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Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Follow the Flag raises gigantic flags and patriotic spirit
PLEASANT GROVE, Utah () — Since 2015, Follow the Flag has been raising big flags in canyons across our region, but it all started with a simple idea. Carrie and Kyle Fox didn't set out to start something, but they did. It's a movement of patriotism and service, all behind a gigantic American flag. It all started in 2015 when Kyle Fox had an idea. His wife Carrie recalls the moment she learned about the idea. She told ABC4 News, 'I remember it distinctly. Kyle rolled over one morning and said I think I'm going fly a giant flag in Grove Creek Canyon.' It was a big idea that Kyle had to make a reality. Kyle said, 'It was a crazy off the wall idea and I just followed it. I just wanted to do something that would stop people in their tracks.' Kyle accomplished the goal. After a few weeks of trial and error, Kyle raised the flag for the Fourth of July. The reaction was more than Carrie and Kyle could have imagined. Carrie said, 'That first year there was a veteran who said this is the greatest thank you I have felt from my country.' Kyle added, 'We were scratching our heads trying to figure out how what we did was so great for someone else. It was just a simple rope and a flag.' High schoolers in Jordan School District install 'Buddy Benches' at elementary schools While it may have just been a rope and a flag, that first flight ignited a movement. Follow the Flag was born. Kyle continued, 'It's like a moth to the flame. The flag goes up and people are on the trail offering to do this, I can do that, and all of these different people come out of the woodwork.' These people have formed a group Kyle calls a family. Together they are moving the mission of the flag. It all started with a flag the size you'd see at a car dealership; but they wanted more. Kyle said together they decided, 'Let's go to the biggest that has ever flown in history, so we went with 6 and a half times bigger. We went with the 150×78 that's the largest that has ever flown in history.' While the flags in the canyon are spectacular, the mission doesn't end there. They place smaller flags wherever they are needed, especially when someone comes home or a loved one is lost. Kyle said, 'We just put pipe on a stick of rebar and put a 3×5 flag on it. We are doing what the Boy Scouts used to do.' 'Somebody notices:' Kindness classes taught at Utah State Correctional Facility boost community Kyle makes it sound simple, but the impact is significant. Carrie explained, 'I think it's something that once people experience it, it's a pretty good opportunity. A pretty good deal.' Follow the Flag brings together to honor the flag and serve others. Kyle said, 'Kindness is the secret to life. Service is the secret. I don't care what problems you have, if you go out and do something for someone else, it's going to fix it or at least help it.' Follow the Flag has flown their gigantic flag on 22 different flights. It will fly again this Fourth of July in Pleasant Grove. You can learn more about Follow the Flag on their website . Follow the Flag raises gigantic flags and patriotic spirit Temps continue to climb, challenging heat records by the weekend with 90s and 100s on deck President Trump pardons rapper NBA YoungBoy Man who allegedly held Millcreek family hostage for months charged with 13 felonies Federal trade court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs under emergency powers law Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘She will live on': Family, friends honor former U.S. Rep. Mia Love
SALT LAKE CITY () — Family and friends gathered today to honor Former U.S. Representative Mia Love (R-Utah) who passed away due to brain cancer at the age of 49. The former lawmaker from Utah, a daughter of Haitian immigrants, had undergone treatment for an aggressive brain tumor called glioblastoma and received immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial. She died March 23 at her home in Saratoga Springs. . From highlighting her political legacy to being an inspiration to many, Monday's memorial service celebrated Love's impact on the community. Family and friends of former U.S. Rep. Mia Love gathered Monday in Salt Lake City to honor the life and legacy of former US Rep. Mia Love (Credit: Kade Garner/ABC4 News) Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson (R-Utah) says Love was her dear friend and always turned to her for advice during her early political career. She said they bonded over their shared love for music, Utah and America. Lt. Henderson recalled Love's words to her after being diagnosed with brain cancer. 'I've decided that I am not going to die. I've decided that I'm actually going to live. She was on the treadmill just two weeks after brain surgery ensuring that she could be as healthy as she could be,' Henderson said. 'Of all my memories of Mia, the dearest to me are those times during the past three years when we were there for each other during those toughest moments. She needed her friends and we needed her,' Henderson said as she addressed Monday's gathering. Jason Love, Mia's husband, noted that Mia wanted her memorial service to be a celebration of life. He described discovering her influence after he tried to return the many toasters the couple received as wedding gifts and failing because he did not have receipts. His wife then entered the store and came out three minutes later with cash in hand. 'I thought, 'Wow, I have married a Jedi knight,'' he said with a laugh. Jason said Mia was an extraordinary mother and always encouraged her children to have faith, work hard and be kind to others. 'I tried to keep this woman to myself for so many years, but I failed. I just couldn't contain her. She had been taught at an early age to not be a burden on society and to give back,' Love added. 'Mia has never shied away from hard work and exceeding.' Cynthia Brito said her sister was always persistent and loved giving back to society. She shared her childhood memories, including how Love used to rehearse all day and night for starring roles in her school plays. 'Because of the example she had on my children, my daughter was brave enough to step up, stand up and land her voice,' Brito added. On Sunday evening, state leaders and members of the public visited the Utah Capitol to pay their respects at Love's flag-covered coffin behind ropes in the building's rotunda. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rising insurance costs are forcing SC bars to close and lawmakers are rushing to find a fix
The familiar refrain from Semisonic's hit 'Closing Time' has long been a last-call anthem for bars, but in South Carolina, many establishments fear they'll be closing for good. Skyrocketing liquor liability insurance premiums, driven by a 2017 requiring businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m. to carry $1 million in liability coverage are forcing some bars and restaurants to shut their doors permanently. A near-record number of Americans are grappling with $1,000 car payments and many drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to stay ahead 5 ways to boost your net worth now — easily up your money game without altering your day-to-day life Home prices in America could fly through the roof in 2025 — here's the big reason why and how to take full advantage (with as little as $10) The Brew Cellar, a beloved establishment in Charleston, announced its closure after 11 years in business, citing rising insurance costs as the primary reason. "We made it through COVID, and we're getting taken down by laws 11 years after being open. It's like a death in the family, honestly," owner Ryan Hendrick told ABC 4 News. State lawmakers are pushing for legislative changes to help restaurants and bars keep their doors open. State Senator Ed Sutton said he believes a solution can be found. 'We got insurance companies on one side fighting, and we got trial attorneys on the other side fighting with each other," he said. "In the middle, the person getting the short of the stick is that small business owner," he told ABC 4 News. Why are the rates soaring now? The issue stems from the 2017 law requiring all businesses that serve alcohol after 5:00 p.m. to carry at least $1 million in liquor liability coverage. The legislation was intended to ensure that victims of alcohol-related incidents could receive compensation. However, it has also driven up insurance costs for business owners. Many insurance companies have either exited the South Carolina market or raised their rates, making it challenging for small establishments to afford the required coverage. Why is the impact hitting businesses now? Most insurance policies renew annually, meaning rate hikes happen gradually, not all at once. As insurers reassessed risk and adjusted pricing over time, premiums steadily climbed — until they became unsustainable for many bars and restaurants. Zach Dennis, owner of the bar Peacock and an insurance agent, has seen both sides of the issue. "I have clients right now whose renewals are coming through that, for the first time, have to answer the question: Do I renew my insurance, or do I close my doors? Because I cannot continue to make money or operate in this economy." Dennis shared. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead In response to this crisis, Sutton has introduced a bill to amend the current liquor liability laws. The proposed changes would refine liability standards and shift the burden of proof to focus on clear, observable signs of intoxication rather than imposing blanket liability. This could reduce financial risks for responsible establishments while still allowing victims to seek damages. Sutton said he hopes this will lead to lower insurance rates for businesses. "We need to land in a spot where rates aren't $100,000 for a liquor liability premium, but also allow for victims of operators that overserved, don't check IDs, or don't do the proper thing for those victims to be compensated,' Sutton said, emphasizing the need for balance. 'And I absolutely believe we can get there." Another proposal seeks to reduce the mandatory insurance coverage from $1 million to $250,000 for establishments that implement specific risk mitigation measures, such as comprehensive server training programs. Sutton's bill has gained support from the hospitality industry and business community, who see it as essential to preventing closures and preserving South Carolina's vibrant culinary scene. He plans to have the legislation on the governor's desk by May. However, for some businesses, the changes may come too late. The Brew Cellar plans to close its doors on February 17, just two days after its 11th anniversary. Hendrick urged patrons to support their local establishments before it's too late, "We're not going to beg for people to come through to keep our doors open, but go support your favorite places; they need it." I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Is your savings account struggling to keep up with soaring grocery prices? Here's how 2 minutes can earn you 9X the US national average — with no monthly fees One dozen eggs in America now costs $4.15 — and $14.35 for a pound of sirloin steak. Both record highs. 3 simple ways to protect your wealth in 2025 This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
