Brigham Tomco
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Articles by Brigham Tomco
Post: Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson
Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson criticized the Trump administration as a threat to elections on “60 Minutes.” Last month, Henderson told Deseret Voices why she refuses to share private voter information. In a Deseret News interview, Sen. Mike Lee defended Justice Department investigations of voter rolls. “The acceptable number of illegal votes cast in U.S. elections is zero,” Lee said. Sen.
Sen. Lee defends Trump DOJ after Utah Lt. Gov. calls federal government ‘threat’ to elections Original
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson criticized Trump administration on "60 Minutes" over the weekend over their handling of elections. Postal workers intercepted a threatening letter with white powder sent to Utah election office. Sen. Mike Lee does not believe the Trump administration will dispute midterm election results. Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said in an episode of “60 Minutes” over the weekend that the real threat to state elections is not voter fraud but the federal government.
What Trump’s trade negotiator Jamieson Greer told
Published: Oct 16, 2026, 1:41 p.m. MDT What Trump’s trade negotiator Jamieson Greer told the Deseret News about the 3.7% inflation rate reported on Wednesday: “A lot of the stuff you’re getting in the grocery store, it’s either not subject to a tariff or it’s not affected.” After a tour of Lifetime Products in Utah, Greer blamed inflation on soaring energy costs stemming from closed oil routes.
Trump trade chief denies tariffs behind inflation ahead of midterms Original
Consumer prices rose 0.6% in September, producing annual inflation of 3.7% — higher than economists predicted. Construction added 11,000 jobs in September, reaching a record 8.4 million, driven largely by AI data center buildouts. Steel prices jumped 25% recently due to tariff-driven demand for domestic supply outpacing production.
The moderate money network quietly reshaping Utah Republican politics
SALT LAKE CITY — An ecosystem of center-right nonprofit groups emerged in Utah over the past three years before quickly becoming one of the most influential forces in Republican politics, shaping campaigns for Congress and school boards alike. The organizations differ in approach, but share a mission of maintaining the politely pragmatic conservatism that has set the state apart over the past decade as President Donald Trump's GOP adopted a doctrine of confrontation.
Nevada could buck the blue wave. Here’s how Original
Nevada Gov. Lombardo, a Republican, has received endorsements from major Democratic officials. Trump's PAC has spent more than $3 million backing a video game composer in the 3rd District race. National Democrats added Nevada's deeply Republican 2nd District to its "Red to Blue" program. Nevada squandered Republican hopes for a “red wave” in the 2022 midterm elections.
The moderate money network quietly reshaping Utah Republican politics Original
GOP megadonor launched Doers Network after spending $2.5 million to elect John Curtis. Donor Jay Faison worked closely with other groups — All In for Utah and Governing Group. 33% of the Legislature’s GOP caucus will soon be made up of Governing Group candidates. An ecosystem of center-right nonprofit groups emerged in Utah over the past three years before quickly becoming one of the most influential forces in Republican politics, shaping campaigns for Congress and school boards alike.
Utah enters the Wild West of AI healthcare. How far will it go?
Intermountain Health and four other companies got approval to use AI for patient care. Around 3-in-10 Americans already consult AI for healthcare concerns on a monthly basis. Companies released Utah-only app features allowing prescription renewals without delays. The state of Utah expanded its first-in-the-nation pilot program for artificial intelligence to include some of largest healthcare providers in the American West, giving Utah patients exclusive access to clinical AI applications.
Utah enters the Wild West of AI healthcare. How far will it go? Original
Intermountain Health and four other companies got approval to use AI for patient care. Around 3-in-10 Americans already consult AI for healthcare concerns on a monthly basis. Companies released Utah-only app features allowing prescription renewals without delays. The state of Utah expanded its first-in-the-nation pilot program for artificial intelligence to include some of largest healthcare providers in the American West, giving Utah patients exclusive access to clinical AI applications.
Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy breaks down the good and bad of Trump’s second term Original
Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy praised Donald Trump for cutting border crossings from 250,000 per month to zero. New Jersey found 6,600 noncitizens on voter rolls due to software error; 340 voted. Kennedy backs Utah Lt. Gov. Henderson in DOJ federal voter data dispute. Utah Republican Rep. Mike Kennedy said Friday the second term of President Donald Trump has been “unratable,” for better or for worse.
McAdams offers a check on Trump. Owen offers a new kind of Republican. Utah voters will decide
Ben McAdams asked Republicans tired of President Donald Trump to join coalition. Riley Owen said a new generation must define what it means to be a Republican. Both candidates shared stance on importance of regulating artificial intelligence. The debate on Tuesday night to represent Utah’s new Democratic-leaning district fixated on the issues that will define the end of the Trump-era of U.S. politics — and possibly the next century of economic transformation. Former Rep.
After push in D.C. to relax surrogacy laws, Utah congressmen says power should rest with states Original
Grindr CEO George Arison has launched a multi-million-dollar lobbying campaign to make surrogacy via IVF easier for same-sex couples. Rep. Mike Kennedy, a family physician, said Congress should eliminate some positions regulating science and let states decide vaccine policy. Rep. Mike Petersen opened a bill file requiring background checks for all IVF participants to bar sex offenders from participating. Utah Rep.
Republicans see warning signs in Senate races as affordability eclipses Trump’s message on Iran Original
Latest election ratings put GOP control of the Senate at risk by labeling Texas and Iowa "toss-up." More than 80% of voters say inflation and the economy are very or extremely important to their vote. Trump said in May he doesn't think about Americans' finances or midterms when negotiating with Iran.
Utah voters across faiths embrace Dallin H. Oaks' call for political compromise, poll finds
SALT LAKE CITY — A strong majority of Utah voters, regardless of religious affiliation, agreed with the core message of a speech given by President Dallin H. Oaks on the principles of compromise found in the Constitution, a new poll finds. The leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered his remarks, titled "Faith, Freedom, and the Common Good," at the Washington National Cathedral on Sept. 16 to a capacity audience of 4,000 people.
Utah voters across faiths embrace Dallin H. Oaks’ call for political compromise, poll finds Original
Nearly 90% of Utah voters agreed a person's commitment to God requires them to treat other people fairly. 79% also agreed that finding compromises between political and religious interests leads to better outcomes. The church recently asked Idaho and Nevada members to oppose ballot initiatives establishing abortion rights. A strong majority of Utah voters, regardless of religious affiliation, agreed with the core message of a speech given by President Dallin H.
Young Democrats are embracing ‘democratic socialism.’ Should you be worried? Original
Nationally, 7-in-10 Democratic voters with at least four years of college support democratic socialism, compared to 52% without a degree. More than 64% of Democratic voters aged 18-34 support socialism as an economic system, roughly 20 points higher than older Democrats. In a survey, 22% of voters said democratic socialism means universal healthcare and stronger social safety net; 22% said they didn't know.
George W. Bush left Ken Paxton out of Senate Republican fundraiser. Here’s what GOP fundraisers think Original
George W. Bush left Ken Paxton out of Senate Republican fundraising push. Paxton trails his Democratic opponent in fundraising as polls show them tied. Utah GOP donor calls this a "loser mentality" that could result in Texas flipping blue. Former President George W. Bush appeared at a Texas fundraiser on Monday in support of six Republican Senate candidates fighting for control of Congress in battleground states across the country.
Utah becomes first state to adopt Trump administration’s faith-based recovery model Original
President Trump's top addiction recovery advisers said Utah is a model for the nation. Gov. Cox made Utah the first state in the country to implement Trump executive order. Trump administration has created addiction recovery trainings for faith communities. A White House delegation recognized Utah on Monday as the national leader in reorienting homeless services and addiction recovery around faith and community.
Mountains, faith and goat polo: The unlikely diplomacy drawing Kyrgyzstan to Utah Original
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov stopped in Utah ahead of UN meeting. Senate President Stuart Adams invited him during a trade mission in April. A Utah cowboy, Ladd Howell, has become a sports star in Kyrgyzstan. When Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov touched down in Salt Lake City on Friday, he was greeted by high-ranking officials in government, religion and philanthropy — and a cowboy.
Utah Democrat says party will reverse ‘big beautiful bill’ tax cuts if it wins a majority Original
Reversing "big beautiful bill" tax breaks would raise taxes $860 for middle-income and $71,000 for the top 0.1%. McAdams said his top priority in office will be addressing housing costs and restoring cut healthcare programs. Diesel fuel prices hit record highs of $6 per gallon this week amid Middle East conflicts disrupting oil supply.
University of Utah finds itself at center of free speech fight over anti-Charlie Kirk cake Original
Erika Kirk retained legal counsel for University of Utah students facing investigation. The College Republicans posted a picture of a student with a "Kirkiversary" cake. A protest on Wednesday called for disciplinary action over alleged "doxxing." A fight over free speech at the University of Utah erupted this week when administrators contacted College Republican students over allegations of internet doxxing after they posted a photo of a student celebrating Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Erika Kirk takes legal step to sue Utah over Charlie Kirk assassination Original
The family of Charlie Kirk filed a notice of claim against the state of Utah. The notice prepares the way for a wrongful death lawsuit in the next year. It alleges UVU failed to monitor rooftop access despite promises to do so. The family of Charlie Kirk prepared the way for a lawsuit against Utah Valley University by notifying the state on Sept. 9 of wrongful death claims, alleging that security failures by UVU led to Kirk’s assassination. No dollar figure was included in the filing.
The BYU grad who built Charlie Kirk’s memorial speaks out after vandalism Original
Newly unveiled Charlie Kirk statue was spray painted red. Utah sculptor says Erika Kirk helped with statue concept. Utah student went viral for posing with "Kirkiversary" cake. Turning Point USA employees woke up on Sunday to find that a newly unveiled statue of Charlie Kirk, TPUSA’s founder, had been vandalized in front of the nonprofit organization’s Phoenix headquarters.
Utah governor: ‘Never forget’ isn’t enough. America needs to remember how to be one Original
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wondered aloud during Friday’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony whether the United States of America could still come together in unity if the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks happened today, 25 years later. He is not so sure it could. Amid corrosive distrust, radicalism and deteriorating institutions, the question is not if a similar tragedy would descend into a tribal tit-for-tat between political parties, but whether it would take a week, or an hour, Cox said. Gov.
Charlie Kirk built a political movement. His followers say politics was never the point Original
The memory of Charlie Kirk rested on the campus of Utah Valley University on Thursday night. It was distilled into a message better fit for a Sunday service — and foreign to the toxic political climate that has been pervasive since his shocking assassination a year ago. Before his death at the age of 31, Kirk had become the most potent political force in conservative youth outreach in the nation. But election activism will not be his lasting legacy.
The movement Charlie Kirk left behind Original
Just inside the Turning Point USA Freedom Center in Phoenix, Arizona, there is a gold-framed painting, about three feet tall, glowing in a warm spotlight mounted on the wall. Captured mid-throw is Charlie Kirk, lobbing red and white MAGA caps into a mass of ecstatic students, cheering against the brilliant-blue backdrop of a September afternoon.
Utah governor tries to sell Jon Stewart on ‘Disagree Better.’ ... It didn’t go as planned Original
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox became the first Republican in 13 months to join a daily late night comedy show. Cox said he jokingly told President Donald Trump he could rename the Great Salt Lake if he helped save it. Cox said he did not intend to replace Pride Month by declaring June as Fidelity Month this year. It was an ambitious idea from the start. Utah Gov.
Gov. Spencer Cox reflects on his call for peace on the anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination Original
A day after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox met briefly with his closest circle of confidants. The manhunt for Kirk’s killer was still underway. It would be another several hours before the alleged shooter would turn himself in to Washington County police. Cox was tired. His friends could see it in his eyes.
Utah governor is not running for president, but he’s out to save the country — with a new book Original
Gov. Cox's new book reveals private conversation with Biden about pardoning Trump. Utah governor says he was "wrong" to ridicule booing GOP delegates in 2024 primary. Cox not running for office, but wouldn't say "no" to cabinet position with "right person." Utah Gov. Spencer Cox really wants you to know he is not running for president. It’s literally the first sentence of his new book.
The AI arms race could come down to a propaganda war
SALT LAKE CITY — Elon Musk's social media company, X, identified hundreds of suspected Chinese accounts amplifying arguments against artificial intelligence data centers, X Global Government Affairs announced on Thursday. The operation included around 200,000 inauthentic accounts, with 200 focused on swaying AI infrastructure debates with warnings of rising energy rates and images of corporations destroying communities.
The AI arms race could come down to a propaganda war
Elon Musk's social media company, X, identified hundreds of suspected Chinese accounts amplifying arguments against artificial intelligence data centers, X Global Government Affairs announced on Thursday. The operation included around 200,000 inauthentic accounts, with 200 focused on swaying AI infrastructure debates with warnings of rising energy rates and images of corporations destroying communities.
The AI arms race could come down to a propaganda war Original
Elon Musk’s social media company, X, identified hundreds of suspected Chinese accounts amplifying arguments against artificial intelligence data centers, X Global Government Affairs announced on Thursday. The operation included around 200,000 inauthentic accounts, with 200 focused on swaying AI infrastructure debates with warnings of rising energy rates and images of corporations destroying communities.
The quiet Republican divide over whether Trump's multibillion-dollar family empire is a conflict-of-interest crisis
The Republican Party scrutinized apparent conflicts of interest under President Joe Biden for four years, putting a spotlight on how Biden's son, Hunter, repeatedly profited from his father's name and position in the White House.
The quiet Republican divide over whether Trump’s multibillion-dollar family empire is a conflict-of-interest crisis Original
President Donald Trump's new crypto firm run by his sons brought in $1.4 billion last year. More than $250 million was from an investor tied to United Arab Emirates royalty. Polls find more than 6 in 10 U.S. adults oppose Trump foreign business dealings. The Republican Party scrutinized apparent conflicts of interest under President Joe Biden for four years, putting a spotlight on how Biden’s son, Hunter, repeatedly profited from his father’s name and position in the White House.
Utah voters turn on incumbents as statewide approval ratings drop into the red
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns handed statewide leaders an overall negative approval rating in August, continuing a downward trend for Gov. Spencer Cox that put his approval rating underwater for the first time, a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found. The poll of nearly 800 registered Utah voters revealed an anti-incumbent mood that left no one untouched. The state Legislature and Sen. John Curtis dipped into negative territory, while Sen. Mike Lee and Cox took a plunge.
Turning Point USA announces memorial at UVU on anniversary of Kirk's assassination
SALT LAKE CITY — Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organization in America, announced it will hold a memorial to commemorate its founder, Charlie Kirk, at Utah Valley University on the first anniversary of his Sept. 10 assassination.
Turning Point USA announces memorial event at Utah Valley University on anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination Original
Turning Point USA will hold a memorial on Sept. 10 marking one year since Charlie Kirk's assassination. The event will be at Utah Valley University, the site of the campus shooting that took Kirk's life. Speakers will include Glenn Beck, Frank Turek, Andrew Sypher, Caleb Chilcutt, and others.
Online hawks called Sen. Curtis’ migrant worker bill ‘amnesty.’ Here’s what local GOP voters actually think Original
64% of Utah voters support letting states run visa programs for migrant workers. 60% of Utah Republicans also support it, despite online backlash toward policy. 68% support path to citizenship for immigrants in industries with labor shortage. Utah Sen. John Curtis faced angry online immigration hawks earlier this month when he announced legislation to create a state-led migrant visa program. Curtis framed it as a bipartisan solution enabling states to address their unique labor shortages.
Utah voters turn on incumbents as statewide approval ratings drop into the red Original
Gov. Spencer Cox’s approval rating fell from 51% to 41% since January, putting him 8 points underwater. Sens. Mike Lee and John Curtis also moved into negative territory amid broader anti-incumbent sentiment. Utah voters who are independent shifted away from Cox more than other political identifications. Utahns handed statewide leaders an overall negative approval rating in August, continuing a downward trend for Gov.
Senate GOP whip says Mike Lee’s election security bill will be priority after recess Original
Sen. John Barrasso received the Titan of Public Service Award at the Hatch Foundation gala Thursday. One of the GOP's priorities upon returning from recess will be funding government past the midterms. Barrasso said it is "absolutely" a GOP priority to pass Sen. Mike Lee's SAVE America Act after recess. U.S. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., confirmed it is a Republican priority to pass the election security package championed by Utah Sen.
East Valley showdown: GOP loyalist and party defector clash in Arizona governor race
Former Mesa mayor says Arizona governor picked him as running mate to "lower the temperature." GOP nominee Rep. Andy Biggs accused Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs of "spewing misinformation." Biggs and ex-Republican John Giles both have strong connections to the East Valley area of Arizona. Arizona Gov.
East Valley showdown: GOP loyalist and party defector clash in Arizona governor race
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, shook up the Copper State gubernatorial contest on Tuesday with her selection of former Mesa mayor John Giles, a disaffected ex-Republican, to be her candidate for lieutenant governor. The pick pits two opposing brands of East Valley politics against each other. The "Never Trump" mentality of Giles, who made compromise his hallmark in Mesa, contrasts with the uncompromising conservatism of GOP nominee Rep.
The Gen Z conservative trying to win Utah’s new blue district
Ben McAdams has $300,000 in cash on hand; Riley Owen has $9,500. But Owen thinks conservatives have a shot in the new 1st District. He said the key is a fresh, Gen Z take on questions of affordability. The 27-year-old Republican nominee for Utah’s 1st Congressional District announced on Tuesday a “Hard Questions” tour to introduce voters to his unorthodox pitch of “community conservatism” with Gen Z characteristics.
Can ‘community conservatism’ win Utah’s new blue district? A Gen Z GOP nominee is going to find out
Chris Wright 3 hours ago The Trump administration claims oil is flowing normally again. There’s just one problem CNN - David Goldman • 3h Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Tuesday that oil exports from the Middle East rose above pre-war levels on Sunday and have been right around normal for a week — a highly dubious claim that does not appear to be backed up by observable shipping traffic.
Sen. Cory Booker courts Utah Democrats as 2028 hopefuls make moves nationwide Original
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker is scheduled to hold a fundraiser in Park City. Booker has raised more money than nearly any other U.S. Senate candidate. He is using a committee made to carry funds from his 2020 presidential bid. Officially, the 2028 Democratic presidential primary has not begun. But the money tells another story. Congress members in deep-blue districts are raking in millions despite likely victory in November. U.S. Sen.
How the Gen Z gender divide on politics could reshape religion
49% of Gen Z men identify as Republican, compared to 27% of Gen Z women. 51% of young Latter-day Saints who left from 2020-2024 identified as liberal. 71% of young conservative women are parents, compared to 40% of liberal women. The gender divide among voters under 30 hit unprecedented levels in 2026, creating a chasm between young men and women that could impact religious affiliation in a moment when political polarization has reached the pews.
Salt Lake City mayor cautions fellow Democrats against 'purely reactive' politics
SALT LAKE CITY — The Republican governor of solidly red Utah and the Democratic mayor of its deeply blue capital spoke out separately about what they see as the growing polarization pushing their parties to the fringes. In an interview with Deseret News in late July, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall explained her party's shift toward democratic socialism in recent congressional primaries as a natural reaction to the perceived overreach of President Donald Trump.
Battle of the BYU grads: Former Mesa mayor on track to join Arizona governor ticket against Andy Biggs Original
Arizona governor picks former Mesa mayor as running mate, sources say. John Giles, a lifelong Republican, was the face of "Republicans for Harris." Former Sen. Jeff Flake called the choice a "smart move" for Katie Hobbs. Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs will pick former Republican Mesa Mayor John Giles to be her lieutenant governor in the competitive November general election against GOP nominee Andy Biggs, according to two sources close to Giles.
Salt Lake City mayor cautions fellow Democrats against ‘purely reactive’ politics
Democratic socialists win in Michigan, continuing a streak of victories nationwide. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said this is a natural response by Democrats to Republican “extremes.” Gov. Cox said both parties appear like they're “actively trying to lose” midterms. The Republican governor of solidly red Utah and the Democratic mayor of its deeply blue capital spoke out separately about what they see as the growing polarization pushing their parties to the fringes.
Sen. Curtis brought the Utah Compact on Immigration to Congress — MAGA called it a betrayal Original
Top MAGA personalities criticized Sen. John Curtis for immigration bill. The proposal lets states manage a new migrant worker program. Utah College Republicans have requested a meeting with Curtis to discuss. Utah Sen. John Curtis hit a nerve on Monday with the introduction of a bipartisan bill seeking major reforms to one of the most sensitive issues in American politics: the legal immigration system.
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