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Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case

Erika Kirk and Donald Trump Jr. were present at Monday's preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.

News

Utah prosecutors began presenting their evidence Monday at the preliminary hearing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tyler Robinson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/charlie-kirk-killing-suspect-arrested" data-vars-content-id="74b1d8b5-f07f-4d41-af8b-61f66705478a" data-vars-headline="Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/charlie-kirk-killing-suspect-arrested" target="_self">Tyler Robinson</a>, who is accused of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatally shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" data-vars-content-id="74b1d8b5-f07f-4d41-af8b-61f66705478a" data-vars-headline="Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" target="_self">fatally shooting</a> conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last year.Why it matters: The weeklong hearing in Provo will help Judge Tony Graf determine whether there&#x27;s enough evidence to send the case to trial in what could become one of the nation&#x27;s most-watched criminal cases.

To seek execution in Charlie Kirk's murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law

Here are the factors that have led to Utah death sentences in the past 50 years.

To get the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death penalty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/08/utah-executes-first-death-row-inmate-taberon-honie" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" 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/2024/08/08/utah-executes-first-death-row-inmate-taberon-honie" target="_self">death penalty</a> in Utah, a defendant has to commit &quot;aggravated murder&quot; — that is, a murder that&#x27;s particularly heinous, committed alongside other crimes, or involves other factors that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state law" data-vars-click-url="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-S202.html?v=C76-5-S202_2025050720250507" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-S202.html?v=C76-5-S202_2025050720250507" target="_blank">state law</a> deems exceptional.Why it matters: At a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preliminary hearing this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/06/preliminary-hearing-evidence-charlie-kirk-case-tyler-robinson" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" 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/2026/07/06/preliminary-hearing-evidence-charlie-kirk-case-tyler-robinson" target="_self">preliminary hearing this week</a>, a judge is deciding whether Tyler Robinson can be charged with aggravated murder, which would make him <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eligible for the death penalty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/charlie-kirk-suspect-facing-death-penalty" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/charlie-kirk-suspect-facing-death-penalty" target="_self">eligible for the death penalty</a> if he&#x27;s convicted in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-turning-point" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" 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/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-turning-point" target="_self">fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk </a>at UVU in September.

Why Idaho Falls is a hidden gem of the Mountain West

In this western city, the River Walk is the improbable beating heart of hometown pride.

If you&#x27;re traveling north and need a stopping point, Idaho Falls is one of the nicest surprises I&#x27;ve found in the West.The intrigue: My family got stuck there this week because our car broke down, so it shouldn&#x27;t have been fun.

Buc-ee's watch, Utah edition

Where we've been and where we're going, vis à vis the most anticipated gas station opening in Utah memory.

When marking your calendar for major events on Utah&#x27;s horizon, your mind might drift toward the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2034 Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/24/salt-lake-city-2034-winter-olympics-host-utah" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" 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/2024/07/24/salt-lake-city-2034-winter-olympics-host-utah" target="_self">2034 Olympics</a> or next year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake Temple open house" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/13/temple-square-visitors-center-lds-mormon-sneak-peek" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" 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/2026/04/13/temple-square-visitors-center-lds-mormon-sneak-peek" target="_self">Salt Lake Temple open house</a>.<ul><li>We are no longer convinced either of those is the real biggie, now that we&#x27;ve read our colleagues&#x27; recent reports about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/queen-city-quarter-epicentre-uptown-development" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/queen-city-quarter-epicentre-uptown-development" target="_self">Buc-ee&#x27;s</a> grand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="openings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/09/bucees-store-huber-heights-ohio-open" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/09/bucees-store-huber-heights-ohio-open" target="_self">openings</a> in other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/10/buc-ees-mebane-north-carolina-gas-station" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/10/buc-ees-mebane-north-carolina-gas-station" target="_self">states</a>. </li></ul>

Walmart plans drone delivery for Salt Lake

Salt Lake is one of seven markets where Walmart plans to launch the service next.

Walmart drone deliveries are returning to Salt Lake, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two years after the retail giant halted the service in Utah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/16/walmart-drone-delivery-utah-ends" data-vars-content-id="3f49905e-b484-4d3e-959f-43e8231c906e" data-vars-headline="Walmart plans drone delivery for Salt Lake" 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/2024/08/16/walmart-drone-delivery-utah-ends" target="_self">two years after the retail giant halted the service in Utah</a>. The big picture: Walmart and drone delivery company Wing are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanding service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/walmart-drone-delivery-wing-los-angeles-miami" data-vars-content-id="3f49905e-b484-4d3e-959f-43e8231c906e" data-vars-headline="Walmart plans drone delivery for Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/walmart-drone-delivery-wing-los-angeles-miami" target="_self">expanding service</a> to seven new metro areas as part of a plan to reach more than 40 million customers with a network of more than 270 locations nationwide.

Utah billionaire Matthew Prince keeps trying to buy Park City Mountain Resort

But it's not clear locals will embrace the Cloudflare founder as a hometown savior against Vail.

Cloudflare founder Matthew Prince is continuing his push to buy Park City Mountain Resort from Vail, which would make him the owner of the biggest ski resort in America.The big picture: Prince is proposing a first-of-its kind franchise agreement with Vail Resorts, the Colorado Sun <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/05/matthew-prince-park-city-vail-resorts/" data-vars-content-id="d29c8c09-0e11-4364-b27e-b18375d4b6d4" data-vars-headline="Utah billionaire Matthew Prince keeps trying to buy Park City Mountain Resort" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/05/matthew-prince-park-city-vail-resorts/" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Utah weddings: No longer cheap

As destination weddings pour in and the state becomes less Mormon, couples are spending more.

Utah no longer lives up to its reputation for inexpensive, mints-and-lemonade church hall weddings.Why it matters: You&#x27;ll have to cough up more than $38,000 for the average celebration, per research firm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wedding Report" data-vars-click-url="https://wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/49/idtype/s/location/Utah/" data-vars-content-id="81361702-18a6-4791-bfc1-2c327be3c081" data-vars-headline="Utah weddings: No longer cheap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/49/idtype/s/location/Utah/" target="_blank">The Wedding Report</a>.

Utah speaks: Axios SLC readers voice resistance to AI

Many of you shared worries that our minds may never be the same.

We asked for your AI takes, and the response was almost unanimous: resistance.The big picture: AI&#x27;s rise is driving people into three camps, Axios&#x27; Ina Fried <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/ai-elite-vs-ai-skeptic-doomer" data-vars-content-id="1ef21de8-9bc5-456a-9790-ae5746e0c3e7" data-vars-headline="Utah speaks: Axios SLC readers voice resistance to AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/ai-elite-vs-ai-skeptic-doomer" target="_self">reports</a>: power users, doubters and resisters.

3 things to know about Utah's massive proposed data center

State officials are pushing it hard and fast. Local authorities are less certain.

A proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/axios-live-data-center-boom-forces-us-policymakers-to-rethink-power-costs" data-vars-content-id="53d10f6c-bc7d-4117-87c6-e89143e3e446" data-vars-headline="3 things to know about Utah&#x27;s massive proposed data center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/axios-live-data-center-boom-forces-us-policymakers-to-rethink-power-costs" target="_self">data center</a> in northern Utah would generate and consume <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than twice the electricity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1424907.mp3" data-vars-content-id="53d10f6c-bc7d-4117-87c6-e89143e3e446" data-vars-headline="3 things to know about Utah&#x27;s massive proposed data center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1424907.mp3" target="_blank">more than twice the electricity</a> now used by the entire state if local officials approve it this week.Why it matters: Supporters say the &quot;hyperscale&quot; data center would create 2,000 jobs and help keep the U.S. competitive in the fast-moving field of AI.

Salt Lake City restaurants see major price hikes since 2020

We analyzed 12 Salt Lake City staples, comparing menu prices from 2020 to today.

The prices of some of Salt Lake City&#x27;s most popular menu items have jumped more than 50% since 2020, according to an Axios analysis.Why it matters: The cost of living, from food to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/22/affordable-homes-salt-lake-utah" data-vars-content-id="9013979d-da4f-4bfa-a5e7-924276337635" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City restaurants see major price hikes since 2020" 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/2026/01/22/affordable-homes-salt-lake-utah" target="_self">housing</a>, is skyrocketing, and wages aren&#x27;t keeping pace.

Utah's hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows

A report last year found hospital mergers drove price hikes for care and costs "increase significantly for neighboring hospitals."

Health

Utah&#x27;s health care system is heavily consolidated among a few hospital systems — a dynamic associated with rising costs, according to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" data-vars-content-id="6cbdca2f-af2c-4cb3-9fec-9e199a243bfc" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" target="_blank">analysis</a> from Yale&#x27;s new Health Care Affordability Lab.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal report last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-consolidation-health-care-markets-rfi-response-report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="6cbdca2f-af2c-4cb3-9fec-9e199a243bfc" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-consolidation-health-care-markets-rfi-response-report.pdf" target="_blank">federal report last year</a> found hospital mergers drove price hikes for care — 6% to 65% — and costs &quot;increase significantly for neighboring hospitals as well.&quot;

19 states to raise minimum wage in 2026, except Utah

Six Western states, excluding Utah, will see wage increases on New Year's Day.

Sorry, folks, Utah is not among the 19 U.S. states <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boosting their minimum wage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/18/states-where-the-minimum-wage-is-going-up-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="c8d11766-b2f9-464e-a345-01e9f1ca0dbe" data-vars-headline="19 states to raise minimum wage in 2026, except Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/18/states-where-the-minimum-wage-is-going-up-in-2026" target="_self">boosting their minimum wage</a> next year.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s $7.25 hourly minimum wage will hold steady heading into 2026, even as the cost of living <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continues to climb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/05/west-coast-layoffs-inflation-economy-slowdown" data-vars-content-id="c8d11766-b2f9-464e-a345-01e9f1ca0dbe" data-vars-headline="19 states to raise minimum wage in 2026, except Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/05/west-coast-layoffs-inflation-economy-slowdown" target="_self">continues to climb</a> across the West.

Holiday markets in and around Salt Lake

There are tons this weekend, from a brewery's Christkindlmarkt to one for Veteran-owned businesses.

There are tons of holiday markets this weekend for anyone who needs to catch up with their shopping.

Business 🏦

Buc-ee's watch, Utah edition

Walmart plans drone delivery for Salt Lake

Utah billionaire Matthew Prince keeps trying to buy Park City Mountain Resort

Utah weddings: No longer cheap

Utah speaks: Axios SLC readers voice resistance to AI