A massive DNA data bank in Utah has enabled thousands of patients to get advanced warnings of hereditary health risks.

• The collection has also helped unravel genetic factors in at least two illnesses and could unlock treatments for many others, doctors said.

Driving the news: Doctors announced Wednesday that more than 150,000 patients in Utah and Idaho have submitted blood samples for DNA analysis, three years after Intermountain Healthcare launched its HerediGene study.

• About 8% were flagged for further consultation because testing found genes linked to health risks like cancer, heart problems or strokes.

The intrigue: Researchers expected only 2–3% would have genetic conditions linked to health risks.

• That means genetic testing could be a much more effective tool to prevent serious illness than doctors previously thought.

Zoom in: Madi Certonio, a 25-year-old patient from St. George, gave a sample during a routine blood draw, which showed she has a rare genetic mutation that puts her at a 65–80% risk of developing breast or cervical cancer.

• Now she says she'll get yearly screenings that otherwise would have waited until she was older.
• Certonio's father was adopted, and he learned that his biological mother and sister have had breast cancer.

Meanwhile: Researchers have uncovered multiple genetic links to vertigo and variants that cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease from HerediGene's sample pool, oncologist Dr. Lincoln Nadauld said during Wednesday's news conference.

• The DNA collection could help devise and customize treatments for depression and anxiety, Nadauld said — something that's already happening in cancer treatment.

What's next: Intermountain wants to get 500,000 patients to provide samples — a process that slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Any U.S. resident can add their blood at an Intermountain collection site for free. (Kids have to go to Primary Children's Hospital.)

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State Sen. Gene Davis (D-Salt Lake City) announced his resignation from the Utah Legislature on Wednesday.

• His move came hours after the Utah Senate released the outcome of an independent investigation that found he "more likely than not" violated the chamber's anti-harassment policies against a former female intern.

What he's saying: "It has been my privilege and honor to serve the people of my district for the past 36 years as a member of the Utah State House and the Utah State Senate. I am humbled and honored by the trust they put in me," Davis wrote in his resignation letter addressed to Utah Senate President Stuart Adams.

• Davis did not address the investigation or the sexual harassment claims against him in the letter.

Driving the news: Hours earlier, Adams said in a statement that he had urged Davis to retire following the investigation's findings.

Context: His resignation comes more than two months after Sonia Weglinski, a former legislative intern and campaign staffer for Davis, claimed the lawmaker sexually harassed her.

What they found: "We did not find Sen. Davis to be forthcoming or completely honest during his interview. He made several inconsistent statements," investigators wrote, adding that some of his claims were contradicted by other witnesses.

Details: The redacted report, conducted by the legal firm Parsons Behle & Latimer, stated third-party witnesses saw Davis pour tequila for Weglinski following a campaign event in his home.

• Weglinski, who was 19 at the time, told investigators she felt "very uncomfortable" and took a sip, but did not finish the liquor.

State of play: In a statement yesterday, Adams and Senate Minority Leader Karen Mayne said they had stripped Davis of all president- and caucus-appointed committee assignments.

Of note: Davis and his attorney did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

• Last month, Davis denied claims that he acted inappropriately through his lawyer and said he would fulfill his full term, which ends Jan. 1, 2023.

Flashback: This isn't the first time a female staffer has accused the longtime senator of sexual harassment.

• In a 2021 Facebook post, former legislative staffer Elizabeth Converse alleged Davis inappropriately put his arm around her waist and suggested they do tequila body shots.

Go deeper

🚡 The proposed gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon may ignite passion in Salt Lake County, but statewide polling shows a lot of Utahns don't feel strongly about it. (Deseret News)

• 43% approved, while 32% disapproved and 20% said they "didn't know."
• But more people strongly disapproved than strongly approved.

🎓 Southern Utah University saw the biggest fall semester enrollment growth — more than 5% — of Utah's public colleges and universities. (Utah System of Higher Education)

🏘 A proposed "tiny home" village for people experiencing homelessness won unanimous approval from the Salt Lake City Council this week. (FOX 13)

💸 MX, a Lehi-based tech company, has laid off about 200 employees less than two years after being valued at over $1 billion. (The Salt Lake Tribune)

🍔 The popular Bells Deli in Taylorsville is closing after 35 years. (Gastronomic SLC)

Riverton's annual Halloween Tour is underway!

• But that's just one of the city's several Halloween celebrations.

What's happening: More than 50 residents who set up spooky spectacles submitted their addresses to city hall for the town's Halloween map.

• Displays will be up for visitors until Oct. 31.

Context: Riverton appears to be positioning itself as Salt Lake County's major Halloweentown.

• The city's skeleton displays at 12600 S. Redwood Road are redesigned daily (imagine a really elaborate Elf on the Shelf but with skeletons), often to rapturous accolades.
• There's also a "Monsters After Dark" drive-through Halloween display at Riverton City Park three nights a week, and the city's free Halloween Bash is Monday.