Concerts, holiday parties, Nativities, acts of service, stockings and presents make Christmas time special.

And while certain holiday celebrations seem timeless, professor Richard I. Kimball’s careful examination of newspaper and journal accounts from the pioneer holiday season demonstrate at least five ways where the early Utah settlers enjoyed the more simple pleasures of the Christmas season in ways that may seem lost on some Americans today. 

From dancing and performing to simple treats, the Pioneers knew how to celebrate.

Gov. Spencer Cox says Utah is prepared to defend social media laws amid suit

On Wednesday, Gov. Spencer Cox addressed NetChoice’s lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, challenging the Utah Social Media Regulation Act.

Expected to go into effect on March 1, 2024, the Utah House and Senate passed the Utah Social Media Regulation Act which requires social media companies to verify the age of Utah users who open or maintain accounts and creates a curfew from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

NetChoice’s suit challenges the Utah Social Media Regulation Act on First Amendment grounds and described the act as “an unconstitutional attempt to regulate both minors’ and adults’ access to — and ability to engage in — protected expression.”

Cox explained that since the suit is active, his ability to discuss it is minimal. “All I can say is that this was no surprise,” he said. “... We will vigorously defend these laws, we are prepared for it.”

Read more about what Gov. Cox said.

More in Politics:

• Keep Trump on the ballot, his GOP challengers say (Deseret News)
• Texas governor signs bill allowing state action against illegal border crossings (Deseret News)
• The newest college activists: Retirees (Deseret News)
  

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Carlos Boozer is back!

Join us Jan. 31 for an exciting evening featuring Carlos Boozer. Hear his captivating story and a lively Q&A session, as well as a memorable photo opportunity. Purchase tickets today.

Health

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Faith

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Holidays

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Weber and Salt Lake Counties

• Missing North Park teenager found safe in Oregon, police say (KSL)
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Washington and Beaver Counties

• Utah Tech president Richard ‘Biff’ Williams stepping down to pursue other opportunities (Deseret News)

• Ropes team rescues man from abandoned mine in Beaver County (St. George News)

The West

• California will begin recycling wastewater into drinking water (Deseret News)
• Muslims, Jews in Arizona being forced to cope with increased polarization, tension (Arizona Republic)

The Nation

• Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy in New York (Deseret News)
• Toyota recalls 1 million vehicles for potential air bag problem (Deseret News)

The World

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• Hamas says no more hostage releases until Israel ends war (BBC)

Sports

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• 3 things we learned about Utah basketball during nonconference play (Deseret News)
• How the Jazz played against the Detroit Pistons Thursday night (Deseret News)