Utah News & Current Events | Public News Service

Under the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, the maximum grant amount for irrigation/canal companies is $1,000,000, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Utah program incentivizes farmers to optimize water use

A Utah grant program is aiming to incentivize farmers to optimize their water use. Historically, Utah agriculture has accounted for up to 80% of the …

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Report: Medicaid a 'lifeline' for rural Utahns

Congressional leaders are considering what some call "highly consequential decisions" about the future of Medicaid - and Utah advocates are weighing i…

The Bureau of Land Management manages about 22.8 million acres in Utah. (Nathaniel Gonzales/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS rejects Utah's attempt to control public lands

The U.S. Supreme Court has opted not to hear a lawsuit brought by the State of Utah, which alleged the federal government's ownership of large parts …

Prior to serving in the previous Trump administration, Russell Vought spent more than 20 years working in Washington, D.C., with grassroots and public policy organizations, according to the White House. (Tia Dufour/Official White House Photo)

Advocate: Trump nominee could jeopardize environmental progress in UT

Russell Vought is one of the key architects behind the conservative, right-wing blueprint Project 2025, and President-elect Donald Trump has tapped …

Utah's economy and royalties from energy development on extensive state trust lands typically are the largest source of income for Utah's public school trust fund. (Adobe Stock)

Utah looks to diversify energy portfolio as AI gains momentum

Many contend Utah, like the greater United States, is facing an energy crisis, and the fast development and expansion of artificial intelligence …

From 2016 to 2023, an estimated 1.8 million toy-related injuries for all ages were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, an average of 226,300 injuries per year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Zarya Maxim/Adobe Stock)

Medical, legal experts warn parents about dangers of toys this holiday season

Utah trauma surgeons are wanting parents to be vigilant about the dangers toys with magnets or button batteries can pose, after they've seen several …

Since the passage of The Clean Energy Plan in 2022, Utah has seen more than 3,800 new jobs across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah lags on conservation policy

Among Western states, Utah could be doing more to support conservation policy, according to a new report by the Center for Western Priorities…

More than 390,000 children nationwide are in foster care, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

UT sees fewer foster families, less support for UT kids aging out of system

Nonprofits working with foster care kids want them to know services are available to help them navigate life once they are out of the system…

At least 1,579 Democratic women and 851 Republican women will serve in state legislatures in 2025, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. (Anton Gvozdikov / Adobe Stock)

Report: UT ranks low for number of women as legislators

More than 2,400 women will serve in state legislatures in 2025, a record, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers …

One in five purchases is expected to be made through Shein, Temu, TikTok, and other Chinese shopping apps this holiday season, according to a poll from the American Alliance for Manufacturing. (Adobe Stock)

Utah shoppers could struggle finding 'Made in America' gifts this season

Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, went after the popular and affordable Chinese e-commerce company called Temu earlier this year for its failure to comply …

During the 2024 election cycle, nearly $215 million in television advertisements targeting the transgender community flooded airwaves across the country, according to The Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ folks anxious about what a Trump presidency could bring

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Utah and around the country are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety…

Gay teenager is set to become Utah's youngest elected official

Jackson Lewis, 19, is ready and eager to sit on the nonpartisan Canyons School Board in the south end of Salt Lake Valley. Lewis, who is gay…

Roughly two-thirds of registered voters said the threat of violence against political leaders and their families is a major problem, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Political violence remains a concern post Election Day

Conservative and traditionally "red" Utah is one of the states that helped elect former President Donald Trump last week but with Election Day behind …

UT electric provider taps into potential of 'virtual' power plants

By Robert Zullo for the Utah News Dispatch part of States Newsroom.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solut…

On average, child care providers make less than people who walk dogs for a living, according to Care for Kids. (Adobe Stock)

Utah child care advocates demand change ahead of Election Day

Utah child care providers, parents and children's advocates say the state's child care crisis is getting worse and they hope voters will take the …

In 2022, more than 210 million turkeys were raised on about 2,500 farms across the United States, according to the National Turkey Federation. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates combat Utah factory farming ahead of holidays

Animal rights advocates are coming to Utah this week to sound the alarm about the living conditions and treatment of turkeys on large factory farms…

The LeRay McAllister Fund was created to safeguard Utah's agricultural landscapes and economy, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation easements in UT protect 5,500 acres of farm land

Utah's leaders are taking steps to protect the state's shrinking agricultural land by issuing conservation easements. The move will limit non-…

Due to provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, 1.9 million Medicare enrollees with the highest drug costs will save an average of $2,500 per year, according to the White House. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns are encouraged to explore health care options during open enrollment

The annual Medicare open enrollment period is now underway and older Utahns are being encouraged to consider their choices. Advisers said a good …

The auto industry remains male dominated. In 2019, 23.6% of workers employed by automotive manufacturers were women, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission. (Adobe Stock)

Weber State University preps auto techs for dynamic industry

The automotive industry is changing, and one Utah university is reimagining how to prepare new and current auto technicians to meet the demands of …

On this year's Utah ballots, Amendments B and C have passed legislative hearings unanimously, and neither has been challenged in court, according to the Utah Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: What UT voters should know about this year's amendments

Voting may be a bit more confusing than expected in Utah this year, as two of the four amendments on the ballot have now been voided. The Utah …

Utah has enacted Senate Bills 35 and 43 to help foreign-trained professionals obtain a license as qualified professionals with international training or education issued by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing and other state agencies, according to the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. (Adobe Stock)

UT initiative taps into immigrant population to improve economic vitality

Immigrants who arrive in the United States can face significant barriers in integrating and rebuilding their lives but one Utah initiative wants to he…

It can take up to 10 weeks for some people to have symptoms of listeriosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

UT food-safety expert: Food policy 'strong' but implementation could improve

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a widespread recall of Boar's Head deli meats for contamination of listeria earlier this year. The …

A five-year national evaluation revealed children referred to the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program are up to three times more likely to be adopted, according to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (Adobe Stock)

Adoptive family in UT commemorates National Daughters Day

Today is National Daughters Day and for one Utah teenager, the title only seemed like a dream until recently. Lilyauna Coffey, 19, lives in Salt …

Utah voters with higher levels of education were more likely to prioritize air quality and the Great Salt Lake as more significant issues than crime and immigration, according to the Utah Foundation's 2024 Priorities Project. (Adobe Stock)

Research probes health effects of dust from Great Salt Lake

Utah's Great Salt Lake is shrinking, exposing more of its playa and lifting more potentially harmful dust particles into the air. A new study seeks …

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)

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 …

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