Throughout Kawan’s pregnancy, Hogle Zoo prepared for several outcomes, including the possibility that she might not care for the newborn as she had not for her first infant at Henry Vilas Zoo. Both zoos provided maternal training and support to prepare Kawan for motherhood.

After the birth, Kawan displayed gentle and attentive behavior toward her newborn. However, the care team did not observe successful nursing, which is essential within the first 24 hours.

With guidance from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP) and after many thoughtful discussions about the baby’s best interest, Hogle Zoo decided to hand-rear the infant. She is now receiving round-the-clock care and will remain behind the scenes. Guests will not be able to visit the infant for several months.

— Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Utah public health officials announce a total of 9 measles cases

As of July 1, 2025 Utah has 9 residents with confirmed measles:

• 7 people are Utah County residents
• 2 people are southwest Utah residents

All of these people are unvaccinated.

All of the people who have been identified with measles since last week are known contacts to the people who were identified earlier and were being actively monitored for measles symptoms.

Anyone who was at any of these locations during the times listed is encouraged to watch for measles-like symptoms for 21 days following the exposure.

Visit https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/ for the most up-to-date information about measles in Utah.

— Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Gov. Cox declared July 2 as Wildland Firefighter Day in Utah

Gov. Cox declared July 2, 2025 as Wildland Firefighter Day in Utah, recognizing the courage and dedication of the men and women who protect lives, homes, and natural landscapes from wildfires.

So far this year, Utah has experienced 438 wildfires, with 331 caused by human activity. As Utahns prepare to celebrate Independence Day, Gov. Cox is urging residents to be responsible with fireworks and follow local fire safety guidelines.

“Our wildland firefighters are heroes. They face incredible risks to keep us safe and protect the places we love,” said Gov. Cox. “We owe them our gratitude, and that starts with doing our part. This summer, use fireworks wisely, follow local rules, and help prevent the next fire.”

The declaration honors all wildland fire personnel, including those serving at the federal, state, local, Tribal, military, and contract levels, along with their families who share in the sacrifice.

For safety tips and local fireworks restrictions, visit utahfireinfo.gov.

— State of Utah Office of the Governor

Red Cross of Utah urges motorists to prepare for extreme heat

With more than 61 million people expected to travel by car this Fourth of July holiday, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging motorists to stay alert on the road and update their vehicles’ emergency kits to handle extreme heat. As temperatures soar across much of the country, preparation is key to ensuring safe travel.

With nearly 440 traffic-related fatalities and an estimated 50,000 injuries projected nationwide over the holiday weekend, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), preparedness is more critical than ever.

“Before heading out this holiday, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and your route is planned in advance,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “Buckle up, drive responsibly and update your emergency kit to include supplies for extreme heat. These simple steps can help ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone.”

To help motorists prepare, the Red Cross recommends adding extreme heat-specific items to emergency kits, including extra bottled water, electrolyte tablets or drinks, sunscreen, cooling towels or misting fans, a reflective sunshade for the windshield, and lightweight emergency blankets for shade.

— American Red Cross of Utah

AI to help resolve non-emergency calls across Utah and decrease 911 caller wait times

The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, today announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI.

“An estimated 65% of Utah’s 911 PSAPs’ workloads are non-emergency line calls, like noise or parking complaints, that aren’t a true crisis,” said Tina Mathieu, executive director of UCA. “When a 911 call comes in, they have to put the non-emergency caller on hold, taking precious seconds away from responding to the real emergency. Now, every PSAP in Utah can use Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response to focus call handlers’ time, while decreasing wait times for 911 callers in the midst of true crises.”

The AI technology allows callers to ask questions and receive answers in their native language and can respond to queries via voice or text, such as sharing the contact information for animal services if a caller reports a lost dog. PSAPs can also add an upfront automated message for non-emergency line callers in the same location, sharing for example that there’s a planned brush fire between specific highway exits.

— Utah Communications Authority