Wednesday evening, Feb. 12, 2020
STATE
Utah Plans Olympic Bid
Utah plans to make a bid for a future Winter Olympics. Gov. Gary Herbert and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced Wednesday that they are forming a committee to put together the bid, likely for 2030 or 2034. — Sonja Hutson
Porn Warning Bill Passes Committee
A committee of Utah lawmakers has approved a bill that would require online and printed pornography to carry warning labels and subject violators to possible fines of $2,500. Rep. Brady Brammer, R-Highland, proposed the idea of labeling print and digital pornographic content in the state with warnings on the potential harm for minors. The bill passed a key hurdle Tuesday when the House Judiciary Committee voted 9-2 in favor of the legislation. The bill next heads to the House floor for debate. — Associated Press
Good Snowpack — More Needed
Reports from the Utah Snow Survey show snowpack levels statewide are up 40% from this time last year and are 29% above normal. The report took into account snowpack from October into January. But even though current levels are high, more snowpack is needed to offset 2019’s exceptionally dry summer. The majority of last year’s snowpack for the summer came from February and March. If the current trend continues, Utah could receive enough snow to offset dry summer conditions. — Grace Osusky
NORTHERN UTAH
Drop-Outs On The Ballot
Ballots for the Democratic presidential primary in Utah were mailed out this week, and they include candidates who have dropped out of the race — one as far back as nearly six weeks ago. Some worry that may lead people to vote for candidates that aren’t in the running. But Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swenson said it was unavoidable because federal law requires the ballots be printed and delivered to overseas and military voters 45 days before the election. — Sonja Hutson
National Guard Artillery Exercises
The 640th Regiment of the National Guard Regional Training Institute will conduct several live-fire artillery exercises over the next few months. Live-fire exercises are realistic combat scenarios where soldiers practice using live ammunition and weapons. The tests will take place Wednesday through Saturday and resume in March, April and May. Artillery fire will be heard sporadically from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Residents in Bluffdale, Riverton, Herriman, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs and Lehi are mostly likely to hear the tests. Tests will not be open to the public. — Grace Osusky
REGION
9th Circuit Transgender Ruling
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a decision in the case of a transgender inmate in Idaho who sued the state for sex reassignment surgery. Last August, a panel of appellate court judges ruled in inmate Adree Edmo’s favor. But Idaho petitioned the full 9th Circuit Court to reconsider. That request was rejected Monday. In a statement, Idaho Governor Brad Little said he’s disappointed and that the state will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. — Amanda Peacher, Mountain West News Bureau
NATION
Senior Tribal Housing
The National American Indian Housing Council and Wells Fargo announced a $600,000 pilot program to help senior homeowners in tribal communities with housing repairs. The population of Native Americans and Alaska natives over the age of 65 is expected to essentially double by 2060, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. The pilot program will distribute grant funds to approved tribal housing programs that will then help seniors carry out home repairs like repairing roofs, plumbing and heating. — Grace Osusky