Utah is bracing for a busy year with several key developments across various sectors. The state legislature is gearing up for its 2025 general session, which begins on January 21 and concludes on March 7. Lawmakers are expected to tackle contentious issues such as higher education funding, with potential budget cuts looming due to the elimination of diversity, inclusion, and equity programs in public education and government agencies[1][2].

In local government, Salt Lake City is under pressure from state leaders to address homelessness, with a deadline of January 17 to present a plan to enforce state law and local ordinances to eliminate crime and restore public safety[1]. Additionally, the iconic Sundance Film Festival is considering a move from Utah to either Boulder, Colorado, or Cincinnati in 2027, with a decision expected after the upcoming festival[1].

On the business front, Utah's economy is seeing significant developments, including the expansion of urgent care services in schools, with the Weber School District among seven districts rolling out a telehealth program[4]. Infrastructure projects are also underway, with the Granite School District aggressively modernizing its schools, including the construction of new buildings for Skyline High School and Cyprus High School[3].

In community news, education remains a focus, with the state's emphasis on modernizing schools and addressing funding challenges. Public safety is also a concern, with efforts to reduce animal-related accidents on roads, particularly during dusk and dawn hours[5].

Environmental and weather updates include concerns over the Utah Inland Port Authority's resolution, which includes a coal mine in the Castle Country project, sparking worries from environmental groups[5]. The state is also experiencing a mild winter, but officials warn of higher elevation snow pack pushing animals into towns and roads, increasing the risk of accidents[5].

Looking Ahead:
- The 2025 legislative session begins on January 21, with key issues such as higher education funding and homelessness enforcement on the agenda.
- The Sundance Film Festival runs from January 23 to February 1, with a decision on its future location expected thereafter.
- The Utah Inland Port Authority's resolution and its environmental implications will continue to be a developing story.
- The state's efforts to address homelessness and public safety will be closely watched in the coming weeks.

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