Thursday morning, Jan. 23, 2020
State
Trying Minors As Adults
The Tooele County Attorney announced the identity of the minor suspected of killing four members of his family last weekend in Grantsville. The 16-year-old is facing 10 charges in Utah District Court, including four counts of aggravated murder. Under Utah state law, it’s mandatory that juveniles 16 and older accused of murder are tried as adults, but a bill in Utah’s upcoming legislative session could change that. Read the full story. — Jon Reed
Tier 3 Gas
A new website will inform Utah drivers about Tier 3 gasoline and where they can find it in the state. Tier 3 gasoline has a lower sulphur content, and could reduce harmful emissions — especially when used in cars, model year 2017 or newer. Tier3gas.org describes Tier 3 gas and its benefits, and has a map of Utah gas stations that carry it. It was put together by State Rep. Suzanne Harrison and clean air advocates. Note: Harrison is a member of KUER’s advisory board. — Caroline Ballard
Northern Utah
Inland Port
Despite a January Utah state court ruling that allows the planned Inland Port to move forward — opponents still see potential for legal challenges under the federal Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. The environmental group released a report Wednesday on what they say will be the negative impacts of the project like air pollution and destruction of wildlife habitat. The group also said that despite talks of sustainability measures, their research shows there’s no such thing as a clean, green port. — Jessica Lowell
Davis County Prisoner Voter Registration
Volunteers from organizations like ACLU of Utah, Black Lives Matter and Ogden Indivisible will help Davis County Correctional Facility inmates register to vote next week. Inmates are eligible to vote if they are U.S. citizens, 18 or older, and are not convicted of a felony or election code misdemeanor. Davis County Sheriff Kelly Sparks said in a statement that there are many misconceptions about voting as an inmate, and that partnering with local nonprofits will help educate inmates about their rights. — Caroline Ballard
Southern Utah
St. George Marathon
St. George has managed its namesake marathon for the past four decades. But now, for the first time, city officials are asking whether a private contractor may be a better way to go. Read the full story.— David Fuchs, St. George
Nation
Unionizing The BLM
Workers inside the Bureau of Land Management are looking to unionize ahead of the agency's move to Colorado. E&E News reports that the National Treasury Employees Union has filed a formal petition with the Federal Labor Relations Authority to establish a collective bargaining unit. Dozens of Washington D.C.-based employees are seeking the protections, most of whom were reassigned to state offices around the west. BLM has confirmed receipt of the petition and is reviewing it. — Diane Maggipinto