Join the Deseret News and The Atlantic
The Deseret News is partnering with The Atlantic for the Utah event in The Atlantic Across America tour, a three-year, 50-state event series delving into important topics of our day.
The event will feature The Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins, who also is a host of the Deseret Voices podcast, interviewing:
- Utah Governor Spencer Cox about his efforts to improve online safety for kids, his policy agenda to grow Utah, and the future of American democracy.
- Ryan and Ashley Smith, co-founders of Smith Entertainment Group, to discuss the value of live sports in an AI-driven era, the evolving future of entertainment and their vision for revitalizing Salt Lake City.
- Evan Smith, The Atlantic managing director of events, will talk about the media industry.
These three interviews will be released on the Deseret Voices podcast after the live event.
The event is free, but seats are limited. Registration is required.
May 11, 2026
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building
Salt Lake City
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
(doors open at 1:15 p.m.)
Join the Waitlist
Meet The Speakers
About the Deseret News
The Deseret News operates at the forefront of journalism, technology and content creation, reaching millions worldwide with news, analysis, and insights rooted in faith, family, and the fundamental values that strengthen society. The Deseret News reaches millions worldwide through its award-winning website at Deseret.com, the Deseret News app, Deseret Magazine and weekly printed newspaper delivered nationally.
About The Atlantic Across America
The Atlantic will visit all 50 states in a series of events where we will surface and engage with the most urgent, complex, and distinctly American questions of the moment in the places where they are unfolding.
The Atlantic events will take its journalists to cities in every state to talk about the range of issues and ideas that the magazine covers, including the ideals of American democracy, the current administration, culture, technology, the environment, and more. Many events will be in partnership with local and nonprofit newsrooms that are doing exceptional work, and will consider local and national issues.
Get Tickets
The event is currently at capacity. Fill out the form below to be added to the waitlist.