Tuesday evening, Jan. 14, 2020
STATE
Governor’s Education Summit
Utah education and community leaders gathered Tuesday for the governor's 2020 education summit. One area of education that speakers emphasized was social and emotional learning. Gov. Gary Herbert says employers are increasingly looking to hire people with social and emotional skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and empathy. The Utah State Board of Education hopes these are skills that all Utah students will have when they graduate. — Rocio Hernandez
NORTHERN UTAH
Nasty Roads
Winter weather is making for some treacherous road conditions in Northern Utah — especially in mountain passes and canyons. I-80 saw multiple crashes through Parley’s Canyon that snarled traffic. Drivers coming through the canyons east of Salt Lake Valley should be cautious and prepared for chain restrictions at any time. The current system will bring snow to higher elevations, but should lighten up by Wednesday morning. Another system is expected to strengthen Thursday into Friday. — Caroline Ballard
Ag Commissioner For Utah’s First District
Commissioner for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Kerry W. Gibson has resigned to run for Utah’s first congressional district seat — currently held by Rob Bishop. Gibson enters a crowded field of Republicans vying for the nomination. Gibson has been Agriculture and Food commissioner since April 2019. Gov. Gary Herbert appointed Kelly Pehrson as interim department manager. — Caroline Ballard
80 Years Of Hill
Hill Air Force Base north of Salt Lake City turns 80 this year. Groundbreaking for its construction began on Jan. 12, 1940. The base will hold celebrations of the milestone throughout the year; the first will take place this Saturday, with featured guests, displays, and activities. The base is the sixth largest employer in the state, according to state jobs data. — Caroline Ballard
NATION
Romney On War Powers
Utah Sen. Mitt Romney announced he will vote against the Senate’s War Powers Resolution. In a statement, he said the resolution sends the wrong message to Iran and would tie the president’s hands going forward. Romney said lawmakers should debate the balance of powers when it comes to military action, but now is not the right time. Read about other responses from the Utah delegation. — Caroline Ballard
Social Security Replacement
The Social Security Administration is rolling out a new service to make it easier for people to replace lost Social Security cards. Utah residents will now be able to apply online for a new card in some cases, instead of visiting a Social Security Office. The service is open to those 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address and a driver’s license from participating states. Name changes and other changes to cards will still need to be processed in person. — Caroline Ballard
REGION
Interior Backlog
The Interior Department has been trying to tackle a growing backlog of public records requests under the Trump administration. Now the agency is establishing a new legal team to help with the effort. It will assist with training and coordination and will bring in new technology to more efficiently process requests under the Freedom of Information Act. The team will be led by a 20-year veteran of the agency who has served under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Read the full story— Nate Hegyi, Mountain West News Bureau