“We are extremely excited about receiving such care and support for our students,” said Jer Bates, director of communications for the Ogden School District. “New shoes are a significant gift to our students. This is something that impacts and uplifts the whole community.”

​In Utah, approximately 8.5% of children live below the poverty line, highlighting the need for community initiatives like this one. Operation Warm focuses on supporting children’s well-being by providing essentials such as coats and shoes–resources that bolster a child’s self-esteem, readiness to learn, and ability to thrive.

“At Mountain America, we are committed to make a meaningful difference in the community,” said Sterling Nielsen, president and CEO at Mountain America. “The smiles we see on the children’s faces as they receive their new shoes are so heartwarming. Our partnership with Operation Warm enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children, providing them with not only essential footwear but also a sense of hope and belonging.”

Mountain America proudly solidified its partnership with Operation Warm in 2019. Since then, the credit union has donated a total of 6,462 essential items–including 2,450 pairs of shoes–to under-resourced communities across their footprint. This ongoing commitment reflects Mountain America’s dedication to supporting families in need and strengthening the communities it serves.

— Mountain America Credit Union

Bank of America tees up $5 youth golf lessons at Utah courses

With the school year ending, Bank of America recently launched a new program that will surely keep kids busy this summer. Young golfers can take advantage of $5 rounds of golf at local courses like Hobble Creek, Schneiter’s Riverside and River Oaks as part of the bank’s “Golf with Us” initiative.

Through a partnership with the nonprofit, Youth On Course, which provides kids with access to opportunities to play golf across the country, Bank of America is funding games for youngsters at thousands of courses nationwide. Children ages 6-18 are encouraged to enroll in a free, one-year membership to Youth on Course courtesy of Bank of America.

• Enrollment is open until May 24 at BofA.com/GolfwithUs
• “Golf with Us” includes access to select golf courses for $5 or less per round
• Program membership also includes a registered handicap index in the United States Golf Association’s Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) system and continued development and learning opportunities

— Bank of America

Utah gas prices remain the same despite national seasonal climb

Utah gas prices have remained the same since last week as prices across the country are creeping back up just in time for the busy summer driving season. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $3.30 in Utah, according to a AAA Utah press release on Thursday.

The national average for a gallon of regular is up 4 cents from last week, as the price of crude oil rises and demand goes up. Typically, the seasonal increase in gas prices starts earlier in the spring, but lower crude oil prices this year have kept that from happening. The typical seasonal pattern is now beginning to emerge.

“Despite the upward trend, Utahns are paying about 45 cents less compared to last year, which is good news for the record 39.4 million domestic travelers expected to take road trips over Memorial Day weekend,” said John Treanor, spokesperson for AAA Utah.

— AAA Utah

Social Security announces the most popular baby names in Utah for 2024

The Social Security Administration announced Thursday the most popular baby names in Utah for 2024. Oliver and Olivia topped the list.

The top five boys’ and girls’ names for 2024 in Utah were:

Girls

1. Olivia

2. Charlotte

3. Emma

4. Amelia

5. Evelyn

Boys

1. Oliver

2. Liam

3. Henry

4. William

5. Jack

The agency announced last week that Olivia and Liam were the most popular baby names in the U.S.

Check out Social Security’s website, www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames, to see the top national baby names for 2024 and see where your name ranks now and over the past 100 years.

— Social Security Administration

Utah recognized as national leader in advancing educator microcredentials

A recently-published national report from New America highlights Utah as one of the top states in the nation for its broad, forward-thinking integration of educator microcredentials into state policies. A microcredential is a digital form of certification indicating demonstrated competency of a specific skill. The report, When Micro Goes Macro: A Nationwide Review of States’ Educator Micro-Credential Policies, was released on May 6. The report shows significant nationwide growth in the adoption of microcredentials, with Utah standing out as one of only two states using them in four policy areas.

Thirty-two states currently reference microcredentials in at least one area of educator policy, but most are limited in scope. Utah is among the seven states incorporating microcredentials in two or more areas, and one of only two states explicitly using them in four areas: initial licensure, professional learning, license renewal, and endorsements in high-need areas.

According to New America, the greatest national increases have been in first-time certification and professional learning, which are two areas where Utah has already built strong foundations. This positions the state as a national leader for how high-quality microcredentials can support educator preparation, strengthen retention efforts, and promote positive student outcomes without lowering professional standards.

— Utah State Board of Education