Utah and National Updates

Elections, Politics, & Government

Karianne Lisonbee...
Adam Small

Proposed bill would lower age to openly carry firearms

A proposed bill would lower the required age to open carry a firearm from 21 to 18.
2 years ago
ground is broken on a weber county development for starter homes...
Britt Johnson

Gov. Cox’s starter home goal may face roadblocks, builder says

One Utah builder said Gov. Spencer Cox's goal of building 35,000 new starter homes over the next few years is possible but not easy.
2 years ago
The rally marches around the capitol on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. ( (Tess Crowley)...
BY ALEX CABRERO

Pro-life rally held at Utah Capitol building

The Pro-life rally marches around the capitol on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
2 years ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 22: A poster calling on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ...
Eric Cabrera and Clayre Scott

Rumors of ICE raids across Utah circulate online

One local immigration attorney said he's been hearing about the rumors from his clients.
2 years ago
red traffic light...
Britt Johnson and Sam Herrera

New bill would bring photo cop cameras back to Utah

The use of photo cop, or red light, cameras was banned in Utah in 1996 over privacy concerns. One lawmaker says modern tech has changed the situation.
2 years ago
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox for a return to the state's "tradition of true grit" in his State of the Stat...
BY DANIEL WOODRUFF, KSL TV AND BRIDGER BEAL-CVETKO, KSL.COM

‘We must build’: Cox asks lawmakers, Utahns to embrace state’s industrial spirit

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called for a return to the state's "tradition of true grit" in his State of the State address at the Capitol Thursday evening, declaring that "now is a time for building."
2 years ago
utah house of representatives. Utah lawmakers are considering multiple amendments to the Utah Const...
Heather Peterson

Legislature discusses how to split higher energy costs

A bill moving through the House right now could change who foots the bill when utility companies see higher energy costs.
2 years ago
House Democratic Leader Angela Romero speaks as members of the Utah House Democratic Caucus talk ab...
Simone Seikaly

Institutional investors may be restricted from buying Utah homes

HB149, as currently written, would "restrict an institutional investor's ability to purchase single-family homes in Utah."
2 years ago
unclaimed property in utah office...
Becky Bruce

Popularity of Utah unclaimed property program swamps treasurer’s office

A push to encourage more Utah residents to claim their unclaimed property from the state overwhelmed the state's treasury department in 2024. 
2 years ago
Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla...
Sam Herrera

‘Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’: Utah Democrats focusing on ‘basics’ this session

Utah Senate Democrats said they'd be focusing on legislation that promote life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
2 years ago
Salt Lake City School District bus...
Mary Culbertson

‘Every child welcome’ in SLC schools, district says in response to Trump immigration orders

The Salt Lake City School District responded Tuesday to recent executive orders and policy changes made by the Trump administration.
2 years ago
Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper talk after a joint session o...
Verl Johansen

Utah Republican legislative leaders share goals for 2025 session

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz shared their vision for the state before a joint session.
2 years ago
transgender rights rally...
Eric Cabrera

Utahns rally for transgender rights on first day of legislative session

Around 150 Utahns gathered on the first day of the 2025 legislative session to rally for transgender rights.
2 years ago
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at the state Capitol in Salt Lake City on March 1, 2024. Cox will be s...
Heather Peterson

Gov. Cox calls for focus on energy this legislative session

Gov. Spencer Cox hopes lawmakers will charge forward with his plan to bring more energy production to Utah this legislative session.
2 years ago
Rep. Ryan Wilcox...
Sam Herrera

Utah lawmaker focusing on school safety this legislative session

A new bill in the 2025 legislative session seeks to prioritize safety measures in Utah schools.
2 years ago
Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Salt Lake City, talks to members of the media during the first day of the 2025 ...
Adam Small

Utah lawmakers will again consider dropping the state portion of food tax

Bill sponsor Sen. Nate Blouin said that unlike previous attempts to repeal the Utah food tax, SB122 isn't tied to other legislation.
2 years ago
Violet and Remington Ridgeway slide down the slide on the playground at Kiddie Academy during its g...
Bryanna Willis

Utah lawmaker introduces resolution encouraging childhood independence

One lawmaker is hoping to make Utah a leader in childhood independence. He hopes to do this with a resolution he is presenting this week.
2 years ago
Utah Capitol building....
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

Utah lawmakers to debate immigration, tax cuts, transgender students as 2025 session starts

The 2025 General Legislative session begins on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
2 years ago
President Donald Trump gives his inaugural address...
Eric Cabrera

Local immigration attorney reacts to President Trump’s immigration orders

President Donald Trump is planning on signing a series of executive orders, several of which focus on immigration.
2 years ago
Utah housing development construction site...
Sam Herrera

Utah lawmakers seek collaboration with cities to create affordable housing

Affordable housing in Utah is top of mind for lawmakers but for those initiatives to work, they'll have to collaborate with city governments.
2 years ago
App store...
Adam Small

Proposed bill requires age verification, parental consent to get apps

Utah lawmaker wants age verification and parental consent for anyone under 18 years old who downloads an app.
2 years ago
FILE: Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-West Valley City, applauds a speaker during the first day of the gene...
Simone Seikaly

Bill incentivizes gun owners to buy firearm safety device

Utah Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-West Valley City, says his firearm safety bill is "cognizant of the Second Amendment."
2 years ago
bird flies over Great Salt Lake State Park...
Mariah Maynes

Utah group to host Great Salt Lake vigils during 2025 legislative session

Making Waves Artist Collaborative, a group supporting Great Salt Lake, will host several vigils during the 2025 Utah legislative session.
2 years ago
FILE: Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, speaks in the Utah Senate on HB2001 Election Amendments at t...
Simone Seikaly

On the Hill: Paying for safe drinking water in Utah

A drinking water bill would modify the Utah's Safe Drinking Water Act.
2 years ago