3+ day, 10+ hour ago (269+ words) Following this week's 19-6 vote, Gov. Spencer Cox's nominee thanked state leaders and his family for entrusting him with the role. "We live in a contentious time, but it's my hope to be a voice of reason and respect. I deeply love this state, my lifelong home. I love the law and I love the court, and I will do my utmost to ensure a legacy of trust. I pledge my best efforts and gratefully accept this weighty responsibility," Nielsen said in his brief remarks. Nielsen, who described his judicial philosophy as "textualist" and "originalist" at the news conference announcing his nomination, was well received by Republicans who have been quick to accuse judges of "judicial activism" in rulings they disagree with. Democrats, meanwhile, flagged his role in some of the state's most heated political lawsuits, including over abortion and transgender…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (130+ words) Mallory Bateman from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute discusses Utah's population projections, predicting a rise from 6.36 million in 2025 to 5.6 million by 2065. A breakdown of Utah's population projections Mallory Bateman from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute discusses Utah's population projections, predicting a rise from 6.36 million in 2025 to 5.6 million by 2065. Growth will be driven by migration, with Wasatch County expected to be a fast-growing area. The model considers births, deaths, fertility rates, life expectancy and economic sectors. Historically, births and deaths accounted for two-thirds of growth, but this will reverse to two-thirds from migration. By 2065, 30% of Wasatch County residents will be 65 or older. The study, conducted over 18 months, aims to inform state and local planning....

2+ week, 3+ day ago (139+ words) More Utah ski resorts are pushing back opening days as the forecast shifts. Solitude Mountain Resort will be delayed a few more days, now hoping to open the Link Lift Nov. 19 followed by Moonbeam Express and the annual DJ and Donuts party Nov. 22. Weather permitting, the Big Cottonwood Canyon resort would be the first Utah ski area to open for the 2025-2026 season. Brian Head was aiming for Nov. 7 but warm temperatures pushed back the southwestern Utah resort to Nov. 21 when Alta and Park City Mountain plan to open. Woodward Park City's Hot Laps lift starts spinning Nov. 28 followed by Deer Valley Resort opening to the public Dec. 1. The National Weather Service is tracking storms that could bring snow to parts of Utah Saturday to Monday with another storm possible Tuesday....

3+ week, 2+ day ago (294+ words) After attorneys asked a judge to limit media access in the criminal case against Tyler James Robinson, charged with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, news organizations have banded together to argue to keep the case open. Spearheaded by The Salt Lake Tribune and its reporter Jessica Schreifels, the coalition of 14 news organizations filed a motion Wednesday asking the court to notify them of any future requests to limit access to proceedings. Media attorney Michael Judd further asked 4th District Judge Tony F. Graf Jr. to allow the news organizations to weigh in on any closure requests. Kirk's death and the ensuing criminal proceedings against Robinson have garnered extraordinary media attention and coverage at the Provo courthouse where hearings have taken place. "Unsurprisingly," Judd wrote, "both parties have attempted to chip away at those access rights almost immediately....

3+ week, 5+ day ago (112+ words) A "Lord of the Rings-inspired home outside Provo is listed for $43 million and comes with its own private lake. The 23,000-square-foot residence features cave-shaped entryways, a bridge over a small stream and a view of Mount Timpanogos from one of its many circular windows. The six-bedroom home also features a theater, game room, golf simulator, climbing wall, basketball court and gym. While it isn't Utah's most expensive estate to date, it sold for a record $13.5 million in 2017 as the most expensive home in Utah outside Park City. Luxury real estate outlet Mansion Global reports the seller is DoTerra cofounder Greg Cook....