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Utah reserves firing squad option as doubts rise over lethal injection

If Tennessee's botched execution ends lethal injection, Utah law spells out the state's backup plan.

News

Tennessee&#x27;s failed attempt to execute Christa Pike is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renewing scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/christa-pike-lethal-injections-drugs-pentobarbital" data-vars-content-id="672fa963-6b42-43b9-9802-ba1790df637c" data-vars-headline="Utah reserves firing squad option as doubts rise over lethal injection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/christa-pike-lethal-injections-drugs-pentobarbital" target="_self">renewing scrutiny</a> of lethal injection — but Utah law still reserves the firing squad as a backup plan.Why it matters: Lethal injection is Utah&#x27;s primary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="execution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/09/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-death-penalty-gary-gilmore-ron-lafferty" data-vars-content-id="672fa963-6b42-43b9-9802-ba1790df637c" data-vars-headline="Utah reserves firing squad option as doubts rise over lethal injection" 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/2026/07/09/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-death-penalty-gary-gilmore-ron-lafferty" target="_self">execution</a> method, used for five of the state&#x27;s eight executions since the U.S. Supreme Court approved the death penalty 50 years ago.

Utah voters to weigh 60% threshold for some citizen initiatives

Amendment B would require 60% voter approval for ballot initiatives that raise taxes.

A Republican-backed constitutional amendment on the November ballot could make it harder to pass <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="citizen-led ballot initiatives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/04/28/utah-ballot-referendum-signatures-difficult" data-vars-content-id="6da121a9-c4c9-46da-8ac2-4a9900256f44" data-vars-headline="Utah voters to weigh 60% threshold for some citizen initiatives" 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/2025/04/28/utah-ballot-referendum-signatures-difficult" target="_self">citizen-led ballot initiatives</a> that raise taxes.Why it matters: Critics say Amendment B would dilute Utahns&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/09/16/utah-mail-elections-2026-changes" data-vars-content-id="6da121a9-c4c9-46da-8ac2-4a9900256f44" data-vars-headline="Utah voters to weigh 60% threshold for some citizen initiatives" 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/2026/09/16/utah-mail-elections-2026-changes" target="_self">voting power</a>.

Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions

The library's board of directors is reviewing personnel policies, disciplinary actions and internal complaints.

Tension between Salt Lake City Public Library leadership and workers is spilling into public view amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allegations of retaliation and a toxic workplace" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wndvYwyd6OQ" data-vars-content-id="71a682b2-a1df-4da9-840b-5a000361257a" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wndvYwyd6OQ" target="_blank">allegations of retaliation and a toxic workplace</a>.Why it matters: The dispute is escalating just months after the library union reached a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic collective bargaining agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ksl.com/article/51442937/salt-lake-city-finalizes-historic-collective-bargaining-agreement-with-librarians" data-vars-content-id="71a682b2-a1df-4da9-840b-5a000361257a" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51442937/salt-lake-city-finalizes-historic-collective-bargaining-agreement-with-librarians" target="_blank">historic collective bargaining agreement</a> and as the system navigates staff changes and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans for its future" data-vars-click-url="https://static.libnet.info/frontend-images/pdfs/slcpl/Board/2026_Library_Board/2026_SLCPL_Strategic_Plan.pdf" data-vars-content-id="71a682b2-a1df-4da9-840b-5a000361257a" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static.libnet.info/frontend-images/pdfs/slcpl/Board/2026_Library_Board/2026_SLCPL_Strategic_Plan.pdf" target="_blank">plans for its future</a>.

Utah is about to enter its bagel era

Jeff's Bagel Run is betting big on the Beehive State, with plans to open 15 stores in northern Utah.

Culture

Utah&#x27;s emerging bagel scene is about to get bigger with the arrival of two national chains.The big picture: Utah has long been known for being a bagel desert, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city" data-vars-content-id="c3aad4fa-7431-4843-89a3-2c6dc9a5db2f" data-vars-headline="Utah is about to enter its bagel era" 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" target="_self">Salt Lake City</a> shops like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bagel Project" data-vars-click-url="https://bagelproject.com/" data-vars-content-id="c3aad4fa-7431-4843-89a3-2c6dc9a5db2f" data-vars-headline="Utah is about to enter its bagel era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bagelproject.com/" target="_blank">The Bagel Project</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Baby&#x27;s Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.babysbagels.com/" data-vars-content-id="c3aad4fa-7431-4843-89a3-2c6dc9a5db2f" data-vars-headline="Utah is about to enter its bagel era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.babysbagels.com/" target="_blank">Baby&#x27;s Bagels</a> have helped change that with their New York-style varieties.

Your Salt Lake City library card can save you money, too

For the month of September, Salt Lake City Library cardholders can get discounts at dozens of local businesses.

A Salt Lake City library card provides access to an endless supply of books, audiobooks and DVDs.<ul><li>But did you know it can also get you <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deals" data-vars-click-url="https://services.slcpl.org/discounts" data-vars-content-id="93125305-ed99-48aa-a284-f8a80f73b7b4" data-vars-headline="Your Salt Lake City library card can save you money, too" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://services.slcpl.org/discounts" target="_blank">deals</a> at some of your favorite shops and restaurants?</li></ul>

Scoop: Koyoté will open a second restaurant in Park City

Koyoté was among Utah's first-ever Michelin Bib Gourmand winners announced last week.

Food and Drink

Koyoté, a cozy ramen shop in Salt Lake City&#x27;s west side that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened to wide acclaim in 2024" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/02/02/koyote-fairpark-slc-ramen-japanese-food-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="536d6449-2032-4ad8-ace7-9534660d9c49" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Koyoté will open a second restaurant in Park City" 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/2024/02/02/koyote-fairpark-slc-ramen-japanese-food-restaurant" target="_self">opened to wide acclaim in 2024</a>, is launching a second location in Park City, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Fresh off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent Michelin Bib Gourmand win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/27/monte-salt-lake-michelin-star-utah-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="536d6449-2032-4ad8-ace7-9534660d9c49" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Koyoté will open a second restaurant in Park City" 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/2026/08/27/monte-salt-lake-michelin-star-utah-restaurants" target="_self">recent Michelin Bib Gourmand win</a>, the neighborhood restaurant in Fairpark is entering a new phase of growth.

Exclusive: Defense contractors unveil collaborative in Utah

The group could make smaller businesses more competitive in an industry where startups often don't have the resources to wait years for a big government payday.

Aerospace

Utah defense contractor CenCore has launched a coalition of businesses that plan to work together to win defense and intelligence agency contracts.Why it matters: The group — dubbed the Integrated Warfighter Ecosystem (IWE) — could make smaller businesses more competitive in an industry where startups often don&#x27;t have the resources to wait years for a big government payday, CenCore CEO Adam Fife tells Axios.

Whiskey Street secures $1 million to rebuild after blaze

The loan comes about a year after a fire tore through downtown's nightlife hub, destroying Whiskey Street.

Business

Whiskey Street&#x27;s owners were awarded a $1 million loan by the city this week to install a new rooftop patio as the beloved bar and eatery undergoes a nearly $4 million rebuild.The big picture: The funding comes about a year after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fire tore through downtown&#x27;s nightlife hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/12/salt-lake-city-downtown-fire-bars-restaurants-recovery" data-vars-content-id="05c38e69-6fe1-4fee-979d-9384f315288b" data-vars-headline="Whiskey Street secures $1 million to rebuild after blaze" 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/2025/08/12/salt-lake-city-downtown-fire-bars-restaurants-recovery" target="_self">fire tore through downtown&#x27;s nightlife hub</a>, destroying Whiskey Street and other neighboring businesses.

Outdoor Retailer lives on after Salt Lake City

The massive trade show used to turn SLC into a party. That changed after political fights and COVID.

The Salt Palace was quiet Wednesday as one of its mainstay events <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kicked off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/19/outdoor-retailer-minneapolis-trade-show" data-vars-content-id="9bd6c3e1-ad98-4870-a338-e1453d5e8245" data-vars-headline="Outdoor Retailer lives on after Salt Lake City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/19/outdoor-retailer-minneapolis-trade-show" target="_self">kicked off</a> in another time zone.State of play: After more than 20 years in Salt Lake, the Outdoor Retailer trade show is now underway in Minneapolis.

Salt Lake City's unemployment rate dipped to 3.6% in June

Utah's capital added 22,900 jobs since last June, according to new federal data.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s unemployment rate declined to a seasonally adjusted 3.6% in June, matching national trends, new federal data shows.Why it matters: Half of the cities and metro areas tracked in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="jobs report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.nr0.htm" data-vars-content-id="c9543578-8bd6-4571-9b9a-917f230fcce7" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s unemployment rate dipped to 3.6% in June" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.nr0.htm" target="_blank">jobs report</a> posted higher unemployment rates, but Salt Lake City&#x27;s low figure suggests its labor market remains solid.

Rico Brand's next move could be its biggest yet

Fierro tells Axios he's in final talks with Costco to bring Rico Brand to the retailer's Southwest region.

You may not spot Jorge Fierro&#x27;s ready-to-eat Mexican food at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown Farmers Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/04/downtown-farmers-market-opening-new-vendors" data-vars-content-id="df1d585d-e644-4e87-91fa-0fb627c940dd" data-vars-headline="Rico Brand&#x27;s next move could be its biggest yet" 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/2026/06/04/downtown-farmers-market-opening-new-vendors" target="_self">Downtown Farmers Market</a> this summer, but there&#x27;s a good chance you&#x27;ll see it at some Costcos later this year.Why it matters: Nearly 30 years after he started selling pinto beans at Pioneer Park, Fierro&#x27;s business, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rico Brand" data-vars-click-url="https://ricobrand.com/" data-vars-content-id="df1d585d-e644-4e87-91fa-0fb627c940dd" data-vars-headline="Rico Brand&#x27;s next move could be its biggest yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ricobrand.com/" target="_blank">Rico Brand</a>, is eyeing expansion in one of the nation&#x27;s largest retailers.

As AI flyers proliferate, more Utah businesses promise human-only advertising

No-slop vows are coming from concert venues, political campaigns and arts events.

Some Utah businesses and organizations are getting so much backlash to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI-generated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/25/fanx-utah-bans-ai-art-vendors" data-vars-content-id="85e7d50b-4bfc-43ca-aa3a-93d2b0a29d6c" data-vars-headline="As AI flyers proliferate, more Utah businesses promise human-only advertising" 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/2025/09/25/fanx-utah-bans-ai-art-vendors" target="_self">AI-generated</a> ads that they&#x27;ve banned them from their platforms and pledged never to promote themselves with slop. The big picture: You&#x27;ve probably seen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.threads.com/@judy_annb/post/DZTFObbCNmE/media?xmt=AQG0o0fiW42-xLA_7Axuii7G1TBvmeccNBUBkOdVuk_epc6rKORIVdPUhyH-btb6jKQnmugn" data-vars-content-id="85e7d50b-4bfc-43ca-aa3a-93d2b0a29d6c" data-vars-headline="As AI flyers proliferate, more Utah businesses promise human-only advertising" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.threads.com/@judy_annb/post/DZTFObbCNmE/media?xmt=AQG0o0fiW42-xLA_7Axuii7G1TBvmeccNBUBkOdVuk_epc6rKORIVdPUhyH-btb6jKQnmugn" target="_blank">hundreds</a> of them on social media for concerts, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbPrQ-Zt-bh/?hl=si" data-vars-content-id="85e7d50b-4bfc-43ca-aa3a-93d2b0a29d6c" data-vars-headline="As AI flyers proliferate, more Utah businesses promise human-only advertising" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbPrQ-Zt-bh/?hl=si" target="_blank">sales</a>, grand openings and other events — promoted in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="visually busy rectangles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/jillellsworth13/posts/pfbid031DvEL3Xuku6S1bh3yCBssL7Aui3oVRfvbS7tyALe8f8kiFuWmgB25K1QB9HZ8U7fl" data-vars-content-id="85e7d50b-4bfc-43ca-aa3a-93d2b0a29d6c" data-vars-headline="As AI flyers proliferate, more Utah businesses promise human-only advertising" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/jillellsworth13/posts/pfbid031DvEL3Xuku6S1bh3yCBssL7Aui3oVRfvbS7tyALe8f8kiFuWmgB25K1QB9HZ8U7fl" target="_blank">visually busy rectangles</a> packed with sentence fragments and a hodgepodge of colors.

Wildfires tank summer tourism in southern Utah

BUT — you can get some screaming deals on vacation lodging.

<figure><img alt="Two hikers wade the Virgin River Narrows at Zion National Park on Monday. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Darrah" height="1567" id="4e3e37d3-82cd-474d-8f13-4963a3414d73" src="https://images.axios.com/bdO5mmpOUsKvOML3tFaB0XNRHwc=/2026/07/15/1784144656160.jpg" width="1178"/><figcaption>Two hikers wade the Virgin River Narrows at Zion National Park on Monday, during what is normally peak tourism season. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Darrah</figcaption></figure>Tourism is cratering in southern Utah after massive wildfires made national headlines.The intrigue: People are canceling trips weeks in advance due to fires that will almost certainly be gone by the time they arrive, one business owner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tells ABC 4" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abc4.com/news/southern-utah/businesses-tourism-hit-cottonwood-fire/amp/" data-vars-content-id="d1e87cc9-0390-411f-ad77-c9a2f462a6cf" data-vars-headline="Wildfires tank summer tourism in southern Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abc4.com/news/southern-utah/businesses-tourism-hit-cottonwood-fire/amp/" target="_blank">tells ABC 4</a>.

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>

Business 🏦

Your Salt Lake City library card can save you money, too

Scoop: Koyoté will open a second restaurant in Park City

Exclusive: Defense contractors unveil collaborative in Utah

Whiskey Street secures $1 million to rebuild after blaze

Outdoor Retailer lives on after Salt Lake City