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Grief author Kouri Richins found guilty of murdering her husband

The case against Richins — who later authored a children's book about her kids' grief — drew national attention.

Business

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city" data-vars-content-id="8b2497b3-0543-4b01-822e-ffd06be62f9b" data-vars-headline="Grief author Kouri Richins found guilty of murdering her husband" 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" target="_self">Utah</a> jury convicted Kouri Richins of murdering her husband by slipping fentanyl into his drink in 2022.The big picture: The domestic violence allegations against Richins — who later authored a children&#x27;s book about her kids&#x27; grief — drew national attention.

What we know about ICE's warehouse buy in Salt Lake City

The proposed site would mark the first dedicated ICE detention center in Utah.

News

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall on Friday pledged to use &quot;every tool at the city&#x27;s disposal&quot; to halt an ICE detention facility planned for Utah&#x27;s capital.Why it matters: The proposed site would mark the first ICE detention center in Utah and sets up a clash between Salt Lake City leaders who oppose it and state and federal officials who have pushed for one.

Salt Lake rents begin to fall

A building boom across the Mountain West is starting to pay off.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="building boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/21/new-apartment-construction-rent" data-vars-content-id="18b6ac4a-6b8f-4217-8c7b-02470dc113b0" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake rents begin to fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/21/new-apartment-construction-rent" target="_self">building boom</a> across the Mountain West has cooled rents — but that relief could fade as new construction slows.Why it matters: Housing is unaffordable for many. Although the median U.S. rent for new leases is down 1.5% from a year ago, it&#x27;s still roughly 20% above pre-pandemic levels, at about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1,400" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data" data-vars-content-id="18b6ac4a-6b8f-4217-8c7b-02470dc113b0" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake rents begin to fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data" target="_blank">$1,400</a> a month, per Apartment List.

Former Sen. Derek Kitchen drops Utah congressional bid

The former Democratic state senator announced his decision Friday.

Former state Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Derek Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/20/derek-kitchen-utah-congress-1st-district" data-vars-content-id="6f0b1a31-2afd-439c-91f4-6cce3028d389" data-vars-headline="Former Sen. Derek Kitchen drops Utah congressional bid" 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/2025/11/20/derek-kitchen-utah-congress-1st-district" target="_self">Derek Kitchen</a> is no longer running for Utah&#x27;s newly drawn 1st Congressional District. State of play: Kitchen announced his decision Friday — the last day of the congressional candidate filing period.

The sky-high Venezuelan burgers of Los Panas

From the "basic" cheeseburger to the five-meat Tres Panas, bring an empty stomach.

With the USA&#x27;s rich and pioneering heritage of fast food, it&#x27;s easy to overlook <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-salt-lake-city-80bbb8d3-1702-4a15-9ef4-29b32143d300.html" data-vars-content-id="745bdf44-5038-4af5-837a-6b155301036e" data-vars-headline="The sky-high Venezuelan burgers of Los Panas" 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-80bbb8d3-1702-4a15-9ef4-29b32143d300.html" target="_self">South America</a> as a global center of the burger-and-fries culinary arts.<ul><li>That would be a mistake.</li></ul>

New restaurant brings Sicilian flavors to Salt Lake City

The Italian restaurant emphasizes house-made pastas, breads and gelato.

Salt Lake City is getting a new Sicilian-inspired Italian spot near Liberty Park.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&#x27;mina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minaslc.com/" data-vars-content-id="a4cd48f5-6a03-4d94-86fa-3ed9647858fc" data-vars-headline="New restaurant brings Sicilian flavors to Salt Lake City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minaslc.com/" target="_blank">&#x27;mina</a> opens Wednesday at 439 E. 900 South, serving house-made pastas, breads, gelato, and a curated list of wine and cocktails.

Felt Bar & Eatery team open sister bar in historic bank

Brownstone 22 opened to the public last week, offering a seafood-forward menu.

The culinary minds behind the James Beard-nominated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Felt Bar &amp; Eatery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/12/13/felt-bar-and-eatery-lobster-roll-downtown-salt-lake" data-vars-content-id="f94852c1-4f39-450c-abf0-9c05caa7e352" data-vars-headline="Felt Bar &amp; Eatery team open sister bar in historic bank" 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/2024/12/13/felt-bar-and-eatery-lobster-roll-downtown-salt-lake" target="_self">Felt Bar &amp; Eatery</a> have opened a new sister bar downtown — and it&#x27;s inside a historic brownstone that once operated as a bank.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brownstone 22" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brownstone22.com/" data-vars-content-id="f94852c1-4f39-450c-abf0-9c05caa7e352" data-vars-headline="Felt Bar &amp; Eatery team open sister bar in historic bank" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brownstone22.com/" target="_blank">Brownstone 22</a> opened to the public on Thursday, offering a seafood-centric menu, Mountain West-influenced dishes and an array of martinis and classic cocktails.

Michelin-recognized chef brings L.A. taco culture to Utah

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Mexican restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/lalolataco/" data-vars-content-id="fbfba4a6-9e7e-433e-906b-69384595d023" data-vars-headline="Michelin-recognized chef brings L.A. taco culture to Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/lalolataco/" target="_blank">new Mexican restaurant</a> in Murray aims to bring Los Angeles&#x27; taco culture to the Wasatch Mountains.The intrigue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Lola Taco" data-vars-click-url="https://lalolataco.com/" data-vars-content-id="fbfba4a6-9e7e-433e-906b-69384595d023" data-vars-headline="Michelin-recognized chef brings L.A. taco culture to Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lalolataco.com/" target="_blank">La Lola Taco</a> is led by executive chef Luis Perez, known for his Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized California gastropub, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lola Gaspar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lolagasparsantaana.com/" data-vars-content-id="fbfba4a6-9e7e-433e-906b-69384595d023" data-vars-headline="Michelin-recognized chef brings L.A. taco culture to Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lolagasparsantaana.com/" target="_blank">Lola Gaspar</a>.

SLC weekend events: Oysters at Melancholy and Nightmare on 13th

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, Friday the 13th, or just looking for a reason to get out, here's your weekend guide.

Things to Do

Whether you&#x27;re celebrating Cupid&#x27;s Day, Friday the 13th, or just looking for a reason to get out, here&#x27;s what&#x27;s happening in and around Salt Lake City.

Amid Ballerina Farm's raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations

Raw milk has gained popularity among wellness influencers and the political right.

Utah lawmakers are considering rolling back regulations on raw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="milk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/dairy-milk-makes-a-comeback-finish-line" data-vars-content-id="4d513569-bd53-4950-a05d-1e5e0b9a7d3d" data-vars-headline="Amid Ballerina Farm&#x27;s raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/dairy-milk-makes-a-comeback-finish-line" target="_self">milk</a> sales.The intrigue: The measures are being debated as the nation&#x27;s eye turns to the online sensation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ballerina Farm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/01/29/ballerina-farm-utah-influencer-tradwife-controversy" data-vars-content-id="4d513569-bd53-4950-a05d-1e5e0b9a7d3d" data-vars-headline="Amid Ballerina Farm&#x27;s raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations" 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/2024/01/29/ballerina-farm-utah-influencer-tradwife-controversy" target="_self">Ballerina Farm</a>, which discontinued raw milk sales after inspectors found elevated bacteria levels in its products.

Salt Lake City restaurants roll out Valentine's Day specials

Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, which means restaurants will fill reservations much earlier.

Valentine&#x27;s Day, one of the busiest dining nights of the year, is quickly approaching, allowing Salt Lake City to flex prix-fixe menus and sweetheart specials.Threat level: Feb. 14 falls on a Saturday this year, meaning restaurants are expected to fill reservations much earlier.

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee draws a crowd in Salt Lake City

The goods aren't cheap at $50 a dozen — but these doughnuts are next-level.

<figure><img alt="People line up at a Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee in the dark." height="3070" id="76d314b3-ca11-4cb5-95f6-c80b14d52980" src="https://images.axios.com/Pp0VyBbOj7kWZtvRx9W8hF_9DUw=/2026/01/23/1769198498303.jpg" width="4078"/><figcaption>Crowds line up at Sidecar Doughnuts at 6:30am Friday in Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy of Craig Buschmann</figcaption></figure>If you want to sample the wares at Sugar House&#x27;s newly opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sidecar Doughnuts &amp; Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://sidecardoughnuts.com/" data-vars-content-id="b4b7b4ff-8c79-4a11-8377-3c2dd55d294b" data-vars-headline="Sidecar Doughnuts &amp; Coffee draws a crowd in Salt Lake City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sidecardoughnuts.com/" target="_blank">Sidecar Doughnuts &amp; Coffee</a>, plan to show up early and wait in line. The intrigue: Crowds queued up at 2100 South and 700 East before the California-based chain&#x27;s official grand opening at 6:30am Friday.

8 Utah chefs, restaurants named 2026 James Beard semifinalists

This year's list includes newcomers like Felt Bar & Eatery chef Travis Herbert and Junah, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant.

The James Beard Awards named several Salt Lake City chefs and restaurants as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="semifinalists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/james-beard-award-semifinalists-2026" data-vars-content-id="38691c2e-d6ad-4c33-9aee-152fde716beb" data-vars-headline="8 Utah chefs, restaurants named 2026 James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/james-beard-award-semifinalists-2026" target="_blank">semifinalists</a> for one of the culinary world&#x27;s most coveted honors.The big picture: This year&#x27;s round-up, announced Wednesday, includes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returning semifinalist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/04/03/james-beard-finalist-urban-hill-mazza-sabbah-zocco" data-vars-content-id="38691c2e-d6ad-4c33-9aee-152fde716beb" data-vars-headline="8 Utah chefs, restaurants named 2026 James Beard semifinalists" 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/2024/04/03/james-beard-finalist-urban-hill-mazza-sabbah-zocco" target="_self">returning semifinalist</a> and Urban Hill chef Nick Zocco, alongside first-time nominees like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Junah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/03/12/junah-restaurant-italian-japanese-central-ninth-opens" data-vars-content-id="38691c2e-d6ad-4c33-9aee-152fde716beb" data-vars-headline="8 Utah chefs, restaurants named 2026 James Beard semifinalists" 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/2025/03/12/junah-restaurant-italian-japanese-central-ninth-opens" target="_self">Junah</a>, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant run by restaurateurs Felipe Oliveira and Hiro Tagai.

Hyatt Regency's cozy yurt dinner is worth the splurge

Chalet on Six is set outdoors on the sixth-floor terrace of the Hyatt Regency, featuring a four-course menu.

I visited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mar | Muntanya&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/07/10/mar-muntanya-spanish-restaurant-globe-salt-lake-city" data-vars-content-id="2d196116-80fe-47ed-b790-5fefba65025f" data-vars-headline="Hyatt Regency&#x27;s cozy yurt dinner is worth the splurge" 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/2023/07/10/mar-muntanya-spanish-restaurant-globe-salt-lake-city" target="_self">Mar | Muntanya&#x27;s</a> new high-end yurt dining experience, Chalet on Six, last weekend, which channels the cozy feel of a winter lodge without leaving downtown Salt Lake City.State of play: The four-course menu from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="executive chef Tyson Peterson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/08/25/salt-lake-city-chef-tyson-peterson-mar-muntanya-hyatt" data-vars-content-id="2d196116-80fe-47ed-b790-5fefba65025f" data-vars-headline="Hyatt Regency&#x27;s cozy yurt dinner is worth the splurge" 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/2023/08/25/salt-lake-city-chef-tyson-peterson-mar-muntanya-hyatt" target="_self">executive chef Tyson Peterson</a> features lobster bisque, a wild mushroom tart, braised elk in blackberry jus, and Black Forest cake for $75 per person.

Food and Drink

Food and Drink 🍽

The sky-high Venezuelan burgers of Los Panas

New restaurant brings Sicilian flavors to Salt Lake City

Felt Bar & Eatery team open sister bar in historic bank

Michelin-recognized chef brings L.A. taco culture to Utah

SLC weekend events: Oysters at Melancholy and Nightmare on 13th