Plus, how the end of hog farming can kill a way of life in rural Utah.
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By Krysyan Edler Saturday Dec. 9, 2023

Good morning! Here are today's temperatures:

 

🌤️ 12 - 30° in Logan 

🌤️ 22 - 36° in Salt Lake City 

🌤️ 27 - 49° in St. George 

 

It's that time of year when holiday commercials interrupt your TV watching or streaming. But unlike most commercials, these ones have a way of tugging at your heartstrings. Here are five of this year's best Christmas commercials. As someone who had a loved one diagnosed with dementia this year, I fell victim to Chevrolet's tearjerker. 

 

Also on our mind: An increase in chronic fatigue syndrome, Post Malone's favorite Utah city and a new report on Zach Wilson's future with the Jets.

New apostle called: Elder Patrick Kearon joins Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 

Elder Patrick Kearon has been named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

On Thursday, President Russell M. Nelson called Elder Kearon and along with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ordained him later that day.

 

Elder Kearon fills the vacancy left after the passing of President M. Russell Ballard, who died on Nov. 12.

 

“This sacred call is so very daunting and humbling to me,” he said. “I will need to place all my trust in the Savior as I seek to become what he needs me to be and share my witness of his love and light. The abundance and grace of Jesus Christ have brought immense joy into my life, as well as healing balm in times of trial. I love him. I will strive to serve him to the best of my ability.”

 

Elder Kearon spoke at BYU-Hawaii's commencement ceremony Friday, his first address since receiving his new call, and told graduates to "put your hand into the Hand of God."

Read more about Elder Kearon's call and his BYU-Hawaii address.

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How the end of hog farming can kill a way of life in rural Utah

Smithfield Foods is pulling its operations out of Utah, leaving hog farmers in rural Utah to deal with the aftermath.

 

The company announced this week that it will end contracts with 26 Utah farms. The decision not only affects hog farmers, but farmers like Brett Bunker, who sold a third of what he grew to Smithfield as feed.

 

“They were just losing too much money and they said enough’s enough. And you can’t blame them. You know when your business is failing, it doesn’t matter. Like I can’t stop them,” Bunker said.

 

In 2021, Utah had a total inventory of 940,000 hogs with Beaver and Iron counties as the top two hog production counties.

 

“We are devastated for the hog farmers and employees in Beaver County,” said Craig Buttars, commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. “We are extremely concerned about what this means for the local agriculture industry and economy."

 

Read more about the economic impact of Smithfield Foods' decision to leave Utah.

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Round out your day (v5)

Entertainment

  • ‘It broke my heart’: Charlie Sheen reveals how his daughter inspired him to get sober (Deseret News)
  • Derek Hough postpones tour following wife Hayley Erbert’s ‘emergency craniectomy’: ‘I ask for your prayers and positivity’ (Deseret News)
  • Post Malone calls this Utah city ‘the most amazing place ever’ (Deseret News)
  • $75 million raised to start new faith-based production company, ‘The Chosen’ creator Dallas Jenkins as adviser (Deseret News)

Health

  • CDC: Chronic fatigue syndrome more common than previously thought (Deseret News)

Faith

  • Elder Patrick Kearon, to BYU-Hawaii grads: ‘Put your hand into the hand of God’ (Deseret News)
  • ‘The Chosen’ actor who discovered his faith on set gives an update (Deseret News)

Politics

  • Utah AG Sean Reyes announces he will not run for reelection, says he believes women who have accused Tim Ballard (Deseret News)
  • Hunter Biden faces 9 tax-related charges (Deseret News)
  • Sen. Tuberville drops military promotion blockade. What’s next for the Pentagon abortion policy? (Deseret News)
  • Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Who will emerge as Utah’s pick for president? (Deseret News)
  • No more GOP primary debates, RNC announces (Deseret News) 

Salt Lake County

  • Sandy vigil honors 456 Utahns killed by guns in 2023 (KSL)
  • Jingle Train returns with Santa, holiday songs to UTA's TRAX, FrontRunner (KUTV)

Police and Courts

  • Woman charged with falsely claiming there was an active shooter on UVU campus (KSL)
  • Salt Lake man charged with stabbing roommate 10 times, lighting residence on fire (KSL)
  • Arrested driver says Utah motorists are 'nice' because they move over when he's speeding (KSL)

The U.S. and World

  • Six teenagers convicted for roles in killing of teacher in 2020 (BBC)
  • Here’s how New York could host Winter Olympic events before Utah (Deseret News)
  • Opinion: The U.S. could reshape the global economy for the next century. Will it seize the opportunity? (Deseret News)

ut-ZachWilson-12823

Sources: Jets will trade Zach Wilson after the season

The New York Jets have told Zach Wilson he will be traded after the season, sources close to the situation confirmed to the Deseret News.

 

Wilson was informed of the decision following his benching — again — and before he was named the team's starter for Sunday, the sources said.

 

He was the 11th quarterback the Jets drafted in 15 years. Before drafting Wilson, the team made 12 quarterback changes in five seasons. 

 

As a Jet, Wilson has:

  • A 56.6 completion rate.
  • 5,966 passing yards.
  • 21 touchdowns.
  • 25 interceptions.
  • 6.3 yards per attempt.
  • A 71.9 passer rating.

Read more about the report and Wilson's turbulent history with the Jets.

 

More in Sports

  • Will Branden Carlson play for Utah vs. No. 14 BYU? (Deseret News)
  • What will ‘last blast’ outside the same conference hold for Cougars, Runnin’ Utes? (Deseret News)
  • Utah safety Cole Bishop declares for NFL draft (Deseret News)
  • ‘I coach people, not athletes’: Inside new Utah gymnastics head coach Carly Dockendorf’s approach to coaching (Deseret News)
  • What happened when the Jazz faced the Clippers Friday (Deseret News)

Check your inbox tomorrow morning for more news from the Beehive State and beyond!

 

And reply to this email or email newsletters@deseretnews.com to tell us what you think of Utah Today!

 

— Krysyan

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