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They’re Still Kids: A Family’s Call for Better Treatment in Utah Juvenile Detention Centers

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By Ezra Magana, Ezra’s Perspective I’m 18 years old, and one thing I’ve learned is that everyone makes mistakes. Some mistakes are bigger than others, and some come with serious consequences. But no matter what someone has done, I don’t believe any teenager deserves to go hungry. My family is currently experiencing the juvenile justice system firsthand through a loved one who is being held in a Utah juvenile detention center. This situation has opened my eyes to concerns that I never thought I would have to think about. While I understand the need for accountability, I also believe that accountability should never come at the expense of a young person’s basic needs. Recently, my family learned about a dinner that consisted of just four dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, two celery sticks, and a mini bag of pretzels. When I heard that, I was shocked. Growing teenagers need proper nutrition. Their bodies are still developing, their minds are still growing, and they need balanced meals to s...
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More Than Burned Acres: The Human, Wildlife, and Community Impact of Utah's 2026 Wildfires

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  When most people hear about a wildfire, they hear how many acres burned, how many firefighters responded, or how much containment has been reached. Those things are important, but they don't tell the full story. Behind every wildfire are people, animals, and communities whose lives are affected long after the flames are gone. This year, Utah has seen several major wildfires, including the Bonneville Fire, Iron Fire, Cherry Fire, Maple Peak Fire, and Vegetation Fire. These fires have burned thousands of acres, forced evacuations, filled the air with smoke, and reminded us how quickly things can change. The Bonneville Fire especially caught my attention because it happened right here in Salt Lake City, near the University of Utah and one of the area's major hospitals. As a CNA, seeing a wildfire burn so close to a healthcare facility made me think about the patients inside. Many of them are already going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Some are recovering fr...
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