Utah
Judge won't throw out Utah's lawsuit against Facebook, Instagram
SALT LAKE CITY — A judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed against Meta, alleging it has crafted addictive platforms that serve up targeted advertisements.
In a hearing late Tuesday, Third District Court Judge Kent Holmberg denied Meta’s motion to dismiss the Utah Division of Consumer Protection’s lawsuit.
The lawsuit accuses Facebook and Instagram of crafting addictive algorithms, push notifications and platforms designed to keep people engaged and harvest data used to sell advertising targeting Utah youth. All of this, the state claims, harm the mental health of Utah’s youth. The state also alleges Meta has made misrepresentations about the safety of its platforms.
Meta lawyers made a number of arguments in court, questioning the state’s jurisdiction over them and whether Utah’s actions would impose liability on the social media sites for third-party content. Meta also argued it was protected by the First Amendment.
But Judge Holmberg said there is enough for the case to proceed toward a trial.
The ruling is a significant victory in the state of Utah’s war on social media platforms. Governor Spencer Cox’s administration and the Utah State Legislature have pursued legislation and litigation cracking down on companies, specifically accusing them of harming the mental health of Utah youth.
Updates on this breaking news story on FOX 13 News and fox13now.com as information becomes available.
Utah
Embattled Utah Rep. Trevor Lee loses county GOP convention — but wins enough support to make primary
Earlier in the week, House Speaker Mike Schultz said lawmakers asked the attorney general to investigate allegations of fraud and bribery against Lee.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, running for reelection, addresses delegates during the Davis County Republican Party nominating convention at Syracuse High School on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Also from Utah Eats: A Utah baker ends his run on a Food Network competition; Lucky Slice’s territory grows.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Yeti, a Himalayan-themed bar in Cottonwood Heights, is pictured on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Utah
Zion National Park closes popular trail during ongoing search and rescue operation – KSLNewsRadio
FILE: An entrance to Zion National Park is pictured on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. The West Rim and Angel’s Landing Trails are temporarily closed in Zion National Park for an ongoing search and rescue operation. (Ravel Call, Deseret News)
(Ravel Call, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The West Rim and Angel’s Landing Trails are temporarily closed in Zion National Park for an ongoing search and rescue operation.
According to park officials, an incident occurred on the Angels Landing trail at approximately 2 p.m. on Friday, April 17.
At the time of publication, emergency services and search and rescue officials were on the scene.
Views along the Angel’s Landing Trail, Zion National Park. (KSL)
No further information was available.
Other reading: Supreme Court, Justice Hagen respond to state investigation into misconduct allegations
This story is developing and may be updated.
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