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Axios Salt Lake City Thought Bubble

Axios Salt Lake City

Judge temporarily blocks Wyoming abortion ban

Health

California bomb cyclone leaves at least 5 dead

Science

House GOP widens Manhattan DA probe with outreach to ex-prosecutors

Politics & Policy

Air chief reports spike in Russian jets flying over U.S. base in Syria

World

Finish Line: The link between posture and confidence

Utah set to limit minors from using social media without parent's OK

Utah's social media restrictions extend beyond children and teens.

News

Salt Lake City's newest food hall opens, slinging tacos, barbecue and more

The Local Market + Bar is home to seven eateries and a single bar.

Food and Drink

15 free indoor family fun ideas for winter in Salt Lake City

From monthly art workshops to things that go vroom, here are ways to keep the kids busy and warm.

Things to Do

4 best Taco Tuesday deals in Salt Lake City

From Roctaco to Monarca, here's where to score a deal on Taco Tuesday.

The good, the bad and the funny from the NBA All-Star weekend

Charles Barkley called Salt Lake City "boring." We disagree.

Sports

Charles Barkley took over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="J Dawgs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jdawgs.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jdawgs.com/" target="_blank">J Dawgs</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shaquille O&#x27;Neal DJ&#x27;d" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/dudemanpa/status/1627375261632311296" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/dudemanpa/status/1627375261632311296" target="_blank">Shaquille O&#x27;Neal DJ&#x27;d</a> at the Union Event Center. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Janelle Monáe dribbled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/janelle-monae-nba-all-star-celebrity-game-1234682698/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/janelle-monae-nba-all-star-celebrity-game-1234682698/" target="_blank">Janelle Monáe dribbled</a> at the Huntsman Center.It&#x27;s been a wild weekend, and the 2023 NBA All-Star Game is in the books. We&#x27;re reflecting on the highs and lows as Salt Lake City returns to standard programming.

Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz spreads his arms during a game.

Salt Lake City's All-Star Weekend agenda

From celebrities on the court to free concerts, there's lots to do this weekend in SLC.

Here&#x27;s the schedule of events connected to the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City.

Illustration of a basketball hoop full of basketballs

Salt Lake City tips well despite Utah's stingy reputation

Residents paid an average of 19.6% in gratuity, higher than the national rate.

Despite Utah&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reputation" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=58310445&amp;itype=cmsid" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=58310445&amp;itype=cmsid" target="_blank">reputation</a> for poor tipping, customers in the Salt Lake City metro are among the best tippers in the nation, per a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant trends report by Toast" data-vars-click-url="https://pos.toasttab.com/news/q4-2022-restaurant-trends-report-valentines-super-bowl-tipping-data" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pos.toasttab.com/news/q4-2022-restaurant-trends-report-valentines-super-bowl-tipping-data" target="_blank">restaurant trends report by Toast</a>.By the numbers: Salt Lake City residents paid an average of 19.6% in gratuity, per Toast — higher than the national rate of 19%. Researchers used data collected from full-service restaurants throughout the fourth quarter of 2022.

Utah wants residents to eat invasive bullfrogs

State wildlife officials are promoting a French favorite for dinner.

The Utah Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to eat bullfrogs.Reality check: No, really.

Salt Lake City sets the scene for "The Last of Us" season ender

While the episode takes place in Utah, most of the series was filmed in Canada.

🚨Warning: The following content contains spoilers for &quot;The Last of Us.&quot;As anticipated, Sunday night&#x27;s season <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0EN4S4nNnw&amp;themeRefresh=1" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0EN4S4nNnw&amp;themeRefresh=1" target="_blank">finale</a> of the hit HBO show &quot;The Last of Us&quot; took place in Salt Lake City.Catch up quick: The show, based on a 2013 video game, tells the story of a journey through a post-apocalyptic world where a fungus turns humans into flesh-eating monsters.

Utah's most "underrated" park is...

In a state where even the strip malls have million-dollar views, there are lots of contenders.

Kodachrome Basin is Utah&#x27;s &quot;most underrated park,&quot; according to Outside Magazine&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new state-by-state listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/most-underrated-parks-us/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/most-underrated-parks-us/" target="_blank">new state-by-state listing</a> of out-of-the-way destinations.Context: We have the Big 5 plus dozens of other federal rec sites, 46 state parks, and even our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="little" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/DraperCityTrails/photos/pb.100068938620556.-2207520000./2604635806266221/?type=3" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/DraperCityTrails/photos/pb.100068938620556.-2207520000./2604635806266221/?type=3" target="_blank">little</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/STGcityParks/photos/pb.100064403633750.-2207520000./159662345957535/?type=3" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/STGcityParks/photos/pb.100064403633750.-2207520000./159662345957535/?type=3" target="_blank">city</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/UtahCountyGov/photos/basw.Abo2JTBRygT-tICb0C9qmLDMHaeIiz71Slb2PrWT7UxQEjO7rydDv_vNvP8ok9thxNoJ3ovZvksFlwMC1QeMaZJUkLSFgE-v_ru1xZmWuqooIjhKOqIgNAeMn37y3dCPRKYHvLRWKcR_aluCsvrEI_cdIH-6J2u57tgxFYxKaC1qUw/3560754490680840/?opaqueCursor=Abq7QvYfm8AFg_oDYYXV-WNBZO-J7TlWgDLn2tUy6stlfPZyza2ti1cpiZA7dmnOjf2qrhfK1YoiJ3Ia23lfj12aetQKRU0ME9CLSJDozvxF8xm4NX1yEI7XxpJLoNtGVmTkbOXm3VRbb03DEjdB2wbQPmRSjXk9glc52G8EHRFhjFlmSAHj3x8nS9-D0oui6F-vYeleFS3mZV8f81aGWnl83H32fWW8j2WYC--8g8Udj_2L2tqmCmdaZ4rX1VhXEidlHSsYBobatXOhGi71uZHE431OnlBSHViKx_aqR6UtxiUzf5vLgIfIzAC1mU32DkUm9OoPrFxZJuQO9z5rNvj9qQGE0owqSMlCajLil7b3N2HTDKFfPAMGsRePM_TnwldSHJEPvta_TobdfxjQUDaTn0Eu8soQYvN4C3_Pb0PaxkxMnIO6NEODCK3XvMBGsv-8ZwkOm7IjaFbYvbhH7m19SalRi7nhAwejjzZpzLn668joVzSyuncpweJ4dcNp--zXWLIDckeJxVXCrw-CDqH47itCKox0IwSXWXYLkI8aQG9DAPXhhGBrqXhNclM80TqCcCFb1fE2zXSnjpzqP0wC1TuIXiWdm0bDE48a2W2xwt2ZYzh475yUkdzP7ja-CFoKSmVe1MUtVl-hGGxKteQVQlbbwOCIpePsYnDuXlxitKxdUD8J5gPXcvXwr0cjr8IvUmo9edcYb2a9o_x3CqGEZNGYA2apt-wbxyPtGvMKEjIROcA72ZWMGnxzNVRrc8Y" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/UtahCountyGov/photos/basw.Abo2JTBRygT-tICb0C9qmLDMHaeIiz71Slb2PrWT7UxQEjO7rydDv_vNvP8ok9thxNoJ3ovZvksFlwMC1QeMaZJUkLSFgE-v_ru1xZmWuqooIjhKOqIgNAeMn37y3dCPRKYHvLRWKcR_aluCsvrEI_cdIH-6J2u57tgxFYxKaC1qUw/3560754490680840/?opaqueCursor=Abq7QvYfm8AFg_oDYYXV-WNBZO-J7TlWgDLn2tUy6stlfPZyza2ti1cpiZA7dmnOjf2qrhfK1YoiJ3Ia23lfj12aetQKRU0ME9CLSJDozvxF8xm4NX1yEI7XxpJLoNtGVmTkbOXm3VRbb03DEjdB2wbQPmRSjXk9glc52G8EHRFhjFlmSAHj3x8nS9-D0oui6F-vYeleFS3mZV8f81aGWnl83H32fWW8j2WYC--8g8Udj_2L2tqmCmdaZ4rX1VhXEidlHSsYBobatXOhGi71uZHE431OnlBSHViKx_aqR6UtxiUzf5vLgIfIzAC1mU32DkUm9OoPrFxZJuQO9z5rNvj9qQGE0owqSMlCajLil7b3N2HTDKFfPAMGsRePM_TnwldSHJEPvta_TobdfxjQUDaTn0Eu8soQYvN4C3_Pb0PaxkxMnIO6NEODCK3XvMBGsv-8ZwkOm7IjaFbYvbhH7m19SalRi7nhAwejjzZpzLn668joVzSyuncpweJ4dcNp--zXWLIDckeJxVXCrw-CDqH47itCKox0IwSXWXYLkI8aQG9DAPXhhGBrqXhNclM80TqCcCFb1fE2zXSnjpzqP0wC1TuIXiWdm0bDE48a2W2xwt2ZYzh475yUkdzP7ja-CFoKSmVe1MUtVl-hGGxKteQVQlbbwOCIpePsYnDuXlxitKxdUD8J5gPXcvXwr0cjr8IvUmo9edcYb2a9o_x3CqGEZNGYA2apt-wbxyPtGvMKEjIROcA72ZWMGnxzNVRrc8Y" target="_blank">and</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="county" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZNCBxAhM4Z/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZNCBxAhM4Z/" target="_blank">county</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10213007006003880&amp;set=br.AbqwS5PPPCTcmUJWhQ-4z9SAWgnh011uWKrPI29J8nkTqKUQ0MDjWkVUjdS4AwoYda5r7Eu_dT6w4xaOcPSG-EcPrkTfVjik5XDpkISkAQIRnkrFhwek7YgIA-4NrUgSRHJRdYEquJEHjRGFDgX8sIfA" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10213007006003880&amp;set=br.AbqwS5PPPCTcmUJWhQ-4z9SAWgnh011uWKrPI29J8nkTqKUQ0MDjWkVUjdS4AwoYda5r7Eu_dT6w4xaOcPSG-EcPrkTfVjik5XDpkISkAQIRnkrFhwek7YgIA-4NrUgSRHJRdYEquJEHjRGFDgX8sIfA" target="_blank">parks</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="look" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=590925833079702&amp;set=p.590925833079702&amp;opaqueCursor=Abqps0Fq83iV9-AOfKuyHS-cbH4av4rJqgpa60JmoxUxZIs8SyQoKX0N3v1etZnvQVHdt4LNw9o4vXNSK-XOQtn30bsxL637hUlbVmwVH-3ccELGOnhE8ILxmETtNAAPOti-D2QA_V24X4MA8tSx3JPYhoFfbCmg8-Wbi-IsJuSyxm7D4w2Ae5qCvGGx1_Do-qKE89-BDUyK18d_lCx4kGBWpHLkAPRXNulVskg1bSokWY9o0rovnHkoehIDqRP-unpMwMkFKiVM61ZaLKcZjGUVvvc1KFyAMgqSQ3xRbnuA4tS_7TGGqvGP4V2deHNIZnfX8SBC9n2RcJKVG6YEkw-XUYKohUqo7B9YLHpMKrV3yWb-Mm5RtF8SDP-q2Ez6e3113nWmufSG1YUY65IdKhdpDxlTDGYbksGWAjDQPOWD3fCSlUSttGiMaE34KKzUVEE723o33OgsMw7KnaayLwM7hAnP2uWOU5pnJfqdkBnjwS8Ed1eIscp45ASH1yinq6aM3U4oVl9kLQgfZ-10Gib8zVgfpaxFjZuR5vYl-9aKi6GDuyJNzAYkNNgOTIw67nT0B_9iL7f9qZLpm5gUZL8oNg9-6OcEPWPwknAbDwPKYaJoEaYl8lTSk40efi42VvS0Jg_9lM5U9ifx4pUI-Pq8qpdIbfmCOLUZvCW7N1u4rh9h2ObNzE6QkYn6-RSMgX8" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=590925833079702&amp;set=p.590925833079702&amp;opaqueCursor=Abqps0Fq83iV9-AOfKuyHS-cbH4av4rJqgpa60JmoxUxZIs8SyQoKX0N3v1etZnvQVHdt4LNw9o4vXNSK-XOQtn30bsxL637hUlbVmwVH-3ccELGOnhE8ILxmETtNAAPOti-D2QA_V24X4MA8tSx3JPYhoFfbCmg8-Wbi-IsJuSyxm7D4w2Ae5qCvGGx1_Do-qKE89-BDUyK18d_lCx4kGBWpHLkAPRXNulVskg1bSokWY9o0rovnHkoehIDqRP-unpMwMkFKiVM61ZaLKcZjGUVvvc1KFyAMgqSQ3xRbnuA4tS_7TGGqvGP4V2deHNIZnfX8SBC9n2RcJKVG6YEkw-XUYKohUqo7B9YLHpMKrV3yWb-Mm5RtF8SDP-q2Ez6e3113nWmufSG1YUY65IdKhdpDxlTDGYbksGWAjDQPOWD3fCSlUSttGiMaE34KKzUVEE723o33OgsMw7KnaayLwM7hAnP2uWOU5pnJfqdkBnjwS8Ed1eIscp45ASH1yinq6aM3U4oVl9kLQgfZ-10Gib8zVgfpaxFjZuR5vYl-9aKi6GDuyJNzAYkNNgOTIw67nT0B_9iL7f9qZLpm5gUZL8oNg9-6OcEPWPwknAbDwPKYaJoEaYl8lTSk40efi42VvS0Jg_9lM5U9ifx4pUI-Pq8qpdIbfmCOLUZvCW7N1u4rh9h2ObNzE6QkYn6-RSMgX8" target="_blank">look</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="like" data-vars-click-url="https://www.utahopenlands.org/toll-canyon-open-space" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.utahopenlands.org/toll-canyon-open-space" target="_blank">like</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rivendell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/provocity/photos/basw.Abo3NdzxMgMvQ0Lh46ILggPtBhR690lWDVgSqBF3ITEnK4G0fHzkExncgTH7eaxcMMUjVc9vkNlpJDHUKQt3gZVQPqeKsk2p2c7kLe4kEO0F54EM1PMAvExo3dZuyUbi7n4wXmirPAIL_3bZF_kmdMB_Urk5iOzEr7OS9E3n6DDaGQ/10155854255220258/?opaqueCursor=AbpYZIMCvo8_jpB4QhN734ruHb8xNVHZuQsQKrUf5mivotXqm9yOcHEbeXi83lyd8uf05EVwqmbwIJXhsrjADEaRtBXj3AegHzs22St-2ptSN4Qas8UnP_BMOeFssbIROPYWo4EE8RXbm1mssyC7Us5SN0hYdIVHudaZ-z6tlEBhuANB4oEgWiE00FSHRr4wcMFC1zqLC6s2lWNyU7WjfcbfXwK3Na-I6MYcSKCHNEq-WDxtekVhLCbLjQcowhZo9_GQkeFM369m8jpkzZe_r2KsSpOFC-Bwu1zJc_t2BXzTeMzBaA69qBFjspLRTz9y9g_eJyishEBExqUHxCah7uzHYY8Rv9HxKbutsnCWgAEfQ2CFdstttvZnlyBzYZbtP0x0z78nxnxhjLvwa000C3wNOHWeoGas0msOtliNLIWlS-bBwQCDigVbK1z-BFDsESEhuskAG5OK2IeAREUXmoJNww0oL9TFFBHATRdpdSG6ccVRLvpSuQans-Mc7lCpxqQl-wR_NbBwyhVeVHvT19AHHUOSvTX-83ksUK5K6LIko5P84Q4KXWNLyLoxum1W_R9BWXLc3iB1loub6PHO6F_Zjxz1WQf3JjbPH8ZRyY2MGoj-y3z3GHjm1wtC7mzbNQkp6RWLlgr7WpO-CvCv4P2fHjZaxXi38zx7h597uKhGVzZh0nks9iL4qt90MQZNIikIeyxkPMRWsPPhyQ3iT5ikG6tbfO5VP81FXNveW2yfBenBgJjQygJKRS0VGWOqPnW8Bqa3Zcp8ZlmP_7Be57bCIQMtH6MKPZt5o11STXMqmA" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/provocity/photos/basw.Abo3NdzxMgMvQ0Lh46ILggPtBhR690lWDVgSqBF3ITEnK4G0fHzkExncgTH7eaxcMMUjVc9vkNlpJDHUKQt3gZVQPqeKsk2p2c7kLe4kEO0F54EM1PMAvExo3dZuyUbi7n4wXmirPAIL_3bZF_kmdMB_Urk5iOzEr7OS9E3n6DDaGQ/10155854255220258/?opaqueCursor=AbpYZIMCvo8_jpB4QhN734ruHb8xNVHZuQsQKrUf5mivotXqm9yOcHEbeXi83lyd8uf05EVwqmbwIJXhsrjADEaRtBXj3AegHzs22St-2ptSN4Qas8UnP_BMOeFssbIROPYWo4EE8RXbm1mssyC7Us5SN0hYdIVHudaZ-z6tlEBhuANB4oEgWiE00FSHRr4wcMFC1zqLC6s2lWNyU7WjfcbfXwK3Na-I6MYcSKCHNEq-WDxtekVhLCbLjQcowhZo9_GQkeFM369m8jpkzZe_r2KsSpOFC-Bwu1zJc_t2BXzTeMzBaA69qBFjspLRTz9y9g_eJyishEBExqUHxCah7uzHYY8Rv9HxKbutsnCWgAEfQ2CFdstttvZnlyBzYZbtP0x0z78nxnxhjLvwa000C3wNOHWeoGas0msOtliNLIWlS-bBwQCDigVbK1z-BFDsESEhuskAG5OK2IeAREUXmoJNww0oL9TFFBHATRdpdSG6ccVRLvpSuQans-Mc7lCpxqQl-wR_NbBwyhVeVHvT19AHHUOSvTX-83ksUK5K6LIko5P84Q4KXWNLyLoxum1W_R9BWXLc3iB1loub6PHO6F_Zjxz1WQf3JjbPH8ZRyY2MGoj-y3z3GHjm1wtC7mzbNQkp6RWLlgr7WpO-CvCv4P2fHjZaxXi38zx7h597uKhGVzZh0nks9iL4qt90MQZNIikIeyxkPMRWsPPhyQ3iT5ikG6tbfO5VP81FXNveW2yfBenBgJjQygJKRS0VGWOqPnW8Bqa3Zcp8ZlmP_7Be57bCIQMtH6MKPZt5o11STXMqmA" target="_blank">Rivendell</a>, so there are lots of underrated parks here.

1 in 4 parents hid their kids' COVID, study finds

"Personal freedom" was the most common explanation.

Lots of parents say they misled others when their kids tested positive for COVID-19, according to a nationwide report coauthored by University of Utah researchers.By the numbers: 24% of parents surveyed in December 2021 admitted to not disclosing they knew or suspected their kids had COVID to people who were exposed, per the study, which appeared this week on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JAMA Network Open" data-vars-click-url="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802004?utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_term=030623" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802004?utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_term=030623" target="_blank">JAMA Network Open</a>.

Illustration of magnets on a school locker in the shape of a contact tracing chart.

New Utah study affirms COVID vaccine is safe for kids

The study, co-authored by a doctor at Primary Children's Hospital, looked at 185 kids who suffered from MIS-C.

COVID

A new Utah-led study shows the COVID-19 vaccine didn&#x27;t trigger dangerous responses in children who previously had a severe reaction to the virus itself.Driving the news: The study, co-authored by a doctor at Primary Children&#x27;s Hospital, looked at 185 kids who suffered from MIS-C, a rare condition in which severe inflammation develops a few weeks after a COVID infection.

Illustration of a stack of wooden toy blocks showing a syringe, a COVID cell and a cotton swab. 

Meet BYU's new president

He oversaw the elimination of gender-affirming voice therapy at the campus speech clinic last year.

Brigham Young University&#x27;s academic vice president C. Shane Reese will become the new president of the Provo school, operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<ul><li>Kevin Worthen, who was in the role since 2014, will step down in May, church leaders announced Tuesday.</li></ul>

C. Shane Reese. Photo courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Asked to define "woke," columnist freezes in viral video

The Deseret News says the conservative columnist's role is shifting.

Bethany Mandel, who writes a weekly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="column" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deseret.com/authors/bethany-mandel" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deseret.com/authors/bethany-mandel" target="_blank">column</a> for the Deseret News, is under fire after struggling to define &quot;woke&quot; in a TV interview about a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="book" data-vars-click-url="https://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Youth-Progressives-Replacing-Radicalism/dp/1956007083" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Youth-Progressives-Replacing-Radicalism/dp/1956007083" target="_blank">book</a> she co-authored that claims &quot;woke indoctrinators&quot; threaten kids&#x27; happiness.What she said: While promoting her book last week on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hill&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="http://thehill.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://thehill.com/" target="_blank">The Hill&#x27;s</a> daily news show &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rising" data-vars-click-url="https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/" target="_blank">Rising</a>,&quot; host Briahna Joy Gray asked her to define the term &quot;woke,&quot; after Mandel said the left is pushing a &quot;woke reimagining&quot; of victimhood.

Illustration of a cartoon hand waving goodbye on the opinion section of a newspaper

Utah celebrates spring equinox with parties, concerts and reflection

The event is, by nature, globally inclusive.

Today is the spring equinox — when the whole world gets (pretty much) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="equal daylight and darkness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/dvn/Climate_Astronomical_Seasons" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/dvn/Climate_Astronomical_Seasons" target="_blank">equal daylight and darkness</a>.<ul><li>Like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the solstices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/12/20/utah-solstice-religious-spiritual-secular-salt-lake-city" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/12/20/utah-solstice-religious-spiritual-secular-salt-lake-city" target="_self">the solstices</a>, equinox celebrations are an increasingly popular way for Utahns to find spiritual community around an event that is, by nature, globally inclusive.</li></ul>What&#x27;s happening: Lots of music, dance, sound baths, ceremonies and meditation.

Yellow crocuses bloom in front of a yucca with pink thyme.

Utah governor Twitter-fights free speech lawyer over social media law

Utah's new social media restrictions for kids are under fire.

Gov. Spencer Cox tweeted he &quot;can&#x27;t wait&quot; for a lawsuit by a digital freedom group that calls Utah&#x27;s new social media rules for minors unconstitutional.Driving the news: Ari Cohn, a lawyer for TechFreedom, on Wednesday reposted a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="February letter" data-vars-click-url="https://techfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TechFreedom-Letter-to-Gov.-Spencer-Cox-2.16.23.pdf" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://techfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TechFreedom-Letter-to-Gov.-Spencer-Cox-2.16.23.pdf" target="_blank">February letter</a> from the group to Cox, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arguing" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/AriCohn/status/1636118777468166145" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/AriCohn/status/1636118777468166145" target="_blank">arguing</a> the governor shouldn&#x27;t sign bills that force social media users to provide ID showing their age and, for minors, parental consent.

Utah saw "high activity" of white supremacist propaganda in 2022

The Beehive State was also one of a handful of states where the Patriot Front was most active.

The spread of white supremacist propaganda reached an all-time high in the U.S. last year, up 38% from 2021, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/white-supremacist-propaganda-record-2022" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/white-supremacist-propaganda-record-2022" target="_self">report</a> by the Anti-Defamation League&#x27;s Center on Extremism released earlier this month.Driving the news: Utah was among the top 10 states with the most activity of propaganda distributed last year, the analysis showed.

Utah reveals aggressive plan to reduce homelessness

In the report, stakeholders emphasized that more permanent housing was the "most important solution to ending homelessness."

Utah leaders aim to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness and increase access to affordable housing under a new strategy revealed this week.Driving the news: The state&#x27;s Homelessness Council and Office of Homeless Services released a 24-page <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://jobs.utah.gov/homelessness/homelessnessstrategicplan.pdf" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jobs.utah.gov/homelessness/homelessnessstrategicplan.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> outlining actionable goals to address the issue in the Beehive State.

Illustration of the dotted outline of a house key, but no house key.

How homelessness is driving local politics in the West

The political pressure is leading candidates and elected officials to embrace hard-line approaches.

Homelessness, and entangled concerns about crime, are emerging as potent political issues in local elections this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="particularly in the West" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/10/homelessness-america-cities-politics" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/10/homelessness-america-cities-politics" target="_self">particularly in the West</a> — where a lack of affordable housing is pushing people into the streets.Why it matters: The political pressure is leading <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/02/24/denver-mayor-candidates-arrest-homeless-camping-ban" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/02/24/denver-mayor-candidates-arrest-homeless-camping-ban" target="_self">candidates</a> and elected officials — even prominent Democrats such as New York City Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eric Adams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/30/1139968573/nyc-mayor-adams-faces-backlash-for-move-to-involuntarily-hospitalize-homeless-pe" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/30/1139968573/nyc-mayor-adams-faces-backlash-for-move-to-involuntarily-hospitalize-homeless-pe" target="_blank">Eric Adams</a> and California Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gavin Newsom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-19/homeless-advocates-lash-out-at-newsom-homeless-plan-court-ordered-treatment" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-19/homeless-advocates-lash-out-at-newsom-homeless-plan-court-ordered-treatment" target="_blank">Gavin Newsom</a> — to embrace hard-line approaches, including involuntary commitment and arrests, for those who refuse to vacate illegal encampments.

Illustration of a voting booth with a roof on it. 

The final bills Utah lawmakers passed

The final days of the legislative session sent a flurry of bills to the governor's desk.

Politics

The final days of Utah&#x27;s 2023 legislative session sent a flurry of bills to the governor&#x27;s desk.<ul><li>Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has 21 days to sign or veto the bills — or allow the measures to become law without his signature. Here are some that caught our eye:</li></ul>

Illustration of the Utah State Capitol with lines radiating from it.

This Salt Lake City breakfast sandwich is drawing crowds

Since opening, the 835-square-foot shop has closed early most Saturdays and Sundays after running out of ingredients due to high demand.

If you&#x27;ve seen social media posts about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Frankie &amp; Essl&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/frankieandessls/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/frankieandessls/" target="_blank">Frankie &amp; Essl&#x27;s</a> breakfast sandwiches, you&#x27;re already on the right track.What&#x27;s happening: Word of the breakfast sandwich spot, which opened last month in Salt Lake City&#x27;s Liberty Wells neighborhood, is already spreading on Instagram and TikTok.

New banking rules on the table in Utah

Half of Utah's tech firms banked with the failed company.

Federal government intervention likely saved thousands of Utah jobs that were imperiled by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="failure of Silicon Valley Bank" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/13/silicon-valley-bank-collapse-market" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/13/silicon-valley-bank-collapse-market" target="_self">failure of Silicon Valley Bank</a>, local tech industry leaders said Monday.<ul><li>Meanwhile, the state official responsible for financial oversight said new regulations for banks in Utah could be coming.</li></ul>

Illustration of a hand holding a bank building.

Mormon Church donates water shares to aid the Great Salt Lake

Since 2020, the lake has lost an average of 1.2 million-acre feet of water annually.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will donate 20,000 acre-feet of water to the Great Salt Lake in an attempt to save the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrinking body of water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/07/utah-great-salt-lake-drought" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/07/utah-great-salt-lake-drought" target="_self">shrinking body of water</a>, the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://naturalresources.utah.gov/dnr-newsfeed/church-donates-water-to-benefit-great-salt-lake" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://naturalresources.utah.gov/dnr-newsfeed/church-donates-water-to-benefit-great-salt-lake" target="_blank">announced</a> on Wednesday.Driving the news: The church, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the largest private landowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2022/04/05/new-database-gives-widest/#:~:text=Utah%2Dbased%20faith%20has%20at,nation&#x27;s%20fifth%20largest%20private%20landowner." data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2022/04/05/new-database-gives-widest/#:~:text=Utah%2Dbased%20faith%20has%20at,nation&#x27;s%20fifth%20largest%20private%20landowner." target="_blank">one of the largest private landowners</a> in the U.S., gifted 5,700 of its water shares in the North Point Consolidated Irrigation Company to the state.

Illustration of the Salt Lake Temple with lines radiating from it.

Utah's sugary drinks and declining dental care could mean trouble for teeth

Soda and skipped dentist visits could come back to bite Utah's kids.

Utah had the nation&#x27;s 8th-highest rate of young kids who frequently consume sugary drinks, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7207a1.htm?s_cid=mm7207a1_w" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7207a1.htm?s_cid=mm7207a1_w" target="_blank">CDC study</a>.<ul><li>The finding comes as dentists sound the alarm that dental health has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.</li></ul>

Illustration of a large tooth on a dental examination chair.

Utah's gender pay gap is the 3rd worst in the nation, a study finds

If it's seen as "women's work," the pay probably sucks.

Utah&#x27;s gender pay gap is the nation&#x27;s third worst, according to a new analysis.By the numbers: Men make about 37% more than women in Utah, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chamber of Commerce review" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/gender-pay-gap" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/gender-pay-gap" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce review</a> of median earnings for full-time workers.

Illustration of half-coins falling into a woman's hand. 

Zions Bank seeks calm after stocks slide

Utah's tech sector was still experiencing uncertainty, with half of firms estimated to have accounts with SVB.

Business

Shares in Utah-based Zions Bancorp were down Monday as markets traded nervously the day after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal regulators guaranteed depositors&#x27; assets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/10/silicon-valley-bank-government-control-fdic" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/10/silicon-valley-bank-government-control-fdic" target="_self">federal regulators guaranteed depositors&#x27; assets</a> at the failed Silicon Valley Bank.<ul><li>Meanwhile, Utah&#x27;s tech sector was still experiencing uncertainty, with half of firms estimated to have accounts with SVB.</li></ul>

Illustration of a stock ticker with a mix of censored curse words and the word "yay"

Salt Lake City housing prices have cooled down

Experts predict we'll see a less frantic housing market than last year.

Real Estate

Salt Lake City metro&#x27;s median home sales price was $490,000 as of January, down 2% from the same time last year, per Redfin data.Why it matters: Any relief from sky-high home prices is welcome, especially as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates creep up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms" target="_blank">mortgage rates creep up</a>.

Salt Lake City rents remain high, for now

The average rent in the Salt Lake City metro was $1,321 in the fourth quarter of 2022.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the average rent in the Salt Lake City metro area was $1,321 — up 7.5% from a year earlier, per economic research firm Moody&#x27;s Analytics.Why it matters: Affordability concerns are beginning to weigh down the city&#x27;s booming rental market.

Meet BYU's new president

Asked to define "woke," columnist freezes in viral video

Utah celebrates spring equinox with parties, concerts and reflection

Utah governor Twitter-fights free speech lawyer over social media law

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