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Mar. 25: Marijuana growers and Utah's integrity grade


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OverviewViolent members from Mexico's most powerful drug cartels are scouting land, bringing in supplies and growing loads of marijuana. See how local law enforcers and the DEA are trying to put a stop to Utah's billion dollar marijuana business. Plus, we'll take a closer look at Utah state government's risk for corruption. Watch dogs tell why our state didn't make the grade for integrity all in this Sunday Edition.

Segment 1

Spring is here, and the growing season will soon start. But one of Utah's biggest crops is also a huge threat to public safety. Marijuana is now a half a billion to a billion- dollar industry in Utah. Hidden, illegal marijuana farms present dangers to the people and lands of Utah. Two years ago a cartel gunman held several teen girls at gunpoint in Garfield County before the Garfield County's Office (with assistance from the DEA) hunted him down.

We discussed the battle local and federal law enforcers face to eradicate these marijuana grows.

Segment 2

A Washington-based study on public integrity ranks Utah's state government "below average." The group hired political reporters in each state, including KSL's John Daley, to gather information and provide specific information to answer more than 300 questions.

The study sought to measure the risk of government corruption. The study concludes all 50 states have a long way to go to clean up corruption risk and to increase transparency. We discussed that ranking with Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Hauck and David Irvine, a member of Utahns for Ethical Government.

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Bruce Lindsay

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