Lawmakers will introduce somewhere around 1,000 bills over the next 45 days. Some of the most interesting conversations will focus on energy production, immigration law enforcement and higher education.
Brigham Tomco notes that the new Trump administration will shape many of the debates at the Utah Capitol building in coming months.
Read more about what a Trump White House means for Utah’s legislative session.
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‘Golden age of America begins right now,’ Trump declares in inaugural address
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday.
Following the ceremony, Trump delivered a 30-minute inaugural speech in which he declared that his presidency would mark a new “golden age” for the country.
Here are some key points from his address:
Immigration will be a major focus of the Trump administration, with planned executive actions including declaring a national emergency at the border, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy and invoking the Enemy Aliens Act of 1798.
Trump plans to declare a national emergency to boost domestic drilling and end the “electric vehicle mandate.”
Imported goods will soon become subject to taxes and tariffs, an immediate start to Trump’s impending trade war.
Trump called for pursuing “manifest destiny” in space exploration, with a mission to plant the American flag on Mars.
Trump asserted a government policy of “only two genders” and plans to reinstate members of the military who were dismissed for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read more about what Trump said in his inauguration speech.
More in Politics
Trump’s first day: He pardons around 1,500 who were at Capitol on Jan. 6, signs executive orders (Deseret News)
As presidency expires, Biden pardons 5 family members for 10 years, Fauci, Cheney and others (Deseret News)
Inside Capital One Arena, where Trump supporters waited for hours to hear from the new president (Deseret News)
On the eve of the 2025 Utah legislative session, the state’s higher education leaders are gearing up for fiscal turbulence in the form of budget cuts and reallocation.
On Thursday, University of Utah president Taylor Randall participated in a forum at the school, making the case for the broad value of higher education — even while responding to emerging opportunities and disruptions.
“I think that becoming more efficient in the way we deliver support to both faculty, staff and students is really important,” said Randall. “Those are the other types of things that we’re going to look hard at as we try to make these reinvestments.”
Randall earlier told the Deseret News that the University of Utah and legislative leaders share the same priorities: ensuring that Utah’s institutions of higher education are preparing the greatest number of Utahns for a future of “profound economic upheaval that’s completely unrelenting, accelerating irreversible, driven by technological change.”
Read more about how budget cuts and fund reallocations will prompt higher ed leaders to innovate and grow amid historic disruptions.
FROM OUR SPONSOR BYU 1984 MAGAZINE
Relive the glory: BYU’s championship season
This is more than a look back; it’s a tribute to the spirit and passion of the Cougar community. Step back in time and celebrate the legendary moments of BYU’s epic 1984 National Championship season! Order your copy and relive the championship journey with us. Celebrate the past, inspire the future.
Utah
‘A long way to go’: Utah civil rights advocates rally, march to mark MLK Day (KSL)
Photo gallery: Utah soldiers reunited with families after deployment (Deseret News)
Risk of frostbite to be especially high in Utah during upcoming week, experts say (KSL)
Tooele's Settlement Canyon Reservoir now closed to the public due to safety risks (KUTV)
New company offers free crash footage from Washington County's busiest intersections (St. George News)
The U.S. & World
After 15 months of war, Hamas still rules over what remains of Gaza (The Associated Press)
TikTok ban timeline: Here's where things stand (Axios)
Migrants left in despair at the border as asylum system shuts down (NPR)
Sports
After a 5-year break, a former BYU Cougar has returned to volleyball — but this time, professionally (Deseret News)
Is the Utah Hockey Club living up to its own expectations? (Deseret News)
‘We are right there’: Kevin Young doubles down on his confidence in struggling Cougars (Deseret News)
Utah’s game at No. 7 Houston moved back a day due to severe weather forecast (Deseret News)
Faith
A Book of Mormon musical worthy of the text: This man dreams of seeing that happen (Deseret News)
Trump plan to deport migrants a ‘disgrace,’ says Pope (BBC)
Entertainment
Carrie Underwood rises above technical glitch to perform powerful rendition of ‘America the Beautiful’ at Trump’s inauguration (Deseret News)
What to expect from ‘Star Wars’ in 2025 (Deseret News)
🗓️ Events Calendar
We put together a calendar list of events and activities going on around the state of Utah the next month. Check it out and let us know if we are missing anything!
Here are some highlights for events in Utah today:
Jan. 18-26 — Utah Opera - Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” | Capitol Theatre
Jan. 16-Feb. 22 — “Anything Goes” | St. George Musical Theater, St. George
Check your inbox tomorrow morning for more news from the Beehive State and beyond!
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