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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Trump administration will allow Medicaid expansion with a work requirement in Utah. The decision came Monday despite courts taking a dim view of the requirement in other states. Republican lawmakers in Utah contend that work requirements make people healthier and more financially stable. Critics say the mandate jeopardizes healthcare for the poor and adds another hurdle for people with childcare and other responsibilities. The Trump administration has generally taken a favorable view toward work requirements. Nearly 20 states have asked to implement them, though several have backed off since a federal judge blocked the move Arkansas and Kentucky.
OGDEN, Utah (AP) — A saxophonist who played with the likes of Nat King Cole and Ray Charles has been remembered as a pioneer who broke down racial barriers in Utah music clubs. Hundreds of people filled the The Monarch in Ogden on Saturday to sing the praises of Joe McQueen. The musician died at the age of 100 earlier this month following a struggle with cancer. The Standard-Examiner in Ogden reports local musicians, a church choir and others remembered McQueen as a selfless leader. McQueen retired at age 83. His quartet played jazz music alongside a bevy of famous artists.
ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Zion National Park is instituting mandatory shuttle service though Dec. 31. The Desert News reports Park officials hope that having visitors to take the shuttle will help relieve parking and traffic congestion. Rangers are also warning visitors to prepare for winter conditions as the time that's considered the off season gets more popular with tourists. The famous scenic drive inside the park will be closed to private vehicles. This is the second year that the park has instituted the mandatory shuttle service. It comes every 10 minutes during peak times. Shuttle service will also be provided in the nearby town of Springdale.
UNDATED (AP) — An Arizona man has been arrested in Utah on suspicion of stabbing a woman who picked him up while he was hitchhiking. Fernando Ray White was charged with attempted murder Friday in the attack that police say left the woman with wounds on her face, hands, neck and teeth. Authorities say he is also a suspect in an unspecified Arizona homicide case. Police say the 38-year-old Sacaton, Arizona, man was hitchhiking in central Utah when the woman and her sister gave him a ride on Dec. 17. Authorities say they found a knife and drugs when he was arrested.
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