Politics

Opinion: Religion belongs in education

In a climate of book bans, restricted voices and active oppression, the protection of religion in education is imperative to the success of Utahn students.

By Evan Van Leuven, Opinion Writer | March 7, 2026

SB 268 is a new bill that allows Utah teachers to discuss religion in the Utah school curriculum. This bill, also known as the “Religious Curriculum in School” bill, protects educators’...

Opinion: The legislature made a mistake rejecting safe firearm storage

Safe storage laws like this are common sense rules to keep Utahns safe.

By James VanLooy, Opinion Writer | February 25, 2026

Across the United States, 43% of households do not secure their firearms properly. At around 2.97 people per household, that would mean around 1.4 million Utahns, many of whom are children, live...

Opinion: HB 302 combats false flags

With the 2034 Winter Olympics on the horizon, it is imperative that Utah rein in its flag controversy by passing HB 302.

By Noah Wright, Opinion Writer | February 25, 2026

The 2034 Winter Olympics are a time for countries to wave their flags loudly and proudly. However, Salt Lake City has been dodging state flag law since last May, when the legislature passed restrictions...

Opinion: Keep schools non-partisan

Educational and school district matters do not fall along party lines.

By Emma Thompson, Opinion Writer | February 21, 2026

Local school boards play one of the most important roles in our communities. HB 256 would fundamentally change how these boards function by converting school board elections from nonpartisan...

Opinion: An anti-ICE bill dies in committee — here’s why that’s a good thing

Utah Sen. Nate Blouin’s bill forgets that the state of being in this country illegally is the ultimate exigency of federal immigration enforcement.

By Noah Wright, Opinion Writer | February 6, 2026

SB 136, a bill proposed by Democrat state senator Nate Blouin, would have put restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using face coverings or entering certain "sensitive...

Opinion: Utahns must end animal abuse

Utah has consistently ranked as one of the worst states for animal safety. Utahns need to follow recent Utah legislation and fight to improve animal safety in Utah.

By Evan Van Leuven, Opinion Writer | February 4, 2026

HB 341 and HB 23 are bills introduced to redefine animal fighting penalties, making consequences worse for animal abusers. These bills change animal injuries and animal fighting charges to be...

Opinion: Stay informed during the 2026 Utah legislative session

Staying informed in this political climate is crucial.

By Emma Thompson, Opinion Writer | January 30, 2026

As Utah enters the 2026 legislative session, knowing the process and following bills that could be imperative or problematic is essential. The general session of the Utah Legislature is 45 days...

Opinion: Say no to Charlie Kirk Boulevard

HB 196 calls for Harvey Milk Boulevard to be renamed Charlie Kirk Boulevard. Utah legislators need to say no to HB 196 and fight against conservative propaganda.

By Evan Van Leuven, Opinion Writer | January 25, 2026

Utah Representative Trevor Lee is trying to change Harvey Milk Boulevard to Charlie Kirk Boulevard. HB 196 is an unnecessary piece of propaganda that isolates LGBTQ+ Utahns. This bill seeks...

Opinion: ICE are the real domestic terrorists

The actions of ICE throughout 2025 and early 2026 are closely aligned with the FBI definition of domestic terrorism.

By Morgan Champine, Opinion Editor | January 11, 2026

On Wednesday, Jan. 7, an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem...

SNAP delays hit SLC food banks in shutdown

As the longest U.S. government shutdown meets its end, food organizations across Salt Lake City continue to feel the effects.

By Anjali Iyer, News Writer | November 14, 2025

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a U.S. federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance to low- and no-income individuals to help them maintain...