said.

A working partnership between federal and state officials could keep Wilson’s phalarope off the Endangered Species List and instead let it remain a candidate species either for a short time or indefinitely.

Ryan Carle, science director at Oikonos and main author of the petition, said that Great Salt Lake is the most important site for Wilson’s phalarope in North America.

“If you look at the big picture, the bird is in trouble,” Carle said.

Wilson’s phalarope relies on saline lakes for food as it migrates from Argentina to the plains of the United States and Canada. Carle said the loss of saline lake habitat is resulting in the decline of the species.

For the petitioners, Wilson's phalarope is the canary in the coalmine for the Great Salt Lake, an indicator of the health of the environment along the Wasatch Front, which more than 2.8 million people call home.

“This is an emergency situation, it’s really a critical time for all of us," Seed said. "It’s very inspiring to experience all these people coming together … to fight for the health of this little bird and our health."

According to Utah Highway Patrol, the suspects' vehicle rolled over on the ramp from 201 to I-15 and caught fire.

Officials responded and put out the fire, but two of the suspects reportedly fled the scene. As of the latest update, the suspects that fled have not yet been located.

According to police, a delivery driver for a grocery store was making a delivery on South Redwood Road when a suspect reportedly made an attempt to steal their vehicle.

Police said the driver tried to confront the suspect when another car pulled up with two individuals. The driver reportedly told police one of the individuals pointed a weapon at him, and the person who tried to steal his car got in that car and left the scene.

Police said the victim followed the suspect's vehicle "on Redwood Road to 201" before the suspects reportedly lost control and rolled over on the ramp.

After the crash, one of the suspects was still in the car, but two others fled, according to Sgt. Cameron Roden with UHP. Officers took the man in the car into custody but are still searching for the two that fled.

Lt. M.T. Johnson with the West Valley City Police Department said the driver "did the right thing" taking the keys out of the car when making the delivery, "but don't follow people when they try to rob you or try to steal from you."

"Call the police, get descriptions of the cars, the people, get the plate numbers, let us go find them," he said.

Sgt. Roden said UHP is handling the crash and West Valley Police are handling the alleged attempted carjacking.

Medical crews responded to the scene but no one was taken to the hospital, according to Sgt. Roden.

There is no further information at this time.

The defendant, Richard Christopher, was sentenced to 56 years to life in prison by a Third District Court judge after being found guilty on eight felony charges involving the disappearance and deaths of Danny Gallegos, Braden Emerson, and Levi Collins in November 2014.

On Nov. 2, 2014, the Salt Lake City Police Department reportedly took a missing persons report stating Gallegos and Collins had not returned from an outing. The next day, a family member reported Emerson missing, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office said.

That same day, Salt Lake County Animal Control reportedly asked SLCPD to help them with a dog abandoned in a vehicle. The DA's office said that vehicle had bloodstains, and was identified as belonging to Gallegos.

The blood was later determined to be from Collins and Emerson, the DA's office said.

A witness reportedly told police that Gallegos was planning to meet him on Nov. 1, 2014 to give him $200,000 cash so the witness could purchase a home for Gallegos. Christopher was at the prearranged location with the witness, the DA's office said.

The witness said when the men arrived arrived for the cash, Gallegos got out of his vehicle and Christopher got into it. Christopher reportedly asked Collins and Emerson to take him to a nearby RV, and when they arrived, he shot and killed the two men.

Christopher and the witness then cremated the bodies at a Utah County crematorium typically used for large animals, the DA's office said.

Christopher was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 25 years to life for both first-degree felony aggravated murders, a consecutive term of five years to life for one count of first-degree aggravated robbery, 1-15 years for one count of second-degree felony obstructing justice, 0-5 years, running concurrently, for three counts of third-degree felony abuse or desecration of a human body, and credit for time served for one count of third-degree felony use of a firearm by a restricted person.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said the murders were "predatory, violent, and unconscionable."

"The brutality of these murders was driven by greed and executed with callousness," Gill said. "Hopefully with today's resolution, this defendant will likely never see another day of freedom."

Speaking at a reservoir construction site near Toquerville, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton announced the Biden administration’s second investment into Washington County's Ash Creek project under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“It’s so exciting to be out here to actually see [the funds] be put to work,” she said.

Last year, $4.7 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding went to the Ash Creek project, which aims to capture surface water in a new reservoir west of Toquerville. With Wednesday's announcement, the total contributed by the federal government to the project jumped to nearly $12 million.

Along with the Ash Creek project, the Biden administration named five other sites in California to receive federal funding under the infrastructure bill to improve water storage and combat the effects of drought and climate change.

“The administration is making investments like this to protect the stability of the water supply in this area and beyond to ensure resources for future generations,” Touton said.

Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said that the Ash Creek project will ultimately become the Chief Toquer Reservoir, a key part in Washington County’s 20-year water plan.

“[The money is] going to help build the reservoir and all the amenities, including delivery systems, piping and other things for the people of Washington County,” he said.

This project, Ferry added, is critical for the continued growth of southwestern Utah. Without it and other related water-conservation efforts, the area wouldn’t have the water to support more development.

“This ultimately buys Washington County 20 to 30 years of continued growth and continued water use,” he said. “It’s huge, it’s generational.”

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) attended Wednesday’s news conference and said that this investment is an example of how water projects “should work,” with the federal government backing up state plans.

“It’s really refreshing to see a federal agency working with local governments,” she said.

Already, Washington County and the Washington County Water Conservancy District have spent millions on the Ash Creek project.

Crews broke ground at the reservoir site last year, and the Chief Toquer Reservoir is currently scheduled to be completed in 2026. According to county water officials, the reservoir will provide surface water for farm irrigation in exchange for a pristine spring water source to be made available for drinking water.

According to Ferry, this federal investment in the project serves as an example of how a Democratic administration can work with a Republican state to make significant progress in addressing long-term issues such as climate change.

“This is how we get it done,” he said. “A cooperative effort.”

The CDC and FDA, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated the E. coli outbreak linked to all sizes of RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese blocks (with best by dates through Oct. 4) and shredded cheese (with best by dates through May 10).

As part of this investigation, officials in Colorado, California, and Utah reportedly collected various RAW FARM-brand products for testing, and said all samples tested negative for E. coli.

According to the FDA, while E. coli has not been found in product samples, epidemiologic evidence shows that RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese made by RAW FARM, LLC is the likely source of the outbreak.

During the outbreak, there were 11 reported illnesses in five states. Additionally, there were five reported hospitalizations, where two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome -- a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, the FDA said.

While the FDA's investigation is now closed, the FDA said that they, along with the CDC, will continue to monitor for additional illnesses and will reopen the investigation if additional cases are identified.

Additionally, the FDA noted the cheese has a long shelf life, and still warns against consumption of RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese with the aforementioned best by dates.

Anthony Sanchez, 29, reportedly told police he and his friend, Dylan Miller-Mottome, 27, were watching television on Tuesday, March 26, when Sanchez "did something funny enough" for Miller-Mottome to pull out his phone and start recording.

"[Sanchez] state that he pulled his gun out to be funny, not knowing it was loaded," West Jordan PD wrote in a booking affidavit. "[Sanchez] pointed the loaded firearm at [Miller-Mottome] and pulled the trigger and shot [him] in the chest."

Sanchez reportedly called 9-1-1 screaming that he "actually shot someone." According to the booking affidavit, Sanchez further said that he could not believe he had shot his best friend.

Miller-Mottome was taken to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray in critical condition. He later died due to the gunshot.

First responders reportedly found drug paraphernalia nearby where the gun was found, according to the booking affidavit. Sanchez allegedly admitted to having used cocaine the night before but denied having used drugs the day of the shooting. Sanchez also told officers he and Miller-Mottome were not in any fight or argument.

Detectives said there may be video of the incident on a cell phone but said it is "unknown who the phone belongs to."

In addition to facing a charge of misdemeanor negligent homicide, Sanchez also faces third-degree felony charges of discharge of a firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

David Scott Curtis, 54, was arrested in Mesquite, Nev. last month on a warrant issued by the St. George Police Department after they said they received a victim report of alleged sexual abuse.

The abuse allegations were for a crime committed approximately 10 years ago in Utah, according to police.

Curtis is a middle school counselor at Hughes Middle School in Mesquite. The Mesquite Police Department said it is not aware of any abuse committed at the middle school or in the state of Nevada.

"This is an active and ongoing investigation. We are asking that anyone who is a witness to this crime or a victim of David Curtis to please contact Detective Z. Bate at either 435-627-4319 or zackary.bate@sgcity.org," St. George police said in a press release.

Those in Nevada with information can also contact Mesquite Police Detective Justin Cheney at (702) 346-6911.

In 2019, the Iron County School Board decided to "respectfully retire" Cedar High School's controversial nickname "The Redmen" and Native American mascot following a recommendation made by a 24-person committee. The committee, which was made up of students, staff, alumni, community members, and tribal representatives, voted 17-7 in favor of the change. The board narrowly agreed with a vote of 3-2.

Shortly after the vote to drop the controversial name, the student body voted to replace the nickname with "The Reds," symbolized by a wolf mascot.

ICSB officials said the name change has "divided the county for years."

Since the change, groups have emerged calling for its reinstatement. Public comment periods have often been filled with requests to bring back "The Redmen" name. Board members Jeff Corry and Dave Staheli, both of whom are up for re-election for their current seats, have included the reinstatement of the name in their campaigns.

On Tuesday, March 26, Corry, Staheli and fellow board member Lauren Lewis petitioned for the name to be changed but the motion failed. Finally, board member Megen Ralphs successfully motioned to let the public decide "as soon as legally possible."

A spokesperson for the Iron County School District told ABC4.com that district administrators are working with attorneys and the Iron County Clerk to determine whether the vote can be held on the primary ballot or will need to wait for the general election later this year.

Meanwhile, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah has requested the board to not reinstate the controversial name.

District Superintendent Dr. Lance Hatch said the school district hopes that with the support of the community, the divide can be healed and the community can move forward.

"I acknowledge and recognize that some may have been harmed by the Redmen name over the years and we do not dismiss the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah's request to not reinstate the name," said Hatch. "However, I also acknowledge the harm that has been done to community members who feel a connection to the name."

Hatch said the goal is working together to be respectful to one another and ensure that students can receive the education they deserve without interruption.

ABC4 reached out to the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah for comment but has yet to hear back by the time of publication on Wednesday morning.

The study used data from the U.S. Census and several other sources, studying statistics such as schools, crime, cost of living, job opportunities, housing costs and more.

Their findings? Salt Lake City is the best city to live in with several neighborhoods claiming the top spot.

A quick search through the best places to live in Utah reveals the Greater Avenues neighborhood as the prime place to be in Utah. The Avenues - located just northeast of downtown Salt Lake City - earned an overall "A+" grade thanks to high rankings for its commute, health and fitness, outdoor activities, public schools and being good for families.

"Living in Greater Avenues offers residents an urban and suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes," Niche reported.

The area around Liberty Park just south of downtown took the next two spots with the Central City/Liberty-Wells neighborhood ranking second and the East Liberty Park ranking third.

But if Salt Lake City living isn't your speed, Niche has also ranked the best towns and suburbs in the Beehive State. It may come as no surprise that Park City, a hotspot destination for outdoor enthusiasts, ranked as the best town to live in for the state of Utah. Meanwhile, Highland and Kaysville rank as the top suburbs.

See the top 20 Utah places to live below:

For a full and searchable list of the best places to live in Utah, or in America, visit the Niche website.

With the arrival of spring, the Washington City Fire Department said it is important to be mindful of snake safety while enjoying the great outdoors.

Know your snakes

Utah is home to many different species and subspecies of snakes, several of which are venomous, WCFD said.

Wild Aware Utah, a program aimed at educating Utahns with wildlife awareness and safety information, said the venomous snakes in Utah have broad, triangular-shaped heads and vertical eye pupils. Additionally, they said there are heat sensory "pits" on each side of a venomous snake's head, between its nostrils and eyes.

Most venomous snakes in Utah also have rattles on their tails, Wild Aware Utah said.

On the other hand, non-venomous snakes reportedly have longer snouts and round pupils.

"If you can’t tell if the snake is venomous from a distance, leave it alone and treat it as if it were venomous," Wild Aware Utah said. "Any snake may respond aggressively if agitated."

Be prepared

While enjoying outdoor activities, WCFD said to be aware of your surroundings. They recommend sticking to well-used trails and avoiding tall grass, brush, and rocky outcrops where snakes may hide.

"Remember that most Utah snakes are nocturnal, so encounters during the day are less likely," WCFD said. According to Wild Aware Utah, in the summer, snakes are most active at dawn and dusk.

To minimize exposure to snake bites, WCFD said to wear appropriate clothing, such as long pants and thick socks.

While recreating

If you encounter a snake while recreating, Wild Aware Utah said to leave it alone as it's in its natural habitat. "Never try to poke, handle, corner, or harass a snake," they said.

Additionally, Wild Aware Utah said to look carefully where you place your feet and before you sit down on the ground, on rocks, or on logs, as snakes hide well.

Stay calm and act fast

If a snake bite occurs, WCFD said to stay calm and call 911 immediately.

"Do not engage in physical activity, apply a tourniquet, cut into the bite, or try to suction the venom," they said. "Keep the affected limb immobilized and at or below heart level while waiting for help."

Wild Aware Utah said that if you are bitten, treat it as if it were a venomous snakebite. They said to keep the victim calm, remove restrictive clothing and jewelry near the bite, treat for shock if necessary, and get medical attention immediately.

For more information, visit Wild Aware Utah's website here.

Because of their ages, ABC4.com is not releasing the names of the juveniles, but the two that were charged are both 17 years old.

One of the 17-year-olds is being charged with five felonies, including first-degree murder, first-degree aggravated robbery, second-degree obstruction of justice, third-degree abuse or desecration of a human body and second-degree purchase, transfer, possession or use of a firearm by a restricted person.

The other 17-year-old is being charged with first-degree murder, first-degree aggravated robbery, second-degree obstruction of justice and third-degree abuse or desecration of a human body.

According to the probable cause declaration in court documents, the teenagers were planning to meet with Franco to sell him a gun.

Someone associated with Franco reportedly told police she saw three males inside a white SUV before Franco got into the vehicle. She said it looked like they were arguing with Franco before the vehicle sped off and she heard "a loud noise which sounded like a gunshot," court documents said.

Surveillance video obtained by police captured the vehicle traveling away from the scene, as well as a loud sound consistent with a gunshot and the sound of squealing tires, as stated in the probable cause declaration.

According to court documents, police found a vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the incident at a residence in Salt Lake City. The documents said the car looked like it had been painted blue, as it still had "visible brush strokes" and drying paint.

"The inside of the vehicle was wet and a blood stain could be seen on the floor and seatbelt of the rear passenger seat," documents said.

According to the probable cause statement, one of the 17-year-olds turned himself into the Taylorsville Police Department while police were preparing search warrants for the address where the vehicle was found.

That teenager also reportedly led officers to the location in Utah County where the juveniles left the body of Franco, who was "determined to have been killed by a gunshot to the left side of his head at close range," according to the documents.

Based on what the juveniles told police, the driver of the vehicle was 17, another passenger was 17, and the individual who shot Franco was 15. The 15-year-old was also said to be the one who took Franco's body out of the car and left it in a field, according to documents.

The 15-year-old admitted to painting the car afterward, documents said.

On the day of the incident, one of the 17-year-olds told police the teenagers decided to rob Franco "upon arrival," according to the probable cause declaration.

The 15-year-old suspect and Franco reportedly got into an argument in the backseat, and when the 17-year-old passenger turned around, he was pepper-sprayed. He then told police he heard a loud bang and saw Franco "slouched in the backseat."

The teenagers split the money they got from Franco. One of the 17-year-olds got $100.

Someone associated with the 15-year-old told police that the 15-year-old said Franco was going to rob the teenagers, which is why they shot him. That person reportedly helped paint the vehicle after being told to do so by an uncle of one of the other suspects. The uncle also suggested the teenagers burn the car.

According to documents, a relative of one of the 17-year-olds wanted to keep him out of trouble, so he reportedly went with him to meet with the 15-year-old and the associate at a library, where they "discussed what to do with the Jeep Liberty."

One of the 17-year-olds was on probation, which is why he was considered a restricted person. Documents said he is also subject to "an enhanced penalty" because he was previously convicted of an offense.

Both 17-year-olds have been ordered to be held without bail.

Mitchell McKee, 58, of Heber, is facing two counts of human trafficking of a child (first-degree felony), two counts of forcible sodomy (first-degree felony), forcible sexual abuse (second-degree felony), and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (second-degree felony), among multiple other sex-related offenses.

On Jan. 4, Heber Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and found an adult male with a 15-year-old juvenile male. According to police, the adult male admitted to police that he was with the juvenile for the purpose of sex, having promised the juvenile nicotine vape pens in exchange for sex acts.

Police interviewed the juvenile and found that he met up with an adult "approximately every other week" to exchange vapes for sexual acts. He reportedly told police he met these adults through a phone app.

According to court documents, the juvenile told police he had met up with both the man from the traffic stop as well as a man that goes by the name "Doug," later identified as McKee.

The juvenile allegedly told police he had sent McKee child sexual abuse material, and that McKee would pick him up and drive to multiple locations in Wasatch County to engage in sex acts. The juvenile provided police with a description of the man he had known as "Doug," as well as the vehicle "Doug" drove.

Police then discovered the conversation between the juvenile and McKee on the juvenile's phone, including sexual images and indications of meetups between the two. Police then obtained a search warrant for McKee's residence.

Police allegedly found a hard drive in McKee's garage containing multiple photos of "age-difficult" sexual content.

At around 3 p.m. on March 20, investigators arrested Mitchell McKee for alleged sexual crimes involving a minor. At the time of arrest, McKee was reportedly working as the administrative services director of the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office. This is a civilian and “non-certified” position, officials said.

McKee’s job responsibilities included overseeing the work of three civilian employees, “setting appointments, processing citizen requests for reports and other office related responsibilities,” according to WCSO.

The sheriff’s office was reportedly “unaware of allegations involving McKee” until the time of arrest, according to the release. McKee was immediately suspended pending the results of a formal administrative investigation.

“The severity and seriousness of the alleged offenses cannot be overstated,” WCSO stated. “We understand the Attorney General’s investigation to be ongoing and the Sheriff’s Office will continue to fully cooperate.”

McKee was booked into Davis County Jail on the charges previously stated.

No further information is currently available.

"This closure is necessary due to the replacement and installation of a new water line, which will improve infrastructure and enhance services in the area," South Salt Lake said online.

2400 South is expected to be closed to traffic and parking for the duration of the project.

South Salt Lake said access to the road will be limited to authorized personnel and asked residents and commuters to to follow some guidelines in order to ensure safety for workers, equipment and drivers.

In addition to parking being prohibited during the project, drivers are asked to seek alternate routes.

"Please plan your journeys accordingly and follow the designated detour signs," South Salt Lake said.

South Salt Lake has also asked for drivers to cooperate during the improvement project, saying, "Our team will work diligently to complete the work as efficiently as possible."

The project is expected to last three weeks, but that completion time is "pending no unforeseen circumstances," South Salt Lake said.

"We apologize for any inconvenience caused and assure you that the road closure and parking restriction are necessary to facilitate the installation of the new line," South Salt Lake said.

“To the young women who endured racial slurs while visiting, I offer my most sincere apology,” said Coeur D’Alene Mayor Jim Hammond at a Tuesday morning press conference.

He continued: “We, all of us, stand with you, we embrace you, we celebrate your accomplishments and strongly denounce any malicious treatment toward you.”

The University of Utah released a statement in response, expressing gratitude for the apology and recounting the distress the incidents caused students and staff.

The incidents

According to Coeur D’Alene officials, the racist abuse happened on Thursday night, when the Utah players and another team were going out for dinner. While the players were walking to the restaurant, someone drove by in a truck displaying a Confederate flag and started yelling racial slurs at the players, including the N-word.

After the players finished their meal, the same truck returned -- this time with others -- and this group started shouting racist abuse at the players and revved their engines, which city officials took to be a “serious threat.”

Coeur D’Alene Police Chief Lee White said his department is investigating the incidents alongside the FBI, as federal statutes might have been violated. Investigators are working to speak with victims and witnesses and find video of the incidents. So far, none of the perpetrators have been identified.

The racist abuse was brought to the attention of the media on Monday night, after Utah head coach Lynne Roberts spoke to reporters about the “racial hate crimes” her team was exposed to while staying in Coeur d’Alene, which is about 30 miles from their games in Spokane, Washington.

“It was a distraction, and upsetting and unfortunate,” Roberts said. “This should be a positive for everybody involved. It should be a joyous time for our program. And to have kind of a black eye on that experience is unfortunate.”

The Utah team switched hotels the day after the racist incidents. According to Roberts, Gonzaga, the host school, and the NCAA helped the team find new accommodations.

Gonzaga, NCAA and local officials respond

Gonzaga released a statement Monday saying that hate speech must never be tolerated and that student-athlete and staff safety is their first priority.

“We are frustrated and deeply saddened to know that what should always be an amazing visitor and championship experience was in any way compromised by this situation, for it in no way reflects the values, standards, and beliefs to which we at Gonzaga University hold ourselves accountable,” the statement said.

The NCAA also released a statement condemning racism and "hatred in any form," saying, in part, "We are devasted about the Utah team's experience while traveling to compete on what should have been a weekend competing on the brightest stage and creating some of the fondest memories of their lives."

Idaho Gov. Brad Little called the incident “unacceptable” and “disgusting.”

“We condemn bullies who seek to harass and silence others,” he said. “I will continue the tradition of past Idaho governors in supporting our local leaders in their efforts to eradicate hate and bigotry from our communities.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox thanked Little on X/Twitter for his response to what he described as “cowardly acts. “

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said that Utah’s capital city supports the Utah Women’s Basketball Team and applauded Roberts for having the courage to speak about the racism her team experienced.

“Across history, women have been driving forces for change. Today is no different and this team is made up of incredible athletes who embody this,” Mendenhall said. “Their courage in telling their story advances the work in our nation to eliminate racism.”

The University of Utah releases a statement

The University of Utah released a statement saying the team, staff and administration are "deeply troubled and shaken by the hateful and disturbing actions and vitriol directed toward them in Coeur d'Alene."

"As can be imagined, many students, staff and other members of the traveling party were deeply disturbed and fearful after the incidents, in what should be a safe and enjoyable experience," the statement read. "Now, several days later, we are continuing to provide support and resources to all of those impacted by the events in Idaho last Thursday."

The university said it was disappointed the team was assigned to a hotel so far away from the games, as they were placed 30 miles away in a different state, and called it "a contributing factor to the impact of this incident."

The statement said university officials plan to "work with NCAA leadership to make it clear that being so far removed from the site was unacceptable."

The university thanked Gonzaga University for their "care and concern" and local officials for their support.

Read the full statement below:

“The University of Utah and members of our women’s basketball team, band and spirit teams, staff, administrators and supporters, continue to be deeply troubled and shaken by the hateful and disturbing actions and vitriol directed toward them in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, last Thursday evening. The incidents occurred shortly after the traveling party arrived in the area to participate in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament’s First and Second Rounds hosted by Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

There were two separate disturbing encounters. First, as the travelling party was walking to a restaurant for dinner in the vicinity of their hotel, a vehicle drove by and occupants shouted racial epithets at the group. Second, on the walk back to the hotel, a vehicle slowly passed the group, revving its engine with its occupants again shouting racially disparaging words and threats. A police report was filed later Thursday evening with the City of Coeur d’Alene Police Department, and we will continue to work with the authorities in their investigation.

As can be imagined, many students, staff and other members of the traveling party were deeply disturbed and fearful after the incidents, in what should be a safe and enjoyable experience. Out of concern for their well-being and safety, we worked with Gonzaga and the NCAA to move to alternate accommodations in Spokane.

Now, several days later, we are continuing to provide support and resources to all of those impacted by the events in Idaho last Thursday.

As we continue to heal, we remain very disappointed in the decision to assign our team to hotels such a great distance from the competition site, in another state. We will work with NCAA leadership to make it clear that being so far removed from the site was unacceptable and a contributing factor to the impact of this incident.

We do want to express our gratitude for the care and concern demonstrated to us by Gonzaga University, and for the comments today from Coeur d’Alene Mayor Jim Hammond and other local officials. We take their regret sincerely and appreciate both their strong condemnation and denouncement of the abhorrent conduct as well as their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.

Our focus will remain on the well-being of our students and staff.”

University of Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan, Deputy A.D. Charmelle Green and Women’s Basketball Head Coach Lynne Roberts

Signs point to the illness, which causes older dairy cows to suddenly produce less milk, to be highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Other symptoms include lethargy, thick and syrupy milk, loss of appetite, and fever. The initially mysterious illness was first reported in Texas and later found in New Mexico and Kansas.

In a statement Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said that samples from sick cows in Texas and Kansas tested positive for highly-pathogenic avian influenza.

“Based on findings from Texas, the detections appear to have been introduced by wild birds,” the statement said, adding that dead birds were found on the affected farms.

Federal officials noted that there’s currently nothing to suggest that the recent changes in the virus could make it more transmittable to humans. They also said that the illness poses little threat to the commercial milk supply.

“Milk loss resulting from symptomatic cattle to date is too limited to have a major impact on supply and there should be no impact on the price of milk or other dairy products,” the statement said.

Still, Utah is taking precautions, whether the illness is highly pathogenic bird flu or something else.

Tightened requirements

Bailee Woolstenhulme, spokesperson for the Utah Department of Agriculture, said the Beehive State will tighten restrictions on health certificates on imported dairy cows.

“Any lactating dairy cattle being imported into Utah from these affected states, they have to have a health certificate signed by a veterinarian within seven days of importation stating they were not showing symptoms and presumed healthy,” she said.

In a statement, the Utah Department of Agriculture said that the additional requirements will be in place for 30 days, affecting dairy cows coming from Texas, Kansas and New Mexico.

Currently, there are no cases of the illness in Utah cows.

However, if the illness is indeed highly pathogenic avian flu, Woolstenhulme said it would be hard to stop it from getting into Utah if it is spread by migrating wild birds.

Officials with the Texas Animal Health Commission said the virus found in the recently diagnosed cows is the Type A H5N1 strain, which is known for causing deadly outbreaks in birds and occasional transmission to humans.

These confirmed cattle illnesses in Texas come a week after officials in Minnesota announced that a goat on a farm had contracted highly pathogenic bird flu. This marked the first time a case of its kind was detected in a ruminant or U.S. livestock.

Previously, the virus had been found in wild mammals, particularly scavengers. Two years ago in Utah, Woolstenhulme said that bird flu was found in a fox and a mountain lion.

If the disease does become widespread in U.S. dairy cows, Woolstenhulme said it shouldn’t affect most consumers as the pasteurization process kills viruses like influenza in the milk.

“The biggest thing to know is your food is safe,” she said.

Federal officials said the milk in the affected cattle was either diverted or destroyed and did not enter the food supply.

As investigation into the illness continues, agriculture officials in Utah and at the federal level are urging farmers and veterinarians to report any cases of cattle illness to curb the potential impacts to industry, consumers and other animals.

According to officials, the man was buried up to his chin by the collapse at an American Fork jobsite.

American Fork officials said the man was 10 feet down in the trench.

"Crews worked swiftly to stabilize the trench," American Fork Fire and Rescue said in a social media post. "Using special equipment, the technician teams successfully extricated the victim."

Lehi Fire was also one of the many agencies responding to the incident.

"Students from Utah Country Heavy rescue school also responded and assisted at levels to which they have been trained," Lehi Fire said in a social media post.

The man was rescued by fire crews from American Fork and Cedar Hills before he was taken to the hospital. Officials have not released the identity of the man, nor have they released the condition he was transported in.

Officials said the cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

There is no further information at this time.

According to court documents, Richins now faces aggravated murder (first-degree felony), attempted aggravated murder (first-degree felony), two counts of distribution of a controlled substance (second-degree felony), two counts of mortgage fraud (second-degree felony), two counts of insurance fraud (second-degree felony), and three counts of forgery (third-degree felony).

Attempted murder charge -- Valentine's Day

Richins, who was charged with murder in May 2023, is now also facing an attempted murder charge for allegedly attempting to poison her husband on Valentine's Day, a month before his death.

Prior to Eric Richins' death, prosecutors say he told witnesses that he believed his wife was trying to poison him. Those witness statements, along with additional evidence, are now being used by prosecutors to charge Kouri Richins with attempted murder.

On Valentine's Day in 2022, charging documents say Kouri Richins called a local diner and paid the restaurant $41.29. Later that afternoon, Eric Richins called a close friend saying "you almost lost me," according to documents.

He allegedly told his friend that Kouri Richins had left him a sandwich with a note and he took one bite and "broke out into hives." Documents say he told his friend he used his son's epi-pen and drank a bottle of Benadryl before falling asleep.

According to prosecutors, he later called another friend saying he thought his wife tried to poison him through his favorite sandwich, saying he got sick and blacked out after eating some of it. The witness told authorities Eric Richins said "he felt like he was going to die."

Prosecutors note that Eric Richins did not have any allergies and fentanyl can cause allergic and pseudoallergic symptoms.

Months later, Kouri Richins allegedly denied that Eric Richins broke out into hives or had to use an epi-pen on Valentine's Day in a conversation with her friend, saying they ate lunch from the diner and it hurt his stomach so he took a nap.

Prosecutors also cite several text messages from January and February with witnesses who told law enforcement that Kouri Richins had asked for fentanyl.

One witness told law enforcement she delivered fentanyl pills to Kouri Richins on Feb. 11 or Feb. 12. Later that month, the witness allegedly said Kouri Richins reached out saying the pills were not strong enough.

After Kouri Richins' arrest, prosecutors say she told her mother and brother on a jail call that "[Eric] asked me to ask [the witness] for pain pills."

Fraud charges

Prosecutors allege that in July of 2021, Kouri Richins applied for a loan with Iron Bridge Financial, providing them with a falsified account balance of $210,898. According to prosecutors, the statement of the account she provided, at the very same date, showed a balance of $15,609.

According to court documents, while processing the mortgage loan, an Iron Bridge representative told Richins, "When I ran your credit it was lower than I expected [redacted]. Looks like there are some delinquencies with regards to a few credit cards. I was just a bit surprised by that. I know you have a lot of $$ in the bank to cover expenses."

Reportedly, three days later, Richins replied, "I recently learned about all of this as well LOL and then my husband tried to explain to me this was his doing a while ago.. (sic) We are in the process of separation for one of many reasons but this is one of them to keep it short and sweet LOL… It’s been crazy to say the least!"

In August of 2021, Richins allegedly applied for another loan with Boomerang Finance, submitting a bank statement with an account balance of $702,831. According to prosecutors, the true balance of that account was $15,339.

In addition to the counts of mortgage fraud, prosecutors also allege that Richins submitted a falsified life insurance application on her husband, Eric Richins, naming herself as a beneficiary -- with a death benefit of $100,000.

This life insurance policy was taken out just one month before Eric Richins' death, prosecutors say.

Kouri Richins is also accused of providing an address for Eric Richins that was actually a PO Box solely belonging to her, as well as forging Eric's signature on the application.

Additionally, the phone number for Eric Richins provided on the application contained an incorrect digit, according to court documents. Kouri Richins was allegedly the fraudulent beneficiary of two insurance policies on Eric Richins’ life, with an aggregate death benefit of $350,000.

For more information about the Kouri Richins murder case, visit ABC4.com's site here.

In the past, stores were offering Easter blowout sales on everything from patio furniture to cars -- or offering Easter shows with acts that dance, that swing, that sing. As time goes on, it seems like Easter is getting more and more commercial.

The commercialization of the Easter holiday started out pretty low-key. An 1890 Tribune advertised Easter cards at Parsons and Derge in the Auerbach's building.

In 1890, the Goldsmith Company simply advertised "easter offerings," while another store quietly offered a special sale of Easter novelties.

In 1891, Nelson Ransohoff is a little bolder, offering "just what you want" -- without you wanting it.

By 1910 is when things began to get even more commercial. At the Paris, you could expect a "great" Easter sale. Plus, there were fancy, imported models for suits costing just $21.95.

There were still tasteful window displays full of tasteful things -- and, of course, flowers.

Then the rabbits started appearing in print wearing strange outfits, and, by the 1960s, things really got crazy -- like with a "bleach your hair" Easter special, or an ad suggesting to get your wife a Hotpoint appliance to celebrate the holiday.

With TV commercials, things got even stranger.

When it comes to Easter commercials, all you really have are bunny rabbits and chickens, hens and eggs -- but those don't really work. A guy in a bunny suit could just be a little creepy.

Even with all of that, ABC4's Craig Wirth is never disappointed at what stores will do to try and do to make a sale for the holiday.

ABC4.com got a first look inside the temple on the day it opened, and several people traveled out of state to be at the Kirtland Temple.

"This temple is a temple of the Lord and it doesn’t belong to us, it doesn’t belong to organizations -- it’s His house, and so it’s a day to remember that," Latter-day Saint historian Elder Kyle S. McKay said.

Nearly 200 people came to the temple in Kirtland, Ohio, to remember just that.

"We came because it’s the opening, I guess, of the Kirtland Temple, and I wanted my boys to see it," one visitor said.

The doors opened for the first time in three weeks for people to get a look inside under the new ownership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- from classrooms on the third floor, to chapels on the second and the first.

"What stood out to me was the craftsmanship," visitor Riley Knapp said. "These people were poor, but they put everything they had into that temple. It’s, like, just the little designs and the handwork that went into it."

"I remember going up the stairs, because those were really steep, and I got tired and I remembered the big room and it was like, it looked like a chapel," a child said.

For some visitors, it’s their first time at the temple.

"I haven’t been here before," said one father. "It's my very first time. My wife has been here, but my younger kids, um, it’s a blessing for them to get to know a little bit more."

Others remember coming years ago.

"Oh, yeah, I was like six and she was four when we went," a little boy said.

"I don’t even remember it," his sister said.

Whether you’re in Kirtland or not, church leaders say the temple stands as a beacon to all.

"We hope that people who are not here can, nevertheless, understand the significance, and feel the spirit of what’s going on here," McKay said. "It’s important to understand that the spirit is the same yesterday, today and forever, in Kirtland, Nauvoo, or Salt Lake, or Alaska, or anywhere."

Church leaders and missionaries said their goal for the future is for more people to come and visit and learn what the temple is about.