If you’re holding this issue in your hands (or scrolling through it online), you’re looking at something special. To the best of my knowledge, this July 2025 edition is the largest we’ve ever produced. It includes the most articles, the most features, and the most pages we’ve ever packed into a single issue. And I couldn’t be more proud of what our team has accomplished this year.
We’ve been busy behind the scenes making major upgrades—everything from our print quality (now done by one of the best offset presses in the West) to our content production (up by 50% since January) to our distribution (with dozens of new racks and locations from Mesquite to Cedar City, Ivins to Kanab, and all points in between).
This month’s paper is a shining example of what that effort looks like. It features the largest Zion Guide section we’ve ever published—21 pages full of valuable info for locals and visitors alike. That includes a brand-new “Beyond Hiking” recreation and adventure guide, a new Drives and Day Trips section, our biggest-ever hiking section with a full-page Zion map and detailed shuttle info, featured hike, a local’s guide to hiking preparedness, and our popular and less-traveled hikes. This expanded Zion Guide section also includes more photos than ever before, an updated Zion Area Events guide, and a new version of the Kid’s Coloring Page, now featuring both animals and native plants.
We’re also excited to debut two new editorial features this month led by our new Editor, Elizabeth (EL) Gunter. First up is “The Dish,” our new foodie feature highlighting must-try eats around Southern Utah. And second, a spotlight on new murals and public art in St. George, showcasing the growing creative spirit of our region.
In addition, we’ve launched radio commercials again for the first time in years, expanded our social media reach (now including Threads), and introduced special new content like our Festival Guide and Independence Day Guide (featured in June edition and online). And we’re just getting started.
Whether you’re a long-time reader, a first-time visitor, or someone who stumbled across this paper in a coffee shop or market—thank you for picking up The Independent. We’re working hard to make it better every month, and we’re glad you’re along for the ride. Happy reading!
