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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 more than triple the electricity generated and used in Utah, had been addressed in any public meeting.

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 high schoolers protest AI name-readers at graduation

At least one school is keeping its bot announcer despite student objections.

Utah high schoolers are protesting the use of AI to announce students&#x27; names at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="graduation ceremonies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/college-graduates-ai-commencement-speech" data-vars-content-id="0fa3f2f5-6c1b-46ac-8ee6-5f4acfb0983a" data-vars-headline="Utah high schoolers protest AI name-readers at graduation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/college-graduates-ai-commencement-speech" target="_self">graduation ceremonies</a> this month.Why it matters: The students are joining a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide mutiny against AI use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/college-graduates-ai-commencement-speech" data-vars-content-id="0fa3f2f5-6c1b-46ac-8ee6-5f4acfb0983a" data-vars-headline="Utah high schoolers protest AI name-readers at graduation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/college-graduates-ai-commencement-speech" target="_self">nationwide mutiny against AI use</a> and mentions at commencement ceremonies.

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.

Dean Potter's controversial Delicate Arch climb featured in new HBO doc

The doc revisits one of Potter's most controversial feats: his 2006 free solo climb of Delicate Arch.

The late free climber Dean Potter is the focus of a new HBO documentary series that delves into his life and the events that led up to this untimely death. State of play: &quot;The Dark Wizard,&quot; which premiered last week, revisits one of Potter&#x27;s most controversial feats: his 2006 free solo climb of Delicate Arch.

César Chávez street signs start coming down in Salt Lake City

United Farm Workers activist Dolores Huerta has been proposed as a potential replacement for the street signs.

Some street signs honoring César Chávez along 500 South in Salt Lake City are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="being removed" 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="6083cb8e-bd7c-439d-bc49-13f316aacd63" data-vars-headline="César Chávez street signs start coming down 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/2026/03/19/city-council-utah-cesar-chavez-street-name-change-500-south" target="_self">being removed</a> after multiple women accused the late civil rights leader of sexual assault.The latest: United Farm Workers co-founder and activist Dolores Huerta — who described being assaulted by Chávez in 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="6083cb8e-bd7c-439d-bc49-13f316aacd63" data-vars-headline="César Chávez street signs start coming down in Salt Lake City" 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> last month — is being considered by Salt Lake City Council Chair Alejandro Puy as a replacement.

New visitors' center offers rare look inside Latter-day Saint temples

The new center reflects the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' effort to provide more transparency around temples.

The new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Temple Square Visitors&#x27; Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.templesquare.org/eng" data-vars-content-id="5ea615e1-c664-43c3-a5ef-a2eb8b6ec770" data-vars-headline="New visitors&#x27; center offers rare look inside Latter-day Saint temples" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.templesquare.org/eng" target="_blank">Temple Square Visitors&#x27; Center</a>, opening next month, will offer the public a glimpse inside a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Latter-day Saint temple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/06/latter-day-saint-new-temple-construction-slowdown" data-vars-content-id="5ea615e1-c664-43c3-a5ef-a2eb8b6ec770" data-vars-headline="New visitors&#x27; center offers rare look inside Latter-day Saint temples" 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/2025/10/06/latter-day-saint-new-temple-construction-slowdown" target="_self">Latter-day Saint temple</a> with replicas of key rooms.Why it matters: The new center reflects the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints&#x27; effort to provide more transparency around temples and the sacred ceremonies performed inside them, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baptisms for the dead" data-vars-click-url="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng" data-vars-content-id="5ea615e1-c664-43c3-a5ef-a2eb8b6ec770" data-vars-headline="New visitors&#x27; center offers rare look inside Latter-day Saint temples" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng" target="_blank">baptisms for the dead</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sealings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/what-happens-in-a-temple-sealing?lang=eng" data-vars-content-id="5ea615e1-c664-43c3-a5ef-a2eb8b6ec770" data-vars-headline="New visitors&#x27; center offers rare look inside Latter-day Saint temples" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/what-happens-in-a-temple-sealing?lang=eng" target="_blank">sealings</a>.

KRCL breaks ground on community hub

The renovated space will transform the grassroots station into a public-facing space for emerging musicians and listeners.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KRCL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/11/22/krcl-federal-grant-award-community-radio-station-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="9790afe8-e057-4066-971d-336002d32742" data-vars-headline="KRCL breaks ground on community hub" 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/2024/11/22/krcl-federal-grant-award-community-radio-station-anniversary" target="_self">KRCL</a> is launching a $7 million overhaul to transform the longtime radio station into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new community hub" data-vars-click-url="https://krcl.org/nextgeneration/" data-vars-content-id="9790afe8-e057-4066-971d-336002d32742" data-vars-headline="KRCL breaks ground on community hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://krcl.org/nextgeneration/" target="_blank">new community hub</a> on the west side.Why it matters: The renovation will expand the grassroots station, founded in 1979, into a public-facing space for emerging musicians and listeners, bringing new energy to an area that&#x27;s historically seen less investment.

New history and art museums to open in Salt Lake City

One is dedicated to Utah history and another to fine arts.

Culture

Salt Lake City will welcome two new museums this summer: One dedicated to history and another to fine arts, City Weekly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cityweekly.net/ae/two-new-museums-will-debut-in-salt-lake-city-this-summer-f0daa357" data-vars-content-id="4aac3ec2-7075-4652-b78a-8db3ed583903" data-vars-headline="New history and art museums to open in Salt Lake City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cityweekly.net/ae/two-new-museums-will-debut-in-salt-lake-city-this-summer-f0daa357" target="_blank">reports</a>. State of play: The Museum of Utah, which will focus on the state&#x27;s history, opens at the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Capitol Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/20/north-capitol-building-opens" data-vars-content-id="4aac3ec2-7075-4652-b78a-8db3ed583903" data-vars-headline="New history and art museums to open 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/2026/01/20/north-capitol-building-opens" target="_self">North Capitol Building</a> on Capitol Hill on June 27.

New reality TV competition is coming to Park City's slopes

The "Unwell Winter Games" premieres on YouTube April 6.

Forget the Winter Olympics, Park City is about to become the backdrop for a very different kind of competition.State of play: The &quot;Unwell Winter Games&quot; will bring together a &quot;polarizing&quot; group of reality TV personalities and influencers under the roof of a snowy chalet, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Variety reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/alex-cooper-unwell-winter-games-cast-youtube-reality-show-1236552485/" data-vars-content-id="47cf0cae-53e2-41af-9d4d-545d7a6cb715" data-vars-headline="New reality TV competition is coming to Park City&#x27;s slopes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/alex-cooper-unwell-winter-games-cast-youtube-reality-show-1236552485/" target="_blank">Variety reports</a>.