Utah News

More passengers are flying Utah-based Skywest Inc. The company reports an increase in ridership for both its St. George-based Skywest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines based in Atlanta. Chris Holmes has the numbers.

Weber County Attorney Dee Smith became the first Democrat to enter the race for Utah Attorney General on Monday morning. As Whittney Evans reports, Smith has the support of prominent Democrats, but they say he's a candidate for the people, not politics.

The University of Utah welcomed its new President yesterday. Dr. David W. Pershing was selected to become the school’s fifteenth leader after more than 30 years of service at the institution.  Jessica Gail spoke to the President on his first day and reports on what plans he has in store for the University.

Personnel from the Washington County Search and Rescue Team responded to a call from a hiker with a broken leg stranded in the rugged red rock terrain near St. George. UPR's Southern Utah correspondent Chris Holmes reports on a difficult rescue.

Former Utah Governor Olene Walker was recently appointed to the Utah Women's College Task Force - a committee dedicated to increase Utah women's aspirations for higher education. Gov. Walker talks with UPR's Storee Powell about her early desire to become educated, and her work to inspire others to do the same.

The new plan for oil shale development on public lands would keep activity off thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive areas, with new leases initially being issued strictly for research on how to commercially produce oil from oil shale in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Governor Gary Herbert is being urged to veto a bill prohibiting filming on farms, ranches, and dairies. Matt Rice of Mercy for Animals says the bill is a "thinly veiled attempt" to keep cruel and corrupt practices hidden from public view. Ashley Tolman reports on both supporters and opponents of the bill.

After 45 days of negotiating bills and budgets, the Utah Legislature wrapped up its business last night at midnight. Jessica Gail reports on what lawmakers got done over the last six weeks.

Idaho State would neither confirm nor deny whether former Southern Utah University Coach Bill Evans will become the new Idaho State Coach. Evans had 209 career victories in his 15 seasons at SUU, but in 2007 his contract was not renewed. Chris Holmes has the story.