McKenzie Romero
Editor of @utahnewsdispatch.com, a part of the @statesnewsroom.com network. Dedicated servant of SPJ and Utah Headliners. Tired but happy mom.
- Utah's 2026 legislative session is underway. Get caught up on Day 1 with reporting from @kmckellar.bsky.social and @alixelcabrera.bsky.social for @utahnewsdispatch.com #utpol
- Utah attorneys are warning that their clients are walking into a Salt Lake City immigration office for green card interviews and leaving under arrest by immigration authorities. Annie Knox and @kmckellar.bsky.social have the story for @utahnewsdispatch.com
- Utah journalism students, there's still time to apply for a legislative internship with @utahnewsdispatch.com and Amplify Utah! Apply by Dec. 8 and Join us for the busiest 45 days of the year in Utah politics. 📝 docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroPodcast drop: Hear @kmckellar.bsky.social and host @fitzsimon.bsky.social break down Utah's new congressional map in the latest episode of @statesnewsroom.com's Stories From The States #utpol www.newsfromthestates.com/podcast/stor...
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroMany GOP-led states are facing pressure from the president to redistrict but Utah’s battle was led by voters. Tomorrow, stayed tuned to the Stories From The States podcast to hear from a plaintiff of the case. www.newsfromthestates.com/podcast/stor... @utahnewsdispatch.com @kmckellar.bsky.social
- 🎧 @statesnewsroom.com has a podcast! 🎧 Each week, learn about an issue that's in the news around the country, bringing together the on-the-ground journalism being done in our states. Episode 1 is a great discussion of Medicaid and the people who need it to survive. Give it a listen!
- Breaking news from @kmckellar.bsky.social and @utahnewsdispatch.com, Utah's congressional maps are back in play #utpol
- A judge has ruled the Utah Legislature overstepped when it repealed and replaced a 2018 ballot initiative creating an independent redistricting commission and must now redraw its 2021 congressional map. #utpol
- Are you obsessed with Utah news? Do you want to contribute to journalism that's fair, fearless and free? And would you like some great benefits? @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com are hiring a reporter! #journalismjobs
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroIt's always good to share the work of my @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social colleagues. I did a broadcast version of the USU study for TV and @fox13news.bsky.social also used the written word of @utahnewsdispatch.com and @kmckellar.bsky.social! Collaborative journalism FTW! #utpol #Utah
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroAs a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on the support of readers like you to continue our local reporting that’s free to read and republish. Our journalism is powered by Utahns, for Utahns. Can you chip in today? utahnewsdispatch.com/donate?oa_re...
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroGood morning. It's a great day to support independent and nonprofit media. In honor of the 4th of July holiday weekend, I'm highlighting the @statesnewsroom.com and its family of sites in this thread. Main States Newsroom site: statesnewsroom.com 📌 this feed for more
- Reposted by McKenzie Romero[This post could not be retrieved]
- Strong reporting from @kmckellar.bsky.social. What we know, and what we don’t, about the “peacekeepers” at the SLC protest.
- “It is clear we do not have a complete understanding of what happened yet,” organizers with 50501 said. “What is certain is that, if no guns were present at this protest, this tragedy would have been prevented altogether.” #utpol
- A tragic update to the shooting at yesterday's "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City. Police say Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old Utahn marching in the protest, was hit when a member of a peacekeeping team fired shots trying to contain a man pointing a rifle at demonstrators.
- @slcpd.bsky.social updated reporters tonight on the shooting during SLC’s No Kings march. Here’s what we know: utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/06/14/g...
- Breaking report on a shooting at the Salt Lake City No Kings march. @kmckellar.bsky.social is helping round up details as I collect what information I can at the scene. Photos by Spenser Heaps. utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/06/14/g...
- Salt Lake City police officer just told the crowd there is a male in all black with a gun and ask where he is
- The crowd is scattering, a lot of people afraid, not clear what has happened
- The crowd has turned off State Street. As they pass Cathedral Church of St. Mark Episcopal church, the bells ring out and the marchers cheer.
- Chants as the No Kings march walks through SLC: “Whose streets? Our streets” “Trump is a felon” “This is what democracy looks like” “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” And a few unflattering shoutouts to Utah officials
- Final speaker is a transgender BYU graduate who gives a passionate speech quoting Book of Mormon examples of righteous people standing up to kings and dictators.
- Retired Army colonel says voted for Trump in 2016, 2020, but says Trump crossed his “red line.” He lists examples of treatment of immigrants, threats to invade other countries, and health disinformation as actions that went too far for him.
- Several calls for nonviolence, not engaging with agitators. Lots of applause. The Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association now offering first-time protesters instructions on protecting their anonymity, what to do if arrested.
- Singer introduces himself as a veteran named Leo, says he didn’t swear an oath to a king, but to the United States. His offering is an imperfect but appreciated performance of “Uprising” by Muse
- SLC’s second No Kings protest of the day is underway, a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd is filling up Pioneer Park
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroIn advance of the planned public protests Saturday across the U.S., our States Newsroom reporters have already been reporting on how protesters, local officials and law enforcement are preparing. Find out what to expect in your state.
- Congratulations to the talented students in SPJ Region 9 — covering Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming — for your Mark of Excellence awards! Winners now advance to the national competition. 🏆 @spj-posts.bsky.social
- It has been a pleasure to read and republish skillful reporting by @mattvas.bsky.social over the last year, just a small piece of his time at @stateline.org. From Utah, thank you and best wishes!
- After 7 years at @stateline.org, this is my last day. It’s bittersweet to leave a place that provides well-reported state and local policy stories free for any publication. Here are my favorites of the 240+ stories I’ve written for Stateline, many on voting rights: stateline.org/2024/06/24/r...
- Reposted by McKenzie Romero"They shouldn’t be deleted simply because they are women," Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson urges after links for Black, Hispanic and women military members and notable Americans were scrubbed from Arlington National Cemetery site as part of anti-DEI efforts. #utpol #utleg
- May or shall? Debate over a bill directing Utah’s nuclear energy roadmap is stuck on one word dictating whether collaboration between the state and municipalities is required for nuclear projects, or optional. #utpol
- Utahns may get a chance to vote on the controversial bill banning collective bargaining for unions representing teachers, firefighters, police and municipal workers, as a new coalition launches a referendum campaign to get it on the ballot. #utpol More from @utahnewsdispatch.com
- Two months ago, Utah celebrated news of the largest ever federal investment in the Great Salt Lake. Now, that $50 million meant to support habitat restoration and getting more water to the lake has been put on pause, without a clear timeline of when it could be unfrozen. #utpol
- Go, Idaho, go! 👏🏻
- You've seen me post a few things about access to public records in Utah lately. Here's how it's going. #utpol #grama
- This in-depth piece from my former colleagues at @deseret.com.web.brid.gy is an important read about what's happening to Utah's once lauded open records law. Learn more about the bills gutting GRAMA that are rocketing through the Legislature. #utpol
- After hours on Valentine's Day, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a controversial bill banning collective bargaining for unions representing teachers, firefighters, police and other public sector employees. A "Hail Mary" compromise is now expected to be abandoned. #utpol
- For 30 years, the State Records Committee has been an effective and reliable solution for Utah citizens and journalists appealing records request denials. Now, SB277 looks to dismantle the committee and replace it with a single government attorney. Here's why that matters. #utpol
- High school and college students focused on education, collaboration and legislation about the Great Salt Lake climbed Utah's Capitol Hill to lobby for the lake. #utpol From @utahnewsdispatch.com and @vanessamh.bsky.social
- A new bill would require Utah police to disclose the use of AI in reports. Several agencies in Utah use Axon’s Draft One, which can create “high-quality police report narratives in seconds" from body camera audio, a company press release says #utpol
- The Utah Legislature has passed a bill dictating which dorms transgender students can live in at public colleges. Supporters say it’s meant to create privacy protections, while opponents call it the latest bill aimed at “erasing” trans people. From @utahnewsdispatch.com and @kmckellar.bsky.social
- Backing out of a promise for a compromise, Utah senators gave narrow final approval to a ban on collective bargaining for public sector unions representing teachers, firefighters, police officers, road maintenance crews, municipal and county workers, and more. #utpol via @utahnewsdispatch.com
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroICYMI, next stop for the collective bargaining ban: the Senate chamber #upol From Kyle Dunphey @utahnewsdispatch.com: Despite opposition, bill banning collective bargaining for public unions advances after tight vote utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/01/29/u...
- One of the many excellent Day 1 photos by Spenser Heaps 📸
- this pic from @utahnewsdispatch.com is truly a #utleg renaissance painting, chefs kiss
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroWe keep you informed about Utah government and policy news. Want to see how issues you care about are playing out in other states too? Follow our @statesnewsroom.com accounts and journalists from across the country. Our Starter Pack makes it easy:at://did:plc:a6ygqdz2uji4tub273xynsy5/app.bsky.graph.starterpack/3lap63t5agw2c
- Utah's bid to take its case directly to the U.S. Supreme Court has hit a dead end. The state still has the option to try to advance the case through lower courts. #utpol
- The U.S. Supreme Court announced it will not hear Utah’s sweeping public lands lawsuit, where the state argued it should take over 18.5 million acres of federally controlled land within its borders. #utpol
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroHundreds of protesters convened on the steps of the state Capitol in a public lands rally, condemning some of Utah’s recent attempts to reverse national monument designations and transfer federal land to the state. #utpol
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroHey everyone! Welcome @electionsutah.bsky.social to the Bluesky! #utpol
- Will Utahns stop changing their clocks twice a year? Legislature may explore the idea this session #utpol
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroVail Resorts, which owns Park City Mountain, said it has resumed negotiations with the ski patrol union after about 200 patrollers went on strike last week. Here's the latest: utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/12/31/p...
- We've got our first look at Utah Gov. Spencer Cox's proposed budget. Some highlights: • Tax cut on Social Security payments • $ to double energy production • Support for school safety and lunch efforts From Katie McKellar and Utah News Dispatch #utpol
- As Utah Sen. Mitt Romney bids farewell, he warns against those who ‘tear at our unity’ From Katie McKellar and Utah News Dispatch
- Among the many worthwhile efforts you could support this #GivingTuesday, and as someone who works every day to (as a favorite teacher put it) "take information from the hands of the people who have it and put it in the hands of those who ought to," I hope you will consider nonprofit news ❤️
- As Utah tries to get before the U.S. Supreme Court to seek control of 18.5 million acres of federally controlled land, it has spent more than $1 million on a wide-reaching ad campaign and fees to a law firm with some of the highest rates in the country. From Kyle Dunphey and Utah News Dispatch
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroPresident Biden issues pardon to son Hunter on gun and tax charges www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pres...
- Here’s why a Utah domestic violence shelter is requesting TVs this holiday season From Alixel Cabrera and Utah News Dispatch
- Reposted by McKenzie RomeroHappy Thanksgiving! Volunteers are busy at the Salvation Army prepping and delivering more than 1,000 meals to people who need it. This family serving food has been doing it for 27 years. @ksl5tv.bsky.social
