Utah News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to the Children's Collaborative for Healing and Support, between 2017 and 2021, more than 5 million children nationally experienced the death of a parent. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

UT Pilot Program Aims to Support Grieving Kids

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined the Children's Collaborative for Healing and Support last week to announce a pilot program in the state designed to …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer to get screened every two years. (Adobe Stock)

Mammography Among UT Women Ranks Below National Average

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Utah women. According to the Utah Women and Leadership Project at Utah State University…

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 15 minutes a person in the United States dies from an infection resistant to treatment with existing antimicrobial drugs. (Adobe Stock)

Calls for Revitalization of Antimicrobial Research, PASTEUR Act Could Help

The PASTEUR Act, which stands for "Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance," has been reintroduced in Congress with …

According to Consumer Reports, 71% of Americans express some level of interest in buying or leasing an all-electric car. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rule Could Mean 2 out of 3 Cars is Electric by 2032

The Environmental Protection Agency announced last month new and more stringent vehicle emission standards, which some say could significantly help …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in three high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, and nearly half of students felt persistently sad or hopeless. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit Group Urges School Districts to Focus on Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and one group wants school districts in Utah and across the country to focus on critical mental health support…

According to a Brigham Young University report, 85% of the pollutants causing health and economic harm in Utah are fossil-fuel combustion products. (Adobe Stock)

Young Utahns Suing State, Calling for Climate Action

By Ray Levy Uyeda for Prism.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Ser…

Mattingly says nearly 5% of adults in the United States are living with ADHD, about 10 million diagnosed adults. (Adobe Stock)

ADHD Diagnoses Increase; So Does Demand for Medications

It has been seven months since The Food and Drug Administration announced a nationwide shortage of medications used to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperac…

According to GreenLatinos, Hispanics and Latinos are twice as likely to depend on public transit for transportation, but current public transit lines don't ensure access to outdoor recreational spaces. (Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Group Pushes to 'Take Back Cinco de Mayo'

A national group says it wants to reclaim the significance of Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the …

According to an Annie E. Casey Foundation report, Utah saw a 9% increase in child population from 2010 to 2020. (Robert Kneschke / Adobe Stock)

Report: UT Sees Child Population Increase Despite National Decline

A new report found the population of children recorded in 2020 was 1.1 million fewer than in 2010. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation…

According to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, the state has plugged more than 100 wells. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

Group Urges Action to Plug Orphaned UT Oil Wells

Congress allocated billions of dollars through the infrastructure law to plug orphaned well sites across the country, with Utah being one of the …

According to the Topaz Museum, the U.S. government and army removed an estimated 120,000 men, women and children of Japanese ancestry from their West Coast homes and forced them into remote camps during World War II. (Wikimedia Commons)

UT Ceremonies Keep WWII Japanese American Experience Alive

Japanese Americans gather this weekend for memorial events at the World War II Topaz internment camp in Delta, and in Salt Lake City, to mark the 80…

Among racial and ethnic groups in Utah, research indicates almost 50% of Black adults aren't getting enough sleep. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 1 in 3 Utahns Not Getting Enough Shut-Eye

More than 30% of Utah adults are getting less than the ideal seven hours of sleep each night. Utah ranks 16th among states for insufficient sleep…

78% of participants are concerned or very concerned that PBMs hold a monopoly on the prescription drug market, according to the poll by Lake Research Partners. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Voters Favor Policies that Hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers Accountable

Increasing prescription drug prices is a reality impacting many Utahns - and a new national poll finds bipartisan support among voters for Congression…

Scientists say Red Dye #3 poses health risks, but young children may be the most vulnerable because their small body weight and potentially higher levels of exposure. (DW Labs Incorporated/Adobe Stock)

Report: Popular 'Peeps' May Contain Dangerous Dye

Pink and purple "Peeps" are popular Easter treats, but consumer health experts warn they contain a dye that has been linked to cancer and Attention …

New Initiative Delivers Free Books to Utah K-3 Students

Many kids across the state of Utah will be able to receive free books in the mail this summer to encourage reading and improve literacy outcomes…

Cottonwood Heights, Utah, became a city in 2005. (Adobe Stock)

UT Mayor Talks Housing, Infrastructure Challenges at National Conference

Mike Weichers, mayor of Cottonwood Heights, is one of the Utah city leaders at The National League of Cities' Congressional City Conference being …

Across the 398 women surveyed, 57.8% occupied no marginalized social category, while 22.6% occupied at least one marginalized category and almost 20% occupied more than one. (Adobe Stock)

Report Eyes Health Impacts of Social Belonging in UT Women

Research from The University of Utah explores the physical- and mental-health implications of social belonging in women. Study author Lisa Diamond …

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Department of Transportation studies have shown a 90% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions when there is a crossing structure or fence in an area. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Approves $20 Million for Wildlife Crossings

Some $20 million of Utah's whopping $29 billion state budget will be spent on building wildlife crossings and fences across the state in an effort to …

Soot standards were last updated by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2012. In December 2020, the Trump administration declined to tighten standards. (Adobe Stock)

EPA 'Soot Standard' Receives Pressure from UT Clean-Air Advocates

The danger of soot pollution is real, and clean-air advocates in Utah say it is a top-of-mind issue for many in the state. Lindsay Beebe, senior …

According to the Western Wildlife Conservancy, during the 2015-2016 Utah hunting season, 372 cougars were killed, a number that has increased every year. (Adobe Stock)

UT Legislature Passes Bill to Allow Year-Round Cougar Hunting

Wildlife conservationists are calling for Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to veto House Bill 469, which would allow year-round cougar hunting in the state…

In September 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found pygmy rabbits were not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act because the agency said there was not enough data to show the threat level had risen leading to possible extinction. (Adobe Stock)

Petition Seeks Protection for Pygmy Rabbits Across West

Conservation groups in Utah and across the western United States are requesting protection for the pygmy rabbit under the Endangered Species Act…

With the inclusion of workforce certificates and certifications, Utah's overall rate of educational attainment has increased more than 21% since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Report: UT Fares Well with Higher-Ed Degree Attainment

Utah is one of the most educated states in the country and has seen significant increases in higher educational attainment between 2019 and 2021…

The Utah Food Bank's Southern Distribution Center works closely with 25 local grocery stores to help provide fresh food to Utahns in need. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Food Bank Southern Distribution Center Expands as Need Increases

The need for emergency food in Utah's six southernmost counties is on the rise, so Utah Food Bank is expanding its Southern Distribution Center in St…

According to the American Heart Association, among Black women ages 20 and older, nearly 58% have high blood pressure. (Adobe Stock)

UT Heart Attack Survivor Shares Importance of Women's Heart Health

American Heart Month may be coming to an end, but one Utah heart attack survivor wants to shed light on women's heart health ahead of Utah's Go Red …

Since 2022, nearly a quarter of Utah mayors are women, an almost 15% increase from 2017. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Female Representation in UT Government Trails National Averages

Research explored Utah's female representation in Congress, the Legislature and concluded the state's executive branch is not where it should be…

According to the Conservation in the West Survey, 75% of Utahns support a national goal of conserving 30% of America's land and water by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Conservation Efforts, Environmental Priorities Remain High in UT

The thirteenth annual Conservation in the West Poll surveyed the views of Utahns and voters in seven other western states, and found support for …

ABLE Accounts, savings accounts for people with disabilities, are currently offered in 46 states. (Adobe Stock)

More Utahns Will be Eligible for State-Based ABLE Accounts

More people living with disabilities will be eligible to open state-based savings accounts known as ABLE accounts. They're part of the "Achieving a …

The survey demonstrates that despite inflationary pressures and interest-rate hikes, small businesses expect to create jobs in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: 70% of Small Businesses Give Government Programs Grade of 'C' or Below

A Goldman Sachs survey finds that 70% of small business owners give the federal government a grade of "C or below" for the effectiveness of programs…

According to Power To Decide's Abortion Finder map, centers began closing even before the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn 'Roe v. Wade' was officially released. (Adobe Stock)

States' Abortion Access Compiled on Interactive Map

Some doctors and pro-choice advocates are urging people to pre-order so-called "abortion pills," citing a looming Texas court decision which might ult…

Utah is the fifth state to pass legislation restricting gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. (Adobe Stock)

UT Ban on Gender-Affirming Health Care Draws Pushback

A group of physicians is voicing opposition to Utah's enactment of Senate Bill 16, banning gender-affirming health care for transgender youth…

The Indian Child Welfare Act was enacted in 1978 following the removal of many Native children from their homes by government and adoption agencies. (Adobe Stock)

UT Tribes Urge Lawmakers to Pass Bill Ensuring Protections for Native Kids

Tribal leaders from the eight federally recognized tribes in Utah gathered at a news conference at the state Capitol this week and called on state law…

House Bill 241 would prohibit a public employer from compensating a public employee for union activities. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Bill Would Mean Stricter Regulations for Union Workers

A Utah lawmaker has proposed a bill which could impose stricter restrictions and regulations for public employees. Passage of House Bill 241…

According to the research, about 23%, or 60.7 million people, formally volunteered with organizations between September 2020 and 2021. (Adobe Stock)

UT Leads with Formal Volunteering Efforts in AmeriCorps' Latest Research

According to AmeriCorps' latest research, Utah was the state with the highest number of residents volunteering with nonprofits in their communities …

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall was one of many mayors in attendance at the conference who lead cities with a population of 30,000 or more. (Adobe Stock)

UT Mayor Aims to Lead by Example Following Mayors' Conference

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the prime opportunity for local leaders to connect with colleagues about shared challenges they face, but also …

According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the state's Wildlife Migration Initiative has tracked almost 10,000 animals. (Utah DWR)

UT Pitches In to Help with Wildlife Migration

Two state agencies have teamed up to make safer wildlife migration a priority in Utah. The Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative relies heavily on GPS …

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is more than 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, with methane from human sources driving roughly a third of current global warming. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Group Calls EPA Methane Rule Crucial for State's Overall Wellbeing

A Utah group was one of many who voiced its support during last week's Environmental Protection Agency public hearing on a proposed rule to reduce oil…

According to Tabron, The National Day of Racial Healing is centered around experiences in truth-telling. (Adobe Stock)

UT Events Highlight National Day of Racial Healing

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day in which many across the country celebrate the revolutionary words and thoughts of the civil rights …

The Utah Food Bank says updating its infrastructure will enhance its ability to establish a delivery baseline for the top 15

UT Food Bank Receives $100K for Culturally Responsive Foods

Utah Food Bank has received funding for distributing what it calls more "culturally responsive" foods. The $100,000 dollar grant from KeyBank will …

The State of Utah used some of its COVID-19 pandemic relief funding to build the internet infrastructure needed for the higher-ed program in its juvenile justice facilities. (Adobe Stock)

College Courses Show Benefits for Incarcerated Youth in UT

Utah is one of a few states where juveniles behind bars can earn college credit. Utah's Higher Education for Incarcerated Youth program lets young …

All projects being funded by the grant program and valued over $150,000 must include a minimum local contribution of at least 30%. (Adobe Stock)

$15 Million Allocated to Utah Wastewater Reuse Projects

The state of Utah has allocated a total of $15 million to wastewater re-use projects in Southern Utah. The Southern Utah Reuse ARPA Grant Program …

According to the report from Utah's Department of Workforce Services, Utah's unemployment rate currently sits at 2.2% which means about 38,200 Utahns are currently without work. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Economy Sees Tight Labor Market Heading into 2023

Utah's economy is starting to slow down, according to data from the state. Last month, Utah saw an increase of 2.6% in nonfarm payroll jobs…

When Congress elected to let the Child Tax Credit expire, child poverty rose by 40%, according to the Coalition on Human Needs. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns Call on Congress to Expand Child Tax Credit

Utahns are calling on Congress to expand the Child Tax Credit and say it should be a priority in a year-end tax package. The debate comes as …

According to the Forest Service, wildfires alone cause about 80% of reforestation needs on national forest lands. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Trees Help Forest Service Meet Challenging Reforestation Efforts

Seeds from trees located within Utah's national forests are helping repopulate forests with similar makeups that may have been impacted by climate cha…

According to the Bureau of Land Management, Grand Staircase-Escalante spans across 1.87 million acres of America's public lands in Southern Utah. (Adobe Stock)

Protection of Utah National Monuments Under Attack

Conservation groups are pushing to keep federal protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah. Boundaries of …

According to the EPA, stronger standards would reduce harmful emissions and energy waste from covered sources by 87% below 2005 levels. (Adobe Stock)

UT Group Backs New EPA Proposal to Reduce Methane Emissions

One Utah group is pleased with the Environmental Protection Agency's latest proposal to further reduce methane pollution from oil and gas drilling…

More than 200 children participated in the annual Kids Cafe Thanksgiving meal at nine of Utah Food Bank's cafe sites. (Utah Food Bank)

Utah Food Bank Braces for Challenging Holiday Season

The Utah Food Bank is responding to what it calls record levels of need for food assistance across the state. Lingering economic effects of COVID-19 …

Since the 2020 winter season, the cost of home energy has increased 36%, reflecting the highest prices in the last 10 years, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association. (Adobe Stock)

As Utah Temps Drop and Energy Costs Rise, Help is Available

As temperatures drop across the state of Utah and energy costs continue to rise, Utahns may be eligible for heat utility assistance to stay warm as …

Mark Wintch, a fifth-generation Beaver County rancher in Utah's Wah Wah Valley fears his ranch would be rendered inoperable if the Pine Valley Water Supply Project moves forward. (Kim Raff/Deep Indigo Collective)

UT Landowners, Tribes Fight Plan to Pump Rural Water to Cedar City

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for the Utah News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Coll…

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