July 2021

American Fork Fire grows: Pre-evacuation order issued for Shields River Road

Published on Thu, 07/29/2021 - 2:16pm
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A change in wind direction Wednesday caused the American Fork Fire to spread west across the Crazy Mountains, triggering a pre-evacuation order for residences near the Shields River Road in northern Park County.

The winds helped the fire grow by nearly 50% on Wednesday. The blaze now covers more than 14,300 acres, according to a press release issued by the incident management team.

Pre-evacuation order issued for Shields River Road

Published on Thu, 07/29/2021 - 9:38am
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Growth in the American Fork Fire burning in the Crazy Mountains triggered a pre-evacuation order Wednesday for residences in the Shields River Road area, according to a release from the incident management team working the fire.

The release further stated that forecasted south wind today might force an evacuation.

Basketball diplomacy: US, Iran meet on court at Tokyo Games

Published on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 3:41pm
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SAITAMA, Japan (AP) — The Americans applauded the Iranian national anthem. The Iranians applauded the U.S. anthem. There were a few handshakes before, plenty more handshakes after, and words of sportsmanship between the sides throughout the game.

For two hours, it was basketball diplomacy.

Countries in southeast Europe brace for heat wave

Published on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 3:40pm

 SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Authorities in several southeast European countries have issued weather warnings before a heat wave in the region expected Thursday that is set to push temperatures to as high as 109.4 F in inland areas. 

Public health officials in North Macedonia on Wednesday said all six of the country’s administrative regions would be affected by the emergency and urged a pause in construction work and called for municipal-level initiatives to help the elderly and the homeless.

New guidelines set off rush to reimpose mask mandates

Published on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 3:40pm
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By The Associated Press

States and businesses scrambled Wednesday to change course after the federal government issued new guidance  calling for the return of mask wearing in virus hot spots amid a dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations nationwide.

Nevada  and Kansas City were among the locations that moved swiftly to re-impose indoor mask mandates following Tuesday’s announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

White House considering vaccine mandate for fed. workers

Published on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 3:39pm
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WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.

Olympic champ Biles withdraws from all-around competition

Published on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 3:38pm
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TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.

The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.

U.S. women’s hoops team captures 3-on-3 gold

Published on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 3:37pm
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TOKYO (AP) — Their scrapbooks and trophy cases are filled with memories from Final Fours, national titles, All-America honors and even some impressive showings in the pros. 

Now, they have Olympic gold medals to go with all that. 

The U.S. team of Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young took an early lead against the team from Russia, then held on for an 18-15 victory Wednesday to win the title in the debut of 3-on-3 basketball at the Olympics. 

Wheatgrass Books to host Tiffany Rosenhan for book signing

Published on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 3:35pm

Tiffany Rosenhan, author of “Girl From Nowhere,” will be at Wheatgrass Books from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 30 to host a book signing for the novel.

“Red Sparrow meets One of Us Is Lying in this action-packed, romance-filled YA debut about a girl trying to outrun her past,” a Wheatgrass press release said.

“Ninety-four countries. Thirty-one schools. Two bullets. Now it’s over . . . or so she thinks.”