Utah Insight

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.