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Days until Election Day (11/4/2025) - 75
Days to the start of the 2026 Utah Legislature (1/20/2026) - 152
Days until the 2026 midterm elections (11/3/2026) - 439
Days until the 2028 presidential election (11/7/2028) - 1,174
Owens praises Trump for meeting with Putin
There's little argument that Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Burgess Owens are the most enthusiastic supporters of President Donald Trump in Utah's congressional delegation. On Tuesday, it was Owens' turn to heap praise on President Trump.
During an appearance on the conservative Christian radio show "Washington Watch," Owens was asked about last week's meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. As usual, Owens connected the summit to his time playing in the NFL.
"I'm going to tie into a little bit of my football experience. I haven't seen anything like the force of President Trump since the Al Davis days. He's a remarkable leader. He's a genius when it comes down to business, a genius when it comes down to negotiating. It's time for us all to respect that," Owens said.
Owens last played in the NFL in 1984.
On the campaign trail, Trump boasted it would only take him one day to negotiate the end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 213 days after his inauguration, the war continues unabated.
President Trump emerged from the meeting in Alaska with plans to pursue the end of the war in Ukraine by organizing a trilateral meeting between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine. Almost a week later, the Kremlin has indicated it is not ready to budge on negotiating peace.
Still, Owens says he implicitly trusts Trump to find a solution.
"I see right now something's happening that we have been waiting for a long time. President Trump has the respect from those around the world that can now stand with him and say let's get this thing done. And I think Putin's gonna actually respect that also in the process," Owens said.
Thursday morning's headlines
Utah and the West
Utah election bills promise transparency, but echo election denial claims. [Utah Political Watch]
Utah lawmakers want governor to appoint state Supreme Court's chief justice. [Deseret News]
Draft legislation aims to make it easier for officials to raise Great Salt Lake berm. [KSL]
Utah lawmakers discuss walking away from millions in federal education money. Here's what's at stake if they do. [Salt Lake Tribune]
State officials outline how the "big, beautiful" law could impact energy, environmental agencies. [Utah News Dispatch]
BLM transfers more than 600 acres over to Utah state parks. [Utah News Dispatch]
Arrests, citations up "significantly" in Salt Lake City, Chief Redd tells lawmakers. [KSL]
Capitol Hill looks at consolidating Colorado River power. [Fox 13]
Nation
Vice President JD Vance says the federal takeover of policing in Washington, D.C. could be a test case for other cities. [Washington Post]
The Justice Department is asking hospitals for sensitive information about medical care for young transgender patients. [Washington Post]
A majority of Democrats nationwide support California's effort to counter Texas' redistricting. [Politico]
Healthcare
Health Secretary RFK Jr. has slashed funding for autism research despite vowing to find its cause. [ProPublica]
Media
CBS News is losing $50 million per year. [Puck]
