Utah News & Current Events | Public News Service

A multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows was first reported on March 25, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

As USDA announces field trials for bird flu, UT veterinarian expects long process

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved field trials for bird flu vaccines among cattle, but one Utah State veterinarian says to his …

Voters, particularly Democrats, unaffiliated voters and those who describe themselves as less religious think politicians ignore them, according to the Utah Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns feel ignored by politicians. One Democratic Representative agrees

Politicians not listening to voters is a top concern for Utahns, and one Utah Democratic representative agrees with that sentiment. Rep. Jennifer …

The mental health advocacy organization Inseperable recommended there be one school psychologist for every 500 students. (Adobe Stock)

UT struggles with mental health; school-based services could help

School is back in session across Utah and mental health advocates want to ensure children and parents can access adequate school-based services…

More than three in five Utah voters think Utah is on the wrong track - the largest share observed since 2004, according to The Utah Foundation. (Erich Sacco/Adobe Stock)

Report: Despite partisan politics, Utahns agree on several priorities

Utahns aren't immune from partisan politics and the divisions it can lead to, but a new report shines a light on the issues voters in the Beehive …

Project ECHO is a lifelong learning and guided practice model providing professional development and offering best practices. (Adobe Stock)

Utah State University looks to improve early identification of autism in children

Utah lags behind the national average of identifying children for autism. In an effort to improve the state's standing, the Institute for Disability…

There are just over 1.7 million active voters in Utah as of August 26, 2024 according to state data. (Adobe Stock)

Could Utah be the next swing state? Polling shows it's unlikely

More than 200 staffers and aides from four previous Republican presidential nominees, including Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, have endorsed Vice …

The Utah State Legislature got a controversial constitutional amendment on the ballot by calling an emergency special session and holding a vote. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

UT legislature puts critical constitutional amendment on the ballot

Utah voters will decide on a critical constitutional amendment this fall. They'll choose whether or not the state legislature can alter or repeal …

According to the Center for American Progress, Black farms today are much smaller on average, representing just 0.4% of all farm acreage. (John Coles / Adobe Stock)

Farmers want clarity after USDA issues discrimination funds

The Biden-Harris administration is awarding 13 grants to Utah farmers, ranchers and forest landowners through the Discrimination Financial Assistance …

In 2021, more than four in 10 students said they felt persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly one-third experienced poor mental health, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for success as Utah kids head back to classrooms

Utah kids will be heading back to the classroom this month and experts are sharing tips to ensure a smooth transition from summer to school year…

In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to PFAS. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Pesticide use could do more harm than good

A new report sounded the alarm in states like Utah for the adverse health, wildlife and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals known as "PFAS." …

The Washington County Water Conservancy District in Utah pays property owners a rebate of $2 for each square foot of grass up to 5,000 square feet, and $1 per square foot for more than 5,000 square feet that are removed and replaced with water-efficient landscaping. (Adobe Stock)

One Utah county looks to buy lawns to save water, residents' money

By Morgan Sjogren for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Some 55% of Utah's municipal officials say they see community opposition as one of the top obstacles to increasing the amount of affordable housing in their area. (Aisyaqilumar/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report outlines 'perceived barriers' to UT affordable housing

The Utah Foundation polled municipal officials across the state to gain their insights into affordable housing. The report found many officials feel …

Those selected for the new Forest Corps must be prepared to handle hiking long distances while carrying a heavy backpack, traverse uneven terrain and be able to complete labor-intensive outdoor projects. (Adobe Stock)

Forest Corps battles wildfire crisis, gets Utah's young people involved

The federal government is looking to combat the climate crisis and protect public lands in Utah and around the country by empowering young adults…

UT governor calls for unity following attempted Trump assassination

Gov. Spencer Cox is calling for unity as well as the condemnation of political violence in light of the assassination attempt on former President …

Inaccessibility isn't just a huge stumbling block to student learning; it's also against the intent of U.S. law, which requires a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities, according to Utah State University. (Adobe Stock)

Utah State University to open center for digital accessibility within education

A new center coming to Utah State University this fall will provide accessible digital materials to students with disabilities. Cynthia Curry…

Services on 988 are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 150 languages through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (Adobe Stock)

Report: UT answers 94% of mental health crisis calls

Two years since Congress designated the new 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a new report examined each states' progress and found Utah has …

Around 97% of the Utah hog inventory is on farms with 5,000 or more hogs, according to the National Pork Producers Council. (Adobe Stock)

Utah feels impact of California's ban on gestation crates

Farm advocates claim price gouging on meat and poultry in California is spreading across the country, including Utah's pork industry, which garnered …

People with HIV who know their status, take HIV medicine as prescribed, and get and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives. (Adobe Stock)

Know your status on National HIV Testing Day

There are over a million people living with HIV in the United States and just over 3,400 call Utah home. Today, on National HIV Testing Day…

There are more than 154,000 children under age six living in Utah with parents in the workforce but there are only 54,804 licensed child care spots in 1,367 programs statewide, according to Voices for Utah Children. (Adobe Stock)

Summit County initiative looks to ease childcare cost burden

Utah parents can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 dollars a month for child care but a new program is expanding its reach into Summit County to h…

Groups call for new citizens to have greater access to federal lands, waters

June is National Immigrant Heritage Month, and advocates in Utah want to see a pathway to U.S. citizenship include easier access to public lands and …

Utah Community Action provides services to more than 60,887 income-eligible individuals through six core programs. (Adobe Stock)

Community action agencies celebrate 60 years, renew calls to battle poverty

Community action agencies in Utah and across the nation are celebrating 60 years of battling poverty and empowering communities, which started with …

According to the Kids Count report, four out of ten students nationally had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, such as family economic hardship, their parents divorcing or separating, or a parent serving jail time, which can impact educational outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

UT ranks third for overall child well-being; more education support urged

Utah is among the best states in the nation for children's overall well-being according to a new national report, but experts are emphasizing the …

The rural population of the United States is roughly one fifth of all its residents, according to the Rural Climate Partnership report. (Adobe Stock)

Rural UT produces significant amount of emissions, expert sounds alarm

At least 12% of Utah's population lives in rural areas, and a new report finds that a significant portion of the state's greenhouse-gas emissions …

Utah hog farms and pork processors directly employed 1,899 workers and paid more than $100.7 million in total wages, according to the National Pork Producers Council. (Adobe Stock)

Animal rights group wants to end use of livestock gestation crates

An international animal right's group is calling on the U.S. restaurant chain industry to reduce or eliminate the use of gestation crates for …

The Washington County Water Conservancy District's Quail Creek water treatment plant is currently capable of treating 60 million gallons of water per day. (Adobe Stock)

One UT county receives federal funds for water reuse project

As water scarcity affects states across the West, a Utah community is getting funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help support its water …

Some 60% of Black eligible voters are under age 50, compared with 52% of all U.S. eligible voters, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Research: Many Black Utah residents unable to vote

Black Americans account for 14% of eligible voters in the U.S., a figure which has slowly risen over the years but Utah is home to one of the …

The analysis from Climate Central uses data from 476 weather stations to assess trends in 245 climate divisions spanning all 48 contiguous U.S. states over a 51-year period. (Climate Central)

Report: Longer, more intense fire weather seasons, especially across West

A new report finds that climate change is affecting weather conditions in ways that increase wildfire risk, with the West seeing the greatest jump in …

Every year, 37 million falls occur among older adults age 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

During Older Americans Month, experts share ways to stay healthy and fit

Unintentional injuries are among the top ten leading causes of death for older adults, and during Older Americans Month, experts want to raise …

By December 2023, 4.16 million fewer children were enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program nationwide, than the month before each state began the process of renewing eligibility after the COVID-related Medicaid continuous coverage protections were lifted. (Adobe Stock)

UT among largest percentage declines in Medicaid, CHIP enrollment

A new report from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families showed Utah is one of the states to see the largest percentage declines in …

One in three transgender youths report not feeling safe to go to the doctor or hospital when they feel sick or injured, according to The Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

Report examines impacts of 2024 anti-transgender legislation

A staggering 93% of transgender teens live in a state that has enacted or proposed legislation that would restrict their rights, according to a new …

Currently, 90% of public land managed by BLM is open to commodity-driven extraction, like mining and oil and gas development, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. (Adobe Stock)

National parks in UT benefit from BLM rules

Conservation experts are applauding the Bureau of Land Management for releasing two new rules that recognize conservation as an essential part of publ…

Housing affordability was the most important issue to Utahns in a new Utah Foundation survey, while earning enough to pay for non-housing needs came in third. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Cost of living, government dysfunction rank as top issues for Utahns

More than three in five Utahns believe the state is on the wrong track and their quality of life is worse today than it was five years ago. A new …

The Public Lands Rule helps ensure BLM management decisions will continue to be guided by science and data. (Adobe Stock)

Utah opposes BLM's new Public Lands Rule

The Bureau of Land Management recently released its final Public Lands Rule, which is set to put conservation on equal footing with other multiple …

As of March 2024, 243 schools have completed JED Campus and 201 are active JED campuses, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Suicidal ideation, planning, attempts decrease on college campuses

A new report showed a significant decrease in suicidal ideation, planning and attempts on college campuses around the nation, as well as improved …

In 2023, Utahns lost an average amount of $2,808 per scam reported, according to LendingTree. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns lost big to scammers in 2023. Expert has tips to protect yourself

April is Financial Literacy Month, and the Federal Trade Commission wants to help Utahns spot, avoid and report scams to keep their money safe…

More than 19,000 bachelor's degrees were awarded by Utah public colleges and universities during the 2022-23 academic school year, according to Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward. (Adobe Stock)

UT students could get a bachelor's degree in just 3 years

A new degree program could grant students across the Utah System of Higher Education a bachelor's degree in just three years. Geoffrey Landward…

Mayor Lenise Peterman spoke with a participant at the Coal Country at a Crossroads Listening Session. (United Today, Stronger Tomorrow)

Utah mayor calls for more federal dollars for rural communities

Federal and agency officials convened with stakeholders in Southeastern Utah to discuss how federal funds can help grow and strengthen local economies…

In 2018, 23% of eligible individuals in Utah were enrolled in dual-eligible special-needs plans. (Adobe Stock)

More UT seniors could qualify for dual-eligible special-needs plans

Utah seniors could qualify for dual-use special-needs plans, which offer standard Medicare benefits as well as additional unique coverage and …

Utah's Orphan Well Plugging Program has spent about $2.5 million to plug orphan wells since its inception in 1992. (Adobe Stock)

Greater accountability sought for abandoned well cleanup in West

According to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, there are at least 49 orphan wells in the state -- wells that are abandoned and not plugged -- …

Although Utah's poverty rate has always been below the national average, housing affordability has become a major issue, affecting how families can cope with emergencies and other day-to-day expenses, according to the Community Action Partnership of Utah. (Adobe Stock)

UT poverty simulation aims to catalyze change, empathy

More than 8% of Utah's population lives in poverty, according to the Census and an event this month wants to give participants a better idea of the …

An estimated 57% of people facing homelessness in Utah are white, 38% are Black and 28% are Latino, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. The group says the figures

UT governor signs slew of bills targeting homelessness, mental health

Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …

In 2023, officers confirmed a total of 1,056 wild animals and fish were illegally killed, game worth more than $619,000. (Adobe Stock)

Utah officials investigate illegal killings of game animals

A Utah wildlife expert considers wild animal poaching to be a significant problem in the Beehive State, following several incidents of game animals …

A Utah Foundation report found Utah residents in 2022 earning a median income of just under $90,000 dollars could only afford a mortgage payment of just over $2,200 dollars without monthly housing costs exceeding 30% of their income. (Jason Finn / Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah homeownership increasingly out of reach for many

For generations, homeownership has been synonymous with the American Dream, but a new Utah report shows housing affordability is at historic lows…

Half of Americans expect misinformation spread by AI to impact who wins the 2024 election, according to an Axios-Morning Consult poll. (Adobe Stock)

Concerns around AI ramp up as 2024 election approaches

As we inch closer to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, experts are discussing the dangers posed by artificial intelligence and disinformation …

Around 20% of children in San Juan County are uncertain about their next meal, which is double the statewide average, according to Utah Food Bank. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Food Bank opens two pantries on Navajo Nation

Utah Food Bank is expanding in San Juan County, and has announced the opening of two new pantries that will help support residents of the Navajo …

Utah is categorized as a child care desert, with just under three children for every available opening at a licensed childcare center. (Adobe Stock)

UT tax credit bill would loosen rules for unlicensed child care

Utah child care advocates are relieved child care is finally a topic of more serious policy discussion on the Hill but they are also voicing concerns …

Some 8,900 federal borrowers in Utah age 62 years and older owe an average $47,191 in student loans, totaling $420 million, according to the Education Data Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns with student debt: this could ease your burden

Student loan borrowers of all ages in Utah and around the country have an opportunity to maybe have their student loans cancelled or the chance to rec…

In 2019, Utah saw $48 million of gas wasted, enough to meet the annual needs of more than a fifth of the residential gas customers in the state, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed gas pipeline rule could help keep UT communities safe

One Utah public lands advocate is standing behind the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's proposed rule which aims to improve ove…

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