Everyone Plays

Two in three Americans — over 205 million people — play video games, and more than half are 35+. Everyone plays. Learn more and game on.

Utah Headlines

Political news

• Why were there ‘peacekeepers’ at the ‘No Kings’ Salt Lake City protest — and other protests across the country? (Deseret News)
• 'Safety volunteer' who fired shots during protest is a military veteran, organizers say (KSL)
• Woman standing just ahead of protest victim before fatal gunshot speaks out (KUTV)
• With Trump focused on immigration, Ukrainian immigrants in Utah also face an uncertain future (KSL)
• Utahns weigh in on Trump’s job as president so far (Deseret News)
• The battle over Utah’s collective bargaining ban: How Utahns say they would vote (Deseret News)

Municipal news

• ‘Getting the basics right’: WalletHub ranks Provo as the best-run city in America (Deseret News)
• Rural Utah mayor advocates for clean energy tax credits (UPR)

Utah

• Why diversity still matters (Deseret News)
• Sheriff's office probe sheds light on U. student's Colorado detention by immigration officials (KSL)
• Parents of Pleasant Grove boy say they forgive the driver who hit him (KSL TV)
• Utah drivers dodge dangerous debris as UHP pleads for better load security (Fox13)

Biz/Tech

• Tariff uncertainty looms large as Outdoor Retailer returns to Utah (KSL)

Crime/Courts

• 18-year-old dead in suspected accidental shooting in Riverton (KSL)
• Las Vegas man caught in Utah sentenced to jail, probation for trafficking teen girl (KSL)

Culture/Community

• Utahns spend the least money on tips in the country: Study (ABC4)
• Pre-Juneteenth event honors Black trailblazers, raises money for scholarships (Fox13)
• 'Devastated' family of infant killed at WestFest needs help to 'bring our baby home' (Fox13)
• What can you do to feel safer in big crowds? An exit plan is key (Fox13)

Education

• UVU hosts realistic bomb simulation with first responders, helicopter (KUTV)
• Utah schools say student behavioral problems are taxing staff and resources (KUER)

Environment

• Rocky Mountain Power issues advisory as 100-degree heat returns to Wasatch Front (KSL)
• Protect hydropower or threatened fish? Utah Republicans take sides in battle over Glen Canyon Dam. (Salt Lake Tribune)
• Southern Utah officials requiring permits for canyon trips following several search and rescue missions (Fox13)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks feedback on Endangered Species Act (UPR)

Family

• A silent number of American men are struggling (Deseret News)
• What big families know that the rest of us have forgotten (Deseret News)
• Audit criticizes Utah's child support payment agency for outdated technology (Fox13)

Health

• Kraft Heinz products getting no-dye makeover (Deseret News)
• Don’t let bedtime procrastination disturb your mental health (KSL Newsradio)
• Utah knows the physical risks of heat. But what about the mental health risks? (KUER)
• Red Cross of Utah issues reminders for keeping safe in summertime (Standard-Examiner)

National Headlines

General

• Oklahoma strives to become American hub for critical minerals processing (Reuters)

Political news - Trump

• Washington waits on Trump’s decision in Middle East conflict (Deseret News)
• Exclusive: Trump administration disbands group focused on pressuring Russia, sources say (Reuters)
• A split forms in MAGA world as Trump weighs next steps on Iran, with some top stars rebuking him (AP)
• NAACP won't invite Trump to its national convention, breaking a 116-year tradition (NPR)

Other political news

• Senators press for increased security after Minnesota shootings (Deseret News)
• Republicans balk at changes to Trump tax bill as deadline nears (Deseret News)
• US judge blocks Trump passport policy targeting transgender people (Reuters)
• US Senate seeks to add expanded compensation for nuclear radiation victims to tax bill (AP)

Immigration/deportation

• Trump struggles to press deportations without damaging the economy (Wall Street Journal)

Ukraine/Russia

• Death toll rises after Russia's deadliest attack on Kyiv for months (BBC)

Middle East

• Intense Israeli strikes hit Tehran after Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’ (AP)

World news

• The world’s most-visited museum shuts down with staff sounding the alarm on mass tourism (AP)

Number of the Day 

News Releases

Curtis pushes for accountability from World Anti-Doping Agency ahead of 2034 Games

During a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing examining the effectiveness of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in ensuring international competitions remain free from doping and performance-enhancing drugs, U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) highlighted Utah’s success hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to upholding that legacy as it prepares for the 2034 Games in Salt Lake City. Curtis pressed top anti-doping officials and former Olympic athletes on how WADA’s inconsistent enforcement has led to unfair competition for American athletes and asked what specific reforms are needed to ensure fairness and integrity ahead of both the 2028 Los Angeles Games and the 2034 Salt Lake City Games. (Read More)

USBE seeks public comment on ESSA state plan revisions

In alignment with the approval of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), the Utah State Board of Education is seeking public comment on the revision of the Utah State Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) State plan. The proposed revisions update language to more accurately reflect our current and recommended practice (in alignment with state and Board direction). USBE is seeking public comment no later than Monday, July 14 at 11:59 p.m on the draft language ahead of the August 2025 Board Meeting where the Board will consider this revised plan for approval and submission to the U.S. Department of Education. (Read More)

Families negatively impacted by Office of Recovery Services ineffective database

The Office of the Utah State Auditor (the Office) today released a limited review examining the information systems and data management processes of the Office of Recovery Services (ORS), a division within the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. The review, prompted by criticisms from custodial parents that ORS does not make sufficient efforts to accurately report and collect child support, was heard by the legislative committee in November 2024. The audit, conducted under the authority of Utah Code §67-3-1(4)(a), identified systemic issues, specifically concerning data integrity and the architecture of the ORS Information System (ORSIS). These issues impact ORS’ ability to effectively serve the families and children who depend on the support it administers. (Read More)

Tweet of the Day

Upcoming

• June 17-19 â€” Interim Days
• Aug 7 â€”  Titan of Public Service gala with Sen. Tom Cotton hosted by the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation at the Grand America Hotel. More Information Here
• Aug 12 â€” Municipal primary
• Aug 19-21 â€” Interim Days
• Nov 4 â€” General election

On This Day In History

• 1812 - War of 1812 begins
• 1873 - Judge Hunt orders a jury of twelve men to find Susan B. Anthony guilty. Anthony was charged with illegally voting in a New York election in April of that year. When Anthony’s counsel requested the jury polled, the request was denied. Anthony was fined $100 plus court costs. In a separate hearing, the poll workers who accepted her vote were fined $25 plus court fees.
• 1928 - Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to cross the Atlantic successfully by air.
• 1929 - Ann Mara is born. She became the first lady of football, co-owning the New York Giants from 1959 until her death in 2015. She was also mom to 11 kids.
• 1963 - Three thousand Black students boycott Boston public schools as a protest against de facto segregation.
• 1983 - Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space
• 1985 - Karl Malone is chosen in draft by the Utah Jazz

Quote of the Day

"Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn't be done."

– Amelia Earhart

On the Punny Side

You know what the biggest problem with AI is? Wrong direction.

I want Al to do laundry and dishes so that I can do art and writing, not for AI to do art and writing so that I have to do the laundry and dishes.

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