Hundreds of students file back into West High School after a walkout today, protesting
#Utleg
newly passed transgender athlete ban. Student organizers tell me they want lawmakers to see the impact of the law.
#utpol
Can confirm,
@SenMikeLee
was at a fundraiser for
@RonDeSantis
held in Pleasant Grove tonight.
It's not known what
@BasedMikeLee
said, if he donated, or if this means he's endorsing him over President Trump.
Lee was one of Trump's biggest defenders thru 2020 election.
#utpol
#BREAKING
: The Utah State Board has formally voted UNANIMOUSLY to request Natalie Cline resign immediately. They have also issued a formal censure, to remove her from committees, prohibit her from putting items on agendas, and attending any advisory board meetings.
@KSL5TV
#BREAKING
🚨 A new 30-page lawsuit was just filed against
@TimBallard
,
@OURrescue
and several of his orgs. The 12 claims include sexual assault and battery and fraud.
We have been in contact with reps for Ballard, O.U.R and Reyes.
New allegations include:🧵
@kslnewsradio
Estimates from some administrators were close to 1,000 students walked out of West High School. There were speeches, cheers, and chants in support of trans youth.
#utpol
#utleg
HAPPENING NOW: Utah's Democrats are wearing all black, asking
@GovCox
to veto two controversial bills dealing with DEI and bathroom access.
They say they're in black because they are "hurting" that these bills are likely to pass.
@KSL5TV
#utpol
🚨BIG personal news: You're going to hear less of my voice on
@kslnewsradio
😥
BUT you're going to see a lot more of my face on
@KSL5TV
, I'm moving over to be a TV reporter🙌
Might be just slightly less politics here but same news, same brand, different medium. Scoops always.
NEW:
@SeanReyesUT
addressed some questions about the situation with
@OURrescue
, despite his press people trying to shut it down. However, he refused to answer my question about what he knew about the couple's ruse when he went on an op with
@TimBallard
in 2014.
@kslnewsradio
I'm putting this on the record because I'll defend my reporting all day.
I've asked every Republican running to talk to me today. All of them have said no.
#BREAKING
: A second lawsuit has now been filed against
@TimBallard
,
@OURrescue
, it's board and others.
This suit is from a couple. The wife alleges sexual assault/fraud, the husband claims they separated because of the wedge Ballard created, and claims he was threatened.
MEANWHILE. No joke. I just got in a verbal fight with a drag queen who was yelling at
@SchottHappens
from the
@sltrib
that they are fake news. I am really sick of people vilifying the media, even if they're a competetor. We are JUST. TRYING. TO. DO. OUR. JOBS.
#utpol
@GOPUtah
Tomorrow this flag officially becomes Utah's state flag.
It's been unveiled for a year, but it becomes law on 3/9, Flag Day. This is the state's biggest version of it. There's a ceremony at the capitol to raise it -- and you get to see it before anyone only on
@KSL5TV
at 5.
UPDATE: It's official, a state audit of the
@UtahAG
and
@SeanReyesUT
is coming.
I obtained the letter of two dozen lawmakers who asked for this. They want state auditors to look into the office governance, travel, culture, and Reyes relationship with Tim Ballard.👇
The lawsuit against
@TimBallard
makes several new allegations including that he would take women to strip clubs in the Salt Lake Valley to practice the couples ruse, and pay for drinks, pills, and lap dances with donor money.
@kslnewsradio
My colleagues at
@KSLInvestigates
have been working for a year to try and get a public schedule for
@SeanReyesUT
, now his office is taking them to court to try and prevent it. All the details tonight at 10 on
@KSL5TV
.
Utah’s AG is under intense scrutiny these days for his close ties to an embattled charity, and for his globetrotting uncovered by
@sltrib
.
Our team has been fighting for some time to get a copy of his schedule, and now his office is taking us to court to try to keep it secret
THE BALLARD DOCS:
@KSLInvestigates
,
@KSLcom
and
@kslnewsradio
have received the documents detailing investigators' beliefs that Operation Underground Railroad, while led by Tim Ballard, may have misled donors, fabricated or exaggerated some attempted ...
Utah House Democrats are very upset that they didn't get to introduce an alternate version to impeach rather than censure. They accused the House majority of playing politics with the vote.
#BREAKING
:
@slcCouncil
chair Victoria Petro tells KSL that Ryan Smith has formally applied to create a revitalization zone in downtown SLC for an NHL arena, and the city will now work with them to dictate its terms.
She said it's not known yet if it's a new stadium or redoing…
Just after her win unseating Natalie Cline, an emotional
@DrABBollinger
says "parents and delegates are making a statement that our goal is to protect children."
@KSL5TV
💠Allegations that Ballard's friendship with
@SeanReyesUT
gave him cover to operate in this way, even while consumer complaints about Ballard/OUR poured into to the AG's office.
💠Allegations that the LDS Church excommunicated Ballard as a result of how he used the ruse
NEW: Could Utah lose business - or big sporting events - because of two controversial bills being passed by the legislature? The leaders of Salt Lake,
@SLCoMayor
and
@slcmayor
are worried about the message they send about inclusion and belonging.
@KSL5TV
UTAH GOP CAUCUS by the numbers:
@UtahGOP
turnout for Super Tuesday 2024 is about 9%.
In 2016, the last time the party held a presidential vote at caucus night, turnout was 29%.
The presidential primary in 2020, a state run primary, 49%.
@KSL5TV
Whoa! Apparently I won a regional
@RTDNA
Edward R. Murrow award for my series called "Follow the Ballot" from 2022. 🤯
This story👇
It also happens to be my 40th birthday today and I've already had a semi midlife crisis. So there's that🤪
@kslnewsradio
NEW: A push in several states to disqualify former Pres. Trump from the ballot has made its way to Utah.
The suit aleges he should be disqualified under the 14th amendment, for "engaging in, or providing aid or comfort to an insurrection.”
WATCH: Not everyone is so excited about the
@UtahGOP
's decision to hold their vote for the GOP nominee for President tonight at caucus night.
Some elderly voters argue the party is disenfranchising them and disabled voters.
@KSL5TV
NEW: The
@UTBoardofEd
responded to Natalie Cline's claims that they're guilty of "election interference."
They say the law she cites doesn't apply, that she's not within 60 days of an election cuz a convention isn't an election. Further, that the complaints came in 66 days ago.
BREAKING DEVELOPMENT: An attorney for the women who are alleging sexual misconduct against Tim Ballard is speaking to the media tomorrow.
We don't know how many women are being represented.
I will be there to cover it and we'll bring you what we learn.
@kslnewsradio
I was just told "no comment" by a lawmaker multiple times after asking several specific questions about his proposed bill. Then he answered the questions of another journalist right next to me while I stood there. I hope this is not indictive of my
#utleg
session to come
BREAKING: The Utah House just opened a resolution to address recent actions of State School Board Member Natalie Cline.
"This is the responsibility of the legislature," says Rep. Spendlove.
This allows them to start talking about impeachment and other options.
@KSL5TV
Today marks my last day of officially reporting for
@kslnewsradio
, Monday I move over to
@KSL5TV
.
I've done radio since I was 16 years old so it feels a little surreal to no longer be on it.
These folks are some of the best, they're the faces behind the voices you hear daily💕
BIG news:
@AmericanAir
has announced it will launch new flights to the Provo airport starting on October 7, with daily, year round service to Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix.
@RepJohnCurtis
has also helped secure funding for the airport's expansion.
@KSL5TV
I fully admit I'm not really a basketball fan, besides our local
@utahjazz
obviously, or a sports expert for that matter... but seeing the number
#1
WNBA draft pick's rookie salary compared to the
#1
NBA's is astonishing.
#WNBADraft
@NBA
#BREAKING
: An attorney for women alleging sexual misconduct against who you are founder Tim Ballard has made a statement. She would not reveal how many women she's representing, ignore any other specifics about their allegations.
@kslnewsradio
BREAKING: Utah's largest teachers union says they will oppose a ballot measure this fall that would open up Utah's Constitution so income tax can go to fund other state needs besides education.
#utpol
@KSL5TV
The opposition is significant because lawmakers argue that the change…
#BREAKING
The
@NCLRights
and
@acluutah
will file a lawsuit against the new Utah law banning transgender surgery on minors and limits on hormone treatments.
"We're putting together a challenge as quickly as we can," Shannon Minter, Legal Director told
@kslnewsradio
#utpol
#Breaking
#UTPOL
Dem. Rep. Brian King,
@KingForUtah
is running for Governor, he confirms to me.
@KSL5TV
is his first interview.
"You aren’t alone in feeling that no party speaks for your priorities and values. I'm running for governor to offer an alternative," he said.
ALL HAIL!! The Utah Legislature HAS WRAPPED FOR 2024!!!
I appreciate anyone who's followed me and cares about what the Utah leg is up to.
#utpol
#utleg
#NEW
: Should members of Congress get paid if the government shuts down?
Rep
@CurtisUT
doesn't think so. He says his new bill would prevent that and any back pay.
@RepJohnCurtis
also ran it in '19, plus asked for his pay withheld.
@kslnewsradio
#utpol
Two years ago I had the privilege of telling the story of my friend Kyle Brown, who completed an Ironman while dying from ALS.
I've just learned he died💔
Kyle had the best sense of humor. He never stopped fighting for a cure. Please let that come soon.
What you don't see on TV:
I was freezing.
I was worried I would forget my scripts.
I dropped my line to the control room 20 seconds before air.
Got a call in the middle of my live shot.
I was late and long on scripts.
Made my photog scramble to edit.
SO many people helped me❤️
#BREAKING
The attorney representing more than 5 women accusing
@OURrescue
former CEO
@TimBallard
of sexual misconduct tells me they are moving towards a lawsuit.
Suzette Rasmussen says she now has "additional clients" after speaking publicly last week.
STATEMENT:
@kslnewsradio
#BREAKING
: These are six people who say they have been victimized by
@OURrescue
founder
@TimBallard
.
For the first time, you will hear from them tonight at 6/10 on
@KSL5TV
.
They each cried while sharing their stories.
Ballard has denied the accusations against him.
#utpol
Sugarhouse Park is also currently flooding. The water has come up over the pond. It's supposed to flow underneath the road and now it's flowing over the road and has created a pond on the other side. With ducks.
@kslnewsradio
@slcpolice
@slcfire
@slcmayor
@SLCgov
@slcpd
💠Allegations Ballard would pay for and receive lap dances, drink, and take pills all on O.U.R's dime with donor money.
💠Ballard exploited the name of the LDS church to convince the women this was all okay, telling them he believed he was to become a future POTUS+LDS Prophet
#BREAKING
: On the same day that a judge ruled that work calendars of elected officials are public, the legislature has passed a bill making them private as soon as the Governor signs it.
That means the media will no longer be able to make records requests for calendars.
@KSL5TV
In a vote that surprised many, the Utah House killed the so-called "political neutrality" bill from
@JeffStenquist
that would have banned teachers from promoting or disparaging certain beliefs, even after some of its language was changed.
@KSL5TV
#utpol
Speaking now,
@GovCox
who says he can't understand the notion that a Republican state Governor would not welcome a Democratic
@POTUS
, which got a loud applause.
@kslnewsradio
#utpol
💠Allegations he would "practice" a so-called undercover tactic called The Couple's Ruse, where a woman would have to play his wife to fool sex traffickers, Ballard would frequent strip clubs in the Salt Lake Valley with the women, bringing along his adult son.
#NEW
: The
@UTBoardofEd
has spoken out about the Natalie Clein post. They condemned it and say they will be taking "prompt action."
Meanwhile, more state leaders,
@utahhousedems
are calling for her resignation.
@KSL5TV
#utpol
UPDATE: A spokesman for the
@UTBoardofEd
says they have received 180 complaints about Cline's post to a hotline set up for people to call and report education concerns.
HAPPENING NOW: We are at the
@UTBoardofEd
meeting in the wake of the fallout from the post by Natalie Cline. She is one of three board members absent. It's possible she could join online.
They are meeting about their legislative priorities, and they likely won't speak about it.
Does the public deserve to know what elected officials are doing on the clock day to day?
Today was our first opportunity to ask Utah's AG directly about the legislative audit of his office ordered this week & his year-long records battle w/
@KSLInvestigates
over his calendar:
NEW: Should the
@UtahAG
be appointed instead of elected?
@mikemckellutah
is considering running a bill to initiate that.
It would take legislative approval, then voters to amend Utah's constitution.
“I think we should have that discussion,” he said.
NEW: Newly elected Utah County Clerk, Aaron Davidson asked his staff for access to legally protected, sensitive election material on two different occasions, a complaint obtained by me shows. 1/
@UtahCoElections
@kslnewsradio
#utpol
NEW: House Speaker
@mschultz_12
says the Utah legislature is considering giving the power to the
@UTBoardofEd
to impeach Natalie Cline. Schultz said they have that power constitutionally.
@KSL5TV
NEW:
@GovCox
and
@LGHendersonUtah
are now denouncing a post made today by
@UTBoardofEd
member
@NatalieJCline
where she insinuated the gender of a local girl's highschool basketball player. They're calling on the State Board of Education to hold her accountable.
@KSL5TV
NEW: Attorneys for the women accusing Ballard of sexual assault have spoken out today, as has Tim Ballard and his wife Katherine through a statement. The following thread will have information from both.🧵
This is Mike Greene and Suzette Rasmussen, representing the women/couple.
Hi world, I've been enjoying some much needed days off and visiting my home state of Maine. Back to Utah news as soon as I can kick the cold I brought home. I'll just be dreaming of all the lobster rolls I ate.
Until then ❤️
HAPPENING NOW:
@SenMikeLee
is holding a Q&A style town hall in Lehi. The room has capacity for 142 people, and the room is full. I expect some interesting questions to come up.
I'll try to live tweet, full report on
@kslnewsradio
/
#UTpol
#BREAKING
: The attorney for women accusing
@OURrescue
founder Tim Ballard of sexual misconduct is responding to a report from
@glennbeck
's media company, called Blaze Media, detailing more allegations.
"See you in court," Suzette Rasmussen said.
WATCH: A few of the state's largest education groups say there is an "unsustainable" amount of education-related bills being run, and teachers are stressed, tired, and worried about saying the wrong thing in class.
#utpol
#uted
The EXCLUSIVE from
@newswithShelby
on
@KSL5TV
with the family at the center of the
@NatalieJCline
post insinuating their daughter was transgender:
“It just broke our hearts that we needed to have this conversation with our daughter,” the girl's mom said.
💠Allegations that OUR and it's board remained silent while knowing about the couples ruse... and fired Ballard after the investigation but worked out a joint plan to protect him.
WATCH on
@KSL5TV
:
Included in the 246 pages, 12 new exhibits and new allegations accusing the
@UtahAG
of witness tampering. That's part of what has been added to a lawsuit against
@OURrescue
founder
@TimBallard
.
If you prefer to read:
U of U MLK DAY CELEBRATION: Utah's only black state lawmaker
@SHollinsD21
rallying the crowd at East High to push back on the upcoming proposed legislation to replace of DEI offices on college campuses
#utleg
@KSL5TV
NEW:
@GovCox
@SpencerJCox
has sent a letter to every school principal and other educators urging no cell phones during class time. Cox highlighted schools who do this, urging others to follow suit.
He sent the following statement. Waiting on a copy of the letter.
@KSL5TV
#uted
BIG
#UTPOL
INTRIGUE:
@BasedMikeLee
is endorsing Colby Jenkins for the seat currently held by Rep.
@CelesteMaloyUT
in
#CD2
. It's BIG because Lee is a rockstar among delegates and Maloy isn't gathering signatures. Now it becomes a fight at convention to see who moves on 👀👀
Another 45-day legislative session starts in Utah tomorrow. Are you ready for it? Not sure I am. 🙃
This year I get to tell stories for
@KSL5TV
, and combined with my friends at
@kslnewsradio
,
@KSLcom
, and
@Deseret
we've got you covered on the laws set to impact your life!
#utpol
"It's not about the arena renovations, it's just not," says
@RyanQualtrics
about a proposed tax increase in SLC to help fund an entertainment district and Delta center upgrades to house the new NHL team. "It's about everything else around it."
Smith revealed that his original…
Tim Ballard has posted a half hour, pre-produced video refuting several claims in multiple sexual assault lawsuits against him.
He defended himself by saying that he was communicating with his accusers not as Tim, but rather in his "undercover persona"🧵
When there are only two gas stations in Delta, Utah you are bound to run into the woman just elected to possibly go to Congress while running into other local media at the Maverick🤣
@saige_miller
,
@higginsreports
with
@KUER
and
@CelesteMaloy
Happening now: Florida Gov/presidential Candidate
@RonDeSantis
addresses the recent controversy about the FL Board of Education standard that teaches "slaves developed skills" that could be used for "personal benefit."
@kslnewsradio
#utpol
Walking through the Utah capitol today, it was filled with the incredible sound of this South Davis Junior High choir. We all know the acoustics are great in the capitol, but the way this conductor just let them ring... It was beautiful. 🇺🇲
@KSL5TV
@DavisSchools
NEW: Utah lawmaker,
@KeraBirk
is re-running her bill to require Utahn's opt in to receive a mail-in ballot.
She argues it will clean up voter rolls, push action to vote, and save printing costs. Critics say it makes voting harder.
#utpol
@kslnewsradio
We're also seeing reports that
@UtahGOP
party members are being told they're not eligible to participate when they're definitely registered.
@KSL5TV
#utpol
#BREAKING
A judge has granted a preliminary injunction in Utah's abortion trigger law -- meaning that the law can't take effect until the case is settled. That means abortions are legal in Utah until 18 weeks (because another law is on the books that says that).
@kslnewsradio
#BACONTOPAYSON
: Guys, we have to make this happen🕺🙏🕺
Students at
@PaysonLions
are trying to get
@kevinbacon
to prom next year. It's the 40th anniversary of Footloose AND Payson High, where much of it was filmed, is getting torn down.
@kslnewsradio
NEW VIDEO: A neighbor just let us in their backyard to get a first hand look at the home that had to be blown up in Holladay after dynamite was discovered inside.
Here's why👇
@ksl5TV
KSL TRUTH TEST: A series from the incredible
@KSLInvestigates
which fact checks political statements. Their latest: Gov.
@SpencerJCox
's comments on just how drugs from the southern border get to the streets of Salt Lake (spoiler, legal points of entry).