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Good afternoon! Here's an updated look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up today in Utah. Questions about today's coverage plans are welcome, and should be directed to Salt Lake City correspondent Brady McCombs at 801-322-3405.
A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.
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All times Mountain Daylight Time.
PUBLIC TRANSIT TRIPS-UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY — Travel on commuter rail lines increased more in Utah last year than anywhere else in the country, according to data reported by transit systems nationally and released Monday by the American Public Transportation Association. Spurred by the opening of a new 45-mile rail line from Salt Lake City to Provo, Utah's ridership on commuter rail lines increased by 103 percent. Nationally, travel on commuter rails increased by 2 percent. Utah residents rode the TRAX light rail more often in 2013, too, the report shows. Ridership on that system increased 6 percent. The report shows that Americans are boarding public buses, trains and subways in greater numbers than any time since the suburbs began booming. By Brady McCombs. UPCOMING: 450 words by 2 p.m. MDT.
XGR-MEDICAID-EXPANSION
SALT LAKE CITY — With four days left in their 2014 legislative session, Utah legislators are trying to hammer out an agreement on Medicaid expansion. On Monday, the Senate endorsed a proposal to partially expand the state-federal health care program for low-income people. The plan, from Sen. Brian Shiozawa, R-Salt Lake City, would help about 60,000 people living below the federal poverty level to buy private health coverage. Because of a gap in President Barack Obama's health care law, those people are not covered by Medicaid or eligible for federal subsidies to pay for private insurance. If federal officials do not approve the plan, Shiozowa's proposal allows Gov. Gary Herbert to continue negotiating with Washington, D.C., to pursue his plan for a block grant. With a vote of 19-6, the Senate sent the measure to the House, which has been generally reluctant to endorse any plan accepting federal money. By Michelle L. Price. Photos. UPCOMING: 450 words by 2 p.m. MDT.
IN BRIEF:
— REHAB EAGLES RELEASED — Two golden eagles have been released back into the wild in Utah after months of rehabilitation.
— ATV DEATH-DUCHESNE COUNTY — Tribal police are investigating a crash that left an ATV rider dead in Duchesne County.
— SALT LAKE SHOOTING PROBE — Salt Lake City police are trying to figure out if a weekend shooting was gang related.
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