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AP-US-TRUMP-URANIUM
Trump wants $1.5B over 10 years to revive US uranium mining
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Trump administration wants to spend $1.5 billion over 10 years to create a U.S. uranium reserve, claiming that reliance on cheaper uranium imports threatens the country's energy security. But some market analysts, lawmakers and others say the Republican president is seeking a taxpayer handout for uranium companies that can’t compete in the global market. And residents near a Utah uranium mine say they fear an increase in radioactive threats. Demand for the nuclear fuel has plunged globally since Japan's 2011 Fukushima disaster. Trump's proposal comes as a new federal report shows domestic uranium production plummeting 96% over the last five years.
ELECTIONS 2020-ENDORSEMENTS-UTAH
Pete Buttigieg picks up two endorsements from Salt Lake Dems
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has a pair of new endorsements in Utah. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and former Salt Lake City Mayor Ted Wilson announced their presidential pick on Friday. Jenny Wilson said in a statement that Buttigieg would be a unifying leader who could both energize the party’s base and attract moderates. Her father Ted Wilson says the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, would be the best qualified to run the country. Their endorsements contrast with U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams, who chose former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg.
STRAIGHT-TICKET VOTING BALLOT
Utah bill to end straight-ticket voting advances to Senate
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A bill eliminating the option to vote for all candidates of a political party by checking a single box on a ballot has gained momentum in Utah. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that some lawmakers believe ending straight-ticket ballots could encourage thoughtful voting and consideration of each race individually. The bill sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Patrice Arent was advanced by Utah House representatives Thursday. The bill will next head to the Senate for consideration. Arent says the straight-ticket option has caused voter confusion, but other lawmakers disagree saying it does not skew election results.
FUGITIVE KILLED
Suspected fugitive, police dog killed in Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A suspected parole fugitive is dead after being shot by law enforcement officers trying to arrest him in Salt Lake City. A police dog was also killed during the operation early Friday. The U.S. Marshals Service says a team of officers from several agencies used surveillance to locate the man in a downtown apartment. The marshal's chief deputy says the man fled when team members tried to arrest him and, after a chase, they shot him after he showed a weapon. The suspect's name has not been released. The dog killed was named Hondo and worked with Herriman City police.
KINDERGARTEN BILL
Utah House passes bill to expand enhanced kindergarten
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A bill that would expand opportunities for enhanced kindergarten early intervention programs has passed the Utah House of Representatives. The Deseret News reports the latest version of the bill would provide additional resources to expand the reach of the program. The bill is intended to help bring struggling students to grade-level proficiency and above as they enter first grade. The program is optional to parents, school districts and charter schools. Participating districts and schools must apply for grant funding. The $18.6 million cost of the bill reflects expansion and replacement of federal funds.
TANNING BED BILL
Utah House passes measure to block tanning bed use by minors
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Lawmakers in the Utah House have passed an updated bill to ban minors from using tanning beds even with parental consent. The Deseret News reports an earlier version of the bill that would have prohibited minors from using tanning beds even with a doctor’s note was defeated earlier in the current legislative session. The new version of the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Brad Daw struck the provision regarding doctor permission. Several Republican legislators who originally voted against Daw’s bill say protecting children from skin cancer is more important than a debate about government control and parental rights.
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