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** Letter from Gov. Cox: A stronger future starts here
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On Monday, San Juan County was at the center of an important moment for Utah and our country.

At Mariana Minerals’ Copper One project, we saw what is possible ([link removed]) when Utah leads, when private enterprise moves quickly, and when local, state, and federal partners understand what is at stake.

For generations, Utahns have helped build the modern world through mining, energy, and hard work. But as a country, we have become too dependent on other nations for the minerals and energy resources that power our economy, strengthen our defenses, and support our way of life.

Utah is choosing a different path.

Through Operation Gigawatt and our mission-critical minerals work, we are making Utah one of the best places in the country to responsibly develop energy and critical mineral resources. This project will bring good-paying jobs to San Juan County, strengthen local communities, and help more families build a future close to home.

It will also help secure the materials America needs for energy, manufacturing, technology, and national security.

I am grateful to Mariana Minerals, San Juan County leaders, our legislators, federal partners, investors, and the workers who are making this possible. Most of all, I am grateful to the people of San Juan County, whose grit and character represent the very best of Utah.

Governor Spencer J. Cox


** First Utah Trail Network project begins construction
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Construction is underway on the first project in the Utah Trail Network, marking an important step toward a statewide system of paved trails connecting communities across Utah. The 0.7-mile trail connection along State Route 128 in Moab will close a long-standing gap in the Colorado River Trail, helping keep bikers, walkers and other recreationalists off a narrow stretch of busy highway. Once complete, the project will create a safer, more continuous route between several popular Moab destinations, including Grandstaff Canyon and the Porcupine Rim Trail, while showing how the Utah Trail Network can connect people to places across the state.
Learn more > ([link removed])


** Switzerland and Germany trade mission builds Utah partnerships
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Governor Cox recently led a trade mission to Switzerland and Germany to strengthen global relationships and bring proven ideas home to Utah. Joined by leaders from the private sector, education and government, the governor met with workforce, manufacturing and investment partners to learn from some of Europe’s strongest economic models and share Utah’s story on the world stage. The mission reinforced what Utah already knows: our state’s ability to align education, industry and government, move quickly and maintain a strong economic foundation continues to set us apart. Thank you to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and World Trade Center Utah for helping lead this important work.


** Utah prioritizes literacy and student focus
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First Lady Abby Cox joined Gov. Spencer Cox at Valley Elementary in Eden for a ceremonial bill signing focused on helping Utah students spend less time on screens and more time reading, learning and connecting face to face. The bills include a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools, a $16 million early literacy investment for K-3 students, new digital skills instruction for middle school students, limits on technology use in elementary classrooms, and additional support for dyslexia screening and intervention. Together, the new laws reflect a back-to-basics approach to education — strengthening literacy, supporting teachers and helping students build healthier habits in and out of the classroom.
Learn more > ([link removed])


** Utah State University Monument Valley education building
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Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Utah State University Monument Valley education building. This facility will provide higher education opportunities to students in one of our state's most remote areas.


** Energy Fuels
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Lt. Gov. Henderson visited Energy Fuels where the company produces materials needed for many clean energy technologies. The tour highlighted some of the innovative approaches Utah companies are taking to invest in our energy future, today.


** State agency updates
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Utah Department of Corrections Region 6 AP&P agents Nick Parker and Kelton Larsen are being recognized for helping save two men and three pets from carbon monoxide poisoning in East Carbon. Their quick response ([link removed]) reflects a strong commitment to protecting Utahns.

Utah celebrated National Apprenticeship Week, April 26–May 2, highlighting more than 5,300 active apprentices and 300 programs statewide. Apprenticeships blend hands-on training with education, offering career pathways without student debt. Apprenticeship Week events and resources were available to connect Utahns to opportunities across industries. Learn more about apprenticeships > ([link removed])

This wildfire season is expected to be busy in Utah. The Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands tracks wildfire starts and their occurrence locations and times. On April 16, Utah had hit 100 wildfires for the year. This is the second-earliest date in the past 10 years. To date, we have had 115 wildfires that have burned 979 acres. The largest fire so far this year is the Goshen Canyon Fire, which burned 408 acres.

Utah Labor Commission employees donated more than 500 books in support of Governor Spencer Cox’s literacy initiative. The book drive benefited the Granite Education Foundation’s Family and Community Engagement Department, providing books for preschool through third-grade readers and helping families build strong reading foundations at home.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s Utah’s Own program will host its second annual Spring Market Pop-Up in Pleasant Grove on Saturday, May 9. The free, family-friendly event will feature Utah-grown and Utah-made products while connecting consumers with local farmers, ranchers, and food producers. More information is available at utahsown.org

The Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Victim Services Commission and Utah Office for Victims of Crime held a press conference to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed April 19-25, 2026. The event highlighted critical services available to crime victims and the importance of upholding victims’ rights.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food recently convened multi-agency drought coordination meetings with state, federal and local partners. The discussions focused on current conditions, resource alignment, and strategies to support producers, protect agricultural viability, and coordinate a proactive response to ongoing drought challenges across Utah.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recently completed a new facility ([link removed]) at the Logan Fish Hatchery to support production of additional warmwater fish species for stocking across the state. The hatchery, acquired in 1928, has long produced a variety of fish species, including several native fish species that are threatened or endangered.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced $6.5 million ([link removed]) in conservation permit funding to support dozens of wildlife projects across Utah. The funding will benefit deer and other wildlife through research, conservation, and habitat restoration projects.

The Utah Office of Homeless Services and partners launched Project BRIDGE at the Switchpoint Overflow Shelter in West Valley City. The 100-day initiative connects people in emergency overflow shelters with housing, treatment and services through coordinated outreach and real-time resources.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is supporting farmers during ongoing drought conditions through the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, while encouraging residents to conserve water through SlowTheFlow.org. These efforts are helping make better use of limited water resources and send more water to the Great Salt Lake.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole has released the Parole Violation Handbook, detailing the revocation process for individuals under supervision. This guide ([link removed]) is available at all AP&P offices, state prisons, IPP jails, and online, supporting the Board’s commitment to transparency, public safety, and successful community reintegration.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole is proud to be one of only five states selected for the Advancing Evidence in Parole Decisions Initiative partnership with the Center for Effective Public Policy and Arnold Ventures. This project will help the Board further integrate data-driven insights into our decision-making to enhance public safety.

The Utah Office of Energy Development hosted its first nuclear education ([link removed]) and community engagement event in Summit County, drawing more than 50 attendees and launching a statewide effort to provide nuclear energy resources and tailored discussions in all 29 counties.

Utah has joined a national settlement ([link removed]) requiring Albertsons to pay more than $773 million for its role in the opioid crisis. Utah is expected to receive at least $10.7 million, which will support addiction treatment, recovery services and prevention efforts through the Utah Opioid Abatement Fund.

Starting June 1, the Utah Motor Vehicle Division will offer a new limited-time “America 250” license plate honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. Utahns can request the plate online ([link removed]) or through a local DMV office through July 2027.

For those looking to enjoy their commute, save money on gas, and improve their overall health, the Division of Air Quality is launching a new e-bike program ([link removed]) . Residents along the Wasatch Front can receive up to $400 toward an e-bike. Applications open on May 16.

The Utah Statewide Information and Analysis Center received the National Fusion Center Association’s Fusion Center of the Year Award for its work in national security and public safety. SIAC’s Katherine McNeil also received the Excellence in Cyber Protection Award.

The Utah Office of the Homeowners’ Association Ombudsman has formed a working group ([link removed]) to address HOA-related concerns as part of the State Strategic Housing Plan. The group will engage stakeholders and consider policy recommendations ahead of the 2027 General Session, with a focus on improving housing access and affordability.

The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is preparing for an anticipated active wildfire season. As part of annual readiness efforts, staff complete a work capacity test, including a 3-mile walk in 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.

Commissioner Tracy Gruber joined federal leaders last week in Washington, D.C., at the Technology’s Role in Making America Healthy Again ([link removed]) : A Discussion on Mental Health & Substance Use Care roundtable. She championed connected systems to end care fragmentation. By sharing our proactive upstream monitoring model, Utah is helping build a national blueprint to ensure no one falls through the cracks.

📊 Utah ranked No. 1 in the nation for economic outlook for the 19th consecutive year, driven by strong growth, pro-taxpayer policies, and a competitive business climate. Read more > ([link removed])

⚡ Utah ranks among the lowest in the nation for average monthly electric bills.Read more > ([link removed])

🌊 President Donald Trump proposes $1 billion federal investment to restore the Great Salt Lake. Read more > ([link removed])

📵 Gov. Cox ceremonially signs new education laws advancing a bell-to-bell cellphone ban and investing in early literacy. Read more > ([link removed])

🚀 Utah companies play a key role in NASA’s Artemis II mission, with state-built rocket boosters helping power the first crewed lunar flight in more than 50 years. Read more > ([link removed])

🛫 Utah’s 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, the “Rude Rams,” named the Air Force’s top fighter squadron by Raytheon. Read more > ([link removed])

🔋 Gov. Cox announces Utah’s bid to bring a federal nuclear energy campus to Tooele County, a project that could create thousands of jobs and reshape the state’s energy future. Read more > ([link removed])

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