Utah News Dispatch
@utahnewsdispatch.com
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.
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:
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:
While auditors note elections are generally administered well across Utah, they found some county clerks are falling short on following all of the requirements. #utpol utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/09/15/u...
Utah election audit finds ‘compliance issues’ in 3 counties: Utah, Wasatch and San Juan • Utah News Dispatch
After years of close scrutiny and multiple audits, a new legislative audit says the office of Utah’s chief election official has been “diligent in improving” the state’s election system — but some…
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 16, 2026 at 12:25 AM
While auditors note elections are generally administered well across Utah, they found some county clerks are falling short on following all of the requirements. #utpol utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/09/15/u...
Utah universities, like institutions across the country, are bracing for demographic dips. Here's what researchers from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recommend to curb budget impacts in the Beehive State.
With demographic dip in sight, Utah universities prepare for budget impacts • Utah News Dispatch
Utah universities, like institutions across the country, are bracing for demographic dips. Here's what fiscal analysts recommend.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 15, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Utah universities, like institutions across the country, are bracing for demographic dips. Here's what researchers from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recommend to curb budget impacts in the Beehive State.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Sept. 4 giving the U.S. secretary of interior 90 days to decide whether to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican wolves in the United States.
Read more from @idahocapitalsun.com
Read more from @idahocapitalsun.com
Trump gives feds 90 days to consider removing endangered species protections for wolves • Utah News Dispatch
President Donald Trump signed an executive order giving 90 days to decide whether to remove Endangered Species Act protections for wolves.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 15, 2026 at 2:16 PM
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Sept. 4 giving the U.S. secretary of interior 90 days to decide whether to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican wolves in the United States.
Read more from @idahocapitalsun.com
Read more from @idahocapitalsun.com
For University of Utah students, a nuclear engineering track had more to do with healthcare technology and less with the nuclear reactors that Utah elected officials are eyeing. But that's about to change.
New courses are in the works at University of Utah amid state’s push for nuclear energy • Utah News Dispatch
The University of Utah is working on expanding its nuclear engineering curriculum to meet elected officials' energy ambitions.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 14, 2026 at 7:23 PM
For University of Utah students, a nuclear engineering track had more to do with healthcare technology and less with the nuclear reactors that Utah elected officials are eyeing. But that's about to change.
In recent years, more conservatives have turned to divorce as a “family values” talking point, with some pushing to make it harder for couples to divorce. By doing so, they’ve relaunched a conversation that would have been nearly unthinkable just a few years ago.
Read more from @stateline.org
Read more from @stateline.org
Divorce becomes next battleground as states debate family values • Utah News Dispatch
More conservatives have turned to divorce as a “family values” talking point, with some pushing to make it harder for couples to divorce.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 14, 2026 at 2:04 PM
In recent years, more conservatives have turned to divorce as a “family values” talking point, with some pushing to make it harder for couples to divorce. By doing so, they’ve relaunched a conversation that would have been nearly unthinkable just a few years ago.
Read more from @stateline.org
Read more from @stateline.org
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Utah, the District of Columbia and two more states this week for granting in-state college tuition and scholarships to immigrants without permanent legal status.
DOJ sues Utah in wider push against in-state tuition for unauthorized immigrants • Utah News Dispatch
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Utah for granting in-state college tuition and scholarships to immigrants without permanent legal status.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 12, 2026 at 2:14 PM
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Utah, the District of Columbia and two more states this week for granting in-state college tuition and scholarships to immigrants without permanent legal status.
Citing an “exceptionally difficult” year for Utah farmers due to drought, wildfire and animal disease, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food officials said they are taking an “unprecedented step” to give financial relief to producers with active department of agriculture loans. #utpol
Utah offers ‘unprecedented’ 0% loans for farmers amid difficult drought, wildfire year • Utah News Dispatch
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is taking an “unprecedented step” to give financial relief to producers with department loans.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 11, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Citing an “exceptionally difficult” year for Utah farmers due to drought, wildfire and animal disease, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food officials said they are taking an “unprecedented step” to give financial relief to producers with active department of agriculture loans. #utpol
The U.S. Department of Justice revealed in a letter it has investigated Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson since 2025 — to her surprise.
To Utah’s chief election officer’s surprise, the DOJ says it has been investigating her since 2025 • Utah News Dispatch
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Utah's chief election official received a new letter from the DOJ pushing her to release private voter data.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 11, 2026 at 6:26 PM
The U.S. Department of Justice revealed in a letter it has investigated Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson since 2025 — to her surprise.
Twenty-five years after 9/11, the surveillance infrastructure built and expanded in its aftermath has become part of a far larger digital ecosystem — producing tools that can collect and analyze information on a scale unimaginable in 2001.
Read more from @stateline.org
Read more from @stateline.org
How 9/11 changed the way America surveils its citizens • Utah News Dispatch
The 9/11 attacks transformed how American intelligence and law enforcement agencies collect, share and analyze information.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 11, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Twenty-five years after 9/11, the surveillance infrastructure built and expanded in its aftermath has become part of a far larger digital ecosystem — producing tools that can collect and analyze information on a scale unimaginable in 2001.
Read more from @stateline.org
Read more from @stateline.org
A year after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, one pending analysis is scrutinizing that campus, while another is focused more broadly on Utah's higher education system.
1 year after Charlie Kirk shooting, campus safety reviews are still in the works • Utah News Dispatch
A year later, reviews of campus security at Utah Valley University and in the broader higher education system are still pending.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 10, 2026 at 11:18 PM
A year after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, one pending analysis is scrutinizing that campus, while another is focused more broadly on Utah's higher education system.
A Utah Supreme Court justice now won’t participate in two cases that are each challenging the constitutionality of the Utah Legislature’s newly created rotating three-judge “constitutional court” specifically meant to hear challenges to state laws. #utpol
Utah Supreme Court justice recused from 2 cases challenging constitutionality of new 3-judge panel • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah Supreme Court justice now won’t participate in two cases dealing with gerrymandering and abortion.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 10, 2026 at 9:51 PM
A Utah Supreme Court justice now won’t participate in two cases that are each challenging the constitutionality of the Utah Legislature’s newly created rotating three-judge “constitutional court” specifically meant to hear challenges to state laws. #utpol
State GOP leaders have long criticized two Utah national monuments, pointing out that several surrounding communities do not approve of them.
Now supporters of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are seeking to push back, armed with results of a poll commissioned by a conservation group.
Now supporters of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are seeking to push back, armed with results of a poll commissioned by a conservation group.
Groups opposing Utah monument cuts say a new survey supports their cause • Utah News Dispatch
A conservation group reveals findings of a survey it commissioned on sharp cuts to two Utah national monuments.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 10, 2026 at 6:43 PM
State GOP leaders have long criticized two Utah national monuments, pointing out that several surrounding communities do not approve of them.
Now supporters of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are seeking to push back, armed with results of a poll commissioned by a conservation group.
Now supporters of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are seeking to push back, armed with results of a poll commissioned by a conservation group.
The University of Utah is planning to lay off 285 to 855 staffers over the next year as part of a "modernization effort," looking at declines in public trust in higher education and the state's shifting demographics.
University of Utah to lay off hundreds of staffers over the next year • Utah News Dispatch
The University of Utah is planning to lay off 285 to 855 staffers over the next year in a “modernization effort."
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 10, 2026 at 2:03 PM
The University of Utah is planning to lay off 285 to 855 staffers over the next year as part of a "modernization effort," looking at declines in public trust in higher education and the state's shifting demographics.
Utah is still among the nation’s top 10 most expensive states for single-family homes with a median price of $559,900. #utpol
Utah housing market remains among most expensive in U.S., with 91% of renters priced out • Utah News Dispatch
Utah is still among the nation’s top 10 most expensive states for single-family homes with a median price of $559,900, a new report says.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 9, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Utah is still among the nation’s top 10 most expensive states for single-family homes with a median price of $559,900. #utpol
Creekstone Energy, which is building a huge data center campus near Delta, Utah, has announced its in the process of patenting a technology that can turn natural gas into water.
If it pans out, this new technology could "change the way the data center industry thinks about water." #utpol
If it pans out, this new technology could "change the way the data center industry thinks about water." #utpol
Developer of Delta data center announces ‘revolutionary’ tech to turn natural gas into water • Utah News Dispatch
Creekstone Energy, the company behind a data center campus being built near Delta, Utah, said its technology can turn natural gas into water.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 9, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Creekstone Energy, which is building a huge data center campus near Delta, Utah, has announced its in the process of patenting a technology that can turn natural gas into water.
If it pans out, this new technology could "change the way the data center industry thinks about water." #utpol
If it pans out, this new technology could "change the way the data center industry thinks about water." #utpol
The lawn at the Utah Governor’s Mansion will be ripped out at the hands of water conservation advocates and public employees amid one the most severe droughts the state has recorded.
With eyes on the Great Salt Lake, water conservation advocates will remove Governor’s Mansion turf • Utah News Dispatch
Water conservation advocates will remove the turf at the Utah Governor's Mansion aiming to set an example amid severe drought.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 9, 2026 at 2:04 PM
The lawn at the Utah Governor’s Mansion will be ripped out at the hands of water conservation advocates and public employees amid one the most severe droughts the state has recorded.
Don't move a mussel — Utah agencies spent Labor Day weekend inspecting more than 9,000 boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/09/08/u...
utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/09/08/u...
Utah inspected more than 9,000 watercraft for invasive species over Labor Day weekend • Utah News Dispatch
State agencies inspected more than 9,000 boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft for quagga mussels and other invasive species.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 8, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Don't move a mussel — Utah agencies spent Labor Day weekend inspecting more than 9,000 boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/09/08/u...
utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/09/08/u...
Don't move a mussel — Utah agencies spent Labor Day weekend inspecting more than 9,000 boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
Utah inspected more than 9,000 watercraft for invasive species over Labor Day weekend • Utah News Dispatch
State agencies inspected more than 9,000 boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft for quagga mussels and other invasive species.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 8, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Don't move a mussel — Utah agencies spent Labor Day weekend inspecting more than 9,000 boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
With the explosion of data centers reaching all corners of the country, tribal communities are worried that their land could be next.
Read more from @statesnewsroom.com
Read more from @statesnewsroom.com
Developers eye Native nations, tribal communities for new data center projects • Utah News Dispatch
Officials in Page, Arizona, passed a land sale agreement last fall that establishes a framework for a data center near Horseshoe Bend.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 8, 2026 at 2:08 PM
With the explosion of data centers reaching all corners of the country, tribal communities are worried that their land could be next.
Read more from @statesnewsroom.com
Read more from @statesnewsroom.com
Utah won’t enforce a new law requiring pornography websites to verify users’ ages even if they hide their location. But the state says the exception is only temporary and just for Pornhub’s parent company.
Utah won’t enforce new VPN rules for Pornhub’s parent company as litigation continues • Utah News Dispatch
Pornhub’s parent company is challenging a new Utah law requiring pornography websites to verify users’ ages even if they use a VPN.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 4, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Utah won’t enforce a new law requiring pornography websites to verify users’ ages even if they hide their location. But the state says the exception is only temporary and just for Pornhub’s parent company.
A federal judge has dismissed an Iowa man’s lawsuit over the denial of his status as a “Professor of Pokémon,” calling the case a “completely frivolous waste of the court’s time and resources.”
Read more from @iowacapitaldispatch.com
Read more from @iowacapitaldispatch.com
Judge dismisses Iowan's 'frivolous' lawsuit over 'Pokémon professor' status • Utah News Dispatch
A judge has dismissed an Iowa man’s lawsuit over the denial of his status as a “Professor of Pokémon,” calling the case "frivolous."
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 4, 2026 at 2:08 PM
A federal judge has dismissed an Iowa man’s lawsuit over the denial of his status as a “Professor of Pokémon,” calling the case a “completely frivolous waste of the court’s time and resources.”
Read more from @iowacapitaldispatch.com
Read more from @iowacapitaldispatch.com
Tooele County and Utah Inland Port Authority officials told Utah News Dispatch that plans to build a data center in Tooele Valley aren’t currently moving forward — and it remains to be seen whether they will go anywhere at all. #utpol
Concerns swirl over a developer’s push for a Tooele Valley data center, but plans are on pause • Utah News Dispatch
Tooele County residents are concerned about a proposal to build a data center near the Great Salt Lake; the proposal is paused.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 3, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Tooele County and Utah Inland Port Authority officials told Utah News Dispatch that plans to build a data center in Tooele Valley aren’t currently moving forward — and it remains to be seen whether they will go anywhere at all. #utpol
Salt Lake City International Airport is one of 14 airports that will allow approved visitors to send off or greet travelers at airport gates rather than waiting outside security checkpoints.
Salt Lake airport part of TSA program allowing gateside hellos and goodbyes for non-travelers • Utah News Dispatch
Salt Lake City International Airport is one of 14 airports that will allow approved visitors to send off or greet travelers at airport gates.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 3, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Salt Lake City International Airport is one of 14 airports that will allow approved visitors to send off or greet travelers at airport gates rather than waiting outside security checkpoints.
The Utah Department of Transportation has completed updates along the "Energy Corridor" in San Juan County, hoping for safer commutes and fewer wildlife hits.
New ‘Energy Corridor’ opens with smoother roads and, hopefully, fewer wildlife crashes • Utah News Dispatch
The Utah Department of Transportation finished its “Energy Corridor” project in a 53-mile stretch of rural San Juan County.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 3, 2026 at 5:10 PM
The Utah Department of Transportation has completed updates along the "Energy Corridor" in San Juan County, hoping for safer commutes and fewer wildlife hits.
President Donald Trump’s executive order placing new restrictions on mail-in voting would assign state officials a Herculean task to reach compliance before the crucial midterm elections.
Read more from @statesnewsroom.com
Read more from @statesnewsroom.com
Why the rushed Postal Service plan for mail-in voting has states in a panic • Utah News Dispatch
President Donald Trump’s restrictions on mail-in voting leaves state officials a Herculean task to reach compliance before the midterm elections.
utahnewsdispatch.com
September 3, 2026 at 2:12 PM
President Donald Trump’s executive order placing new restrictions on mail-in voting would assign state officials a Herculean task to reach compliance before the crucial midterm elections.
Read more from @statesnewsroom.com
Read more from @statesnewsroom.com