Monday morning, May 10, 2021
State
One Million Utahns Fully Vaccinated
Utah health officials reported 592 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. The positivity rate for the past week is 3.4%, which is about the same as it was a week ago. Around 45,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered over the weekend, and over 1 million Utahns are now fully vaccinated. That’s nearly a third of the state's total population. The state also reported one death — a Salt Lake County man between the ages of 45 and 64. — Kate Groetzinger, Bluff
Northern Utah
Weber County Censures Romney
The Weber County Republican Party has voted to censure Sen. Mitt Romney for his vote to impeach former president Donald Trump. The party announced the decision Saturday following a 116 to 97 vote at its convention The Washington County GOP passed a similar resolution in April, according to the St. George News. Utah’s statewide Republican Party voted against a measure to censure Romney at its convention last weekend. — Kate Groetzinger, Bluff
Southern Utah
Southwest Red Flag Warning
A red flag fire warning is in place for parts of southwest Utah, according to the National Weather Service. The warning covers St. George, Kanab and the entire length of Lake Powell. It began Sunday morning and will continue through Monday night. The National Weather Service says it’s due to low humidity and high wind conditions in the region that make wildfires more likely. They’re asking people to use extra caution with exploding targets, campfires and other sources of ignition. — Kate Groetzinger, Bluff
Follow KUER’s coverage of Utah’s 2020 Fire Season.
Region/Nation
Beware Tax Scams
The Better Business Bureau of Utah and Northern Nevada has issued a warning about tax scams, saying scammers are finding more creative ways to take advantage of people. The most common con involves people posing as the IRS or Utah State Tax commission as they try to trick people into paying money or sharing personal information. The BBB said more people are expected to file taxes online and they should watch for scams there as well as by mail or phone. This year’s extended tax deadline is May 17. — Pamela McCall
Conserving 30 By 30
Last week, the Biden administration announced an ambitious goal to conserve 30% of land and waters in the U.S. by 2030. To reach that goal it wants to give incentives and rewards for voluntary conservation efforts by ranchers, farmers, and other landowners. Incentives already exist, but the plan could create more through the next farm bill. It is up for renewal in 2023. Several GOP lawmakers in the Mountain West have criticized the plan’s lack of details. — Maggie Mullen, Mountain West News Bureau