WASHINGTON UTAH

Mar 12 2026POLITICS

High‑Earners Pay More: Washington’s New Income Tax

Washington state has approved a new tax that will target people who make more than one million dollars each year. The bill was passed by the Senate with a 27‑to‑21 vote and will now go to Governor Bob Ferguson for his signature. The measure is not as controversial in the Senate as it was earlier in

reading time less than a minute
Mar 12 2026POLITICS

Budget Cuts Hit Early Learning and Schools in Washington

Washington lawmakers agreed on a new budget that will raise overall spending but slash money for early childhood programs and public schools. The plan pulls almost a billion dollars from the state’s rainy‑day reserve and adds a modest tax hike to cover the gaps. Even with these cuts, total state spe

reading time less than a minute
Feb 28 2026POLITICS

Utah’s Water and Land Laws Shake Up in 2026

Utah lawmakers are busy reshaping how the state handles water, land and mining. While the Great Salt Lake gets most headlines, several new bills aim to protect farmers, miners and public lands. One proposal lets the state’s natural resources department pay for legal fights over Colorado River water

reading time less than a minute
Feb 23 2026OPINION

Rural Utah’s Green Money Boom

Utah’s western plains are turning sunshine, wind and heat into a real cash flow. A recent study shows that from 2007 to 2028, forty‑one large renewable projects—solar farms, wind turbines and geothermal plants—brought about $8. 4 billion into the state’s economy. The money didn’t just sit in a bank;

reading time less than a minute
Feb 16 2026OPINION

Utah's Energy Crossroads: Why Nuclear Power Deserves a Closer Look

Utah stands at a pivotal moment in its energy future. The state's leaders are weighing the pros and cons of nuclear power, a technology that has been powering societies for decades. Critics often dismiss nuclear energy as too costly, too dangerous, or too complex. However, these objections often ste

reading time less than a minute
Feb 15 2026SPORTS

College Sports in a New Money Game

Washington State University is now part of a fast‑moving world where athletes can earn money and transfer schools at will. The old rules that kept players in one place for years have been replaced by a free‑market system. Players can now enter the transfer portal and move whenever they want, as long

reading time less than a minute
Feb 14 2026EDUCATION

Utah's SB268: Why Learning About Religion in U. S. History Matters

Utah has a new law, SB268. It lets teachers talk about religion in U. S. history. This is a big deal. For years, schools have been scared to teach this stuff. They thought they might get sued. But now, they can explain how religion shaped America. Think about the Pledge of Allegiance. Utah kids say

reading time less than a minute
Feb 10 2026SPORTS

Utah’s 2034 Olympic Plan: Lessons From Milan

Utah recently sent a team of observers to the Winter Games in Milan, Italy, where they got a firsthand look at how the Olympics run. They came from Utah, Los Angeles, the French Alps and Brisbane to learn from the International Olympic Committee. The trip gave them a chance to see how big events are

reading time less than a minute
Jan 28 2026POLITICS

Utah's Judges: Why Politics Should Stay Out of the Courts

Utah's lawmakers are cooking up some controversial ideas that could shake up the state's courts. They're thinking about letting the governor pick judges without going through the usual process. Right now, a panel of experts suggests names, and the governor picks from that list. But this new plan cou

reading time less than a minute
Jan 27 2026EDUCATION

Utah's Schools Face Another Budget Hit

Utah's higher education system is bracing for another round of budget cuts, following two tough years of reductions. This time, the state is looking at a 5% cut, which could mean $94 million less for public colleges and universities. School leaders are not happy about it, especially since they've al

reading time less than a minute