http://kcpw.org en The U.S. Supreme Court is slated to hear a Utah freedom of speech case in its new term, which began today. Salt Lake City civil rights attorney Brian Barnard says the dispute over a religious display in Pleasant Grove's Pioneer Park is ironic given the heritage the park honors. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:00:57 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6802 A new play premiering tomorrow night at Westminster College tells the story of a Mormon lesbian named Jane who comes out as a high school senior. It's a personal show for the Westminster graduate who wrote it. KCPW's Jeff Robinson sat down with her for this preview of the show. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:00:57 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6803 Rep. Greg Hughes' attorney, Tom Karrenberg, held a press conference yesterday about the legislative ethics committee proceedings and to reveal new evidence that the complaint is politically motivated. Karrenberg says the document shows a "direct link" to the Democratic opponent running against Hughes. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:00:57 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6804 A decision expected today on whether a Utah company will be allowed to store 1,600 tons of Italian nuclear waste is on hold until a legal challenge is resolved. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman David McIntyre says EnergySolutions' application will be suspended pending the outcome of that challenge. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:56:06 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6801 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Monday, October 6. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:44:23 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6800 KCPW is proud to once again partner with the Salt Lake City Library on its Dewey Lecture Series. Author Ann Patchett spoke at the library on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:42:15 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6799 The fortunes of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind could be changing after operating for years without permanent school buildings in Salt Lake City and Utah County. A powerful Legislator has asked the Office of Education to look into the problem. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6795 Without an agreement to cover the state's legal fees, even Representative Carl Wimmer admits an abortion ban he'll sponsor next session is doomed to fail. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6796 Didn't catch Politics Up Close last Friday? Listen in on this excerpt with Democratic Salt Lake County Councilman Randy Horiuchi and Republican Greg Curtis, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives. Horiuchi talks about the Hogle Zoo bond, while Curtis talks about ethics reform. Download full podcasts on the Politics Up Close page. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6797 Instead of an anticipated $12.50 increase to winter gas bills, Questar wants to lower natural gas rates this winter. Questar Spokesman Darren Shepherd says this rate decrease is getting more media attention than those in the past. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:50:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6792 Did a leading Republican lawmaker offer $50,000 to a colleague, former Representative Susan Lawrence, to support school vouchers more than two years ago? Representative Greg Hughes defends himself from the charges against him. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:49:39 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6788 Greg Curtis is the Republican Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives and Representative for House District 49 in Sandy. Curtis has served in the legislature since 1995, and has been speaker for the past four years. Outside the legislature, he's an attorney. This past session, he sponsored a bill to removed the enrollment cap on the Children's Health Insurance Program, which passed by a wide margin. During his time as speaker, education funding in the state has increased by more than a billion dollars. Over the next two years, if re-elected, he wants to continue to increase funding for education, reduce taxes, expand access to health care, and eliminate the sales tax on food. His opponent is Jay Seegmiller, who's challenging him for the third time after losing by 20 votes in 2006. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:53:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6790 Democratic Salt Lake County Councilman Randy Horiuchi has been a longtime figure in the Salt Lake County Government, having served as a commissioner from 1991 through 1998. Before that, he founded Focus Government Services, a consulting and lobbying firm. When the county switched from having commissioners to a county council, he won election in 2000 and again in 2002, and is now just finishing up his first full six-year term. Horiuchi has served on the boards of many civic groups like the Utah Association of Counties and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and lives in Salt Lake City. He was also president of the Salt Lake Chapter of the Japanese American Citizen's League. He's running against Republican Steve DeBry, a captain with the sheriff's office. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:50:02 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6789 Monday is the last day to mail in a voter registration card in time to cast a ballot in this November's historic presidential election. Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen says she's seen a noticeable uptick in new voters this year. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:00:38 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6787 Six organizations fighting a proposed coal plant in Sevier County are calling for a formal environmental study of the landfill for the estimated 720 tons of waste generated daily. Mark Clemens of the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club says toxins in the waste could leach into the headwaters of the Sevier River and a nearby agricultural reservoir. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:09:31 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6786 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Thursday, October 2. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:16:14 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6784 Tonight, vice presidential candidates Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin take center stage in St. Louis, Missouri for their first and only debate. A few high-profile stumbles have dogged both candidates. What strategy can we expect to see from them this evening?Every week, we talk with Congressional Quarterly about the 2008 election. This week, writer Jonathan Allen tells KCPW's Jeff Robinson that both candidates better know when to shut up. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:00:02 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6777 A federal agency will intervene in a proposal to build 800 new gas wells near Nine Mile Canyon that could threaten a panel of 10,000 ancient American Indian petroglyphs. Bruce Milhans of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation says the agency questions whether the Bureau of Land Management has thoroughly investigated the impact of the project on the ancient artifacts. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:00:02 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6780 Conservative lawmakers have put the state's abortion laws back in the spotlight. The most drastic proposal would ban abortion, except in cases of incest, rape, or life-threatening complications for the woman. Conservative caucus member Representative Carl Wimmer says it's the right time and Utah is the right state to challenge Roe v. Wade. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:29:05 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6779 The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote tonight on the president's proposed $700 billion bank bailout plan, and Senator Bob Bennett is urging others to approve it. Speaking on the Senate floor yesterday, he said despite the overwhelming number of calls he gets from angry constituents demanding he reject the plan, there are others who say it's desperately needed. He described one particular call from an auto dealer. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:19:07 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6776 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Wednesday, October 1. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:18:49 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6773 The Salt Lake County Council put off making a decision on using Hogle Zoo as a polling place in a year when a $35 million zoo bond is on the ballot. The issue split the county council, with the Democrats arguing the location won't impact the outcome of the election. Democrat Jim Bradley says the convenience of the location outweighs the controversy. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:00:53 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6772 Polygamy, civil liberties, vouchers, immigration, and abortion were among the topics discussed Tuesday morning at the Hinckley Institute's Attorney General debate, moderated and broadcast by KCPW. Incumbent Republican Mark Shurtleff and Democratic challenger Jean Welch Hill made their case to a packed crowd about what makes them right for the job. Let's listen in on part of that debate. In this segment, moderator Jeff Robinson asks the candidates about how they would deal with abortion-related laws coming out of the state legislature. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:00:53 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6767 A University of Utah geochemist will serve another term on the Nuclear Waste Technical Review board advising Congress on Yucca Mountain. Thure Cerling says the long-delayed project to build the high-level nuclear waste storage site is controversial, but he's focused solely on the science. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:00:53 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6771 A ruling last week allowing a sex offender to keep his online identities private could be appealed. Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says he's considering appealing the ruling on a new state law requiring sex offenders to reveal their Internet screen names and passwords to the Utah Department of Corrections. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:53:54 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6770 Incumbent Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Democratic challenger Jean Welch Hill took on polygamy, education, civil liberties, immigration, and abortion issues in a packed, hour-long debate at the Hinckley Institute Tuesday morning, moderated by KCPW's Jeff Robinson. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:42:34 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6766 Salt Lake County's top priority for the next legislative session could be townships. The Council votes this afternoon on the issue. The state's township law expires in 2010, and County Councilman Mark Crockett explains this could open up these unincorporated areas to piecemeal annexation from neighboring municipalities. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:02:03 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6760 A 3 percent cut in Health and Human Services spending approved last week will trim the state's Medicaid program by $16 million. Was this the only option? And what happens next year if the economy doesn't rebound? KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler asks Lincoln Nehring of the Utah Health Policy Project and Senator Allen Christensen, the Co-Chairman of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, who helped draft the Medicaid cuts. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:02:04 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6762 Democratic Salt Lake County Council Candidate Paul Pugmire came out swinging against Republican incumbent Michael Jensen in a debate held this afternoon. After citing a Tribune article that revealed Jensen misses about 30 percent of council meetings, Pugmire asserted that his opponent didn't do enough to stop the Jordan School District split. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:27:46 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6761 Though some lawmakers were concerned about passing an education bill during the special session, one bill still gained the legislature's approval on Friday. Lawmakers approved a pilot program for a new computer-based standardized test. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:40:57 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6759 Lawmakers passed a smaller state budget Friday afternoon, exhausted but smiling after the two-day special session to fix the budget shortfall. Senate President John Valentine says he's pleased the search to cut $350 million dollars left the state's rainy day fund and a $100 million education reserve untouched without going into debt with new bonds. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:38:25 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6758 While delivering painful budget cuts to many state agencies, lawmakers decided to deal themselves a blow as well. Senator Curt Bramble admits the $10 cut to lawmakers' daily wage is a symbolic move. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:27:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6757 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Monday, September 29. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:25:33 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6756 Didn't catch our Friday interviews with Republican county council candidate Steve DeBry or Democratic legislative candidate Jay Seegmiller? Listen to our Politics Up Close wrap-up. You can also listen to the full interviews on the Politics Up Close page. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:03:26 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6752 Democrat Jay Seegmiller is now running for the third time for Utah House District 49 in Sandy after losing to Greg Curtis in 2006 by 20 votes. Seegmiller is a 20-year resident of the Sandy district, and has also worked for Amtrak for the past two decades. Before that, he worked for Union Pacific Railroad. He's currently active in Amtrak's employee union and serves as the state legislative director for the United Transportation Union. Seegmiller serves on the Sandy City Transportation Committee. He's running on a platform of improving public education, increasing economic development, reforming health care, and reforming the tax code. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:53:33 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6751 Republican Steve DeBry is a candidate for County Council At-Large Seat A. Captain Debry has been a police officer for nearly three decades. He's currently the precinct commander of the Millcreek station for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office and a long-time resident of South Jordan. DeBry was born and raised in the state, and has a degree in Political Science from the University of Utah. He's also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. His goals as a county councilman would be to increase the quality of life as the county continues to grow, decrease crime, and ensure fiscal responsibility. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:50:54 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6750 Tears come to State Superintendent Patti Harrington's eyes as she thinks about the budget cuts to come. While the governor has promised education will be "held harmless" this year, next year is going to hurt. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:01:02 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6746 The longest serving lawmaker in the Utah Legislature, retiring Democratic Senator Mike Dmitrich, confirmed in a press conference yesterday what state agencies have likely already surmised. They won't see the worst of the state's budget cuts until next year. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:01:02 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6747 A framework for solving the state's $272 million budget shortfall passed unanimously this morning in the legislature's Executive Appropriations Committee. Today is the first day of the special session convened by the governor to solve the problem. Senator Lyle Hillyard, co-chairman of the committee, says the framework will likely be adjusted as the session moves on. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:54:28 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6749 At the Republican National Convention earlier this month, a picture of one particular poster held up by an attendee made its way around the Internet, thanks to a case of bad spelling. The poster said "Mavrick." The word has been an essential part of candidate John McCain's campaign, which often emphasizes the times that he's gone against his own party, and now applies that same word to his running mate, Governor Sarah Palin. But is "maverick" the right word for McCain to build his campaign on? Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:04:10 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6743 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Thursday, September 25. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:24:54 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6742 Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker envisions a streetcar system not only in Sugar House but also in downtown and potentially other neighborhoods after returning from a recent trip to Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. Observing the transit systems in those cities sold him on the idea that streetcars will drive economic development. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:12:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6741 Two years after being restructured, redevelopment agencies are once again under scrutiny at the Legislature. Utah Taxpayers Association President and Salt Lake County Senator Howard Stephenson says school boards have proven they can't be trusted with taxpayers' money. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:13:26 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6740 Despite a plea from Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to pass President Bush's proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout by Friday, Senator Orrin Hatch is warning Congress not to rush the decision. He spoke for 20 minutes on the Senate floor earlier this week. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6735 Giving birth remains one of the most dangerous situations a woman will ever experience -- even here in the United States. It's also one of the most personal. KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler spoke with Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones about navigating the spectrum of options, from scheduling a cesarean section "on-demand" to giving birth "au naturale." Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6738 The Utah State Legislature lashed out last year against Governor Jon Huntsman's move to join the Western Climate Initiative with an attempt to limit the executive branch's powers. But Huntsman now needs the body's support to implement the initiative's cap and trade system, says his energy adviser, Dianne Nielson. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:21:31 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6736 Home foreclosure experts will hold a seminar tomorrow morning at the Salt Lake City Main Library to educate at-risk homeowners about how they can save their houses. Tara Rollins with the Utah Housing Coalition wants people to know about local organizations that can help them re-negotiate their mortgages. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:58:28 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6734 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Wednesday, September 24. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:12:43 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6732 Local agencies that serve homeless and low-income residents in Salt Lake City are holding a voter registration drive this week, encouraging and helping those who use their services to register. Joseph Dane with the Fourth Street Clinic wants to make it easier for them to complete the process. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:00:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6730 The Utah Office of Education has issued a warning for teachers implying the Leonardo's exhibit Body Worlds is too graphic for elementary and middle school children. The warning that only high school students enrolled in anatomy and physiology courses should view the exhibit surprised spokeswoman Lisa Davis. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:00:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6731 Mitchell Power has been sifting through the striated layers of thousand-year-old mud for the charred remains of ancient wildfires. And what the new curator for the Utah Museum of Natural History's Garrett Herbarium found is more evidence that human activity can alter the world's climate. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:07:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6739 Utah's budget outlook is worse than projected, according to figures crunched in a special meeting convened by Governor Jon Huntsman yesterday. Huntsman's spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley says this means state agencies might be asked to trim their budgets more significantly than the governor's recommended 2 percent cut. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:48:03 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6729 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Tuesday, September 23. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:41:17 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6724 Trimming the Medicaid budget by 2 percent will ultimately rob the state of $35 million in economic activity, says Lincoln Nehring of the Utah Health Policy Project. Nehring says lawmakers need to understand the program isn't just a safety net for low-income families; it's a health industry powerhouse as the third largest health plan in the state. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:00:44 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6722 The state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program is so impacted by a 35 percent increase in requests for help that the Utah Department of Health has started a waiting list for the expensive life-saving drugs. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:00:44 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6723 The war that broke out early last month between the former Soviet nation of Georgia and Russia was widely viewed in the West as an act of aggression by Russia. But is that viewpoint entirely true, or did Georgia start the whole thing by moving troops in to the breakaway region of South Ossetia?Dr. Asbed Kotchikian is an expert on Eurasian foreign policy and a lecturer at Bentley College. He's spent time in Georgia, teaching and collecting research, and last week, he spoke about the Georgian-Russian conflict to the Salt Lake Committee on Foreign Relations. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with him during his visit to get his thoughts on the source of this conflict, and how far the United States will go in responding to it. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:00:44 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6721 The Utah Department of Transportation is preparing to cut up to $125 million from future highway projects to help bridge the state's $200 million budget gap. UDOT's Nile Easton says there are some serious consequences to cutting transportation, but it makes sense. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:55:35 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6720 Small business owners in Salt Lake City are concerned the Utah legislature may pass a mandate that they purchase health insurance coverage - and they want lawmakers to know that's the wrong idea. Dr. Lauren Florence, a plastic surgeon, sits on the board of directors for the Vest Pocket Business Coalition. She says a mandate would burden business owners with something they can't afford. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:18:03 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6719 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Monday, September 22. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:44:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6716 Didn't catch Politics Up Close last Friday? Here's a wrap up of our interviews with Jason Chaffetz and Brian King. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:01:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6711 Lawmakers reconvening this week to trim $200 million from the state's budget could cut funding for new programs and dip into reserve accounts for the state's agencies. Senator Lyle Hillyard says the governor's recommended 2-percent cut only bridges half the budget gap. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:01:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6714 Four ethics bills introduced last legislative session failed. During the interim session, five lawmakers asked for ethics studies that never happened. But Senator Pat Jones and Representative Steven Mascaro will try again next general session to strengthen the state's ethics laws. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:01:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6715 Yesterday's tour of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind was the first time in nearly a decade since lawmakers visited a USDB campus. Spokeswoman Kim Smale says it's important for legislators to know how the agency works. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:51:13 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6713 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Friday, September 19. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:08:28 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6712 Democrat Brian King is running for House District 28, which encompasses eastern Salt Lake City. The seat is open after Representative Roz McGee announced she would be retiring. King is a Salt Lake City attorney who has practiced law for more than 20 years, performing litigation against health, life and disability insurance companies. Much of his work involves the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. King has been the lead attorney on more than a dozen class action lawsuits. He is currently president of the Utah Association for Justice. King is running on a platform of improving education, bolstering the economy, increasing access to health care and housing, and increasing ethical standards. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:45:56 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6709 Republican Jason Chaffetz defeated incumbent Congressman Chris Cannon by a 20-point margin in the June primary, which gained national attention. He was Governor Jon Huntsman's campaign manager in 2004 and then served as his chief of staff for two years. He's the owner of Maxtera Utah, a corporate communications and marketing firm. Chaffetz also serves as a trustee for Utah Valley University. During the primary, he spent about half a million dollars less than the incumbent. He hopes to bring that same fiscal discipline to Washington, along with his seven-point plan to reduce illegal immigration. With a smile on his face, he jokes that he used to be a Democrat until he learned to read and write. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:40:40 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6708 Earlier this year, with a push from Mayor Ralph Becker, the Salt Lake City Council approved the hiring of the city's first Trails Coordinator. Dan Bergenthal, who had been working as an engineer in the city's transportation division, is the person now entrusted with those duties. His job is to improve Salt Lake City's bikeways and trail systems. Bergenthal was introduced during a press conference Wednesday to publicize the city's participation in a new shared-lane markings system. He told KCPW's Eric Ray about his history in transportation management. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:00:59 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6702 Utah's business community believes consumers must have more control over their health care. Otherwise, costs will continue to skyrocket and the state's attempt at reform will fail, warns Senator Wayne Niederhauser. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:00:59 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6706 An energy bill passed earlier this week by the House of Representatives garnered no support from Utah's Republican delegation. Congressman Rob Bishop says the bill failed in many ways, starting with how it was presented. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:00:59 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6707 Utahns can expect higher natural gas bills as new pipelines export more gas to the East and West Coast markets. Lawmakers heard this news yesterday from a Bill Barrett Corporation executive, whose company is currently running an ad campaign asserting its controversial plan to drill 800 new gas wells in rural Carbon County and export it out of state will lower Utahn's gas bills. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:38:27 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6705 With revenues coming in lower than the state government expected, lawmakers will meet in a special session next week to cut up to $200 million in new state spending for the 2009 budget. Senate President John Valentine said now is the time to act, instead of leaving this problem for next year's legislative session. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:28:51 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6703 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Thursday, September 18. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:51:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6701 The Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind is not really a school; it's an agency. And opinions about it vary as widely as its students' levels of disabilities. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:00:09 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6698 Lawmakers will study a proposal to use the state's growing liquor tax revenue to fund low-income housing. However, Senator Mark Madsen says he's not ready to ask for a financial analysis of the plan, and the issue might not come before lawmakers again during the interim session. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:00:09 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6699 A divisive energy bill passed earlier this week by the U.S. House of Representatives included a provision Congressman Jim Matheson pushed for: lifting the moratorium on developing regulations so that federal lands containing oil shale deposits can be leased for development. The congressman says it took some work, but Congress recognized something needed to be done. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:00:09 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6700 Drivers traveling along 200 South between State Street and Main Street in Salt Lake City may have noticed a wide green stripe down the middle of the road. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:45:18 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6696 Youth shelters will be able to allow juveniles to stay overnight without fear of prosecution under a bill passed unanimously today by the legislature's Judiciary Interim Committee. Bill sponsor Republican Lorie Fowlke told lawmakers that youth shouldn't have to be kicked out of shelters if their parents refuse to come and pick them up. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:21:34 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6694 A children's museum that faced a half-million dollar budget shortfall this year has a plan to avoid going into the red again -- fundraising. While certainly not a novel concept, Discovery Gateway's Development Director Leslie Reberg told the Salt Lake County Council that adding her full-time position to the fundraising team has already netted the museum more than $200,000. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:26:32 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6693 The Salt Lake County Council gave a proposal to start a unified police authority a nod of approval yesterday. But one county councilman, Mark Crockett, voted against a fundamental aspect of the concept on behalf of his constituents in unincorporated Millcreek Township. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:17:38 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6692 A proposal to double the waiting period for two low-income health insurance assistance programs is now under federal review. But Nate Checketts of the Utah Department of Health told lawmakers yesterday he's considering adopting an exemption to the proposed six month waiting period for people who have been priced out of the private insurance market. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:15:24 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6691 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Wednesday, September 17. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:36:31 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6690 A recent ad from John McCain's presidential campaign claims that Barack Obama's greatest accomplishment for education in the Illinois state legislature was to create a bill that would teach comprehensive sex education to kindergartners. The ad was quickly revealed to be an outright whopper by independent fact checkers, who discovered that Obama didn't sponsor that bill and it was never even passed into law. But will voters respond well to the ad anyway? Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:04:30 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6687 Grocery prices along the Wasatch Front rose nearly five percent last month, according to new data released by Wells Fargo today. Wells Fargo Economist Kelly Matthews believes this is mainly due to gas prices, which stayed high in Utah even while decreasing noticeably in the rest of the country. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:05:58 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6689 DNA tests will now answer the Division of Wildlife Resources' question as to whether some of Utah's lakes and reservoirs have been invaded by destructive quagga or zebra mussels. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:31:00 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6688 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Tuesday, September 16. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:32:32 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6686 Oxbow Jail was a hot topic at a local political forum Monday afternoon featuring two candidates for the Salt Lake County Council. Democrat Roger Harding, who's running for the open seat in District Six, criticized the council's five Republicans for voting against a roughly $600,000 appropriation to prepare the jail to re-open late last year. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:00:26 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6683 Activists for low-income Utahns worry the gloomy economic forecast is a sign lawmakers will choose not to fund Medicaid dental benefits next year. A trio from Crossroads Urban Center called attention to the situation by holding umbrellas against the coming economic storm on the sunny steps of the state capitol yesterday afternoon. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:00:26 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6684 The Salt Lake County Council is slated tomorrow to once again discuss the possibility of a unified police district. This comes on the heels of the fireworks that erupted during last week's meeting between Republican Councilman Mark Crockett and Democratic Councilman Jim Bradley during a discussion about who should represent the council on a committee charged with designing the framework of the district. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:38:45 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6682 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Monday, September 15. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:34:28 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6680 Don't have time to listen to our full conversations with candidates Bill Dew and Jean Welch Hill? Listen to our brief wrap-up of last week's Politics Up Close with Jeff Robinson. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:01:55 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6676 The State Board of Education approved a scaled back request for student funding, an acknowledgement the once hot economy has cooled. The weighted pupil unit, or WPU, request for a 4.8 percent increase, or $108 million, is less than half what was requested last year. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:01:55 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6679 Speaking in a downpour in the nation's capital yesterday, Senator Orrin Hatch commended the senate for unanimously passing the ADA Amendment Act of 2008. Hatch says the bipartisan bill he sponsored restores the original intent of the Americans with Disabilities law. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:30:06 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6678 It's taken almost 12 years, but the Legacy Parkway finally opens tomorrow. Utah Department of Transportation Executive Director John Njord says the new scenic byway is more than a pretty drive, it's a compromise that changed the agency's relationship with environmentalists once opposed to the project. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:28:24 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6677 Frustrated that Congress has yet to pass a bill to expand energy development in the United States, Congressman Chris Cannon filed a discharge petition this week for the Oil Shale Opportunity Act, a bill he introduced in June. If he can get more than half of Congress to sign the petition, it would force the House to vote on his bill, which would give the president the authority to bypass regulations so that oil shale leasing could begin on federal lands. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:05:17 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6675 Jean Welch Hill is an attorney for the State Board of Education. She's running for Attorney General against incumbent Mark Shurtleff. Last year, she argued against Shurtleff that school vouchers should not have been implemented before the voter referendum on the issue. Her position was affirmed by the Utah Supreme Court. Before joining the board, she was a teacher at Judge Memorial High School and a columnist for the Salt Lake Tribune. Hill believes that Utah's government lacks balance. She's running on a platform of campaign finance reform, ethics reform, education reform, and clamping down on predatory lenders. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:08:40 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6674 Bill Dew hopes to replace incumbent Democratic Congressman Jim Matheson in the 2nd District of the Utah House of Representatives. Dew is the founder of Dewbury Homes. He was born and raised in Utah. He graduated from the University of Utah and served in the Army Reserves for almost a decade. He's also done humanitarian work with his wife in Jordan. Dew is running on a platform of energy independence and securing America's borders to reduce the effects of illegal immigration. He won the Republican nomination at the state convention back in May, beating former Congressman Merrill Cook. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:06:11 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6673 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Friday, September 12. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:46:13 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6671 It's a question of fairness, argues both sides in a brewing debate on solar power net metering regulations. While a proposal isn't on the table yet, the Public Service Commission held an informational meeting yesterday on barriers to the program. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:00:53 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6668 Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens brought his plan for energy independence to Salt Lake City last night. He told a packed crowd at the Salt Palace that simply drilling for more oil in the United States won't reduce the $700 billion he says we send overseas for the resource right now. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:00:53 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6669 The Utah Tax Review Commission is looking at ways to make the severance tax more equitable to rates in surrounding states. Keith Sprecht of the Newfield Exploration Company, which has 1,600 wells in the Uintah Basin, says the state should carefully consider the impacts of tinkering with the tax. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:40:25 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6667 Fifty-five Utah home and business owners will welcome the public this Saturday to check out their solar panels. The Utah Solar Tour has grown from a six property tour to 55 over the past 13 years. Orrin Farnsworth of the Utah Solar Energy Association says it's grown along with the industry. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:01:23 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6662 Last night, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the city deny Wal-Mart's petition to re-zone the property at its proposed store on Parleys Way. The re-zone would allow them to build a new store on the site of the existing K-Mart, rather than move into the current building. Commissioner Tim Chambless says Wal-Mart had a good proposal, but it's wrong for the area, especially regarding traffic. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:38:25 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6666 A newly formed independent board tasked with evaluating Utah's 219 judges and justices met for the first time this week. The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission is a 13-member panel created by Senate Bill 105, which was sponsored by Senator Chris Buttars this past legislative session. Buttars himself was removed as chairman of the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee after writing a letter scolding a judge. However, his bill passed almost unanimously in both the House and Senate. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:08:41 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6665 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Thursday, September 11. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:54:39 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6664 Utah lawmakers on a transportation appropriations subcommittee got an overview of what looks to be a dire financial situation the Utah Department of Transportation faces as it continues to replace bridges and repair aging roads. Executive Director John Njord told legislators the agency needs $200 million dollars more per year for maintenance. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:01:23 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6661 As a symbolic gesture, Salt Lake County's Democratic council members voted against the Utah Association of County's draft resolution calling on Congress to reverse a federal moratorium on drafting regulations for the fledgling oil shale industry. Democratic Councilman Jim Bradley says it's premature for the council to support the resolution. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:06:50 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6663 Utahns now have another tool to keep their credit safe from identity thieves. The state's new credit freeze law, which was passed in 2006, has just gone into effect. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:49:08 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6659 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Wednesday, September 10. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:31:50 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6658 Alaska Governor Sarah Palin earned rave reviews from conservatives at the Republican National Convention last week. But after the excitement came several questions from the media about her record, and with that, conservatives attacked the press for what they viewed as a strong bias against her. Now that the convention is over, how will she do on the campaign trail and in the upcoming vice presidential debate? Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:01:00 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6653 The state doubled the amount of grant money it will award this year for research projects on unknown aspects of the Great Salt Lake. David Grierson with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands says there's still more to learn about how to best manage the lake. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:01:00 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6656 Yesterday, the Salt Lake County Council appointed two members to serve on a committee building the framework for a unified police district, which would operate much like the county's Unified Fire Authority. But the decision came only after Democratic councilman Jim Bradley threatened to brawl with Republican Mark Crockett. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:01:01 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6657 A bill merging part of the Salt Lake Tooele Applied Technology College with Salt Lake Community College will be considered by lawmakers next session. Tom Bingham, president of the Utah College of Applied Technology board of trustees, says the compromise is much better than a previous proposal for SLCC to absorb the entire school. But he says the deal will still be a challenge. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:18:39 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6655 The state government may consider increasing fees for various types of waste disposal after facing a shortfall in funding for government oversight of disposal programs. Much of the state's portion of those fees go into a fund called the Environmental Quality Restricted Account. Steven Higley, director of support services for the Department of Environmental Quality, says that balance of that fund has been unstable. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:42:15 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6654 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Tuesday, September 9. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:01:48 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6651 Three of America's leading historians led a panel discussion about the new book titled "Massacre at Mountain Meadows" at the Salt Lake City Main Library on Friday, September 5. The book's co-author, Richard Turley, was also on hand for the discussion, which took place in front of a packed house in the library's Tessman Auditorium. Listen to the podcast here. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:59:42 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6650 The Utah Legislature's Health System Reform Task Force meets next Thursday for the fifth time. So far, legislators have discussed topics like the transparency of health plans and the personal responsibility of patients. We set out to find more issues that need to be discussed. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:00:05 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6647 Yesterday, the state launched a two-year process to develop regulations for carbon capture and sequestration. Rusty Lundberg of the Department of Environmental Quality says the workgroup he's leading will lay the foundation for Utah's burgeoning greenhouse gas reduction industry. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:00:05 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6648 A trade association for the rental housing industry is hoping to bring its successful "good landlord" program to Salt Lake City. The Utah Apartment Association has previously set up the program in five cities since 2005. Executive Director Paul Smith explains that it would allow landlords to get a steep discount on their business licensing fees if they agree to do a few things. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:17:07 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6646 The Salt Lake County Council will be given the opportunity tomorrow to view a draft of the cultural facilities master plan, which will include information from a survey of residents about their interest in a Broadway-style theater Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:37:25 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6645 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Monday, September 8. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:54:44 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6644 Don't have time to listen to our full conversations with political candidates Dr. Joe Jarvis and Bennion Spencer? Listen to our brief wrap-up of last week's Politics Up Close with Jeff Robinson. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:32 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6641 A new documentary follows the grassroots movement that convinced a Texas utility to drop plans for eight coal-fired power plants, and local clean air activists say the film is especially timely for Utah audiences. Tim Wagner of the Utah Smart Energy Campaign says activists here are in a similar fight. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:32 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6643 Thousands of social security recipients in the Salt Lake Valley don't have bank accounts. Now they're eligible for a free debit card, funded each month by their social security payment. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:29:40 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6640 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Friday, September 5. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:34:11 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6642 Bennion Spencer is the Democratic candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District, challenging newcomer Republican Jason Chaffetz. He grew up in Layton and graduated from Utah State University, then worked as a journalist for 25 years. Last year, he helped Utah broadcasting legend Dick Nourse create the Dick Nourse Center for Mass Communications and Journalism at Dixie State. He now lives in Riverton. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:42:14 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6639 Dr. Joe Jarvis hopes to represent downtown Salt Lake City and The Avenues in the Utah House of Representatives. He'll be challenging Democratic incumbent Rebecca Chavez-Houck, who was appointed after Ralph Becker left the position. Jarvis earned his bachelor's from BYU in 1978, then his medicine degree from the University of Utah in 1982. He's served as president and chair of the board of the Utah Health Policy Project, and also on the board of directors for the Utah Public Health Association. Jarvis ran for Senate District 2 in 2006. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:38:32 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6638 Residents of two of Utah's most rural areas could soon receive assistance buying a home or starting a business. Two Utah community development organizations have received $300,000 grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:28:45 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6637 Frustrated by a perceived liberal bias and what they view as frequent distortions made by the news media, a handful of conservative state legislators are getting behind the mic this weekend to kick off a new radio show -- "Inside Utah Politics: Setting the Record Straight". Host Senator Howard Stephenson will be joined by Senate President John Valentine, Rules Committee Chairman Steve Urquhart and others for the two-hour talk show. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with Senator Stephenson to find out why it was created and what it's all about. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:01:13 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6633 The year-long Blueprint Jordan River process is drawing to a close. Envision Utah will unveil its draft vision for the Jordan River corridor next Wednesday. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:01:13 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6634 Water resources in the West will become even more precious as the region grows. That is a major force driving a handful of Salt Lake County water managers to ask the state for a formal classification of the Salt Lake Valley Aquifer. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:01:13 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6635 Rocky Mountain Power's promise to cut services in Utah after the Public Service Commission denied the utility's full rate-increase request has the commission questioning the legality of such a move. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:15:48 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6632 Immigrants and refugees along the Wasatch Front will go to Democracy School this fall to learn how to get involved in politics and become more effective advocates for their communities. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:03:02 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6631 Alaska Governor Sarah Palin introduced herself to the country last night at the Republican National Convention, and Utah's delegation was there to watch and listen to the party's first female nominee on a presidential ticket. Utah Republican Party Chairman Stan Lockhart is still in St. Paul, Minnesota for the final evening of the convention. He spoke with KCPW's Jeff Robinson about Palin's speech and other activities going on this week. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:32:35 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6629 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Thursday, September 4. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6628 Congressman Rob Bishop took yet another shot at Congressional Democrats on energy when Utah's delegation to the Republican National Convention cast its votes on the floor last night. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:17:01 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6627 It's the Republicans turn in the spotlight this week in St. Paul, Minnesota, as they take the stage to not only bolster the McCain-Palin campaign but also criticize the Obama-Biden ticket. Sorting fact from fiction can be a challenge when it comes to both campaigns, but one website aims to help on that front. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:01:11 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6622 Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank leaves this weekend for a week of counter-terrorism training in Israel. While the capitol city doesn't have the same level of violence found in that conflict-riddled country, Burbank says local officers need to know what to do, just in case. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:01:11 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6625 One of two Kennecott Utah Copper sites contaminated by more than a century of mining will not be added to the Superfund National Priorities List. It's an unusual move made possible by the company's completion of a $400 million plan launched in 1995 to accelerate the environmental clean-up under voluntary government oversight. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:01:11 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6626 This may be the reddest state in the nation, but Cynthia McKinney just made it a little greener. The Green Party presidential candidate came to the Capitol Building this morning to add her name to the Utah ballot. Regardless of her chances of winning the White House seat, she says it's important nonetheless for Green candidates to run. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:27:20 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6624 Rocky Mountain Power has filed a petition with the Utah Public Service Commission asking it to reconsider its decision to allow the utility to raise rates only 2.7%. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:42:53 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6621 Governor Jon Huntsman may have been bumped from the stage at the Republican National Convention because of Hurricane Gustav, but he's still raising enthusiasm for candidate John McCain among Republicans in St. Paul, Minnesota. Earlier this week, he addressed delegates from Oklahoma, noting that he supported McCain when the candidate was unpopular. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:38:34 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6620 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Wednesday, September 3. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:35:42 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6619 The governor's Great Salt Lake Advisory Council held its first meeting at the Capitol Building yesterday afternoon. And already Richard Goldberger is disappointed. He is not a scientist, but made headlines earlier this year as a concerned citizen with an idea for a Great Salt Lake information clearinghouse. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:18:51 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6618 The Salt Lake County Council will decide next week whether to allocate roughly $3 million over the next two years to electronically track everyone in the criminal justice system. Consultant Alan Manwaring says some have misunderstood the purpose of the Integrated Justice Information System, or IJIS. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:15:26 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6617 After a week at the helm of Salt Lake City's troubled Planning Division, Director Wilford Sommerkorn says morale in the department is on the upswing. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:37:01 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6609 When Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick was arrested last year for dog fighting, authorities took 22 of the pit bulls found at his "Bad News Kennels" to live at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:00:58 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6616 Utah's delegates to the Republican National Convention spent last night putting together care packages for the victims of Hurricane Gustav in the southeast. State party vice-chairman and elected delegate Todd Weiler says they came up with the idea when they learned that Monday evening's convention plans were called off. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:57:38 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6615 The Salt Lake County Council today will join those from several west-side cities in voicing their opposition to charging tolls to help pay for the Mountain View Corridor. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:56:55 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6614 Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, along with two members of the Salt Lake City council, will board an airplane bound for Japan tonight. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:53:13 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6613 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Tuesday, September 2. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:16:21 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6612 The ever-growing dependence on technology in Utah's college and public school classrooms has led the Utah Education Network to increase its capacity. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:00:28 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6607 Listeners who tuned in to this station on Friday heard what will be the final episode of KCPW's Public Square for now. Ed Sweeney, President and CEO of Wasatch Public Media, the non-profit purchasing KCPW, announced his decision to postpone the program last week in a letter to listeners and members posted on KCPW-dot-org. KCPW's Program Director and All Things Considered Host Eric Ray spoke with Sweeney about this decision and other issues regarding the future of this public radio station. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:00:28 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6608 Another milestone in the ongoing Jordan School District spit passed Monday, when each asset transition team was to hire an arbitrator in the absence of a negotiated agreement. While highly contentious, the leaders of the two asset transition teams are in agreement on one thing: lawmakers need to revisit the law. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:00:58 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6611 Health system reform must be bold, comprehensive, and address cost, quality and access. This is the overarching message that Judi Hilman of the Utah Health Policy Project gathered from five public meetings of the Community Health System Reform Workgroup held yesterday throughout the state. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:39:16 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6610 This morning, John McCain surprised the nation by choosing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. Utah politicians had been expecting McCain to choose Mitt Romney. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with Senator Orrin Hatch about McCain's choice. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:20:08 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6606 Utah Republican Party Chairman Stan Lockhart says John McCain's newly picked vice presidential nominee, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, has the potential to do great things for the party. But Lockhart adds that it would be an understatement to say he was surprised about the decision. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:12:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6605 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Friday, August 29. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:59:39 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6604 Governor Jon Huntsman is getting ready to take the stage at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. When he speaks Tuesday night, the theme of the convention will be reform, which he plans to focus on. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:54:21 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6603 Local business owners and care providers who are aggravated by the state of health insurance coverage shared their struggles with an industry executive this week. They gathered at the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday to speak and listen to Karen Ignagni, president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans, a trade association representing 1,300 insurance companies. Ignagni was in town as part of the organization's Campaign for an American Solution, a nationwide tour collecting health care stories and sharing what the association itself is advocating to Congress. KCPW's Jeff Robinson caught up with Ignagni after she heard from a number of frustrated Utahns. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:00:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6599 A video of an accused Internet child predator posted on the Utah Attorney General's website is causing a stir among some who say the video could violate the suspect's constitutional rights. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:00:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6600 Anita Neal thanks the Women's Treatment and Resource Center for changing her life. Three years ago, she was incarcerated for felony drunk driving. Now she's a licensed substance abuse counselor and is applying to graduate school to become a social worker and help other women struggling as she once did. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:00:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6602 Yesterday, an Oklahoma lawmaker told Utah legislators his state is poised to save $200 million dollars annually after implementing the same immigration policy that served as a template for Utah's Senate Bill 81. But a Utah Foundation policy brief released today cautions lawmakers to also consider the loss to the state. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:58:08 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6601 Despite the fact that Senator Hillary Clinton already dropped out of the presidential race and earlier this week formally released her delegates to support Barack Obama, nine Utah delegates still cast their vote for Clinton at the Democratic National Convention. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:58:20 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6598 Amid criticism from the state legislature that the new four-day workweek was hastily implemented and failed to consider major issues, Governor Jon Huntsman is standing his ground. Senator Howard Stephenson has criticized the initiative for closing down government services on Fridays. He suggests creating a staggered workweek that would keep buildings open but still allow interested employees to work only four days. But Huntsman is confident in his own system. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:57:45 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6597 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Thursday, August 28. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:08:37 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6595 In November, voters in Salt Lake County will decide whether to provide Tracy Aviary with a $19.3 million bond to help upgrade its facilities and exhibits. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:04:34 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6589 Small business owners gathered at the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce Wednesday afternoon to share their frustrations about health insurance. Rocky Snow, who owns a small confection broker, discussed the problems he faces with Utah's Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:04:34 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6592 A legislative audit on the state's adult education program has uncovered a new twist to Senate Bill 81, the illegal immigration bill passed earlier this year. SB 81 doesn't go into effect until 2009, and many, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Greg Curtis and President John Valentine, suspect the controversial bill will be tied up in litigation. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:04:34 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6593 The trafficking of children for sex is a problem in Salt Lake City, according to a Shared Hope International report released yesterday. The survey of 10 U.S. cities commends Salt Lake City's law enforcement efforts and a new human trafficking law passed this year by the state legislature. But it also highlights deficiencies. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:04:34 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6594 After eight serious security breaches, including five jail breaks, over the past four years, a state audit affirms the 21 counties that accept state prisoners in their jails need better oversight. Tom Patterson, director of the Utah Department of Corrections, embraced the audit, acknowledging the recommendations would improve public safety. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:41:48 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6591 The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will postpone ruling on whether to eliminate the membership provision for the state's private clubs. DABC spokeswoman Sharon Mackay says Commissioner Gordon Strachan decided it needed more information before making the controversial move. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:33:11 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6590 The national push to develop more forms of renewable energy has helped make wind energy more competitive with energy produced from fossil fuels, says one local wind energy developer. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:38:10 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6588 Although many conservatives are strongly against the idea of illegal immigrants staying in Utah and receiving benefits, the Sutherland Institute hopes to instill some compassion in state lawmakers. Staff members will speak to the Immigration Interim Committee this evening in Park City. As public affairs manager Stan Rasmussen explains, the conservative think tank firmly believes that most illegal immigrants come to Utah with the best intentions. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:22:54 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6587 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Wednesday, August 27. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:00:13 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6584 For the next week during the Democratic and Republican national conventions, informed voters may find themselves busy sorting out whether everything being said by both parties is actually true. But a website aims to help them with that goal. Politifact.com is a joint venture of Congressional Quarterly and the St. Petersburg Times. The site evaluates statements made by both presidential campaigns using independent sources, then ranks them on the "Truth-o-Meter," so you can find out whether a candidate is full of truth -- or full of something else. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:00:18 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6579 The debate about the state's controversial law granting in-state tuition for illegal immigrants will surface again at the Immigration Interim Committee meeting tonight in Park City. An Indonesian student and a University of Utah instructor will testify that the law is unfair to foreign students who are charged more expensive out-of-state tuition. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:00:18 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6581 While The Leonardo's scaled-back proposal for the old library building is scrutinized by Salt Lake City officials, another bond-funded project voters approved in 2003 remains unrealized. Mayor Ralph Becker's chief of staff, David Everitt, says the administration is also pushing staff to break ground on the proposed sports complex early next year. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:00:18 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6582 Salt Lake City is considering expanding its non-discrimination ordinance beyond current state law to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Yolanda Francisco-Nez of the Mayor's Office of Diversity and Human Rights says the city is currently organizing a fact-finding series called Dialogues of Discrimination. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:24:26 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6580 Only a small number of high school students take the SAT in Utah, since the ACT is the standard test for in-state colleges. But those who took it this year did 150 points better than the national average, according to new data from the College Board. Utah students earned an average of 1,661 out of 2,400, scoring highest in reading, while the national average is only 1,511. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:51:18 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6578 More than one in ten Utah high school students has abused a prescription narcotic, according to Abbie Vianes, Coordinator of the Salt Lake City Mayor's Coalition on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:42:51 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6577 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Tuesday, August 26. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:45:10 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6574 A movement begun by college presidents that questions the effectiveness of the minimum drinking age of 21 drew controversy in Utah when the president of Westminster College signed on to it. But the man who started the Amethyst Initiative says it's not about lowering the drinking age. John McCardell is the former president of Middlebury College in Vermont He says the initiative simply declares that the minimum drinking age of 21 doesn't protect young adults from alcohol abuse. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:00:36 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6571 Salt Lake City is one of many across the nation bemoaning the quadrupling cost of asphalt this year due to historically high crude oil prices and an asphalt shortage. In fact, it could mean more Salt Lake City streets will be paved with concrete. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:00:36 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6572 Utah is not only growing in population, it's becoming more diverse. And this is especially true along the Wasatch Front. Salt Lake County's Council on Diversity Affairs, or CODA, is also growing. The council of nineteen just added three new members. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:00:36 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6573 The Democratic National Convention kicked off today in Denver, Colorado. Utah delegates attended caucus meetings before attending tonight's big speech by Michelle Obama. Noticeably absent from Utah's 29-person delegation is Congressman Jim Matheson. But state Party Chairman Wayne Holland notes that Matheson, like many other Democrats, is running for re-election in GOP territory. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:03:39 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6570 An effort to revamp Fairmont Park in Sugar House is underway, and Salt Lake City Parks Department officials want feedback from the public. Parks Department Director Val Pope says the park's master plan has been retooled over the past six months, but it could take years to implement. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:29:00 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6569 Governor Jon Huntsman wants to put together a comprehensive plan to utilize and preserve the resources of the Great Salt Lake. Today at Antelope Island State Park, Huntsman signed an executive order creating the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, which has been given the task of creating a master plan for the lake. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:21:09 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6568 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Monday, August 25. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:00:49 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6566 Last week, Utah lawmakers took advice on highway funding from Texas Representative Mike Krusee, who strongly advocated for the creation of toll roads. Krusee told legislators that Utah drivers are getting away with paying only a small fraction of what it costs the state when they drive on highways. But the lawmaker has fierce critics in his own state. An Austin, Texas resident calls him a con artist. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:03:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6563 Over the weekend, Utah families who have had loved ones captured or go missing in action during wartime gathered at the Marriott Hotel in University Park. They attended the family meeting hoping to learn more about what happened to them. Adrian Cronauer is the special assistant to the director of the Defense POW and Missing Personnel Office. He served a sergeant in the Air Force, and his story was the basis for the film "Good Morning Vietnam," starring Robin Williams. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with him about the work he does now. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:03:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6564 As the curtain falls on the Beijing Summer Olympics, an official from the 2002 Winter games is touting the city's own Olympic legacy. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:03:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6565 Starting September 1, TRAX and Frontrunner riders will no longer be able to purchase tickets using tokens. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:41:30 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6562 Mayor Ralph Becker was warmly received by 800 teachers at a back to school assembly held at Highland High School this morning. Becker repeated his campaign promise to support local schools. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:33:56 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6561 On Saturday, Utah families who are searching for answers about their loved ones who went missing or were captured during wartime will gather in Salt Lake City. Adrian Cronauer works for the Defense POW and Missing Personnel Office. He travels to major cities across the country giving these family updates. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:06:53 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6560 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Friday, August 22. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:18:05 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6559 Lawmakers on the Health System Reform Task Force yesterday discussed a state proposal to double the waiting period for two public health care assistance programs. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:00:33 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6554 Board members of the proposed Leonardo science museum met with Mayor Ralph Becker and his staff Thursday afternoon, after a Salt Lake City council meeting earlier in the week left the museum's fate up in the air. Although Becker said the future of the old library building the Leonardo plans to lease from the city is still open to other options, Leonardo board Chairman Marshall Wright feels both parties are on the same page. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:00:33 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6555 With a criminal investigation of a former lawmaker currently underway, Senate leadership says ethics reform legislation might appear on the calendar next year. Senate President John Valentine says specific proposals have not been drafted, but they are in preliminary talks. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:00:33 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6557 Overcrowding at Salt Lake County's 2,000-bed Adult Detention Center convinced the County Council to ready the vacant Oxbow Jail to reopen next year. Bookings spiked this summer, prompting jail administrators to cut short 14 inmates' sentences, including some convicted of more serious crimes than are typically released early. But overcrowding releases are not new. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:00:33 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6558 The governor supports direct elections of state school board members. The board itself wants such a system. But after a preliminary discussion on the matter yesterday, Senate Republicans appear not to. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:18:56 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6556 A bill passed last year by the Utah legislature requires elected sheriffs to go through several weeks of corrections training before taking office. But on Wednesday, lawmakers on the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee gave their blessing to a bill that reduces that requirement to only 40 hours. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:53:54 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6553 This week, state lawmakers were left astounded by a sobering assessment of how Utah is failing its blind students. Ron Gardner is president of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah, and sits on the institutional council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. He told the Education Interim Committee on Wednesday that more than 90 percent of blind students coming out of Utah schools don't know how to read Braille. In other words, they're illiterate. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:42:08 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6552 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Thursday, August 21. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:57:24 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6550 A South Salt Lake man accused of kidnapping two children the morning of July 4th will be in court today for his preliminary hearing. The case of David Bell has raised many questions, especially since the mother of one of those children admitted to local newspapers that she joined other people in beating Bell and his partner severely after the alleged kidnapping. Attorney Roger Kraft says he's puzzled that the district attorney's office would file charges against his client, but not his attackers. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:00:15 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6546 The Children's Health Insurance Program celebrated its tenth anniversary on Wednesday. U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, who co-authored the bill, says it is one of the most important achievements of his political career. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:00:15 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6547 Presidential candidate John McCain will struggle to stay in the spotlight next week as Democrats from around the nation gather for their national convention in Denver, Colorado. But even as the cameras roll in Denver, the candidate might be able to push himself back into the spotlight by announcing who will be his vice presidential nominee. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to wonder why Senator Joe Lieberman hasn't been booted from his party as the Republicans announce that he'll be speaking at their convention on behalf of John McCain. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:00:15 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6548 The governor's Working 4 Utah initiative was one of the issues that kept Senate Republicans in a three-hour-long caucus on Wednesday. Senate President John Valentine says the unusually long meeting was necessary to discuss several "festering" issues that surfaced during the legislature's July holiday. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:00:15 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6549 A plan being considered by Utah government officials would make state employees with access to the personal information of citizens subject to random drug testing. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:49:33 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6545 A bill requiring registered sex offenders to get written permission from the parent of a child under 14-years-old before accompanying that child anywhere was closely scrutinized by lawmakers on the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee today. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:46:18 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6544 Utah lawmakers called for a solution to the energy crisis in a committee meeting this morning. State Representative Roger Barrus thinks Utah is poised to take a leading role in solving the nation's problems. But he says there's one formidable roadblock -- the federal government. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:04:00 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6543 Utah lawmakers took tips on highway funding from a Texas legislator this morning. Texas Republican Representative Mike Krusee joined them on Capitol Hill. He told the Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee that with federal money drying up, the only way to pay for new highways is to make them toll roads. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:36:16 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6542 The fate of the proposed Leonardo science museum is up in the air after last night's city council meeting. The council heard from the museum's executive director, who made his case for why the city should release a $10 million bond approved by voters several years ago so that the museum can begin to renovate and move in to the old Main City Library building. But there are still some tough questions to answer, and the possibility of the city turning the library over to another organization still exists. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with City Councilman Carlton Christensen this morning to get his thoughts on what needs to happen for the Leonardo to work. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:31:39 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6540 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Wednesday, August 20th. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:19:45 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6539 Utah's delegates to the Democratic National Convention will be heading to Denver for the big event next week. Emily Rushton converted from the Republican Party a few years ago and is pledged to vote for Senator Hillary Clinton. She says she's most excited about joining the service projects in Denver next Wednesday as part of Delegate Service Day. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:13:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6538 Yesterday, the Salt Lake City council handed over The Leonardo's fate to Mayor Ralph Becker after a two-hour discussion. He says his staff will begin today carefully reviewing the museum's scaled-back $11 million proposal for renovating the old main library campus. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:01:20 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6537 A group looking to highlight the lows of the Bush administration brought its 45-foot museum on wheels - tabbed the Bush Legacy Bus - to Salt Lake City's Washington Square this afternoon. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:37:25 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6535 Republican Salt Lake County Councilman David Wilde says if local cultural-arts organizations are going to be supported by tax dollars from the entire county, then the entire county should be represented on the governing boards of those organizations. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:19:03 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6534 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Tuesday, August 19th. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:38:08 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6532 The voices of residents in East Millcreek and Mount Olympus, upset about possible air pollution from a temporary cement mixing plant the Utah Department of Transportation is operating near their neighborhoods, have been heard loud and clear by the Salt Lake County Council. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:58:49 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6531 The Salt Lake County Government plans to send out hundreds of volunteers to local schools in September with a message to parents who are picking up their children: turn off the engine. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:00:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6528 Representatives from The Leonardo are scheduled to present a revised renovation plan for the old Salt Lake City Main Library to the city council tonight. The plan calls for the city to release $10 million from a bond approved by voters in 2003 to build the first of the new plan's three phases. Last week, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker sent a letter to members of the city council outlining history of the city's handling of The Leonardo and the results of a financial review of the museum. In that letter, Becker recommends the city - quote "immediately develop and implement a process to explore new uses for the building." Becker told KCPW's Eric Ray that he still believes in the concept of The Leonardo: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:00:12 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6530 A bill that aims to protect children from sex offenders will be discussed by Utah lawmakers this week. Representative Richard Greenwood's bill would require registered sex offenders to get written permission from a child's parent before accompanying them anywhere, if the child is under 14 years old and the offender had committed a crime against a child of the same age. Greenwood says the bill comes from a case in Sanpete County, where a few offenders have tried to hang out with random children and law enforcement officers didn't have any legal way to stop them. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:01:35 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6529 The Leonardo is scheduled to take its new proposal to renovate the old Salt Lake City Main Library building to the city council tomorrow. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:58:49 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6527 The Salt Lake County Council gave Sheriff Jim Winder the green light to start preparing the vacant Oxbow Jail to house 184 low-to-moderate risk inmates enrolled in special treatment programs designed to reduce recidivism rates. The plan is intended to relieve the near-capacity main county jail. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:00:19 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6525 A new report from the Utah Foundation shows that the state's crime rates fell below the national average in 2006, making it the first time since the early 90s. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:00:19 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6518 This week, Utah Democrats will be packing up and heading out to Denver for the Democratic National Convention, which starts next Monday. State party co-chair Rob Miller runs the Democrats' Utah Amicus blog. With six other bloggers joining him on the road, his goal is to cover the convention differently than major media outlets. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:00:19 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6524 Tomorrow, the Human Rights Campaign will be in town to run Camp Equality, a training workshop for those who want to campaign for GLBT causes. Salt Lake City is one of 18 cities the gay rights activists chose to come to. Regional Field Director Sultan Shakir says it was an obvious choice. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:09:29 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6519 Utah's home foreclosure rate continues to climb. According to a RealtyTrac report released this week, July foreclosures were up 27% over the previous month, and nearly 300% over July 2007. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:18:06 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6517 This is a podcast of our Authors Live! lecture from the Main City Library with Jacqueline Berger. Known as the "First Ladies Lady," Berger is a leading authority on America's First Ladies. She brings these dynamic women of history to life while revealing the scandals and rumors surrounding them. Her non-partisan presentations are as entertaining as they are educational.Berger's book, "Love, Lies and Tears: An Intimate Look at America's First Ladies, Volume 1" tells the stories of every first lady from Martha Washington to Helen Taft. The second volume of the series, covering Ellen Wilson to Laura Bush, will be released in spring 2009. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:32:59 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6514 A round-up of local news headlines for northern Utah for Friday, August 15th. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:18:08 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6513 The Utah Transit Authority's fuel-induced budget woes are now even worse, since the slowing economy has cut sales tax revenues that subsidize the agency. Even with two fuel surcharges added to ticket prices over the past two months and ridership up 20 percent this summer, UTA spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware says the agency still faces budget cuts. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:01:06 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6510 A rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence is in Salt Lake City today and will be on display at the State Capitol. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:01:06 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6508 The Leonardo's new plan isn't scaled back, it's a phased-in approach says the Leonardo's new executive director Peter Giles. The new $11 million plan to immediately move into the old library building is less than half the museum once thought it needed to get up and running. Giles says the building doesn't need as much work as they once thought. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:01:06 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6511 The Democratic National Convention is 10 days away, and the word "unity" will be the name of the game in Denver, Colorado. Hillary Clinton supporters won a major victory this week when Democratic leaders agreed to hold a roll-call vote at the convention, meaning all of Clinton's delegates will formally get to vote for her, even though she won't become the nominee. But there's a faction of the Democratic party holding out hope that this convention will produce a drastically different result than everyone's expecting. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:01:06 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6512 While gas prices nationally have fallen below the $4 dollar mark, Utah consumers continue to pay the third highest gas prices in the nation. With some pointing fingers at the middle men, Governor Jon Huntsman stepped into the debate Wednesday with a pledge to investigate any retailer found dabbling in "suspicious practices." Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:28:31 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6509 The increase in Utah's overall Consumer Price Index for the month of July was more than double the nation's. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:59:53 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6507 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Thursday, August 14th. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:16:11 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6504 Utah will participate in a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services electronic medical records pilot project. Mike Fierberg [FEAR-burg] of CMS says the program will allow people to take control of their own private health records. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:03:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6502 This week, the Salt Lake County Council was able to find $640,000 to prepare Oxbow Jail to re-open next year and relieve the overcrowded main county jail. Now the question is, where will the county come up with nearly $5 million dollars in ongoing funding to operate Oxbow? Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:03:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6493 The Salt Lake Children's Choir is holding auditions for children 9 to 15 years old. The choir was founded 30 years ago by Ralph Woodward, son of prominent musicians at Brigham Young University, and a professional French horn player. It has recorded with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Symphony. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:03:22 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6503 Salt Lake County's jail will soon get some relief. Yesterday, the county council voted to re-open the shuttered Oxbow Jail to save the county from having to release so many inmates early. And this November, Salt Lake County voters will get to decide whether to support a public bond that would provide Hogle Zoo with funding for expansion. The bond isn't nearly as much as the original $65 million the zoo was asking for, but it comes with a much less strenuous fundraising requirement for the zoo. KCPW's Jeff Robinson caught up with at-large councilman Randy Horiuchi to find out the terms of the new bond and whether he thinks it will pass. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:42:55 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6501 A round-up of local news in northern Utah for Wednesday, August 13th. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:31:01 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6500 Money from the Salt Lake County Government will help mobile home owners in Millcreek purchase and preserve the park their homes sit on. This week, the Salt Lake County Council approved continued funding for Utah Resident Owned Communities, an organization that's obtaining financing for residents of Park Hill to collectively buy the park. Director Mark Lundgren is confident they can work out an arrangement. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:38 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6498 The new executive director of The Leonardo says if the Salt Lake City Council will release $10 million from a previously voter-approved bond, the museum will prove to the council that it can raise the rest of the funds to complete its new proposal to renovate the old Main Library. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:40:49 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6497 A revised zoo bond proposal approved by the Salt Lake County Council yesterday for the ballot in November is significantly smaller than the previous proposal for $65 million. But Craig Dinsmore is still pleased. The executive director of the Hogle Zoo says he's optimistic voters will approve the newly penned $33 million bond measure. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:00:04 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6490 The Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved spending $640,000 to repair Oxbow jail in preparation of reopening one of its wings to ease overcrowded conditions at the main county jail. Sheriff Jim Winder says reopening Oxbow will free up 184 beds at the main jail, and make the valley's streets safer. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:00:04 -0600 http://www.kcpw.org/article/6489 Thousands of Utah residents are eligible for a Medicaid prescription drug benefit that could save them hund