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☀️ 52 – 89° Logan | ☀️ 67 – 92° Salt Lake | ☀️ 58 – 88° Manti

☀️ 69 – 97° Moab | ☀️ 56 – 89° Cedar City | ☀️ 72 – 101° St. George

Good morning!

The entire nation is in the grips of a housing crisis, and the lack of affordable homes is felt acutely in Utah. (Last year, Salt Lake City was ranked the nation’s second least affordable metro area for first-time homebuyers.)

What is the driving force behind the exponential increase in housing prices?

According to Jay Evensen, the No. 1 issue is that demand is outpacing supply. Fewer people are moving out of starter homes, tariffs have increased the costs of building materials and recent immigration policies have created labor shortages.

California politicians recently made a surprising move that could pave the way for new construction. Will the rest of the nation follow?

Read more about why house prices keep climbing — and what we can do about it.

Also on our minds:

‘Memoir of a Basketball Wife’ details resilience, family and basketball
Are we in a moment of constitutional crisis?
The Japanese American who loved the flag he almost wasn’t able to serve

Photo gallery: Provo’s annual Freedom Festival a July Fourth to remember

While fireworks and barbecues may be the first things that come to mind when you think of the Fourth of July, Utah has a number of unique ways to celebrate America’s birthday.

On Thursday night, the crowds at Millcreek Independence Eve enjoyed a drone show — something that has become increasingly popular in recent years as concerns have grown over air pollution and loud noises.

One of the West’s most treasured traditions is the Freedom Festival parade, which entertained large crowds Friday morning on its route through downtown Provo.

Activities began Friday and early Saturday with the hot air balloon festival, the grand parade, a fun run and other events throughout Utah County. The popular Stadium of Fire capped off the events Friday night with music, fireworks and a drone show.

See more of the best Independence Day celebrations in Utah.

Idaho youth cycling club has two riders in the Tour de France

Dennis Romboy writes:

It’s a long way from Boise, Idaho, to the biggest stage in professional cycling. Still, not one but two products of a long-running youth biking program in the city will be in the peloton when the Tour de France starts Saturday.

Matteo Jorgenson and Will Barta are among five Americans competing in the 2025 edition of the world’s most prestigious bike race.

“These are two young men who are obviously living the dream,” said Douglas Tobin, founder and president of the Boise Young Rider Development Squad, or BYRDS, the program where the two got their start.

And not to be outdone, Sepp Kuss and Quinn Simmons both hail from Durango, Colorado. The fifth, Neilson Powless, grew up in Roseville, California, and is the only tribally recognized Native American to compete in the Tour de France.

Read more about the Americans racing in the Tour de France today.

FROM UTAH BUSINESS

Utah Business 2025 Innovation Awards Summit

Recognizing the state’s vibrant community of innovators — from startups to established companies — and their breakthrough creations. Submit your nomination before July 9!

Perspective

Matthew Brogdon: An inheritance for all Americans (Deseret News)
David Harmer: The Japanese American who loved the flag he almost wasn’t able to serve (Deseret News)

Politics

Is Trump’s ‘peace through strength’ approach working? (Deseret News)
Are we in a moment of constitutional crisis? (Deseret News)

The U.S. & World

Officials report multiple deaths from catastrophic flooding in Central Texas (CNN)
Dozens of Palestinians in Gaza killed by airstrikes or shootings while waiting for aid (The Associated Press)
Israel's strike on bustling Gaza cafe killed a Hamas operative - but dozens more people were killed (BBC)
Trump, Zelenskiy discuss weapons and escalating Russian strikes (Reuters)

Sports

The story behind the story: Lesa Burgess’ memoir a testament to resilience, love, family and basketball (Deseret News)
Friday brings fireworks and fun — with a look ahead to football (Deseret News)
Ace Bailey already feeling 'the love' from Jazz fans ahead of summer league debut (KSL.com)
Jusuf Nurkic brings veteran leadership to Jazz (ABC4)

Faith

17 times Church leaders emphasized the importance of religious freedom (Church News)
Pope Leo XIV approves new Mass centered on care for the environment (Religion News Service)

Entertainment

Trio of children’s movies to make it through the summer swoon (Deseret News)
How the hot dog became America’s favorite sausage (Deseret News)
Photo gallery: Monster Jam media day (Deseret News)

🗓️ Events Calendar

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

Here are some highlights for events in Utah today:

July 1-5 — North Ogden Cherry Days | North Ogden
July 4-5 — Scofield Pleasant Valley Days | Scofield, Carbon County
July 5 — Downtown Farmers Market | Pioneer Park, Salt Lake City
July 5 — Real Salt Lake vs. St. Louis | 7:30 p.m.
July 5 — Utah Jazz vs. 76ers | 7 p.m.
July 5 — Salt Lake Bees vs. Tacoma | 7:05 p.m.

Check your inbox tomorrow morning for more news from the Beehive State and beyond!

And reply to this email or email newsletters@deseretnews.com to tell us what you think of Utah Today.

Thanks for reading!

— Ariel