Americans are losing hope in our country and our communities. Instead of either tearing down or reinforcing America’s institutions, the families flocking to Riverbed Ranch, Utah, are replacing those institutions wholesale with a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Read more about political life (or the lack thereof) off the grid in a cooperative community sprouting in the west Utah desert.
Also on our minds:
Heber City, Utah, recently ranked 12th in a list of America’s most underrated nightlife spots
BYU’s former Russian basketball star sees big things ahead for Cougars’ top prospect
Utah GOP debate: Gov. Cox and Rep. Lyman stick to policies, sidestep attacks
Moderation prevailed in Tuesday’s gubernatorial Republican primary debate as Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and state Rep. Phil Lyman, R-Blanding, centered their rhetoric around policy — a departure from Cox’s rowdy reception at state convention and Lyman’s aggressive online campaign messaging.
During the hour-long debate, which Cox cheerfully called “boring,” the first-term governor listed what he considers his legislative achievements, identified his biggest regret and noted the absence of fiery rhetoric coming from his challenger.
“Campaigns bring out the worst in people. We’ve certainly seen that with my opponent’s campaign,” Cox said following the debate hosted by the Utah Debate Commission.
Lyman, who has represented southeastern Utah for six years in the state legislature, said the event’s format made the debate more “tame from what would probably be more in my comfort zone.”
Lyman has accused Cox of failing to take a bolder stand on issues like transgenderism, illegal migration, and centralizing authority to state government on local issues.
“We see things very differently,” Lyman said following the debate.
Read more about the gubernatorial debate and the future of the race.
The Smith Entertainment Group revealed more of its plans Tuesday to make over downtown Salt Lake City in the area around the Delta Center as part of an effort to ensure the urban core is vibrant well into the future.
The proposed project includes an east-facing entrance to the Delta Center, several pedestrian plazas, an outdoor television screen, taking 300 West, which runs in front of the arena, underground between 100 South and South Temple, and building a residential tower and a hotel. The plan also calls for remodeling the arena to accommodate both the NBA’s Utah Jazz and Utah’s new NHL team. Jazz owner Ryan Smith bought the Arizona Coyotes and moved the franchise to Salt Lake City in April.
Meg Walter: Things to do in the underrated nightlife of Heber, Utah (Deseret News)
What should Utah schools do with library books deemed indecent, pornographic? (Deseret News)
Lake Powell’s rebound in spring runoff: Water levels are driving tourists back to Utah’s gem (Deseret News)
Cox calls on Utahns to ‘stay vigilant’ as prime fire conditions begin to develop (KSL)
FROM OUR SPONSOR COLONIAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL
The Colonial Heritage Festival - Step back in time July 4–6
The Colonial Heritage Festival offers something for every member of the family. Visit the village apothecary shop, blacksmith, cooper, broom maker, gunsmith, spoon maker, potter, various fiber artisans, chandler, baker, Isaiah Thomas Print Shop, frontier life, chocolate making, school and much more.
The U.S.
Gas prices see ‘ultra rare’ dip at start of summer travel season (Deseret News)
Plastics are a worldwide problem, including in national parks (Deseret News)
The World
Four US college instructors stabbed in public park in China (BBC)
Israel claims Hamas rejected hostage and ceasefire deal proposal (Axios)
Politics
Hunter Biden found guilty in federal gun trial, President Biden, Trump react (Deseret News)
Supreme Court justices write opinions for a living. But when can they share their own? (Deseret News)
In deep-red Utah, Biden has a fundraising edge on Trump (Deseret News)
Sports
Former BYU star Travis Hansen and future Cougar Egor Demin traveled similar paths, but in different directions (Deseret News)
Longtime Salt Lake Bees, Weber State broadcaster Steve Klauke dies at 69 (Deseret News)
Delta Center will host free parties for the NBA and NHL drafts (Deseret News)
Poll shows Utahns strongly support hosting the 2034 Winter Games. Here are the latest numbers (Deseret News)