It's that crisp fall time of year, and in Utah, there's no shortage of fall and Halloween activities. Our trending and travel intern Caitlin Keith shares 18 Halloween-themed activities to do in Utah this fall.
🎃 Tell me: Are there any activities we should add to the list or something you've tried out that you would recommend?
Fall and Halloween are my favorite. So I'm also working on a story rounding up dog-friendly and family-friendly fall activities to do in Utah.
‘Think big’ about the 2034 Winter Games, IOC president urges
The International Olympic Committee president was in Utah this weekend.
Thomas Bach said the best part about coming back to our state is seeing young athletes training in the 2002 Winter Games facilities, many with hopes of competing here when the Olympics and Paralympics return in 2034.
Here's a peek at his itinerary during his stay:
🤝 Friday
Bach met in the Church Administration Building with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — including President Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and emeritus General Authority Elder Donald L. Hallstrom.
Church leaders presented Bach with a four-generation chart of his ancestors and a leather-bound copy of the Book of Mormon. Bach gave President Holland a set of Olympic rings.
🏂 Saturday
Bach chatted with a group of young figure skaters, as well as a group of young speed skaters.
He checked out the massive 80-foot-by-180-foot inflatable airbag used by snowboarders to practice their big air moves the summer.
He also climbed up on the outer slippery, squishy jumps that ski jumpers practice on so he could be as close as possible to the action.
Bach insisted on heading across the park to be there as the helmeted sliders jumped on their wheeled sleds to practice for skeleton.
The IOC president also spent time with Utah lawmakers to discuss plans for the 2034 Winter Games.
“No one will be more supportive of these Olympics than we will,” President Holland said. “We’re thrilled to contribute in any way we can. We want you to feel that there’s no more hospitable place in the United States — or on this planet — than you have here.”
❄️ Read more about Bach's visit to Utah to discuss plans for the 2034 Winter Games.
More in Utah
What are the wealthiest counties in Utah?(Deseret News)
EPA asked to review fluoride recommendations after a judge says it can hurt babies’ health (Deseret News)
How Francis Battista co-founded Best Friends Animal Society (Utah Business)
On the field with Ogden High School’s 3x champion marching band (KUER)
Woman assaulted while walking to car in Utah County parking lot (KSL)
Calf Creek Recreation Site scheduled to reopen in Garfield County (St. George News)
2 bodies recovered from plane crash in Utah Lake (KSL)
Woman starts petition for 16-year-old charged as an adult in murder of 14-year-old (KUTV)
Funeral services held for Terra Fire Chief Gerald 'Gerry' Neil (KSL-TV)
Hundreds of dedicated kindergarten teachers in Utah have helped to boost their students' reading scores throughout Utah, reaching a second-best state in education ranking, according to a 2024 report from U.S. News & World Report.
🏫 Around 70% of kindergarteners in 93 Utah schools, spanning across 22 districts are at the “above benchmark” level in reading — meaning the students are more likely to keep building on those literacy skills and could become more advanced more quickly through dedicated instruction.
📖 Here’s are some key points from Acadience Reading’s data:
Post COVID-19, the data shows an 11% increase in kindergartners achieving at or above benchmark reading levels since the end of the pandemic.
Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a 16% increase in kindergartners achieving above benchmark reading levels, indicating the students are reading on grade level.
Over 70% of kindergartners have made “typical or better growth on Acadience Reading,” or in other words, nearly three-fourths of kindergarten students have shown improved reading levels when analyzing and comparing their scores at the beginning of a school year, mid-school year and at the end of a school year.
“These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of Utah’s educational strategies in providing our youngest students with a strong foundation in literacy,” Sydnee Dickson, state superintendent of public instruction, said in the USBE’s news release.
“By equipping students with essential reading skills early on, Utah is supporting long-term academic success and empowering students to reach their full potential,” she said.
Packed with behind-the-scenes insights from players like Robbie Bosco and Kelly Smith, game-by-game highlights, and more, this collector's edition is your all-access pass to one of college football's most legendary seasons. Get your copy today and celebrate the triumphs of the 1984 BYU Cougars!
Health
Hitting the snooze button: Is it really bad for you? (The New Daily)
Older men’s connections often wither when they’re on their own (🔒The Washington Post)
What is unique about how Will Hardy coaches? (Deseret News)
Entertainment
‘The Wild Robot’ is a celebration of parenthood and families (Deseret News)
FanX: ‘High School Musical’ stars share memories nearly 20 years after filming hit Disney movie (Deseret News)
‘Lord of the Rings’ stars tell behind-the-scenes stories, say cast is still a ‘family’ (Deseret News)
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