KUER Local News

Lawmakers Debate Child Safety & Foreign Gifts

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A house committee on Monday passed laws changing child car safety-seat regulations and disclosure rules for foreign gifts to state's universities. KUER's Tasha Cook has this report:

Medical Charity Rebuilding in Haiti

cjohnson@kuer.org — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A group called Healing Hands for Haiti has been working to provide prosthetics and rehabilitation services for the disabled in Haiti for more than ten years. Their services are needed more than ever after the earthquake, but it's working out of temporary facilities until it can rebuild.

Health Exchange Expands, Lawmakers Take On Ethics, Global Warming

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Responding to an angry public, Utah House lawmakers passed a number of ethics reform bills yesterday. They also took up global warming, and announced an expansion of the state's Health Exchange. KUER's Jenny Brundin reports. _______________________________________________________________

Legislature: Tough Budget Decisions

cjohnson@kuer.org — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Utah legislature is struggling with budget cuts that nobody likes, and pinning its hopes on revenue projections coming later in the session.

Bill To Opt Out of Federal Health Care Advances

cjohnson@kuer.org — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Before a packed audience angry with the federal government, a Utah House committee yesterday approved a bill giving Utah the right to reject any federal health care reform measure. It's one of about ten pieces of legislation aimed squarely at one target: the federal government. KUER's Jenny Brundin reports.

Ethics at the State Capitol

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Members of the House Ethics Standing Committee approved a package of bills yesterday that may reform how lawmakers conduct themselves. KUER's Tasha Cook has this report.

Documentaries Shine at Sundance

cjohnson@kuer.org — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Many of the most significant documentary films of recent years have premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Sheri Quinn looks at two that will be attracting notice in the coming months.

The Final Frontier? ATK awaits Obama's decision

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Another round of hundreds more layoffs began this week at Utah aerospace company ATK. Many are because NASA's space shuttle program is winding to an end. This coming Monday, the Obama administration will release its 2011 budget for NASA. Workers who remain at ATK are anxiously awaiting one verdict whether astronauts will go back to the moon. It's not just thousands of high-tech jobs that are at stake - but the nation's ability to explore space. KUER's Jenny Brundin reports.

Bite-Size Poetry: Natasha Saje

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

We continue our series of bite-size poems - poems that can be read in a minute or less - with a selection by the poet Natasha Saje. KUER's Jennifer Napier-Pearce speaks with Utah poet laureate Katherine Coles about the poem, "H."<

Legislature Struggles with Medicaid Cuts

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Medicaid is one of the biggest programs in state government, and one of the most difficult to cut. KUER's Dan Bammes looks at how legislators have to balance squeezing patients and providers.

Governor Calls for Protecting Education, No Tax Hikes

cjohnson@kuer.org — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Utah Governor Gary Herbert delivered his first State of the State address last night. He struck a hopeful chord - but also - delivered a tough jab at the federal government. KUER's Jenny Brundin reports.

2010 Utah Legislature Convenes

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Utah Legislature convened yesterday against the backdrop of one of the worst recessions ever faced by the state or the nation. State lawmakers must grapple with a massive budget shortfall and find ways to balance the state budget. KUER's Tasha Cook this report.

Dan Nailen: Sundance Documentaries

cjohnson@kuer.org — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Salt Lake Magazine Arts and Entertainment Editor Dan Nailen has been spending a lot of time in Park City and in Salt Lake watching films at the Sundance Film Festival -- and watching the people who make them.

Dan Nailen: Joan Jett at Sundance

cjohnson@kuer.org — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Joan Jett rocks Park City this weekend as part of the Sundance Film Festival, where a new film looks at her life and career.

Sundance: Life During Wartime

cjohnson@kuer.org — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Producer Sheri Quinn interviews the producers of Restrepo, a documentary that premiered opening night at the Sundance Film Festival.

Utah Educators Race to the Top

cjohnson@kuer.org — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Wyoming, Iowa, California .those are just some of the states Utah is competing against to win millions of dollars for the state's public schools. The competition is called "Race to the Top." The US Department of Education will reward states that have a proven track record in education innovation. Utah's application was due today. Kim Schuske reports on the state's educational strengths and weaknesses.

Dan Nailen: Himalayan Food & Art

cjohnson@kuer.org — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The photographs of Joel Addams are featured in the opening Salt Lake City gallery stroll of 2010. Dan Nailen takes a look.

Water Rights for Nuclear Power

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The proponents of a nuclear power plant project are hoping to use water from the Green River. Those who oppose it say there's just not enough available. Jon Kovash reports on a hearing meant to get public views on the issue.

Dan Nailen: Songs from Johnny's List

cjohnson@kuer.org — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

After forging her own career and identity, Roseanne Cash turned to her father's legacy for her current album and tour.

The Incentives Game

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

More and more, Utah is winning the game of luring companies here. And encouraging companies already here to expand. Most are attracted to the state's high quality of life and educated work force. But sometimes, state officials feel pressed to hand out millions in incentives to seal the deal. It's a tricky game, one that, some say, deserves more scrutiny. KUER's Jenny Brundin reports.

Agreement to Protect Nine-Mile Canyon

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Bureau of Land Management, environmental and historic preservation groups and the Bill Barrett Corporation have worked out an agreement to protect Nine Mile Canyon and its thousands of Native American petroglyphs. Pam Miller of the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition participated in the talks leading up to the agreement.

Dan Nailen: Party Elsewhere

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Dan Nailen gets out a lot -- that's his job, after all, as arts and entertainment editor of Salt Lake Magazine. But he says New Year's Eve brings out the wanna-be's.

Review: "The Vows of Silence"

cjohnson@kuer.org — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

In Susan Hill's latest novel, a gunman is terrorizing young women in the cathedral town of Laffterton. Bookseller Betsy Burton has this review of "The Vows of Silence."

Year in Review: Utah's Congressional Delegation

cjohnson@kuer.org — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Matt Laslo of Capitol News Connection takes a look back at the accomplishments of Utah's Congressional delegation in the past year.

Bite-Size Poetry: Lance Larsen

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

We continue our bite-size poetry series with a selection about moments in time. Utah Poet Laureate Katherine Coles speaks with KUER's Jennifer Napier-Pearce about the poem, "Some Minutes."

Dan Nailen: All About EVE

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The First Night New Year's Eve party is history. It's been replaced by a new festival that covers three nights called EVE. Dan Nailen looks at the new celebration.

Holiday Stress

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Feeling more bah humbug' than ho ho ho?' Therapists and counselors say you're not alone. The holidays create a lot of added stress. KUER's Tasha Cook has this interview with Dr. Jane Blackwell of the American Psychological Association on ways to enjoy a healthier and happier holiday season.

Dan Nailen: Santa Pub Crawl

cjohnson@kuer.org — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Dan Nailen is ready for Salt Lake City's jolliest holiday tradition.

New Studies Illustrate Yellowstone's Geology

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

University of Utah geophysics professor Robert Smith has been studying the earthquakes near Yellowstone National Park for decades. New data is illustrating what he's long suspected -- a deep plume of hot rock is rising from the earth's mantle and ending beneath the park.

Cucina Deli Recovers From Recession

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

When sales dropped off sharply at the Cucina Deli in Salt Lake City, owner Dean Peirose had to cut costs. But he also came up with an imaginative promotion. KUER's Jenny Brundin has the story.

Laid Off Workers Still Looking

cjohnson@kuer.org — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

It's been a tough year in the aerospace industry. On Thursday, space and defense company ATK announced it will soon be laying off 800 more employees, as two government contracts end. The company let go 850 earlier this year. ATK has tried to help these workers - by hosting a job fair. We sent KUER's Jenny Brundin to see how well the hunt for work is going.

Dan Nailen: "A Christmas Story" Enters Holiday Stage

cjohnson@kuer.org — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Pioneer Theatre Company offers a new holiday tradition this season. Here's Dan Nailen's weekend.

ATK Announces 800 More Layoffs

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, a major force in Utah's aerospace industry - ATK - announced they'll be laying off 800 more workers in Utah early next year, as two government contracts came to an end. KUER's Jenny Brundin reports on the future of one of Utah's largest employers.

Utah Paleontologist: New Meat-Eating Dino Found

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Researchers at the University of Utah say a new meat-eating dinosaur has been discovered. KUER's Jennifer Napier-Pearce reports.

How Policymakers are Confronting Light Pollution

cjohnson@kuer.org — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Outdoor lighting from urban development is causing the sky to glow at night in many Utah communities. Some are turning to more efficient lights and conservation measures to help solve the problem. Reporter Ross Chambless reports how local governments and policymakers are thinking about possible fixes for the light pollution problem.

Rangers Make the Case for Dark Skies

cjohnson@kuer.org — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

For 10 years, the National Park Service has been measuring light pollution, how bright lights obscure views of the heavens. They've been educating park visitors and local communities in southern Utah about the benefits of preserving natural darkness. In the first of a two-part series, Ross Chambless has the story.

New Wilderness in Emery County?

cjohnson@kuer.org — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Authorities in Emery County are using the example of the Washington County Lands Bill as they prepare their own proposal for wilderness designation in their vast and sparsely populated county in east-central Utah.

Local Reaction to New Mammogram Guidelines

cjohnson@kuer.org — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Late last month, the United States Preventive Services released new mammogram guidelines. Their recommendations have stirred debate among experts and consternation among breast cancer survivors across the country, including here in Utah. KUER's Tasha Cook has this report.

Dan Nailen: Non-Holiday Entertainment

cjohnson@kuer.org — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Yes, it's December, but Dan Nailen has some entertainment choices this weekend that leave out the holidays.

Bobby Kennedy Jr. Speaks Out On Mercury Contamination

cjohnson@kuer.org — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Robert Kennedy Jr. will be in Park City this Sunday to discuss the hazards of mercury contamination in the nation's rivers, streams, and lakes. He spoke with KUER's Jenny Brundin.