In the latest twist to an ever-evolving narrative related to the Utah monolith, Moab slackliners appear to be behind its removal. Andy Lewis and Sylvan Christensen claim they were part of a group who removed the 10-foot metal sculpture on Friday night. In a statement, they attribute their actions to concern over the remote desert ecosystem, which experienced heavy visitation in recent days. Plus, the Grand County Commission awarded over $500,000 in CARES Act funding last night to local organizations including the school district and health care services. And later, new scientific research from a Great Basin cave tells how one hot, dry spell dragged on for thousands of years.

Show Notes:

Photo: The remains of the Utah monolith. Courtesy Crystal Bunch.

Statement on the Utah Monolith Removal

https://www.kzmu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Statement-on-Utah-Monolith-Removal.pdf

MrSlackline YouTube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6c2EhNtSj4

Inside Climate News: If Aridification Choked the Southwest for Thousands of Years, What Does the Future Hold?

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25112020/paleoclimate-data-Colorado-River-Basin-caves-droughts