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** Letter from Gov. Cox: A new chapter of justice in Manti
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Earlier this week, I had the privilege of celebrating the opening of the new Sixth District Courthouse in Manti. My ancestors helped settle this valley in 1849, and one of the first things they built was a courthouse. They knew justice mattered. They knew community mattered. And they understood that to succeed in a place as demanding as this, you had to build together.
This new courthouse reflects those same values. It’s not just a modern building designed for safety and access. It’s a symbol of fairness, of mercy, of holding each other accountable — not out of punishment, but out of love and a belief in second chances.
It was built here, by Utahns who understand the law of the harvest: that we reap what we sow, and that strong communities are cultivated with compassion, trust, and shared effort.
Thank you to everyone who made this project possible. Together, we’re building more than structures — we’re building a future grounded in justice and rooted in the values that define Utah.
Watch the video ([link removed]) or see more photos ([link removed]) .
** Strengthening support for Utah’s rural schools
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HB 396 updates how Utah funds necessarily existent small schools, ensuring that students in rural communities have access to the same quality of education as those in larger districts. These schools often serve small, spread out populations and don’t fit traditional funding models. The bill provides additional Weighted Pupil Units based on district and grade band criteria, incentivizing smart efficiencies without forcing consolidation. It also includes a five-year review process to maintain accountability and transparency.
Sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson and Sen. David Hinkins, this commonsense legislation is a big win for fairness and opportunity in every corner of our state. Gov. Cox marked the occasion by signing the bill at Manti Elementary.
See photos > ([link removed])
** Hope, action, and a nation worth believing in — with Condoleezza Rice
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Gov. Cox recently joined Dr. Condoleezza Rice at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution during the Civic Learning Week National Forum. The conversation focused on how better civics education can help reduce polarization and strengthen our democratic institutions. From encouraging healthy debate in classrooms to promoting intellectual curiosity and understanding across political divides, Gov. Cox emphasized the need to get partisan politics out of the classroom and civics back in. He also underscored the importance of helping the rising generation see the value of our system — and their role in shaping its future.
Watch > ([link removed])
** North Capitol building art display
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The new North Capitol Building remains on track for completion by January of next year. The building will feature a stunning 28’x28’ stained-glass skylight, showcasing four scenes from Utah’s landscapes. Lt. Gov. Henderson recently toured Holdman’s Studio, where the artwork is being crafted, and got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. This week, installation of the artwork will begin, and we can’t wait to see it!
See photos > ([link removed])
** Honoring Utah's women veterans
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Lt. Gov. Henderson attended and spoke at a Department of Veterans & Military Affairs event honoring the contributions of female veterans in Utah. With approximately 12,000 women veterans in our state, their service is a powerful testament to the strength and dedication of Utah’s women. They have served — and continue to serve — in all branches of the military, excelling in diverse and demanding roles. We are deeply grateful for their service.
See photos > ([link removed])
** Eccles family investment expands healthcare access in West Valley
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Last week, Gov. Cox joined the Eccles family, University of Utah President Taylor Randall, and local leaders to announce a transformative investment in the west side of the Salt Lake Valley: a new University of Utah Health campus and hospital in West Valley City.
With a generous $75 million gift from the Eccles family and strong collaboration from community partners, Utah’s second-largest city will soon have expanded access to world-class healthcare — bringing care closer to home for thousands of families. This effort reflects the best of what can happen when public and private partners come together to build a brighter, healthier future for all Utahns.
See photos > ([link removed])
** State agency updates
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Following recent measles deaths in Texas and New Mexico, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services urges Utahns to speak with a healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective with two doses. Measles spreads easily and can cause severe complications, especially in vulnerable individuals. Learn more > ([link removed])
This winter, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources captured a record 1,901 big game animals to assess their health and fit GPS collars, providing valuable data on migration patterns, survival rates, and the overall status of herds across the state. Learn more > ([link removed])
Utah is the first state to test 100% of K-12 schools for lead in drinking water. The Division of Drinking Water and the Department of Health and Human Services tested over 1,100 schools through the Lead-free Learning Initiative, showing Utah’s commitment to safe water and children’s health.
Utah has been a filmmaking destination for over 100 years. The Utah Film Trail ([link removed]) celebrates this legacy with physical markers across the state, inviting fans to explore iconic landscapes featured in classic films and television shows shot on location.
Sariah Calles of Box Elder High won Utah’s Poetry Out Loud state finals, presented by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums and national partners. She’ll represent Utah at the national finals in D.C., May 5–7, competing for a $20,000 prize. Watch the livestream here ([link removed]) to cheer her on!
** 🗞️ ICYMI
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❄ Biggest snowstorm of the season boosts Utah’s snowpack. Learn more > ([link removed])
🏘️ Utah’s permitting reform efforts can be modeled by other states.
Learn more > ([link removed])
👷 Gov. Cox meets with the construction crews working to preserve and improve the Utah State Capitol. See more > ([link removed])
🚛 Utah has been ranked among the nation’s top 10 in highway performance and cost-effectiveness. Read more > ([link removed])
🍎 Gov. Cox speaks at the Governor’s Monthly News Conference about historic investments in Utah’s education. Watch more > ([link removed])
🐝 ‘Utahn’ (not ‘Utahan’) is the state’s official name for its citizens! Learn more > ([link removed])
🏫 Gov. Cox advocates for the U.S. Department of Education to wind down, returning educational governance to states. Read more > ([link removed])
🔋 Utah’s Operation Gigawatt will double state energy capacity over the next decade. Find out more > ([link removed])
🙏 Gov. Cox and First Lady Abby Cox share their condolences for former U.S. Congresswoman Mia Love and her family. Read more > ([link removed])
🏥 Utah ranked #1 in medical environment and the fifth best state for doctors. See more > ([link removed])
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