The Best of Utah 2008

Since I did a "National Best of 2008", I thought I'd do a "Utah Best of 2008"
Here is a top 10 list courtesy of 2 News:

1. Economic crisis grips Utah along with the rest of the nation, bringing difficulties to most sectors and people, from the construction industry, housing market, banks and government budgets to worsening conditions for the needy and the middle class.


2. Texas raid on the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' Yearning for Zion Ranch casts an intense spotlight on the polygamous sect based on the Utah/Arizona border. On Tuesday, a Texas child welfare report said a dozen girls were sexually abused at the polygamist group's Eldorado ranch.


3. Mormon church involvement in California's Prop 8 amendment to ban gay marriage, leading to post-election protests and harsh words against the church, threats of a Utah boycott and efforts by the Human Rights Campaign to get The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to support equality legislation in Utah.


4. Mormon church President Gordon B. Hinckley dies at 97; Thomas Monson is his successor.


5. Much of Utah government switches to a four-day workweek in August to conserve energy by shutting down many state buildings on Fridays, a move that draws government interest across the country.


6. EnergySolutions Inc. fights to be able to import up to 20,000 tons of foreign nuclear waste into the country, with up to 1,600 tons being disposed of in Utah.


7. University of Utah busts the BCS and goes to the Sugar Bowl. On Jan. 2, Utah (12-0) will play Alabama (12-1) in New Orleans.


8. The Mine Safety and Health Administration releases a report critical of mine owners and engineers at Crandall Canyon mine, where nine people died in two collapses in August 2007, while the U.S. Department of Labor issues a report critical of MSHA. The U.S. attorney says criminal charges in the case are possible.


9. Liquor laws: Gov. Jon Huntsman pushes for the elimination of Utah's private club requirement to try to enhance Utah's reputation with tourists, while the state removes flavored malt beverages and wine coolers from grocery stores.


10. David Archuleta of Murray is the "American Idol" runner-up, an accomplishment he caps with a record deal with 19 Recordings/Jive Records. The first single, "Crush," from his self-titled debut hits No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and is a top download on iTunes.