University of Utah faces possible $50 million loss under blocked Trump policy
The University of Utah is currently in danger of losing an estimated $50 million in medical research grant dollars a year because of a proposed Trump administration change, Jason Swensen reported.
Impact on the University of Utah: The possible impact stems from a policy change at the National Institutes of Health that would limit how much overhead researchers could request when applying for grants.
Under the new policy, a cap would be set on the amount grant recipients could request for “indirect” costs — funds that grant recipients are allowed to use on facility and administrative expenses, Swensen reported. Researchers could ask for no more than 15% of the total grant amount under the new policy.
Court intervention: A federal judge temporarily blocked the NIH from implementing the new policy, with a hearing set to review this order, allowing for university operations to continue as usual until further notice.
Economic and Community Concerns: NIH funding is significant for Utah's economy, supporting over 4,500 jobs and generating substantial economic activity.
University of Utah forges ahead: University leaders met with the school's research community Tuesday with the message — we are resilient. We are ready.
“We’re hopeful that cooler heads will prevail in the coming weeks,”
said Dr. Bob Carter, a physician and veteran medical researcher who was recently hired as the CEO of University of Utah Health. “We’re working actively to understand the full impact of this change at a financial and a social level, and how we get our work done going forward. … We need to forge ahead.”
Read more about the Trump administration's plan and its possible impact on Utah.
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DOJ drops lawsuit against Utah over transgender inmate’s rights (Deseret News)
Mountain West bee collections get an update from their paper past to digital pixels (KUER)
Construction industry leaders prioritize sustainability, mental health and education in 2025 (Utah Business)
After COVID-era precarity, Utah's famed Hell's Backbone Grill secures its home (Axios)
Ivins residents voice concerns over Black Desert Resort’s grandstand; resort plans to address complaints (St George News)
'Gold standard': Ogden 1st district to offer International Baccalaureate program to K-12 continuum (KSL.com)
Policymakers refer to a destabilizing drop in public assistance that penalizes hard work as a "benefits cliff," Brigham Tomco reported.
During this 2025 legislative session, multiple lawmakers are working with the conservative think tank Sutherland Institute to propose changes that would help families scale the benefits cliffs that stand between them and self-reliance.
Here are some key points:
A poll found 43% of Utahns on public assistance limited their income for fear of triggering a "benefits cliff.”
In Utah, 341,354 individuals receive Medicaid coverage and 182,022 individuals receive SNAP benefits.
State lawmakers introduced a resolution and pilot program to help families transition toward self-reliance.
Read more about how policymakers aim to help families transition from welfare to "work-based self-reliance."
More in Politics
Utah is one of the slowest states at delivering election results. Lawmakers want to change that (Deseret News)
Get swept away in fairy tale magic with Ballet West's Cinderella! With comedic twists and turns, lavish costumes, and a fairytale story, this ballet is perfect for families. This year, Ballet West is premiering brand new sets and costumes from London's Royal Ballet. Reserve your seats now and experience this enchanting ballet with music performed live by the Ballet West Orchestra.
Health
Canned tuna sold at Costco, Trader Joe's recalled over botulism risk (NPR)
Utah hospitals seeing spike in child admissions from winter viruses (Standard-Examiner)
Faith
President Mary Ellen Wood Smoot, 13th Relief Society general president, dies at age 91 (Church News)
After devastating fire in Ecuador, Church members serve ‘shoulder to shoulder’ to repair damage (Church News)
The Nation and the World
Egg thieves could complicate story of why prices are so high (Deseret News)
Amid global trade tensions, India’s PM expected to offer ideas during D.C. visit (Deseret News)
Israel says Gaza ceasefire will end if Hamas does not free hostages by Saturday (BBC)
Sports
Takeaways from BYU's win at West Virginia (Deseret News)
Will Avery Neff be the next Utah gymnastics superstar? (Deseret News)
Ashley Hatch left off USWNT roster but 2 Utah stars called up (Deseret News)
Skijoring competition back in Utah this weekend (Deseret News)
🗓️ Events Calendar
We put together a calendar list of events and activities going on around the state of Utah during the next month. Check it out and let us know if we are missing anything!
Here are some highlights for events in Utah today:
Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat” | SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater, Orem
“The Secret Garden” | Valentine Theater, American Fork
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers | 7 p.m.
U of U women’s basketball vs. Colorado | 7 p.m.
Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any thoughts, feedback or ideas you would like to share!
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