Sonja Hutson
ReporterSonja Hutson is a politics and government reporter at KUER. She’s been reporting on politics ever since the 10th grade, when she went to so many school board meetings the district set up a press table for her. Before coming to Utah, Sonja spent four years at KQED in San Francisco where she covered everything from wildfires to the tech industry. When she’s not working, you can find her skiing, camping, or deeply invested in a 1000 piece puzzle.
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Early in the pandemic, Republicans pushed for local control of public health restrictions. Since then, the GOP has given themselves more power over those decisions.
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The resolution still needs to be approved by the House.
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Utah lawmakers returned to the Capitol Tuesday to kick off the 2022 legislative session in the midst of the state’s worst COVID-19 surge.
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The health order requires respirators, like KN95 masks, in indoor public spaces, though there are exemptions for children under two and people who are actively eating or drinking. It expires Feb. 7.
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State Rep. Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, is sponsoring a bill that would create a separate offense for engaging in sexual activity with someone without getting affirmative consent.
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Members of Utah’s congressional delegation say the U.S. needs to evaluate rules around presidential elections and tell Americans the truth about what happened in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021.
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Public colleges and universities, assisted living facilities, and child care businesses would still be allowed to require them.
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Politics reporters Emily Means and Sonja Hutson recap the year’s biggest stories, from the pandemic endgame bill to an explosive redistricting process.
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Election officials would have to make rules about how to verify signatures for people who can’t sign their name consistently and provide other accommodations.
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County officials say they’ve been encouraging people to come visit in order to help diversify their economy since coal mining could start decreasing in about 15 years. But that effort has put a strain on their search and rescue and emergency services resources.
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A legislative proposal would require that counties hire a Certified Public Accountant firm to audit their election systems every year, including a review of voter registration rolls and ballots cast.
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Cox’s hands are essentially tied when it comes to issuing new public health restrictions because of new laws the Legislature passed last spring. Cox said new or modified restrictions would be a challenge.