>>Furloughed Federal Workers Will Start Returning To Work This Morning

(Washington, DC) -- Furloughed federal workers in Utah, will start returning to work this morning after President Obama signed legislation ending the partial shutdown of the federal government. Bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate and House funds government operations through mid-January and extends the federal debt limit into early February. The shutdown started October 1st after lawmakers failed to extend operating funds beyond the end of the 2013 fiscal year. Utah's two senators split on the vote. hatch voted for the bill, Lee voted no as did Idahos two senators...also voting no. In the House, Matheson voted yes, but all three of Utah's GOP congressmen, Bishop, Chaffetz and Stewart, voted no.

Salt Lake City. State lawmakers voted to set aside more money to keep Utah's national parks open even as Congress made a deal Wednesday to end the 16-day federal government shutdown. The Utah Legislature in a special session also passed two bills that allow state money to be used in several state agencies to offset the expected loss of federal funds. Gov. Gary Herbert signed the three bills. Lawmaker said that while the added state funds are not needed now, they pointed to last evening's short term federal plan and fear we face more gridlock in Washington n Juanary. In the back halls of the Utah legislature, there as talk again of a derailed state plan to take over some federal lands.

(Moab Utah)- The Grand County Council named a three person subcommittee to study plans the country could put in place, incase another government shutdown occurs. The end goal is to have an operational plan in which county could assume some national parks managment duties.

City, County Leaders Want To Add Gas Tax

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Local jurisdictions around Utah want permission to implement a tax on gasoline purchases. Leaders from numerous Utah cities and counties are asking legislators to permit a three-percent tax which would raise the price of gas by ten-cents per gallon. The increase would be added onto current federal and state gas taxes.

>>Utah Rep. Wants To Raise Tax On Alcohol

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A plan in the works by Utah lawmakers will raise the state's tax on alcoholic beverages. A researcher from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore is telling some Utah lawmakers that alcohol-related health problems go down when taxes on booze go up. Republican Representative Jack Draxler of North Logan is proposing a tax on wholesale beer sales.


>>Krokodil Cases Reported

(Murray, UT) -- Utah health officials say there's two cases on record of Krokodil [[ CROCK-uh-dill ]] reactions. Barbara Insley Crouch with the Utah Poison Control Center says the street drug's makers mix codeine with chemicals like gasoline.

{BarbaraCrouchKrokodilCases_1} Q...the same thing 000:09

Intermountain Medical Center in Murray reported the cases. Hospital officials didn't release any additional details. The drug's sold as a cheap heroin substitute that reportedly rots users' flesh.

>>Count My Vote Meets Criticism

(Provo, UT) -- The effort to change Utah's caucus and convention political system is meeting some sharp opposition. Audience members at a "Count My Vote" conference in Provo yesterday heavily criticized the panel's wish to change the system to a direct primary election. The people behind the Count My Vote initiative need 100-thousand signatures by April 15th before the measure can be added to the November, 2014 ballot.

>>List Says SLC Is Among Best Places To Live

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Salt Lake City is getting high marks in a new study of the best places in America to live. The newly-released survey by Livability-dot-com picked Salt Lake City number-seven on its Top 100 list. The website says Salt Lake City maintains its qualities through strong support of local businesses. Provo was named number-16 overall while Palo Alto, California outside San Francisco finished number-one.

>>Notes By Alleged Gunman Shed Light In Draper

(Draper, UT) -- A newly-released search warrant is shedding new light on the deadly shooting of a Draper police officer. Accused gunman Timothy Troy Walker shot himself in the jaw and was unable to speak while receiving hospital treatment after the September 1st incident when police Sergeant Derek Johnson was killed. But Walker did write several notes to hospital staff indicating he quote "expressed remorse for what happened." Unified Police seized the notes and prosecutors are planning to use them to build a case against Walker.

>>Senate Confirms Cox As Lieutenant Governor

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Utah's Senate is confirming Governor Herbert's selection for Lieutenant Governor. Herbert says Republican Representative Spencer Cox of Fairview is the "total package." Cox won the Senate's unanimous confirmation yesterday before being sworn in during a Capitol ceremony.

>>Today Is The Great Utah Shakeout

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Today is the Great Utah Shakeout. That's the national effort to teach millions of people how to be ready in case of an earthquake. Groups around the state will participate at 10:15 a.m. in drills to encourage earthquake preparation and survival. To get involved check out shakeout-dot-org-backslash-utah.

>>Halloween Sweet Treat For SLC Retailers

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Halloween is becoming scary-big business for some Salt Lake City retailers. The Blue Boutique in Sugar House sees sales so robust during Halloween they actually surpass Christmas. A national survey found more than 150-million U.S. consumers will spend an average of 75-bucks on Halloween this year.


In the upcoming 2 State Football Championship Bracketing, in the North division

South Summit, Layton Christian, Millard and North Summit have earned berths. South Summit gets a share of region if they defeat arch-rival North Summit. American Leadership and Gunnison have clinched ties; AML is in if they win this week. Even if 0-4 Summit Academy loses at ALA, the Bears won’t be eliminated this week from a shot at postseason play.

In the South 2a DIVISION,
Beaver, Grand and San Juan have ALREADY staked berths. Grand will be the home team in the first round to be played either Friday or Saturday November 1st or 2nd. The Beavers can do no worse than tie for a share of the region crown by defeating South Sevier this week. Enterprise and Parowan have already clinched ties, but grab berths if they win this week. South Sevier clinches a tie with a victory or if Enterprise defeats North Sevier. The Wolves are out only if they lose and Parowan and South Sevier Prevail.