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Rogan podcast doesn't paint the full picture of homelessness in SLC

Comedian Shane Gillis said he chased down by "ten homeless guys" when he was starting out in SLC's comedy scene.

Politics

Despite the viral Joe Rogan clip zeroing in on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake City&#x27;s homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/07/utah-homelessness-falls-chronic-mental-illness" data-vars-content-id="510bddcf-803b-4079-be61-e92c12b8a880" data-vars-headline="Rogan podcast doesn&#x27;t paint the full picture of homelessness in SLC" 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/2026/08/07/utah-homelessness-falls-chronic-mental-illness" target="_self">Salt Lake City&#x27;s homelessness</a>, new data shows it&#x27;s actually declining.Why it matters: Homelessness is down in Utah for the first time in six years, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barriers to affordable housing" data-vars-click-url="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/07/21/home-prices-salt-lake-county-break-record/" data-vars-content-id="510bddcf-803b-4079-be61-e92c12b8a880" data-vars-headline="Rogan podcast doesn&#x27;t paint the full picture of homelessness in SLC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/07/21/home-prices-salt-lake-county-break-record/" target="_blank">barriers to affordable housing</a> remain.

True crime TV series highlights missing Utah man

News

A Utah missing person case from 2009 is getting another look with the Freeform <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="true crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/07/15/my-favorite-murder-podcast-to-tour-in-slc" data-vars-content-id="2bcfe0cd-9e59-4f1b-9f87-e69ba8bf8419" data-vars-headline="True crime TV series highlights missing Utah man" 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/2025/07/15/my-favorite-murder-podcast-to-tour-in-slc" target="_self">true crime</a> series &quot;Somebody Knows Something,&quot; streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.Driving the news: A 42-minute <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="episode" data-vars-click-url="https://www.disneyplus.com/play/effca214-e61a-4d19-abf3-d24f0409368a" data-vars-content-id="2bcfe0cd-9e59-4f1b-9f87-e69ba8bf8419" data-vars-headline="True crime TV series highlights missing Utah man" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.disneyplus.com/play/effca214-e61a-4d19-abf3-d24f0409368a" target="_blank">episode</a> released this week reviews the disappearance of then-30-year-old Steve Koecher, a St. George man who was last seen Dec. 13, 2009 on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveillance footage" data-vars-click-url="https://news3lv.com/news/local/the-search-for-man-who-went-missing-in-henderson-in-2009-continues" data-vars-content-id="2bcfe0cd-9e59-4f1b-9f87-e69ba8bf8419" data-vars-headline="True crime TV series highlights missing Utah man" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news3lv.com/news/local/the-search-for-man-who-went-missing-in-henderson-in-2009-continues" target="_blank">surveillance footage</a> in Henderson, Nevada.

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.

Inside the U.S.'s 1st Knoops in Salt Lake City

Knoops founder tells Axios that the brand is well-suited in Utah, where its products appeal to people who avoid coffee and alcohol.

Food and Drink

Knoops, a British cafe serving chocolate-infused drinks, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opens its first U.S. location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/06/knoops-chocolate-first-us-store-opening" data-vars-content-id="184085dd-3f64-44b4-9710-dd1c35891764" data-vars-headline="Inside the U.S.&#x27;s 1st Knoops 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/2026/08/06/knoops-chocolate-first-us-store-opening" target="_self">opens its first U.S. location</a> in Salt Lake City Friday — and Axios got a behind-the-scenes look inside.The big picture: Knoops&#x27; arrival comes as artisan cocoa-based beverages <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gain steam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/living/food-drink/article313138672.html" data-vars-content-id="184085dd-3f64-44b4-9710-dd1c35891764" data-vars-headline="Inside the U.S.&#x27;s 1st Knoops in Salt Lake City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/living/food-drink/article313138672.html" target="_blank">gain steam</a> nationally, fueled by viral social media trends and greater consumer demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ethically sourced chocolate" data-vars-click-url="https://rawmanticchocolate.com/blogs/rawmantic-chocolate-blog/why-consumers-are-switching-to-artisanal-chocolate?srsltid=AfmBOoqbXIGK-PcA7cuGpftZibFJFRcXBilas1XhQgfHNUnemqaFupnz" data-vars-content-id="184085dd-3f64-44b4-9710-dd1c35891764" data-vars-headline="Inside the U.S.&#x27;s 1st Knoops in Salt Lake City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rawmanticchocolate.com/blogs/rawmantic-chocolate-blog/why-consumers-are-switching-to-artisanal-chocolate?srsltid=AfmBOoqbXIGK-PcA7cuGpftZibFJFRcXBilas1XhQgfHNUnemqaFupnz" target="_blank">ethically sourced chocolate</a>.

Predicting Utah's Michelin mentions

Here are your best guesses for one of the most coveted distinctions in the culinary arts.

We asked you to predict which Utah restaurants are likeliest to win a mention in the upcoming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Southwest Michelin guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/12/15/michelin-guide-southwest-utah-restaurant-scene" data-vars-content-id="f89da55b-471d-46d8-a52d-af7bef4e1946" data-vars-headline="Predicting Utah&#x27;s Michelin mentions" 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/2025/12/15/michelin-guide-southwest-utah-restaurant-scene" target="_self">American Southwest Michelin guide</a>, and now we&#x27;re hungry.The big picture: Utah eateries are eligible for the famously choosy guide for the first time when its selections are announced at a Las Vegas ceremony this week.

Grumpy Dough's Filipino-inspired sandwiches are a must-try

Grumpy Dough's food truck in Salt Lake City stands out for its Filipino-inspired breakfast sandwiches.

I may have found one of my new favorite breakfast sandwiches in Salt Lake City after mourning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Frankie &amp; Essl&#x27;s all-too-brief run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/03/17/salt-lake-city-breakfast-sandwich-frankie-essl-utah" data-vars-content-id="bf60c92e-9e80-4735-9d9e-774ec933e0b9" data-vars-headline="Grumpy Dough&#x27;s Filipino-inspired sandwiches are a must-try" 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/2023/03/17/salt-lake-city-breakfast-sandwich-frankie-essl-utah" target="_self">Frankie &amp; Essl&#x27;s all-too-brief run</a>.State of play: I visited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grumpy Dough" data-vars-click-url="https://grumpydough.com/" data-vars-content-id="bf60c92e-9e80-4735-9d9e-774ec933e0b9" data-vars-headline="Grumpy Dough&#x27;s Filipino-inspired sandwiches are a must-try" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://grumpydough.com/" target="_blank">Grumpy Dough</a>, a food truck serving up Filipino-inspired breakfast sandwiches, at the Wheeler Farm Farmer&#x27;s Market last Sunday, and I&#x27;m a convert.

A new film festival is coming to Park City

The first-ever Park City Film Festival will run Oct. 23-25.

Park City is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new film festival" data-vars-click-url="https://parkcityfilm.org/festival/" data-vars-content-id="cc70300f-1a67-4a04-8714-ca47331ff657" data-vars-headline="A new film festival is coming to Park City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parkcityfilm.org/festival/" target="_blank">new film festival</a> this fall after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sundance Film Festival left Utah" 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="cc70300f-1a67-4a04-8714-ca47331ff657" data-vars-headline="A new film festival is coming to 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/2026/01/29/sundance-ends-utah-run-boulder-next" target="_self">Sundance Film Festival left Utah</a> for Colorado.State of play: The first-ever Park City Film Festival will run Oct. 23-25, featuring a &quot;curated selection&quot; of movies, Q&amp;As and panel discussions.

Under new CEO, Cafe Rio gets back to basics

The homegrown fast-casual chain is synonymous with Utah culture.

After years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="negative online reviews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/04/03/cafe-rio-birria-review-taco-mexican-utah-skip" data-vars-content-id="30552144-245b-4723-800e-a1d226139b60" data-vars-headline="Under new CEO, Cafe Rio gets back to basics" 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/2023/04/03/cafe-rio-birria-review-taco-mexican-utah-skip" target="_self">negative online reviews</a> of Cafe Rio, its new CEO tells Axios he is listening to customers and &quot;going back to the drawing board&quot; to restore their trust.Why it matters: The fast-casual chain, founded in St. George in 1997, is synonymous with Utah culture. It acknowledges that it strayed from its original recipes and customer favorites.

Salt Lake City's new art museum spotlights Utah arts and culture

The Salt Lake Art Museum bills itself as the state's only fine arts museum dedicated entirely to Utah artists and culture.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s first new fine arts museum in more than 40 years opens its doors on Pioneer Day — and Axios got a sneak peek inside.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake Art Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://saltlakeartmuseum.org/" data-vars-content-id="a26b3f65-e5a2-4014-a8c4-a98b2568aa74" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s new art museum spotlights Utah arts and culture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://saltlakeartmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Salt Lake Art Museum</a> bills itself as the state&#x27;s only fine arts museum dedicated entirely to Utah artists.

Where to celebrate Pioneer Day and Pie and Beer Day

Pioneer Day celebrates the 1847 arrival of the first Latter-day Saint settlers in the Salt Lake Valley.

Pioneer Day is Friday, and there&#x27;s a week&#x27;s worth of events leading up to it. Why it matters: The state holiday celebrates the 1847 arrival of the first Latter-day Saint settlers in the Salt Lake Valley. Think of it as our version of the Fourth of July.

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.

Culture

Predicting Utah's Michelin mentions

Inside the U.S.'s 1st Knoops in Salt Lake City

Grumpy Dough's Filipino-inspired sandwiches are a must-try

A new film festival is coming to Park City

Under new CEO, Cafe Rio gets back to basics