Wednesday morning, Sep. 1, 2021
Northern Utah
Democrats Criticize Owens At Town Hall
“FRAUD,” “F.E.C. VIOLATION,” and “SCAM CHARITY” were printed on the outside of envelopes distributed by the Utah Democratic Party at a town hall in Eagle Mountain Tuesday night for Rep. Burgess Owens, R-UT. The party is criticizing Owens for accepting a $2,000 campaign donation from Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-FL, who’s currently under investigation for sex trafficking. Democrats also wanted to draw attention to a nearly $4,000 fine that the Federal Election Commission imposed on Owens for failing to report last-minute contributions to his 2020 campaign. Owens declined to comment on the Democrats’ complaints, instead saying he wanted to focus on his district. Read the full story. — Sonja Hutson
Understanding Indoor Air Quality
A new study by University of Utah Health and Salt Lake County will measure the presence of air pollution in homes. Researchers say there’s a misconception that indoor air is healthier to breathe than outdoor air, and early data show that California wildfires have impacted the air quality in homes. The study will measure PM 2.5 and ozone in 10 volunteer houses. They’ll measure again after the places go through Salt Lake County’s Green and Healthy Homes Program which works to improve home health quality around issues like ventilation, pest control and contamination. — Elaine Clark
Central/Southern Utah
Flash Flood Warning Across Central And Southern Utah
Rain is expected across Utah through Wednesday evening. That could mean flash flooding in parts of Central and Southern Utah including Castle Country, San Rafael Swell and Western Canyonlands. The weather pattern comes from monsoon rains and moisture left over from Hurricane Nora. The National Weather Service warns that flash floods could affect slot canyons, burn scars, washes that are usually dry and urban areas. — Elaine Clark
Utah Considers Colorado River Water Levels
The Colorado River Authority of Utah held its second official meeting Monday. The group was created earlier this year to manage the state’s water interests. Last month water cuts were announced for the first time ever to lower Colorado River basin states, as Lake Powell and Mead reached historic lows. Wayne Pullan, with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, said they’re making plans for future upstream reservoir management to keep Lake Powell from being critically low. Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s Colorado River commissioner, said Utahns haven’t faced any shortages this year, but people should be aware of their usage. He said there’s now more of an urgency to figure out how to handle the river in the short term. Read the full story. — Lexi Peery, St. George
Reward Offered In Grand County Homicide Investigation
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information in a double homicide in Grand County. Kylen Schulte and her partner Crystal Turner were found dead in the LaSal Mountains two weeks ago. The Grand County Sheriff’s office is investigating the homicides with help from the FBI and the Utah State Bureau of Investigations. An anonymous local business is providing the reward money for information that helps lead to an arrest and conviction. There are currently no suspects named in the case. — Elaine Clark