Politics
In a year of election surprises, are there any more left?

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Utah Senate delegation playing outsized role in battle over GOP leadership

Utah Senate delegation playing outsized role in battle over GOP leadership

Brigham Tomco, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 6 - 11:27 a.m.  |  Save Story

Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. John Curtis, who has yet to win general election in his bid to replace Sen. Mitt Romney, are at the center of the Republican debate about who will lead their expected Senate majority in 2025.
Housing crisis, shift to the right define San Francisco mayoral race

Housing crisis, shift to the right define San Francisco mayoral race

Judith Langowski, Reuters  |  Updated Oct. 6 - 8:27 a.m.  |  Save Story

Concerns about housing and crime are dominating San Francisco's mayoral race, an election that gives voters a chance to choose which path they trust to pull their city out of a slump.
$80M bond offering, 100 acres under contract: Tooele County's Inland Port project underway

$80M bond offering, 100 acres under contract: Tooele County's Inland Port project underway

Collin Leonard, KSL.com  |  Posted Oct. 5 - 7:01 p.m.  |  Save Story

Developers and county officials see a proposed industrial park north of Grantsville as an opportunity to bring jobs, but Inland Port critics worry about a site so close to the Great Salt Lake.
Trump appears before large crowd at site of assassination attempt in Pennsylvania

Trump appears before large crowd at site of assassination attempt in Pennsylvania

Steve Holland, Reuters  |  Posted Oct. 5 - 5:51 p.m.  |  Save Story

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday returned to the rural Pennsylvania site where he was nearly assassinated, rallying a large crowd in the critical battleground state one month before the Nov. 5 election.
A guide to voting in Utah for the general election

A guide to voting in Utah for the general election

Hanna Seariac, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 5 - 11:26 a.m.  |  Save Story

Most active registered voters will start receiving their ballots by mid-October. There are deadlines to know and additional information to keep in mind to ensure your ballot is counted.
As Trump returns to Butler, locals gather to pray for his safety

As Trump returns to Butler, locals gather to pray for his safety

Samuel Benson, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 5 - 10:42 a.m.  |  Save Story

Everyone in this town remembers where they were, and what they were doing, the moment Trump was shot. Liza Cannon was bartending at the American Legion when it came up on the TVs, where "shock" and "silence" filled the room.
Supreme Court will hear an Ohio woman's claim she lost out on jobs because she is straight

Supreme Court will hear an Ohio woman's claim she lost out on jobs because she is straight

Associated Press  |  Updated Oct. 5 - 7:59 a.m.  |  Save Story

The Supreme Court is taking up the case of an Ohio woman who claims she suffered sex discrimination in her employment because she is straight. The justices on Friday agreed to review an appellate ruling.
Supreme Court leaves in place 2 Biden environmental regulations

Supreme Court leaves in place 2 Biden environmental regulations

Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press  |  Posted Oct. 4 - 6:56 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Supreme Court has left in place two Biden administration environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions of planet-warming methane and toxic mercury.
Rocky Anderson, other residents back down from referendum on Salt Lake-Smith agreement

Rocky Anderson, other residents back down from referendum on Salt Lake-Smith agreement

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Oct. 4 - 6:45 p.m.  |  Save Story

Former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and other residents are backing down from their efforts to create a referendum on the city's recent partnership agreement with Smith Entertainment Group.
The future of Utah's age verification law could hinge on Supreme Court decision on Texas law

The future of Utah's age verification law could hinge on Supreme Court decision on Texas law

Hanna Seariac, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 4 - 6:31 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Supreme Court will hear a case on a Texas law requiring pornographic websites to verify the ages of their users that may have implications for Utah.
Biden student debt relief plan blocked again by different judge

Biden student debt relief plan blocked again by different judge

Nate Raymond and Daniel Wiessner, Reuters  |  Posted Oct. 4 - 5:30 p.m.  |  Save Story

A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Joe Biden's administration from implementing a plan to forgive student loan debt held by millions of Americans.
Utah's delegation wants to change assumptions about Republicans and conservation

Utah's delegation wants to change assumptions about Republicans and conservation

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Posted Oct. 4 - 3:05 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah Reps. John Curtis and Celeste Maloy spoke Friday about bringing conservatives to the table when it comes to issues of climate change and natural resources.
Biden's student loan cancellation is free to move forward — for now — as a court order expires

Biden's student loan cancellation is free to move forward — for now — as a court order expires

Collin Binkley, Associated Press  |  Updated Oct. 4 - 7:47 a.m.  |  Save Story

President Joe Biden's latest attempt at student loan cancellation is free to move ahead, at least temporarily, after a judge in Georgia sent a legal challenge to Missouri.
Taxes, bond proposal separate S.L. County mayoral candidates Jenny Wilson, Erin Rider

Taxes, bond proposal separate S.L. County mayoral candidates Jenny Wilson, Erin Rider

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Updated Oct. 3 - 9:09 p.m.  |  Save Story

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and challenger Erin Rider offered opposing views on taxes and a proposed public safety bond during a televised debate Thursday.
Feds release final plan for Bears Ears National Monument

Feds release final plan for Bears Ears National Monument

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com  |  Posted Oct. 3 - 9:01 p.m.  |  Save Story

Federal agencies on Thursday released a final environmental impact statement and proposed plan outlining the management and protection of the 1.36-million-acre Bears Ears National Monument.
'Priced out and fed up': Project seeks to learn Utahns' top concerns statewide

'Priced out and fed up': Project seeks to learn Utahns' top concerns statewide

Deanie Wimmer, KSL-TV  |  Updated Oct. 3 - 4:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

The majority of Utahns believe Utah is on the "wrong track." A report identifies residents' priorities ahead of the election.
Henderson warns of threats, urges Utahns to question 'doubters' of election results

Henderson warns of threats, urges Utahns to question 'doubters' of election results

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Updated Oct. 3 - 1:21 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson warned of threats against election systems in Utah and urged voters to "doubt the doubters before you doubt the entire election system."
The nation's largest teachers union just contributed nearly $400K to help fight Amendment A

The nation's largest teachers union just contributed nearly $400K to help fight Amendment A

Lisa Riley Roche, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 3 - 8:20 a.m.  |  Save Story

The country's largest teachers union is coming after Amendment A in a big way.
US prosecutors detail evidence in Trump election subversion case

US prosecutors detail evidence in Trump election subversion case

Andrew Goudsward, Reuters  |  Updated Oct. 3 - 7:28 a.m.  |  Save Story

A U.S. judge on Wednesday made public a court filing in which federal prosecutors laid out their evidence accusing former President Donald Trump of illegally trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat.
'Their voice counts': League of Women Voters registers homeless people at Ogden shelter

'Their voice counts': League of Women Voters registers homeless people at Ogden shelter

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com  |  Posted Oct. 2 - 9:01 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Weber County League of Women Voters registered homeless people at Ogden's Lantern House shelter on Wednesday, with more outreach planned.
Court says betting on US congressional elections can resume, for now

Court says betting on US congressional elections can resume, for now

Wayne Parry, Associated Press  |  Posted Oct. 2 - 6:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

Americans are once again free to bet on the outcome of U.S. congressional elections, at least temporarily. A federal appeals court on Wednesday dissolved an order it had previously issued.
Gun, transgender rights, porn cases loom as US Supreme Court returns

Gun, transgender rights, porn cases loom as US Supreme Court returns

Andrew Chung, Reuters  |  Updated Oct. 2 - 1:48 p.m.  |  Save Story

The U.S. Supreme Court launches its new nine-month term on Monday with several major cases already on its schedule.
Utah politicians mourn longtime state lawmaker Mike Dmitrich

Utah politicians mourn longtime state lawmaker Mike Dmitrich

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Posted Oct. 2 - 12:41 p.m.  |  Save Story

Longtime Utah lawmaker and Democratic caucus leader Mike Dmitrich has died at age 87, according to an online obituary published Tuesday.
Here's how the House majority could be decided in the West

Here's how the House majority could be decided in the West

Brigham Tomco, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 2 - 11:06 a.m.  |  Save Story

The "People's House" is searching for its majority out West.
Helene storm survivors piece lives back together as Biden due to visit

Helene storm survivors piece lives back together as Biden due to visit

Bernie Woodall, Reuters  |  Posted Oct. 2 - 9:52 a.m.  |  Save Story

Survivors of tropical storm Helene struggled to piece their lives back together as President Joe Biden on Wednesday planned to survey damage from the storm that killed at least 162 people following its rampage through the Southeast.
A debate watch party that ends in hugs

A debate watch party that ends in hugs

Samuel Benson, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 2 - 8:32 a.m.  |  Save Story

In front of another crowd — one of the hundreds of Democrat-hosted watch parties across the country, perhaps, or the College Republicans gathering down the street, or in the debate studio itself — the suggestion would have received jeers. But to this crowd, no.
Sen. Lee doesn't want the government to access personal financial info

Sen. Lee doesn't want the government to access personal financial info

Hanna Seariac, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 2 - 7:23 a.m.  |  Save Story

Sen. Mike Lee wants to keep government agencies from looking at people's private financial information.
Utah pharmacists speak with political leaders about high prescription drug prices

Utah pharmacists speak with political leaders about high prescription drug prices

Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com  |  Posted Oct. 2 - 6:18 a.m.  |  Save Story

A group of Utah pharmacists met with local and federal political leaders to address the need to fix the medication pricing system.
Transparency, trust issues dominate Utah attorney general debate

Transparency, trust issues dominate Utah attorney general debate

Collin Leonard, KSL.com  |  Updated Oct. 1 - 9:29 p.m.  |  Save Story

Four candidates for Utah attorney general faced off in a debate at Southern Utah University, addressing topics of public safety, transparency, and the perceived politicization of the office.
Walz, Vance clash at policy-heavy vice presidential debate

Walz, Vance clash at policy-heavy vice presidential debate

Steve Holland and Stephanie Kelly, Reuters  |  Updated Oct. 1 - 9:14 p.m.  |  Save Story

Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance clashed over the Middle East crisis, immigration, taxes, abortion, climate change and the economy on Tuesday at a vice presidential debate that was heavy on policy disagreements but light on personal attacks.
Walz was in US, not Asia, during Tiananmen protests, Minnesota radio reports

Walz was in US, not Asia, during Tiananmen protests, Minnesota radio reports

Heather Timmons, Reuters  |  Posted Oct. 1 - 8:29 p.m.  |  Save Story

Tim Walz, the Democrats' vice presidential candidate, was not in Hong Kong or Asia during the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown as he has said, Minnesota public radio reported this week, citing a photograph and a newspaper report from that time.
How the VP debate between Vance, Walz could impact the 2024 election

How the VP debate between Vance, Walz could impact the 2024 election

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Posted Oct. 1 - 3:10 p.m.  |  Save Story

Republican Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota's Democratic Gov. Tim Walz will meet in person for the first time Tuesday night on the vice presidential debate stage in New York with just over a month to go before the Nov. 5 election.
Here's what the world's Olympic leader said about Romney

Here's what the world's Olympic leader said about Romney

Lisa Riley Roche, Deseret News  |  Posted Oct. 1 - 9:06 a.m.  |  Save Story

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney wasn't at a celebration of the 2034 return of the Winter Games held during International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach's visit last week, but he still received "very special thanks" for leading the state's last Games more than two decades ago.
'An indispensable role in our communities': Rep. Owens lauds contributions of Latinos

'An indispensable role in our communities': Rep. Owens lauds contributions of Latinos

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 30 - 10:31 p.m.  |  Save Story

To mark Hispanic Heritage Month, Rep. Burgess Owens lauded the contributions of Latinos, singling out 41 in particular for their service in Utah.
Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday marked by a concert and 30 new homes

Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday marked by a concert and 30 new homes

Thalia Beaty and Glenn Gamboa, Associated Press  |  Posted Sept. 30 - 10:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

A benefit concert and the construction of 30 new homes are among the many celebrations marking President Jimmy Carter's unprecedented 100th birthday on Tuesday.
Ogden citizenship program yielding results — 12 newly naturalized citizens so far

Ogden citizenship program yielding results — 12 newly naturalized citizens so far

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 30 - 9:22 p.m.  |  Save Story

A new Ogden citizenship program is yielding results — 12 new U.S. citizens so far, including nine who took the naturalization oath on Monday.
Biden acts to keep asylum ban at US-Mexico border in place longer

Biden acts to keep asylum ban at US-Mexico border in place longer

Ted Hesson, Reuters  |  Posted Sept. 30 - 8:34 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Biden administration will toughen an asylum ban at the U.S.-Mexico border to keep it in place for longer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials said on Monday, signaling a desire to further curb illegal crossings.
Wisconsin city replaces ballot drop box after mayor carted it away

Wisconsin city replaces ballot drop box after mayor carted it away

Scott Bauer, Associated Press  |  Posted Sept. 30 - 7:35 p.m.  |  Save Story

An absentee ballot drop box that the mayor of a central Wisconsin city removed a week ago is back in place.
Trump suspect pleads not guilty to attempted assassination charge

Trump suspect pleads not guilty to attempted assassination charge

Andrew Goudsward, Reuters  |  Posted Sept. 30 - 5:22 p.m.  |  Save Story

The man charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump after allegedly positioning himself with a rifle outside one of the former president's Florida golf courses on Sept. 15 pleaded not guilty on Monday to five federal charges.
Former Sen. Jeff Flake latest Republican to back Harris for president

Former Sen. Jeff Flake latest Republican to back Harris for president

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 30 - 12:40 p.m.  |  Save Story

Former U.S. ambassador and Sen. Jeff Flake, a Republican, endorsed Kamala Harris' presidential bid on Sunday, citing what he described as the "fine character" of both Harris and her running mate.
How Salt Lake leaders used the topic of immigration to bridge the political gap

How Salt Lake leaders used the topic of immigration to bridge the political gap

Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 30 - 12:05 p.m.  |  Save Story

A group of Utahs came together over the weekend for an experiment in getting along — opting to discuss one of the most politically divisive topics in the country: immigration.
As Romney leaves the Senate, he hopes to influence future family policy

As Romney leaves the Senate, he hopes to influence future family policy

Suzanne Bates, Deseret News  |  Posted Sept. 29 - 9:06 p.m.  |  Save Story

Sen. Mitt Romney is introducing legislation with the hope it will influence the debate on the child tax credit after he leaves office.
Trump escalates harsh rhetoric against immigrants, Harris

Trump escalates harsh rhetoric against immigrants, Harris

Tim Reid, Reuters  |  Posted Sept. 29 - 7:40 p.m.  |  Save Story

Donald Trump on Saturday deployed some of his harshest rhetoric against immigrants crossing the border illegally and escalated his personal insults against Kamala Harris.
Utah representative proposes bill to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to openly carry firearms

Utah representative proposes bill to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to openly carry firearms

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 29 - 4:49 p.m.  |  Save Story

A proposed bill would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to openly carry firearms in most Utah public spaces and prevent landlords from enforcing lease agreements that bar firearms.
Harris is set to rally again in Las Vegas as both campaigns emphasize swing-state Nevada

Harris is set to rally again in Las Vegas as both campaigns emphasize swing-state Nevada

Will Weissert, Associated Press  |  Updated Sept. 29 - 2:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to rally in Las Vegas as both she and Donald Trump continue to make frequent trips to Nevada, looking to push the swing state in their direction as Election Day nears.
As Eurasian watermilfoil invades Bear Lake, states and activists fight back

As Eurasian watermilfoil invades Bear Lake, states and activists fight back

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted Sept. 28 - 6:15 p.m.  |  Save Story

Eurasian watermilfoil is growing under the crystal blue water of Bear Lake, and Utah and Idaho are trying to stop it.
Child care providers, advocates call for public investment after funding dries up

Child care providers, advocates call for public investment after funding dries up

Ashley Fredde, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 28 - 5:04 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah parents and child care providers are calling on Utah lawmakers for public investment into the sector as the last of the federal money dries up.
Harris promises tougher immigration, fentanyl controls at border

Harris promises tougher immigration, fentanyl controls at border

Trevor Hunnicutt, Reuters  |  Posted Sept. 28 - 1:27 p.m.  |  Save Story

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris visited the U.S.-Mexico border, calling for tighter asylum restrictions and vowing to make stopping fentanyl from entering the U.S. a "top priority."
11-year-old complains to city hall, designs a better playground

11-year-old complains to city hall, designs a better playground

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted Sept. 28 - 12:45 p.m.  |  Save Story

Some people say you can't fight city hall, but an 11-year-old in Clearfield did, and won.
Utah's Venezuelans to gather as part of global demonstrations for González, against Maduro

Utah's Venezuelans to gather as part of global demonstrations for González, against Maduro

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 28 - 8:47 a.m.  |  Save Story

Utah's Venezuelans will gather Saturday as part of demonstrations to be held globally for Edmundo González and against President Nicolás Maduro.
Harris has narrow lead over Trump in swing states, Bloomberg poll says

Harris has narrow lead over Trump in swing states, Bloomberg poll says

David Ljunggren, Reuters  |  Posted Sept. 27 - 9:09 p.m.  |  Save Story

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris holds a narrow lead over Republican rival Donald Trump in six U.S. swing states and is tied in a seventh, according to a Bloomberg poll of likely voters released on Friday.
How state, national politics are impacting candidates in Utah downballot races

How state, national politics are impacting candidates in Utah downballot races

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 27 - 9:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah Republican candidates in some downballot races for swing districts are trying to set the chaos of state and national politics aside to win over independent or undecided voters.
Trump quietly prepares pitch to Latter-day Saint voters

Trump quietly prepares pitch to Latter-day Saint voters

Samuel Benson, Deseret News  |  Posted Sept. 27 - 2:59 p.m.  |  Save Story

A week after the Harris campaign launched an advisory committee to target Latter-day Saint voters in Arizona, the Trump campaign is quietly prepping a pitch of its own.
Wrapping up mission, US troops will leave some longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal

Wrapping up mission, US troops will leave some longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal

Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Tara Copp, Associated Press  |  Updated Sept. 27 - 2:40 p.m.  |  Save Story

The U.S. has announced an agreement with the Iraqi government to wrap up the military mission in Iraq of an American-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group by next year.
Latinos favor Harris over Trump and economic issues top list of concerns, polling shows

Latinos favor Harris over Trump and economic issues top list of concerns, polling shows

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 27 - 1:46 p.m.  |  Save Story

Latinos favor Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential race and economic issues top their list of concerns, polling shows.
Reps. Curtis and Ocasio-Cortez offer support on geothermal energy

Reps. Curtis and Ocasio-Cortez offer support on geothermal energy

Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News  |  Posted Sept. 27 - 8:24 a.m.  |  Save Story

There are occasions when two Capitol Hill lawmakers from opposite sides of the aisle come together for the common good. Although this can be rare, it happened this week when Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Republican Utah Rep. John Curtis offered each other support on their bills.
'A legacy of trauma': U. museum hosting event to honor victims of Native boarding school system

'A legacy of trauma': U. museum hosting event to honor victims of Native boarding school system

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 26 - 10:21 p.m.  |  Save Story

The U. Natural History Museum is hosting an event to commemorate and honor the victims of the now-disbanded Native American boarding school system.
New poll for US House and Senate finalizes Utah Debate Commission lineup

New poll for US House and Senate finalizes Utah Debate Commission lineup

Brigham Tomco, Deseret News  |  Posted Sept. 26 - 9:11 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Utah Debate Commission has determined the finalized debate lineups for races of statewide offices based on new polling.
Biden order hopes to curb 3D-printed guns, improve active shooter drills in schools

Biden order hopes to curb 3D-printed guns, improve active shooter drills in schools

Andrea Shalal and Trevor Hunnicutt, Reuters  |  Posted Sept. 26 - 8:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

President Joe Biden unveiled an executive order Thursday to combat the threat posed by machine gun conversion devices, which he said could be 3D-printed.