We are at the river’s edge. That’s what Tom Ashbrook, the host of NPR’s On Point, writes following the Arizona tragedy that left six people dead and an Arizona Congresswoman in critical condition. The shooter may have been troubled, he says, but that doesn’t excuse the heated, intolerant and even violent rhetoric that has become too common in American political discourse.
Salt Lake County prosecutors have charged Cottonwood Heights police officer Beau Babka, a former candidate for sheriff, with two third-degree felony counts of misusing public money.
New management changes go into effect this week at the Salt Lake City Public Library system but not everyone is seeing eye-to-eye on why the changes are taking place.
A new, 24-hour hotline is being created to help Utahns who are questioning their sexuality. Melanie Squire, who’s putting the Pride Empathy line together, says she used to discriminate against the LGBT community herself, but then took a class with her husband to learn more.
A Republican state lawmaker has abruptly found himself out of a job, after learning he doesn’t actually live in the legislative district he represents. But he may get his seat back shortly enough. KCPW’s Jeff Robinson reports.
Some voters who live in Utah County now have no lawmaker representing them in the State House of Representatives.
Former Utah Senator Bob Bennett says everyone should remember that the alleged shooter of an Arizona congresswoman is probably deranged, and shouldn’t be quick to blame the tragedy on any particular group. But he also told NPR’s On Point with Tom Ashbrook this morning that the political rhetoric needs to be turned down. He recalled that a talk show host once gave out his home address.
A state lawmaker is calling for greater accountability in public schools. Republican Senator Wayne Niederhauser is proposing a bill that would give schools a letter grade based on student test results, but state education leaders see red flags. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports.
Utah Congressman Rob Bishop says the Pentagon should reconsider slashing the defense budget. Speaking on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, the Republican said he and other members of the armed services committee will be asking Defense Secretary Robert Gates to justify cutting $78 billion and pulling back troops over the next five years.
Utah Congressman Jim Matheson called Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords a good friend of his, following a shooting Saturday that left her in critical condition and six people dead. He said it was an outrage that such an act of violence could happen in the United States.
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