Stuart Adams

It was a tense session between Utah’s legislative and judicial branches, even so, Gov. Spencer Cox says he does not want more power over who leads the highest court in the state.

The agreement comes after a tense standoff between GOP lawmakers and leaders in the judicial branch over efforts to reform parts of Utah’s court system.

As the end of the session draws near, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, House Speaker Mike Schultz and Senate President Stuart Adams announced a wage increase of $278 million for teachers, support staff and district staff.

Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant’s letter is part of a larger movement opposing legislative bills that would change Utah’s courts. A letter was also sent by 900 lawyers, and the Utah State Bar Association stands in formal opposition, as well.

More than 900 lawyers from across Utah signed a letter of opposition to nine bills aimed at reforming key elements of the state’s judicial branch — everything from judicial retention to who gets to choose the Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court.

Businesses across the nation closed their doors Feb. 3 to highlight the role migrants play in the U.S. workforce and economy. Rancho Markets, Prime Auto, La Casa de Tamal and Señor Pollo Mexican Grill were among the Utah businesses who joined the movement.

If Utah is going to reach the idyllic future the leaders of today are promising it'll take bee work to make the dream work.

Unlike previous years, lawmakers seem to be steering clear of pushing through some of the most controversial bills within the first two weeks.

The mayor’s new 50-page public safety plan for Salt Lake City details 27 city actions and 23 recommendations that will need city, state and county collaboration.

“Utah remains able and willing to challenge any BLM land management decisions that harm Utah,” state leadership said in a statement.

Utah, and other Republican-led states, have fought the administration's regulations. Utah both sued over the expanded transgender protections and used a new law to invoke state sovereignty in order to disregard them.

While Utah House Republican leadership remains unchanged, GOP lawmakers opted to shuffle the deck in the Senate.