Utah ski industry voices displeasure with limited bus routes

1 big thing: Reduced bus routes to ski resorts

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces 18 new temples

2. ⛪️ 18 new temples

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🦟 Erin is baffled by the number of mosquito bites she's suddenly getting in October.

❓ Kim still has many questions after watching "Don't Worry Darling."

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New faces and new guidance at Latter-day Saints General Conference

1 big thing: A Latter-day Saint roundup

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How a sluggish finance market could change Utah tech culture

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Situational Awareness:  More than a dozen candidates for county and state elected offices will appear in a forum tonight at Highland High School.

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🍂 Kim went leaf peeping up Millcreek Canyon yesterday. 

🎃 Erin is in search of a plastic jack-o'-lantern for the scarecrow she's building in her yard.

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Salt Lake City readers name their most-hated eyesores

1 big thing: Your most-hated eyesores

Changes planned at three Salt Lake City 'eyesores'

2. 🥹 Speaking of buildings we hate to see

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Evan McMullin sues conservative PAC, Utah TV stations over misleading ad

3. ⚖️ New Evan McMullin lawsuit

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🧛 Kim is impressed by Tower of Terror at Broadway's horror movie lineup.

🍎 Erin only got a couple of Fuji apples on her tree this year, but they're almost ripe and she's anxious to take a bite.

Bike commuting is on the rise in Salt Lake City

1 big thing: Employees pushing bikes

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Utah Inland Port Authority hits pause on major capital projects

2. ⏸️ Inland Port Authority pauses major projects

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4. 🧑‍🎤 See dozens of shows at The Depot

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A new career is waiting for you

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5. 💁🏼‍♀️ The housewives are back

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Good morning! It's Thursday. Today sounds like "Gangsta's Paradise." RIP Coolio.

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Erin is moderating a session Friday about startup survival while the tech finance market is slow. Stop in, and say hi!

Today's newsletter is 888 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

🍸 Erin and Kim had pizza and drinks at Woodbine Food Hall and Rooftop Bar yesterday evening and realized it needs to happen more often.

Sen. Mike Lee touts Mike Pence's endorsement in Utah Senate race

1 big thing: Sen. Mike Lee touts Pence endorsement

Utah County "ritualistic" sex abuse case moves forward

2. Utah County sex abuse case moves forward

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Situational awareness: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its fall General Conference this weekend at Temple Square. 

Today's newsletter is 897 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

☂️ Kim and Erin both wish for more dark and stormy evenings in Salt Lake City.

Sen. Mike Lee's re-election campaign released a video this week promoting Vice President Mike Pence's endorsement in the closely watched U.S. Senate race versus independent candidate Evan McMullin. 

Between the lines: Pence's backing of Lee, who is seeking his third Senate term, could prove significant in Utah where many Republicans have shown lukewarm support for former President Donald Trump. 

Yes, and: Lee's re-election campaign did not promote Trump's endorsement made in April, ahead of the Utah GOP primaries, the Deseret News reported.

What they're saying: "Utah and America need six more years of Sen. Mike Lee in a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate," Pence said in the video appearing next to Lee during a recent visit to Utah. "Our nation in so many ways is in crisis and now, more than ever, we need strong, principled conservative leadership."

Of note: Pence has not written off running in the 2024 presidential election. 

Zoom out: Pence has also endorsed Arkansas GOP gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Wisconsin Republican Sen. Todd Young ahead of the November midterms. 

By the numbers: A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll of registered Utah voters last week found the race between Lee and McMullin is tightening.

36% of registered voters surveyed said they would cast a vote for Lee, while 34% said they'd vote for McMullin. 

A recent poll showed Sen. Mike Lee had a two-point lead over independent Evan McMullin in the U.S. senate race.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah., speaks during the news conference in the Capitol on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Mike Lee (U.S. politician)

Sen. Mike Lee&#x27;s re-election campaign released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PooKTbUUjus&amp;feature=youtu.be" data-vars-content-id="2cfaa524-4c6c-4b86-b27c-ae4fa6100a19" data-vars-headline="Sen. Mike Lee touts Mike Pence&#x27;s endorsement in Utah Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PooKTbUUjus&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">a video</a> this week promoting Vice President Mike Pence&#x27;s endorsement in the closely watched U.S. Senate race versus independent candidate Evan McMullin. Between the lines: Pence&#x27;s backing of Lee, who is seeking his third Senate term, could prove significant in Utah where many Republicans have shown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lukewarm support" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/24/mike-lee-trump-primary-utah-00010146" data-vars-content-id="2cfaa524-4c6c-4b86-b27c-ae4fa6100a19" data-vars-headline="Sen. Mike Lee touts Mike Pence&#x27;s endorsement in Utah Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/24/mike-lee-trump-primary-utah-00010146" target="_blank">lukewarm support</a> for former President Donald Trump.

Politics

Data: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Chart: Madison Dong/Axios Visuals

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the sites of 18 new temples Sunday, continuing its growth in Latin American and Asian countries.

President Russell M. Nelson made the announcement during the weekend's General Conference.

Details: Half the temples will be located in Latin America, including four planned for Central Mexico and two in Brazil.

Nelson said sites near Mexico City are part of an effort to build temples where traveling to an existing one presents a challenge.

Of note: With nearly 3 million members combined, Mexico and Brazil each contain the largest number of Latter-day Saints outside the U.S.

Meanwhile, two temples will be built in the Philippines, one in South Korea, and another planned for Nigeria. 

Jacksonville, Michigan; Lone Mountain, Nevada; Prosper, Texas; and Tacoma, Washington, will also get temples.

By the numbers: Overall, the church has 168 temples operating worldwide, with 68 announced, 41 under construction and five undergoing renovations. 

More than half of the newly announced temples will be built in Latin America and Asia.

Mormon Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the sites of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="18 new temples" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2022-general-conference-new-temples" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2022-general-conference-new-temples" target="_blank">18 new temples</a> Sunday, continuing its growth in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Latin American" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/25/latino-mormons-religion-lds-utah" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/25/latino-mormons-religion-lds-utah" target="_self">Latin American</a> and Asian countries.<ul><li>President Russell M. Nelson made the announcement during the weekend&#x27;s General Conference.</li></ul>

News

Staffing shortages are forcing the Utah Transit Authority to temporarily limit or halt bus routes, including services to ski resorts, ahead of the winter. 

Driving the news: Last week, UTA said it would adjust or suspend 20 of its 91 bus routes starting Change Day, on Dec. 11, due to bus operator shortages.

"When we don’t have enough operators, you have got to make some adjustments," said UTA spokesperson Carl Arky. 

Since the pandemic, UTA has faced difficulties retaining workers and enticing applicants to join.

Why it matters: Skiers rely on bus routes up Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons as alternatives to driving the heavily trafficked roads.

The change in ski service routes also comes as Utah transportation officials recommend a $550-million gondola to relieve traffic congestion in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Details: Route 953, which travels from Midvale Fort Union Station to Alta Ski Resort, will be suspended. Route 901, which travels from Salt Lake City to Park City, will also be suspended. 

Route 972, which travels from Midvale to Solitude/Brighton will change from a 15-minute service to a 30-minute service. 

Route 994, which goes from Sandy to Snowbird/Alta, will also shift to a 30-minute service.

What they're saying: Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty said more public transit options for skiers would benefit the environment, traffic and safety. 

"Ski Utah and our partner resorts were disappointed to hear this news so close to the start of the season, and we're not 100% sure how it will impact traffic," he said in a statement to Axios Salt Lake City. 

Rafferty said they are "grateful that there will still be buses running" and encouraged people to still use them or carpool when possible. 

Meanwhile, Snowbird called the ski-service routes "critical" for guests and employees.

"We are working closely with UTA to find alternative transportation options," Snowbird said in a statement.

What's next: Arky said he didn't anticipate operator shortages being alleviated before next summer. 

Skiers arrive at the bottom of the hill at Snowbird. Photo: Douglas C. Pizac/AP

Public transport

Staffing shortages are forcing the Utah Transit Authority to temporarily limit or halt bus routes, including services to ski resorts, ahead of the winter. Driving the news: Last week, UTA said it would adjust or suspend 20 of its 91 bus routes starting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Change Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Change-Day" data-vars-content-id="6f9c2cdc-1aea-4a15-b6f1-317ab2eaf221" data-vars-headline="Utah ski industry voices displeasure with limited bus routes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Change-Day" target="_blank">Change Day</a>, on Dec. 11, due to bus operator shortages.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here's what's going on in Salt Lake City. 

What's happening: Check out the last show of Salt Lake City's Twilight Concert Series of the year with Band of Horses, Dad Bod and Daytime Lover. 

What's happening: Ride your bike along the Jordan River Parkway Trail to the historic Fisher Mansion for cold ones, food trucks and frosted beverages at this all-ages event. 

When: Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 8pm 

What's happening: Disney's The Lion King musical is in Salt Lake City as part of its North American tour. 

Catch the last show in Salt Lake City's Twilight Concert series.

Food

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s going on in Salt Lake City. <h5>1. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twilight Concert Series" data-vars-click-url="https://saltlakearts.org/twilightconcertseries/" data-vars-content-id="b5eddacc-82f9-4282-b092-12cbe1206838" data-vars-headline="Looking for fun? Here&#x27;s what to do in Salt Lake City this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://saltlakearts.org/twilightconcertseries/" target="_blank">Twilight Concert Series</a></h5>

Things to Do

Evan McMullin's Senate campaign filed a lawsuit Tuesday against conservative super PAC Club for Growth Action and local television stations over a misleading political ad. 

Driving the news: McMullin claims the ad, which began airing last week, misconstrues his comments about Republicans.

The 30-second ad shows him saying "The Republican base is racist … these bigots." 

Reality check: The ad in question splices comments McMullin made during a 2017 CNN interview centered around the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

He actually said: "Not all Republicans, of course, are racist. I was raised by Republicans who are not at all, and who welcome Americans of all backgrounds, and are not at all like this … but there is an element of the Republican base that is racist.”

"We need leaders, especially on the Republican and conservative side these days, who will serve the country and serving the country means standing up to these bigots," he continued.

Context: McMullin, an independent candidate who describes himself as a conservative, is vying to unseat two-term Sen. Mike Lee.

Club for Growth Action, which supports Lee, did not respond to Axios' request for comment.

McMullin, who is already airing an advertisement in response, told Axios he would like to see Lee denounce the doctored ad.

The other side: "Coordination between a campaign and a political action committee is prohibited by the Federal Election Commission. Our campaign has no control over the content of the message or how it is used," Lee's campaign spokesperson Matt Lusty said in a statement.

Why it matters: The lawsuit alleges the ad threatens the ability of Utah voters to make informed decisions ahead of the Nov. 8 midterm elections.

What's next: The campaign is seeking damages and for a judge to restrain the political action committee from further airing the ad.

It was broadcasted on KSL, but the local station agreed to remove it after being contacted by McMullin's campaign over its accuracy. 

FOX 13, KUTV and ABC 4 declined to voluntarily remove it, according to the lawsuit. 

Evan McMullin claims the ad, which began airing last week, misconstrues his comments about Republicans.

Utah's Evan McMullin speaks during an interview on July 23, 2022, in Provo, Utah. Photo: Rick Bowmer/AP

Evan McMullin&#x27;s Senate campaign filed a lawsuit Tuesday against conservative super PAC <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Club for Growth Action" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clubforgrowth.org/about/club-for-growth-action/" data-vars-content-id="cfa49cbf-e0a2-44ba-b653-08cf4561c8d6" data-vars-headline="Evan McMullin sues conservative PAC, Utah TV stations over misleading ad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clubforgrowth.org/about/club-for-growth-action/" target="_blank">Club for Growth Action</a> and local television stations over a misleading political ad. Driving the news: McMullin claims the ad, which began airing last week, misconstrues his comments about Republicans.

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Evan McMullin sues conservative PAC, Utah TV stations over misleading ad

Utah ski industry voices displeasure with limited bus routes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces 18 new temples

Sen. Mike Lee touts Mike Pence's endorsement in Utah Senate race

Looking for fun? Here's what to do in Salt Lake City this weekend

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🙈 Your most-hated eyesores

⛷ Bus routes upended

👚 New LDS fashion guidance

Utah Co. sex abuse arrest

🏗 Inland port pause