Personal income in Utah grew 1.2 percent from the fourth quarter of 2007 to the first quarter in 2008, a new report shows, ranking the state 14th among all states in personal income growth.

Personal income is defined by the government as the income received by all persons from all sources.

Nationwide, personal income grew 1.1 percent over that time period, according to estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

North Dakota had the highest gain in personal income from the fourth quarter to first quarter, with a 7.6 percent gain. South Dakota was No. 2, with a 3.8 percent increase. Arkansas had the worst showing, declining by 1.9 percent. The bureau said the Dakotas are benefiting from rising grain prices, especially for corn.

- Lesley Mitchell

Kiplinger.com

Provo is named the 10th best place to live and work

Kiplinger.com, the online version of the 85-year-old personal finance publication, has named Provo as the 10th best city in which to live and work.

The rating was based on strong economies, abundant jobs, reasonable living expenses and "plenty of fun things to do," according to the Kiplinger.com Web site. Added company research consultant Kevin Stolarick: "One key to a bright future is a healthy shot of people in the creative class. People in creative fields - scientists, engineers, architects, educators, writers, artists and entertainers - are catalysts of vitality and livability in a city."

- Mike Gorrell

Japanese beetle

Officials to scour future RSL sod to guard against pest

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is overseeing the importation of grass sod destined for Real Salt Lake's new Sandy soccer stadium to guard against an accidental importation of the destructive Japanese beetle.

Real Salt Lake is purchasing more than 100,000 square feet of specially developed turf from Graff's Turf Farm, based in Colorado - one of several states with a beetle infestation.

"This is the largest importation of turf into Utah in recent memory," said Plant Industry Director, Clair Allen. "Considering our existing infestation of Japanese beetle in Orem, we are taking extraordinary efforts to prevent even one more beetle from entering Utah."

Utah officials will inspect the sod's placement on trucks for the trip to Utah, looking for beetles in the grub or worm-like, stage.

- Dawn House