⏰ Tick Tock
Utah's 2025 municipal primary elections are today (8/12/2025)
Days until Election Day (11/4/2025) - 84
Days until the 2026 midterm elections (11/3/2026) - 448
Days until the 2028 presidential election (11/7/2028) - 1,183
Trump tax cuts: Rich get richer, poor get poorer
The sweeping tax cuts and spending package signed by President Donald Trump last month shifts resources away from the poorest Americans while boosting the incomes for the wealthiest 10% of households, according to a new analysis from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.
The CBO estimates the poorest 10% will lose about $1,200 a year as Medicaid and food assistance are cut. Meanwhile, the top 10% are expected to gain nearly $14,000, on average, from tax reductions.
The Associated Press reports that the majority of Americans will see more income from the legislation, but most of the benefits go to those at the upper end of the income scale.
The CBO found that roughly 2.4 million Americans will lose food assistance because of changes to eligibility. 10 million Americans are expected to lose their health insurance due to cuts to Medicaid by 2034.
Tuesday morning's headlines
Utah and the West
Sen. Stuart Adams' latest controversy spotlights past ethics questions. [Utah Political Watch]
Utah's Sen. Mike Lee has long fixated on exerting power over D.C. Now, Trump is realizing it. [Salt Lake Tribune]
Salt Lake City, Smith Entertainment Group close to deal on 99-year Delta Center lease. [KSL]
Utah joins multi-state robocall crackdown, issues warnings to these 37 telecom companies. [Utah News Dispatch]
Water rates to rise for nearly 800,000 Utahns after board votes in favor of tax increase. [KUTV]
Southern Utah leads armed guardian implementation as new school year kicks off. [KSL]
Utah health leaders work to prevent the spread of measles as students start going back to school. [Fox 13]
3 Utah charter schools awarded up to $2M each in federal funds. [KSL]
Number of women in STEM is growing in Utah, but gender disparities prevail. [Utah News Dispatch]
Nation
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned that his state could eliminate 10 Democratic held seats through redistricting should California moves forward with a plan to redraw its maps. [The Hill]
Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna plan to hold a press conference with victims of Jeffrey Epstein the day that Congress returns from its summer recess. [Washington Times]
World
White House officials are setting modest expectations ahead of President Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia. [Politico]
President Trump says both Russia and Ukraine will have to cede territory to end the war in Ukraine. [Reuters]
The U.S. and China have extended the truce over tariffs by another 90 days until Nov. 10. [Reuters]
South Korea's low birthrate is affecting the size of its military. The number of soldiers has dropped 20% in the past six years. [GZEROMedia]
Economy
Inflation remained steady in July. Energy and food prices were able to offset large increases elsewhere. [NBC News]
Millions of Americans are ignoring their student loan bills, chosing to prioritize housing and groceries. [Bloomberg]