This is your rundown of the daily news for Monday, June 24. In this edition:
- An excessive heat warning was issued for parts of northern and central Utah
- The Supreme Court will consider reviving approval for a rail project in rural Utah
- Salt Lake County libraries are now offering free menstrual products for patrons
- Search and rescue crews retrieve 20 people from high flood waters in Grand County
- An American Fork community holds a candlelight vigil remembering a couple who died by murder-suicide
- Utah State University announces its largest-ever fundraising campaign for athletics
Excessive heat warning issued for parts of northern, central Utah
1:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of northern and central Utah.
The warning, which runs through Tuesday evening, covers the Salt Lake Valley, Utah Valley, northern Wasatch Front, and Eastern Juab and Millard counties. Heat advisories were also issued for areas like Sanpete, Tooele, and Rush Valleys.
Most of Utah will see highs in the mid to high 90s through Tuesday, with Salt Lake City expected to reach 99 degrees and Saint George hitting 105 degrees.
Heat risk is moderate, according to the National Weather Service, which is more likely to affect those without proper cooling or hydration. Young children, older adults, those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant people are especially at risk.
To prevent heat-related illness, the CDC recommends staying in cool locations as much as possible, staying hydrated, wearing lightweight, light-colored clothes, and cutting down on exercise during the heat.
Supreme Court to consider reviving approval for rail project in rural Utah
1:15 p.m.
The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to consider reviving approval for a railroad project that would boost fuel production in rural eastern Utah.
The Uinta Basin Railway would connect oil and gas producers in rural Utah to the broader rail network and also allow producers to ship more crude oil.
Proponents of the railway, including oil businesses and rural Utah officials, say it would support local economies and boost domestic energy production.
Opponents, including environmental groups, worry about safety, potential train derailments, and negative environmental effects caused by more oil being extracted and burned.
Approval for the railway, issued by the Surface Transportation Board, was overturned by an appeals court last August. Now, the Supreme Court has agreed to reconsider that decision this fall.
They will weigh whether the Surface Transportation Board should have weighed the potential environmental harm of the railroad’s cargo when it doesn’t have regulatory authority over oil production.
Salt Lake County libraries to provide free menstrual products
1:15 p.m.
Salt Lake County libraries are now providing free menstrual products at all 18 of their branches.
Previously, none of the locations had these products available for patrons, but now, tampons and pads will be available in women’s and unisex restrooms.
The service is intended to allow patrons discreet access to needed supplies while utilizing the library’s services, especially those who may be unable to afford menstrual products.
Grant funding through the Library Services and Technology Act is expected to allow the libraries to keep the newly-installed dispensers stocked for one to two years.
Severe weather causes flooding and mudslides in Grand and Utah Counties
9:32 a.m.
Flash flooding, high winds, and hail led to a series of disasters in Grand County on Friday. Severe storms prompted an Alert Sense and wireless emergency alert warning Mill Creek residents to take immediate protective action due to alarmingly high and rapid stream flow.
Search and rescue crews in Grandstaff Canyon worked with the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter crew and to rescue 20 people who became stuck in high flood waters.
In Utah County, Friday’s rain caused major mud slides. The Diamond Fork Road closed for hours as water, mud and rock blocked the road from the mountain.
The county roads division spent most of the afternoon clearing the road with heavy equipment.
American Fork community holds candlelight vigil for couple who died by murder-suicide
9:32 a.m.
American Fork community members gathered Sunday for a candle light vigil to remember Kerilyn and Olin Johnson — a couple found dead last week after a murder-suicide.
Friends shared memories to honor the Johnson family. Memories shared of the couple during the vigil were recorded and will reportedly be preserved in books for the couple's children.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Utah State University announces largest-ever fundraising campaign for athletics
9:32 a.m.
Utah State University’s announced its largest and most ambitious fundraising effort in the University’s history Friday. The Reach and Rise campaign aims to raise $125 million over the next five years for Aggie Athletics.
USU President Elizabeth Cantwell said the impact that championship-level athletics can have on the profile of the university and the student body experience with USU alumni and in the Cache Valley community is immeasurable.
USU Vice President and Director of Athletics Diana Sabau said it is time for Aggies nationwide to rise together in support of a new era of Utah State Athletics.
The campaign’s three pillars are:
- Redefining the student-athlete experience by providing tools for success beyond their athletic careers
- Raising the standard of excellence with a renewed commitment to increase funding for recruiting and retaining student-athletes and staff, along with facility enhancements
- Changing lives through education by funding student-athlete scholarships
