Rewind: Utah news you may have missed over the weekend

Welcome to Weekend Rewind, a glance back at The Salt Lake Tribune's top news stories, photos and opinions you may have missed over the weekend.

Top stories this past weekend

Feds again declare drought disaster in Utah • All Utah counties have been declared drought stricken for the second year as farmers and ranchers battle parched ranges and damaged crops.

The rock that burns: Is Utah about to see oil shale bonanza? • People have squeezed oil from Western shale since the early 20th century, but it has yet to flow in commercial quantities despite untold millions spent on research and failed operations. But a new process could bring industrial-scale development to a petroleum resource believed to dwarf Saudi Arabia's reserves.

New book: Romney almost cut short presidential bid • There were many other times between December and May where my dad had made up his mind not to run," Tagg Romney tells Washington Post writer Dan Balz in his new book, "Collision 2012."

Lawyer in Clinton impeachment will lead House Swallow probe • A Democratic lawyer who played a key role in the House impeachment and Senate acquittal of then-President Bill Clinton will spearhead Utah's historic inquiry into Attorney General John Swallow.

Budget cuts hurt university labs • Sequestration has cut back federal investment in labs at institutions of higher education across the state, putting jobs and innovation at risk, researchers say.

More Z's to get more A's? • Studies show that a later start to high school improves teens' academic performance, but cost concerns and potential hassles for adults are driving the status quo.

Latino mortgage rate denials raise red flag • Approval rates are lower and interest rates are higher for Latino applicants, even if their incomes were in the top 10 percent of all applicants, a new study finds.

Tossed case puts focus on UHP trooper •Video evidence in a June trial proved that Bryan Gardner's evidence was, at best, inaccurate. The judge read Gardner his 5th Amendment rights and dismissed the case. Now the UHP is investigating.

Position of power • Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey tops The Tribune's list of the 25 most influential people in Utah sports.

Collecting Utah's fall leaves • In the final installment of the Utah Bucket List series, Brett Prettyman explores the best places to view the dazzling colors of the Beehive State's dazzling autumn colors.

West Valley City primary field set to shrink • Tuesday's election will whittle down the candidates in a crowded field.

Other news of interest

Utah lawmakers raise reading stakes for elementary schools

Food stamp benefits set to shrink in November

Federal regulators allege Orem man ran Ponzi scheme

Perseid meteor shower to peak Monday night

Salt Lake City voters will remake the City Council for 2014

Miss Riverton charged with bomb possession

Utah sex offender sought in kidnapping is arrested in California

Greek Orthodox services shut down after 40% priest pay cut

Tongan Americans from near and far celebrate their culture

Opinion and commentary

Pyle: Let 'em pray and hope they don't

Rolly: Tricky questions in anti-smoking quest

Tribune editorial: Policing the police

Weron Toth: Utah 'ag gag' law makes free speech a crime

Boyack: Education mandate violates parental stewardship policy

Hatch: Don't believe the spin about the UTA

Acumen: House bill could ease STEM pro shortage