From its politics to its public lands to polygamy, Utah has always been fertile ground for news.
KCPW and The Salt Lake Tribune present a fresh way for Utahns to process the headlines. Behind the Headlines, a live weekly broadcast, examines the week’s top local stories through the eyes of reporters on the beat.
A rotating panel of the state’s top journalists – including columnist Robert Gehrke, Senior Managing Editor Matt Canham, reporters Erin Alberty, Brian Maffly and others – join KCPW’s Roger McDonough to talk about what’s happening in the Beehive State along with the hows and whys.
Listeners can join the discussion by name-checking @KCPW on Twitter or calling (801) 355-TALK with comments and questions for the panel. Behind the Headlines airs Fridays from 9-10 a.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. on KCPW. Streaming audio is available as well, and podcasts of the lates episodes can be found below.
A new variant, censorship accusations, Utah’s redlining consequences
Nine books are removed from libraries in one school district — prompting accusations of censorship. Scientists work to better understand the omicron variant of the coronavirus, and to better predict its impacts on the pandemic. And a look at how discriminatory housing practices from Utah’s past carry through to the present day. At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune […]
Shelter angst, transgender sports, ballet dispute and COVID boosters
A “frustrated” Salt Lake City Council authorizes a winter overflow shelter for the homeless at a location on the west side. A legislative proposal seeks to require transgender girls to change their birth certificates before joining female high school sports. The University of Utah’s ballet program vows reform after former students describe body shaming, racist comments and intimidation. And Utah expands […]
Redistricting, racism in schools and vaccine mandates
The death of a 10-year-old Black girl by suicide intensifies the spotlight on racism and bullying in Utah schools. State lawmakers approve controversial electoral maps, greenlight a name change for Dixie State University, work to counter a federal vaccine-or-testing requirement, and punish a Millard County power plant — apparently over a plan to convert from coal to natural gas. At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt […]
Election results, vaccines for younger kids, and a new Utah dam
Utah officials make plans to build a reservoir that would hold Bear River water to feed urban growth along the Wasatch Front. How the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined Pfizer’s smaller-dose vaccine was safe and effective in children ages 5 to 11. And election results from Tuesday’s municipal contests. At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune reporters Andy Larsen and […]
Health care workers under fire, booster shots, eviction funds and a lawmaker steps down
Utah health care workers say they’re tired of being on the receiving end of COVID-19 hostility. A pandemic data columnist offers an explainer on booster shots. Rep. Steve Christiansen announces his resignation from Utah Legislature. And the money eviction attorneys received from a pandemic relief fund meant to help renters. At 9 a.m. on Friday, […]