Whittney Evans

Controversial Anti-Graffiti Bill Moves Forward

February 1, 2012 Whittney Evans

A bill that sparked retribution from hackers on the Salt Lake City Police Department’s website moved forward in the Utah Senate today despite opposition from some Republican lawmakers. Democratic Senator Karen Mayne is sponsoring SB 107, which would criminalize the possession of graffiti paraphernalia if someone demonstrates intent to vandalize property. But Republican Senator Steve Urquhart was one of six Republicans to vote against the measure, saying it goes too far.

Legislative Coverage

Senate Looks to Protect Voters’ Email Addresses

January 25, 2012 Whittney Evans

Registered voters in Utah may no longer have to worry their email addresses will be made public when registering to vote, if a new bill passes out of the state legislature. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the bill doesn’t protect voter’s birthdates, which some say is more important than keeping emails under wraps.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.9MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Legislative Coverage

Legislative Session Begins with Optimism

January 23, 2012 Whittney Evans

The 2012 session of the Utah legislature will feature a lot of familiar issues, as lawmakers once again tackle the state budget and education funding, which both parties have promised to make a priority, along with alcohol policy and taxation. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, there will also be added interest in e-commerce and health care.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (6.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Legislative Coverage

Democratic Party Cuts Check for Redistricting GRAMA Request

January 23, 2012 Whittney Evans

The Utah Democratic Party decided Monday to deliver a check to the Legislative Records Committee instead of fighting over the $5,000 fee it was asked to pay for a public records request detailing last year’s divisive redistricting process. The party’s attorney advised for it to pay up, rather than file an appeal, because he said the issue would not be fairly addressed unless they took it to District Court.

Environment

Water Rights Approved for Nuclear Plant

January 22, 2012 Whittney Evans

Utah State Engineer Kent Jones has approved water rights from the Green River for Blue Castle Holdings’ proposed nuclear power plant in Emery County, much to the dismay of environmental groups. Matt Pacenza, Policy Director of the anti-nuclear group HEAL Utah, says the decision was the only opportunity for a Utah official to reject the plan. He says the company now faces two hurdles, the easier of which will be getting permission from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Local News

Democrats Unveil Plan to Inrease Per Pupil Spending

January 20, 2012 Whittney Evans

Democratic state lawmakers say they’ve found a way to increase per-pupil spending in education without raising taxes, while tackling issues like class size and teacher preparedness. This morning House and Senate Democrats unveiled the details of their Best Schools Initiative, which as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, includes one specific proposal a lawmaker says would increase per-pupil funding.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (1.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Local News

Sundance 2012 Brings More Opportunies for Filmakers

January 20, 2012 Whittney Evans

This year’s Sundance Film Festival is marked by innovation and expansion. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the 28-year old event in Park City, Utah is exploring more ways to support the artists that keep it alive.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.4MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Local News

Liljenquist Finds Support in More Than 600 Campaign Volunteers

January 17, 2012 Whittney Evans

Former Utah Senator Dan Liljenquist has no shortage of help running his campaign for U.S. Senate. The campaign revealed today it’s assembled more than 600 volunteers in the ten days since he announced his bid. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, volunteers say it’s his energy and accomplishments as a freshman senator that’s helped him outpace other successful campaigns.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Local News

Bill Requires School Districts to Seek Bids For Health Coverage

January 16, 2012 Whittney Evans

Utah school districts may be required to seek competitive bids every three years for medical coverage if the state legislature approves a proposed bill. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, one Republican state lawmaker is trying to save taxpayer dollars by making sure schools are getting the best bang for their buck, but others say the issue is a bit more delicate.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Top Local Headlines

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Are you sure?