Feedback with Abby Bonell

Nate McDonald-Department of Workforce Services-Discussed the growing job market in Utah and how the surge of tech companies coming to the state has helped the economy grow. Also talked about different programs offered from workforce services to help train people to fill the emerging jobs, and what jobs are available now that are posted on their website. Concluded by going over the data of the Utah...

Dawn Wright and Deborah Watkins-Shriner's Hospital for Children-Discussed ongoing efforts to provide quality care for children with disabilities without breaking a family's budget. Also talked about some of the programs available to children missing limbs or with other issues that have provided them a new opportunity at life. Concluded by going volunteer opportunities and ways people can donate to...

John Gleason-Utah Department of Transportation and Zach Whitney-Discussed the alarming rise of distracted driving on the roads, and the dangers this poses to construction crews and other drivers. Also talked about ongoing construction taking place on Utah roads, and how much of an improvement they will be when completed. Concluded by going over efforts to prevent wildlife from causing accidents to...

Julia Hood-Pingree Autism Center of Learning-Discussed the challenges of teaching autistic kids, and how educators are adapting to meet the needs of these students. Also talked about some of the challenges faced by children with autism when it comes to socializing and fitting in, and how to help them do so. Concluded by going over the ongoing need for help and support for autistic kids as they mak...

Rob Best-Security and Exchange Commission-Discussed ongoing fraud cases and the efforts being made to prosecute the fraudsters. Also talked about certain ongoing schemes and how to spot them before falling victim. Concluded by going over the importance for people being vigilant when it comes to watching their money, as well as reporting any suspicious activities to the SEC.

Rich Woodruff-American Red Cross-Discussed the emergency training services offered by the Red Cross, and how important it is for people to learn even basic emergency response skills. Also talked about how these skills have saved lives in workplaces and other locations where immediate care was needed before crews arrived. Concluded by going over course availability and how people can get involved.

Danielle Sheppard-Humane Society-Discussed recent cases of animal abuse and how troublesome they are. Also talked about the efforts of the group to rescue animals from abusive situations and find them forever homes. Concluded by going over volunteer opportunities and how people can get involved.

Erica Hansen-Utah's Hogle Zoo-Discussed elephant conservation programs and how the zoo is helping preserve the species from extinction. Also talked about how elephant blood has helped contribute to cancer research. Concluded by going over some of the programs available at the zoo. Allison Nance-Utah Department of Health-Discussed the progression of the Zika virus in the United States, and the pote...

Ray Wunder and Nathan Anderson-Fathers of autistic boys-Discussed the challenges parents of autistic children face while raising them, and how they manage their child's disability. Also talked about the incredible lengths they go to in ensuring their children are able to function in society. Concluded by going over some of the other techniques and resources available for other parents of autistic...

Joelle Fierro-Discussed the rates of mammography screenings and just how worrisome the low rates in Utah are. Also talked about survival rates for those who get screened and catch any potential issues early. Concluded by reiterating the necessity of getting screened early and often.

Tonia Tewell-Holding Out Hope-Discussed the efforts by her organization to help those seeking to escape polygamist communities find freedom. Also talked about some of the difficulties faced by those inside of the communities and how important it is to help those in need. Concluded by going over success stories of how escapees have recovered.

Chad Bittner-Chief Medical Officer, Optim Care Utah-Discussed the necessity of colonoscopies and how they help save lives. Also talked about some of the things detected by colonoscopies that may not even normally be considered to be issues. Concluded by going over cancer survival rates for those who take proactive steps to detect any issues.

Jim Bale-University of Utah Professor of pediatrics and neurology-Discussed the emergence of the Zika virus and how it spreads. Also talked about some of the preventative methods being employed by at risk individuals to mitigate the risk of exposure. Concluded by going over progress towards finding a cure and what it could mean worldwide.

Ginette Bott-Utah Food Bank-Discussed the ways the food bank is helping lower income families be able to feed themselves on a regular basis, and how important their involvement is to ensuring they have food. Also talked about the programs they've implemented to ensure children do not go hungry when away from school. Concluded by going over the various ways people can donate time or money to help t...

Jeremy Cunningham-Alzheimer's Association of Utah-Discussed the ways in which the disease affects not only those suffering from it, but also those tasked with taking care of them. Also talked about the methods being undertaken to find a cure and how important it is to do so. Concluded by stressing the need for donations and how close scientists are to finding a way to reverse the disease.

Erica Hansen-Utah's Hogle Zoo-Discussed the elephant preservation programs the zoo is involved with, as well as the efforts being made to study their blood in attempts to cure cancer. Also talked about the various exhibits open at the zoo and the different programs offered. Concluded by going over some of the upcoming attractions and what to expect in the future of the establishment.

Adan Batar-Catholic Community Services-Discussed the recent refugee travel ban and what it has meant for helping refugees resettle in Utah. Also talked about the efforts by his organization to help in the resettlement, and what it has taken to get recently arrived refugees acclimated to the new culture they find themselves in. Concluded by going over ways people can help donate their time or money...

Angela Stander and Dennis Cecchini-Utah Department of Health-Discussed the dangers of opioid abuse and the alarming rise in its use here in Utah. Also discussed the tragedy of Cecchini losing his son to abusing the drugs and how that sparked his involvement in raising awareness of the issue. Concluded by going over the various treatment options available and how imperative it is for people to seek...

Kirk Jowers-Political analyst-Discussed current events taking place both in the country and internationally. Also talked about what we should expect to see from a new administration in the coming years. Concluded by going over upcoming legislative battles on the horizon, as well as the fights he expects to see over cabinet appointments.

Zach Bales-Volunteers of America Utah-Discussed efforts by the organization to help get homeless teens off the street and provide them a safe place to sleep. Also talked about how the organization is teaching these teens how to be independent and provide for themselves so they don't have to remain in risky or dangerous situations just to survive. Concluded by going over the ongoing need for donati...

Bill Brunson-IRS Spokesperson-Discussed the upcoming tax filing season and ways to maximize returns. Also talked about new measures and programs available from the IRS to provide tax relief and ensure people are able to pay their back taxes without losing everything. Concluded by going over continuing tax fraud schemes, as well as measures being taken by the IRS to prevent fraud and abuse during t...

Nancy Volmer-Salt Lake City Airport-Discussed progress of the construction of the new airport and some of the features it will have. Also talked about how the airport is impacting Utah's economy and how essential it is that this project continues to meet its scheduled deadlines. Concluded by going over what new features will be available once the airport is finished.

Troy Walker-Draper Mayor-Discussed plans for expanding the city onto the site of the former prison once the facilities are relocated. Also talked about planning for new infrastructure and population growth. Concluded by going over the economic impact the state will experience because of the expansion.

Mark Hadley-Department of Wildlife Resources-Discussed how the wildlife is faring this season as well as some of the various winter programs available to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Also talked about ice fishing conditions and requirements. Concluded by going over what to expect near the end of the winter season.

Dawn Wright-Shriners Hospital-Discussed programs to provide wheelchairs for disabled children. Also talked about the various services available for children that may be struggling with some sort of disability. Concluded by going over volunteer opportunities available with the children's hospitals and ways that people can contribute.