EARTHQUAKE-UTAH

Magnitude 3.7 earthquake strikes remote corner of Utah

ENTERPRISE, Utah (AP) — A minor earthquake struck a remote corner of Utah early Tuesday. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the magnitude 3.7 quake shook the desert at 3:44 a.m. local time. The epicenter was in Utah’s southwest corner, about 14 miles east of Enterprise and 28 miles north of St. George. People also reported feeling it in Hurricane, Utah. University of Utah Seismograph Stations said a total of 6 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater have happened in the same area since since 1962, the largest of which was a magnitude 4.2 temblor in 1981.

WEST NILE VIRUS

West Nile Virus detected in body of water in northern Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Health officials in northeastern Utah have detected West Nile Virus in a body of water, the state’s first report of the virus this year. KSL-TV reported that the TriCounty Health Department said a water sample from the Uintah Basin tested positive for the virus. West Nile Virus is most commonly carried by mosquitoes and can infect humans, birds, horses and other mammals. It was first reported in the U.S. in 1999 and in Utah in August 2003. Symptoms can include fever, headaches or sudden weakness. County health officials have encouraged people to use insect repellent with DEET and wear skin-covering clothes when outdoors.

COAL-CLIMATE CHANGE

States try again to block coal sales that Trump revived

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A coalition of states is renewing its push to stop the Trump administration from selling coal from public lands after a previous effort to halt the sales was dismissed by a federal judge. Democratic attorneys general from California, New York, New Mexico and Washington on Monday sued the administration over its coal program. They allege the administration acted illegally when it resumed coal sales that had been halted under Obama due to climate change and other concerns. Under Trump, the Department of Interior lifted a moratorium on federal coal sales and concluded they have limited environmental impacts.

AP-UT-CORONAVIRUS PATIENT-ARREST

Man accused of assaulting woman after positive COVID test

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Four Utah County Sheriff’s deputies are in isolation after arresting a man who is accused of assaulting a woman after he reportedly tested positive for the disease caused by the coronavirus. Authorities tell the Daily Herald that 31-year-old Matthew Jarel Harding also threatened police officers with a small kitchen knife after they arrived at the scene in Eagle Mountain. Harding had put a knife to the women’s throat while she was driving, then struck her after she stopped the car and ran. She later told police he had been drinking since testing positive for COVID-19.

AP-US-SCI-CARBON FOOTPRINT-INEQUALITY

Rich Americans spew more carbon pollution at home than poor

A comprehensive study of American homes finds that on average rich people produce nearly 25% more heat-trapping gases than poorer residents. Monday’s study looked at 93 million U.S. housing units, calculating that the average rich person produces nearly 6,500 pounds of greenhouse gases per year from residential use. For the average poor person, the amount is more than 5,200 pounds. In tony Beverly Hills, the average resident produces four times more than the average resident of poorer South Central Los Angeles. Scientists say while the rich emit more carbon pollution per person, the poor bear the brunt of global warming impacts such as heat waves.

WILDFIRES-UTAH

Wildfire forces evacuations in 2 southwest Utah communities

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Emergency officials say a wildfire has forced resident evacuations in two communities in the southwest corner of Utah. The Spectrum reported residents of Leeds and Harrisburg evacuated Sunday as emergency personnel fought the wildfire that spread across 4.7 square miles in Washington County. Authorities say the cause of the fire was a blown vehicle tire along an area highway. Officials say 30 fire engines, three large air tankers and four helicopters from multiple agencies responded to the fire. The Utah Department of Transportation also closed part of Interstate 15 at one point. By Sunday night the fire was reported to be 10% contained.

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