The vacant K-Mart on Parley’s Way in Salt Lake City is one step closer to be occupied once again. Tuesday, Wal-Mart officials sat down with the Salt Lake City Council to begin figuring out what exactly will go on that property. KCPW’s Jessica Gail was at the meeting, and spoke to one councilman who says he has already concluded the area would be better suited for something other than a “big box” store.
Republican Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz was the primary sponsor of the “Cut, Cap and Balance Act” that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last night. But it wasn’t just Republicans in Utah’s delegation who backed it. Blue Dog Democrat Jim Matheson was one of only five Democrats to cross the aisle and support the legislation.
Republican State Senator Howard Stephenson is having a legislative committee look at eliminating collective bargaining for public employees like teachers, following what was passed in Wisconsin and considered in other states. Stephenson says he just wants to learn the facts and study whether it’s the right thing to do.
A report introduced to state lawmakers Tuesday shows closing the Main Street liquor store in Salt Lake City did not cost the state money. Fiscal analysts told the Executive Appropriations Committee consumers have transferred their shopping to the Sugar House and Avenues liquor stores. Senate President Michael Waddoups says this goes against projections that the state was going to lose $100,000 to $130,000 annually by closing the Main Street store. In fact, he says it increased revenue by $47,000 from April through June.
Governor Gary Herbert and state lawmakers made one more plea to the federal government today to grant Utah a federal waiver for reforming Medicaid. The request was submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on July 1st. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, one stakeholder who had input in crafting the waiver proposal says it’s not ready for the federal stamp of approval.
A state lawmaker who plans to run for Congress wants to open public sector employee labor negotiations to the public through a bill he’s just opened. Republican Representative Carl Wimmer says when taxpayer money is involved, so should the taxpayers. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, an attorney who represents some of those unions and the Utah Education Association say they’re confused as to why he thinks it’s necessary.
Representatives from across the West are in Salt Lake City with a common goal: to improve and speed up scientific solutions and information that’s needed to control water and energy use. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports on why those who attended say the conference is so important.
For the second time this month, the Salt Lake County District Attorney has declared an officer-involved shooting unjustified. Sim Gill says his office found that Jared Cardon, a West Valley City police officer who fired his gun at a fleeing vehicle on May 24th, wasn’t legally justified in doing so, because he didn’t have a reasonable belief his life was in immediate danger. He says several civilian witnesses confirmed the car was not traveling toward Cardon.
A wildfire burning 45 miles west of Salt Lake City highlights the need to be careful when recreating on public lands. Bureau of Land Management Spokeswoman Erin Darboven says the human-caused Lakeside Fire was started by target shooting. She says the grasses are dry and ripe for someone to start a fire.
West Jordan’s community theater has been without a home since the demolition of its modest yet comfortable accommodations at the Sugar Factory Playhouse. The city council has promised the group a new theater in the new county library once it’s completed, but as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, those involved in running the program says the theater needs more than just a place to play.
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