Tuesday evening, November 26, 2019
CENTRAL UTAH
Inland Court Appearance
Ten protestors who were arrested at an inland port demonstration this summer made their first appearance in court this morning. In July, activists gathered in Salt Lake City to oppose the creation of the port, citing environmental concerns. They’re now facing charges of rioting and criminal trespass, and are scheduled to reappear in early February. — Cami Mondeaux
Museum And Mayor’s Office Fight Over Funds
The Leonardo Museum and Salt Lake City’s Office of the Mayor are duking it out over who is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the museum property amid growing bills. A letter sent by Mayor Jackie Biskupski’s office in October issued a notice of default to the Leonardo on its loans from the city. The letter, which FOX13 first obtained, points to years of unpaid bills for utilities and maintenance totaling more than $398,000, and says collection must resume immediately. A statement from the The Leonardo today calls the letter “disappointing and disingenuous,” and accuses the mayor’s office of leaking it in a bid for good publicity. Museum officials say The Leonardo has proposed a payment plan for repairs and maintenance. — Caroline Ballard
Rhyming For The Record
Joshua Palmer, a 24-year-old music student at BYU, recently rapped for 30 consecutive hours in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest “rap marathon.” The Cedar City native said he’s still waiting on official results from the world record-keeping organization but hopes the accolade will help set him apart as he endeavors to enter the music industry. The previous record of nearly 26 hours was set in 2017. Read the full story — David Fuchs
Mayor-elect Holds Office Hours
Mayor-elect Erin Mendenhall will be holding “office hours” with the public over the next several weeks at libraries, beginning at the Marmalade Branch Library on Tuesday. In a press release, Mendenhall says she wants to hear from voices across the city, and that this is an effort to make the transition between mayors inclusive. Office hours will take place at different library branches through mid-December. — Caroline Ballard
NORTHERN UTAH
Elderly Woman Defrauded Nearly Half A Million Dollars
A Logan, Utah resident has been charged with defrauding a vulnerable older adult of nearly half a million dollars. Thomas Fairbanks is accused of devising schemes to defraud investors through his business SupplyLine Partners. Fairbanks is also accused of gaining the trust of an elderly woman, opening a joint personal check & savings account with her, and then diverting $462,000 from that account. He will make his initial appearance in federal court on Dec.ember 5th. — Caroline Ballard
REGIONAL
BYU Idaho Reverses Course On Medicaid
After nearly two weeks of protest, Brigham Young University-Idaho is reversing its decision that would have barred students from enrolling if Medicaid was their only form of health insurance. The university announced the move Monday night, saying the well-being of students and families is important to them and that they “apologize for the turmoil caused by our earlier decision.” Read the full story — James Dawson, Boise, Idaho