Latest news with #UtahLaw
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Blue cities adopt Pride flags as official symbols in bid to skirt red-state laws
Two Democrat-run cities in the Rockies are skirting state laws dictating which flags can be flown on government property, according to The Associated Press – and are granting particular attention to the LGBTQ Pride flag. Utah and Idaho both have laws on the books barring government buildings from flying most flags, save for a select few – like the American flag and military flags. Utah's law went into effect Wednesday. Utah Bans Lgbtq+ Pride Flags, Maga Flags, Other Unapproved Flags In Government Buildings, Schools In an eleventh-hour bid to circumvent the coming restrictions, Salt Lake City adopted four flags Tuesday: its existing flag, as well as modified versions of the Progress Pride, Transgender Pride and Juneteenth flags – each including the city's signature sego lily. They were presented by Mayor Erin Mendenhall for adoption via ordinance, explained her spokesperson, Andrew Wittenberg, to Fox News Digital. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has insisted that her "sincere intent" in adopting her city's new flags "is not to provoke or cause division," according to the AP. "My sincere intent is not to provoke or cause division," Mendenhall said, according to The AP. Read On The Fox News App "My intent is to represent our city's values and honor our dear diverse residents who make up this beautiful city and the legacy of pain and progress that they have endured," she continued. Violators of the Utah law, which Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, allowed to pass without his signature, can be fined $500 per day. The law's supporters maintain that it's a matter of institutions maintaining political neutrality. State Department Blocks Pride, Blm Flags From Embassies, Outposts With 'One Flag Policy' "This law is about keeping government spaces neutral and welcoming to all," Republican House Speaker Mike Schultz said. "Salt Lake City should focus on real issues, not political theatrics." Meanwhile, in Boise, Idaho, Mayor Lauren McLean issued a proclamation last week retroactively designating the pride flag as an official city flag. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean has said she believes the Idaho law restricting flag displays at government buildings is unenforceable. McLean has maintained that the Idaho law is not sound – and has even flown the pride flag over City Hall after it was enacted. McLean has yet to respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. McLean and Mendenhall spoke Monday night to discuss their cities' respective plans, though Wittenberg stressed to Fox News Digital that there was "no prior or additional coordination" between the cities' officials. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Blue cities adopt Pride flags as official symbols in bid to skirt red-state laws
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Santaquin officer to be honored at Utah Capitol on first anniversary of his death
SALT LAKE CITY () — Sgt. Bill Hooser, the Santaquin officer killed in the line of duty last year, will be honored Thursday as part of the Annual Utah Police Memorial Service where his name will be engraved on the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial Wall. According to the Santaquin Police Department, its office will be closed to the public for most of the day so officers can attend the ceremony at the Utah State Capitol. EXCLUSIVE: Wife of Sgt. Hooser speaks out for the first time Officers, family, friends, and leaders attend the annual event where they hold flag ceremonies, a service with bagpipes, the release of doves, and a rifle salute in honor of the 150 officers who have been killed in the line of duty in Utah, according to the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial. This year, the ceremony will include the engraving of Hooser's name on the Honor Wall. The Santaquin community has already begun honoring Hooser by wrapping city trees with blue ribbons. The tribute was done last year after his death, and the department asked for community help to do so again for this first anniversary. The ribbons are still available for pickup at the police department on Thursday and Friday, despite the office's partial closure. If you decide to participate in wrapping a tree with a blue ribbon, the department asks that you remove it after National Police Week, which ends on May 17. On May 5, 2024, Hooser was killed by a semi-truck after initiating a traffic stop. The driver, now identified as Michael Aaron Jayne — allegedly fled the scene before making a U-turn into Hooser. Hooser is survived by his wife, Kinda, and his two daughters and granddaughter. Mike Waltz out as Trump's national security adviser: Reports Santaquin officer to be honored at Utah Capitol on first anniversary of his death 'I truly love you': Florida teacher accused of sending 5th grader inappropriate letter 'Absolutely false': Tesla chair denies report that company is looking to replace Elon Musk Fatal crash in Midvale, motorcycle engulfed in flames Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
