Middle Banner

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah has become the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, despite widespread opposition from dentists and national health organizations. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed legislation late Thursday that bars cities and communities from deciding whether to add the mineral to their water systems. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Utah lawmakers who pushed for a ban said putting fluoride in water was too expensive.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An inflation gauge closely watched by the Federal Reserve remained high last month even before the impact of most tariffs has been felt. Americans’ spending rebounded in February after a fall last month and incomes increased. Friday’s report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer prices increased 2.5% in February from a year earlier, matching January’s annual pace. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, prices rose 2.8% compared with a year ago, higher than January’s figure of 2.7%. Inflation remains a top economic concern for most Americans, even as it has fallen sharply from its 2022 peak.

Collaborates locally

The Jeff Davis Arts Council’s A Chip Off the Old Block high school group is preparing for its next production, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.

ELTON — Earlier this week, officials with the Town of Elton tested its emergency notification system.