Utah can do both: steward our land and power the nation

At the One Utah Summit, Gov. Cox and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum discussed rural opportunity, Operation Gigawatt, and how Utah can lead on energy and land stewardship. They highlighted an “energy addition” approach that keeps Utah’s landscapes beautiful while adding the reliable power America needs in the AI era.

Secretary Burgum underscored support for greater state leadership on public lands and praised Utah’s path: “This is a land of abundance. It is a place where we can do both.” Governor Cox also outlined next steps, including making Utah the home of the country’s entire nuclear energy supply chain and setting the national model for permitting reform through his work with the Western Governors’ Association.

Unified Sports state championships

Unified Sports lets students with and without intellectual disabilities play side by side as teammates. Abby’s initiative, Show Up, partnered with Nordmark, Real Salt Lake, and Utah Royals to host the fifth annual Unified soccer championships, where high schools from across Utah competed for state titles in each division. Schools arranged transportation so classmates could fill the stands and cheer. Thank you to our partners and to every student, coach, and volunteer who made this celebration of teamwork and inclusion possible.

UDOT's Region 3 Specialty Crew works year-round to ensure road safety by handling drainage, signs, and crash cushions. Their proactive approach, especially with the Vactor truck for tasks like culvert cleaning, is crucial for preventing winter flooding. Safety is paramount, supported by a strong team culture and communication. Watch >

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation awarded $1.8 million in its summer OHV Recreation Grant cycle to fund trail maintenance, search and rescue equipment, rider education, snowmobile grooming, and access protection. The 30 projects expand access, strengthen stewardship, and improve safety for Utah families and visitors statewide.

The Utah Department of Corrections communications team received the Utah PIO Association’s Innovation in Public Communication Award. Formed in 2023, the team combines specialized skills and a shared vision to expand positive coverage, strengthen media relations, support employees, and bring order, consistency, and transparency to sensitive, high-profile events.

Utah has launched the Youth Mental Health Corps, enrolling AmeriCorps members through the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement’s UServeUtah division. Members serve as community health workers and school mental health navigators, gaining hands-on experience and career-ready skills while supporting youth statewide. Learn more >

The Utah Cutthroat Slam has surpassed 2,000 completions, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources now lets anglers choose one of four species-specific medallions — Bonneville, Bear River, Colorado River, or Yellowstone cutthroat — celebrating native trout and a growing community of conservation-minded anglers.

Nearly 200 attendees joined the Utah Division of Consumer Protection’s 2025 Utah Consumer Protection Symposium on Oct. 9, with sessions on AI in companion chatbots, the department’s new residential construction fraud task force, and how state and federal partners investigate cases.

Ten exclusive pins are free to collect statewide for fall break. The Utah Historical Society, a division of the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, is encouraging visits to historical sites, museums, and state parks ahead of the Museum of Utah’s 2026 opening. Learn more here.

Following last month’s tragic shooting at Utah Valley University, clinicians from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services have been volunteering at UVU’s mental health center, providing counseling and support to students, faculty, and staff as the campus heals.

Millcreek Historic Preservation Commission hosted staff from the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement’s Division of Arts & Museums and the Utah Historical Society for a community preservation workshop. Attendees brought personal and family items and learned basic care and archiving. Host a workshop >

Applications for 2026 Sportsman permits open Oct. 28. Utah residents can apply through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, which manages the drawing for these premium opportunities. Mark your calendar and review rules before submitting. Apply >

Volunteers with the State Historic Preservation Office’s Cultural Site Stewardship Program, part of the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, are protecting cultural resources during the federal shutdown. They’re spending weekends at sites to talk with visitors about respectful access and to report concerns. Learn more >

Explore real-world AI at the 2025 Utah AI Summit. Hear from leaders on practical applications, governance, and ethics; join hands-on sessions; and connect with peers to turn good ideas into tools that serve Utahns. Register >