Utah News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

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…

If Senate Bill 131 is enacted, violators could be charged up to a felony and fined more than $1,000.(Adobe Stock)

Proposed UT bill targets AI in political ads

One Utah lawmaker wants to regulate artificial intelligence in political ads. Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville, is behind Senate Bill 131, which …

Utah has invested significantly in transportation over the last 30 years, and these investments will need to continue, according to a Guiding Our Growth survey. (Adobe Stock)

Group advocates for better transit options in rural Utah

A coalition of Utah stakeholders is launching the "Campaign for Public Transit in the 435," which will aim to bring better forms of transit to those w…

Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women's greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease. The Utah Go Red for Women luncheon will take place at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center on March 8. (Adobe Stock)

UT heart survivor shares story to spread awareness for American Heart Month

One Utah woman is sharing her story during American Heart Month to spread awareness about how important preventive heart health care is. Claire …

Utah saw the highest percent growth in personal income from 2016 to 2021, according to the Utah Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah's tax burden increases, sitting above national average

A new report found the State of Utah's overall tax and property tax burden hit record lows over the last five years, while the state's income tax …

Between 2000 and 2019, the number of immigrants in Utah increased by 63.7%, while the U.S.-born population grew by 36.9%, according to the American Immigration Council. (Eduardo Barraza/Adobe Stock)

UT Gov. visits southern border over 'public safety issue'

After a trip to Texas to visit the southern border, Gov. Spencer Cox expressed concern, calling the situation a public safety issue. Cox joined 14 …

Since its implementation, more than 22.5 million households have utilized the Affordable Connectivity Program's monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service, and up to $75 monthly for those living on tribal lands. (Adobe Stock)

Federal internet assistance plan winding down in Utah

For a number of years now, Congress has appropriated billions of dollars to the Affordable Connectivity Program to help internet access become more …

According to the Rural Utah Project, 94% of Utahns vote by mail. (David Gales / Adobe Stock)

A number of bills could change the way Utahns vote

The Utah legislature has been in session for almost two weeks and one group said there have been more than 10 pieces of legislation introduced they ca…

Offenders who engage in financially motivated sextortion are often located outside the U.S., primarily in west African countries of Nigeria and Ivory Coast, or Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, according to the FBI. (Adobe Stock)

'Sextortion' cases on rise in UT and nationally

The FBI is warning the public about an increase in the crime known as "sextortion," when suspects target minors and threaten or coerce them into sendi…

Oil and gas operations are the source of nearly 30% of all methane emissions in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

UT Mormon steward applauds EPA's final methane rule

Members of the Mormon Environmental Stewardship Alliance in Utah are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's final rule that sharply reduces …

Utah ranked first in the nation for formal volunteerism and seventh for informal service in 2021, according to the Utah Commission on Service and Volunteerism. (Adobe Stock)

UT governor's office discusses importance of service, volunteerism

Ahead of National Service Day, the governor's office brought together Utah leaders to discuss the importance of service and volunteerism. Utah Lt…

Salt Lake City is one of five markets identified as resilient and in a position for new growth, according to the commercial real estate firm CBRE. (Adobe Stock)

Tech scene grows in states like Utah, but not without challenges

A new report showed the share of tech jobs in what are known as "superstar" cities such as the Bay Area, Boston, Los Angeles and New York has dipped …

Utah women and girls experience disproportionate exposure to adverse childhood experiences, with 18.3% of females reporting four or more, compared with 13.9% of males. (Jose Manuel/Adobe Stock)

Research sheds light on current status of Utah women, girls

New research spotlights the status of women and girls in Utah, in five areas of focus. At Utah State University, Susan Madsen, founding director of …

Around 80% of Park City parents with children younger than five years old rely on child care, according to Upwards. (Adobe Stock)

Park City child-care assistance program launches in 2024

A partnership launching next year in Utah has the goal to expand child-care access and affordability for families who live and work in Park City…

In December 2020, about 800,000 borrowers aged 62 and older, making up 35% of borrowers in the age group, were in default on their federal student loans. (Adobe Stock)

Majority of seniors with student loans have held their debt at least 15 years

New federal data from the Department of Education confirmed retirement-age borrowers are struggling to repay their federal student loans. About 60% …

Report: Utah ranks among top 10 states for overall health and well-being

Utah ranks among the top 10 states in the 2023 America's Health Rankings report, which "aims to understand the comprehensive health and well-being of …

Road traffic collisions are a leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 54 in the U.S. The year 2020 was the deadliest year for pedestrians in 40 years. (Adobe Stock)

Can narrower roads save lives and help the environment?

A new study sheds light on the importance of street design, especially as it relates to traffic and pedestrian safety. In Utah, from 2019 to 2022…

Members of the Rural Utah Project identified about 5,600 potential structures across San Juan County in their efforts to distribute 'plus codes.' (Adobe Stock)

Technology, ingenuity deliver addresses to UT residents of Navajo Nation

By Peter Yeung for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Alex Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Yes! Magazine-Public News Service …

The Rein in Response Kickoff event will take place at 44 E. 130 N in La Verkin. (Adobe Stock)

UT program aims to help first responders through horsemanship

A new program in Utah wants to help first responders learn to recognize and work through their traumatic life events through horsemanship. This …

An estimated 40% of recent college graduates in the U.S. are underemployed, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mending the pathway from college to workforce

A new report from WGU Labs, a nonprofit affiliate of Western Governors University based in Millcreek, Utah, is shedding light on the importance of …

Utahns lace up on Thanksgiving Day to fight hunger

Today, nearly 4,000 Utahns are lacing up their running shoes and putting on a costume for the Utah Food Bank's 18th annual Utah Human Race. Ginette …

One in three families across the United States does not have enough diapers to meet their baby's needs, according to the Administration of Children and Families. (Adobe Stock)

Utah mom shares impact of 'diaper assistance'

One Utah mom with three children is grateful for assistance from the Utah Diaper Distribution Demonstration Project. Taylor Graff said the program …

A Voice for Utah Children report showed how effective federal stabilization funding has been for Utah's child-care system, which has grown licensed child-care capacity by 31% since 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Report examines UT child-care crisis

A new report found licensed child care programs in Utah are only able to serve about 36% of all children younger than 6 whose parents are working…

Last year there were 4,900 reported collisions with deer, 166 with elk and 20 with moose. The actual collision number is likely twice as high, though, as many incidents go unreported, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. (Adobe Stock)

Utah allocates funds to build more wildlife crossings

Budget legislation was signed into law in Utah this week that includes $20 million for building wildlife crossing infrastructure. Utah joins other …

The methane mitigation industry provides family-sustaining jobs, typically paying 10% more than the federal average and cannot be moved offshore, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Utah losing big in natural gas waste and pollution

A new analysis found Utah oil and gas companies waste an estimated $48 million worth of natural gas per year, enough to meet the annual needs of more …

Nationally, 25% of parents with diaper need reported they have missed an average of five days of work or school in the past month due to not having enough diapers to drop children off at child care. (Joaquin Corbalan / Adobe Stock)

As UT diaper needs grow, help is available

Inadequate diaper supply can jeopardize Utahn's ability to advance financially. That is according to Vic Velivis, the founder and executive director …

Earlier this year, a total of 74 cases had been filed challenging congressional and legislative maps in 27 states, including Utah, as racially discriminatory or partisan gerrymanders. (Adobe Stock)

Report: UT gets 'C minus' grade for redistricting policies

A new report rates how states are managing their redistricting policies, and the State of Utah didn't fare so well. The national watchdog group …

Teen girls are more likely than teen boys to say it would be difficult to give up social media, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

UT sues TikTok, alleging negative mental-health impacts on youths

On Tuesday, the state of Utah announced it is suing TikTok as it claims the social media platform "baits children into addictive and unhealthy use." …

The average annual cost for toddler care in Utah is $7,678. (Adobe Stock)

UT child-care providers, families demand investment in care for kids

On Wednesday, child care providers and families will gather at the Utah State Capitol to participate in a stroller rally to advocate for critical …

Close to one in five Utah adults experiences poor mental health, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Mental health crisis center expected in South Salt Lake

A new mental-health crisis center is coming to South Salt Lake. Expected to open in 2025, the new 24/7 Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Center will …

There were 626 trespass-related fatalities and almost 550 trespass injuries across the country in 2022, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: People underestimate railroad collision risks

Utah saw 13 railroad-crossing collisions that included three fatalities in 2020, according to the most recent data available from the Federal …

Almost nine of 10 voters who used ranked choice voting said they were confident their ballot would be counted accurately, according to Utah Ranked Choice Voting. (Adobe Stock)

Multiple Utah cities set to use ranked-choice voting in next election

Across Utah, 10 cities will be using ranked choice voting in the general election in November. In 2018, Utah passed a bill to establish a pilot …

The lake bed of the Great Salt Lake is laced with arsenic, mercury and other toxic substances, according to the environmental law firm Earthjustice. (Jenny Thompson/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Argues UT Has Failed to Address Shrinking Great Salt Lake

Conservation and community groups have filed a lawsuit against Utah for what they claim is the state's failure to ensure enough water gets to the Grea…

Utah is one of the states that pays and administers its own supplemental payments. People can contact the state directly for payment information. (Adobe Stock)

Eligible Utahns Could Qualify for Supplemental Security Income Payments

Many people in Utah and across the country are eligible for financial aid on top of receiving Social Security payments, but are not aware of it…

Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox and Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis are leading the Disagree Better initiative. (Adobe Stock)

'Disagree Better': Utah Gov Leads Initiative to Ease Hyper-Partisanship

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wants people to learn to disagree. As the elected chair of the National Governors Association, he is leading a campaign …

You are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (Adobe Stock)

Bridging Digital Divide for Low-Income Utahns

Utah organizations across the state are wanting to increase awareness and enrollment of the Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP's primary goal is to …

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