Omicron cases soar post holidays record case counts this week. Rudy Gobert tests positive again- It’s like 2020 all over again
Sundance Film Festival Canceled
Warnings from health departments to mask up
Salt Lake and Summit County Issue mask mandates
Breakthrough cases now close to 50/50
US Supreme Court hears arguments on Biden Health Care and Private Business vaccine mandates
One year anniversary of attack on the US Capitol? Where are we one year later?
Entranta founder David Bateman’s anti-Semitic email Ordered to divest from Company
Bateman Bailed out the Utah GOP
Donated $9,300 in 201 & 2105 to Mike Lee
Becky Edwards and Ally Isom call on Lee to donated money- should he?
Several Utah cities including West Valley, Sandy, St. George and Bluffdale have women mayors for the first time in their histories.https://t.co/AD3IdZIAhd
School Threats in Utah A Long week of threats ends with student arrested after bringing gun to school at East High. Why is this happening and how do we fix it? Is this a side effect of the pandemic?
Biden Build Back Better Plan: Where are we? Christmas Deadline will come and go.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate parliamentarian has said a Democratic effort to let millions of immigrants remain temporarily in the U.S. should be dropped from an expansive social and environment bill, people informed of the decision said Thursday, dealing another blow to a long-time priority of the party and migrant advocates.
"The heart of the problem is that they (Democrats) haven’t been willing to work on a bipartisan basis to see if we can’t accomplish something better, something that would be acceptable to both parties." pic.twitter.com/cYVe6vFwAs
Salt Lake City celebrates 100-point score on municipal equality index. The Human Rights Campaign ranks cities and overall Utah fails. The report from the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Federation analyzed more than 500 cities across the country for their inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in laws, policies, and services.
Today I joined our LGBTQ+ community leaders in celebrating #SLC’s 100-point score on @HRC Municipal Equality Index! This is a first for any city in the state and it’s an honor to have our hard work creating inclusive ordinances, polices and services recognized! pic.twitter.com/v0K2wtOxLF
Opinion: “Why we support Evan McMullin for the U.S. Senate” Former Democratic congressman Ben McAdams and former United Utah Party candidate Jonia Broderick are supporting the independent candidate vying to unseat Sen. Mike Lee.
Meanwhile, Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis says- Now is the time to recruit & support good candidates, statewide, up & down ballots.
Host: Heidi Hatch
Guests: Greg Hughes, former Speaker of the House, and current Minority Leader Rep. Brian King UT HD 28
Utah Legislative Audits Lt. Gov. Henderson defends election system as Utah lawmakers move ahead with audit
Legislative audit of Utah prison system healthcare called ‘troubling’ Inadequate medical care in the Utah State prison system – that’s the key finding in an audit from the Utah Legislative Auditor General. That audit found “systemic deficiencies” in how the state delivers healthcare to prison inmates as it is constitutionally obligated to do so under the Eighth Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment.
2022 Budget Proposal: Gov. Cox announces $45 million proposal to help protect Great Salt Lake and drought relief $100 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds: Gov. Spencer Cox wants to use another $400 million in federal relief funds. The $500 million: Cox says the money will be used “to proactively respond to drought challenges, degrading infrastructure and to meet the needs of future growth.”
GERRYMANDERING Utah Legislators have been accused of Gerrymandering. Utah will not be the first or last. Republicans and Democrats both do it- but do 2 wrongs make a right?
North Carolina’s Supreme Court has ordered a 2-month election delay because of gerrymandered maps. “The North Carolina Supreme Court ordered a two-month delay in the state’s 2022 primary elections on Wednesday, giving critics of the state legislature’s gerrymandered political maps additional time to pursue a legal battle to redraw them.” NYT
“In a state split almost evenly between Republican and Democratic voters, the new maps give Republicans a sweeping political advantage. The new House map, for example, would all but ensure victory for G.O.P. candidates in 10 of the 14 districts, with a decent shot at winning an 11th seat.” NYTÂ
In Maryland Governor vetoes congressional redistricting maps passed by General Assembly Governor Hogan said Thursday afternoon. “I think gerrymandering is a cancer on our democracy. There’s no question that both parties are guilty of it. It happens across the country. Republicans do it just as much as Democrats.”
US blocks travel from Africa- tightens restrictions on people entering the US. Do travel bans like this work? Tuesday the Netherlands reported finding Omicron in samples dating back at least 11 days. Is the newest cat out of the bag?
Courts block two Biden administration COVID vaccine mandates U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty in Monroe, Louisiana, temporarily blocked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from enforcing its vaccine mandate for healthcare workers until the court can resolve legal challenges.
U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove in Kentucky, blocked the administration from enforcing a regulation that new government contracts must include clauses requiring that contractors’ employees get vaccinated.
Mississippi Abortion case before the Supreme Court: Why arguing Roe V Wade shows the best of America
3 Students killed, 8 others injured in Michigan school shooting- the 2nd amendment back in the spotlight. 15-year-old sophomore opened fire on his classmates charged with aggravated murder, terrorism among other charges.
Provo has a new police Chief – Fred Ross What do we know about him and what can we expect?
Federal (partial) Government shutdown looming Friday if Congress doesn’t come up with a plan. Happy Holidays: Military funding still an issue, handful of Democrats vote with Republicans to stall the bill Monday without an agreement to hear floor debate on amendments.
Coming up on 2 News at 10pm Monday: A new bill headed to the Utah Legislature in hopes of saving the lives of our caregivers.
Federal Human Infrastructure “Build Back Better” vote Thursday night. CBO estimates that enacting this legislation would result in a net increase in the deficit totaling $367 billion over the 2022-2031 period, not counting any additional revenue that may be generated by additional funding for tax enforcement.
Utah surplus $614 Million What is the best use for the money likely in bank because of federal pandemic funds?
Elections certified this week and there were a few close races!Â
Sandy City Council voted not to certify election calls for another recount
Sandy City Mayor
MONICA ZOLTANSKI Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8,620 (50.1%)
JIM BENNETT Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8,599 (49.9%)
Utah Birth Certificate Forms UDOH has been requiring Utah moms to fill out questionnaires with more than 100 questions including personal health information. A 2News investigation is forcing changes to the form, what’s required and who gets that information.
Now and audit could be in the works.
The state has a new Chief Privacy Officer – will Whitney Philips just appointed by the State Auditor be able to help?
2012 and 2016 were lost, do we have a chance this time around?
Did the 2020 VP Debate win us any political brownie points?
Representative Christiansen steps down from the Legislature and his day job at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
“While I expected, unfortunately, to be personally maligned and ridiculed as a public servant, I did not expect to see individuals attack my wife as they have, nor to see the significance of the impact of those attacks on her and our family.”
Rob Bishop quits redistricting committee- no replacement to be made.
Speaker Wilson Responds to Commissioner Rob Bishop’s Resignation from the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission
Speaker Brad Wilson issued the following statement:
“I appreciate Congressman Bishop’s willingness to serve on the Independent Redistricting Commission over these past several months. I share his frustrations with how the commission has conducted its business. His decision to step down at this point in the process is further evidence that the duly elected representatives of the people are best suited to redraw district boundaries, as the courts have repeatedly affirmed. As we expect to receive and review maps from the commission in just over a week, I do not intend to appoint a replacement.”
Maps are in ink and Wilson says “Legislature may reevaluate redistricting process”
Utah House Majority Leader Francis Gibson says he’s resigning effective November
Special Session: What’s on the table?
Official name change for Dixie Sate?
Vaccine Mandates
Redistricting Maps
Harmons: 1st Utah company to impose $200 penalty for workers not vaccinated. Health Insurance surcharge to be charged monthly.
Mitt Romney Halloween: Ted Lasso, Coach Taylor mashup.
Love it or hate it?
If you believe in yourself, and have clear eyes and full hearts—you can’t lose. pic.twitter.com/CpkmFKo49i
Greg Hughes – Former Utah House Speaker now registered lobbyist
Maura Carabello – Exoro Group
Salt Lake police response times: Chief Mike Brown hiring civilians to respond to low priority calls.
Many are retired officers. He sites parking, noise complaints. Are these calls really low risk? Aaron Lowe’s shooting and death followed multiple unanswered noise complaints. We now Lowe was ultimately shot over a parking dispute.
Sex misconduct allegations inside Spencer Cox’s campaign for governor. Joint statement released last week
This brave woman brought her experiences to light despite tremendous risk and personal hardship. It took incredible courage for her to speak up. We hope that any other victim of sexual or workplace misconduct knows that they have advocates and allies in us. https://t.co/DlCFtoAGuQ
Austin Cox attorney responded – we have requested an interview
In a statement Friday, attorneys representing Austin Cox – who is not related to the governor – called the accusations “baseless.”
“The personal relationship in question was a long-term relationship between two young single adults,” Austin Cox’s attorneys said. “The relationship was ended by our client earlier this year. Our client unequivocally and emphatically denies any allegations to the contrary.”
Questions Remain
Austin Cox was the Governor’s right-hand man.
Ran his campaign, took part in the Cox and Friends podcast, was positioned and ran for party Vice Chair.
Who knew what and when? Who investigated?
Ballots arrive in mailboxes: Ranked Choice voting in the mix
Will it work? Is it a good idea?
Salt Lake County Ranked Choice Voting 101
Facebook reactions:
“RCV is intended to manipulate outcomes.”
“What a joke. This is just another progressive voting tactic. I have never seen a republican win when it goes past the first stage….only democrats”
“Gonna steal some more elections…”
“One person, one vote, it’s a Soros funded scam”
Senator Mike Lee race: Jon Huntsman supporting Mike Lee
While several people have thrown their hat into the race to unseat Lee (@beckyforutah@allyisom), running as more moderate Republicans or Independent in the case of @EvanMcMullin – it appears Senator Lee has the support of more moderate Republicans. #utpolhttps://t.co/RTM25O827Q
Maura Carabello – President and Owner of The Exoro Group
Greg Hughes – Former Utah Speaker of the House- businessman and lobbyist
Biden brings Bears Ears and Grand Stair Case Escalante back to full size Congressional Delegation Reaction:
“President Biden is delivering a devastating blow to the ongoing efforts by our delegation, along with state, local, and tribal leaders, to find a permanent, legislative solution to resolve the longstanding dispute over the boundaries and management of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. Rather than take the opportunity to build unity in a divided region and bring resources and lasting protections to sacred antiquities by seeking a mutually beneficial and permanent legislative solution, President Biden fanned the flames of controversy and ignored input from the communities closest to these monuments. We will continue to support efforts to ensure that our monuments’ boundaries and management reflect the unique stakeholder interest and uses in the area, but today’s “winner take all” mentality moved us further away from that goal.”
I spoke with @POTUS today. I told him the monument announcement runs against Utahns' wishes. I explained that his decision is hurtful and contrary to the Antiquities Act's intention. I offered to work with him on a permenant legislative fix that would protect Utahns' interest.
Yet again, Utah's national monuments are being used as a political football between administrations. The decision to re-expand the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante is a devastating blow to our state, local, and tribal leaders and our delegation.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) with the Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee today demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) not interfere with local school board meetings or threaten the use of federal law enforcement to deter parents’ free speech. This comes after DOJ issued a memorandum suggesting federal law enforcement may need to assist policing local school board meetings.
Joint Statement by Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson:
Recently, a former campaign employee revealed to us that she believed she was the victim of sexual misconduct by our 2020 campaign manager, Austin Cox (no relation). Following this discussion, we placed Austin on administrative leave and engaged an outside firm to conduct an independent investigation.Â
The investigation, which concluded this week, substantiated the woman’s claims and also found previously unreported hostile conduct towards select members of our team. Although the investigation found that there is cause for Austin termination, he resigned from his position prior to its completion.Â
“I was devastated to learn of this violation of truest and deeply saddened by the pain it has caused,” Gov. Cox said. “I have apologized to the victim of this misconduct and other campaign staffers who experienced this harmful work environment. I take full responsibility for the failure of the campaign’s policies and procedures to prevent this from happening. The Lt. Governor and I condemn this behavior in the strongest terms and will not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct. We will do everything possible to make sure this never happens again.”
“This brave woman brought her experiences to light despite tremendous risk and personal hardship,” Lt. Gov. Henderson said. “It took incredible courage for her to speak up. We hope that any other victim of sexual or workplace misconduct knows that they have advocated and allies in us.”Â
Statement from the attorneys of Austin Cox:
We are deeply disappointed in the joint press release issued yesterday via Twitter by Governor Spencer Cox and Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson. Twitter is a powerful forum for advancing political narratives, but it is not the truth.
The personal relationship in question was a long-term relationship between two young single adults. The relationship was ended by our client earlier this year. Our client unequivocally and emphatically denies any allegations to the contrary.
Our client has not had a fair opportunity to share his side of the story. We are confident that any truly fair and impartial investigation would fully vindicate our client from baseless allegations.
Evan McMullin is running to unseat Mike Lee as an independent. Read more.
Last week we talked about SLCP response times- we followed up.
Maura Carabello – President and Owner of The Exoro Group
Greg Hughes – Former Utah Speaker of the House- businessman and lobbyist
Government Shutdown averted, but not for long: Congress needs to fund the government, deal with the debt ceiling and decide if it will push through POTUS $3.4 trillion-dollar human infrastructure package or the bi-partisan package pushed by Senator Mitt Romney.
Bipartisan infrastructure deal Gives Utah $3.96 Billion over 5 years
Generals Contradict POTUS in Congress saying they advised leaving 2500 troops in Afghanistan.
Salt Lake City Police response times: The Chief says they are understaffed- are they? We break down the numbers of sworn officers you probably haven’t heard.
Gov. Spencer Cox in monthly news conference said no vaccine mandates: He would block any attempt by the Utah legislature to prevent private companies from mandating the vaccine, but also opposes government mandates for the private sector.
S.2840– A bill to permit civil actions against the United States for COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
S.2841– A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publicly disclose information regarding adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
S.2842– A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from requiring that members of the armed forces receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
S.2843– A bill to prohibit the imposition of a fine, fee, or taxation on any person for violation of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or any other executive agency.
S.2846– A bill to require Federal agencies to acknowledge, accept, and agree to truthfully present, natural immunity pertaining to COVID-19 pursuant to promulgating certain regulations.
S.2847– A bill to prohibit the Federal Government from mandating vaccination against COVID-19 for interstate travel.
S.2848– A bill to exempt individuals with a personal health concern from complying with a Federal COVID-19 mandate.
S.2849– A bill to stipulate that nothing in federal law provides a Federal agency with the authority to mandate that an individual be inoculated by a COVID-19 vaccine.
S.2850– A bill to exempt individuals from complying with a Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate on the basis of a personal belief, and for other purposes.
Utah School Cases The state has seen 9,957 school age cases kids age 5-17 in the month of September. They were predicting 39,000 cases.
