News

Utah could save millions of dollars and provide health insurance to about 123,000 people if the state expands Medicaid. That was the conclusion of an independent cost-benefit analysis commissioned by the state. 

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the LDS Tabernacle in Temple Square Thursday to remember Frances J. Monson, the wife of President Thomas S Monson, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Ann M. Dibb says her mother used her quiet manner to show her deep conviction and strength of her faith.

“As a family we are so grateful to Frances Monson for her legacy, a legacy of humility, service, faithfulness and love,” Dibb said.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang traditional hymns throughout the service.

Attorneys for a man who was shot and killed by a police officer last fall have filed a lawsuit against the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Department for what they claim to be unlawful and unconstitutional use of deadly force.

  The Boy Scouts of America has voted to change its policy on including gay youth. At a meeting in Grapevine, Texas 61-percent of the delegates from Scout councils across the country voted to support the change, which still bars gay adults from becoming Scout leaders.  A delegate from Utah who says it was a very civil debate, even though there were strong feelings on both sides.

Immigrants in Salt Lake City urge Senator Hatch to support immigration reform, activists call for Governor Herbert to stop trying to take control of federal land, and West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder says he won’t be running for a second term.

Activists are calling on Governor Gary Herbert to halt Utah’s efforts to seize control of federal land in the state. Educators, parents and students gathered at Liberty Park this morning to ask state lawmakers to find realistic solutions to funding education and stop taking aim at public lands.  

Ethan Lake is a senior at West High School in Salt Lake City. He says the state is blessed with a beautiful natural environment.

West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder announced today that he will not run for re-election later this year. Despite problems plaguing the city’s police force and a scandal where Winder admitted writing articles under a pen-name praising his city, he says he’s proud of his tenure as Mayor.

Winder says the $35K annual salary he receives as Mayor is not enough to provide for his family and he’ll be looking for a better paying job when his term ends next January. He says West Valley City’s economy blossomed on his watch.

  Boy Scout leaders from all over the country are gathering in Texas for a vote on a change in policy that would allow young gay men to participate in Scouting. 

Ken Krogue is among 17 members of the Utah National Parks Council of the Boy Scouts of America who will be voting at the meeting in Grapevine, Texas.  No lobbyists or media are allowed at the hotel where they’re meeting, but Krogue says there were some groups making their opinions clear as he traveled from the airport to the hotel.

The Salt Lake City School Board considers a tax increase, the Federal Government will now manage Utah’s high-risk health pool, and Utah’s congressional delegation feels confident about the future of Hill Air Force Base.

Correction: In an earlier version we made the mistake of saying civilian contractors will be furloughed. That is not the case. Civilian federal employees will be furloughed.

The majority of Utah’s congressional delegation met with the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff today to discuss key issues surrounding the future of Hill Air Force Base.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-UT, says he feels good about the long-term viability of Hill Air Force Base after meeting with U.S Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh.

The Salt Lake City School Board discussed the possibility of a property tax increase last night. District officials say a 3.47 percent increase is needed to sustain current programs and provide a salary increase for teachers. 

The property tax increase amounts to an additional $12.65 a year for a taxpayer who owns a $100,000 home. 

Many Utahns with preexisting medical conditions will see their health insurance shifted from state to federal oversight in July. After federal funding ran short for the “high-risk” insurance pool, state officials have refused to take on any additional costs. And federal health officials have refused to allow Select Health, the insurer that administers the program for Utah, to take responsibility. 

For the first time since the 1980’s, the Salt Lake City Planning Division is renewing its effort to create a master plan for the city’s future development. The public comment period for Plan Salt Lake began last fall and today the official kick-off of the campaign took place at Salt Lake City and County Building. Planning Division Director Wilf Sommerkorn says businesses and residents are an important part of this over-arching program.

West Valley City police close their investigation into the disappearance of Susan Cox Powell, Utah’s suburban poverty rates are on the rise, and the group Mormon Building Bridges plans for a bigger presence in this year’s pride parade.

West Valley City Police are closing the investigation into Susan Cox Powell’s disappearance, but authorities say they will continue to pursue any credible leads should they arise. Susan Powell was last seen at her West Valley City home in December 2009. 

Poverty in US suburbs is on the rise, but especially in Utah. A new book released Monday shows that the number of people living in suburbs below the federal poverty line has more than doubled in three major metropolitan areas in Utah over an 11-year span. In fact, the Salt Lake City area ranked number 3 in the nation for fastest growth in suburban poverty. 

  Mormons marching in their Sunday best were a big part of last year’s Utah Pride Parade in Salt Lake City.  This year, even more could turn out to support the LGBT community.

The group Mormons Building Bridges will be joined by the group Mormons for Equality.  In all, Corey Howard with Mormons Building Bridges expects as many as five hundred marchers.

At the annual state GOP convention, delegates vote to keep the current nominating system, the party elects a new chair, and Mia Love officially declares she’s ready for a rematch with Congressman Jim Matheson.

Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love officially declared Saturday that she will run again for the congressional seat occupied by Democrat Jim Matheson. Love's announcement came during a speech to several thousand delegates at the Utah Republican Party's annual organizing convention.

“You and I have some unfinished business with Jim Matheson. So combining my confidence in you delegates, with the inspiration you’ve given back to me, we are stronger than ever, and I am certain, we will win,” said Love to applause.

Utah GOP Chairman Thomas Wright gave his final address to Republicans as their state leader on Saturday. Wright called on his fellow party members to be more inclusive.  

Thomas Wright announced earlier this year that he would not run for re-election as the state Republican Party leader.  At Saturday’s organizing convention, he called on Utah Republicans not to push away groups that may not traditionally embrace conservative values.

Utah Republicans decided at their convention on Saturday to keep their system in place for choosing party nominees. A proposal to raise the percentage of votes needed to avoid a primary sparked heated debate about how best to give lesser-known candidates a fair shot. 

Utah Republicans elected former state legislator James Evans to lead the state GOP.  Evans is the first African-American to hold the post. 

Outside of politics, Evans is the owner of Checkline, a payday loan franchise. Going into the convention, he had support from Utah Senate President Wayne Niederhauser and other state lawmakers in his bid for party chairman. During his speech at the GOP organizing convention, Evans showcased his experience and his ability to successfully market GOP values.

Unemployment in Utah dipped to 4.7 percent last month, the state’s lowest rate since November 2008. Utah also added more jobs, prompting Governor Gary Herbert to declare the recession over in the state. 

Utah’s job growth in April was 3.5 percent, more than double the national average. Over one year, 43,000 jobs have been added. Juliette Tennert is Chief Economist in the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. 

The wife of LDS President Thomas Monson passes away, the University of Utah receives a grant to research child asthma, and some members of the Utah Republican party propose a change to the delegate system.

  Frances Monson, the wife of President Thomas S. Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away early this morning at the age of 85.

A news release from the church says Sister Monson never sought the spotlight, but President Monson said she was the practical partner in their 64-year marriage.  Speaking at the church’s General Conference in 2008, he recalled the moment when she woke up in the hospital after living in a coma for almost a month.

  Salt Lake City's Living Traditions Festival is this weekend and lots of other entertainment choices are available.  But Dan Nailen's excited about a band that's making a stop in Salt Lake.  He talks with KUER's Dan Bammes.

Dan Nailen reports on entertainment for KUER and blogs at slcene.com

Some members of the Utah GOP Caucus favor changes to the delegate system that could increase the number of primary elections in the state, according to a recent survey. This weekend at the state Republican convention delegates will consider the proposed changes including an increase in the vote threshold candidates must obtain to avoid a primary.