Good morning, Provo.

BYU President Shane Reese continues a daily tradition of waving to Mapleton motorists after accepting a challenge from his stake president, and he says the simple act brings moments of connection & community spirit despite few drivers waving back.

On Tuesday, first responders joined a procession to escort Captain Spencer Long and his family—killed in Wayne County flash floods—from Taylorsville to Spanish Fork, with officials noting the march did not cause delays.

A study by BYU professors Mark Johnson and Jason Kotter shows that since sports betting became legal, many households have cut their investments by 20% and heavy bettors reduced deposits by over half, changing how money is saved locally.

Researchers warn that betting is replacing steady savings in Provo.

A study from Brigham Young University and partners found that legal online sports betting is linked to lower savings with households reducing quarterly deposits by $81 on average and even more for frequent bettors.

The findings raise concerns that betting is limiting long-term investment for vulnerable families.

State leaders announced $50 million in grants on Tuesday to boost local food supply by helping rural producers expand processing and distribute meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Immediate funding of $11 million is available to lower costs and bring more local produce to tables.

Provo will enforce a citywide ban on fireworks for Pioneer Day from July 22-25 due to high fire risk amid dry, hot conditions, even after the statewide ban was lifted.

Fire Chief Jeremy Headman said (dry vegetation makes ignition risky) and several neighboring cities are also maintaining restrictions.

A new Ziffy.ai analysis finds that in five Utah metros, including Provo, median buyers need rates near 2.3 to 2.7 percent to afford homes, while St. George buyers face a gap even at zero interest — the study shows a deep affordability challenge despite local incomes.

Hockey teams are holding stick time today to honor 13-year-old Thayne and 12-year-old Gage, who lost their lives in a flash flood near a campground Friday as teammates work to return to the ice without their friends.