Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
University of Utah fans are speaking out about a new plan to put the future of the athletics department’s finances in the hands of a new for-profit company backed by a private equity firm.
University of Utah President Taylor Randall said the deal will help grow the school’s athletics programs, including women’s and Olympic sports. And the Utah Board of Higher Education says the plan “provides a forward-looking way to stabilize its athletics budget, generate private investment and strengthen long-term competitiveness while ensuring that costs are not shifted to students or taxpayers.”
On social media and via a Tribune call-out, fans shared their excitement, their hopes and their concerns:
We want to hear from you: How do you feel about public universities getting involved with private equity? Let us know.
Utah Voices
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) West High students stage a walkout to protest Principal Jared Wright recently placed on leave without explanation, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
One assistant principal spoke up for more safety at her school. She wasn’t taken seriously.
“As an employee who witnessed four straight years of more weapons, lockdowns and students hospitalized, I wonder: Is $1 million really too expensive for student safety?” writes Sarah Thomas. “Are we really OK with students, teachers and staff living with that level of fear?”Read more.
Utah’s plan to expand forced substance use treatment lacks supporting evidence
“Involuntary addiction treatment has historically been reserved for only the most severe cases in which people are gravely disabled or imminently pose a danger to themselves or others, but Utah has been at the vanguard of a national movement to exercise expanded state authority to displace and sequester unsheltered people away from urban areas in the name of medical care,” writes physician Michael Incze. “In addition to the violation of civil liberties inherent in this approach, there is another problem with involuntary addiction treatment — there isn’t evidence that it works.” Read more.
Young Utahns who want to work and raise families are being forced out by the housing market
“Right now, I live at home with my parents because it’s the only financially viable option,” writes Bastian Hiatt. “I’m grateful for their support, but it’s hard not to feel stuck. I want to be independent, but rent prices are so high that moving out on my own would take most of my income, with little left for savings, emergencies or a future down payment. The worst part is, I’m not alone.” Read more.
One pediatrician asks Utah to pass on international radioactive waste
“Children living in Utah are exposed to more than their fair share of harmful toxins,” writes Hanna Saltzman. “We’re known for our air pollution problem, but our children’s environmental health threats extend beyond smoke and smog. This year, the EPA ranked Utah second in its list of states with the most toxic chemical releases, with the majority of toxic releases coming from the Bingham Canyon Mine (a.k.a. the Kennecott Copper Mine) just west of Salt Lake City. There are also serious health risks of chemical-laden dust from the drying Great Salt Lake — the more the lake dries, the more our children breathe this potentially toxic dust. In other words, we already have more than enough messes to clean up.” Read more.
What one teacher wishes students knew about cellphone bans
Utah’s cell phone ban “has the right goal,” writes Rachel A. Robins. “It will work when students understand the ultimate purpose is not about control — it’s about giving students back their learning, their focus and, ultimately, their autonomy. If we explain the why, show students the science behind the policy and genuinely address their concerns, we will lead the nation in creating informed, empowered adults.” Read more.
Cuts to Medicaid threaten Utah’s rural hospitals — which serve more than just locals
“We do not close roads for being less-frequently travelled. Hospitals, like roads, constitute critical infrastructure which allow for people to live and play in rural communities across the country,” writes medical student Rachel Pernick. “Programs like the RHTP only partially offset the devastating cuts to Medicaid which will disproportionately affect rural hospitals. Long term investment in rural hospitals is necessary to reverse the trend of rural hospital closure and to ensure that rural hospitals are there when we need them, even if we hope we never do.” Read more.
How to keep yourself — and others — safe on the slopes this season.
“No one likes to think about the consequences of a misstep on the ski slopes. We prefer the Disneyland narrative that skiing is family fun, a great way to show off your skills and an opportunity to flash your wallets. Unfortunately, when you ski, you are risking a lot more than just a sunburn and a hangover,” writes Sarah Atwill Petelinsek. “So, how do you stay out of the emergency room, off the operating table and out of the graveyard? As a student doctor, former ski patrol and “retired” semi-professional skier, here’s what I recommend.” Read more.
Share Your Perspective
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) A man walks his dog at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Unseasonably warm temperatures have hit along the Wasatch Front this week, as much as 20 degrees above historic normal.
I’m gathering predictions ahead of the new year. What do you see happening — or what would you like to see happen — in Utah in 2026?
From Bagley’s Desk
Pat Bagley | Wish List
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.