This week in Utah news:
The National Basketball League postponed playoff games Wednesday and Thursday after players decided to boycott playing them in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell has been one of the most outspoken players to voice his concerns of racial injustice.
“As an African American male, and having my sister and mom and my dad and my friends and family not know, when does it stop?,” Mitchell said. “When do we feel comfortable? When do we feel safe?”
Burgess Owens introduced himself to a national audience Wednesday, told his life story, took a jab at Joe Biden and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and sought to encourage Black Americans to support President Donald Trump. Owens, the Republican candidate in Utah’s tight 4th Congressional District contest, was among the speakers on the third night of the Republican National Convention, which included heavy themes on race and opportunity in America.
And Utah County has become the epicenter of medical cannabis users, despite the majority of the county’s population voting against the measure in 2018. Utah County accounts for 44% of the patient cardholders in the state — far outstripping the more populous and socially progressive Salt Lake County.
At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune reporters Andy Larsen, Bethany Rodgers and Taylor Stevens, and news columnist Robert Gehrke join KCPW’s Roger McDonough to talk about the week’s top stories. Every Friday at 9 a.m., stream “Behind the Headlines” at kcpw.org, or tune in to KCPW 88.3 FM or Utah Public Radio for the broadcast. Join the live conversation by calling (801) 355-TALK.