Salt Lake City

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Salt Lake City with Kim Bojórquez and Erin Alberty.

Axios Salt Lake City

Standard

Get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in Salt Lake City

Axios Salt Lake City Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Salt Lake City Partners

Salt Lake City Alerts

Alert

Salt Lake City Members

Membership

Salt Lake rebrands as "America's Mountain City"

The new branding campaign comes as Salt Lake City prepares to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.

News

Visit Salt Lake is rebranding the Salt Lake area as &quot;America&#x27;s Mountain City&quot; in the lead-up to the 2034 Winter Olympics.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://brand.welcometomountaincity.com/" data-vars-content-id="d3a5a4e4-1ee8-495d-a300-d39064166859" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake rebrands as &quot;America&#x27;s Mountain City&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brand.welcometomountaincity.com/" target="_blank">new campaign</a> is designed to establish Salt Lake as a top destination — where urban meets mountains — as it prepares to welcome a global audience for its second Winter Games.

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.

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>

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.

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.

Utah's first state history museum opens

The Museum of Utah aims to paint a broader and more inclusive picture of the state's early beginnings.

Utah&#x27;s first official state history museum opened Saturday, featuring a trove of artifacts and exhibits tracing the state&#x27;s founding and cultural imprint on the U.S.Why it matters: Utah was one of the only states without a dedicated history museum until now.

Sundance to host free screenings this summer

The summer series will showcase four films that were featured at this year's Sundance Film Festival — for free.

Things to Do

If you never made it to a Sundance Film Festival screening in Utah, this might be your last chance.Driving the news: Despite its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move to Boulder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/29/sundance-ends-utah-run-boulder-next" data-vars-content-id="19746989-5959-4cb6-a39d-9368ab85a7de" data-vars-headline="Sundance to host free screenings this summer" 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/2026/01/29/sundance-ends-utah-run-boulder-next" target="_self">move to Boulder</a> next year, Sundance Institute is bringing back its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Local Lens Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/18/sundance-film-festival-local-lens-program-slate" data-vars-content-id="19746989-5959-4cb6-a39d-9368ab85a7de" data-vars-headline="Sundance to host free screenings this summer" 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/2025/06/18/sundance-film-festival-local-lens-program-slate" target="_self">Local Lens Program</a> this summer.

Utah Arts Festival to celebrate 50th anniversary

The four-day event taking place June 18–21 will feature hundreds of artists, live performances, film screenings and more.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah Arts Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://uaf.org/" data-vars-content-id="4c591aae-c450-49ef-8b7a-67bf0d456d87" data-vars-headline="Utah Arts Festival to celebrate 50th anniversary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://uaf.org/" target="_blank">Utah Arts Festival</a> returns to Library Square next week to celebrate its 50th anniversary.State of play: The four-day event taking place June 18–21 will showcase local artists, live performances, film screenings and more.

Your guide to Utah Pride weekend's biggest events

Pride is here and we&#x27;ve got a packed weekend schedule for you. 🙏 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Interfaith Service" data-vars-click-url="https://utahpride.org/events/interfaith-worship-service" data-vars-content-id="a59c5aa0-afa5-451a-ac06-dc8b05b9b3da" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Utah Pride weekend&#x27;s biggest events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahpride.org/events/interfaith-worship-service" target="_blank">Interfaith Service</a>: Hosted at the First Baptist Church, the event will feature faith leaders and spiritual communities.

Magnolia Bakery arrives in Utah, with more locations to come

The New York City-based chain is eyeing rapid expansion in the Salt Lake Valley.

Utah&#x27;s first-ever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Magnolia Bakery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/10/magnolia-bakery-salt-lake-utah-expansion-2026" data-vars-content-id="3a77abd4-617c-496a-8b70-85f8a7f1d91b" data-vars-headline="Magnolia Bakery arrives in Utah, with more locations to come" 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/2025/06/10/magnolia-bakery-salt-lake-utah-expansion-2026" target="_self">Magnolia Bakery</a> opened Monday in Holladay to a line stretching out the door. Why it matters: The New York City-based chain is eyeing rapid expansion in the Salt Lake Valley, with four more stores planned over the next three years, executives told Axios.

New Salt Lake City trail features Utah's longest public art

The 400 South multi-use trail features a nearly 2,000-foot-long art installation.

Salt Lake City leaders on Wednesday celebrated the opening of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new trail on 400 South" data-vars-click-url="https://www.slc.gov/transportation/2026/01/15/400-south-trail/" data-vars-content-id="f5d69604-4f5b-4794-9554-28c4901392f2" data-vars-headline="New Salt Lake City trail features Utah&#x27;s longest public art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.slc.gov/transportation/2026/01/15/400-south-trail/" target="_blank">new trail on 400 South</a> for pedestrians and cyclists.The intrigue: The paved trail features a nearly 2,000-foot-long art installation called &quot;Strut,&quot; made up of a fence and concrete barrier.

Julia Reagan billboards are back

Salt Lake City's favorite internet celebrity is on billboards again.

One of Salt Lake City&#x27;s most beloved figures, the late <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Julia Reagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/05/13/julia-reagan-billboard-internet-obsession-viral" data-vars-content-id="f85b05fc-b46c-45b3-9615-c18df51260c1" data-vars-headline="Julia Reagan billboards are back" 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/2025/05/13/julia-reagan-billboard-internet-obsession-viral" target="_self">Julia Reagan</a>, is back on billboards after a hiatus.Driving the news: Billboard company, Reagan Outdoor Advertising, has displayed her image across the U.S. each year to mark her death in June 2024.

36 hours in Salt Lake City

The best use of a beautiful spring day (and a half) in our city.

When our editors announced they were visiting Axios Salt Lake City, we thought: What would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ferris Bueller" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/02/18/trump-tariffs-ferris-bueller-ben-stein-smoot-hawley" data-vars-content-id="644c9f03-f338-4945-ab1e-9e4e1fadca28" data-vars-headline="36 hours in 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/salt-lake-city/2025/02/18/trump-tariffs-ferris-bueller-ben-stein-smoot-hawley" target="_self">Ferris Bueller</a> do?<ul><li>What&#x27;s the best use of a beautiful spring day (and a half) in our city? </li></ul>

Salt Lake City to vote on renaming 500 South after Dolores Huerta

Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 with Chávez.

The Salt Lake City Council is expected to vote on a resolution Tuesday to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rename César Chávez Boulevard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/19/city-council-utah-cesar-chavez-street-name-change-500-south" data-vars-content-id="7a0bb4fe-dbbd-4f92-8de8-2471c5bdb10d" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City to vote on renaming 500 South after Dolores Huerta" 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/2026/03/19/city-council-utah-cesar-chavez-street-name-change-500-south" target="_self">rename César Chávez Boulevard</a> after labor activist Dolores Huerta.Why it matters: Utah&#x27;s capital is one of the latest U.S. cities to remove Chávez&#x27;s name from public spaces following a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Times investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html" data-vars-content-id="7a0bb4fe-dbbd-4f92-8de8-2471c5bdb10d" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City to vote on renaming 500 South after Dolores Huerta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html" target="_blank">New York Times investigation</a> in March that detailed extensive evidence that the late civil rights leader sexually abused women and girls as young as 12 years old.

Marmalade District finds new life in Salt Lake City

A wave of new apartment construction is energizing a growing food and nightlife scene in Salt Lake City's Marmalade District.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s Marmalade District is having a moment.Why it matters: A wave of new apartment construction is energizing a growing food and nightlife scene, turning the historic neighborhood into a buzzy destination.

Culture

Utah's first state history museum opens

Sundance to host free screenings this summer

Utah Arts Festival to celebrate 50th anniversary

Your guide to Utah Pride weekend's biggest events

Magnolia Bakery arrives in Utah, with more locations to come