Plus, the next generation of high-tech warfare is being built in Utah.
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By Sarah Gambles Wednesday June 18, 2025

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🌅 Good morning! 

 

Provo got some major recognition recently as it was named the best-run city in America. 

 

Provo’s mayor, Michelle Kaufusi, said she found out about the WalletHub ranking early Tuesday morning and was in her kitchen “jumping up and down” as she read the article, Caitlin Keith reported.

 

“This recognition from WalletHub is truly an honor, but it’s really just a testament, like I stated, to our incredible city team and the residents who make Provo such a special place to live,” she said.

 
The report listed 20 of the best-run cities in America, with Provo ranking in at No. 1. 

 

Read more about Provo’s ranking. 

Utahns weigh in on Trump’s job as president so far

 

Utahns are divided on Trump’s job performance so far, with a slight majority (56%) saying they approve of Trump’s job as president.

 

A total of 42% of Utahns disapprove of Trump’s job as president so far, according to a recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll conducted by Harris X. 

 

Here are some more results from the poll: 

  • Nearly 80% of Utah Republicans approve of the job he’s doing, with 47% of Utah Republicans who “strongly approve” of Trump’s job performance. 
  • 84% of Utah Democrats disapprove of Trump’s job performance while in office. 
  • 61% of Utahs approve of the job Trump is doing on immigration.

Read more about the poll results. 

 

Other recent polls from Deseret News:

 

Utah’s collective bargaining ban

 

Respondents to the poll were asked: “The referendum to repeal the law that bans public employee unions in Utah from collective bargaining recently qualified for the 2026 ballot. If the election were held today, would you vote in favor or against the referendum?”

 

Out of 805 registered voters, 36% said they would vote in favor of the referendum, 32% said they’d vote against and 31% said they don’t know.

 

‘Utah Fits All’ school voucher program

 

Poll suggests almost two-thirds of Utah voters support the Utah Fits All school voucher program — a contentious program that would provide eligible K-12 students up to $8,000 for private school tuition and other costs. 

 

Meanwhile, 31% voiced opposition — while 8% responded, “don’t know."

 

Gov. Cox approval ratings

 

Among registered voters, 56% of Utahns surveyed said they approve of Gov. Spencer Cox’s performance in office. 

1-Newsletter (1)-Jun-18-2025-03-20-54-7730-AM

The next generation of high-tech warfare is being built in Utah 

One company in Lindon is working to ensure that the United States will be prepared to stop an attack before it hits U.S. soil.

 

Drones are continually being viewed as the future technology of warfare, as the unmanned crafts have been used to level the playing field and surprise enemies recently in both the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Iran conflict, Emma Pitts reported. 

 

“The threat of dangerous drones is very real,” said Adam Robertson, chief technology officer at Fortem Technologies.

 

“Just this month, the world witnessed Ukraine using clever planning and small bomb-laden drones to infiltrate deep into Russia and destroy billions of dollars of aircraft, including long range strategic bombers,” he said. “Similarly, Israel infiltrated into Iran and used small bomb-laden drones to completely disable Iranian air defenses, giving Israel unfettered air dominance over Iran.”

 

Read more about drone technology in Utah. 
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Round out your day (v5)

Utah

  • A new trail honors the Utah man whose vision protected Farmington Bay (KSL.com)

  • ‘Safety volunteer’ who fired shots during protest is a military veteran, organizers say (KSL.com)

  • ‘Flush Fest’ to celebrate opening of Water Reclamation Facility in Provo (Utah Policy)

  • Utah knows the physical risks of heat. But what about the mental health risks? (KUER 90.1)

  • A little tourism goes a long way (Utah Business)

  • Tributes honor fashion designer killed in Utah protest (Axios)

  • This fossil is valued at millions of dollars and brings some dinosaur experts dread (🔒 The New York Times)

  • Southern Utah wildfire burning west of Bryce Canyon grows to 4,704 acres (St George News)

  • Rocky Mountain Power asks Utahns to curb electricity use during summer heat (Cache Valley Daily)

  • What happened to your favorite spots? How Utah has changed (KSL.com)

Health

  • Kraft Heinz products getting no-dye makeover (Deseret News)

  • 7 home remedies for managing high blood pressure (Healthline)

Faith

  • Temple news: Winchester Virginia groundbreaking, Antofagasta Chile dedication (Deseret News)

  • What this actor from ‘The Chosen’ says about the show’s success — and future seasons (Deseret News)

  • How survivors of tragedy turned music into a ‘vessel’ of faith and healing at Carnegie Hall (Church News)

Politics

  • Deseret News Editorial Board: Opinion: Utah’s tragic weekend made worse by Sen. Lee’s tweets (Deseret News)

  • In latest family venture, Trump Organization launches smartphone (Deseret News)

  • Sen. Mike Lee deletes tweets about Minnesota shooting after conversation with senator (Deseret News)

  • Senators press for increased security after Minnesota shootings (Deseret News)

  • Trump administration continues to eye Greenland over security concerns (Deseret News)

The Nation and the World

  • Washington waits on Trump’s decision in Middle East conflict (Deseret News)

  • Minnesota shootings latest: Witness recalls moment she spotted suspect (ABC News)

  • The Fed is set to make its next rate decision on Wednesday. Here's what to expect (CBS News)

Sports

  • Catching up with Jordan Clarkson — and why giving back matters so much (Deseret News)

  • Utah State athletics is raising ticket prices (Deseret News)

  • Kalani Sitake, Brian Santiago weigh in on late kickoff times (Deseret News)

  • Deseret News announces Ms. Lacrosse winner and All-State teams (Deseret News)

  • 175 years of Deseret News: Sports have played a huge role in raising Utah’s national profile (Deseret News)

🗓️ Events Calendar

We put together a calendar list of events and activities going on around the state of Utah during this month. Check it out and let us know if we are missing anything!

 

Here are some highlights for events in Utah today: 

  • Strawberry Days | Pleasant Grove
  • Utah Shakespeare Festival | Cedar City
  • Orem’s Farmers Market and Food Fest Wednesdays | City Center Park, Orem
  • Park City Farmers Market | Park City Resort, Park City
  • Barenaked Ladies, with Guster and Fastball | Red Butte Garden
  • Judy Collins | Egyptian Theatre
  • “Disney’s Newsies” | SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, Orem
  • “An American in Paris” | The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater, Pleasant Grove
  • Salt Lake Bees vs. Sacramento | 7:05 p.m.

Please reach out to me at sgambles@deseretnews.com if you have any thoughts, feedback or ideas you would like to share!

 

✨ Cheers ✨

— Gambles

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