Some of the biggest challenges refugees face when coming to the United States are understanding the legal system, learning their rights and realizing their opportunities. KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports on how Salt Lake City is working to make that process easier.
Electronic book lovers in Utah might be getting a refund from some of the nation’s largest book publishers, who are being accused of anti-competitive conduct.
All eyes were on Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake Wednesday as U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined local and state officials for the groundbreaking of the Sugar House Streetcar project. KCPW’s Whittney Evans attended the event, where she spoke with the secretary and others about the significance of the project.
Salt Lake City’s push to charge more for metered parking and extend hours of enforcement is sure to face opposition, but the city and at least one local restaurateur says logically, it’s a good call. Mayor Ralph Becker’s 2013 budget proposal extends the hours of parking enforcement from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and includes a 50-cent hourly hike on metered parking.
Salt Lake County is again seeking a bond for park improvements, as well as the construction of new parks in the west, southwest and southeast areas of the valley. The amount has increased from $110 million to $123 million, but the yearly payments would remain the same. Community Services Department Director Erin Litvack says if the county council moves forward with the proposal, it would go on the November ballot.
The Utah Attorney General’s office is filing the last of a series of lawsuits this week against the federal government in hopes of winning title to thousands of contested roads in the state that cross federal lands. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, despite challenges from wilderness advocates, officials behind the complaints brought key witnesses to the State Capitol Tuesday to help reinforce their case.
A survey shows more than 70 percent of caregivers for the elderly in Salt Lake County are missing out on potentially valuable assistance from the county’s Division of Aging Services. The county’s Caregiver Support Program provides assistance for caregivers who are 18 and older, and caring for family members who are 60 or older.
Utah’s fresh pool of college graduates has a warming job market to dive into, the University of Utah says. Director of Career Services Stan Inman says U. grads had more offers and interest from in-state employers this year. He says it’s been a strong spring recruiting season on campus with many employers posting jobs and coming to recruiting events to show interest.
Engineering students from colleges and universities throughout the West gathered in Tooele over the weekend to compete in the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge, using models they’ve designed and built themselves. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the competition is the high point for their school year, which they’ve dedicated to turning their concepts and calculations into reality.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert has a new energy advisor and at least one environmental group is already calling foul. Herbert announced today that Cody Stewart, who’s currently serving as Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell’s Chief of Staff, will help the governor increase energy development in the state. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, HEAL Utah says his interests are with big oil and gas.
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