Good morning, Orem.

Gas prices have increased for the fourth straight week, with the national average around $2.94 and gas in Utah roughly $2.30 despite being 10 cents lower than last year.

Experts say the rise reflects market reactions to geopolitical events and seasonal trends.

Gov. Cox and legislators plan a bill sponsored by Sen. Millner to allocate $16 million from the Income Tax Fund to boost early literacy after a report showed nearly half of K-3 students read below grade level — districts choose support plans — with changes starting in 2030.

Brigham Young University apologized after mistakenly sending acceptance letters to nine prospective students and said the error caused confusion and disappointment (Director Chad Johnson has not explained how the mistake occurred).

State water officials say snowpack remains around 60 percent of the median with only about 40 days left before peak levels and a (10 percent) chance of reaching normal, which could lead to watering restrictions and early fire risks this summer.

Utah Lake Authority received $7.7M in federal funds on Monday, March 2 to boost water quality and recreation at Utah Lake by reducing invasive carp and funding projects like a new nature center at Goshen Bay (sponsored by Sen. Curtis, Rep. Kennedy, and Rep. Owens).