Utah State Legislature

In other news, a permit lottery for Zion's Angels Landing hike opens on Friday. And, a lawsuit that aims to block Utah's new congressional map now has legislative support.

Organized by Save Our Great Salt Lake, the annual rally at the Utah Capitol saw a massive turnout this year while the lake reaches near-record lows.

Salt Lake Tribune reporters Courtney Tanner, Brooke Larsen, and Emily Anderson Stern talk about the week’s top stories, including longtime UVU President Astrid Tuminez stepping down.

Amidst concerns regarding the Great Salt Lake, Legislative Auditor General Kade Minchey lists what he believes are the top 10 biggest that Utah is currently facing.

Judge Dianna Gibson rejected the proposed map drawn by lawmakers for partisan favoritism, instead choosing one drawn by plaintiffs in a redistricting lawsuit.

UPR broadcast live from the Utah State Capitol complex on this opening day of the session. Host Tom Williams spoke with legislative leaders on top priorities for this year.

In other news, ski season is approaching with the first resort opening on Friday. And, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson says changes are needed after polling issues on Election Day in Utah County.

Several Utah groups sued the Utah State Legislature in 2022 for replacing a ballot initiative that would've had an independent redistricting commission choose voter district lines in 2021. Now, a lower court will decide whether Utah has to redraw the districts.

In other news, Mitt Romney and a bipartisan group of U.S. senators have introduced a bill to extend a federally-funded water conservation program. And, campfire restrictions are now in place in the Provo foothills.

Our hosts discuss hunger strikes, when to call your representatives, and how much time Utah legislators spend on the job.