Porter Huntsman

(Salt Lake City, UT) — The Utah Department of Corrections is introducing a new mail system aimed at preventing contraband from being smuggled into state prisons. All non-privileged mail will be sent to a processing center operated by Pigeonly Corrections, where it will open the mail, scan it into a digital copy, then print and deliver it. All mail sent through this center will be required to have return address labels. There are also new rules on what dimensions the mail can be and what can be enclosed in envelopes sent to the processing center. The changes were effective January 6th.

(Salt Lake City, UT) — Utah State University researchers are collaborating with ranchers in six Northern California counties to protect livestock from mountain lion attacks using non-lethal methods. The study will test techniques such as colorful flags to deter predators, opaque fencing to conceal livestock, motion-activated lights and sounds, and trained hounds to scare off cougars. The initiative aims to safeguard both livestock and mountain lion populations.

(Washington, D.C.) — President Donald Trump's Inauguration Day pardons have directly affected 18 Utahns convicted or charged in connection to the Capitol riot. One of them, activist John Sullivan, has been released from prison after being convicted of having a weapon at the Capitol. Brad Bokoski, also from Utah, and his son, who were convicted of nonviolent misdemeanors and serving probation, have been exonerated.

(Washington, DC) — Utah's elected leaders are celebrating the return of President Donald Trump. The Republican was sworn-in for his second term in the White House yesterday, with Beehive State politicians in attendance for the Inauguration. Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, who represents the 2nd District, showed off pictures of her attending the ceremony in the U.S. Capitol. Governor Spencer Cox was also there, and smiled for selfies with other Republican governors.

(Salt Lake City, UT) — Utah's 45-day legislative session kicks off with over 500 bills on the table, focusing on election reforms, the housing crisis, and judicial changes. Judicial reforms, including potential term limits for judges, are also under discussion. To tackle the housing crisis, bills aim to ease construction of affordable housing, including accessory dwelling units and modular homes. Additionally, proposals for better data collection and homelessness management are being considered, alongside requests for funding to address shelter needs and improve public safety.

(St. George, UT) — Utah is among the best states to start a business this year. A recent study by finance website WalletHub ranked all 50 states based on more than two dozen key indicators. Those include startups per capita, job growth, and office space-affordability. Utah came in at third on the list, receiving high marks in the Access to Resources category. Only Florida and Georgia were ranked higher than the Beehive State.

(Salt Lake City, UT) — Utah House Republican leaders have proposed a bill to address concerns over the state's vote-by-mail system. The bill, labeled HB300, would require voters to return ballots in person with voter ID, rather than by mail, after receiving a mailed ballot. Exceptions are outlined, and municipalities would be required to have a set number of drop boxes based on voter population. Rep. Jefferson Burton, the bill's sponsor, emphasized that the goal is to improve election security and convenience while maintaining accessibility.

(Salt Lake County, UT) — Utah will receive 57-million-dollars from a 7-point-4 billion dollar settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family over the opioid crisis. The funds will reportedly be used for addiction treatment, prevention, and education. Governor Spencer Cox called the settlement a step toward recovery, addressing the state's ongoing opioid epidemic.

(St. George, UT) — A majority of Utahns hope the new presidential administration will honor current protections for the state's national monuments. That's according to a recent poll by New Bridge Strategy, which asked voters about the importance of public lands. Three-quarters are in favor of the president's ability to protect those lands, including designating national monuments. This includes Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, which were downsized during President Trump's first term in office. The original monuments were restored thanks to President Biden in 2021.

More Wasatch County property owners will now be eligible for property tax relief. The Wasatch County Council voted earlier this week to raise the Low-income Abatement and Homeowner's Tax Credit income limits by 50% from the State of Utah's current limit. Council member Luke Searle shared, “the council recognizes that the challenges of raising housing costs are statewide, not just here in Wasatch County. We are committed to taking steps here within the county to offer property tax relief, and also encouraging the Utah Legislature to invest in and expand tax relief programs.” To qualify, seniors and residents in need must fill out an application beginning May 1, 2025, and applications are due Sept. 1, 2025. Residents must reapply each year they are eligible.