Deseret News
- Mitt Romney’s child allowance plan: Love it or hate it, it’s hard to ignore – The anti-poverty proposal for children has ignited a discussion among politicians and policy experts on both the left and the right about the merits of a child allowance.
- We must replace cancel culture with ‘forgiveness culture’ – We can’t wait decades before apologies are extended and forgiveness is given and accepted. Choosing to cancel someone instead of forgiving does not remedy, it only hurts — both sides. Instead, we can model the practice of forgiveness now, and we need look only as far as Dr. King for this modeling.
- High school science project reiterates what experts have been telling us for years – Pandemic offers detailed look at how fewer cars has helped Utah’s air.
- Outlook dismal for Utah water supply with snowpack at just 62% of normal – Coming storms won’t be able to lift state out of drought conditions.
- ‘Sarah’s Bill’ targeting DUI suspects poised to pass after emotional Senate testimony – Suspected drunken drivers are normally allowed to be released on bail to await their trial. But HB47, also called Sarah’s Bill, would let a judge deny bail and hold them until trial.
- With tens of thousands of kids without insurance, Utah lawmakers want state to step up – SB158 would create a Children’s Coverage Outreach Pilot Program to reach underserved populations, offer application assistance and run a media campaign to raise awareness for insurance plans available to Utah children.
- Mike Lee, Mitt Romney have different approaches to Trump impeachment trial – “The Senate has the power to try all impeachments, and it is particularly clear in this case —where the House impeached the president while he was in office — that this trial is constitutional,” Romney said in a statement after the vote.
Salt Lake Tribune
- Utah senator criticized for ‘inappropriate’ remarks during hearing on race-based hair discrimination – State Sen. Derrin Owens said he believes society is already heading in the right direction without the need for the legal change laid out in SB80, comments on women’s appearance.
- Utah officers could soon be required to report every time they point a gun at someone – The bill’s Democrat sponsor says the document would have to be filed within two days and reviewed by the officer’s supervisor.
- Moab residents sound off against OHV noise. Lawmakers listen, advance bill that may silence the vehicles at night. – Measure would empower resort towns to pass time limits; debate hinges on “local control.”
- Sent home after a positive COVID-19 test, some Salt Lake City teachers logged in and carried on – COVID-19 testing caught asymptomatic teachers, who had to quarantine but felt well enough to teach.
- Pediatrician to be Utah health department’s new deputy director – Dr. Michelle Hofmann has directed the state’s COVID-19 response in long-term care facilities.
- Utah Sen. Mike Lee seeks to block D.C. effort to allow kids to obtain vaccines without parents’ consent – This effort comes even though Lee often objects to federal interference in state and local affairs.
Other
- State Senator criticized for making racially insensitive comments (FOX 13) – The Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee was listening to arguments in support of a bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on a hairstyle that is associated with race. The legislation was deadlocked in committee by a 2-2 vote.
- Racial slurs found at Eagle Mountain golf course (KSL) – A derogatory term was discovered carved in big letters into the sand trap and more racial slurs carved into the putting green of the sixth hole at the Ranches Golf Club, along with “disturbing drawings,” according to golf course owner Jeff Harbertson.
- Utah’s COVID-19 case numbers continue to trend in the right direction (FOX 13) – Only five counties saw increased numbers: Duchesne, Garfield, Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne. Vaccination rates are also speeding up.
- Sandy City council discusses how to fund capital improvements shortfall (KUTV) – Council members were told during Tuesday night’s meeting that expenses have grown during the pandemic more than revenues.
COVID Corner
- J&J CEO says people may need annual Covid vaccine shots for the next several years (CNBC) – Just like the annual flu shot that is needed for mutations, the Covid vaccine may be needed annually as well.
- 117 year old beats COVID-19 just before her birthday (The Hill) – The second-oldest living person in the world has survived a bout with the coronavirus just in time for her 117th birthday. She’s lived through two global pandemics and both World Wars!
- Variants mean the coronavirus is here to stay — but perhaps as a lesser threat (Washington Post) – The illusion — or, as one scientist puts it, the delusion — that science had bested the virus crumbled as mutation-ridden variants with concerning new characteristics were detected.
- At least 36 people may have developed a rare blood disorder after covid vaccination: report (Fox News) – At least 36 people may have developed a rare blood disorder, known as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), after taking either Pfizer and BioNTech or Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines, according to a report by the New York Times.
- Biden Team Fears: No COVID Herd Immunity Until Thanksgiving (The Daily Beast) – Dr. Fauci is still “cautiously optimistic” that life can return to normal by the beginning of the fall. But others worry that we may not get there until the early winter.
- What If We Never Reach Herd Immunity? (The Atlantic) -Hitting the threshold might actually be impossible. But vaccines can still help end the pandemic.
- COVID-19 vaccines may give false positives in breast cancer screenings (Deseret News) – Women are now being advised to either get their annual mammograms before being vaccinated against COVID-19, or wait at least a month after their final dose to avoid a mistaken breast cancer or other cancer diagnosis due to a side effect from the shots.
- Jana Riess: Mormons, submit your COVID-19 stories (Salt Lake Tribune) – Members of various Mormon traditions are being asked to upload their stories, photos and social media posts about what life was like during the pandemic.
- Walmart to distribute COVID-19 vaccines across 19 states, including Utah (DSN) – Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will be receiving limited allocation from the federal government, but not until next week at the earliest.