This past year could be the start of something big.
Utah scored some major wins in 2024. No, sadly, not the football team. But the state. The Olympics are coming back. An NHL hockey team found a new home. A world leader of a war-torn nation paid Salt Lake City a visit. Another world leader closer to home turned 100 years old.
Overall, the Beehive State enjoyed a good year, though it wasn’t without controversy, such as over the future of beloved Abravanel Hall and ongoing issues from the continued effort to rehabilitate the Great Salt Lake. The state’s elections were spicy as a write-in candidate for governor made waves.
Big plans that would reshape downtown Salt Lake City emerged, and the Salt Lake City Council voted to increase the sales tax to help fund the project. Another project to revitalize the city’s long-neglected west side also continues to move forward with local government support.
Looking back at 2024, Deseret News editors identified some of the most significant Utah stories/issues of the past 12 months. Here’s a list of 10 in no particular order: