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Some Democrats fear Bidenomics branding is backfiring

Politics & Policy

The trial of Sam Bankman-Fried: Key players

Economy & Business

Sam Bankman-Fried faces his day in court

Gaetz’s plan to oust McCarthy meets chilly Dem reception

Scoop: Rep. Dean Phillips steps down from Dem leadership

Scoop: A Salt Lake City Council member's fight against stopped trains

Trains are getting longer and longer,  with some extending up to three miles.

News

Environmental groups sue Utah over Great Salt Lake's demise

The groups allege the state has failed to reverse the saline lake's decline.

Raising Cane's Post Malone-themed cups go national

The limited-edition cups, which reflect Malone's imagery and tattoos, will be released over a two-month period.

Business

Utah hosts ultimate disc tourney while on probation for LGBTQ slurs

Players who were targeted by Utah's spectators say they're uneasy.

Bix Bakery joins fast-growing neighborhood in Salt Lake City

Bix Bakery rolls out the welcome mat as new housing fills up western Sugar House.

Food and Drink

As condos and apartments rise up in the western parts of Sugar House, a new café has opened to greet the growing neighborhood.Driving the news: Bix Bakery and Café opened last week near 500 East and 2100 South with a light lunch menu and trays of sweets.

Mango cakes on a wooden serving tray in a bakery. 

Downtime: UMBA's Jessica Ramirez shares her favorite outdoor destinations

UMBA's Jessica Ramirez aims to diversify Utah's law field.

In our latest installment of &quot;Downtime,&quot; we ask Jessica Ramirez, of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah Minority Bar Association" data-vars-click-url="https://utahminoritybar.org/banquet2023" data-vars-content-id="742b62bf-8447-4b4a-aff0-f24b014242d3" data-vars-headline="Downtime: UMBA&#x27;s Jessica Ramirez shares her favorite outdoor destinations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahminoritybar.org/banquet2023" target="_blank">Utah Minority Bar Association</a>, about the Salt Lake City spots she frequents when she&#x27;s not sifting through reams of legal documents.Details: Ramirez, a litigator, is president-elect of the organization that aims to promote diversity in Utah&#x27;s legal field and provides scholarships to University of Utah and BYU law students.

Photo illustration of sunglasses with a photo of Jessica Ramirez in the lens.

Mountain West Hard Cider's improved patio re-opens

The Garten will host live bands, rotating food trucks and upcoming festivals.

Things to Do

&quot;The Garten,&quot; an outdoor patio at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mountain West Hard Cider" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/05/09/mountain-wests-mango-tajin-inspired-cider" data-vars-content-id="7f72ea9c-219f-4345-8117-b0b29dbd89ff" data-vars-headline="Mountain West Hard Cider&#x27;s improved patio re-opens" 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/2023/05/09/mountain-wests-mango-tajin-inspired-cider" target="_self">Mountain West Hard Cider</a>, has re-opened after months of construction.Why it matters: The German-style cider and beer garden is the latest community-gathering spot to open in Salt Lake City&#x27;s expanding Marmalade neighborhood.

Which restaurants are inappropriate for babies?

Where shouldn't parents take their wee ones out to eat?

A TikTok celebrity chef stirred the pot in Utah last week with two modest proposals:<ul><li>Babies do not belong in fine dining restaurants.</li></ul>

Illustration of a restaurant bill holder with the words "no thank you" on it.

Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announces U.S. Senate run to replace Romney

The move comes shortly after Sen. Mitt Romney revealed he would not seek a second term.

Politics

Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson on Wednesday evening declared his candidacy in the 2024 race to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="replace Sen. Mitt Romney" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/13/mitt-romney-reelection-retire-senate-2024" data-vars-content-id="3145e81e-b91f-4dfa-9c0a-9faca17fd870" data-vars-headline="Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announces U.S. Senate run to replace Romney" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/13/mitt-romney-reelection-retire-senate-2024" target="_self">replace Sen. Mitt Romney</a> during a rally in Draper.State of play: The 54-year-old real estate developer joins <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deseret.com/2023/5/23/23733851/riverton-mayor-trent-staggs-announces-run-for-mitt-romneys-senate-seat" data-vars-content-id="3145e81e-b91f-4dfa-9c0a-9faca17fd870" data-vars-headline="Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announces U.S. Senate run to replace Romney" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deseret.com/2023/5/23/23733851/riverton-mayor-trent-staggs-announces-run-for-mitt-romneys-senate-seat" target="_blank">Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roosevelt Mayor Rod Bird Jr." data-vars-click-url="https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2023/09/18/roosevelt-mayor-rod-bird-joins/#:~:text=The%20Republican%20field%20hoping%20to,in%20replacing%20Romney%20next%20year." data-vars-content-id="3145e81e-b91f-4dfa-9c0a-9faca17fd870" data-vars-headline="Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announces U.S. Senate run to replace Romney" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2023/09/18/roosevelt-mayor-rod-bird-joins/#:~:text=The%20Republican%20field%20hoping%20to,in%20replacing%20Romney%20next%20year." target="_blank">Roosevelt Mayor Rod Bird Jr.</a> in a race that&#x27;s expected to draw a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competitive GOP primary field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/09/14/mitt-romney-utah-senate-candidates-gop" data-vars-content-id="3145e81e-b91f-4dfa-9c0a-9faca17fd870" data-vars-headline="Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announces U.S. Senate run to replace Romney" 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/2023/09/14/mitt-romney-utah-senate-candidates-gop" target="_self">competitive GOP primary field</a> for the rare open seat.

Gov. Cox says he won't let Salt Lake City turn into San Francisco

The GOP governor said he doesn't want Salt Lake City to become San Francisco or Portland.

Gov. Spencer Cox said on Thursday he supports eliminating unsanctioned camping as state and city officials work to reduce homelessness in Salt Lake City.What he&#x27;s saying: &quot;I refuse to let Salt Lake City turn into San Francisco or Portland,&quot; Cox told reporters at his monthly news conference, referring to each municipality&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeless" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/08/24/san-francisco-homeless-encampments-sweep-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="0ab23893-5240-45a9-b9df-fd356863e842" data-vars-headline="Gov. Cox says he won&#x27;t let Salt Lake City turn into San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/08/24/san-francisco-homeless-encampments-sweep-lawsuit" target="_self">homeless</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/12/2023-homeless-count-in-multnomah-county" data-vars-content-id="0ab23893-5240-45a9-b9df-fd356863e842" data-vars-headline="Gov. Cox says he won&#x27;t let Salt Lake City turn into San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/12/2023-homeless-count-in-multnomah-county" target="_self">crisis</a>.

Gov. Spencer Cox holds news conference at PBS Utah on Sept. 21, 2023 in Salt Lake City. Photo: Francisco Kjolseth/Salt Lake Tribune/pool

Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson to resign

The announcement comes five months after Wilson formed an exploratory committee to run for next year's U.S. Senate race.

Speaker Brad Wilson on Monday announced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his resignation" data-vars-click-url="https://house.utleg.gov/speaker-brad-wilson-to-resign-from-the-utah-house-of-representatives/" data-vars-content-id="cfab08c5-8db0-4347-a836-14b2d6c941ea" data-vars-headline="Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson to resign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://house.utleg.gov/speaker-brad-wilson-to-resign-from-the-utah-house-of-representatives/" target="_blank">his resignation</a> from the Utah House.Driving the news: Wilson&#x27;s departure comes five months after he formed an exploratory committee to run in next year&#x27;s U.S. Senate race to replace Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, who recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revealed he won&#x27;t be seeking re-election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/13/mitt-romney-reelection-retire-senate-2024" data-vars-content-id="cfab08c5-8db0-4347-a836-14b2d6c941ea" data-vars-headline="Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson to resign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/13/mitt-romney-reelection-retire-senate-2024" target="_self">revealed he won&#x27;t be seeking re-election</a>.

Romney's retirement likely to re-shape GOP candidate field Senate race

The open seat is expected to garner substantial interest from a wide range of Republicans.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) on Wednesday announced he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would not seek a second term in the U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/13/mitt-romney-reelection-retire-senate-2024" data-vars-content-id="90193d2f-0886-4e6b-8d09-3abdbb4ebd30" data-vars-headline="Romney&#x27;s retirement likely to re-shape GOP candidate field Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/13/mitt-romney-reelection-retire-senate-2024" target="_self">would not seek a second term in the U.S. Senate</a> to make way for the &quot;new generation of leaders.&quot;Why it matters: His decision is certain to bring upheaval to the GOP candidate field for the open seat.

Salt Lake City's new apartment construction has skyrocketed

The number of new apartment units completed in the Salt Lake metro rose 20.8% between 2020 and 2022.

Real Estate

As developers have ramped up construction compared to 2020, roughly 4,525 new apartment units are expected to be built in the Salt Lake metro area this year, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report by RentCafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/new-apartment-construction/" data-vars-content-id="94aebc39-8c88-4008-af3a-8e36d6b83ff3" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s new apartment construction has skyrocketed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/new-apartment-construction/" target="_blank">new report by RentCafe</a>.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/20/housing-shortage-prices-high" data-vars-content-id="94aebc39-8c88-4008-af3a-8e36d6b83ff3" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s new apartment construction has skyrocketed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/20/housing-shortage-prices-high" target="_self">housing shortage</a> in the U.S. has contributed to the rising cost of rent and home purchases.

Salt Lake's effective property tax rate among lowest in nation

Effective tax rates are dropping as assessors struggle to keep up with rising home prices.

Salt Lake City has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the nation — a common feature of America&#x27;s wealthier cities.By the numbers: The effective property tax rate for a median-valued home in Salt Lake was 0.58% in 2022 — the fifth lowest among the largest cities in all 50 states, Axios&#x27; Jennifer A. Kingson reports.

Salt Lake buyers turn to condos over single-family homes

More buyers have turned to condos and townhomes as housing costs surge.

Salt Lake City metro condo prices fell slower than those of single-family homes, per the latest Zillow data that analyzed prices between January 2019 and May 2023.<ul><li>In May, the typical metro-area condo sold for $$365,300, down 3.7% compared to last year. Meanwhile, the typical single-family home here cost $$546,300, down 5.2%% year-over-year.</li></ul>

Utah's Zillow audience is becoming more local as relocations slow nationwide

Pageview data for Utah listings aligns with a national trend: Home prices are too high for people to move.

People in expensive Western cities make up a shrinking share of searches for Utah homes, an Axios analysis of Zillow data shows.Driving the news: The people searching for homes in Utah are, increasingly, already here, according to pageview data Zillow shared with Axios, comparing the first quarter of this year to last.

A chart shows most Zillow pageviews for Salt Lake Houses come from within Utah.

Charlie Hunnam's tech startup aims to remake the celebrity autograph

Hunnam and "Sons of Anarchy" costar Ryan Hurst launched the digital autograph platform at SLC's FanX.

&quot;Sons of Anarchy&quot; stars Charlie Hunnam and Ryan Hurst have joined tech entrepreneur Vijay Kumar to create a digital autograph platform that gives <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fans personalized, animated mementos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/09/22/fanx-2023-salt-palace-celebs" data-vars-content-id="3eac2947-6ac4-419b-a26d-8b1403028f58" data-vars-headline="Charlie Hunnam&#x27;s tech startup aims to remake the celebrity autograph" 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/2023/09/22/fanx-2023-salt-palace-celebs" target="_self">fans personalized, animated mementos</a>.Driving the news: The trio launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Neon Mango" data-vars-click-url="https://www.neonmango.com/" data-vars-content-id="3eac2947-6ac4-419b-a26d-8b1403028f58" data-vars-headline="Charlie Hunnam&#x27;s tech startup aims to remake the celebrity autograph" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.neonmango.com/" target="_blank">Neon Mango</a> on Thursday at FanX in Salt Lake City as crowds lined up at nearby &quot;Celebrity Row&quot; for pen-and-paper signatures from Hollywood stars like Christopher Lloyd and Tony Danza.

Actor Charlie Hunnam displays a digital autograph via his new company Neon Mango at FanX in Salt Lake City while his costar and cofounder Ryan Hurst walks in the background. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios

Salt Lake City nightlife activity exceeds pre-pandemic levels

Downtown's nightlife is thriving with the addition of new bars and restaurants.

About 25% of bar and restaurant transactions across Salt Lake City using Square have occurred between 7pm and 4am so far in 2023, per data from the point-of-sale company.<ul><li>That&#x27;s down two percentage points from last year, and up four percentage points since 2019 — before the COVID-19 pandemic, Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick reports.</li></ul>

Deer Valley absorbing Mayflower in huge ski resort expansion

The posh Utah ski area is taking over the planned Mayflower resort next door.

Deer Valley Resort will take over the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upcoming Mayflower ski area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2022/12/21/extell-mayflower-mountain-park-city-ski-resort" data-vars-content-id="a43234a7-0cc8-4000-a310-eb9e08d1e591" data-vars-headline="Deer Valley absorbing Mayflower in huge ski resort expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2022/12/21/extell-mayflower-mountain-park-city-ski-resort" target="_self">upcoming Mayflower ski area</a> near Jordanelle Reservoir, making the high-end Park City resort one of the largest in North America.<ul><li>When the Mayflower area opens — beginning in 2025–2026 — it will more than double Deer Valley&#x27;s skiable terrain.</li></ul>

A rendering of hotels in front of a snowy mountain.

Downtime: Salt Lake City chef Tyson Peterson reveals his favorite bites

The Utah native is the top chef at Mar | Muntanya.

We&#x27;re featuring chef Tyson Peterson in our second installment of &quot;Downtime,&quot; a new series that explores what prominent Salt Lakers do when they&#x27;re not hustling and bustling.Details: The Utah native is the executive chef of the fine-dining restaurant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mar | Muntanya" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/07/10/mar-muntanya-spanish-restaurant-globe-salt-lake-city" data-vars-content-id="ebe9aa64-2593-4e7d-89de-46f9dd452cc9" data-vars-headline="Downtime: Salt Lake City chef Tyson Peterson reveals his favorite bites" 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/2023/07/10/mar-muntanya-spanish-restaurant-globe-salt-lake-city" target="_self">Mar | Muntanya</a>, on the sixth floor of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hyatt Regency" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/11/04/salt-lake-city-hyatt-regency-tourism-boost" data-vars-content-id="ebe9aa64-2593-4e7d-89de-46f9dd452cc9" data-vars-headline="Downtime: Salt Lake City chef Tyson Peterson reveals his favorite bites" 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/2022/11/04/salt-lake-city-hyatt-regency-tourism-boost" target="_self">Hyatt Regency</a>, which opened last year.

Photo illustration of sunglasses with a photo of Tyson Peterson in the lens.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces 20 new temples

The new locations will include 12 in North and South America.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday announced the sites of 20 new temples, most in North and South America.<ul><li>Church president Russell M. Nelson unveiled the locations in a video announcement during the weekend&#x27;s General Conference.</li></ul>

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

How Bed Bath & Beyond CEO Jonathan Johnson spends his free time

The CEO's ideal road trip destination is: "Anywhere there's a Dodgers game."

We recently sat down with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jonathan Johnson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2023/06/30/whats-in-a-name-overstock-takes-on-bed-baths-brand" data-vars-content-id="653a59e1-ea2f-4cca-95c3-c5fb638be7e7" data-vars-headline="How Bed Bath &amp; Beyond CEO Jonathan Johnson spends his free time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2023/06/30/whats-in-a-name-overstock-takes-on-bed-baths-brand" target="_self">Jonathan Johnson</a>, CEO of Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="previously known as Overstock.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/01/bed-bath-beyond-return-overstock" data-vars-content-id="653a59e1-ea2f-4cca-95c3-c5fb638be7e7" data-vars-headline="How Bed Bath &amp; Beyond CEO Jonathan Johnson spends his free time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/01/bed-bath-beyond-return-overstock" target="_self">previously known as Overstock.com</a>, while he was in town for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silicon Slopes Summit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/09/28/ai-will-grannis-google-cloud-silicon-slopes-summit" data-vars-content-id="653a59e1-ea2f-4cca-95c3-c5fb638be7e7" data-vars-headline="How Bed Bath &amp; Beyond CEO Jonathan Johnson spends his free time" 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/2023/09/28/ai-will-grannis-google-cloud-silicon-slopes-summit" target="_self">Silicon Slopes Summit</a> on what he does in his free time.Context: Our &quot;Downtime&quot; feature explores what prominent Salt Lakers do when they&#x27;re not hustling and bustling.

Photo illustration of Jonathan Johnson reflected in the lens of sunglasses

Salt Lake City weekend events | Sept. 29–30

Check out these weekend events in Salt Lake City.

Fall is in full swing, and there&#x27;s lots to do this weekend in and around Salt Lake City.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">One last toast</h2>

Illustration of a cassette tape with the tape unspooling to spell weekend. 

Tim Ballard, anti-sex trafficking crusader, accused of sexual misconduct

Attorney for anonymous victims alleges "spiritual manipulation" and grooming of former employees and contractors.

Tim Ballard, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anti-sex-trafficking crusader and Senate hopeful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/09/20/tim-ballard-sound-of-freedom-mormon-senate" data-vars-content-id="8cec3cbf-4e97-48bc-83d0-624e09abf18d" data-vars-headline="Tim Ballard, anti-sex trafficking crusader, accused of sexual misconduct" 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/2023/09/20/tim-ballard-sound-of-freedom-mormon-senate" target="_self">anti-sex-trafficking crusader and Senate hopeful</a>, sexually harassed multiple women, an attorney alleged Thursday.Driving the news: Attorney Suzette Rasmussen said she was speaking on behalf of &quot;several&quot; former employees and contractors of Operation Underground Railroad, the controversial nonprofit Ballard founded.

Tim Ballard, founder and ex-CEO of Operation Underground Railroad poses in front of a screen with a SiriusXM logo. 

More Utah moms are working after having babies

But women here are less likely than the rest of the country to punch in within a year of giving birth.

More moms in Utah are going to work less than a year after giving birth, new census data show.<ul><li>But Utah remains slower to send moms back to work than the rest of the country.</li></ul>

Chatting AI at the Silicon Slopes Summit

We hit the Silicon Slopes Summit to discuss applications and anxieties of generative AI.

On Wednesday, I popped into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silicon Slopes Summit" data-vars-click-url="https://summit.siliconslopes.com/" data-vars-content-id="e341b948-0ee0-4634-ae01-60d772413e17" data-vars-headline="Chatting AI at the Silicon Slopes Summit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://summit.siliconslopes.com/" target="_blank">Silicon Slopes Summit</a> downtown with Google Cloud CTO Will Grannis to chat about:<ul><li>how small businesses can deploy generative AI effectively;</li></ul>

BYU's among the nation's least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis

A New York Times analysis shows a small percentage of Pell Grant recipients at the Latter-day Saint school.

Brigham Young University is one of the least economically diverse universities in the nation, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Times Magazine analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/09/07/magazine/college-access-index.html" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/09/07/magazine/college-access-index.html" target="_blank">New York Times Magazine analysis</a> of federal financial aid.By the numbers: 12% of BYU&#x27;s freshman class in 2020-21 were Pell Grant recipients, down 4% from a decade earlier, the Times found.<ul><li>That&#x27;s the fifth lowest Pell share among the 286 most-selective schools in the country, the Times reported, placing BYU in a tie for No. 257.</li><li>The average Pell share was 21%.</li></ul>Of note: Pell Grants are federal scholarships granted to students of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exceptional financial need" data-vars-click-url="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell" target="_blank">exceptional financial need</a>.&quot;The intrigue: BYU, operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is generally considered a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bargain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=best-value-colleges&amp;sort=name" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=best-value-colleges&amp;sort=name" target="_blank">bargain</a> among private schools.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Forbes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/value-colleges/list/" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/value-colleges/list/" target="_blank">Forbes</a> in 2019 ranked the school No. 1 in its &quot;Best Value Colleges&quot; list, and BYU typically scores high in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News &amp; World Report rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/best-value" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/best-value" target="_blank">U.S. News &amp; World Report rankings</a> for economic value.</li><li>Undergraduate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tuition" data-vars-click-url="https://finserve.byu.edu/students-parents/tuition-fees-deadlines#richtext-2023-2024-tuiti" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://finserve.byu.edu/students-parents/tuition-fees-deadlines#richtext-2023-2024-tuiti" target="_blank">tuition</a> is $3,248 per semester for church members and $6,496 for nonmembers. Church members are charged less &quot;in recognition&quot; of tithes paid by their families, which cover &quot;a significant portion of university operating costs,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BYU&#x27;s website states" data-vars-click-url="https://policy.byu.edu/view/tuition-and-fees-policy#:~:text=BYU%20is%20a%20nonprofit%20corporation,lower%20tuition%20rates%20than%20nonmembers." data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://policy.byu.edu/view/tuition-and-fees-policy#:~:text=BYU%20is%20a%20nonprofit%20corporation,lower%20tuition%20rates%20than%20nonmembers." target="_blank">BYU&#x27;s website states</a>.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;In recent years, outreach efforts have expanded to include areas of low socioeconomic status and recruiting events have been conducted in areas where high populations of Pell-eligible students reside,&quot; BYU spokesperson Carri Jenkins wrote in a statement to Axios.<ul><li>&quot;Our transfer process is another area where we are engaged in outreach efforts, offering support that would be helpful to first-generation students.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: The church&#x27;s spending on its three BYU campuses has drawn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scrutiny from Canada" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/11/02/mormon-finances-scrutiny-australia-canada" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" 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/2022/11/02/mormon-finances-scrutiny-australia-canada" target="_self">scrutiny from Canada</a>, where a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CBC investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/mormon-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints-funds-charity-1.6630190" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/mormon-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints-funds-charity-1.6630190" target="_blank">CBC investigation</a> last year found more than $1 billion in tax-exempt donations have been directed to private American universities in the past 15 years.<ul><li>The donations are legal, but the sum is exceptional; BYU locations get as much funding in tax-free Canadian donations as all Ivy League schools —combined, the CBC found.</li><li>If BYU&#x27;s flagship campus isn&#x27;t serving many low-income students, that could recharge criticism that the donations are siphoning Canadian tax dollars for public services there.</li></ul>Zoom out: The University of Utah, the state&#x27;s only other university in the Times&#x27; report, tied for No. 81 with 24% of students receiving Pell Grants.<ul><li>Berea College, a Kentucky school <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically geared" data-vars-click-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20091025171003/http://www.berea.edu/prospectivestudents/admissioninfo/requirements.asp" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091025171003/http://www.berea.edu/prospectivestudents/admissioninfo/requirements.asp" target="_blank">historically geared</a> toward low-income students from Appalachia, had the nation&#x27;s highest share, at 94%.</li><li>Four schools tied for least economically diverse, at 8%: Bates College in Maine, Fairfield University in Connecticut, Oberlin in Ohio and Tulane in New Orleans.</li><li>Most schools in the analysis fell between 15% and 24%.</li></ul>The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The end of affirmative action" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/scotus-decisions-affirmative-action-colleges" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/scotus-decisions-affirmative-action-colleges" target="_self">The end of affirmative action</a> — plus new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/03/harvard-legacy-donor-admissions-civil-rights-complaint" data-vars-content-id="d0b97e09-645e-46c8-8923-ddb3af0ad623" data-vars-headline="BYU&#x27;s among the nation&#x27;s least economically diverse colleges, per federal aid analysis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/03/harvard-legacy-donor-admissions-civil-rights-complaint" target="_self">scrutiny</a> on legacy admissions — has put a spotlight on colleges&#x27; efforts to consider wealth in acceptance decisions, the Times&#x27; David Leonhardt and Ashley Wu wrote.

Utah's medal-winning beers

Four Utah breweries won medals this weekend at the Great American Beer Festival, the United States' premier beer contest.

Four Utah breweries won medals this weekend at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great American Beer Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2023-winners/" data-vars-content-id="07907d22-342f-4717-842f-877e245a005a" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s medal-winning beers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2023-winners/" target="_blank">Great American Beer Festival</a>, the United States&#x27; premier beer contest.<ul><li>Templin Family Brewing won silver for its Munich-style Helles.</li></ul>

Your guide to ranked-choice voting

Salt Lake City is gearing up for November when it hosts its first-ever mayoral race using ranked-choice voting, which is becoming increasingly popular as more cities and states adopt or consider carrying out the electoral system.

Salt Lake City is gearing up for November when it hosts its first-ever mayoral race using <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ranked-choice voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.slc.gov/attorney/recorder/ranked-choice-voting/" data-vars-content-id="5ec64f56-ccee-4acb-abac-ff996f242239" data-vars-headline="Your guide to ranked-choice voting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.slc.gov/attorney/recorder/ranked-choice-voting/" target="_blank">ranked-choice voting</a> (RCV).The big picture: RCV is becoming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly popular" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/08/us/politics/ranked-choice-voting.html" data-vars-content-id="5ec64f56-ccee-4acb-abac-ff996f242239" data-vars-headline="Your guide to ranked-choice voting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/08/us/politics/ranked-choice-voting.html" target="_blank">increasingly popular</a> as more cities and states adopt or consider carrying out the electoral system.

Lucky 13: Salt Lake's 100°-day count drops sharply in 2023

After 2022's record-smashing 34 days of triple-digit temps, we're heaving a sight of relief.

It&#x27;s the last day of summer, which means it&#x27;s time to name the winner of our guessing game:<ul><li>How many days reached 100° in Salt Lake City?</li></ul>

Illustration of a thermometer being shattered. 

Meet some of Utah's most elaborate cosplayers at FanX

Check out some of the most elaborate looks at FanX.

Utah is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="known" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/09/21/fanx-brings-out-utah-cultural-norms" data-vars-content-id="200b2097-4059-4802-b74d-8dfa9a8a3b4b" data-vars-headline="Meet some of Utah&#x27;s most elaborate cosplayers at FanX" 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/2022/09/21/fanx-brings-out-utah-cultural-norms" target="_self">known</a> for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-caliber cosplay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.utahbusiness.com/the-economics-of-cosplay/" data-vars-content-id="200b2097-4059-4802-b74d-8dfa9a8a3b4b" data-vars-headline="Meet some of Utah&#x27;s most elaborate cosplayers at FanX" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.utahbusiness.com/the-economics-of-cosplay/" target="_blank">high-caliber cosplay</a>, and revelers at FanX did not disappoint this weekend. <ul><li>Here were some of our favorites:</li></ul>

People in costumes sit in chairs in an auditorium.

Your guide to Salt Lake City's FanX 2023

From Michael J. Fox to H.P. Lovecraft, a celebration of fandom is taking over Salt Lake's downtown.

It&#x27;s time for Salt Lake&#x27;s annual fan takeover with thousands of costumed revelers appearing downtown to geek out over their favorite pillars of pop culture.<ul><li>FanX is back for its 10th year at the Salt Palace.</li></ul>

Interactive "Friends Experience" is coming to The Gateway

Visit Central Perk without ever leaving Salt Lake City.

Fans of the iconic television series &quot;Friends&quot; will soon have the chance to visit the Central Perk coffeehouse and Monica and Rachel&#x27;s kitchen — without ever leaving Salt Lake City.What&#x27;s happening: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Friends Experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.friendstheexperience.com/saltlakecity/?utm_campaign=website&amp;utm_source=sendgrid.com&amp;utm_medium=email" data-vars-content-id="2c15ef27-4f8f-4f60-a951-411302e8d944" data-vars-headline="Interactive &quot;Friends Experience&quot; is coming to The Gateway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.friendstheexperience.com/saltlakecity/?utm_campaign=website&amp;utm_source=sendgrid.com&amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank">The Friends Experience</a>&quot; is coming to The Gateway Oct. 20 through Jan. 28, 2024.

Two people pose for a photo in a recreated set of Central Perk from the TV show "Friends."

What to do in Salt Lake City this weekend | Sept. 22-23

From film screenings to a rock concert, there's plenty to do in Salt Lake City this weekend.

From film screenings to a rock concert, there&#x27;s plenty to choose from in Salt Lake City this weekend.

A weekly pop-up party is coming to Salt Lake's Main Street

Mini-golf, scavenger hunts and disco downtown — and it's free!

Salt Lake City&#x27;s Main Street will once again become a pedestrian-only promenade on weekends — now with mini golf!What&#x27;s happening: Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 1am through Oct. 28 for the four blocks south of Temple Square.

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It's a flamboyant, glowing, Instagrammy, Bike Prom-y weekend in Utah!

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