Good morning, Orem.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole rejected death row inmate Ralph Menzies' clemency plea on Tuesday afternoon, keeping his execution set for Sept.

5 despite his worsening dementia & nearly 40 years on death row as his lawyers plan to contest the ruling before the Supreme Court.

Utah lawmakers approved proposals from eight public colleges to cut $60.5 million from budgets, discontinuing 271 degrees and certificates and eliminating 412 positions, while school leaders pledged to review programs regularly to align spending with workforce needs.

Lawmakers praised the cuts even as some voiced concerns about potential impacts on liberal arts programs—school leaders plan to reinvest savings in job-focused areas.

Firefighters battling the Buckley Draw Canyon Fire have secured 20%-containment on the blaze's western side while 427 acres have burned since Sunday and the fire continues on the eastern side away from Provo.

Crews face slow progress due to rocky terrain and bee stings that complicate their efforts.

Water quality officials are investigating why dead fish are floating along the Jordan River in Lehi while residents report a strong odor and sighting of about 50 dead fish near 1500 North by Willow Park.

Officials believe low oxygen + harmful algal blooms may be to blame and they plan to share more information once they know the cause.

Public hearings were held on Wednesday on several bills expected in the special session, where Representative Koford proposed a measure to give state control over the Great Salt Lake berm—aimed at raising water levels in the south arm to prevent dust storms.

Other bills addressing vehicle inspections, judicial reforms, and election records also received varied public input.

Utah leaders are reviewing domestic violence risk assessments after two officers were killed in Tremonton and are considering expanding the questions asked to include both victims and aggressors—legislative committee will address the proposals Wednesday.

EnergySolutions has been buying ALEC memberships for 15 Utah lawmakers as part of its push to support nuclear energy in state policies—these contributions have been recorded since 2023 and come amid broader efforts to develop a clean energy hub that includes nuclear power.

Lawmakers and energy officials are now under scrutiny for how such financial support may influence decisions on nuclear energy development.

Gov. Spencer Cox now supports a new bill that will let him pick the Utah Supreme Court chief justice for one eight-year term confirmed by the Senate+ the measure will be considered during a special legislative session on Sept.

15.

Aaron Tveit With The Utah Valley Symphony

8:00-9:30 p.m. — SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre — Cost info not specified — Experience the stunning voice of Tony Award-winning Aaron Tveit alongside the Utah Valley Symphony.

Lark & Spur Concert

7-9 p.m. — La Caille Venue — Free entry — Experience enchanting melodies as street singers from Paris bring their jazz, folk, and classical fusion to life.

The Wailin' Jennys Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ethereal harmonies of The Wailin' Jennys as they showcase their new music amidst a backdrop of bluegrass tunes.

Pickleball in Orem, Utah

1-5 a.m. — Hillcrest Park — Free entry — Play pickleball and connect with local enthusiasts in Orem's active community.