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:
Pricey hotels, two cars, a golf cart, and a $750 bidet toilet were among the big purchases showcased in a legislative audit that found Utah State University's past leaders spent extravagantly and ignored basic procurement and internal control rules required by state law.
Audit shows high-spending USU leadership skipped law-mandated processes • Utah News Dispatch
A legislative audit of Utah State University leadership found the school spent extravagantly and ignored basic procurement rules.
utahnewsdispatch.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Pricey hotels, two cars, a golf cart, and a $750 bidet toilet were among the big purchases showcased in a legislative audit that found Utah State University's past leaders spent extravagantly and ignored basic procurement and internal control rules required by state law.
A new legislative audit faults Utah’s child welfare agency for “concerning patterns in a significant number of cases” that left children less safe, instead of better off.
Audit: Poor DCFS casework kept Utah kids in harm’s way • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah legislative audit found poor casework by the state's Division of Child and Family Services, DCFS, kept kids in harm’s way.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:12 PM
A new legislative audit faults Utah’s child welfare agency for “concerning patterns in a significant number of cases” that left children less safe, instead of better off.
A bill to expand the Utah Supreme Court from five justices to seven — and also add two more Court of Appeals justices and three district court judges — has won final approval from the Utah Legislature and is headed to the governor's desk. #utpol #utleg
Utah Legislature passes bill to expand Utah Supreme Court, add 5 more lower court judges • Utah News Dispatch
A bill to expand the Utah Supreme Court from five justices to seven has won final approval from the Utah Legislature.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Rising costs of living and health care are consuming Utahns’ budgets as legislators study cuts to social services. Here’s what some lawmakers are proposing to help ease unaffordability woes.
Rising costs of living and health care are consuming Utahns’ budgets. Here’s what lawmakers propose • Utah News Dispatch
Utahns facing higher costs of housing and health care worry about the consequences of potential social services cuts.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Rising costs of living and health care are consuming Utahns’ budgets as legislators study cuts to social services. Here’s what some lawmakers are proposing to help ease unaffordability woes.
National homelessness advocates and Democratic members of Congress aimed criticisms at Utah while launching a new campaign called “Housing Not Handcuffs” to fight any federal funding being used for “homeless detention camps.” #utpol
‘Housing not handcuffs’: National advocacy groups take aim at Utah’s homeless campus • Utah News Dispatch
National homelessness advocates and Democratic members of Congress aimed criticisms in a new campaign called “Housing Not Handcuffs.”
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:32 PM
National homelessness advocates and Democratic members of Congress aimed criticisms at Utah while launching a new campaign called “Housing Not Handcuffs” to fight any federal funding being used for “homeless detention camps.” #utpol
More than four decades after its birth in the state, the Sundance Film Festival started its Utah swan song last week with a festival dedicated to its history in the Beehive State before officially moving to Boulder, Colorado next year.
Nostalgia in the spotlight as Sundance hosts its last festival in Utah • Utah News Dispatch
The Sundance Film Festival started its Park City swan song with events filled with nostalgia, a year before its Boulder move.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:02 AM
More than four decades after its birth in the state, the Sundance Film Festival started its Utah swan song last week with a festival dedicated to its history in the Beehive State before officially moving to Boulder, Colorado next year.
A bill allowing water suppliers to include the Great Salt Lake in their conservation plans, giving providers the option to redirect conserved water to the lake, won unanimous support from a legislative committee. #utpol
Bill allowing conserved water to flow to Great Salt Lake sails smoothly through committee • Utah News Dispatch
A bill allowing conserved water to be sent to the Great Salt Lake sailed though committee without a ripple as the lake dries up
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:25 PM
A bill allowing water suppliers to include the Great Salt Lake in their conservation plans, giving providers the option to redirect conserved water to the lake, won unanimous support from a legislative committee. #utpol
Utah lawmakers advanced three bills impacting the courts despite objections from legal professionals concerned that legislators are moving rapidly to enact changes that could “weaken” the courts’ independence. #utpol
Utah State Bar ‘deeply alarmed’ by bills it says would ‘weaken’ the judiciary’s independence • Utah News Dispatch
Utah lawmakers advanced three bills impacting the courts despite objections from legal professionals and the Utah State Bar.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Utah lawmakers advanced three bills impacting the courts despite objections from legal professionals concerned that legislators are moving rapidly to enact changes that could “weaken” the courts’ independence. #utpol
Prosecutors have charged a Utah man accused of punching Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Florida — the first of two assaults on a member of Congress within a week.
utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/man-a...
utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/man-a...
Utahn accused of punching Florida congressman is charged with assault • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah man accused of punching a Florida congressman at a Sundance party and telling him “we will deport you" has been charged with assault.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Prosecutors have charged a Utah man accused of punching Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Florida — the first of two assaults on a member of Congress within a week.
utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/man-a...
utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/man-a...
A bipartisan bill to reduce school lunch debt in the state is back, and it would allow Utahns to donate to the program through their state tax form. #utpol
Utah lawmakers revive bipartisan effort to tackle school lunch debt • Utah News Dispatch
Lawmakers brought back a bipartisan bill aimed at tackling school lunch debt for Utah students after running out of time last year.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:47 PM
A bipartisan bill to reduce school lunch debt in the state is back, and it would allow Utahns to donate to the program through their state tax form. #utpol
Utah lawmakers voted to advance a bill that would turn the state’s 2023 moratorium on newly prescribed hormonal transgender treatments for Utahns under the age of 18 into a full ban, despite objections from parents saying the gender-affirming care has saved their kids’ lives. #utpol
Utah lawmakers endorse bill to turn moratorium on transgender care for minors into a full ban • Utah News Dispatch
Utah lawmakers advanced a bill restricting hormonal treatment for transgender kids, changing the state's moratorium into a full ban.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Utah lawmakers voted to advance a bill that would turn the state’s 2023 moratorium on newly prescribed hormonal transgender treatments for Utahns under the age of 18 into a full ban, despite objections from parents saying the gender-affirming care has saved their kids’ lives. #utpol
A Utah proposal to require AI developers to write and post public safety and child protection plans advanced to the state House floor while tech executives say it goes too far. #utpol
Utah bill requires AI companies to share safety plans for children and the public • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah proposal to require AI companies to write and post public safety and child protection plans advanced to the state House.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:06 PM
A Utah proposal to require AI developers to write and post public safety and child protection plans advanced to the state House floor while tech executives say it goes too far. #utpol
A Utah lawmaker wants the state to chip in to help police departments improve their clearance rates, or the share of cases they determine are closed.
Police in Utah could get a funding boost to solve violent crimes under a new bill • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah bill would create a new grant program to help police solve violent crimes, which would help them improve clearance rates.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:54 AM
A Utah lawmaker wants the state to chip in to help police departments improve their clearance rates, or the share of cases they determine are closed.
Hundreds of Utahns gathered at the state Capitol — holding signs, maneuvering wheelchairs, or pushing strollers — as Utah’s Legislature looks to make budget cuts amid federal funding uncertainty and Medicaid reductions from President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Facing potential cuts to vital programs, Utahns rally for ‘Disability Advocacy Day’ at the Capitol • Utah News Dispatch
As Utah looks to reduce it's budget, advocates argue that cutting program funding would disrupt care for thousands of disabled Utahns
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Hundreds of Utahns gathered at the state Capitol — holding signs, maneuvering wheelchairs, or pushing strollers — as Utah’s Legislature looks to make budget cuts amid federal funding uncertainty and Medicaid reductions from President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Utah lawmakers have advanced a proposal that would require voters to prove they are U.S. citizens if election officers find they lack confirmation and get in touch seeking documentation. #utpol
Utah bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote advances • Utah News Dispatch
The Utah House gave its approval to a proposal requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in the state.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Utah lawmakers have advanced a proposal that would require voters to prove they are U.S. citizens if election officers find they lack confirmation and get in touch seeking documentation. #utpol
With 3 weeks to go until their deadline, the effort to repeal Utah’s independent redistricting law known as Proposition 4 still has a long way to go in order to make it to the 2026 ballot.
Still, Republican lawmakers say they're confident it will qualify. #utpol
Still, Republican lawmakers say they're confident it will qualify. #utpol
As deadline looms, Trump looks to boost effort to repeal Utah independent redistricting law • Utah News Dispatch
In Utah's redistricting fight, an effort to repeal the voter-approved independent redistricting law Proposition 4 has a long way to go.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:09 PM
With 3 weeks to go until their deadline, the effort to repeal Utah’s independent redistricting law known as Proposition 4 still has a long way to go in order to make it to the 2026 ballot.
Still, Republican lawmakers say they're confident it will qualify. #utpol
Still, Republican lawmakers say they're confident it will qualify. #utpol
Utah Sen. John Curtis calls for a transparent, independent investigation after federal immigration agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
State leaders in Utah say de-escalation is needed but made no comments on how the Trump administration characterized the killing.
State leaders in Utah say de-escalation is needed but made no comments on how the Trump administration characterized the killing.
Utah leaders ask for Minnesota shooting investigation — and de-escalation • Utah News Dispatch
Utah Republican Sen. John Curtis called for an investigation after the Minnesota shooting and state lawmakers ask for Congressional action.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Utah Sen. John Curtis calls for a transparent, independent investigation after federal immigration agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
State leaders in Utah say de-escalation is needed but made no comments on how the Trump administration characterized the killing.
State leaders in Utah say de-escalation is needed but made no comments on how the Trump administration characterized the killing.
For the fourth consecutive year, Utah lawmakers rejected a proposal aimed at holding gun owners accountable when an improperly stored firearm ends up being used by a minor to commit a crime. #utpol
Utah lawmakers reject secure firearm storage bill for fourth year in a row • Utah News Dispatch
Utah Lawmakers shot down a proposal to adopt penalties for gun owners if an improperly stored firearm is used by a minor to commit a crime.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:55 PM
For the fourth consecutive year, Utah lawmakers rejected a proposal aimed at holding gun owners accountable when an improperly stored firearm ends up being used by a minor to commit a crime. #utpol
After years of waiting, several immigrants in Utah were getting ready to make their case for asylum in the United States. But just days — or moments — before their court hearings, they were dealt a major legal blow.
Asylum seekers in Utah try to fight deportation to countries where they have no ties • Utah News Dispatch
Immigration attorneys say they are fighting an uphill battle to keep some clients from being deported to countries where they have no ties.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:57 PM
After years of waiting, several immigrants in Utah were getting ready to make their case for asylum in the United States. But just days — or moments — before their court hearings, they were dealt a major legal blow.
The Great Salt Lake will be “full” again by the time the Winter Olympics and Paralympics return to Utah in 2034, Gov. Spencer Cox said at the Sundance premier of “The Lake.” But getting there requires more long-term commitment.
Read more from @ksl.com and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Read more from @ksl.com and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Can this Sundance film help save the Great Salt Lake? Cox, lake experts hope so • Utah News Dispatch
"The Lake," a documentary by Abby Ellis about efforts to save the Great Salt Lake, premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:09 PM
The Great Salt Lake will be “full” again by the time the Winter Olympics and Paralympics return to Utah in 2034, Gov. Spencer Cox said at the Sundance premier of “The Lake.” But getting there requires more long-term commitment.
Read more from @ksl.com and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Read more from @ksl.com and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
A possible hate crime enhancement is being screened for a man who police say sneaked into a party at Sundance, made racially charged remarks, and punched a Florida congressman in the face.
Police: Man accused of assaulting Fla. congressman at Sundance told him ‘we are going to deport you’ • Utah News Dispatch
Police say a man sneaked in to a party at Sundance, made racially charged remarks, and punched Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost in the face.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 25, 2026 at 10:39 PM
A possible hate crime enhancement is being screened for a man who police say sneaked into a party at Sundance, made racially charged remarks, and punched a Florida congressman in the face.
State leaders and presidents of Utah colleges and universities signed a resolution committing to keeping higher education affordable and accessible, with more potential budget cuts coming. #utpol
Utah leaders make commitment to higher education, with more potential cuts coming • Utah News Dispatch
Utah elected officials and university presidents signed a resolution committing to keeping higher education affordable and accessible.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:06 PM
State leaders and presidents of Utah colleges and universities signed a resolution committing to keeping higher education affordable and accessible, with more potential budget cuts coming. #utpol
A long-shot Utah bill looking to discourage immigration authorities from pursuing immigrants in “sensitive areas” like churches and certain health care facilities, and prohibiting them from wearing masks during their operations, hit an unsurprising dead end. #utpol
Bid to unmask, discourage access for immigration authorities in Utah gets put on ice • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah bill discouraging immigration authorities from pursuing immigrants in churches and prohibiting them from wearing masks was put on hold
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:06 PM
A long-shot Utah bill looking to discourage immigration authorities from pursuing immigrants in “sensitive areas” like churches and certain health care facilities, and prohibiting them from wearing masks during their operations, hit an unsurprising dead end. #utpol
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Utah’s top elections official, says her office has confirmed that more than 99.9% of Utah voters are U.S. citizens and has removed an additional noncitizen from voter rolls after finding four earlier last year.
‘Not a widespread problem’: Lt. gov. releases early findings from voter citizenship review • Utah News Dispatch
Utah’s top elections official says her office has confirmed that more than 99.9% of Utah voters are U.S. citizens.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Utah’s top elections official, says her office has confirmed that more than 99.9% of Utah voters are U.S. citizens and has removed an additional noncitizen from voter rolls after finding four earlier last year.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s State of the State speech this year had hints of policy, while again focusing on building. But what needs built most now, Cox emphasized, is “moral infrastructure.” #utpol
Cox calls on Utah to build ‘moral infrastructure’ during State of the State address • Utah News Dispatch
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox delivered his State of the State address, calling on lawmakers and Utahns to "return to virtue."
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s State of the State speech this year had hints of policy, while again focusing on building. But what needs built most now, Cox emphasized, is “moral infrastructure.” #utpol