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ICE watchdogs chortle as MAGA Sen. Mike Lee deletes post linking masks to cartels

"Cartel hitmen wear masks," Lee said of footage of veiled attackers. "Leftists aren't complaining."

News

In a now-deleted X post on Sunday, Sen. Mike Lee appeared to compare masks worn by ICE agents to those worn by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cartels setting fire to a gas station in Mexico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/mexico-cartel-leader-el-mencho-drug-lord-killed" data-vars-content-id="8b6b1b86-e7bc-4d31-8227-fc3bf48f76ba" data-vars-headline="ICE watchdogs chortle as MAGA Sen. Mike Lee deletes post linking masks to cartels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/mexico-cartel-leader-el-mencho-drug-lord-killed" target="_self">cartels setting fire to a gas station in Mexico</a>.The intrigue: The comparison directly — if temporarily — contradicted the Trump administration&#x27;s defense of immigration agents&#x27; concealment of their identities during raids, arrests and other public actions.

Utah measles cases rise as new exposures reported

Almost 60 new cases were reported in the past three weeks.

Health

As measles case counts increase, Utah health officials are warning of new possible exposure incidents across the state.By the numbers: The state health department has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confirmed" data-vars-click-url="https://files.epi.utah.gov/Utah%20measles%20dashboard.html" data-vars-content-id="df761057-f3e9-4acc-8bf5-d45c8afbd45b" data-vars-headline="Utah measles cases rise as new exposures reported" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://files.epi.utah.gov/Utah%20measles%20dashboard.html" target="_blank">confirmed</a> 300 measles cases in Utah during the outbreaks that began in 2025.

Colorado River cuts loom after states miss deal

The seven Colorado River Basin states missed a key federal deadline to reach a new water usage agreement.

The seven Colorado River Basin states missed a key <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal deadline to reach a new water usage agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/03/katie-hobbs-colorado-river-agreement-upper-basin-burgum-meeting" data-vars-content-id="4baac60f-b299-46a1-96f6-8b56471c417e" data-vars-headline="Colorado River cuts loom after states miss deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/03/katie-hobbs-colorado-river-agreement-upper-basin-burgum-meeting" target="_self">federal deadline to reach a new water usage agreement</a>, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is now likely to impose a solution of its own.Why it matters: The Colorado River is a vital source of municipal water for residents living along the Wasatch Front, and beyond and federal intervention could mean forcing mandatory cuts.

Most Utahns don't support Christian nationalism

Christian nationalism is deeply entrenched inside today's Republican Party, according to the survey.

Less than one-third of Utahns <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hold Christian nationalist beliefs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/03/11/utah-republican-christian-nationalism-view-politics" data-vars-content-id="5158a0e6-9106-40b5-811a-a886eb215a81" data-vars-headline="Most Utahns don&#x27;t support Christian nationalism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/03/11/utah-republican-christian-nationalism-view-politics" target="_self">hold Christian nationalist beliefs</a>, according to a sweeping 50-state survey by the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute.Why it matters: The once-fringe ideology holds that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation and should be governed according to strict fundamentalist Christian values, even as the country becomes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="less religious" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/26/great-unchurching-america-religiously-unaffiliated" data-vars-content-id="5158a0e6-9106-40b5-811a-a886eb215a81" data-vars-headline="Most Utahns don&#x27;t support Christian nationalism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/26/great-unchurching-america-religiously-unaffiliated" target="_self">less religious</a>.

Utah bill would undo universal ID check mandate at restaurants

The previous law that took effect Jan. 1  mandates ID checks for all alcohol sales at restaurants.

Utah lawmakers are moving to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roll back" data-vars-click-url="https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/static/HB0059.html" data-vars-content-id="381e5f37-ed89-41fc-8cf2-1e9ec50f65ea" data-vars-headline="Utah bill would undo universal ID check mandate at restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/static/HB0059.html" target="_blank">roll back</a> a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="brand-new law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/05/utah-alcohol-id-law-2026" data-vars-content-id="381e5f37-ed89-41fc-8cf2-1e9ec50f65ea" data-vars-headline="Utah bill would undo universal ID check mandate at restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/05/utah-alcohol-id-law-2026" target="_self">brand-new law</a> that requires restaurants to the check IDs of every customer who orders alcohol — no matter their age.State of play: The universal ID requirement, which took effect Jan. 1, was included in the state&#x27;s annual alcohol omnibus bill aimed at curbing underage drinking.

GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push

The lieutenant governor's office had verified nearly 90,000 signatures as of Friday, well short of the total threshold.

A Republican-aligned group aiming to overturn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah&#x27;s anti-gerrymandering law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/07/11/utah-supreme-court-gerrymandering-maps-redistricting" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/07/11/utah-supreme-court-gerrymandering-maps-redistricting" target="_self">Utah&#x27;s anti-gerrymandering law</a> says it has met the required number of signatures to send the issue to voters in November.Why it matters: Utahns for Representative Government, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="supported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/28/trump-redistricting-maps-utah-gerrymandering-mike-lee" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/28/trump-redistricting-maps-utah-gerrymandering-mike-lee" target="_self">supported</a> by President Trump, is attempting to undo a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="court-imposed congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/17/utah-judge-violent-threats-gerrymandering-ruling-gop" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/17/utah-judge-violent-threats-gerrymandering-ruling-gop" target="_self">court-imposed congressional map</a> creating a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="left-leaning House seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/13/utah-democrats-congressional-district-map-mcadams-riebe" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/13/utah-democrats-congressional-district-map-mcadams-riebe" target="_self">left-leaning House seat</a>.<ul><li>Voters won&#x27;t know the fate of the ballot initiative until county clerks finish verifying signatures.</li></ul>By the numbers: Utah GOP chair Robert Axson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/BradEBonham/status/2023190348496064860" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/BradEBonham/status/2023190348496064860" target="_blank">said</a> &quot;well over&quot; 200,000 signatures were collected after packets were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="submitted" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/RepealProp4/status/2023206657107665393" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/RepealProp4/status/2023206657107665393" target="_blank">submitted</a> to county clerks across the state ahead of Sunday&#x27;s deadline.<ul><li>As of Friday, the lieutenant governor&#x27;s office had verified nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="90,000 signatures" data-vars-click-url="https://vote.utah.gov/repeal-of-the-independent-redistricting-commission-and-standards-act-direct-initiative-list-of-signers/" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vote.utah.gov/repeal-of-the-independent-redistricting-commission-and-standards-act-direct-initiative-list-of-signers/" target="_blank">90,000 signatures</a>, well short of the total required.</li></ul>The big picture: The signature drive has been embroiled in controversy, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flagged signatures" data-vars-click-url="https://kutv.com/news/local/utah-county-clerk-finds-fraudulent-signatures-in-petition-to-repeal-proposition-4" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kutv.com/news/local/utah-county-clerk-finds-fraudulent-signatures-in-petition-to-repeal-proposition-4" target="_blank">flagged signatures</a> to allegations that some petitioners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="misled voters" data-vars-click-url="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/05/signature-gathering-utah-fight-over-prop-4-is-getting-ugly/" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/05/signature-gathering-utah-fight-over-prop-4-is-getting-ugly/" target="_blank">misled voters</a>.How it works: Sponsors must collect signatures from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8% of active voters statewide" data-vars-click-url="https://vote.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2026-Petition-Sig-Requirements.pdf" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vote.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2026-Petition-Sig-Requirements.pdf" target="_blank">8% of active voters statewide</a> — roughly 141,000 — and meet minimum thresholds in at least 26 of the state&#x27;s 29 Senate districts to qualify for the 2026 ballot.Catch up quick: The petition comes in response to a 2025 ruling by Utah Judge Dianna Gibson in a years-long redistricting lawsuit.<ul><li>Gibson&#x27;s decision adopted congressional boundaries proposed by anti-gerrymandering advocates instead of those drawn by Republican lawmakers.</li></ul>Utah&#x27;s redistricting fight began long before <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mid-decade efforts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/california-prop-50-redistricting-gerrymandering" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/california-prop-50-redistricting-gerrymandering" target="_self">mid-decade efforts</a> in California and Texas.<ul><li>In 2018, voters narrowly approved Proposition 4 to create an independent redistricting commission to avoid partisan gerrymandering.</li><li>Yes, but: The Republican-controlled Utah Legislature approved its own maps in 2021 over those drafted by the commission, prompting a lawsuit from anti-gerrymandering advocates.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: In a statement, Elizabeth Rasmussen, executive director of Better Boundaries, told Axios they are closely monitoring the GOP-led initiative.<ul><li>&quot;Regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to upholding the will of the voters and will take every appropriate step to ensure their decision is honored,&quot; she said.</li></ul>State of play: Rasmussen launched a signature removal effort earlier this month following multiple reports that some petition circulators had misinformed voters about the measure.<ul><li>Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told KSL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ksl.com/article/51447821/never-seen-anything-like-it-thousands-of-utahns-want-their-names-removed-from-prop-4-repeal" data-vars-content-id="bf74289d-0ee7-40a7-a11a-b4ec73e1b1ca" data-vars-headline="GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51447821/never-seen-anything-like-it-thousands-of-utahns-want-their-names-removed-from-prop-4-repeal" target="_blank">told KSL</a> that the number of people requesting to have their names removed from the petition was unprecedented.</li><li>&quot;This is the first time in Salt Lake County that we&#x27;ve seen such a large demand,&quot; she said.</li><li>Petition signers have 45 days from the date their signature was tallied to rescind their support.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: County clerks have about three weeks to complete verifying signatures, and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson must issue a declaration before April 30 stating whether the petition qualified.

Utah lawmakers halt bill to sell ivermectin over the counter

The vote comes amid a red state push to increase access to what some conservatives tout as an alternative treatment for COVID-19.

A bill that would have allowed pharmacies to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dispense ivermectin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/02/utah-arizona-ivermectin-bill-over-the-counter-pharmacy" data-vars-content-id="f7537f96-5d53-4f67-a67b-8c10a3fad767" data-vars-headline="Utah lawmakers halt bill to sell ivermectin over the counter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/02/utah-arizona-ivermectin-bill-over-the-counter-pharmacy" target="_self">dispense ivermectin</a> without an individual prescription failed to advance in a House committee on Monday after receiving objections from medical associations.The big picture: The vote comes amid a red state push to increase access to what some conservatives tout as an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alternative treatment for COVID-19" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/news/health-58170809" data-vars-content-id="f7537f96-5d53-4f67-a67b-8c10a3fad767" data-vars-headline="Utah lawmakers halt bill to sell ivermectin over the counter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/health-58170809" target="_blank">alternative treatment for COVID-19</a> and is more commonly used to treat parasites in livestock in the U.S.

Republican lawmakers seek more control over Salt Lake City traffic projects

This is the second year in a row the Utah Legislature has made moves to limit the city's ability to make road changes.

State legislators proposed an expansive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation bill" data-vars-click-url="https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0242.html" data-vars-content-id="e3d2a715-5d91-4815-8928-261d5a17d0a6" data-vars-headline="Republican lawmakers seek more control over Salt Lake City traffic projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0242.html" target="_blank">transportation bill</a> last week that could further restrict Salt Lake City&#x27;s autonomy over street planning.Why it matters: This is the second year in a row the Utah Legislature has made moves to limit SLC&#x27;s ability to make road changes such as installing bike lanes or reducing lanes of traffic on highways.

Sen. John Curtis condemns "blatantly racist" Obama video posted by Trump

Curtis joined other Republicans in publicly slamming the racist video depicting the Obamas, in a rare public rebuke within the GOP.

Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) on Friday condemned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/republicans-trumps-racist-video-obamas-tim-scott" data-vars-content-id="7308da42-8d87-4dac-a6c5-12ee739609eb" data-vars-headline="Sen. John Curtis condemns &quot;blatantly racist&quot; Obama video posted by Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/republicans-trumps-racist-video-obamas-tim-scott" target="_self">a video</a> posted by President Trump that depicted the Obamas as apes, calling it &quot;blatantly racist and inexcusable.&quot;Why it matters: Curtis and Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), the state&#x27;s only Black member of Congress, joined <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/republicans-trumps-racist-video-obamas-tim-scott" data-vars-content-id="7308da42-8d87-4dac-a6c5-12ee739609eb" data-vars-headline="Sen. John Curtis condemns &quot;blatantly racist&quot; Obama video posted by Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/republicans-trumps-racist-video-obamas-tim-scott" target="_self">other Republicans</a> Friday in slamming the racist video in a rare public rebuke within the GOP.

Amid Ballerina Farm's raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations

Raw milk has gained popularity among wellness influencers and the political right.

Utah lawmakers are considering rolling back regulations on raw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="milk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/dairy-milk-makes-a-comeback-finish-line" data-vars-content-id="4d513569-bd53-4950-a05d-1e5e0b9a7d3d" data-vars-headline="Amid Ballerina Farm&#x27;s raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/dairy-milk-makes-a-comeback-finish-line" target="_self">milk</a> sales.The intrigue: The measures are being debated as the nation&#x27;s eye turns to the online sensation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ballerina Farm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/01/29/ballerina-farm-utah-influencer-tradwife-controversy" data-vars-content-id="4d513569-bd53-4950-a05d-1e5e0b9a7d3d" data-vars-headline="Amid Ballerina Farm&#x27;s raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/01/29/ballerina-farm-utah-influencer-tradwife-controversy" target="_self">Ballerina Farm</a>, which discontinued raw milk sales after inspectors found elevated bacteria levels in its products.

Utah State Bar flags threats to judicial independence

State bar leaders say they're concerned by bills they fear would weaken the judiciary this session.

The Utah State Bar is warning that the state Legislature is advancing bills it says could undermine judicial independence and tilt the balance of power away from the courts, following a series of rulings that angered GOP lawmakers.Why it matters: State bar leaders say they&#x27;re concerned by proposals they fear would weaken the judiciary, calling this legislative session the worst year yet <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for such efforts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/02/26/utah-judicial-reforms-legal-experts-new-committee" data-vars-content-id="a9759f3f-7add-46f9-b238-0417317fdfe2" data-vars-headline="Utah State Bar flags threats to judicial independence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/02/26/utah-judicial-reforms-legal-experts-new-committee" target="_self">for such efforts</a>.

Politics 🇺🇸

ICE watchdogs chortle as MAGA Sen. Mike Lee deletes post linking masks to cartels

Most Utahns don't support Christian nationalism

Utah bill would undo universal ID check mandate at restaurants

Colorado River cuts loom after states miss deal

GOP group says it met signature goal for redistricting ballot push