John Curtis to vote for Hegseth; watch out for "frolicking elk" on highways; and Netanyahu says âlast-minute crisisâ holding up truce | | | The Utah Policy newsletter is your one-stop source for political and policy-minded news. We scour the news so you don't have to! Send news tips or feedback to Holly Richardson at [email protected]. | | |
Situational Analysis | Jan. 16, 2025 It's Thursday and Appreciate a Dragon Day. What you need to know In a farewell letter released by the White House Wednesday morning, Biden wrote that it has been âthe privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years...Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States,â he added. âI have given my heart and my soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people.â Biden also addressed the nation from the Oval Office last night. Rapid Relevance John Curtis to vote for Hegseth; watch out for "frolicking elk" on highways; and Netanyahu says âlast-minute crisisâ with Hamas holding up approval of Gaza truce and hostage deal | | |
Utah Headlines Utah legislature The debate over how to increase trust in Utah elections (Deseret News) Former lawmaker Curt Bramble discusses possible reforms to Utah's nominating process (KSL) Ann Millner and Karen Peterson: Realigning higher education with opportunity to secure Utahâs future (Deseret News) New bill may prevent Utah parents from having background checks in order to homeschool (KUTV) 10 interesting bills to check out ahead of the 2025 Utah Legislative Session (ABC4) 5 years after failure, Utah lawmakers havenât taken another stab at tax reform. When will they? (Daily Herald) Other political news Sen. Mike Lee: Lawmakers are ready to undo the âdevastating harmâ to energy sector by Biden administration (Deseret News) Trumpâs Energy nominee says he wants to ârestore our energy dominanceâ (Deseret News) Cox details tech community's role in addressing Utah housing, energy needs (KSL) Economic report names Salt Lake City, Ogden among best performing cities in America (KSL Newsradio) Vision for the future of South Jordan unveiled by leaders (Fox13) Utah How ready is Salt Lake City for catastrophic fire? (Deseret News) Biz/Tech/Economy Inflation inches up in final 2024 reading (Deseret News) YouTube giant MrBeast offered to buy TikTok (Deseret News) Park City Main Street to be pedestrian-only during 2025 Sundance Film Festival (ABC4) Crime/Courts Cedar City property manager Blake Cozzens facing felony charges for alleged financial crimes, totaling more than $1.9 million (St. George News) Education Tried, tested and tricky. Is it time to shelve college admissions exams? (Deseret Magazine) Wanted: More young men enrolling in college (Deseret News) Showers, laundry available to homeless teens in Davis School District (KSL TV) Hereâs how many employees from the University of Utahâs diversity offices left after anti-DEI law (Salt Lake Tribune) Environment Utah receives $9.6M grant to help solve a section of US 40's wildlife safety problem (KSL) Family Genealogy has reached a new golden age (Deseret Magazine) Health Tech and the race to cure cancer (Deseret News) Red dye No. 3 in food now banned, ending decades-long battle (Deseret News) Housing Utah homeowners in areas now considered fire zones see jump in insurance rates (KSL TV) | | |
National news General NASAâs stuck astronaut steps out on a spacewalk after 7 months in orbit (AP) Politics The Rubio-fication of American foreign policy (Deseret News) First lady Jill Biden comments on Nancy Pelosiâs actions during the election: âIt was disappointingâ (Deseret News) Republicans say supporting Pam Bondi the âeasiestâ decision (Deseret News) Trump adviser says president-elect is exploring options to âpreserveâ TikTok (KSL TV) Speaker Johnson removes chair of powerful House Intelligence Committee (AP) Biden warns oligarchy forming in US that threatens democracy (Reuters) Kash Patel has vowed retribution. As FBI director, he could do it. (Washington Post) Ukraine/Russia UK's Starmer pledges more work on security guarantees for Ukraine (Reuters) Indians lured to Russia are dying on the front lines in Ukraine (Washington Post) Israel/Gaza Death toll in Israeli strikes on Gaza rises to 77 since ceasefire deal, residents say (Reuters) World news Haiti has 1 million displaced people, mostly from gang violence. Itâs tripled over the past year (AP) | | |
| | News Releases BioHive announces second annual BioHive Live to celebrate Utahâs thriving life science and healthcare ecosystem BioHive Live, Utahâs premier life sciences and healthcare innovation event, is set to take place on February 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, UT. The event will bring together leading minds, disruptors, experts, and some of the most influential individuals in the life sciences and healthcare industry to elevate Utah as a hub for patient impact. (Read More) Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore introduces resolution to protect state sovereignty and defend elections from foreign influence Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore announced today the introduction of a resolution to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution designed to restore the ability of states to regulate campaign finance laws and protect elections from foreign interference. (Read More) Curtis to vote for Pete Hegseth Our military is need of a change agent who will challenge the status quo, demand transparency and accountability, and ensure our allies and strategic partners have confidence in Americaâs commitment and capability to stand for freedom. My role in the Senateâs process is to ensure the President has a Cabinet that will help him succeed and serve the nation effectively. After careful consideration, I have decided to vote in favor of Pete Hegsethâs nomination to be Secretary of Defense. (Read More) Gov. Cox appoints Robert Van Dyke to the Sixth District Court Governor Cox has appointed Robert Van Dyke to the Sixth District Court, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Bagley. Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate. (Read More) Utah Senate requests public comment on 6th District appointee The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee is seeking public comment on Robert Van Dyke. He was appointed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox to serve as a judge in the 6th District. Those who desire to comment should contact the Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee electronically or by mail at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2025. Electronic comments can be emailed to [email protected]. Written comments can be mailed to the Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee at the Utah State Capitol, Suite W210, PO Box 145210, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5210. All statements should include the individualâs name, telephone number and mailing address. (Read More) Gov. Cox orders flags to return to full staff for presidential inauguration, then lowered again in honor of President Carterâs passing Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has issued an order for the flags of the United States of America and the great state of Utah to be flown at full staff on all state facilities on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in observance of inauguration day. Flags will be returned to half-staff at sunset on the same day to honor the life and legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in December 2024. Flags will remain at half-staff through sunset on Jan. 28, 2025. (Read More) DOGE Caucus co-chairs announce congressional platform to cut government spending Co-chairs of the Congressional DOGE Caucus, Congressmen Blake Moore (UT-01), Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04), Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17), and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) revealed the Congressional DOGE Caucus Platform to showcase the Caucusâs commitment to the American people during the 119th Congress. This pro-American agenda reflects eight principles as a game plan to make America efficient again through cutting government waste, fraud, and abuse. (Read More) Utahâs economy continues to show signs of resiliency The Salt Lake Chamber, in partnership with the University of Utahâs Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, has released the December 2024 Roadmap to Prosperity Economic Dashboard to inform business leadersâ understanding of Utahâs economy. This tool prioritizes key data on the stateâs economic outlook and actionable context for decision-makers. Three essential insights from December: After 14 months of no growth or decline, Utahâs labor force participation rate returns to its pre-pandemic rate following recent highs in 2023, both Utah and U.S. consumer sentiment increased in December, with Utah experiencing a greater increase, and Salt Lake City International Airport approaches another record-breaking year in 2024, with passenger numbers expected to exceed last yearâs totals. (Read More) Utah cosmetology licensing overhaul recommended The Office of Professional Licensure Review (OPLR) has published an extensive report evaluating the state of cosmetology licensure in Utah, revealing critical insights aimed at enhancing consumer safety, economic opportunity, and access within the industry. The report, prepared in accordance with Utah Code Title 13-1b, underscores the importance of the profession to the stateâs economy, as well as the necessity for regulatory reform. (Read More) | | |
Upcoming Jan. 21 â Utah legislative session begins Jan 21 â Prioritizing Life to Achieve Success at Work with UWLP, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Register here Jan 23 - Designing Corporate Womenâs Networks, Initiatives, and Leadership Programs with UWLP, 12:00-3:00 pm,Register here Jan 27 â The Impact of Womenâs Health on Work and Life with UWLP, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Register here Jan 29 â A Conversation with Pat Jones on Women's Leadership with UWLP, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Register here Feb 3 â Building Bridges: Leading as Women in Local Government with the Utah Women and Leadership Project, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Register here Feb 5 â Women and Policy, Strategy, Politics, and Change with UWLP, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Register here Feb 10 â Gail Miller: Making a Difference with UWLP, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Register here Feb 12 â Navigating the 2025 Tax Reconciliation Bill webinar with the Hatch Center, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, MST, Register here Feb 12 â Crossing the Divide: Making an Impact in Career and Community with UWLP, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Register here Feb 20 â BioHive Live, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Hale Centre Theater, Sandy, Register here Mar. 7 â Utah legislative session ends | | |
On This Day In History 1493 - Christopher Columbus leaves the New World and sails for Spain 1547 - Ivan IV the Terrible crowns himself the first tsar of Moscow. 1605 - âDon Quixoteâ by Miguel de Cervantes, is published. It is considered by many to be the first modern novel. 1843 - Sarah Rosetta Wakeman is born. During the American Civil War, Sarah Wakeman disguised herself as a man to earn more money. Using either the name Lyons or Edwin Wakeman to find work, she eventually enlisted in the Union Army under the name Lyons. She served until 1864 when she died of dysentery. Only Wakemanâs letters home revealed her true identity. 1883 - President Chester Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, creating the U.S. civil service system. The act established a merit basis for federal jobs and promotions and made it illegal to fire or demote government employees for political reasons. 1919 - Prohibition is ratified by the states. 1932 - Dian Fossey is born. She was a primatologist and researcher who lived among the gorillas for Rwanda for 18 years. She was murdered by machete in 1985. The last entry in her diary read: âWhen you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.â 1945 - Hitler descends into his bunker where he stays for 105 days until dying by suicide. 1951 - The U.S. Supreme Court rules that âclear and present dangerâ of incitement to riot is not protected speech and can be cause for arrest. 1979 - The Shah flees Iran. Fourteen days later, the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni returns. 1991 - The Persian Gulf War begins with Operation Desert Storm. 2006 - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is sworn in as Liberiaâs new president, becoming Africaâs first female elected head of state. 2013 - Pauline Phillips, the original âDear Abbyâ dies at age 94. Quote of the Day âEthnicity should enrich us; it should make us a unique people in our diversity and not be used to divide us.â
âEllen Johnson Sirleaf On the Punny Side Apparently this weekend there will be a constant rane, hale, gails, drissle, thundre, litnin, hy tydes, tawnaydoes, and frizzing colde. Just a really bad spell of weather. | | |
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