1+ day, 21+ hour ago (411+ words) PROVO, Utah " In the wake of recent tragedies that have affected Utah County, a new interactive event offers a message of hope and healing this holiday season. "The Healer Nativity," a live walk-through experience, has been created on an abandoned road in Provo with the goal of unifying the community. "When you think of Provo, Orem, and Utah County, you think of a very religious community," said Corbin Church, the event organizer. "And then we have these tragic events take place, and truly, how did this happen in our community?" asked Church. Church said he was running the path where he and others are setting up the nativity, and felt compelled to build something that would bring people together. "I had a very strong impression to build something here that would bring this community together," said Church. Located at 5132 N. 300 West…...

2+ day, 20+ hour ago (362+ words) CEDAR CITY, Utah " On the day of giving thanks, how do you thank those who served our country? Eighty-six-year-old Jim Murphy started his time in the service by guarding nuclear missiles along the former Czechoslovakian border. On Thursday, Murphy brought his family to a free Thanksgiving meal for veterans and their families hosted by the American Legion post and held at the First Baptist Church in Cedar City. Dozens of volunteers cooked, served, and just helped. Sit down with any of the veterans, and they have extraordinary stories to tell. Local family partners with Salvation Army for annual Thanksgiving meal for those in need: People sitting nearby had no idea they were next to the first men's track athlete in U.S. Air Force history to win a national championship. Or someone on the splashdown recovery teams for the Gemini missions. Or…...

2+ day, 20+ hour ago (166+ words) SANDY, Utah " The annual Utah Human Race started off the Thanksgiving holiday as the sun rose over the Sandy Promenade. Hosted by the Utah Food Bank, the race benefits food pantries across the state. A record-breaking crowd of about 6,000 people participated in Thursday's event, as some ran or walked a 5K and others completed the 10K. The race was started 22 years ago by Phil Goold and his family. He said he's seen the impact not only on the food pantries but on the families as they come together for a good cause. "My wife and I had run in a race like this in Sacramento, where we are from," Goold said. "And we thought, wouldn't it be great to do that in Utah. So we wrangled our neighbors to help us out." While Thanksgiving is often the time when families need help…...

4+ day, 4+ hour ago (393+ words) SPRINGDALE, Utah " Crowds are always a thing at Zion National Park and some of Utah's "Mighty 5," but come the first of the year, those from overseas will to need to pay at least $100 more to get inside. The White House recently announced U.S. citizens will pay the same daily fee and $85 for an annual pass. Those visiting from foreign countries will need to fork over $250 for the same annual pass, or an extra $100 without one to enter popular national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon. Nicholls is in the U.S. visiting his sister in California for Thanksgiving. The siblings each paid $35 to get in on Wednesday. While Niall's sister will still pay $35 on January 1, he'll be charged $135. Zion National Park considers reservation system to deal with growing crowds: Washington wants to have an Americans First policy for the parks and to help…...

4+ day, 6+ hour ago (208+ words) UTAH COUNTY, Utah " Nearly 20,000 people in Utah County were without power on Wednesday morning after some lines were damaged, according to Rocky Mountain Power. The outages have now been reduced to just 37 customers being affected. According to the Rocky Mountain Power outage map, at one point 26 outages were impacting 19,896 customers. On the website, the utility company says damaged lines are responsible for the outages. The outage was first reported at 7:12 a.m. "We are aware of scattered outages in Utah County, affecting 19,892 customers, including Saratoga Springs, Vineyard, Pleasant Grove and Lindon," Rocky Mountain Power wrote on social media. "We are investigating the cause. Thank you for your patience while our crews work to restore service as soon as possible." The Saratoga Springs Police Department warned drivers that due to the outage, many traffic signals throughout the city are being impacted. They remind…...

4+ day, 16+ hour ago (1010+ words) SALT LAKE CITY " How many times have you said, "Hey Alexa" to play your music, dim the lights or change the temperature in the house? Or asked Siri to find the best coffee shop near you? Who HASN'T used their face to unlock their phone? The bottom line is we all use artificial intelligence, some more than others. But the technology has treaded into uncharted territory with the introduction of artificial intelligence companions. The difference between an AI companion and your real best friend is that this one can fit in your pocket. "An AI companion is an AI system that takes on the role of a social companion or friend for the user, rather than being like an augmented search engine, or a text completion algorithm in the way that we often use it today," said Nancy Fulda, a…...

5+ day, 18+ hour ago (160+ words) IVINS " A prominent southern Utah homebuilder has been revealed as the suspect in a SWAT standoff in Ivins on Saturday night. He is accused of allegedly assaulting his wife. Cary Blake, 56, who owns C. Blake Homes with his wife, was taken into custody after the Washington County SWAT team entered his residence and used tear gas. The couple's luxury homes, often valued at more than $1 million, have been regularly featured in the annual Parade of Homes in St. George. Santa Clara-Ivins Police allege that Blake was seen by witnesses, including two underage children, striking his wife in the back of the head and attempting to choke her. When police arrived at the scene, they say Blake refused to come out of the residence, prompting the SWAT response. Blake appeared in court Monday and was charged with assault and five misdemeanors. He…...

5+ day, 20+ hour ago (464+ words) TOQUERVILLE, Utah " The current horse virus outbreak affecting the southwest U.S. couldn't have come at a worse time for those who ride, care, and love the animals in Utah. "The cowboys and the stock contractors worked their entire year to get their animals and their qualification for the [National Finals Rodeo]. They can make more money at the NFR than they do the rest of the year combined," said Cyndi Gilbert, co-owner of the Diamond G Ranch in Toquerville. Gilbert's concern is the two-week junior and pro National Finals Rodeo starting on Dec. 4, considered to be the Super Bowl of the rodeo circuit. The Cedar City native is still the only woman to have won three gold buckles on the pro rodeo circuit in one year. Her ranch now produces many of the top bucking horses and bulls. "I would be…...

6+ day, 17+ hour ago (94+ words) PROVO, Utah " A man who was crossing the street in Provo on Sunday afternoon was hit and killed by a vehicle. Provo Police said the incident happened just after 1 p.m. at 1980 N. State Street. They said the man was crossing State Street on a mobility scooter when he was hit. They added that he was not in an intersection or crosswalk. The victim, age 72, was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. His identity has not been released. Police said the driver is cooperating with the investigation....

6+ day, 18+ hour ago (279+ words) MURRAY, Utah " Jaymes Martinez got his first car when he was 12 " a 1950 Chevrolet five-window pickup that sparked a lifelong obsession with classic cars. Now, decades later, he's channeling that passion into something bigger. This weekend, Martinez and his W.O.W. Car Community gave Thanksgiving meals to more than 50 Utah families in need. Families drove up to volunteers handing out Thanksgiving meals on Sunday in a Murray neighborhood from noon to 2 p.m. A variety of classic cars were on display for families to enjoy, too. "What better way to do it than to show them off and give some meals out?" Martinez said. The organization, Willies Official Welcoming (W.O.W.) Car Community, honors Martinez's late father and their shared love of vintage rides. But it's something more this holiday season: a lifeline for families struggling to make ends meet. WATCH: FOX 13 Dream Team surprises car club…...