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Photo: Kevin O'Leary posed at Utah governor's desk before data center reveal

The image is unlikely to mollify populist outcry over government ties to the investor class.

News

Kevin O&#x27;Leary, the &quot;Shark Tank&quot; celebrity investor behind the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive data center proposed in Box Elder County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" data-vars-content-id="19d18ea0-8e95-4c51-8330-9ea9f078c487" data-vars-headline="Photo: Kevin O&#x27;Leary posed at Utah governor&#x27;s desk before data center reveal" 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/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" target="_self">massive data center proposed in Box Elder County</a>, sits at Gov. Spencer Cox&#x27;s desk in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="photo posted by a staffer to LinkedIn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tylermjennings_as-i-continue-to-talk-to-people-from-around-ugcPost-7415163427448451073-CQvC/" data-vars-content-id="19d18ea0-8e95-4c51-8330-9ea9f078c487" data-vars-headline="Photo: Kevin O&#x27;Leary posed at Utah governor&#x27;s desk before data center reveal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tylermjennings_as-i-continue-to-talk-to-people-from-around-ugcPost-7415163427448451073-CQvC/" target="_blank">photo posted by a staffer to LinkedIn</a> Jan. 8.Why it matters: That was weeks before the data center, which is projected to quadruple the electricity generated and used in Utah, had been addressed in any public meeting.

Salt Lake City's first co-op grocery store to open at Milk Block

About 20% of the co-op's vendors are local.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wasatch Food Co-op" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wasatch.coop/#dataItem-k0p1t5kh" data-vars-content-id="78909ead-2ec0-4fbf-8698-7b59fb1c5c3b" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first co-op grocery store to open at Milk Block" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wasatch.coop/#dataItem-k0p1t5kh" target="_blank">Wasatch Food Co-op</a> (WFC), Salt Lake City&#x27;s first community-owned grocery store, opens Wednesday at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milk Block" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/09/04/equality-utah-headquarters-harvey-milk-boulevard" data-vars-content-id="78909ead-2ec0-4fbf-8698-7b59fb1c5c3b" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first co-op grocery store to open at Milk Block" 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/2024/09/04/equality-utah-headquarters-harvey-milk-boulevard" target="_self">Milk Block</a> in Liberty Wells after nearly two decades in the making.Why it matters: Co-op grocery stores have gained popularity in many U.S. cities <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since the 1960s" data-vars-click-url="https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/how-grocery-co-ops-fit-into-the-competitive-landscape/" data-vars-content-id="78909ead-2ec0-4fbf-8698-7b59fb1c5c3b" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first co-op grocery store to open at Milk Block" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/how-grocery-co-ops-fit-into-the-competitive-landscape/" target="_blank">since the 1960s</a> as consumers become more conscious about where they spend their money and how those dollars are reinvested in local communities rather than large corporations.

Tick bite ER visits soar in western states

Lyme disease is rare in Utah, but ticks also spread other illnesses.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tick bites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/05/ticks-lyme-disease-removal" data-vars-content-id="ed6321f6-ac2d-4054-a455-f5d166285cd6" data-vars-headline="Tick bite ER visits soar in western states" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/05/ticks-lyme-disease-removal" target="_self">Tick bites</a> are sending a record rate of people in western states to the ER this spring, according to new CDC data.Why it matters: &quot;These tiny biters can make you seriously sick,&quot; says Alison Hinckley, epidemiologist with the CDC, in a statement.

SLC convenience store "influencer" accused of swapping underage vape sales for Instagram follows

Police say the owner was arrested just before boarding a plane for a one-way flight to Miami.

A self-styled influencer who frequently poses for photos with stacks of cash and a Lamborghini is suspected of selling vapes and beer to kids in exchange for Instagram follows.The big picture: Undercover agents listened while employees at Saif Al-Fatlawi&#x27;s City Corner convenience stores in Salt Lake and Murray made sales to underage customers that appeared to be as young as middle schoolers, police wrote in arrest documents.

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.

What to expect from Salt Lake's housing market in 2026

Salt Lake's housing market is expected to stabilize in 2026, with more inventory and easing mortgage rates.

The Salt Lake metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/11/02/affordable-home-slc-house-mortgage-prices" data-vars-content-id="9764c2ba-1215-4f36-9594-6c9a95179d08" data-vars-headline="What to expect from Salt Lake&#x27;s housing market in 2026" 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/2023/11/02/affordable-home-slc-house-mortgage-prices" target="_self">housing market</a> is expected to stabilize next year as more homes come on the market, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com forecast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/2026-national-housing-forecast/" data-vars-content-id="9764c2ba-1215-4f36-9594-6c9a95179d08" data-vars-headline="What to expect from Salt Lake&#x27;s housing market in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/2026-national-housing-forecast/" target="_blank">Realtor.com forecast</a>.Why it matters: Utah — the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ninth-most-expensive state to buy a home" data-vars-click-url="https://gardner.utah.edu/news/utah-ranked-as-the-9th-most-expensive-housing-market-in-the-country-in-2024/" data-vars-content-id="9764c2ba-1215-4f36-9594-6c9a95179d08" data-vars-headline="What to expect from Salt Lake&#x27;s housing market in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gardner.utah.edu/news/utah-ranked-as-the-9th-most-expensive-housing-market-in-the-country-in-2024/" target="_blank">ninth-most-expensive state to buy a home</a> last year — saw housing prices surge during the pandemic, straining affordability for prospective homebuyers.

This week's holiday markets in Salt Lake

Meet Santa, enjoy a hot drink and buy gifts from local artisans.

If you&#x27;re like us, you&#x27;re still working your way through your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday shopping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/21/we-aint-buying-it-boycott-utah-holiday-shopping-trump" data-vars-content-id="d088edac-c128-493b-ad27-fbc0d35afdcb" data-vars-headline="This week&#x27;s holiday markets in 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/2025/11/21/we-aint-buying-it-boycott-utah-holiday-shopping-trump" target="_self">holiday shopping</a> list. Here are some winter markets where you can support local artists, enjoy treats and maybe even meet Santa during the coming week:

Job growth in St. George outpaces major U.S. metros

Job postings in St. George jumped 55% since early 2020 amid population growth.

Business

St. George, Utah, is among the nation&#x27;s top metros for job growth, according to new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hiringlab.org/2025/11/20/indeed-2026-us-jobs-hiring-trends-report/" data-vars-content-id="06d8be98-a32e-4041-aba4-472654811ef4" data-vars-headline="Job growth in St. George outpaces major U.S. metros" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hiringlab.org/2025/11/20/indeed-2026-us-jobs-hiring-trends-report/" target="_blank">data</a> from jobs site Indeed.Why it matters: Formerly a retirement town, the southern Utah city has more than doubled in size since 2000 and is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attracting small business owners, tourists and remote workers" data-vars-click-url="https://ksltv.com/local-news/growing-pains-inside-st-georges-surge/782919/" data-vars-content-id="06d8be98-a32e-4041-aba4-472654811ef4" data-vars-headline="Job growth in St. George outpaces major U.S. metros" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ksltv.com/local-news/growing-pains-inside-st-georges-surge/782919/" target="_blank">attracting small business owners, tourists and remote workers</a>.

Utahns join "We Ain't Buying It" boycott as holiday shopping begins

Some are focusing on Target, Amazon and Home Depot while others are calling for a bigger "blackout."

Utah&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday shopping season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/01/holiday-shopping-forecast-inflation" data-vars-content-id="54448191-c9c4-461f-a017-6dc589b52ecd" data-vars-headline="Utahns join &quot;We Ain&#x27;t Buying It&quot; boycott as holiday shopping begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/01/holiday-shopping-forecast-inflation" target="_self">holiday shopping season</a> will kick off alongside a boycott of corporate purchases, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRKMvirDdDL/" data-vars-content-id="54448191-c9c4-461f-a017-6dc589b52ecd" data-vars-headline="Utahns join &quot;We Ain&#x27;t Buying It&quot; boycott as holiday shopping begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRKMvirDdDL/" target="_blank">some</a> progressive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="groups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/703384402815581?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22group%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="54448191-c9c4-461f-a017-6dc589b52ecd" data-vars-headline="Utahns join &quot;We Ain&#x27;t Buying It&quot; boycott as holiday shopping begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/703384402815581?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22group%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">groups</a> making &quot;buy local&quot; the season&#x27;s greeting of 2025.State of play: The boycott focuses on three corporations that organizers say have enabled &quot;the Trump administration&#x27;s abuses of power,&quot; according to a statement this week from No Kings:

A choropleth map of the U.S. showing share of hospitals that are in a highly concentrated market or part of a monopoly in 2025. In North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, all hospitals are highly concentrated or part of a monopoly. In D.C., none are. Market concentration is particularly high in the mountain west and coastal south.

Share of hospitals that are in a highly concentrated market or are part of a monopoly, 2025

Data: Yale Health Care Affordability Lab; Map: Axios Visuals

A map showing U.S. states that are expected to raise the minimum wage in 2026. As of December 2025, 22 states will raise wages. Hawai'i will have the biggest increase, from $14 to $16 an hour. By the end of next year, 13 states will have wages of at least $15 an hour.

Business 🏦

Utah speaks: Axios SLC readers voice resistance to AI

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

Salt Lake City restaurants see major price hikes since 2020

Utah's hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows

19 states to raise minimum wage in 2026, except Utah