AP-US-DISABILITIES-ACT-ANNIVERSARY

Disabled Americans mark milestone as crisis deepens job woes

The Americans With Disabilities Act was a major turning point in opening large parts of U.S. society to disabled people, but three decades after its passage disabled workers still face higher unemployment than other adults — a problem compounded by the coronavirus pandemic. In 2019, the unemployment rate was nearly 8% for disabled people, which was double that of other workers. In June 2020, the unemployment rate for disabled people rose to 16.5%, compared to 11% for workers without a disability. Sunday marks 30 years since the ADA was signed into law. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in areas such as employment, transportation and public accommodations.

RACIAL BIAS EFFECTS-SENTENCING

Utah offenders can raise racial bias concerns at sentencing

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Minorities who have been charged with crimes in Utah can argue against lengthy conviction sentences if they can provide proof of racial bias in the criminal justice system. The Salt Lake Tribune reported Saturday that the Utah Sentencing Commission approved the guideline in January, but it does not appear many defense attorneys have tried to make the argument yet. Judges look at many factors during sentencing, including a defendant’s age and criminal history, but attorneys can now bring up racial issues. The move came after state data showed that the percentage of minorities among new prisoners has increased, despite previous reform efforts.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-UNEMPLOYMENT

Utah workers worry as federal unemployment aid expires

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Federal unemployment aid that has helped avert financial ruin for millions of Americans is expiring in Utah and elsewhere on Saturday, leaving many residents unsure of how they’ll pay their bills as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rise. Since early in the pandemic, the federal government has added $600 to the weekly unemployment checks. But with the program set to end, many are left wondering how they’ll make ends meet. New unemployment claims in Utah have dropped overall as the state economy reopens, but some jobs haven’t come back. Tens of thousands live-events workers remain in limbo, with little idea of when it might be safe to hold the gatherings.

FATAL SHOOTING-SANDY SUSPECT

Police arrest 14-year-old boy in killing of woman in Sandy

SANDY, Utah (AP) — Authorities in Utah have arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of shooting and killing a young woman who lived on his street. The Deseret News reported that the Sandy Police Department said the boy, who was not named, was booked into Salt Lake Juvenile Detention on suspicion of killing 18-year-old Aliani Mejia-Marin. Sandy Police Sgt. Clayton Swensen says officers responded to report of a confrontation Wednesday between three boys, including the suspect, and Mejia and her husband. Mejia was found dead inside a vehicle. An investigation is ongoing.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-MASK PUSHBACK

As mask rules get tighter in U.S. West, opposition gets loud

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana county became the latest battleground in the debate over face masks after residents pushed back against stricter rules in a virtual face-off with local health officials. The scene in Gallatin County located near Yellowstone National Park echoed confrontations seen in other Western states. Local officials moved to impose new mask rules to fight rising infections, only to be met with defiance from those who say the Constitution shields them from the “medical tyranny” of health mandates. That didn’t keep health officials from approving measures that go further than a statewide rule handed down last week.

AP-US-NUCLEAR-WEAPONS-TESTING

Groups push to remove proposed funding for nuclear testing

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A defense spending bill pending in Congress includes an apology to New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and other states affected by nuclear testing over the decades. But communities downwind from the first atomic test in 1945 are still holding out for compensation amid rumblings about the potential for the U.S. to resume nuclear testing. While the U.S. House has adopted language prohibiting spending on such an effort, a group of senators has included $10 million for testing preparation. Details of the spending bill have yet to be hashed out, but the Union of Concerned Scientists, nuclear watchdogs and environmentalists are pushing for the funding to be eliminated.

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