Facts matter. Truth matters. Journalism matters.
Salt Lake City Weekly has been Utah's source of independent news and in-depth journalism since 1984.
Donate today to ensure the legacy continues.
Authority Challenging Authority
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, who also happens to be an active Mormon, is potentially biting the hand that will feed him eternally. Reportedly, during closed door meetings with gay activists last week, Reid leveled criticism against the LDS Church’s involvement in the Prop. 8 fight. It’s not the first time Reid has spoken out in favor of gay rights, but church leaders cannot be pleased that the most powerful elected Mormon is directly criticizing them. Reid’s statements demonstrate, again, the internal dissent among Mormons about their church’s political activities. It also may be the first salvo in what could become a federal fight for gay marriage, led by none other than a Mormon.
Cursory Cleaning
A weekend sweep of the Glendale area by Salt Lake City police officers netted a whole lot of ... unregistered or abandoned cars, traffic violations, and thousands of “license plate reads.” In other words, police apparently spent a recent weekend stalking Glendale residents who were driving in the area. Yes, they arrested some violent felons, served a few warrants, and according to their news release, scared off a drug dealer (raising the question that, if they knew the drug dealer, why hasn’t he been arrested?). But on its face, this seems like a police action that is going to cause residents of the area to further mistrust cops. How about, instead of an occasional show of force, dedicating enough officers to the area to both control crime and gain the respect of people who live there?
Forming Lifetime Habits
Better snacking alternatives than soda and candy are being offered to children around the country, according to a Centers for Disease Control report issued last week. The bad news , however, is that Utah ranks dead last among states for their snack food options. Only 25 percent of Utah schools do not sell soda, while the national average is 62 percent of schools. A whopping 92 percent of schools in Connecticut do not sell soda. Things may be changing for the better health of Utah students, since the state is now providing recommended nutrition standards for food and drinks sold in schools. Even if the districts, which receive money from snack-food sales, have the final say, it seems only a matter of time before Utah’s students will be eating as well as students in the rest of the country.
More by Josh Loftin
-
Smoking Help, Farm Taxes & Gallivan Skating
Apparently, Salt Lake City officials believe that a premium price is justified for a small, outdoor rink with an ambiance that includes construction noise and heavy equipment ...
- Dec 1, 2010
-
Amendment Madness, Free Legal Aid & Lobbyist Influence
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, plans to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would allow states to veto an action ...
- Nov 24, 2010
-
Anti-affirmative action, TSA Protest & Federal $$
Legislators look to stop affirmative action. Jason Chaffetz still hates body scanners, but doesn't want to protest them in airports. And Utah legislators hate federal money a little bit less after elections.
- Nov 17, 2010
- More »
Latest in Hits & Misses
