Gov. Spencer Cox plans to discuss unlocking energy potential on public lands among other issues as he heads to Mar-a-Lago on Thursday along with Republican governors from across the country to pitch their priorities to President-elect Donald Trump.

“I plan to talk to him, if I get the opportunity, about energy and about public lands and how we can unleash the energy potential, especially in the West,” Cox told reporters Wednesday after his ceremonial inauguration. “We need significant reform in the energy space, especially when it comes to nuclear, being able to permit nuclear.”

One of Cox’s main goals for his second term is doubling energy production within the next decade, and his vision for achieving that includes bringing nuclear power to the Beehive State for the first time.

Utah’s history with all things nuclear has been fraught, since an untold number of residents were sickened by exposure to fallout from atomic bomb tests in neighboring Nevada. Utah was later targeted as a site for a high-level nuclear waste repository — a plan that ultimately was abandoned.

Cox said he expects discussions to arise on housing affordability, border security and inflation — topics that are concerns for all of the GOP governors.

Utah’s chief executive said he also anticipates raising the status of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National monuments — which were created by Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, respectively, slashed to a fraction of their size during the first Trump presidency, and then restored under President Joe Biden.

Utah has sued the federal government over those monuments, and Cox said he would like to see the lawsuit progress.

“I don’t love the pingpong game that’s going back and forth,” he said. “That’s not good for anybody and it’s not helpful. And so, ultimately, we need the Supreme Court to decide some of those major issues.”

Cox has had an evolving relationship with the incoming president. He did not vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020, but, after an assassination attempt on candidate Trump in July 2024, the Utah governor wrote the former president a letter saying he believed he could unite the country.

He later appeared alongside Trump at Arlington National Cemetery, spurring controversy because political campaigning is not allowed in the hallowed space, and Cox’s campaign sent out a fundraising email featuring an image from the meeting.

Cox later apologized, calling it a mistake.

Since Trump won the election in November, the governor has expressed an eagerness to work with the incoming administration, particularly when it comes to deporting criminal migrants.

He said he has been “working very closely” with Utah legislators who presented a suite of bills aimed at “making sure that we’re getting rid of the offenders who are here and trying to fix legal immigration,” a move that Cox said would require a federal solution.

As the ski season has started, many wonder when’s the best time to hit the slopes. Ski season in Utah runs from November to May, though dates vary by resort.

Every skier and snowboarder has their own idea of the perfect day. Let’s figure out when it’s right for you to go.

Over the years, you’ve probably curated your own unique mountain style. With a seven-month season, there are different windows — each offering something different to fit your needs.

Whether you’re an après enthusiast, a powder fanatic or a fair-weather shredder, we’re here to help you figure out the best time to hit Utah’s resorts.

When the après-loving skier should hit the slopes

While the early months of the ski season — November and December — may offer fewer inches of snow, they still bring high-quality mountain memories and a vibrant ambiance for skiers and snowboarders alike.

That’s especially the case for après-loving punters — which “is a catch-all phrase that marks the shift from leg-burning ski runs to the social activities that follow,” according to Travel and Leisure.

Snow may be unpredictable in the early season, but the hustle and bustle of social skiers fills the lodges.

For a livelier vibe, Timberline Lodge at Powder Mountain offers live music, great food and dancing — perfect for warming up those cold limbs.

We all know skiing works up an appetite. If your stomach growls while riding the lifts at Solitude, head to St. Bernard’s for a tasty après buffet. One thing’s for sure: Whether or not the snow’s arrived, Utah’s ski resorts will never disappoint in a good time.

When the deep-powder skier will find the best conditions

Peak ski season runs from January through February, according to Canyon Services, since those months offer the best conditions of the year.

“Cold weather and abundant snowfall allow the base to settle, creating well developed bases with deep powder,” the article states.

While champagne powder calls your name, so do the long lines and crowds — January and February are the busiest months. But don’t let that discourage you.

With 15 resorts and hundreds of runs to choose from in Utah, there’s always a place to carve out your own perfect day.

When the fair-weather skier should make their mountainside appearance

Spring skiing runs from March through May. Many fair-weather skiers eagerly await the perfect bluebird day. Bluebird days involve bright sunny skies, calm conditions and often maintain average to above-average snow conditions.

On average, Snowbird enjoys 22.4 bluebird days between March and May, according to Snow Forecast.

As temperatures rise and layers come off, ski season starts winding down. To keep the stoke alive, Utah resorts host fun events and competitions to distract from the melting snow beneath our skis.

At Alta, skiers don wild costumes for the famous Frank World Classic event where skiers come together to celebrate the season and ski community, according to FreeSkier.

At Solitude, you can cheer on skiers at the Pond Skim Beach Party, according to their website, and relive the season at their Ski DJ parties. Snowbird invites you to rock your ‘80s gear while showing off your tricks in style.

Whether you join in on the festivities or just watch the entertainment, one thing’s certain: You’ll bask in the warmth of the sun, maybe even shedding your coat for the last runs of the season. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Associated Press

Miami Heat (18-17, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (9-26, 14th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Utah is looking to end its eight-game home slide with a win against Miami.

The Jazz have gone 2-13 in home games. Utah allows 118.5 points to opponents and has been outscored by 6.9 points per game.

The Heat are 8-10 on the road. Miami is 10-6 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Jazz’s 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.5 more made shots on average than the 13.6 per game the Heat give up. The Jazz average 111.3 points per game, 7.2 fewer points than the 118.5 the Jazz allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Sexton is averaging 17.9 points and 3.9 assists for the Jazz.

Terry Rozier is shooting 40.0% and averaging 12.1 points for the Heat.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 4-6, averaging 116.1 points, 48.8 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 7.2 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.0 points per game.

Heat: 5-5, averaging 109.3 points, 42.1 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.7 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Keyonte George: day to day (heel), John Collins: day to day (personal), Jordan Clarkson: day to day (plantar ), Taylor Hendricks: out for season (fibula), Brice Sensabaugh: day to day (illness).

Heat: Dru Smith: out for season (achilles), Josh Richardson: day to day (heel).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.