Politics
Cox completes Utah Supreme Court overhaul with two appointments
Utah Governor Spencer Cox appointed Mike Menssen and Matthew Bell to the Utah Supreme Court on Friday, completing a comprehensive makeover of the state's highest court. The appointments fill the final two vacancies on the expanded seven-member court. Cox, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has now appointed a majority of the court's justices during his tenure.
August 29, 2026 at 8:02 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 5 sources
Letter: LDS president's silence on deportations is complicity
A Salt Lake Tribune letter accuses President Dallin Oaks of standing by while federal power is used to undermine elections and remove people from their homes without warrants. The writer argues Oaks prioritizes the Church's access to power over people's safety.
August 29, 2026 at 10:03 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 2 sources
US Trade Rep Jamieson Greer tied to antisemitic Bible study group
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has connections to a Bible study group with antisemitic teachings, according to reporting by Jonathan Larsen. The investigation details Greer's involvement with the organization and the nature of its religious instruction.
August 26, 2026 at 4:03 PM MT · via Jonathan Larsen’s Substack
Sen. Lee, Rep. Owens criticize WNBA transgender athlete stance
Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Burgess Owens joined criticism of the WNBA's stance on transgender athletes, according to KSL. Both lawmakers are Latter-day Saints representing heavily LDS constituencies.
August 25, 2026 at 10:04 PM MT · via KSL
Sen. John Curtis backs voter ID bill but doubts midterm timing
Utah Senator John Curtis said he supports the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, but told KSL it is likely too late to implement the law before the November midterms if Congress passes it now.
August 25, 2026 at 2:04 AM MT · via KSL
Trump redirects $2B in aid to faith-based groups
President Trump announced a $2 billion shift in U.S. humanitarian aid from traditional NGOs to faith-based organizations, betting that religious groups can deliver relief more efficiently, according to the Deseret News. The policy redirects funding to organizations including Catholic Relief Services, World Vision, and LDS Charities.
August 24, 2026 at 10:04 PM MT · via Deseret News
Gov. Spencer Cox's approval rating drops underwater for first time
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox's approval rating fell below 50% for the first time, with a majority of Utahns now disapproving of his performance, according to an August Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll. The poll found statewide leaders received overall negative approval ratings, continuing a downward trend for Cox.
August 24, 2026 at 4:17 AM MT · via KSL
Cox aide threatens to cut state funding from Wasatch County over development decisions
A senior adviser to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told the Heber City Council this week that the governor is threatening to withhold state funding from Wasatch County over two recent development decisions the county made. Steve Waldrip, Cox's senior adviser for housing strategy, delivered the message following the county's decisions against approving certain housing projects.
August 21, 2026 at 11:05 AM MT · via Park Record
Cox voices privacy concerns over Flock cameras, calls for review
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox expressed deep concern over Flock Safety license plate cameras and called for a review to protect privacy, Utah News Dispatch reports. Cox's comments came during a Thursday news conference after growing national apprehension about the camera network's tracking capabilities and potential for misuse. The governor said he shares concerns about whether the cameras are being deployed appropriately.
August 20, 2026 at 5:06 PM MT · via Utah News Dispatch · 5 sources
Cox calls Box Elder data center process 'not good,' proposes MIDA reforms
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the approval process for the Stratos data center project in Box Elder County "not good" and proposed reforms to the state agency that greenlit it, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Cox's proposed changes include giving the governor's office a larger role in decisions by the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). The comments came during his monthly news conference.
August 20, 2026 at 5:06 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 5 sources
Sen. Curtis warns Iran war mistakes could resemble Vietnam
Utah Sen. John Curtis warned that the unauthorized Iran conflict could repeat Vietnam War mistakes, calling Vietnam "as close to a constitutional crisis as this country has ever had." The Latter-day Saint senator expressed concern about similarities between the two conflicts, particularly regarding congressional war powers and executive overreach. Curtis emphasized the need for proper authorization before military escalation.
August 20, 2026 at 3:06 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 2 sources
Sen. Curtis talks transit expansion ahead of Olympics
Sen. John Curtis discussed public transit expansion plans as Utah prepares to host millions of visitors for the Salt Lake Temple open house in 2027 and the 2034 Winter Olympics. The state's railways are undergoing major changes to accommodate anticipated crowds.
August 20, 2026 at 10:07 AM MT · via KSL · 3 sources