$1.50 Jan. 31, 2025 | Vol. 4 Iss. 05
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Social Security tax options
Local basketball teams battle for region
page 8
Governor wants to remove tax altogether Page 5
"Noises Off" at CenterPoint
page 11
The future of the Davis Journal – different but the same
By Bryan Scott bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
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s a resident of Davis County, I was saddened to hear when the Davis Clipper closed its doors in 2020. I was on the phone immediately with the staff to see if we could save a paper for the Davis County community. That day, the Davis Journal was born. To date, we have published more than 200 editions
over the last four years. Our goal was to create a great community newspaper for residents of Davis County. I believe that our staff has done that week in and week out for over four years now. We have over 1,000 subscribers that have supported us and read our papers and we have a number of local busi-
nesses that have supported us with advertising. Due to economics, we need to make some changes to the Davis Journal; we are still committed to providing Davis County residents with high-quality hyper-local news. Covering our local schools, city councils, county commission and local businesses will still be our misPlease see JOURNAL: pg. 2
Agreement paves the way for advanced air mobility SALT LAKE CITY—The governor signs a Memorandum of Understanding with BETA Technologies and 47G.
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Please see 47G: pg. 12
PETA calls to end Groundhog Day tradition, replace Punxsutawney Phil with ‘vegan weather reveal cake’
PETA has proposed replacing the Groundhog Day tradition with a vegan ‘weather reveal” cake to retire Punxsutawney Phil and spare him from captivity and unnatural conditions. The organization argues that the annual event exploits Phil, denying him his natural behaviors, and calls for innovative, animalfriendly alternatives.
Google Maps users in U.S. will see Gulf of Mexico renamed Gulf of America and Denali changed to Mount McKinley
President Trump’s executive order has prompted the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Denali back to Mount McKinley on U.S. government maps, sparking controversy. Google Maps plans to reflect these changes once they are updated in the official Geographic Names Information System, while international maps and some organizations like the Associated Press may continue using the original names.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
ir transportation is one step closer to reality as Gov. Spencer J. Cox signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday with electric aircraft and charging manufacturer, BETA Technologies and 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense. The signing paves the way for creating a system that gives Utahns mobility options while reducing commute times and improving air quality. “This agreement represents a significant step toward bringing electric aircraft and charging stations to our state,” said Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Ryan Starks. “This expands mobility options for all Utahns by advancing air transportation systems. We’re laying the foundation for reduced commute times, improved access across communities, and cleaner air through sustainable solutions.” Utah has the best economy in the United States, Starks said. “That’s what’s going to keep us strong for years to come, and that’s looking around the corner for the next five years, the next 10 years. What do we see? We see the electrification of aircraft.” “I guess it’s been almost 10
NEWS IN BRIEF
DeepSeek AI raises national security concerns, U.S. officials say
JIM GROVER, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, Kyle Clark CEO, BETA Technologies, Aaron Starks, CEO & President 47G and Matt Moss, Aerospace Director UDOT sign the MOU that will bring Air Taxis to Utah.
Photo courtesy of 47G
The launch of Chinese AI app DeepSeek in the U.S. has raised security concerns over its data collection, governed by Chinese law, and potential use for surveillance or disinformation. Critics note its servers are based in China, unlike TikTok’s U.S.-stored data, and highlight its censorship of sensitive topics. Lawmakers and experts urge stricter oversight of the app amid rising tensions with China.
Trump administration orders federal funding freeze on all public loans, grants and more aid
REMY SCHULZ in public affairs for BETTA Technologies demonstrates a virtual reality flight over Salt Lake.
Photo by Becky Ginos
The White House ordered a freeze on federal assistance funding to review compliance with President Trump’s policies, potentially disrupting services like Head Start and Meals on Wheels. Critics argue it violates federal law, while legal challenges and widespread concerns highlight the freeze’s potential harm to vital programs.