Utah and National Updates

Elections, Politics, & Government

Utah Rep. Chris Stewart says the US should boycott the Bejing Winter Olympics.
(Photo: Rick Bowmer,...
Curt Gresseth

US athletes should boycott 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Stewart says

Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, is calling for US athletes to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics because of China's human rights abuses against its Muslim minority, interference in Taiwan and Hong Kong and its failure to engage with the international community on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
5 years ago
A feed store damaged by a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky.,on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes an...
By BRUCE SCHREINER and JIM SALTER Associated Press

Emotional Kentucky governor: At least 70 people feared dead in storms

MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says he fears tornadoes have killed 70 people in the state and the death toll may exceed 100.  Severe storms moved through the area Friday night and caused catastrophic damage across multiple states. “This has been the most devastating tornado event in our state’s history,” Beshear said.  […]
5 years ago
(File Photo: A runner passing through Grandeur Peak.  KSL TV, 2018)...
Paul Nelson

Zoning change could have a major impact on proposed limestone quarry

A controversial proposed limestone quarry in Parley’s Canyon might not see the light of day, if a proposed ordinance change from the Salt Lake County Council goes through. County leaders are considering a change to their forestry zoning rules.
5 years ago
Izzy life celebrated...
Curt Gresseth

After girl’s death by suicide, Utah lawmaker is on a mission to stop bullying

On Saturday, state Rep. Sandra Hollins is bringing teachers together during a conference Saturday in Salt Lake City to end bullying forever.
5 years ago
A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators have begun talks on possible solutions to Social Security. A re...
Paul Nelson

Salt Lake City calls COVID-19 financial assistance program a big success, some housing funds still available

Officials in Salt Lake City say their financial assistance program to help families with during the pandemic was a success. 
5 years ago
Sen. Mitt Romney, proposes the Family Security Act....
Simone Seikaly

Sen. Romney: Military buildup of Russia at Ukraine border is outrageous, troubling

Mitt Romney, R-Utah, told KSL the buildup of tens of thousands of military troops on the border of Russia with Ukraine is a hostile military act.
5 years ago
A two-car crash left six people injured near West Haven August 18, 2024....
Paul Nelson

Utah Highway Patrol issuing far more tickets for dangerous speeds

The Utah Highway Patrol has issued more tickets for drivers going more than 100 miles per hour than before the pandemic started.
5 years ago
deadline to register to vote...
Paul Nelson

Group pushes for in-person voting, county clerks call it a bad idea

SALT LAKE CITY — One political group is promoting a new ballot initiative (in-person voting) that they believe would heighten ballot integrity by bringing the state’s election system to what it used to be.  However, the proposed law is getting intense pushback from county clerks.  The group Secure Vote Utah posted on its website that […]
5 years ago
state worker raise...
Nick Wyatt

Gov. Cox proposes investment to protect, manage Great Salt Lake

Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) announced his 2022 budget with millions for conservation, protection, and management of the Great Salt Lake.
5 years ago
President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/65...
Natasha Bertrand, Katie Bo Lillis, Jim Sciutto and Kylie Atwood, CNN

Biden administration considering options for US citizens in Ukraine if Russia invades

The Biden administration is exploring options for a potential evacuation of US citizens from Ukraine if Russia were to invade.
5 years ago
FILE - Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at a news conference at the Justice Department in Wa...
The Associated Press

Justice Department sues Texas over new redistricting maps

Texas is being sued by the Justice Department over its redistricting maps.
5 years ago
...
Curt Gresseth

Dropping ‘Big Lie’ a good first step toward compromise, says former Arizona senator

A first step toward compromise for Republicans is dropping the "Big Lie" about the last presidential election, says former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake who is about to be sworn in as the next ambassador to Turkey.
5 years ago
(The Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns.  Photo: Paul Nelson, December 6, 2021)...
Paul Nelson

Diplomatic boycott doesn’t change Salt Lake City’s bid for future winter games

Despite a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, it doesn't change anything for committee trying to bring the Games back to Salt Lake City.
5 years ago
FILE - Presidential hopeful Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., speaks to supporter's in LeMars, Iowa., Feb. 10,...
Mark Jones

Utah’s elected leaders react to the passing of former Sen. Bob Dole

Many of Utah's elected leaders took to social media Sunday to express their thoughts on the passing of former United States Senator Bob Dole.
5 years ago
President Joe Biden speaks to members of the media before boarding Air Force One at Minneapolis-Sai...
Curt Gresseth

Analyst discusses how inflation is likely eroding Biden’s numbers

As prices on grocery items tick up, President Joe Biden's approval ratings are sinking.
5 years ago
Inflation...
Curt Gresseth

US feeling pinch of inflation but economy is good, says economist

Americans are feeling inflation everywhere, but a University of Utah professor points out indicators like unemployment show our economy is thriving.
5 years ago
rep. paul ray...
Eliza Craig

Lawmaker Paul Ray to resign from Utah House of Representatives

Thursday morning, Utah lawmaker Paul Ray, a Clearfield Republican, announced his plans to resign from the Utah House of Representatives.
5 years ago
President Joe Biden speaks to members of the media before boarding Air Force One at Minneapolis-Sai...
The Associated Press

US moving to toughen testing requirement for international travelers

The US is moving to make COVID-19 testing more difficult for travelers
5 years ago
Navajo Nation Heritage Daynavajo leaders open roads parks...
Karilyn Frazier

Navajo Nation Heritage Day recognizes contributions of Navajo people

A Proclamation issued Thursday recognized the contributions, strength, and resilience of the Navajo people, culture, and language.
5 years ago
vaccines for all border crossers...
ZEKE MILLER Associated Press

US to require vaccines for all border crossers in January

President Joe Biden plans to require vaccines for all border crossers. This requirement would require nonresident travelers to be vaccinated by Jan. 22.
5 years ago
GRIMSBY, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: District nurse Rebecca McKenzie (R), wearing personal protective equipm...
Paul Nelson

Advocacy group claims an ’emergency’ shortage of home health workers

One patients’ rights group says Utah has an emergency shortage of home care workers. They want the state to address the labor shortage.
5 years ago
A Utah lawmaker wants to create a new alert system for missing people who have certain disabilities...
Lindsay Aerts

State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control wants a name change

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is seeking a name change. But that only be done through the Utah State Legislature.
5 years ago
Mayor-elect Sandy Zoltanski after election results were certified by Sandy City Council on Monday, ...
Eliza Craig

Monica Zoltanski to be Sandy’s first female mayor

The city council voted unanimously on Monday to certify the election results that made Monica Zoltanski mayor-elect. 
5 years ago
Storage tanks are shown at a refinery in Detroit, Tuesday, April 21, 2020. The White House on Tuesd...
JOSH BOAK and COLLEEN LONG Associated Press

US to release 50 million barrels of oil to ease energy costs

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered 50 million barrels of oil released from the strategic reserve to help bring down energy costs, in coordination with other major energy consuming nations, including China, India and the United Kingdom. The move is aimed at global energy markets, but also at voters who are coping […]
5 years ago