Tony Semerad

1 week ago | sltrib.com | Tony Semerad

Like his recent predecessors, Salt Lake City's new police chief is set up in a spacious corner office with mountain views from the Public Safety Building's fourth floor, complete with fresh uniforms, huge windows and a small private balcony.

2 weeks ago | sltrib.com | Tony Semerad

Two major thrusts in Salt Lake City's stepped-up enforcement of public safety have recently picked up momentum. With rates of homelessness still running high and the city pressing on multiple fronts to alleviate the effects, Utah's capital has extended the potential use of more than 120 emergency winter shelter beds well into the summer.

3 weeks ago | sltrib.com | Tony Semerad

With a federal judge shutting down the latest legal challenge to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over its handling of billions of dollars in sacred donations from its members, where does that leave the larger story of tithing and transparency in light of the faith's vast wealth?

3 weeks ago | fox13now.com | Tony Semerad

A federal judge in Utah on Thursday tossed out a brewing class-action lawsuit against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that accused the global faith and its investment company of fraud over the religious practice of tithing. Without delving into issues related to church autonomy and the First Amendment, Judge Robert Shelby concluded the suit brought by nine current and former Latter-day Saints in six states should be dismissed because it was poorly argued and filed too late.

1 month ago | sltrib.com | Tony Semerad

Republican lawmakers congratulated one another Thursday over a slew of new laws aimed at improving public safety and toughening statutes on sex crimes, gang activity and trafficking in the synthetic opioid fentanyl. With elected leaders from Salt Lake City notably absent, Utah Gov. Spencer presided over a ceremonial bill signing in front of the Rio Grande Depot a block from Pioneer Park, with a phalanx of Utah Highway Patrol officers and a police dog as his backdrop.