Tuesday morning, November 17, 2020
Northern Utah
Governor-Elect’s Home Site Of Protest
The home of Utah Gov.-elect Spencer Cox became the site of a demonstration over the weekend where several residents gathered to protest against how the coronavirus has been handled in the past few weeks. The Daily Herald reported that 60 demonstrators went to Cox's home in Sanpete County on Sunday afternoon to protest against current Gov. Gary Herbert and the governor-elect. The protest comes as Herbert implemented a statewide mask mandate last week to limit the spread of COVID-19. Demonstrators also gathered at Herbert's home in Orem multiple times in the past week. The largely peaceful rally featured prayers, patriotic music, and according to a tweet from Cox, homemade cookies his family passed out to protestors. — Associated Press/Diane Maggipinto
Never dreamed I would have protestors at my home in Fairview. But we don’t get many visitors, so if you make the long drive, the least we can do is make you cookies and hot chocolate. I’m glad I got a chance to tell them I love them even if we disagree on masks. #OneUtah pic.twitter.com/lFTZ12e0wT
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 15, 2020
New Affordable Senior Housing Complex
A new housing development for low-income seniors opened recently in Salt Lake City. Centro Civico Mexicano’s new apartment complex is for people aged 62 and up. Eighty percent of the units are for low-income individuals, with the rent ranging from about $300 to $780. A spokesperson for Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services says affordable housing is out of reach for many who need it, but it can be even harder for seniors on fixed incomes. Read the full story. — Emily Means
Region/Nation
“It’s A Mistake To Leave The Reservation”
On the first day of a three-week lockdown on the Navajo reservation Monday, health officials there reported 197 new cases of COVID-19 and one death. The lockdown mandates masks in public, that residents stay home, all but essential businesses remain closed and schools conduct virtual learning only. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said it's a mistake to leave the reservation or gather with family and friends. He said the lockdown is the chance for people with COVID-19 to isolate and confine the virus. The Navajo Nation Health Department reported the total number of positive cases at about 13,400 and 603 people have died. — Diane Maggipinto
Many Americans Plan To Disregard Thanksgiving Advice
According to a national survey by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, about 40% of Americans say they will likely attend a holiday gathering with more than 10 people, and a third of those surveyed said they will not be asking their guests to wear masks. Medical experts warned the holiday could trigger an enormous wave of cases, at a time when the healthcare system is largely overwhelmed. They also said the consequences of these gatherings will go beyond those individuals that attend. — Maggie Mullen, Mountain West News Bureau