Good Monday morning Utah! Thanks for reading “The Rundown”.
📢 Got a news tip? Some interesting political gossip? Just want to chat about politics? Send me an email or find me on Twitter @SchottHappens.
Get this newsletter delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up for free here.
👀 1.8 million Americans have turned down jobs because of unemployment
An estimated 1.8 million Americans say they’ve turned down job offers to keep receiving the enhanced unemployment benefits from the federal government.
A recent survey from Morning Consult asked why unemployed Americans turned down job offers during the pandemic. Of the 5,000 surveyed, 29% said they turned down job offers during the pandemic. Of those who have refused work:
13.8% said they had to refuse a job because of challenges presented by childcare.
13% turned down a job because of the pandemic.
13% refused work because they received enough money from unemployment insurance.
26 states, including Utah, have decided to end the extra $300 per week unemployment benefits early. Utah nixed the extra benefits on Jun 26,
Businesses across the U.S. are struggling to find workers to fill millions of job openings. At the end of May, there were more than 9 million open positions.
Still, Morning Consult’s chief economist John Leer says the survey does not necessarily validate the move to end those unemployment benefits early, noting that it will take some time for the employment numbers to catch up with the number of openings.
Here’s what you need to know for Monday morning
Utah news
COVID-19 cases are surging in Utah. Utah lawmakers have passed several bills that may make it more difficult for state and local health officials to respond. [Tribune]
We often hear Utah politicians talk about “the Utah way.” What does that really mean? [Tribune]
A candidate for North Ogden City Council has ties to the far-right #DezNat movement. [Tribune]
Utah will get more than $300 million in the 50-state settlement with companies that manufacture and distribute opioids. [Tribune]
Utah has a reputation for being one of the worst states for women’s equality. What do female leaders in Utah think about that? [Tribune]
Salt Lake City’s bid to host a second Winter Olympic Games in 2030 is officially on the table. [Tribune]
Rep. Blake Moore wants to force states and the federal government to work together to fight wildfires. [Tribune]
National news
Senators could finalize a bipartisan infrastructure deal as soon as Monday. [AP]
President Joe Biden won’t say whether Democrats will squeeze immigration reform into their $3.5 trillion budget proposal. [Reuters]
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi added Republican Adam Kinzinger to the select committee investigating the January 6 attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The committee holds its first meeting on Tuesday. [Chicago Tribune]
Dr. Anthony Fauci says the country is “going in the wrong direction” as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to surge. [CNN].
Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana says he has COVID for a second time. He claims he caught the virus last year. [CNN]
The panic over critical race theory appears to be paying off politically for Republicans. [Politico]
President Biden’s approval ratings haven’t moved since he took office 6 months ago. [CNN]
Tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris says it will stop selling cigarettes in Britain within the next decade. [Daily Mail]
Monday’s Utah news roundup
Utah
Moab ‘dirtbaggers’ blur the line between homeless and not. [Tribune]
How the legacy of the Tokyo Games may impact Utah’s Olympic dreams. [Deseret News]
How crossing the border at 11 may help Salt Lake diversity advocate broaden inclusivity. [Deseret News]
COVID-19
Andy Larsen: We’re starting to demystify long COVID — what it means, who gets it, and what to do about it. [Tribune]
Utah scientist explains why there aren’t any microchips in COVID-19 vaccines. [Fox 13]
‘I’m so proud of them’: Family relieved their children are part of vaccine trial. [KUTV]
Environment
The Great Salt lake, depleted by drought, hits its lowest water level in recorded history. [Tribune]
Wasatch Front air quality is once again unhealthy for sensitive groups, but some relief coming soon. [Tribune]
Utah’s drought and low reservoirs add up to more intense algal blooms. [Deseret News]
As numbers dwindle, how you can help preserve the Beehive State’s 1,100 bee species. [Deseret News]
Fire season
Fire near Snowbasin caused by target shooting closes roads and trails. [Tribune]
Local government
Pleasant View announces possible fines, criminal charges for repeated misuse of culinary water. [Fox 13]
On the opinion pages
Robert Gehrke: Antifa not showing up last Pioneer Day sent ‘Mystic Mike’ on a pioneering quest. [Tribune]
Chris Koopman: Utah A.G. Sean Reyes’ suit against Google Play makes no sense. [Tribune]
Josh Daniels: Three things voters need to know before this year’s municipal elections. [Tribune]
Susan Madsen: Understanding ‘benevolent sexism’ can help us be better Utahns. [Tribune]
🎂 You say it’s your birthday?!!
It’s a double-dip birthday today for Utah historian Ron Fox and his daughter Kari Fox Hardy.
Got a birthday you’d like us to recognize in this space? Send us an email.
Follow @@SchottHappens