Author: Kevin Thompson

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Utah County has emerged as the fastest-growing region in the state, according to new data from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. From July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024, the county added 21,853 new residents, accounting for nearly 43% of the state’s total population growth during the period. This surge in residents is reshaping local communities, especially in places like Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Springs, a once small community now facing rapid expansion, is taking a proactive approach to managing its growth. As new residents flock to the area, the city has prioritized a three-tiered…

SALT LAKE CITY — A new proposal at the Utah State Capitol seeks to establish a state-run “rapid response team” to assist or replace the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) if the city’s police fail to respond quickly to calls or enforce laws effectively. The proposal, House Bill 465 (HB 465), comes just days before the announcement that SLCPD Chief Mike Brown would step down from his post. The bill has sparked concerns from state leaders about the effectiveness of local policing, particularly in the face of growing issues like homelessness, camping, and drug-related crimes. The state is pushing…