Joshua Lee

Downtown Salt Lake City with a view of Capitol Hill.

Analysis

Why people are fleeing blue states for red ones, and what Utah shows us

Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about the trend when he visited Utah, but a New York Times columnist doesn’t buy his explanation.

By Joshua Lee

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, is pictured at the Capitol in Salt Lake City.

Politics

‘He’s playing chicken’: Mike Lee criticizes Biden over debt ceiling negotiations

Biden’s plan doesn’t appear to have the votes and Mitt Romney said he’s supporting the House GOP’s proposal

By Joshua Lee

A dose of a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is prepared at Lurie Children’s hospital, Nov. 5, 2021, in Chicago.

Politics

Biden drops vaccination requirements as Utah congressmen send letter

Lee said the mandate that kept tennis star Novak Djokovic from entering the U.S. should end.

By Joshua Lee

Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah talks with Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., in the House chamber in Washington, on Jan. 4, 2023.

Politics

Republican debt ceiling bill passes House, with support of 4 Utah congressmen

Republicans are calling on Biden to negotiate before the country defaults on its debt.

By Joshua Lee

Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich debate at Fox Theatre in Detroit.

Politics

Trump complains GOP primary debates will be ‘hostile’ towards him. Will he agree to participate?

Trump said the Republican Party should get his ‘approval’ for the debates.

By Joshua Lee

Utah Republican State Party chair candidate Rob Axson speaks during the Utah Republican Party Organizing Convention at Utah Valley University in Orem on April 22, 2023.

Politics

New Utah GOP leadership say they want a ‘boldly conservative’ state party

In a joint interview with the Deseret News, they spoke about what they hoped DeSantis learned while in Utah.

By Joshua Lee

Politics

What DeSantis told the Utah GOP about the 2024 election

He said the Republican Party needs to “shake a culture of losing”, and he spoke about what Utah and Florida have in common.

By Joshua Lee

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives a speech.

Politics

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Utah Republican Party Convention

Utah’s federal delegation and state officers are also expected to address the GOP delegates.

By Joshua Lee

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik at an event at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, April 20, 2023.

Politics

Utah congressmen join House GOP in approving transgender sports ban

Rep. Owens said in a speech that the bill will protect the nation’s female athletes

By Joshua Lee

The House on Fire ruins are pictured in Bears Ears National Monument in San Juan County on April 9, 2021.

Politics

Is the federal government neglecting the Bears Ears National Monument? Rep. Curtis questions Interior Secretary Haaland

Curtis said the federal government needs to ‘step up’ when it takes land stewardship away from the state.

By Joshua Lee

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Politics

DeSantis clashes with Disney again

In an 11th hour move, Disney attempted to secure powers before a state-appointed board took over, DeSantis said

By Joshua Lee

Former President Donald Trump points to the crowd during a speaking appearance at the National Rifle Association Convention in Indianapolis. April 14, 2023..

Politics

Trump and DeSantis give dueling speeches at National Rifle Association convention

The convention also featured other declared and expected 2024 GOP presidential candidates.

By Joshua Lee

Enes Kanter applauds after the Utah Jazz defeats the Portland Trailblazers in pre-season NBA basketball.

Politics

Enes Kanter Freedom, former Utah Jazz player, honored in Riverton City for ‘speaking out’

Freedom says his Muslim mother called Utah the “holiest place in America” when he was drafted by the Jazz.

By Joshua Lee

Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, speaks during a South Valley Chamber of Commerce meeting at Salt Mine Productive in Sandy.

Politics

Rep. John Curtis clarifies whether he’s thinking about running for Senate in 2024

A Curtis spokesperson told the Deseret News he was recently named one of the most effective lawmakers

By Joshua Lee

Traffic along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington streaks past the Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters building on Nov. 1, 2017.

Politics

FBI used undercover ‘employee’ to monitor Catholic clergy and parishioners, House GOP says

The House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed the bureau Monday for more information about its tactics.

By Joshua Lee

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks at a press conference after the arraignment of former President Donald Trump in New York.

Politics

Manhattan District Attorney who indicted Trump now suing Rep. Jim Jordan for interference

Jordan announced Monday the Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing in New York City to highlight Bragg’s ‘pro-crime’ policies

By Joshua Lee

Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, speaks during an interview at the Triad Center in Salt Lake City.

Politics

Congressmen wary of China’s increased aggression say Utahns need to be cautious

Reps. Chris Stewart and Blake Moore say they have concerns

By Joshua Lee

Fresh snow covers the mountains of Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

Politics

What is the Ski and Snowboarding Caucus? A Utah Republican and New Hampshire Democrat explain

Representatives John Curtis and Annie Kuster shared with the Washington Post how they are working across the aisle.

By Joshua Lee

Former President Donald Trump arrives at court, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in New York.

Politics

Understanding the criminal charges against Donald Trump

The 34 felony charges accuse the former president of falsifying records with the intention of concealing an undisclosed crime.

By Joshua Lee

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally on March 25, 2023, in Waco, Texas. Tump has been indicted by a New York grand jury.

Politics

Utah congressional delegation weighs in on Trump indictment

Sen. Mike Lee and Reps. Chris Stewart and Burgess Owens reacted to the news.

By Suzanne Bates and Joshua Lee

Former President Donald Trump listens as he speaks with reporters while in flight after a campaign rally in Waco, Texas, Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Politics

Here’s what we know about the Trump indictment

Trump calls the indictment ‘Political Persecution and Election Interference,’ will reportedly turn himself in next week

By Joshua Lee

Politics

Mike Bird drops out of race, Rob Axson will become Utah GOP state party chair

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will also speak to the GOP state delegates on April 22 at the organizing convention

By Joshua Lee

Dr. Amos Brown speaks at a reparations rally outside of City Hall in San Francisco, Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

Politics

San Francisco leaders favor reparations that could include $5 million payouts. Here’s when it could happen

Rep. Burgess Owens has said reparations are ‘condescending’ and part of a ‘racist narrative’

By Joshua Lee

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., joined by Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., and Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., talks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington.

Politics

Parents Bill of Rights passes House, Rep. Owens says it would allow parents to be heard in schools

All four Utah congressmen voted for the bill. Opponents say it reduces local control over education.

By Joshua Lee

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies during a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Politics

TikTok CEO questioned by House Committee, Utah’s Rep. Curtis says company should be held ‘accountable’

A bipartisan group of lawmakers condemned TikTok as a national and personal security threat.

By Joshua Lee

New York Police officers wait for instructions around the courthouse ahead of former President Donald Trump’s anticipated indictment on March 21, 2023, in New York.

Politics

With criminal charges potentially coming this week, what’s next for Donald Trump?

New York and Washington, D.C., law enforcement are already preparing for possible civil unrest.

By Joshua Lee

Evelyn Knapp, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, waves to passersby outside of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

Analysis

Analysis: Can Trump still run for president in 2024 if he’s found guilty of a crime?

Reports indicate Trump could soon be indicted of a crime in New York or Georgia

By Joshua Lee

Gov. Spencer Cox holds his monthly news conference at PBS Utah in the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City.

Politics

Gov. Cox joins DeSantis, other governors to oppose Biden’s support of ESG

The alliance of governors vows to fight “woke” investment strategies by coordinating state-level actions.

By Joshua Lee

Old caucus signs are stacked up inside the Utah GOP’s headquarters in Salt Lake City.

Politics

Rob Axson and Mike Bird vie to lead Utah Republican Party

Utah GOP state delegates will gather April 22 to vote on a new leadership team

By Joshua Lee

Former Vice President Mike Pence gives a lecture at Christ Chapel on the campus of Hillsdale College.

Politics

Mike Pence tries out comedy with lighthearted jokes about his old boss, devout faith and Mitt Romney

In a more serious tone, Pence said history will hold Trump “accountable” for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

By Joshua Lee