Drought

The federally-funded project focuses on the wildland-urban interface, where forests and nearby communities meet. Those areas can be especially vulnerable to wildfires.

The new Pew Research Center survey also found that most U.S. adults felt extreme weather events are more severe. Political party was a major factor in responses.

In other news, Utah philanthropist Karen Huntsman died this week at age 88. And, Roy City has cancelled the fireworks show for its annual Roy Days festival.

Federal data typically focuses on the total amount of water stored, but some water has to stay in reservoirs to keep dams working. That means even less is available for cities and farms.

Too much rain at once after dry spells can make it hard for water to absorb into soil. Corey Lesk, co-author of a new study, described it as "asking the land to drink from a firehouse."

In other news, stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for parts of southwest Utah. And, Causey Reservoir in Weber County is getting safety upgrades this summer.

Two schools backed out of using AI to read graduates' names, while another is moving forward. In other news, Utah is officially under a state of emergency for drought.

In other news, Utah's first Great Salt Lake Commissioner is stepping down. And, a Taylorsville police officer is being charged with second degree felony manslaughter for a 2024 shooting.

In other news, Eva Lopez Chavez, who was being investigated for sexual misconduct, has been removed from the Salt Lake City Council for living outside district boundaries.

Lake Powell, the upper Colorado River basin's largest reservoir, is projected to have its lowest summer inflow in its history this summer. Federal agencies have taken emergency measures to prop it up.