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** Letter from Gov. Cox: Utah Blocks Foreign Land Grab
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A Chinese state-owned defense company tried to buy land near the Provo Airport. We said no.
Cirrus Aircraft, backed by AVIC, a Chinese military contractor, offered promises of jobs and investment. But under Utah law, companies controlled by foreign adversaries can’t buy our land. Thanks to Rep. Candice Pierucci’s first-in-the-nation legislation and fast coordination from our state agencies, we were able to block the sale.
From family farms to critical infrastructure, we’re defending our land, liberty, and national security. Utah is not for sale.
Sincerely,
** The Princes: Heart of La Verkin
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Dick and Linda Prince of La Verkin have never chased attention, yet their steady kindness has shaped three generations. They raised a blended family of 12 children, cheered on 53 grandchildren and 25 great‑grandchildren, and spent years serving missions, mentoring youth, and sharing fruit from their backyard orchard. If you’ve crossed paths with them, you’ve likely felt that quiet encouragement. Calling them Utah Treasures only puts a label on what’s been true for years — everyone who meets the Princes feels welcomed and supported.
See photos > ([link removed])
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** Tyler McCaul boosts Utah biking
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After years of competing around the world, professional mountain biker Tyler McCaul and his family now call Toquerville home. He recently earned third place at Red Bull Rampage — an event that brings some of the world’s best riders to Utah each year and generates millions in economic activity and media coverage. Tyler is helping build Utah’s reputation as a hub for big-mountain biking and mentoring the next generation of riders right here at home.
Earlier this week in La Verkin ([link removed]) , we had the opportunity to watch Tyler practice for the Red Bull Rampage. Afterward, our team spent the rest of the day meeting the owners of River Rock Roasting Company, ([link removed]) cutting the ribbon alongside the team at Zion Canyon Hot Springs ([link removed]) , visiting teachers at Hurricane Valley Academy, and volunteering with state employees at the Hurricane Valley Food Pantry.
See photos > ([link removed])
Watch Tyler’s ride > ([link removed])
** 2025 Municipal Election: What you need to know!
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The Office of the Lieutenant Governor is working hard to prepare for this year’s municipal elections. While national races tend to gather more attention, local races decide who maintains our streets, funds our schools, and keeps our neighborhoods safe. We encourage you to help your friends and family register to vote this election year. Together, let’s make sure every voice is heard.
📅 Important Dates:
* July 22: Ballots mailed to active registered voters.
* August 1: Deadline to register to vote online. Voters may register to vote at an early voting location or at a polling location on Election Day.
* August 5: Last day to request a ballot.
* August 12: Municipal Primary Election Day.
📨 Ballot Return:
* New rule this year: Your ballot must be received by your election officer by 8 PM on election night.
* Mail early! We recommend mailing your ballot by the Friday before the election.
Want to be sure your vote counts? Use a ballot dropbox—find one near you athttps://vote.utah.govvote.utah.gov.
* Keep track of your ballot by signing up for BallotTrax athttps://vote.utah.govtrackmyballot.utah.gov/voter.
📝 Ballot Envelope Changes:
* Some counties are phasing in a new security feature: a spot for the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Driver License Number on your ballot envelope.
* You must still sign the affidavit, but additional ID verification is being introduced gradually. Not all voters will see this until next year.
For more information on this year’s Municipal Election, go to vote.utah.gov.
** State agency updates
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Hot, dry, windy weather is sparking large wildfires statewide. The Deer Creek Fire near Moab showed their extremes, producing a pyrocumulus cloud and even a firenado ([link removed]) last weekend. With tinderbox conditions persisting, practice Fire Sense and stay updated. Thanks to the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands and to state and local firefighters for protecting lives and property. For current restrictions and fire maps, visit UtahFireInfo.gov ([link removed]) .
Nominations are open for the Apprenticeship Utah Awards! The awards recognize outstanding Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, employers, partners and individuals who have made a commitment to modernize, innovate and expand high-quality pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships for youth or adults. Nominate someone today ([link removed]) .
At USU Eastern in Price, Utah, the 49th Rocky Mountain Mine Rescue Competition challenged regional teams in field, first‑aid, bench, pre‑shift, and tech events. Canyon Fuel/SUFCO Black won the Governor’s Trophy for safety excellence. Next year marks the competition’s 50th anniversary.
Reducing drug deaths is one of Gov. Cox's top second-term priorities. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services and the Utah Department of Public Safety, through the Fentanyl Task Force, aim for a 25% drop by 2029. 2024 fatalities fell 1.5%, but vigilance remains vital. 4.7 million fentanyl dosage units were seized and in the first half of 2025, we’ve already taken over 4.3 million fentanyl dosage units from our streets.
Last month, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity joined the BIO International Convention in Boston with representatives from the University of Utah, World Trade Center Utah, Utah Inland Port Authority, The Point, BioUtah, and partners, holding meetings with industry leaders.
The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation awarded $1.5 million through its 2025 ORPA grant program to support 21 planning projects across 13 counties, funding recreation master plans, feasibility studies and site designs to help communities develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
Harmful algal blooms and waterborne pathogens can make you and your pets sick. From May to October, check conditions at habs.utah.gov, avoid suspicious green scummy water, and follow safety tips. Report concerns to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality at 801-536-4123. If you've been exposed, call Utah Poison Control
An Inmate’s Guide to the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole is now available online and in state facilities. This handbook explains the parole process — from initial review to violations — and supports the state’s GRIT initiative to empower inmates with essential information.
Congratulations to Redo ([link removed]) for a post-performance tax reduction as part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity’s Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF) program. The company’s free return automation app converts refunds into exchanges or store credit and streamlines returns.
** 🗞️ ICYMI
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👨👩👧👦 Utah ranked happiest state for families! Learn more > ([link removed])
🇺🇸 Gov. Cox shares how Utahns can find “the pursuit of happiness.” Read more > ([link removed])
🏛️ Utah governor tells China ‘We are not for sale’. Read more > ([link removed])
🚫 Utah governor’s task force touts progress in fight against illegal fentanyl. Read more > ([link removed])
🍎 First Lady Abby Cox hosted the 2025 Show Up for Teachers conference. Learn more > ([link removed])
🏛️ The 2024 Citizen Feedback Report highlights ways Utah is making government more efficient and easier to navigate. See more > ([link removed])
💹 Government Reform, Innovation & Transparency (GRIT) has had some early wins, and more are coming in the weeks ahead. Find out more > ([link removed])
👮 Gov. Cox and Team Utah celebrate former Commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety Jess Anderson at his retirement ceremony. See more > ([link removed])
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Copyright (C) 2025 Office of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. All rights reserved.
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