Deseret News
- A new report says social media doesn’t censor conservatives. Comedian Steven Crowder would like a word – The conservative pundit is suing Facebook even as NYU report says claims of censorship are unfounded.
- These policy solutions could close gaps faced by Black Americans and other racial groups –
- A Brookings Institution panel dissected the value of reparations, police reform and revamping housing, lending, education and employment policies
- Dixie State’s name change isn’t about the past. It’s about students’ future – Students, faculty and alumni of the university in southern Utah say the name Dixie is hurting their prospects for a bright future.
- Biden signs disaster declaration to help Navajo Nation with COVID-19 response – Sens. Romney, Sinema also introduce legislation to expand access to drinking water on tribal nations.
- Protesting outside an official’s home targeted by Utah lawmaker – ‘There’s a major difference between petitioning the government and harassing a family,’ Rep. Wilcox says.
- Why Sen. Mike Lee says nuking the filibuster would be a disaster for Democrats, Republicans – The point of the filibuster and the Senate itself is to provide for deliberative debate and forge compromise among a diverse and divided nation.
- For some forced out of work by pandemic, tax time may be another harsh reality – While the extra money from unemployment compensation was certainly welcome by those who were left idle, soon they will be faced with the task of paying Uncle Sam his “fair share” come tax time.
- How Trump’s impeachment defense could impact GOP’s chances in 2022 –
- “If they run in 2022 on the stolen election, the Democrats will pick up seats in the Senate,” predicts Jeremi Suri.
Salt Lake Tribune
- Lawrence J. Leigh: Has Mike Lee’s constitutional leftopia gotten worse? – Seditionists and crooks should not be allowed to skedaddle out of office before an impeachment trial can happen.
- Zion National Park gets $33 million federal grant for electric shuttles – The new buses will replace the 20-year-old, gas-powered fleet.
- Former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne describes bluffing his way into Trump’s White House – Bizarre details emerge: scarfing White House meatballs like popcorn with Donald Trump.
- Utah fantasy theme park Evermore sues Taylor Swift over alleged trademark infringement – The singer-songwriter’s attorneys say the accusations are “baseless.”
- Hogle Zoo names its new baby zebra — and it’s got Utah flair – After hearing from the public, the zookeepers chose “Zion.”
- Bill that would allow any billboard in the state to go digital advances through House committee – Opponents argue the proposal would erode local control and say the bright, flashing digital billboards are a blight on Utah’s scenic landscapes.
Other
- Video visitation now available for most inmates in Draper (FOX 13) – Inmates are allowed one video visit session per scheduled day. The sessions must be scheduled at least two business days in advance with a pre-approved visitor.
- Executive order requires masks on all methods of public transportation in the United States (FOX 13) – The order requires passengers on all public conveyances (airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, buses, subways, taxis, ride-shares) traveling into, within, or out of the United States, to wear a mask over both the nose and mouth.
COVID Corner
- Utah’s COVID-19 positivity rate is holding steady (SL Trib) – It’s about 16%, which is more than three times what state officials are hoping to see.
- WHO investigators visit Wuhan lab at heart of China Covid-19 conspiracy claims (The Guardian) – The team, led by WHO virus expert Peter Ben Embarek, arrived at the heavily guarded Wuhan Institute of Virology at about 9.30am on Wednesday.
- Covid vaccine will be administered in ‘safe and appropriate places,’ assures Walgreens executive (CNBC) – “We’ll make sure our health care professionals are there to give them the vaccine and monitor them appropriately,” said Rick Gates, senior vice president of pharmacy and healthcare at Walgreens.
- Coronavirus strain in UK picks up mutation that could impact vaccines, experts say (KSL-TV) – The mutation, called E484K, was already part of the genetic signature of variants linked to South Africa and Brazil.
- COVID-19 vaccine distribution hits hurdle at nursing homes with staff refusing shots, CDC report finds (FOX News) – Nearly 78% of residents at these facilities received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. But among staff members, estimates plummeted to 37.5%
