Sequestration Hits Timpanogos Cave

One of Utah's most treasured trails closed 2 weeks earlier than normal because of the sequestration. Timpanogos Cave National Monument sold out all weekend and rangers say it would have this next weekend too, if they had the budget to stay open. Almost 2,000 hikers went to the top of the mountain this weekend. They are the last visitors to see the cave this year.

Donna Barron, a hiker from Texas said, "We have these beautiful national parks and people want to be able to enjoy them as many months as possible so i would hate to see any reduction in the hours."

Since the cuts in Washington organizers have struggled all year to try and make the most of out of their funding. Rangers say they took a 5 % reduction in their budget., and that means cuts all across the board.

The Superintendent at Timpanogos Cave, Jim Ireland said, "We cut out all unnecessary travel. We cut our supplies budget, but really the bulk of our budget goes into our personal services."

The Timpanogos team would have stayed open over UEA weekend but they couldn't afford it, even after spreading the work among fewer employees and reducing programs.

Public Relations Ranger BJ Cluff said the kids are the ones really being impacted. She said "We've had fewer school groups that are able to come up and take advantage of going on field trips."

Timpanogos cave won't open again until next may. Until then, rangers will prepare the trails for winter and repair damage from recent rainstorms. Timpanogos administrators say they hope they'll have more money to work with next year, and if not they will continue to make cuts where necessary.

International News for September 11, 2013

This newscast aired at 8:30 AM on BYU Radio 

In remembrance of the nearly 3 thousand people who died 12 years ago on September 11^th more than a thousand people gathered in Manhattan, and 2 million people are expected to join in a tribute motorcycle ride in Washington D.C.

Iran is ramping up its threats to the United States even as President Obama put any attack on Syria on hold.  They are warning that any military action against Syria will cause a military and terrorist reaction on U.S. targets and allies.

A powerful car bomb killed six people near Libya’s Foreign Ministry building and injured 17 others. The explosion happened in the heart of the eastern coastal city of Benghazi, exactly one year after an attack there killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.

Two Colorado Democrats who provided crucial support for new gun-control laws were voted out of office in a recall vote widely seen as a test of popular support for gun restrictions.

A powder artificial egg’ goes on sale in supermarkets for the first time today. Made from plants and named “Beyond Egg’s” can replace eggs in everything from cakes to mayonnaise.

International News for September 10, 2013

This newscast aired at 8:30 AM on BYU Radio,

Syria has accepted a Russian proposal to put the country's chemical weapons sites under international control, in hopes of avoiding a U.S. military strike. While skeptical, U.S. officials said they would work with Russia on the idea. France's foreign minister promised to bring the idea before the U.N. Security Council today. President Obama is to address Americans tonight at 9 pm Eastern Time.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will open landmark hearings in the nation's capital that could ultimately lead to the legalization of marijuana.

Apple is announcing a new iPhone today at 1 pm. Some expect a fingerprint sensor for extra, while others guess the company will show off two iPhone models: a high-end 5S and a lower-cost 5c.

Pakistan will release former second in command of the Afghan Taliban as soon as this month to help advance peace efforts in Afghanistan.

U.S stock index rose this morning putting the S&P 500 on track for a sixth day of gains.

Salt Lake City Welcomes First Comic Con

Superman and Star Wars fans filled the Salt Palace this weekend drawing quite the crowd for Utah’s first Comic Con. Just 2 hours into Saturday's first ever Salt Lake City Comic Con  event staff sold 50,000 tickets, but despite the tight fit there was plenty of room to let your freak flag fly.

                Comic Con organizer Emilee Bertot said, "Whether you’re young or whether you’re old, you either like the video games or you like the movies, or you want to see a star you've known from the past that you grew up with, or anything there is kind of something for everyone here."

Those attending say dressing up and letting out their inner child is one of the best parts of Comic Con. You can be anything you want at this venue whether you're a Princess Leia junky or a classic comic book lover.

Chassie Stevens who attended the event said, "My favorite part, personally, is people watching, because, I don't know. There is so many different people here."

It wasn't just Utahans good taste in fashion that drew the crowds. Major comic celebrities were attending as well William Shatner and Adam West, along with marvel mastermind Stan Lee.

               Organizers say they plan to host this in Salt Lake for many years to come. After reaching full capacity by 3 pm they felt safe saying the event was a success.  Organizers tell us the total number of tickets they sold was between 50,000 to 90,000 which break attendance records compared to any other first time Comic Con in history.

International News for September 6, 2013

This newscast aired at 8:30 AM on BYU Radio,

President Obama is holding a press conference on the potential attack on Syria right now hoping to gain support. The President says he plans to address Americans on the issue Tuesday and that the attack would be stronger if Congress and the American people understood why he thinks military action is what the US should do.

A ThinkProgress analysis of the public statements of the House of Representatives has found the majority has either decisively ruled out attacking Syria or say they are unlikely to back it. Just 44 members of group say they will definitely or likely vote in favor or the resolution. The earliest they could vote on the measure is Monday.

Last month’s U.S. jobless rate was at 7.3%, slightly lower than July’s rate, and the jobs created in August was at 169,000.

Islamist’s have taken over the town Dalga in Egypt. It was part of a wave of attacks in the southern Minya province that targeted Christians. 

If you want to take a flight to space it’s just $200,000. A commercial spacecraft had a successful test flight over California. Billionaire Richard Branson plans take customers for a two-hour ride to break the sound barrier. He plans to have 600 bookings in the first two years.

Salt Lake City Comic Con

Have you ever wanted to shake the hand of batman? Join 30,000 others at the Salt Palace this weekend, and make your dreams come true! Comic Con is coming to Utah, and Jessica Black has the story. See comic classic stars like Lou Ferrigno (original hulk), Burt Ward (original Robin), and Adam West (original Batman). Stay tuned for more information on the event! 

>http://saltlakecomiccon.com/