On our weekly roundup with The Times-Independent, reporter Carter Pape discusses the latest from local Black Lives Matter protests, to COVID-19 news, and more. First, locals have been demonstrating against police brutality in front of the Moab Information Center every night this week. A candlelight vigil was also held at Swanny City Park in memory of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes. And then, a state commission recommends that Governor Gary Herbert move Utah to the ‘Green’ or ‘New Normal’ COVID-19 health risk phase as soon as possible. Plus, Grand County’s Class of 2020 celebrates a graduation unlike any other.

**UPDATE**

On June 5th, Governor Gary Herbert extended the current health risk guidance for the state. Salt Lake City, Bluff, and Mexican Hat remain in the Orange/Moderate Risk status, and the rest of the state remains Yellow/Low Risk. His decision departs from a state commission recommendation this week urging Utah to move to a modified ‘Green’ or ‘New Normal’ status as rapidly as possible. Herbert’s decree to formally extend the state’s existing health guidance will run through at least next Friday, June 12.

Read the press release here: https://governor.utah.gov/2020/06/05/governor-maintains-current-health-risk-guidance/

Show Notes:

National police brutality prompts small, peaceful protests in Moab

https://moabtimes.com/2020/06/04/national-police-brutality-prompts-small-peaceful-protests-in-moab/

Ignoring own standards and experts, Utah commission pushes reopening

https://moabtimes.com/2020/06/04/ignoring-own-standards-and-experts-utah-commission-pushes-reopening/

Class of ’20 graduates in style despite pandemic

https://moabtimes.com/2020/06/04/class-of-20-graduates-in-style-despite-pandemic/