Utah News Dispatch
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Utah News Dispatch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news source covering government, policy and the issues most impacting the lives of Utahns.
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Utah News Dispatch
@utahnewsdispatch.com
· Jan 22
We keep you informed about Utah government and policy news.
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Want to see how issues you care about are playing out in other states too? Follow our @statesnewsroom.com accounts and journalists from across the country. Our Starter Pack makes it easy:
Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez has announced her candidacy for newly-drawn congressional District 1 under Utah’s court-ordered map. #utpol
utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/salt-...
utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/salt-...
Salt Lake City Council member joins race for newly-drawn congressional district • Utah News Dispatch
Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez, who is serving her first term in the city, is vying for a newly drawn congressional district.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez has announced her candidacy for newly-drawn congressional District 1 under Utah’s court-ordered map. #utpol
utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/salt-...
utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/salt-...
Utah Auditor Tina Cannon said she's weighing her next steps on fighting the move of her office, but she's worried the vote could have a chilling effect on her office and whether it's able to audit the Capitol Preservation Board independently. #utpol
Utah auditor sued over plan to move her office, then board re-voted to dodge her challenge • Utah News Dispatch
Utah Auditor Tina Cannon sued over a plan to move her office, but the Capitol Preservation Board re-voted to avoid her legal challenge.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Utah Auditor Tina Cannon said she's weighing her next steps on fighting the move of her office, but she's worried the vote could have a chilling effect on her office and whether it's able to audit the Capitol Preservation Board independently. #utpol
Arrests in the United States have fallen to levels not seen in decades, according to a new report that reconstructs national arrest trends in the absence of federal data.
Arrests nationwide have fallen to historic lows, report finds • Utah News Dispatch
Arrests in the United States have fallen to levels not seen in decades, according to a new report that reconstructs national arrest trends in the absence of federal data.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Arrests in the United States have fallen to levels not seen in decades, according to a new report that reconstructs national arrest trends in the absence of federal data.
After President Trump signed an executive order to preempt states from governing AI, Utah leaders have some concerns, but ultimately they say it won’t stop them from trying to regulate the technology, especially in children’s hands. #utpol
What Utah leaders say about Trump’s preemption on AI state regulations • Utah News Dispatch
A Trump administration executive order is seeking to preempt states on AI regulations. Here's what Utah Republicans think.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:02 PM
After President Trump signed an executive order to preempt states from governing AI, Utah leaders have some concerns, but ultimately they say it won’t stop them from trying to regulate the technology, especially in children’s hands. #utpol
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, and to provide lapsed payments for two years. The vote came after a year-long campaign led by bipartisan federal lawmakers from the West.
Read more from @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
Read more from @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
After nearly two-year lapse, Congress renews Secure Rural Schools funding • Utah News Dispatch
The Secure Rural Schools act provides tens of millions each year to schools and communities across the West.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, and to provide lapsed payments for two years. The vote came after a year-long campaign led by bipartisan federal lawmakers from the West.
Read more from @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
Read more from @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
State lawmakers of both parties said they plan to keep passing laws regulating artificial intelligence despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to stop them. #utpol
States will keep pushing AI laws despite Trump’s efforts to stop them • Utah News Dispatch
State lawmakers of both parties say they plan to keep passing laws regulating artificial intelligence despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to stop them.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 12, 2025 at 10:29 PM
State lawmakers of both parties said they plan to keep passing laws regulating artificial intelligence despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to stop them. #utpol
The Forward Party of Utah’s unprecedented midterm preference poll has picked a winner to replace outgoing Sen. Dan Thatcher — the state’s only third-party lawmaker — after he announced earlier this year his departure from the Republican Party. #utpol
Utah Forward Party’s first-of-its-kind preference poll picks a winner to replace Sen. Thatcher • Utah News Dispatch
The Forward Party of Utah’s unprecedented midterm preference poll has picked a winner to replace outgoing Sen. Dan Thatcher, of West Valley City: Emily Buss, of Eagle Mountain.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:22 PM
The Forward Party of Utah’s unprecedented midterm preference poll has picked a winner to replace outgoing Sen. Dan Thatcher — the state’s only third-party lawmaker — after he announced earlier this year his departure from the Republican Party. #utpol
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that aims to preempt states from enacting rules governing artificial intelligence. #utpol
Trump signs order intended to block states from regulating AI • Utah News Dispatch
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that aims to preempt states from enacting rules governing artificial intelligence.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that aims to preempt states from enacting rules governing artificial intelligence. #utpol
Public health officials in Utah say there's a key way for Utahns who think they might have measles to avoid spreading the highly contagious disease to others.
Measles spreads in waiting rooms, so call ahead instead of walking in, health officials say • Utah News Dispatch
Measles is spreading to more people and more parts of Utah, with 115 people diagnosed statewide, the state epidemiologist said.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Public health officials in Utah say there's a key way for Utahns who think they might have measles to avoid spreading the highly contagious disease to others.
Gail Miller said her $10 million donation will ensure the homeless resource center named after her "will continue to serve as a gateway for individuals who are seeking a fresh start."
“It's not only about meeting today's needs. It's about building a strong foundation for tomorrow,” she said. #utpol
“It's not only about meeting today's needs. It's about building a strong foundation for tomorrow,” she said. #utpol
Gail Miller gives another $10 million to Utah’s homeless resource centers • Utah News Dispatch
Gail Miller gave a $10 million donation to Shelter the Homeless to help fund capital needs of Utah's homeless resource centers.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Gail Miller said her $10 million donation will ensure the homeless resource center named after her "will continue to serve as a gateway for individuals who are seeking a fresh start."
“It's not only about meeting today's needs. It's about building a strong foundation for tomorrow,” she said. #utpol
“It's not only about meeting today's needs. It's about building a strong foundation for tomorrow,” she said. #utpol
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah belong to different parties. But the two sat down to discuss partisanship, political violence, and how to respectfully engage with political opponents.
Read more from @penncapital-star.com
Read more from @penncapital-star.com
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro discuss political violence and civility in D.C. • Utah News Dispatch
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox agree Americans need to recognize one another’s humanity and disagree civilly.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah belong to different parties. But the two sat down to discuss partisanship, political violence, and how to respectfully engage with political opponents.
Read more from @penncapital-star.com
Read more from @penncapital-star.com
With arrests up, stepped-up enforcement on camping and overall crime on a downward trend, some lawmakers say they’re satisfied with the Salt Lake City Police Department's direction under it's new chief.
But former Chief Mike Brown pushed back on a legislative audit criticizing his leadership.
But former Chief Mike Brown pushed back on a legislative audit criticizing his leadership.
Audit faults ex-Salt Lake police chief’s ‘poor leadership,’ but he calls it a ‘political attack’ • Utah News Dispatch
A new Utah legislative audit criticizes former Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown as lawmakers praised the department's new leadership.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:42 PM
With arrests up, stepped-up enforcement on camping and overall crime on a downward trend, some lawmakers say they’re satisfied with the Salt Lake City Police Department's direction under it's new chief.
But former Chief Mike Brown pushed back on a legislative audit criticizing his leadership.
But former Chief Mike Brown pushed back on a legislative audit criticizing his leadership.
Most Utah legislators voted to repeal a controversial law that banned public sector unions from collective bargaining. Still, bill sponsors maintained the law was "good policy," but was "overshadowed by misinformation and unnecessary division." #utpol
Utah Legislature approves repeal of anti-collective bargaining law • Utah News Dispatch
Most Utah legislators voted to repeal a controversial law that banned public sector unions from collective bargaining.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Most Utah legislators voted to repeal a controversial law that banned public sector unions from collective bargaining. Still, bill sponsors maintained the law was "good policy," but was "overshadowed by misinformation and unnecessary division." #utpol
Anti-gerrymandering supporters held signs reading “Make elections fair again" as lawmakers gaveled in for a special session largely focused on facilitating the Republican-controlled Legislature’s legal fight against the state’s court-ordered redistricting process. #utpol
Utah lawmakers condemn courts while anti-gerrymandering supporters urge ‘hear our voice’ • Utah News Dispatch
The Utah Legislature passed a resolution condemning the courts and approved bills to enable lawmakers' appeal in a redistricting court battle.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Anti-gerrymandering supporters held signs reading “Make elections fair again" as lawmakers gaveled in for a special session largely focused on facilitating the Republican-controlled Legislature’s legal fight against the state’s court-ordered redistricting process. #utpol
Speaking publicly for the first time since the No Kings Shooting in Salt Lake City, Arturo Gamboa said, “I did not fire a single shot. I did not have any ammunition in the rifle. However, the blame was placed squarely on my shoulders."
‘I did not fire a single shot’: Utahn cleared in No Kings shooting breaks silence • Utah News Dispatch
The man who was arrested and later cleared in a fatal shooting at a Utah No Kings protest in June broke his silence.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Speaking publicly for the first time since the No Kings Shooting in Salt Lake City, Arturo Gamboa said, “I did not fire a single shot. I did not have any ammunition in the rifle. However, the blame was placed squarely on my shoulders."
Protesters lined up outside a federal immigration services office in Salt Lake City to say that people who go there for green card interviews should not end up leaving in the custody of immigration agents.
Protesters call for feds to stop arresting immigrants at green card appointments • Utah News Dispatch
A small crowd in Salt Lake City protested the arrests of immigrants at a federal office overseeing green card and naturalization applications.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Protesters lined up outside a federal immigration services office in Salt Lake City to say that people who go there for green card interviews should not end up leaving in the custody of immigration agents.
The Utah judge who has caught the ire of Republican lawmakers for her rulings against them in the state's redistricting court battle has issued an analysis that says the court's authority to pick a map when the Legislature fails to enact a lawful one is '"firmly rooted in the law." #utpol
In Utah redistricting case, judge explains why she ruled against Legislature • Utah News Dispatch
In Utah's redistricting lawsuit, Judge Dianna Gibson issued a legal analysis explaining why she has ruled against the Utah Legislature.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:10 PM
The Utah judge who has caught the ire of Republican lawmakers for her rulings against them in the state's redistricting court battle has issued an analysis that says the court's authority to pick a map when the Legislature fails to enact a lawful one is '"firmly rooted in the law." #utpol
"To their credit, they listened to us and they agreed with us that this is what needs to happen”: A coalition of unions are celebrating as the Utah Legislature announced it will consider repealing a bill banning collective bargaining in the public sector. #utpol
Unions celebrate Utah Legislature’s planned vote to repeal anti-collective bargaining bill • Utah News Dispatch
Unions celebrate as the Utah Legislature announces it would consider repealing a bill banning collective bargaining in the public sector.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:45 PM
"To their credit, they listened to us and they agreed with us that this is what needs to happen”: A coalition of unions are celebrating as the Utah Legislature announced it will consider repealing a bill banning collective bargaining in the public sector. #utpol
The Utah Legislature will hold a special session to vote on bills to “facilitate” Republican state leaders’ appeal against the state’s court-ordered redistricting process.
Lawmakers will also vote to repeal a controversial law restricting public labor unions from collective bargaining. #utpol
Lawmakers will also vote to repeal a controversial law restricting public labor unions from collective bargaining. #utpol
Utah Legislature's special session will tackle redistricting, repeal public union bill • Utah News Dispatch
The Utah Legislature's special session agenda looks to facilitate its appeal in the redistricting court battle and repeal a labor union bill.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
The Utah Legislature will hold a special session to vote on bills to “facilitate” Republican state leaders’ appeal against the state’s court-ordered redistricting process.
Lawmakers will also vote to repeal a controversial law restricting public labor unions from collective bargaining. #utpol
Lawmakers will also vote to repeal a controversial law restricting public labor unions from collective bargaining. #utpol
Among a list of 100 Utah companies that champion women-inclusive policies, only a quarter reported offering child care benefits, a study by the Utah Women and Leadership Project found.
Utah companies championing women advancement lag on child care benefits, study finds • Utah News Dispatch
Among a list of 100 Utah companies that champion women-inclusive policies, only a quarter reported offering child care benefits.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Among a list of 100 Utah companies that champion women-inclusive policies, only a quarter reported offering child care benefits, a study by the Utah Women and Leadership Project found.
From a planned 100-foot dam in Carbon County to efforts on Navajo Nation and Ute tribal land to improve drought resilience, projects across Utah's Colorado River Basin are in a holding pattern because federal funding may not be coming.
Read more from @kuer.org and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Read more from @kuer.org and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Federal money is still in Trump limbo. Rural Utah is antsy about its water projects • Utah News Dispatch
Across the Colorado River Basin, projects to protect water supplies and restore river ecosystems are on hold as federal funding may not come.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:04 PM
From a planned 100-foot dam in Carbon County to efforts on Navajo Nation and Ute tribal land to improve drought resilience, projects across Utah's Colorado River Basin are in a holding pattern because federal funding may not be coming.
Read more from @kuer.org and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Read more from @kuer.org and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Attorneys are warning they’re seeing a shift in the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services field office in Salt Lake City, saying their clients are being detained by immigration authorities at the place where they have traditionally gone to apply for green cards, citizenship and work authorization.
'Stuck between a rock and a hard place’: Lawyers warn of arrests at Salt Lake immigration office • Utah News Dispatch
Immigration attorneys are warning their clients about arrests at a federal office in Utah that handles green card applications.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Attorneys are warning they’re seeing a shift in the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services field office in Salt Lake City, saying their clients are being detained by immigration authorities at the place where they have traditionally gone to apply for green cards, citizenship and work authorization.
After being the focus of several bills in the last years, the Intermountain Power Plant coal-fired units ceased operations the day before Thanksgiving. #utpol
IPP coal-fired units are no longer operating as state government searches for buyers • Utah News Dispatch
After being the focus of several bills, Intermountain Power Plant coal-fired units ceased operations the day before Thanksgiving.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:06 PM
After being the focus of several bills in the last years, the Intermountain Power Plant coal-fired units ceased operations the day before Thanksgiving. #utpol
Conservation groups across the West are raising concerns about Steve Pearce, a former New Mexico representative who is President Donald Trump’s newest nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management. At issue is the debate over proposals to sell off federal land.
Read more from @dailymontanan.com
Read more from @dailymontanan.com
BLM nominee draws criticism from conservation groups over support for selling public land • Utah News Dispatch
Republicans are rallying around former New Mexico Rep.Steve Pearce, Trump’s nominee to oversee the land management agency.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Conservation groups across the West are raising concerns about Steve Pearce, a former New Mexico representative who is President Donald Trump’s newest nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management. At issue is the debate over proposals to sell off federal land.
Read more from @dailymontanan.com
Read more from @dailymontanan.com
Thanks to tax cuts from the “one, big, beautiful” law, Utah won’t collect about half a billion dollars of income tax revenue — about $300 million in 2026 and $200 million in 2027.
Here's how that will impact the state's budget — and how Gov. Cox wants lawmakers to prioritize the state's spending.
Here's how that will impact the state's budget — and how Gov. Cox wants lawmakers to prioritize the state's spending.
Under Trump tax cuts, Utah won’t collect $500 million in income taxes in 2026, 2027 • Utah News Dispatch
Thanks to Trump tax cuts, Utah won't collect about $500 million in income tax revenue in 2026 and 2027, impacting the state's budget.
utahnewsdispatch.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Thanks to tax cuts from the “one, big, beautiful” law, Utah won’t collect about half a billion dollars of income tax revenue — about $300 million in 2026 and $200 million in 2027.
Here's how that will impact the state's budget — and how Gov. Cox wants lawmakers to prioritize the state's spending.
Here's how that will impact the state's budget — and how Gov. Cox wants lawmakers to prioritize the state's spending.