Friday evening, November 13, 2020
State
Artificially Low COVID-19 Cases And 14 More Deaths
Utah health officials reported 2,150 new cases of COVID-19 Friday. But they said that number is artificially low, due to technical problems with the state’s data system. Those issues did not affect the health department's information on deaths though and officials announced 14 more people have died from the disease. Two of them were between the ages of 25 and 44. So far, about 1.1 million Utahns have been tested, but the seven day average positivity rate is greater than 23%. — Ross Terrell
Northern Utah
The U And BYU Announce New Law School Fellowship
Brigham Young University and the University of Utah’s law schools are creating a new program to help recruit students from under-represented backgrounds who face significant hardships. The Achievement Fellowships Program will cover full tuition for three years and give students access to mentorship resources. The schools are partnering with Utah law firms and the awards will cover costs starting next fall. — Ross Terrell
University Of Utah Cancels Second Football Game
The University of Utah has canceled Saturday’s football game after 17 players and staff tested positive for COVID-19. There are 11 more players in isolation due to contact tracing. The university also called off last week’s season opener. Athletic Director Mark Harlan said now their attention shifts to keeping the players in good spirits. “We’ve had two straight weeks feeling like you can make it and then on Friday you don’t,” Harlan said. “We still have to address the hurt and pain and how we all pick ourselves up off the floor.” Harlan said the players are doing their best to keep from catching the virus but with the ongoing surge in the state and Salt Lake County, that’s just hard to do. He said the U still plans to play out the rest of its season. — Ross Terrell
Mountain Transportation System Kicks Off Two Day Summit
Organizers behind the Mountain Transportation System are hosting a summit Friday and Saturday. They’re inviting the public to weigh in on what could be a comprehensive transit plan throughout the Wasatch Front and Back. The project aims to develop an efficient and sustainable transit network to help address future growth, and includes a major transit project for Little Cottonwood Canyon. Proposals so far include combinations of increased bus service, underground rail lines and gondolas. Organizers hope to select a final plan next month. — Jon Reed
Southern Utah
Northern Corridor Environmental Impact Statement Released Amid Concerns
The final environmental impact statement for the proposed Northern Corridor in Washington County came out Friday and a final decision on the project could come as soon as January. Proponents of the project want a multi-lane highway to reduce traffic in the county, but the preferred route would cut through federally protected Mojave desert tortoise habitat. Tom Butine, the president of Conserve Southwest Utah said the final document doesn’t sufficiently address the group’s concerns, like recent wildfires in the area. The Bureau of Land Management said over 15,000 public comments were submitted and taken into consideration. Those wishing to submit protests against the project have 30 days to send them in writing. Read the full story.— Lexi Peery, St. George
St. George Limits Stand Alone Bars In Downtown Arts District
The St. George City Council approved an ordinance Thursday that would put a cap of four stand-alone bars allowed in the downtown arts district. The Spectrum reported three permits are already accounted for, and a fourth one is in the early stages of seeking the city's approval. The permit for the fourth bar, which would be located in Ancestor Square, was approved by the city's planning commission on Tuesday. That permit will now head to the city council for approval. — Associated Press
Main Highway To Cedar Breaks National Monument Closed Down
With the onset of winter weather, the main highway to Cedar Breaks National Monument in southern Utah is now closed for the season. The National Park Service announced Friday, the state’s Department of Transportation closed Highway 148 on Monday due to heavy snowfall. Officials said 674,000 people visited this summer. That’s about 35% more visitors than in 2019. The Cedar Breaks National Monument itself is still open for visitors. Drivers will have to get there via Highway 143, which will stay open except in cases of severe weather. — Roddy Nikpour
National Park Service Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The National Park Service is facing a $270 million lawsuit tied to allegations of negligence in the death of a visitor to Arches National Park in Utah. Historically, suing the federal government is tough, since the doctrine of sovereign immunity protected them from civil suits. Legal experts say these types of cases usually settle before they reach trial. — Beau Baker, Mountain West News Bureau
Region/Nation
Patients In The Mountain West Traveling To Find COVID-19 Care
As hospitals run out of space in the region, some people are fleeing to states that have stricter COVID-19 policies. An increasing number of Idahoans sick with COVID-19 are crossing into neighboring Washington state to get treatment. That’s according to Cassie Sauer with the Washington Hospital Association which surveyed hospitals in the state. Sauer said Washington healthcare workers are upset that they have to pick up the slack for Idaho’s lack of action on limiting gatherings and mask mandates. Under federal law, hospitals must take patients with life-threatening issues, regardless of where they’re from — unless they run out of room. Colorado officials warn their hospitals could soon start running out of room, and some Utah hospitals already have. — Madelyn Beck, Mountain West News Bureau