Monday evening, October 5, 2020
State
Childhood Mental Health Study Previewed
Researchers from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute previewed a new study Monday which looks at the availability of early child mental health services throughout Utah. The authors said they found that access is limited and varies widely across the state, but one of the biggest barriers is still a lack of knowledge about how important early care is. Some stakeholders reported hesitation by parents or caregivers to accept mental health suggestions and diagnoses, even for the children who needed the most help. Researchers said early childhood interventions are key to preventing many harmful downstream effects of unaddressed mental health needs, such as higher risks of substance abuse, homeleness and committing crimes. The full report will be released in the next two weeks. — Jon Reed
Another Day Another Utah COVID-19 Record
Monday marked five consecutive days that Utah has seen more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases as health officials reported another 1,105. The state also set a record for the highest seven day average of new cases with 1,027. Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City, 15 police officers have tested positive for COVID-19, while 25 are in quarantine. Officials also reported four more people have died from the disease. — Ross Terrell
Follow KUER’s coverage of the coronavirus in Utah.
Black LDS Member Reacts To Church’s Comments On Racism
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ President Russell M. Nelson called on members to abandon prejudice during General Conference this weekend. Nelson said he grieves seeing Black people suffer from racism. James Jones, who is Black and a Latter-day Saint, said he was glad to hear Nelson’s comments, but wishes he had been more direct. Other leaders joined Nelson but didn’t mention the Church's ban on Black men and the priesthood that stood until 1978. Read the full story. — Lexi Peery, St. George
President Trump Leading Joe Biden In Utah Just Weeks From The Election
Just a few weeks out from Election Day, President Donald Trump has a 10 point lead in Utah, over former Vice President Joe Biden. A poll released Monday from Y2 Analytics shows half of likely voters would cast a ballot for Trump, while 40% support Biden. Even then, Trump is still about 15 points below the share of votes Republican presidential candidates usually get in the state. Just 1% of Utahns polled were still undecided and only about 60% of Latter-day Saint voters support Trump — putting him nearly 30 points behind previous Republican candidates. Meanwhile, 26% of Latter-day Saint voters support Biden. — Emily Means
COVID-19 Kills Thousands Of Minks In Utah
Thousands of minks at Utah fur farms have died because of the coronavirus in the past 10 days. Nine sites have been forced to quarantine, but the state veterinarian said people don't appear to be at risk from the outbreak. State Veterinarian Dean Taylor said the COVID-19 infections were likely spread from workers at the mink ranches to the animals and that there is no sign so far that the animals are spreading it to humans. Between 7,000 and 8,000 minks have died since the disease swept through the ranches that produce the animals, valued for their pelts. — Associated Press