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Parking at the SLC airport is about to get more expensive

Starting July 1, hourly parking in the economy lot will increase from $12 to $14 per day.

News

Travelers should expect to pay more to park at the Salt Lake City International Airport this summer.By the numbers: Starting July 1, parking in the economy lot will increase from $12 to $14 per day, a nearly 17% increase.

New Utah law limits opposition to massive data center proposal

State officials are no longer allowed to deny water rights based on certain public welfare arguments.

Backers of a <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="7215b49f-fa9b-41d1-84bc-8043c04599e4" data-vars-headline="New Utah law limits opposition to massive data center proposal" 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> &quot;fully intend&quot; to submit a new water rights application — this time, under changes to state law that could give them an advantage.Why it matters: As county officials approved the 60-square-mile project last week, opponents attacked its water application en masse in an attempt to block the proposal.

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.

What's happening to the Utahns exposed to hantavirus

Unlike COVID-19, this virus requires close, prolonged contact to spread.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hantavirus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/hantavirus-response-raises-readiness-concerns" data-vars-content-id="91bee977-034c-4839-bcee-b7accd31f8f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s happening to the Utahns exposed to hantavirus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/hantavirus-response-raises-readiness-concerns" target="_self">Hantavirus</a> has been on our minds since state health officials revealed that three Utah residents were among the passengers on a cruise ship linked to an outbreak.Why it matters: Hantavirus is highly dangerous and frequently fatal.

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.

Where to buy Utah native plants

They're not always easy to find for sale, but the birds and bugs will love you for planting them.

It&#x27;s time for Utah&#x27;s spring plant sales, with some of the best chances to bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flora that&#x27;s native" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/05/25/xeriscape-planning-tips-utah-lawn-native-plants" data-vars-content-id="2b671da4-047b-4b75-bda9-c8063fdb80b9" data-vars-headline="Where to buy Utah native plants" 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/2023/05/25/xeriscape-planning-tips-utah-lawn-native-plants" target="_self">flora that&#x27;s native</a> to the state into your backyard.Why it matters: Native plants provide habitat for birds and bugs and generally require less water than traditional landscapes — but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they&#x27;re in critically low supply throughout the mountain west" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/05/25/xeriscape-native-plant-shortage-drought-utah-colorado-arizona" data-vars-content-id="2b671da4-047b-4b75-bda9-c8063fdb80b9" data-vars-headline="Where to buy Utah native plants" 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/2023/05/25/xeriscape-native-plant-shortage-drought-utah-colorado-arizona" target="_self">they&#x27;re in critically low supply throughout the mountain west</a>.

So, you found a baby bird. Here's what to do

Spring is the time when baby birds sometimes make their way out of the nest before they&#x27;re ready — either from a moment of overconfidence or wind from a storm.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what to do when a fallen creature tugs at your heartstrings, according to state wildlife officials.</li></ul>

These Utah national parks displays were flagged in Trump's "corrosive ideology" purge

Vandalism, climate change and history notes were submitted for review.

<figure><img alt="A sign at Arches National Park includes an inset that reads: &quot;Park ecologists study plant communities to monitor their response to the changing climate. Some &quot;cool season&quot; grasses, like ricegrass, are already diminishing.&quot;" height="1544" id="d2807428-b5c6-460a-848a-8cf086d5806b" src="https://images.axios.com/KjJPSO1GRuEdYLwiKZz6iR4kpOU=/2026/03/12/1773350955324.png" width="2522"/><figcaption>A sign at Arches National Park is flagged for possible review due to a reference to climate change. Image via Arches</figcaption></figure>Dozens of exhibits and signs at Utah&#x27;s national parks have been flagged for possible removal under President Trump&#x27;s order to purge &quot;negative&quot; information from the protected landmarks.The intrigue: That&#x27;s according to a National Park Service database of interpretive signs and other materials, reported by park managers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaked" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.org/details/nps-removal-targets" data-vars-content-id="3877f043-ca67-4fb8-bf8e-b1387d1df575" data-vars-headline="These Utah national parks displays were flagged in Trump&#x27;s &quot;corrosive ideology&quot; purge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.org/details/nps-removal-targets" target="_blank">leaked</a> by a group of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="self-described" data-vars-click-url="https://sciop.net/datasets/doi-targets-for-removal" data-vars-content-id="3877f043-ca67-4fb8-bf8e-b1387d1df575" data-vars-headline="These Utah national parks displays were flagged in Trump&#x27;s &quot;corrosive ideology&quot; purge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sciop.net/datasets/doi-targets-for-removal" target="_blank">self-described</a> &quot;civil servants on the front lines.&quot;

Trump promises to refill the Great Salt Lake as Utah leaders poo-pooh conservation

Lawmakers want to spend $1 billion on pipelines and desalination rather than asking Utahns to use less water.

Utah officials are preparing to ask the federal government for $1 billion to support the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Salt Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/10/great-salt-lake-dust-disproportionately-impacts-latinos-pacific-islanders" data-vars-content-id="3e22fb82-d552-41e6-a56c-dcd4847c26f1" data-vars-headline="Trump promises to refill the Great Salt Lake as Utah leaders poo-pooh conservation" 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/2024/07/10/great-salt-lake-dust-disproportionately-impacts-latinos-pacific-islanders" target="_self">Great Salt Lake</a> following President Trump&#x27;s recent statement that it&#x27;s &quot;very important&quot; to save the lake.The big picture: Republican lawmakers are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="looking at measures" data-vars-click-url="https://senate.utah.gov/securing-utahs-water-future/" data-vars-content-id="3e22fb82-d552-41e6-a56c-dcd4847c26f1" data-vars-headline="Trump promises to refill the Great Salt Lake as Utah leaders poo-pooh conservation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://senate.utah.gov/securing-utahs-water-future/" target="_blank">looking at measures</a> that sidestep asking Utahns to use less water.

How Utah became the nation's first swan hunting ground

Hunters now eat, mount or jerkify swans — once nearly extinct birds.

So, it turns out swan hunting is a thing. And it started right here in Utah.<ul><li>This is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Old News" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/01/utah-history-story-collection-old-news-powell-bundy-olympics" data-vars-content-id="d439b942-9863-4ef8-9a3b-db0c507d7d02" data-vars-headline="How Utah became the nation&#x27;s first swan hunting ground" 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/2024/07/01/utah-history-story-collection-old-news-powell-bundy-olympics" target="_self">Old News</a>, where we raise a front paw and point our noses toward Utah&#x27;s past.</li></ul>

Why conservationists want Utah national parks to close during shutdown

Some national parks took a beating during the last major federal government shutdown.

Utah&#x27;s national parks will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stay open" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks" data-vars-content-id="80da0264-dcd5-438f-ae8b-473687555d11" data-vars-headline="Why conservationists want Utah national parks to close during shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks" target="_self">stay open</a> during the government shutdown — but with skeleton crews and reduced services.Friction point: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Conservationists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npca.org/articles/10905-parks-group-calls-for-national-parks-to-close-if-government-shuts-down" data-vars-content-id="80da0264-dcd5-438f-ae8b-473687555d11" data-vars-headline="Why conservationists want Utah national parks to close during shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npca.org/articles/10905-parks-group-calls-for-national-parks-to-close-if-government-shuts-down" target="_blank">Conservationists</a> and experts in park management say the Trump administration&#x27;s approach risks irreparable damage to scenic wonders.

How ending the "Roadless Rule" could affect Utah's wild places

Trump says adding roads to national forests will prevent wildfires; conservation groups say roads will cause them.

The Trump administration&#x27;s controversial proposal to kill the &quot;Roadless Rule&quot; in national forests is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open to public comment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-lands#h-9" data-vars-content-id="5b4b9335-4d96-47c4-a0dd-91cd415988c8" data-vars-headline="How ending the &quot;Roadless Rule&quot; could affect Utah&#x27;s wild places" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-lands#h-9" target="_blank">open to public comment</a> for the next two weeks.Why it matters: The 2001 federal policy has protected millions of acres of wild lands from road development and logging — to the delight of conservationists but the ire of the timber industry.

Conservationists bring public lands podcast tour to Utah

Advocates decry what they call Trump's attacks on public lands.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coalition of environmental organizations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.keepparkspublic.org/" data-vars-content-id="19acf6bf-a138-4c0f-bf2a-5654119a88fc" data-vars-headline="Conservationists bring public lands podcast tour to Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.keepparkspublic.org/" target="_blank">coalition of environmental organizations</a> is calling attention to what it describes as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-TRUMP/PUBLIC-LANDS/zdpxkxdwnvx/" data-vars-content-id="19acf6bf-a138-4c0f-bf2a-5654119a88fc" data-vars-headline="Conservationists bring public lands podcast tour to Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-TRUMP/PUBLIC-LANDS/zdpxkxdwnvx/" target="_blank">attacks</a> on public lands, with a tour through the West that arrives in Utah this week.Why it matters: From wildfires to proposed land sales, Utah&#x27;s wild places have faced new threats this year amid cuts by the Trump administration and a Republican-led Congress.

When conservationists chose Dinosaur National Monument over Glen Canyon

In the 1950s, conservationists unified against dams in Dinosaur — but overlooked another.

In the 1950s, conservationists rejoiced in their successful campaign to stop the federal government from flooding swaths of Dinosaur National Monument with a dam on the Green River.The intrigue: It turned out to be a pyrrhic victory — one that environmentalists would be ambivalent about for decades.

Environment

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

Where to buy Utah native plants

So, you found a baby bird. Here's what to do

These Utah national parks displays were flagged in Trump's "corrosive ideology" purge

Trump promises to refill the Great Salt Lake as Utah leaders poo-pooh conservation