KDXU Up To The Minute News

St. George Man Arrested for Sex Abuse of a Child

A 72 year old St. George man has been arrested on three charges of aggravated sex abuse of a child. John B. Archer was arrested on Wednesday and is currently being held in the Purgatory Correctional Facility.

Lawmakers Green Light Bill on Animal Cruelty

Lawmakers in the House are green-lighting a bill that would make animal cruelty a domestic-violence offense in Utah.  Senator Allen Christensen sponsored the bill after discussions with law enforcement officers in Ogden.  The new law would protect animals, and it would allow domestic-violence charges to be filed in cases where a man threatens a spouse's pet.

LDS Missionary Dies

A young missionary from Hyde Park died after falling from the roof of his apartment building while serving a mission in the Dominican Republic, according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In a press release issued by Daniel Woodruff, Church spokesperson, they said 18-year-old Elder Brennan Conrad passed away Wednesday morning.

LDS Church not to Oppose Bill to Ban Gay Conversion Therapy

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not oppose a bill by Utah lawmakers that would ban the use of gay conversion therapy on children.  Two Republican lawmakers are set to introduce a bill banning the practice today.  A spokesman said yesterday that the Church has always been opposed to the practice of any kind of abusive therapy.

Abortion Bill Moves Forward

A bill that would prohibit abortions after 18 weeks of pregnancy is moving forward after being approved by a House committee.  HB 136 from Republican Representative Cheryl Acton passed yesterday on a 7-5 vote, sending the bill to a full vote in the House.

Gwyneth Paltrow Counter Sues Utah Man

The Utah man who sued Gwyenth Paltrow in January over a collision on the ski slopes is now being counter-sued by the film actress.  Paltrow is demanding that Terry Sanderson drop all claims against her and pay her one-million dollars plus attorney fees.

Utah Attorney Says Cannabis Initiative Creates Drug Cartel

An attorney representing groups upset over changes to a voter-approved medical cannabis initiative says Utah has created a full-service drug cartel.  Lawyer Rocky Anderson made the accusation in a letter yesterday to city and county governments asking them to join a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Proposition Two replacement bill.