Spencer Cox

The race for Utah’s open gubernatorial seat is getting crowded. Six candidates have already declared their intent to gather signatures with other high profile individuals expected to announce their decisions by the end of the month.

On Tuesday, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. resigned from his post as United States Ambassador to Russia and is predicted to run for governor again in 2020.  Recent polling for the gubernatorial election provides early insight on the preferences of Utah voters, specifically for candidates Huntsman and Spencer Cox.

Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox was at Utah State University Wednesday to speak at a trauma and resiliency conference. While he did not bring the big green “Vote Cox” campaign bus, the frontrunner candidate answered questions for the reasons why he wants to be the next governor of Utah.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comes out against an LGBTQ rights bill in Congress. In a separate move, the faith announces a plan to increase political participation on the part of its members. And Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox launches his gubernatorial campaign.  At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune government and politics editor Dan Harrie, reporter Courtney Tanner, and columnist George Pyle join KCPW's Roger McDonough to talk about the week's top stories. Every Friday at 9 a.m., tune in to Utah Public Radio for the broadcast.

“One of the things we wanted to do was really help clarify what is the role of faith leaders?" said Kimberly Myers, the state suicide prevention coordinator. "What are the resources that faith leaders can use when the problem is beyond their scope? And then, what are some core considerations for when there is a death in their community, how they can play that vital role in promoting healing and promoting support?" 

A 100,000-square-foot clinic is opening in Logan. The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence is designed to serve as many as 5,000 clients of varying abilities each year.

A ceremonial bill signing this week will feature multiple bills related to mental health and suicide prevention.