iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 18h

In the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the Utah System of Higher Education has adopted dozens of new campus safety policy changes that will impact every public college and university in the state: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 19h

It's debate night in Utah! The 3rd Congressional District debate between incumbent Rep. Celeste Maloy and Kent Udell will be broadcast on @fox13news.bsky.social's sister station Utah 16 (aka "The Spot") and at fox13now.com starting at 6pm. #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 20h

In an email to residents, Millcreek says it intends to appeal a state air quality permit granted to a mining operation in Parley's Canyon... #utpol #Utah

Millcreek Continues to Fight the Proposed Parley’s Canyon Gravel Mine

MILLCREEK. Millcreek is disappointed by the Division of Air Quality’s recent approval of the permit for the proposed mining operation in Parleys Canyon. Mayor Cheri Jackson and the City Council directed the city attorney to work with outside counsel and experts to pursue an appeal of the approval.

The Canyon Rim and Mount Olympus areas of Millcreek would be among the communities most directly impacted by fugitive dust blowing out of Parleys Canyon by this mining operation before it affects the broader Salt Lake Valley.

Millcreek stands ready to pursue all measures available to protect our residents and community, while recognizing that the prospects for successfully stopping the project at this stage may be limited.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

ICYMI, Happy New Water Year to all who celebrate! The deals between the states that govern the Colorado River have now expired, so I looked into what happens next: www.fox13now.com/news/colorad... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

My friends in the 801 & 435! I’m in a mood for *waves hand in the air* REASONS. Im in a sneaky hate spiral. Consider this some annoying “vague-booking” but my pettiness tonight is not going away. So here’s some #MusicToSaunterTo: music.apple.com/us/album/not...

music.apple.com

Not Ready to Make Nice by The Chicks on Apple Music

Song · 2006 · Duration 3:57

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Gov. Cox sporting glasses now. He joked at an event I was covering this morning that "when you turn 50, things stop working" and he needs them sometimes. #utpol #Utah

Gov. Cox in glasses talking to House Speaker Mike Schultz.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

After a federal judge refused to dismiss the lawsuit over Utah's school book bans, the Utah Attorney General's Office gave its formal response to the litigation filed against the state by students/book authors. Let's just say it's 31 pages of "to the point." 😅 #utpol #Utah

62. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained
in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.
63. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained
in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.
64. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.
65. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.
66. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.
67. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.
68. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.
69. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.
70. Defendants lack sufficient information to either admit or deny the allegations contained in this paragraph of the Complaint, and therefore deny the same.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

ICYMI, Great Salt Lake wetlands being preserved is a good thing, right? One group that advocates for bird habitat is pushing back on a sale of Salt Lake City International Airport land over concerns about human access: www.fox13now.com/news/great-s... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Hello my friends in the 801 & 435! I’m sipping wine, staring into the night sky and listening to a neighbor’s dog have an absolute meltdown over something. In other words? It’s a nice night. Here’s some #MusicToSaunterTo: music.apple.com/us/album/sma...

music.apple.com

Small Town Scandal by Zolita on Apple Music

Song · 2024 · Duration 3:30

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Hi journalism-supporting friends of Bluesky! The newly-formed Utah chapter of @nlgjaofficial.bsky.social is doing a lil' fundraiser to help support LGBTQ+ journalists in our community w/ activities/distractions & such. If you feel so inclined, please contribute! www.nlgja.org/chapter/?for... #Utah

https://www.nlgja.org/chapter/?form=FUNEJQRGTRU

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Great Salt Lake wetlands being preserved is a good thing, right? One group that advocates for bird habitat is pushing back on a sale of Salt Lake City International Airport land over concerns about some of the last areas largely untouched by humans: www.fox13now.com/news/great-s... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

@fox13news.bsky.social's sister station will be broadcasting the Utah Royals game this Saturday. Details here... #Utah

Saturday, 10/3 NWSL matches on ION. Racing Louisville take on the Utah Royals FC beginning at 2p.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

ICYMI, a lot of common ground, but also some big disagreements in the First Congressional District debate between Riley Owen and Ben McAdams: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Hello my friends in the 801 & 435! It’s a nice fall evening and I’m drinking bad rosé post-debate coverage. As I endure, here’s some #MusicToSaunterTo: music.apple.com/us/album/hea...

music.apple.com

Heart Go Faster by The Davey Brothers on Apple Music

Song · 2010 · Duration 3:33

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A lot of common ground, but also some big disagreements in the First Congressional District debate between Ben McAdams and Riley Owen: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

It's debate night in Utah! Watch the 1st Congressional District debate between Ben McAdams and Riley Owen starting at 6p on FOX 13 on TV and at fox13now.com! #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

ICYMI, after decades on death row, a judge has ordered Douglas Stewart Carter released on bail as Utah County prosecutors re-evaluate the murder case against him: www.fox13now.com/news/local-n... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

BREAKING NEWS: After decades on death row, a judge has ordered Douglas Stewart Carter released on bail as Utah County prosecutors re-evaluate the murder case against him: www.fox13now.com/news/local-n... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

BREAKING NEWS: Rep. Trevor Lee has resigned from the Utah State Legislature after criminal charges were filed against him, accusing him of fraud. His statement. Updates on @fox13news.bsky.social ASAP... #utpol #Utah

Rep. Trevor Lee to Resign from the Utah House of Representatives

SALT LAKE CITY – Today, Rep. Trevor Lee notified Speaker Mike Schultz of his resignation from the Utah House of Representatives, effective immediately.

“Due to personal circumstances that require my attention, I no longer feel I can give my constituents the time, attention, and service they deserve,” said Rep. Trevor Lee. “I will always be grateful for the people I have met, the relationships I have built, and the opportunity I have had to serve the people of Utah.”

“I appreciate Rep. Lee’s service and accept his resignation,” said Speaker Schultz.

Rep. Lee has represented House District 16 in Davis County since January 2023. The Davis County Republican Party will hold a special election to fill House District 16’s vacancy for the remainder of the term.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

NEW: Statement by the Free Speech Coalition (the industry group representing the adult entertainment industry) on a federal judge blocking Utah's age-verification VPN law. Worth noting they give guidance to porn sites to keep complying with other parts of Utah's age-verification laws. #utpol #Utah

A US District Court in Utah has enjoined a portion of the Utah age-verification law requiring platforms to age-verify users in Utah, regardless of whether users are masking their location using a VPN. Other provisions of the Utah age-verification law remain in effect.

US District Court Judge David Barlow issued the ruling on Thursday:

“Plaintiffs have demonstrated that Utah Code section 78B-3-1002(3), the actual-location provision, is likely to violate the United State Constitution’s dormant Commerce Clause, that irreparable harm will result, and that the equities favor an injunction. Accordingly, the court hereby enters a Preliminary Injunction as follows: That Defendants and their agents, employees, and persons in active concert or participation with them shall not enforce Utah Code section 78B-31002(3) until further order of this court. Nothing in this Order shall be construed as preventing Defendants from otherwise enforcing Utah Code sections 78B-3-1001 to 1008.”

The decision comes as a result of a lawsuit by Aylo against the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.

“This is a significant early victory against an invasive, technologically unsound law,” says Jeffrey Douglas, Board Chair of Free Speech Coalition. “We thank Aylo for bringing this suit forward when no one else would, and for standing up for the rights of both the industry and its consumers.”

Adult sites should continue to comply with the other portion of Utah’s existing age-verification law.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

ICYMI, Utah’s gas tax could be tweaked in favor of “congestion pricing” or a “vehicle miles traveled” fee applied to every vehicle: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

ICYMI, the new president of the International Olympic Committee visited Salt Lake City, where she was updated on the status of preparations for the 2034 Games: www.fox13now.com/news/2034-ut... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

ICYMI, Utah is the first state to partner with the White House on an initiative to streamline government services centered around addiction recovery: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

ICYMI, Utah Valley University releases its report on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the events surrounding it, finding “inconsistencies” in safety policies, but assigning no blame: www.fox13now.com/news/shootin... #utpol #Utah

fox13now.com

UVU security report finds 'inconsistencies' in campus safety policies ahead of Charlie Kirk shooting

Utah Valley University released its highly-anticipated report on Friday about security issues surrounding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

ICYMI, Lt. Governor Henderson says she will go “as far as I need to go” to defend Utah voters’ personal info from a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit and investigation into her: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

fox13now.com

Henderson will go 'as far as I need to' defending Utah voters' private info

Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson has advised county clerks to have more dropboxes and in-person polling locations for the upcoming elections "just in case."

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Utah Valley University releases its report on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the events surrounding it, finding “inconsistencies” in safety policies, but assigning no blame: www.fox13now.com/news/shootin... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

ICYMI, Utah’s gas tax could be tweaked in favor of “congestion pricing” or a “vehicle miles traveled” fee applied to every vehicle: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Utah’s gas tax could be tweaked in favor of “congestion pricing” or a “vehicle miles traveled” fee applied to every vehicle: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The new president of the International Olympic Committee visited Salt Lake City, where she was updated on the status of preparations for the 2034 Games: www.fox13now.com/news/2034-ut... #utpol #Utah

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

NEW: A Noble Predictive Insights poll released today finds most Utahns surveyed aren't fans of data centers, are really concerned about water and want money for Great Salt Lake and don't like the boundaries shrinking of Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. #utpol #Utah

Eighty-nine percent of Utah voters are concerned about growth and development's impact on the state's water supply, including 55% who are very concerned. Total concern is essentially the same across parties, and never falls below 85% across any age group or region.

"Water is one of the rare issues that puts nearly the entire electorate in the same place," said Mike Noble, NPI Founder & CEO. "The level of concern is remarkably consistent across party lines."

Sixty-two percent say government leaders in Utah and Washington are not doing enough to address problems facing the Great Salt Lake. Women are more likely than men to say more needs to be done, 67% to 55%, while the regional split runs from 68% in North Rural counties to 43% in South Rural counties.

At the same time, 81% support Congress approving the proposed $1 billion federal funding package to restore and protect the lake. Support remains at or above 75% across almost every major demographic group.

By contrast, voters oppose President Donald Trump's recent reductions to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments by 20 points, with 20% unsure.

"Utah voters are drawing a distinction between federal investment and federal land policy," Noble said. "They strongly support funding for the Great Salt Lake, while opposing the recent monument boundary reductions by 20 points."

Sixty percent oppose the construction of additional large data centers in Utah, including 42% who strongly oppose them. Opposition exceeds support across all parties, rising to 68% among women and 69% among young and rural voters. Men are more divided: 43% support additional data centers, while 52% oppose them.

When the tradeoff is made explicit, 62% say Utah should limit additional data-center development because of water use, electricity demand, and infrastructure costs, compared with 18% who prioritize new investment and tax revenue. A majority of every major party group chooses limits. Support for limits reaches 72% among voters 18-29 and 69% among rural voters.

"The economic benefits do not outweigh the resource concerns for most voters in this poll," Noble said. "Once water, power, and infrastructure are part of the tradeoff, majorities across parties favor limits."

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

fox13now.com

Henderson will go 'as far as I need to' defending Utah voters' private info

Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson has advised county clerks to have more dropboxes and in-person polling locations for the upcoming elections "just in case."

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Hello 801 & 435! I’m having the ups and downs. I got great news from a friend (you know who you are) but I brace for my own insecurities so here’s some #MusicToSaunterTo: music.apple.com/us/album/die...

music.apple.com

die for my art with a lonely heart by Tove Lo on Apple Music

Song · 2026 · Duration 2:33

070

Reposted by Ben Winslow

The Salt Lake Tribune @sltrib.com · 20/09/2026

Agriculture uses about 65% of the water that would otherwise flow to the Great Salt Lake, according to the latest Great Salt Lake Strike Team report. And much of the agricultural land in the Great Salt Lake Basin is used to grow alfalfa.

sltrib.com

Is Utah really exporting most of its alfalfa overseas?

The Great Salt Lake is grabbing national attention again as it hovers just over a foot above its record low set in 2022. A dry winter and hot summer continue to take a toll.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Lt. Governor Henderson says she will go “as far as I need to go” to defend Utah voters’ personal info from a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit and investigation into her: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

fox13now.com

Henderson will go 'as far as I need to' defending Utah voters' private info

Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson has advised county clerks to have more dropboxes and in-person polling locations for the upcoming elections "just in case."

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Coming up on @fox13news.bsky.social @ 5 & 6p: Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson on the upcoming elections and why she says she'll go "as far as I need to go" in defending Utah voters' personal info in the face of Justice Department lawsuits and investigations... #utpol #Utah

Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson seated in a chair, giving an interview to FOX 13 reporter Ben Winslow. A camera is over his shoulder.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

INBOX: Sen. Plumb statement criticizing Gov. Cox and the White House initiative on substance abuse recovery (that I reported on earlier)... #utpol #Utah

SALT LAKE CITY— In response to Governor Cox’s Executive Order establishing the
‘Recovery Utah Initiative’, Senator Jen Plumb, D-UT (SD 9), issued the following statement:
“What concerns me about this initiative is not the goal; it's the framing. After decades of work,
it's easy to walk in, put a new title on something, and take credit for outcomes that community
organizations fought for with too little funding and too little recognition for years. It is much
harder, and much more meaningful, to actually invest in the Utahns who built this work from the
ground up. We have been saving lives, supporting families, and helping people find recovery and
wellness long before it became a convenient political message.
“Allowing a federal messaging initiative to bulldoze and rebrand the work that some in the state
have already been doing for decades is irresponsible and damaging. In doing so, Governor Cox is
politicizing recovery, and he's doing it under the banner of an administration whose own policies
have made wellness harder to reach for the people who need it most. This risks undermining the
trust that took years to establish with the providers and organizations that work directly with
Utahns in crisis.
“Additionally, I have serious concerns that this initiative conflates "accountability" with punitive,
coercion-based models, a framing that reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the clinical
and social needs of this population. This approach appears to pivot the state toward a single
treatment model, at the expense of the full continuum of care that effective recovery systems
require. Utah's recovery framework should be grounded in data, evidence, and respect for
individual autonomy, not in punitive frameworks presented as accountability.
“Utah's most affected communities deserve sustained leadership and direct investment, not to be
used as props to message an initiative shaped by political priorities set elsewhere.”

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito swore in newly-confirmed Utah Supreme Court Justice Jay Jorgensen at his investiture ceremony yesterday. Justice Jorgensen clerked for then-Judge Alito in the 3rd Circuit Court more than 30 years ago. 📸 via Utah Administrative Office of the Courts #utpol #Utah

Justice Alito reading the oath to Justice Jorgensen. Other justices behind them.

Justice Jorgensen speaking to a group, including Justice Alito.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

INBOX: New public opinion poll numbers from Noble Predictive Insights finds Trump, Gov. Cox approval ratings down; Utahns worried about the economy, housing, Great Salt Lake; support for Lt. Gov. Henderson; support for tax initiatives amendment... #utpol #Utah

The economy and cost of living is the clear No. 1 issue heading into November: 46% say it matters most to their vote, nearly three times the share choosing either housing affordability or water, drought, and the Great Salt Lake (16% each).

That focus crosses party lines. Economy and cost of living ranks first among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents/Nonpartisans alike. The data also shows a generational split: Housing affordability rises to 29% among voters aged 18-29, but just 4% among voters 65+; meanwhile, water, drought, and the Great Salt Lake rises to 27% among voters 65+.

“Cost of living is the common denominator," Noble said. "But after that, younger voters are thinking much more about housing, while older voters are more focused on water and the Great Salt Lake."

Half of voters currently support the constitutional amendment requiring certain tax initiatives to receive at least 60% support to pass, while 21% oppose it and 23% are unsure. Independents/Nonpartisans are the least settled group, with 35% unsure.

Age is the clearest divide: support rises from 29% among voters 18-29 to 64% among voters 65+. Women are also more than twice as likely as men to be unsure, 31% to 14%.

The overall state mood is also nearly unchanged. A slim majority (52%) says Utah is on the right track and 48% says it is heading in the wrong direction, compared with 53% right track and 47% wrong direction in April.

Nearly 7 in 10 Utah voters (69%) would prefer politicians and others stop discussing the 2020 election and focus on other issues. That view is shared by majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

On voter-registration records, 54% approve of Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson pushing back against the Trump administration's request for Utah's full, unredacted voter file. The urban-rural divide is notable: 62% of urban voters approve compared with 41% of rural voters.

When voters are asked which concern matters more, personal privacy leads federal access for election-integrity checks by 31 points, 58%-27%; privacy is the larger concern in every major party group.

Trump's net job approval moves from even in April to -10 in September. Cox sees the larger change, moving from net +19 to -4, a 23-point shift. The Utah Legislature's favorability moves from net +14 to an even 40%-40% split over the same period. Trump's rating on the economy is weaker still at net -19.

The September numbers also reveal a pronounced age divide. Trump ranges from net -46 among voters 18-29 to +10 among voters 65+; Cox ranges from -28 to +31 across those same age groups. Both leaders are net positive among men and net negative among women.

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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

ICYMI, Utah is the first state to partner with the White House on an initiative to streamline government services centered around addiction recovery: www.fox13now.com/news/politic... #utpol #Utah

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