In 2024, Diego was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that affected his mobility and caused limited movement in his rear flippers. Over the past year, Diego’s animal care and veterinary teams worked closely to provide ongoing treatments for his degenerative disc disease, including laser therapy, medications, training adjustments, and habitat evaluations to ensure mobility and comfort.

On Oct. 20, 2025, his team observed a sudden decrease in his appetite and behavior, indicating significant discomfort. Despite focused care and treatment in the days that followed, his condition did not improve. After careful consideration, the animal care and veterinary teams made the difficult decision to euthanize Diego. He was surrounded by his keepers and hospital staff who cared for him, ensuring he received the best possible care throughout his life.

Known for his loud vocalizations, curious personality, and strong bonds with his care team, Diego arrived at Hogle Zoo in 2017 and quickly became a guest and staff favorite.

Diego’s care team described him as an incredibly special sea lion full of personality. He loved sardines and playing in the water. He was eager to learn new things and participate in fun, challenging games during training sessions, creating unique bonds with his trusted care team.

Hogle Zoo is committed to providing excellent animal wellbeing through individualized health care plans, including advanced care if resident animals develop degenerative diseases or experience rapidly declining health. Regular consultation with community health partners is pivotal to achieving that commitment.

— Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Union: Social Security in Utah on the verge of collapse

The American Federation of Government Employees, the union representing Social Security employees in Utah is raising the alarm – the Social Security Administration is on the verge of collapse. More than 471,000 Utahns receive Social Security benefits, worth more than $9 million.

Social Security is at risk of collapse as an already small workforce is being forced to work without pay during the government shutdown. The union has argued that employees should be allowed to telework during the shutdown, as employees are not being paid but are expected to perform their duties in the office.

In Utah the average employee could be spending approximately $115 commuting to work each week, without knowing when or if they will receive a paycheck. In some states, employees have already begun quitting due to the financial pressures of working in the office without pay. The union warns that without adequate staff, the mission of SSA will be compromised.

For years, the union has warned that the agency is understaffed, explaining that long wait times were driven by too-small staff numbers. Since March, more than 7,000 positions have been eliminated.

The union is calling on the agency to allow employees with portable work to work from their approved offsite location during the shutdown, arguing that no employee should have to choose between spending money on driving to work and feeding their family.

— American Federation of Government Employees

Utah pump prices lower as gas demand stays flat

Utah drivers are getting a small break at the pump. The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped six cents since last week to $3.31. The current price is 12 cents cheaper than this time last year.

Nationwide gas prices remained relatively quiet this past week. The national average for a gallon of regular went up a couple of cents to $3.07. Even though the national average hasn’t dropped below the $3 mark, drivers are paying less than they were this time last year, and that trend should continue as we enter the colder months.

“Gasoline demand goes down in the fall as fewer people are taking road trips,” said John Treanor, spokesperson, AAA Mountain West Group. “The historic trend has been fuel prices dropping during autumn before reaching the bottom during winter.”

Fuel Prices Around the State:

• Ogden: $3.27
• Logan: $3.30
• Provo-Orem: $3.26
• Salt Lake City: $3.28
• St. George: $3.40

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand remained flat at 8.45 million b/d. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 218.8 million barrels to 216.7 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.

— AAA Mountain West Group