Carlene Coombs

The Utah Republican Party asked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to headline its 2023 organizing convention. And based on the results of a straw poll, standing ovations from delegates and a hug from Sen. Mike Lee, it appears the Utah GOP is ready to embrace DeSantis.

Lehi will be the home of an $11 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing after Texas Instruments announced plans to expand their current facilities, making it, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says, the largest private economic investment in the state.

San Juan County voters saw ballot drop boxes removed early without notification during the 2022 midterm election.

Utah’s top state lawmakers said it’s “Water Week” of the 2023 general legislative session. Politicians said they’ll focus on legislation that incentives address the state’s ongoing water troubles, and that law won’t be used a “stick” to address the drought.

The Utah Senate passed a bill that would replace Utah’s state flag. State Sen. Dan McCay said his substitute legislation would change the 8-point star to a 5-point start, which, he says, will better represent the state’s historic tribal nations. The House will need to vote on the bill.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, alongside Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, announced that the state would take legal actions against social media companies to address, they say, the harm that digital platforms are doing to the mental health of Utah’s youth.

State Sen. Mike McKell has introduced legislation to end gas chamber euthanasia in Utah’s animal shelters during a news conference at Utah’s Capitol on Wednesday. To bring more attention to the issue, McKell was joined by Utah actor and animal rights advocate Katherine Heigl — of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Ugly Truth” fame.