1,000+ rally against anti-union bill

Will Cox Veto Union Bill?

More than a thousand people rallied at the Utah State Capitol Friday afternoon to call on Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267, a bill that ends collective bargaining for teachers, firefighters, and other public unions. With national support for unions near an all-time high, it raises the question: Why did the Legislature dig their heels in on this one? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

• Also: In a statement, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said HB267 “will hurt the frontline public servants who Utahns depend upon every single day” and urged the governor to veto the bill. [Instagram]

Lawmaker Tackles ‘Injunctions’

With Utah’s abortion ban still on hold, Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove, is proposing a bill to let laws take effect while court cases play out. Brammer said allowing courts to block laws from being enforced gets “in the way of democracy.” Critics called the move a “blatant power grab.” [Utah News Dispatch]

• Related: Does the Legislature want revenge on the courts? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Feed Your Ex to a Hawk this Valentine’s Day

This one’s for the haters: For just $5, SLC-based HawkWatch International will name a rat after your ex — or someone else you really don’t like — and feed it to a raptor. It’s part of the conservation group’s “Talon-tine’s Day” fundraiser, which also includes nicer options, like sending your sweetheart an “owlentine.” [Salt Lake Tribune]

• Bonus: Check out our guide to February for other raptor-related Valentine’s opportunities. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

SLC Library Patrons Love ‘Romantasy’

Salt Lakers checked out more than a million digital items, like audiobooks and ebooks, through the SLC Public Library system in 2024. Some of locals’ favorite reads include “Fourth Wing,” by Rebecca Yarros and “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” by Sarah J. Maas — both in the “romantasy” A.K.A. romance and fantasy genre. [FOX 13]