The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting effects on Utahns’ wallets—from furloughed workers struggling to pay rent to small business owners fighting to keep doors open. And for those who do get sick, what happens after the hospital bill arrives? Community experts give us a rundown of the resources available for Utahns who have experienced negative economic impacts due to the coronavirus.
Utah’s suicide rate consistently ranks above the national average. What factors contribute to this high rate, why do rural counties struggle more than metropolitan ones, and how has the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to Utahns’ anxiety and stress levels? Learn about agencies in your area that provide support and “postvention,” and other ways local agencies are working to save lives.
Utah ranks last in the nation for per-pupil education spending. Utah’s teachers are paid far below the national average, resulting in a consistent shortage of qualified educators. Learn about Utah teachers’ fight for higher pay, more funding for students, and smaller classroom sizes, and how education has changed in the wake of COVID-19. Plus, solutions for educators and parents.
How is Utah prepared to respond to natural disasters and pandemics? Experts discuss state and local preparation measures for earthquakes, wildfires, severe storms, and pandemics—plus ways Utah families can be prepared for when the worst happens. And in the wake of COVID-19, what lessons have we learned?
Utah has the seventh most rapidly increasing population of residents 65 and older, according to data from the 2010 U.S. Census.How will this impact resources for Utah seniors that are already stretched thin? Local experts share their experiences, how Utah is responding to meet the needs of its growing senior population, and the impacts of COVID-19 on this at-risk group.
Utah becomes more ethnically diverse each year. We unpack the history of diversity in Utah and the changing face of the population today, and look through the scope of race, sex, religion, and transplants to explore the influence that diversity has had in state—from representation in leadership roles and how outsiders are making Utah home, to the fears and concerns this can evoke.
Some say the tech boom in Utah was made possible by the state’s pioneer spirit. We’ll take a look at how Utah’s history helped pave the way for Silicon Slopes, and address the issues that came along with it —such as education & training, loss of jobs in rural communities, the gender pay gap, and supporting women in tech —as well where we go from here. Plus, how did COVID-19 change remote work?
Utahns rank air quality as of the most important issues to address for the state’s future. Studies have shown that poor air quality can reduce life expectancy, contribute to poor education outcomes, and cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. We’ll talk to those on the frontlines about the issue, find out what’s being done to reduce pollution, and share how people at home can make a difference.
As Utah’s population grows, so too does the number of people struggling to find a place to live. This episode on homelessness examines the shortage of affordable housing, service gaps and lack of space in homeless shelters, homeless youth, what healthcare resources are available, and what rural communities are doing to help their neighbors who may be experiencing homelessness.
Utah lags behind the nation in female representation in the state legislature, and no women currently represent the state in the U.S. Congress. How have political priorities differed between men and women on a local level, and what impact does this difference in representation have on policy decisions? We hear from local women leaders already serving, and those trying to shift the imbalance.
With housing costs rising faster than people’s incomes, and many homes on the market selling for above listing price, how does the average Utahn afford a place a live today? In this episode, we examine population growth and home vacancy rates to see how we got here, and take a look at some of the state and local solutions in the works to help more people secure.
It’s been one year since protests demanding police reform erupted across the country. Since then, Utah lawmakers have passed more than 20 bills relating to the criminal justice system. So, what’s really changed? Community activists and law enforcement experts discuss what still needs to be done, the impact here at home, and how our experiences in Utah are influencing a national conversation.
In late March, Utah became one of the first states to open up COVID-19 vaccinations to all adults 16 and older. Two months later, how are we doing on the path to herd immunity? And are we reaching the communities most impacted by the pandemic? Health experts discuss Utah’s path forward and evaluate the state’s response to the global pandemic.
More women lost their jobs due to COVID-19 than any other group. In Utah, women typically make up the majority of the workforce, but as the pandemic progressed their job market participation declined sharply. We examine the factors that influenced this “pink collar” recession, what’s being done to reverse the trend, and why getting women back to work will be key to rebuilding Utah’s economy.
Utah is the second driest state in the country, but still leads the nation in water consumption. Earlier this year, Governor Cox declared a state of emergency due to extreme drought conditions. With a growing population and changing weather patterns, we look at what can be done to make sure Utah doesn’t dry up. Plus, the one industry using a majority of the state’s water.
Research shows up to half of Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans may have some kind of mental health disorder. And here in Utah, veterans are more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Mental health experts discuss the challenges in getting help where it’s needed, what can lead to positive outcomes, and the national strategy to keep these heroes safe.
For the first time in a decade, Utah will redraw its legislative boundaries for both state and federal representation. In 2011 the process was contentious and, some argue, overly political. What’s different in 2021? And how are everyday people influencing the outcome this time around? We bring together stakeholders from both sides of the aisle to discuss the impact across the state.
Utah is the second worst state in the country when it comes to recycling. From economic barriers, to a lack of public understanding, lots of recycled materials still end up in landfills. In this episode, how education could play a big part in turning the trend around in Utah, plus what some cities are doing to help make recycling more economically sustainable.
Last year, Utah saw more than 1,200 human-caused fires, a record number for any single wildfire season. Camp fires, fireworks, target shooting, and dragging chains are some of the biggest culprits. As the state’s climate trends hotter and dryer, we evaluate the push to hold more people accountable, plus the resources available to protect personal property from an ever-growing risk.
The federal government owns nearly two-thirds of all the land in Utah, and the way that land gets managed often impacts rural budgets. From revenue generated by tourism, to the complex way local governments are compensated for lost property taxes, the issue can be complicated. We’re bringing together leaders from around the state to discuss the intricate economics of Utah’s public lands.
In the past five years, Utah colleges and universities have raised tuition by more than $100M. The state is also one year into an aggressive plan to overhaul higher education by bringing technical colleges and universities under one umbrella. We examine whether efforts to reach underserved students are working and what’s being done to ensure access to higher education for everyone.
The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of remote learning in American schools. But experts worry unconnected children from lower-income families will be permanently left behind. From a federal plan that would limit this learning loss, to proposals that would increase access to technology, our panel of education experts discuss the ways to bridge this digital divide.
In Utah there are more than 1,000 job openings for nurses, without enough qualified applicants to fill those positions. Veteran healthcare workers describe this as a problem only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the state begins to work toward a new normal, we examine what can be done to take the pressure off existing providers while setting Utah up for a healthy future.
Since 2017, Utah has led the nation is efforts to reform the juvenile justice system. Advocates say progress has been made to move from punishment to focusing on prevention and early intervention, but some worry disparities in the system have grown. We bring together experts to explore how we can help more kids stay on the road to success.
Thanks to the growth of social media, news and information is easier to find than ever before. But how do you know if the content you're consuming is correct? Research shows misinformation is likely to spread faster and further on social media than statements of fact. We explore the tools needed to separate truth from fiction while navigating an ever-changing media landscape.
According to law enforcement records, there are dozens of unsolved cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women in Utah. But experts worry the problem is likely even worse, because many cases go unreported. We examine how this data could improve, plus, what needs to change to keep Utah's Native women safe.
A report from the Utah Bar Foundation found the state's eviction policies are some of the most punitive in the country and often favor landlords. And in cases that go to court, less than 5% of renters have legal representation. Advocates worry this leaves Utahns vulnerable to homelessness. We look into the help that's available, plus, how laws regulating landlord-tenant relationships could change.
Critics worry the inland port being built on Salt Lake City's west side will have a disastrous impact on air quality in northern Utah. But proponents claim there is a way to sustainably develop this area of the city. We bring together stakeholders from both sides — and the middle — to discuss how to balance Utah's economic development with environmental concerns.
In Utah, nearly two-thirds of families can't afford the childcare they need, putting the state in last place for childcare access. Experts describe it as a worsening situation, with the number of licensed providers steadily declining since 2005. We examine the investments needed to help Utah parents keep working while also raising their families.
Estimates suggest three-fourths of Utah's water supply are used for agriculture and irrigation. While the state's farmers have implemented new technologies and practices to optimize water usage, those investments are costly. We look at the ways Utah can balance a shrinking water supply with a rich heritage of working the land.
The state of Utah continues to see record low unemployment numbers, leaving many employers scrambling to fill open positions. We examine how the COVID-19 pandemic, "the Great Resignation", and other market forces are impacting Utah businesses. Plus, the demographic shifts that could help and hurt the situation.
While efforts to abolish the death penalty in Utah may have failed in the state legislature this year, political insiders don't believe the issue is settled. We talk with people on both sides including lawmakers, human rights activists, and families of victims to gauge public sentiment on the topic. Plus, what could changes to Utah law mean for those already on death row?
In recent years, the content of books and K-12 curriculum has once again become a polarizing topic. From ideas like Critical Race Theory, to discussions about LGBTQ+ topics, teachers often feel stuck in the middle of a political tug-of-war. We examine how schools are balancing the concerns of both parents and educators. Plus, what Utah students think about the fight over their education.
With rates of mental illness rising among young people, Utah is on the forefront of the battle to protect kids and teens from the perceived harms of social media. But are these concerns rooted in science? We speak with experts across the spectrum about how being online is impacting the mental health of Utah's youngest generations.
Domestic violence is a growing issue with 33.6% of Utah women and 21.4% of Utah men experiencing physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking from an intimate partner. How do we recognize domestic violence in our own lives and the lives of those around us? What resources are available to those who need help? We speak with experts about what we can do as a community to prevent domestic violence.
Gun violence is on the rise in Utah, with a 5.6% increase in violent crime from 2019 to 2020. In Utah, one person dies from gun violence every 20 hours, and since 2010, the gun death rate has exceeded that of automobile deaths. How can we change this growing trajectory? What needs to be done to reduce gun violence in our communities? Learn from experts about what can be done to stop gun violence.
Utah is home to around 100 Youth Treatment programs that are meant to help troubled youth from all over the country, but do these programs help? With a rise in reports about trauma and abuse from the children they’re meant to be helping, advocates say new rules and regulations are needed. Join the experts in taking a closer look at the problems, reform, and overall effectiveness of this industry.
Sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the prohibition of discrimination, and more. How will continued abortion banning legislation affect Utah communities and the rights we hold? Join us as we sit with both sides of the debate to discuss reproductive rights.
The pandemic created an increase in remote work opportunities leading to a rise in digital nomads and a compounding of Utah’s housing crisis. What changes can we expect to see now that workers are being called back to the office? What steps need to be taken to ensure enough housing for all? Find out what we can expect moving forward as we discuss the future of digital nomads in Utah communities.
The Great Salt Lake is facing unprecedented danger. Without a continued increase in water flow to the lake, its disappearance could cause immense damage to Utah’s public health, environment, and economy. But what can we do? Learn about the lake’s decline and what can be done to reverse it as we sit down with a panel of experts to discuss this threat to the Wasatch Front and beyond.
Opioid abuse and addiction have been major problems in Utah for many years. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury death in Utah, outpacing deaths due to firearms, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. We discuss the dangers associated with opioids, and what is being done to reduce their use in Utah. Learn about the steps being taken that could bring positive change in Utah.
The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is well underway throughout the world, but what does that mean for Utah? We explore the ways our state can decrease pollution while maintaining affordability and reliability in our electric grid. Plus, how we can protect the economies of Utah communities with long histories of fossil fuel production.