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Equality Utah's GOP endorsements are under fire

Critics say the group should have put queer candidates ahead of "bridge-building."

News

Equality Utah&#x27;s midterm endorsements have drawn criticism over their support for GOP candidates rather than LGBTQ+ Democrats.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest in what critics describe as a pattern of capitulation by the most visible LGBTQ+ rights group in the state.

UVU faces scrutiny over TPUSA memorial for Charlie Kirk

A year after conservative activist was assassinated on its campus, the school has struggled to move forward.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah Valley University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/12/gop-lawmakers-charlie-kirk-memorial-uvu-utah-valley-university" data-vars-content-id="eb8639ac-3ee6-47d2-9bd0-c1a26f824429" data-vars-headline="UVU faces scrutiny over TPUSA memorial for Charlie Kirk" 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/2025/09/12/gop-lawmakers-charlie-kirk-memorial-uvu-utah-valley-university" target="_self">Utah Valley University</a> is facing backlash from some students for allowing Turning Point USA to host a memorial event for Charlie Kirk at the UCCU Center on Thursday.State of play: The school will be closed Thursday to mark the day last year that Kirk was assassinated on campus and to give students time and space to reflect on the harrowing event.

How MLB's expansion timeline gives Salt Lake an edge

SLC has a site, public funding and, crucially, an experienced team owner.

Major League Baseball is closer to making <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expansion plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/07/23/salt-lake-city-nashville-major-league-baseball-expansion" data-vars-content-id="ba808a3e-0a25-446c-a1d5-d7a207aa0939" data-vars-headline="How MLB&#x27;s expansion timeline gives Salt Lake an edge" 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/2025/07/23/salt-lake-city-nashville-major-league-baseball-expansion" target="_self">expansion plans</a> now that its high-priority location decisions for existing teams are squared away.Why it matters: The more imminent MLB expansion becomes, the likelier Salt Lake is to become home to one of two new pending teams, ESPN&#x27;s Jeff Passan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49863028/mlb-expansion-favorites-candidates-salt-lake-city-nashville-montreal-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="ba808a3e-0a25-446c-a1d5-d7a207aa0939" data-vars-headline="How MLB&#x27;s expansion timeline gives Salt Lake an edge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49863028/mlb-expansion-favorites-candidates-salt-lake-city-nashville-montreal-raleigh" target="_blank">reports</a>.

A year after Charlie Kirk's killing, where key figures stand now

The assassination of Charlie Kirk transformed the lives of several people caught in its orbit.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" data-vars-content-id="2e86ba6a-1e00-49ca-987a-75c57cc2abfa" data-vars-headline="A year after Charlie Kirk&#x27;s killing, where key figures stand now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" target="_self">assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a> upended the lives of several Utah figures, some of whom are still grappling through the aftermath a year after the fatal shooting.The big picture: The 31-year-old&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="killing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-killing-trump-political-violence" data-vars-content-id="2e86ba6a-1e00-49ca-987a-75c57cc2abfa" data-vars-headline="A year after Charlie Kirk&#x27;s killing, where key figures stand now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-killing-trump-political-violence" target="_self">killing</a> on Sept. 10, 2025, in a quiet college town <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dubbed" data-vars-click-url="https://orem.gov/" data-vars-content-id="2e86ba6a-1e00-49ca-987a-75c57cc2abfa" data-vars-headline="A year after Charlie Kirk&#x27;s killing, where key figures stand now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://orem.gov/" target="_blank">dubbed</a> &quot;Family City USA&quot; sent shockwaves across the nation.

Junah named one of the New York Times' best U.S. restaurants

The Central Ninth fusion restaurant is the only Utah spot that made the list.

<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="82cba5c5-23dd-465e-838e-5772710f5ff8" data-vars-headline="Junah named one of the New York Times&#x27; best U.S. restaurants" 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 celebrated fine-dining establishment in Salt Lake City, made it on the New York Times&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual list of the 50 best restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/dining/best-restaurants-america.html#junah" data-vars-content-id="82cba5c5-23dd-465e-838e-5772710f5ff8" data-vars-headline="Junah named one of the New York Times&#x27; best U.S. restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/dining/best-restaurants-america.html#junah" target="_blank">annual list of the 50 best restaurants</a> in the U.S.State of play: The restaurant in the trendy Central Ninth neighborhood is the only Beehive State eatery mentioned.

Salt Lake City weighs zoning changes to expand housing

The city is exploring zoning changes to allow more townhomes, duplexes and accessory dwelling units.

Salt Lake City is weighing new zoning rules that would allow property owners to expand housing options on their land.Why it matters: The city aims to make it easier for residents in lower-density neighborhoods to build townhomes, duplexes and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="small single-family dwellings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Projects/Expanding%20Housing%20Options/EHO_Small_Lot_Dwellings.pdf" data-vars-content-id="0bac4fc4-aff2-494a-9a31-7cb8b35ba942" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City weighs zoning changes to expand housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Projects/Expanding%20Housing%20Options/EHO_Small_Lot_Dwellings.pdf" target="_blank">small single-family dwellings</a> on their properties to combat the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s housing shortages and rising home costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/22/affordable-homes-salt-lake-utah" data-vars-content-id="0bac4fc4-aff2-494a-9a31-7cb8b35ba942" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City weighs zoning changes to expand housing" 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/2026/01/22/affordable-homes-salt-lake-utah" target="_self">state&#x27;s housing shortages and rising home costs</a>.

What to expect at Matilda, Park City's Michelin-recommended pizzaria

Neither a hole in the wall, nor high-end, the restaurant serves up sourdough with a touch of class.

To call Matilda a pizzeria is both a bit of an understatement and an overstatement.<ul><li>It&#x27;s not a humble hole in the wall, which makes its ascent to the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Southwest Michelin guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/27/monte-salt-lake-michelin-star-utah-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="63a74e73-2d81-4b26-bc28-9b26752aa8c2" data-vars-headline="What to expect at Matilda, Park City&#x27;s Michelin-recommended pizzaria" 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/2026/08/27/monte-salt-lake-michelin-star-utah-restaurants" target="_self">American Southwest Michelin guide</a> a bit less cinematic than, say, that of Redwood Road&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phở 777" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pho777utah.com/" data-vars-content-id="63a74e73-2d81-4b26-bc28-9b26752aa8c2" data-vars-headline="What to expect at Matilda, Park City&#x27;s Michelin-recommended pizzaria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pho777utah.com/" target="_blank">Phở 777</a>.</li></ul>

Sweetgreen opens first Utah location in Sugar House

I had to try Sweetgreen after my friends raved about its hearty salads.

Utah&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sweetgreen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sweetgreen.com/" data-vars-content-id="1545269f-53db-4660-956a-df870b817326" data-vars-headline="Sweetgreen opens first Utah location in Sugar House" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sweetgreen.com/" target="_blank">Sweetgreen</a> opened in Sugar House this week, offering customizable salads and bowls.Context: The popular restaurant chain is in over 20 states, but it hasn&#x27;t come to Utah until now.

Scoop: Koyoté will open a second restaurant in Park City

Koyoté was among Utah's first-ever Michelin Bib Gourmand winners announced last week.

Food and Drink

Koyoté, a cozy ramen shop in Salt Lake City&#x27;s west side that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened to wide acclaim in 2024" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/02/02/koyote-fairpark-slc-ramen-japanese-food-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="536d6449-2032-4ad8-ace7-9534660d9c49" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Koyoté will open a second restaurant in 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/2024/02/02/koyote-fairpark-slc-ramen-japanese-food-restaurant" target="_self">opened to wide acclaim in 2024</a>, is launching a second location in Park City, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Fresh off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent Michelin Bib Gourmand win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/27/monte-salt-lake-michelin-star-utah-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="536d6449-2032-4ad8-ace7-9534660d9c49" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Koyoté will open a second restaurant in 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/2026/08/27/monte-salt-lake-michelin-star-utah-restaurants" target="_self">recent Michelin Bib Gourmand win</a>, the neighborhood restaurant in Fairpark is entering a new phase of growth.

Culinary Dropout opens in the Granary District

The restaurant is launching at the site of the historic Utah Pickle Co. Building.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Culinary Dropout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.culinarydropout.com/locations/salt-lake-city-ut/" data-vars-content-id="02f413a2-98ab-41fd-bbe5-ac203c48339f" data-vars-headline="Culinary Dropout opens in the Granary District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.culinarydropout.com/locations/salt-lake-city-ut/" target="_blank">Culinary Dropout</a>, a restaurant chain that started in Arizona, opens Wednesday in the Granary District, serving classic comfort foods and an extensive selection of booze.The intrigue: The restaurant is launching at the historic Utah Pickle Co. Building, which dates back to the late 1800s in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing Granary District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/06/fleet-block-redevelopment-granary-district-murals" data-vars-content-id="02f413a2-98ab-41fd-bbe5-ac203c48339f" data-vars-headline="Culinary Dropout opens in the Granary District" 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/fleet-block-redevelopment-granary-district-murals" target="_self">growing Granary District</a>.

What to expect at Monte, Utah's first Michelin-starred restaurant

Utah's first Michelin star has farm-fresh meals that taste new but feel like home.

Utah foodies are champing at the bit for a table at Monte, the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first Michelin star recipient" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/27/monte-salt-lake-michelin-star-utah-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="39a1520e-1e8a-43cd-939a-44e548dc6d6e" data-vars-headline="What to expect at Monte, Utah&#x27;s first Michelin-starred restaurant" 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/2026/08/27/monte-salt-lake-michelin-star-utah-restaurants" target="_self">first Michelin star recipient</a>.Why it matters: Reservations are now hard to snag.

Monte in South Salt Lake wins Utah's first Michelin star

A mention in the famously choosy guide is a huge boon for a restaurant's reputation and business.

Utah scored its first Michelin star in the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Southwest Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/24/utah-michelin-star-predictions" data-vars-content-id="47025b31-2160-469a-ab13-4dfa167bed94" data-vars-headline="Monte in South Salt Lake wins Utah&#x27;s first Michelin star" 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/2026/08/24/utah-michelin-star-predictions" target="_self">American Southwest Michelin Guide</a>, which launched with a ceremony Wednesday.Why it matters: A mention in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="famously choosy 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="47025b31-2160-469a-ab13-4dfa167bed94" data-vars-headline="Monte in South Salt Lake wins Utah&#x27;s first Michelin star" 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">famously choosy guide</a> is a huge boon for any restaurant&#x27;s reputation and business.

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.

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.

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>.

Food and Drink 🍽

Junah named one of the New York Times' best U.S. restaurants

Salt Lake City weighs zoning changes to expand housing

What to expect at Matilda, Park City's Michelin-recommended pizzaria

Sweetgreen opens first Utah location in Sugar House

Scoop: Koyoté will open a second restaurant in Park City