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New Great Salt Lake commissioner under fire for alfalfa-promoting hats

Alfalfa and other hay get most of the water diverted from the lake but represent less than 1% of state GDP.

News

<figure><img alt="A black trucker hat is embroidered with &quot;MAKE ALFALFA GREAT AGAIN&quot; with an image of a round hay bale. " height="1920" id="b90c179e-3f2c-46e6-9e30-d5f528dc1257" src="https://images.axios.com/7ADJBL3AFISL-GnTTeJGiEqQRsk=/2026/07/27/1785179385388.jpg" width="1459"/><figcaption>A hat sold on Facebook in 2024 and 2025 by Hannah Freeze, the newly appointed Great Salt Lake commissioner. Image via <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Facebook" data-vars-click-url="https://scontent-sjc6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/495561348_9576885915714035_3077055574793591109_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_tt6&amp;cstp=mx1536x2048&amp;ctp=s1536x2048&amp;_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=833d8c&amp;_nc_ohc=0gYYZs6sHv8Q7kNvwHTJ8Zp&amp;_nc_oc=AdqGpirUOWKzTgtLDZvqR-2wcJKVfVzb21HdqKgiZ4ylHnD5xvgDuK2nVieYC95U34A&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-sjc6-1.xx&amp;_nc_gid=n_ZMH2JV1LtmNZ46HCzN-Q&amp;_nc_ss=7b2a8&amp;oh=00_AQCie4HodLUTHDY2MW9iDpz5SvFBYjVyDGGrwpayZ6yI3w&amp;oe=6A6D88E3" data-vars-content-id="bdbc5ed7-ba71-4403-8bf8-7d467af8b731" data-vars-headline="New Great Salt Lake commissioner under fire for alfalfa-promoting hats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scontent-sjc6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/495561348_9576885915714035_3077055574793591109_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_tt6&amp;cstp=mx1536x2048&amp;ctp=s1536x2048&amp;_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=833d8c&amp;_nc_ohc=0gYYZs6sHv8Q7kNvwHTJ8Zp&amp;_nc_oc=AdqGpirUOWKzTgtLDZvqR-2wcJKVfVzb21HdqKgiZ4ylHnD5xvgDuK2nVieYC95U34A&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-sjc6-1.xx&amp;_nc_gid=n_ZMH2JV1LtmNZ46HCzN-Q&amp;_nc_ss=7b2a8&amp;oh=00_AQCie4HodLUTHDY2MW9iDpz5SvFBYjVyDGGrwpayZ6yI3w&amp;oe=6A6D88E3" target="_blank">Facebook</a></figcaption></figure>Hannah Freeze, appointed by Gov. Spencer Cox last week as the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Salt Lake " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/25/trump-great-salt-lake-pipeline-conservation" data-vars-content-id="bdbc5ed7-ba71-4403-8bf8-7d467af8b731" data-vars-headline="New Great Salt Lake commissioner under fire for alfalfa-promoting hats" 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/2026/02/25/trump-great-salt-lake-pipeline-conservation" target="_self">Great Salt Lake </a>commissioner, is facing criticism for previously selling hats with &quot;Make alfalfa great again&quot; emblazoned above the bills. Friction point: Alfalfa is broadly considered one of the biggest threats to the dwindling Great Salt Lake, which Freeze is now in charge of preserving.

Report: Utah named best U.S. state for fourth year in a row

The Beehive State retained the No. 1 spot despite ranking near the bottom nationally for its natural environment.

Utah is the best state in the nation for the fourth consecutive year, according to U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best States rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="fcdba714-a3a1-429e-b94c-d8d1edf82a70" data-vars-headline="Report: Utah named best U.S. state for fourth year in a row" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">Best States rankings</a>, released Tuesday.The big picture: The Beehive State retained the No. 1 spot despite ranking near the bottom nationally for its natural environment.

Utah Democrat eyes bill to hold ICE agents accountable

ICE arrests in Utah have jumped significantly since President Trump began his second term.

Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla is among a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="group of Democratic state lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/29/colorado-ice-accountability-bill-six-immigration-agents" data-vars-content-id="60b070ee-4d22-4ddb-b1b3-2f47402809ed" data-vars-headline="Utah Democrat eyes bill to hold ICE agents accountable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/29/colorado-ice-accountability-bill-six-immigration-agents" target="_self">group of Democratic state lawmakers</a> seeking to hold ICE agents accountable for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="60b070ee-4d22-4ddb-b1b3-2f47402809ed" data-vars-headline="Utah Democrat eyes bill to hold ICE agents accountable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" target="_self">fatal shootings</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warrantless arrests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/warrantless-immigration-arrests-dc-beryl-howell-ruling" data-vars-content-id="60b070ee-4d22-4ddb-b1b3-2f47402809ed" data-vars-headline="Utah Democrat eyes bill to hold ICE agents accountable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/warrantless-immigration-arrests-dc-beryl-howell-ruling" target="_self">warrantless arrests</a>.Why it matters: A growing number of state legislators frustrated by congressional inaction are stepping in to challenge what they consider to be the agency&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="qualified immunity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/08/politics/ice-immunity-jd-vance-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="60b070ee-4d22-4ddb-b1b3-2f47402809ed" data-vars-headline="Utah Democrat eyes bill to hold ICE agents accountable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/08/politics/ice-immunity-jd-vance-minneapolis" target="_blank">qualified immunity</a>.

Salt Lake weekend events: Kate Bush dance party, mountain activities and harvest fest

If you're looking for excitement apart from 801 Day festivities, we've got you covered.

If you&#x27;re looking for excitement apart from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="801 Day festivities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/30/shake-your-whale-tail-for-801-day" data-vars-content-id="a309c28c-d382-4e1b-afc6-1726fd12ae53" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake weekend events: Kate Bush dance party, mountain activities and harvest fest" 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/2026/07/30/shake-your-whale-tail-for-801-day" target="_self">801 Day festivities</a>, we&#x27;ve got you covered.💃 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-most-wuthering-heights-day-ever-tickets-1994013006580" data-vars-content-id="a309c28c-d382-4e1b-afc6-1726fd12ae53" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake weekend events: Kate Bush dance party, mountain activities and harvest fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-most-wuthering-heights-day-ever-tickets-1994013006580" target="_blank">The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever</a>: Join Kate Bush fans at 9:30am Saturday in Memory Grove to learn the iconic choreography from her hit &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wuthering Heights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk-4lXLM34g" data-vars-content-id="a309c28c-d382-4e1b-afc6-1726fd12ae53" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake weekend events: Kate Bush dance party, mountain activities and harvest fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk-4lXLM34g" target="_blank">Wuthering Heights</a>.&quot;

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 first liquor license

Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow your favorite tavern might not have $200.

<figure><img alt="An 1853 liquor ordinance printed in an old newspaper" height="2036" id="3b89525f-c31f-4b30-86a3-808636b56688" src="https://images.axios.com/_x4XlgnJ4z_gkWsBT840K4FqmUc=/2026/07/24/1784929768300.png" width="1280"/><figcaption>The Deseret News, July 7, 1853, via Utah Digital Newspapers, the University of Utah</figcaption></figure>Utah is famous for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stringent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/07/31/utah-kids-breweries-bars-beer-garden-family-alcohol-chappell" data-vars-content-id="5b64eef1-87b9-4c8b-85b8-f7c94fdf69bd" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first liquor license" 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/2025/07/31/utah-kids-breweries-bars-beer-garden-family-alcohol-chappell" target="_self">stringent</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/11/cocktail-straw-test-ban-utah-alcohol-laws-bartenders" data-vars-content-id="5b64eef1-87b9-4c8b-85b8-f7c94fdf69bd" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first liquor license" 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/2024/07/11/cocktail-straw-test-ban-utah-alcohol-laws-bartenders" target="_self">alcohol</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/17/costco-wine-recall-shatter-utah-liquor-laws" data-vars-content-id="5b64eef1-87b9-4c8b-85b8-f7c94fdf69bd" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first liquor license" 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/2025/09/17/costco-wine-recall-shatter-utah-liquor-laws" target="_self">rules</a> — and it&#x27;s had a long time to practice. Flashback: Salt Lake City&#x27;s first ordinance requiring licensure for alcohol sales was drafted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="173 years ago" data-vars-click-url="https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=2579501" data-vars-content-id="5b64eef1-87b9-4c8b-85b8-f7c94fdf69bd" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first liquor license" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=2579501" target="_blank">173 years ago</a> this month.

Your favorite cheeseburgers in Utah

You can still vote online, even if your heart's true desire isn't among the finalists.

Lots of you had opinions on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah&#x27;s best cheeseburger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-salt-lake-city-9d563304-c963-4e91-9995-5fffe7aca690.html" data-vars-content-id="d911335e-db6b-47c8-840b-50d39eda7a00" data-vars-headline="Your favorite cheeseburgers in Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-salt-lake-city-9d563304-c963-4e91-9995-5fffe7aca690.html" target="_self">Utah&#x27;s best cheeseburger</a> — and not all of your faves are among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah Beef Council&#x27;s nominees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.utahbeef.org/programs-events/utahs-best-cheeseburger-battle" data-vars-content-id="d911335e-db6b-47c8-840b-50d39eda7a00" data-vars-headline="Your favorite cheeseburgers in Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.utahbeef.org/programs-events/utahs-best-cheeseburger-battle" target="_blank">Utah Beef Council&#x27;s nominees</a>.What you said: &quot;Mountain Drug in Kamas was snubbed from the burger nominations! Consistently the best burgers, especially after spending a day or weekend in the Uintas!&quot; reader Brooke G. told us.

Salt Lake flavor du jour: Sichuan grilled fish at Beijing

Grab your chopsticks and pick away with the whole fam.

We&#x27;ve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rhapsodized before" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/28/slc-best-chinese-food-beijing-restaurant-sugar-house" data-vars-content-id="8e258f16-fffa-4155-85e2-3adac2088099" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake flavor du jour: Sichuan grilled fish at Beijing" 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/2025/08/28/slc-best-chinese-food-beijing-restaurant-sugar-house" target="_self">rhapsodized before</a> about Beijing Restaurant&#x27;s authenticity. Now there&#x27;s a new reason to visit:<ul><li>The country-style spicy grilled fish is absolute fire.</li></ul>

Taco Tuesday: Sal Y Limón serves standout street tacos

You don't need to drive to Midvale to try them.

Food and Drink

After moving to Midvale last month, I may have found one of my new favorite tacos at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sal Y Limón Modern Taqueria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.salylimontaqueria.com/" data-vars-content-id="48a3c271-59d1-45f6-9d76-6e1ddfa2f27e" data-vars-headline="Taco Tuesday: Sal Y Limón serves standout street tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.salylimontaqueria.com/" target="_blank">Sal Y Limón Modern Taqueria</a>.Driving the news: The taqueria opened its second location at City Creek Center this summer.

New Colombian bakery brings treats to Sugar House

The business is the first to start reviving the busy corner after 2100 South road construction.

ValSof Bakery opened a Sugar House location last week, bringing its sweet and savory pastries and custards to Salt Lake City for the first time. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first open business at this high-traffic corner since the rebuild of 2100 South.

Urban Hill's latest chef collaboration features Pretty Bird's Viet Pham

Urban Hill's Nick Zocco and Pretty Bird's Viet Pham have teamed up to create a six-course menu for a July 29 dinner.

Two of Salt Lake City&#x27;s top chefs are joining culinary forces for a special night of dining.State of play: Urban Hill&#x27;s Nick Zocco and Pretty Bird&#x27;s Viet Pham have teamed up to create a six-course menu inspired by Southwestern/Mexican and Southeast Asian flavors for a July 29 dinner at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Post District restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/12/16/urban-hill-salt-lake-city-fine-dining-opens" data-vars-content-id="e4074d89-b90f-40c4-9ab8-2f3872dfbbac" data-vars-headline="Urban Hill&#x27;s latest chef collaboration features Pretty Bird&#x27;s Viet Pham" 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/2022/12/16/urban-hill-salt-lake-city-fine-dining-opens" target="_self">Post District restaurant</a>.

Kids banned from Cosmica, allowed in Drunken Kitchen

The liquor license switcheroo means families' dining options have changed.

In a liquor license switcheroo, one of Salt Lake&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most illustrious restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/09/cosmica-best-restaurant-italian-salt-lake-city" data-vars-content-id="b969af74-32af-4ae9-a33a-bc421eff243e" data-vars-headline="Kids banned from Cosmica, allowed in Drunken Kitchen" 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/2025/09/09/cosmica-best-restaurant-italian-salt-lake-city" target="_self">most illustrious restaurants</a> is banning patrons under 21, while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another up-and-comer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/22/drunken-kitchen-taiwanese-noodles-buns-chinese-bao" data-vars-content-id="b969af74-32af-4ae9-a33a-bc421eff243e" data-vars-headline="Kids banned from Cosmica, allowed in Drunken Kitchen" 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/2024/08/22/drunken-kitchen-taiwanese-noodles-buns-chinese-bao" target="_self">another up-and-comer</a> is allowing families for the first time. Driving the news: Cosmica&#x27;s bar license takes effect Wednesday, which means adults can order booze without food — but kids can&#x27;t come in the door, the Italian diner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1715960353006463" data-vars-content-id="b969af74-32af-4ae9-a33a-bc421eff243e" data-vars-headline="Kids banned from Cosmica, allowed in Drunken Kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1715960353006463" target="_blank">announced Monday</a>.

Market Street Grill's closure counters narrative of downtown SLC's post-COVID revival

Operators cited slower traffic and a loss of office workers downtown.

Market Street Grill announced this week that its downtown location — a longtime SLC fixture — will close at the end of the month.Why it matters: The closure of a decades-long institution flies in the face of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data that has painted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/03/salt-lake-city-ranks-among-americas-stickiest-downtowns" data-vars-content-id="513c91a1-61b7-4906-b7fb-f9ddaf4e16af" data-vars-headline="Market Street Grill&#x27;s closure counters narrative of downtown SLC&#x27;s post-COVID revival" 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/2026/06/03/salt-lake-city-ranks-among-americas-stickiest-downtowns" target="_self">data that has painted</a> downtown as a success story.

Utah shut out again at 2026 James Beard Awards

No Utah finalists emerged as winners of the James Beard Awards

No <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah finalists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/31/james-beard-awards-finalists-nick-zocco-urban-hill-felt-travis-herbert-2026" data-vars-content-id="d8118b6b-b014-4764-80b5-65218fb882d4" data-vars-headline="Utah shut out again at 2026 James Beard Awards" 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/2026/03/31/james-beard-awards-finalists-nick-zocco-urban-hill-felt-travis-herbert-2026" target="_self">Utah finalists</a> emerged as winners at Monday&#x27;s James Beard Awards in Chicago.The big picture: While Utah chefs and restaurants have earned a growing number of nominations in recent years, the state has yet to take home the coveted award.

Food and Drink 🍽

Under new CEO, Cafe Rio gets back to basics

Salt Lake City's first liquor license

Your favorite cheeseburgers in Utah

Salt Lake flavor du jour: Sichuan grilled fish at Beijing

Taco Tuesday: Sal Y Limón serves standout street tacos