1 big thing: Small business owners head to D.C.

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2. 🎫 Free transit passes for students

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3. Fry Sauce: A side of news

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4. 🥵 Cool off at local libraries

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Now hiring: New job openings

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Axios Salt Lake City

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Elizabeth Smart and tech company launch app to locate missing children and adults

1 big thing: The app you hope you never need

Elizabeth Smart smiling during an interview.

Wake up to a brighter future

LDS Church backs federal same-sex marriage protections bill

2. 💍LDS Church backs same-sex marriage protections 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in Salt Lake City during the nighttime.

3. Fry Sauce: Bite-sized news

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Here's what's at stake when the Utes face the Oregon Ducks

4. 🏈 Utes vs. Ducks: What's at stake

☀️ Today's weather: Mostly sunny, with a high of 39°.

Today's newsletter is 812 words — a 3-minute read. 

🤔 Kim is wondering what to prepare for her annual Friendsgiving get-together.

😌 Erin will be back soon, and Kim hopes she got some good R&R. 

This newsletter was edited by Ross Terrell and copyedited by Natasha Smith. 

Want free Axios swag? Refer your friends to Axios Salt Lake City and get cool merch like stickers, totes, hats, T-shirts and more!

1 big thing: Utah's congressmen move to protect same-sex marriage​​

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Real Salt Lake in prime position for a playoff push

2. ⚽️ Real Salt Lake in prime position

Real Salt Lake players warm up before their MLS soccer match against New York City FC at the Yankee Stadium Sunday, April 17, 2022, in New York.

3. Fry Sauce: A dollop of news

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4. 🌭 Tweet du jour: Romney celebrates hot dogs

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Fresh job openings around town

Hello again. It's Thursday. Can you hear it? That's the weekend approaching. 

Today's weather: Mostly sunny, with a high of 101° and a low of 76°. 

Situational awareness: The Utah Arts Festival is looking for applicants to join its board of directors. Interested in joining? Apply here. 

Today's newsletter is 695 words — a 3-minute read.

🥧 Kim would like to hear your favorite pie and beer combinations. 

Lawmakers and researchers talk Great Salt Lake solutions

1 big thing: Saving the Great Salt Lake 

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2. 🔥 U.S. Forest Service sued

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3. Fry Sauce: A swirl of headlines

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4. Utahns take Netflix binging to another level

4. 📺 Utahns love Netflix binging

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Seeking employment? 

5. Your weekend mixtape

5. 📆 Your weekend mixtape

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😎 Today's weather: Sunny, with a high of 77°.

Today's newsletter is 775 words — a 3-minute read.

😋 Kim is still full after dinner at Monarca last night. 

This newsletter was edited by Ross Terrell.

Longtime business moving after Civil War store reopens

1 big thing: The Wildman's question

2. The road ahead with — or without — Wildman's

"Atlanta" returns home for one more season

3. "Atlanta" returns home for one more season

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5. Five-ish Points: Fish that blocked traffic

4. Five-ish Points: Fish that blocked traffic

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A new career is waiting for you

Happy Thursday. A special shout-out this morning to Hapeville! Hello there.

Today's weather: Another beautiful day. Sunny with a high of 84.

Situational awareness: Mayor Andre Dickens wants the community to help him pick the next chief of the Atlanta Police Department. 

Today's newsletter is 969 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

💡 Thomas thinks Atlanta and Georgia politics are perfect fodder for a clever TV show. Call my agent.

🎨 Emma thinks everyone should go admire her friend Gabi's beautiful new street mural at N. Highland Avenue & Sampson Street!

 😊 Kristal is enjoying the cooler mornings.

This newsletter was edited by Jen Ashley and copy edited by Lisa Hornung.

Atlanta

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Atlanta. Written by Kristal Dixon and Thomas Wheatley.

Axios Atlanta

FetchError

The NFL season is nearing the halfway mark, and the Falcons find themselves in familiar territory: a .500 record with four wins and four losses.

State of play: If that sounds like a common mark for Atlanta to be at eight games into the season, it's because it is. They've been 4-4 five times since 2017.

By the numbers: The Falcons started the season 2-0 before dropping four of their next six games.

Last year and the season before they started 0-2 before winning four of their next six.

Zoom in: After years of watching Matt Ryan and Julio Jones carve up defenses, it's been an odd switch to see a Falcons offense struggle. But they have a hard time doing their main job, which is to score.

Atlanta has hit the 25 point mark just once in eight games. They are 28th out of 32 teams in average points per game with a measly 17.3.

Between the lines: That's not a good look for a team who has spent their past three first round draft picks on the offensive side of the ball — tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London and rookie running back Bijan Robinson.

Yes, but: Quarterback Desmond Ridder has struggled with protecting the ball. He has six interceptions and seven fumbles on the year. The Falcons are now turning to back up quarterback Taylor Heinicke to lead the team.

Details: Remember all those years fans just wanted the defense to be league average? Well, after hemorrhaging yards and points for so long, they finally are. They're even a tick above average.

The intrigue: Atlanta's defense is 14th in the league in scoring, giving up 20.1 points per game, and sixth in yards per game.

Yes, but: They still struggle to get sacks. The Falcons have just 15 on the year tied for the second lowest total in the NFL. And this week the team lost one of their best defensive players, Grady Jarrett, to a torn ACL.

Reason for second half hope: An easy schedule. Of their remaining nine games, only one team, the New York Jets, currently has a winning record.

The Falcons take on the Vikings this Sunday in Atlanta. Kickoff is at 1pm on Fox.

Atlanta Falcons midseason report card: C+

The Falcons find themselves in familiar territory: a .500 record with four wins and four losses.

Taylor Heinicke in the huddle during the game against the Tennessee Titans. Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

National Football League (NFL)

The NFL season is nearing the halfway mark, and the Falcons find themselves in familiar territory: a .500 record with four wins and four losses.State of play: If that sounds like a common mark for Atlanta to be at eight games into the season, it&#x27;s because it is. They&#x27;ve been 4-4 five times since 2017.

Sports

The Braves are done, the Falcons are in first place in their division and now the Atlanta Hawks are back.

Driving the news: Just like their football counterpart, Atlanta opens its season against Charlotte. Tip-off against the Hornets is at 7pm on Wednesday night in North Carolina.

Their home opener at State Farm Arena is Friday at 7:30pm against the New York Knicks. 

State of play: The Hawks enter Wednesday's game after a full off-season under head coach Quin Snyder. Snyder was a late season addition last year and coached the team to a 10-11 record in their final 21 games.

Atlanta went on to win their play-in game against Miami before being bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.

Between the lines: This year will determine whether they can win — and compete for a championship — with Trae Young as their star player.

Young has clashed with his former two coaches but said earlier this summer he hopes "Quin is the guy that we win three or four championships with."

Roster moves: Atlanta signed guard Patty Mills and forward Wesley Matthews — two veterans who could play larger roles in the locker room than on the court. Rookies Kobe Bufkin and Mouhamed Gueye likely won't see much playing time early in the season but could become key contributors.

The team also traded forward John Collins to the Utah Jazz, effectively saying goodbye to the heart and soul of their team.

Follow the money: The Hawks agreed to extensions with backup center Onyeka Okongwu (four years, $62 million) and with starting guard Dejounte Murray (four years, $120 million).

What we're watching: Will this team finally get out of mediocrity hell? Atlanta had a nearly 40 game stretch last season where they were either at or within one game of a .500 record before finishing the season with 41 wins and losses.

💭 Our thought bubble: ESPN predicts the Hawks will finish (wait for it) 41-41. While other teams in the East leveled up big time, don't expect Atlanta to compete for a championship.

Plus: Another .500 record and first round exit would be a disappointment and could lead to much larger roster changes.

Hawks look to escape mediocrity in first full season under coach Quin Snyder

Atlanta opens the season Wednesday night against Charlotte.

A man in a black basketball uniform that says Hawks stares ahead

Bogdan Bogdanović stares down the Hornets' Lamelo Ball during a game in Charlotte. Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images

National Basketball Association (NBA)

The Braves are done, the Falcons are in first place in their division and now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Atlanta Hawks are back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/08/17/five-must-see-games-atlanta-hawks-season" data-vars-content-id="2d3c6a2e-8cb2-45a4-b969-0c5daad456c0" data-vars-headline="Hawks look to escape mediocrity in first full season under coach Quin Snyder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/08/17/five-must-see-games-atlanta-hawks-season" target="_self">the Atlanta Hawks are back</a>.Driving the news: Just like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their football counterpart" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/09/08/atlanta-falcons-charlotte-carolina-panthers-rivalry" data-vars-content-id="2d3c6a2e-8cb2-45a4-b969-0c5daad456c0" data-vars-headline="Hawks look to escape mediocrity in first full season under coach Quin Snyder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/09/08/atlanta-falcons-charlotte-carolina-panthers-rivalry" target="_self">their football counterpart</a>, Atlanta opens its season against Charlotte. Tip-off against the Hornets is at 7pm on Wednesday night in North Carolina.

News

The Atlanta Braves chase for a second World Series title in three years starts Saturday in the National League Division Series, where they'll play the longtime rival, and sometimes nemesis, Phillies.

Why it matters: The Braves finished the regular season with the best record in the majors — and one of their best all time. Anything short of a championship will be a disappointment.

Plus, they have a chance to exact a little revenge.

Catch up quick: The Phillies upset the Braves in last year's NLDS en route to a World Series appearance. Atlanta's spent the past year trying to forget watching Bryce Harper and company circle the bases in that series.

Yes, but: The Braves went 8-5 against the Phillies this year, clinching and celebrating the division crown in Philadelphia. 

What we're watching: Pitching health and Atlanta's bats. The Braves placed two key arms on the injured list near the season's end but hope to have Max Fried and Charlie Morton back during the playoff run. 

Atlanta's offense had a historic regular season, setting an MLB record with four players hitting at least 35 home runs in a single year. If they can keep up that pace (or close to it), they could put together a dominating postseason run.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Photo: Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images

Who we're watching: Ronald Acuña Jr., who accounted for 41 homers and 71 stolen bases in the regular season. That's the first time in MLB history a player has had 40 or more home runs and 70 or more stolen bases in a single year. 

The Braves will likely enter each game with the best player in the series donning an Atlanta jersey. 

⚾️ State of play: The first pitch for Game 1 in the best of five NLDS is at Truist Park at 6:07pm on Saturday. 

Game 2 is in Atlanta on Monday (6:07pm) before the best-of-five series shifts to Philly for Game 3.

🎉 Watch parties: The Braves are hosting watch parties for the team's away games on Wednesday and Thursday (if necessary) in the Plaza Green at The Battery Atlanta.

The watch parties begin 30 minutes before the first pitch.

Parking for the watch parties is free in the Red, Green, Silver, Yellow, and Purple Decks for three hours.

Braves begin World Series title quest against rival Phillies

The Braves are chasing a second World Series title in three years.

Well, well, if it isn&#x27;t Philadelphia. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta Braves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/09/14/braves-phillies-division-championship-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="2d499ebb-5ce0-4338-a740-7fe241987ab0" data-vars-headline="Braves begin World Series title quest against rival Phillies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/09/14/braves-phillies-division-championship-atlanta" target="_self">Atlanta Braves</a> chase for a second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Series title" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/02/15/atlanta-braves-world-series-trophy-tour" data-vars-content-id="2d499ebb-5ce0-4338-a740-7fe241987ab0" data-vars-headline="Braves begin World Series title quest against rival Phillies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/02/15/atlanta-braves-world-series-trophy-tour" target="_self">World Series title</a> in three years starts Saturday in the National League Division Series, where they&#x27;ll play the longtime rival, and sometimes nemesis, Phillies.Why it matters: The Braves finished the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regular season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/atlanta-braves-second-half-season-chicago" data-vars-content-id="2d499ebb-5ce0-4338-a740-7fe241987ab0" data-vars-headline="Braves begin World Series title quest against rival Phillies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/atlanta-braves-second-half-season-chicago" target="_self">regular season</a> with the best record in the majors — and one of their best all time. Anything short of a championship will be a disappointment.<ul><li>Plus, they have a chance to exact a little revenge.</li></ul>

NW Arkansas

Revenge is a dish best served on the gridiron. At least that's what Brigham Young University is going for Saturday evening.

Driving the news: The Cougars head to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium looking to avenge a 52-35 loss to Arkansas last season.

Catch up quick: BYU led 21-14 midway through the second quarter during at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. Then Arkansas' offense caught fire, scoring 17 unanswered points and setting up the victory.

Yes, but: This game should play out quite differently. BYU's offense is tied for 110th among FBS teams for total yards per game, while Arkansas ranks 97th.

Defensively, Arkansas has given up just one touchdown this season, but against outmanned teams.

Why BYU wins: Forget pig noises and hog calls —  at last check, this was a football game, not a rodeo. And quarterback Kedon Slovis is hot, accounting for five touchdowns last week in a 41-16 win over Southern Utah.

Plus, we train at elevation. That thick, southern air should be a boost for a team that plays its home games more than 4,500 feet above sea level.

And who needs barbecue sauce when you have fry sauce. Keep the pork — we'll feast on our funeral potatoes while watching Arkansas' fans go from raucous to silent following a BYU win.

BYU is ready to exact revenge on the Razorbacks

Revenge is a dish best served on the gridiron. At least that's what BYU is going for Saturday evening.

Photo: Boyd Ivey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Revenge is a dish best served on the gridiron. At least that&#x27;s what Brigham Young University is going for Saturday evening.Driving the news: The Cougars head to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium looking to avenge a 52-35 loss to Arkansas last season.

Things to Do

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Northwest Arkansas, written by local reporters.

Axios Northwest Arkansas

The Utah Jazz are back in action Wednesday at 7pm against the Sacramento Kings. They'll take the court at the Delta Center and much like the late 1990s when the arena donned the same name, they'll be looking for an eventual return to glory. 

Catch up quick: Not many knew what to expect of the Utah Jazz entering last year. Most fans and pundits thought it would be a season to tank after trading their two star players and landing a new coach. 

They surprised a lot of people with a hot start, winning 10 of their first 13 games. 

Yes, but: Utah came back down to Earth and missed the playoffs finishing 37-45 in a stacked Western Conference.

Roster moves: The Jazz's biggest offseason addition came in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire forward John Collins. It will be interesting to see how Collins slots in next to All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen and young center Walker Kessler.

What we're watching: Probably more of the same. Going .500 and sniffing the play-in tournament would be a success for this team. Head coach Will Hardy enters year two with some serious young talent to build around. 

The bottom line: The Western Conference looks like a juggernaut once again and the Jazz are still in rebuild mode. Short of landing a superstar, the team will continue to emphasize growth and learning for its young roster.

ESPN predicts Utah will go 37-45 while Caesars sets their win total a bit lower at 35.5 games. Their odds of winning a title are +30,000.

Jazz look for a return to the playoffs in second year under coach Will Hardy

Going .500 and sniffing the play-in tournament would be a success for this team.

Two basketball players high five each other

Lauri Markkanen high fives John Collins. Photo: Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images

The Utah Jazz are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back in action" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/06/21/utah-jazz-television-streaming-service" data-vars-content-id="d5b332af-1895-4fb8-b03d-1a387215b200" data-vars-headline="Jazz look for a return to the playoffs in second year under coach Will Hardy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/06/21/utah-jazz-television-streaming-service" target="_self">back in action</a> Wednesday at 7pm against the Sacramento Kings. They&#x27;ll take the court at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Delta Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/01/17/utah-jazz-delta-center-airline-naming-rights" data-vars-content-id="d5b332af-1895-4fb8-b03d-1a387215b200" data-vars-headline="Jazz look for a return to the playoffs in second year under coach Will Hardy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/01/17/utah-jazz-delta-center-airline-naming-rights" target="_self">Delta Center</a> and much like the late 1990s when the arena donned the same name, they&#x27;ll be looking for an eventual return to glory. Catch up quick: Not many knew what to expect of the Utah Jazz entering last year. Most fans and pundits thought it would be a season to tank after trading their two star players and landing a new coach.

Ross Terrell

Stories

Atlanta Falcons midseason report card: C+

Jazz look for a return to the playoffs in second year under coach Will Hardy

Hawks look to escape mediocrity in first full season under coach Quin Snyder

Braves begin World Series title quest against rival Phillies

BYU is ready to exact revenge on the Razorbacks

Newsletter editions

🏈 The Utes' last chance

💧 Great Salt Lake's future

👀 The Wildman's question

💒 Protecting same-sex marriage

🥵 Summer cooldown