Health, Science & Environment

Utah Sen. Mike Lee blames poor fire management for the wildfires in the West. But experts say the problem isn’t as simple as he’s making it seem. Climate change is prolonging the fire season and human development is also a factor.

Gov. Gary Herbert said Utah’s record-breaking 911 new cases of COVID-19 are a “red-flag warning” and more social distancing restrictions could be on the way.

On Wednesday, Utah reported 747 new cases of COVID-19 — the largest single day increase since late July. About 40% of those were in Utah County, and state health officials have pointed to college-aged students and large parties as a big reason for the problem. But not everyone believes they should get all the blame.

The Colorado River’s largest reservoirs are expected to keep struggling over the next five years due to climate change, according to the federal agency that oversees them.

Twelve children, many showing mild symptoms or none at all, brought the virus home, infecting at least a dozen more people. One parent ended up in the hospital.

A 50-year-old agreement regarding the co-management of Lake Powell set to expire today has been extended by one year. Members of the Navajo Nation say it has limited their economic opportunity and undermines their sovereignty.

The comment period for the Northern Corridor closes Thursday at midnight. One aspect of Washington County’s preferred plan would set aside nearly 7,000 acres of land as protected tortoise habitat to make up for the proposed highway cutting through the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. It’s a popular recreation spot, and some people are concerned about the area changing.

The state of Utah announced it cleared its rape kit backlog Thursday morning, after the lab switched to a new system of processing the kits.

A storm system and cold front that blew in from Canada brought heavy winds to Northern Utah on Monday and Tuesday. Scientists said wind, like wildfire, plays an important role in the ecosystem.

Almost 700,000 acres of public land in the Western United States could be leased to energy developers before the end of 2020, including 51,000 acres in Utah.

Updated 11:12 a.m. MDT 9/9/2020 | Powerful winds have cut electricity to thousands of Rocky Mountain Power customers in northern Utah. Downed power lines hampered travel by rail and road, and schools cancelled in-person and online classes.

The latest news on COVID-19 across the state.