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Utah Arts Festival to celebrate 50th anniversary

The four-day event taking place June 18–21 will feature hundreds of artists, live performances, film screenings and more.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah Arts Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://uaf.org/" data-vars-content-id="4c591aae-c450-49ef-8b7a-67bf0d456d87" data-vars-headline="Utah Arts Festival to celebrate 50th anniversary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://uaf.org/" target="_blank">Utah Arts Festival</a> returns to Library Square next week to celebrate its 50th anniversary.State of play: The four-day event taking place June 18–21 will showcase local artists, live performances, film screenings and more.

How Salt Lake City — twice an Olympic host — got snubbed for the World Cup

Our stadiums couldn't quite compete like our mountains do.

As the World Cup begins in cities across North America, Utahns are watching with their noses pressed against the glass — in more ways than one.The intrigue: Salt Lake has made two successful bids to host the Winter Olympics, but it didn&#x27;t rate a World Cup game.

5 takeaways from Salt Lake City and County's lawsuit to stop detention center

Salt Lake City and County are legally fighting the federal government to stop the state's first immigration detention center.

Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County sued the federal government Monday in an attempt to stop a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive immigration detention center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/01/dhs-salt-lake-city-warehouse-immigration-detention-center-under-review" data-vars-content-id="9ff18483-6288-43b1-a49d-d8449091701c" data-vars-headline="5 takeaways from Salt Lake City and County&#x27;s lawsuit to stop detention center" 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/2026/04/01/dhs-salt-lake-city-warehouse-immigration-detention-center-under-review" target="_self">massive immigration detention center</a> designed to hold up to 10,000 people.Why it matters: ICE&#x27;s plan to convert newly purchased warehouses into detention centers has drawn strong condemnation from community leaders and residents, who view the centers as inhumane and a strain on resources.

Where Salt Lake City soccer fans can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The tournament kicks off Thursday and runs through July 19.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="6ace8373-523d-4f86-9bcf-75b8e440a6c9" data-vars-headline="Where Salt Lake City soccer fans can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> isn&#x27;t coming to Utah, but some restaurants, bars and organizations in Salt Lake City are throwing free watch parties.State of play: The international tournament kicks off Thursday and runs through July 19.

Grandma's new remedy: Pot edibles

Older adults are increasingly seeking cannabis edibles to alleviate their ailments.

Adults 60 and older are increasingly turning to cannabis edibles over traditional medicine to seek relief for their health problems, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2848773?guestAccessKey=1b34668e-afe8-4888-aa3d-dd05b3b83eff&amp;utm_source=for_the_media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_content=tfl&amp;utm_term=050826" data-vars-content-id="c166e1cf-3c35-4aec-b3bc-403995e81a16" data-vars-headline="Grandma&#x27;s new remedy: Pot edibles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2848773?guestAccessKey=1b34668e-afe8-4888-aa3d-dd05b3b83eff&amp;utm_source=for_the_media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_content=tfl&amp;utm_term=050826" target="_blank">study</a>.The big picture: Older adults are among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/well/mind/medical-marijuana-seniors.html" data-vars-content-id="c166e1cf-3c35-4aec-b3bc-403995e81a16" data-vars-headline="Grandma&#x27;s new remedy: Pot edibles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/well/mind/medical-marijuana-seniors.html" target="_blank">fastest-growing group</a> of users, even as research on the psychoactive drug has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="failed to keep pace" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aamc.org/news/why-doctors-know-almost-nothing-about-health-effects-marijuana" data-vars-content-id="c166e1cf-3c35-4aec-b3bc-403995e81a16" data-vars-headline="Grandma&#x27;s new remedy: Pot edibles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aamc.org/news/why-doctors-know-almost-nothing-about-health-effects-marijuana" target="_blank">failed to keep pace</a> with its high demand.

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.

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.

Utah medical licensing board urges state to suspend AI prescriptions

The board members said they weren't consulted before the state launched its prescription bot.

The Utah Medical Licensing Board is calling on the state to &quot;immediately suspend&quot; its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experiment with AI prescription refills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/07/utah-ai-drug-prescriptions-doctronic" data-vars-content-id="1e546332-9a07-4e6c-9be7-3c070802f481" data-vars-headline="Utah medical licensing board urges state to suspend AI prescriptions" 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/2026/01/07/utah-ai-drug-prescriptions-doctronic" target="_self">experiment with AI prescription refills</a>.Why it matters: The 11 doctors on the board, which determines who&#x27;s qualified to provide services that require medical licensure, said they weren&#x27;t consulted or notified before the state authorized the nation&#x27;s first system for AI drug prescriptions.

How to navigate Utah's surrogacy laws

In a national patchwork of laws, Utah enforces surrogacy agreements— but with multiple restrictions.

Health

Without a federal law, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surrogacy in the U.S. is governed by a patchwork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/29/surrogacy-state-law-different" data-vars-content-id="8ef7a184-7fd4-4acd-9926-5c490698353d" data-vars-headline="How to navigate Utah&#x27;s surrogacy laws" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/29/surrogacy-state-law-different" target="_self">surrogacy in the U.S. is governed by a patchwork</a> of state regulations.Why it matters: As more Americans turn to surrogacy to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="build their families" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/02/future-of-fertility-demographics" data-vars-content-id="8ef7a184-7fd4-4acd-9926-5c490698353d" data-vars-headline="How to navigate Utah&#x27;s surrogacy laws" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/02/future-of-fertility-demographics" target="_self">build their families</a>, varied local rules can determine everything from whether agreements are legally binding to who is recognized as a parent at birth.

Utah measles outbreak brings its biggest surge yet

The fast-spreading disease is slow to cause symptoms, which makes containment difficult.

Utah health officials have confirmed 142 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new measles cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/17/utah-measles-response-criticism" data-vars-content-id="90e493d1-8895-44f4-9d1f-9bd4b16b73db" data-vars-headline="Utah measles outbreak brings its biggest surge yet" 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/2026/03/17/utah-measles-response-criticism" target="_self">new measles cases</a> since March 10.Why it matters: The rolling, three-week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="case count" data-vars-click-url="https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/" data-vars-content-id="90e493d1-8895-44f4-9d1f-9bd4b16b73db" data-vars-headline="Utah measles outbreak brings its biggest surge yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/" target="_blank">case count</a> reflects a surge of more than 30% compared to last week&#x27;s tally, and shows the biggest increase in cases since the state&#x27;s outbreak <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="began last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/25/measles-utah-outbreak-unvaccinated-waivers" data-vars-content-id="90e493d1-8895-44f4-9d1f-9bd4b16b73db" data-vars-headline="Utah measles outbreak brings its biggest surge yet" 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/2025/06/25/measles-utah-outbreak-unvaccinated-waivers" target="_self">began last summer</a>.

Utah's hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows

A report last year found hospital mergers drove price hikes for care and costs "increase significantly for neighboring hospitals."

Utah&#x27;s health care system is heavily consolidated among a few hospital systems — a dynamic associated with rising costs, according to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" data-vars-content-id="6cbdca2f-af2c-4cb3-9fec-9e199a243bfc" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" target="_blank">analysis</a> from Yale&#x27;s new Health Care Affordability Lab.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal report last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-consolidation-health-care-markets-rfi-response-report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="6cbdca2f-af2c-4cb3-9fec-9e199a243bfc" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-consolidation-health-care-markets-rfi-response-report.pdf" target="_blank">federal report last year</a> found hospital mergers drove price hikes for care — 6% to 65% — and costs &quot;increase significantly for neighboring hospitals as well.&quot;

Salt Lake's allergy seasons are getting longer

Utah cities are already considered among the nation's worst for allergies. This hot winter isn't helping.

Allergy season is 24 days longer, on average, in Salt Lake City than it was in 1970, per a new Climate Central analysis.By the numbers: In nearly 90% of 198 U.S. cities <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analyzed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2026-allergy-season" data-vars-content-id="d2878392-419e-4ab2-9e5c-43e4c82744ad" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s allergy seasons are getting longer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2026-allergy-season" target="_blank">analyzed</a>, freeze-free growing seasons lengthened by an average of 21 days.

Report: Utah has "barely acknowledged" ongoing measles outbreak

Almost 40 more cases were confirmed this week.

Utah health officials have &quot;barely acknowledged&quot; an ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/12/utah-measles-outbreaks-churches-movies-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="307d7528-0941-4be8-bdfe-9de5b6707513" data-vars-headline="Report: Utah has &quot;barely acknowledged&quot; ongoing measles outbreak" 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/2026/03/12/utah-measles-outbreaks-churches-movies-restaurants" target="_self">measles outbreak</a> that has infected hundreds of people, per an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NBC News report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/utah-measles-outbreak-growing-cases-vaccination-rcna263196" data-vars-content-id="307d7528-0941-4be8-bdfe-9de5b6707513" data-vars-headline="Report: Utah has &quot;barely acknowledged&quot; ongoing measles outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/utah-measles-outbreak-growing-cases-vaccination-rcna263196" target="_blank">NBC News report</a>.The big picture: Utah&#x27;s outbreak since January is the second largest in the nation, surpassed only by South Carolina, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the CDC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html" data-vars-content-id="307d7528-0941-4be8-bdfe-9de5b6707513" data-vars-headline="Report: Utah has &quot;barely acknowledged&quot; ongoing measles outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html" target="_blank">per the CDC</a>.

Churches, movies, restaurants: Tracking measles around Utah

The virus is increasingly being carried to places of leisure and worship.

Utah&#x27;s measles patients have taken the virus to churches, movies, schools, restaurants and shopping centers in recent weeks, according to health officials&#x27; latest reports.By the numbers: With 44 new cases, last week brought Utah&#x27;s biggest jump in diagnoses since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles began spreading last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/26/measles-symptoms-vaccines-utah" data-vars-content-id="7a371b02-3e4b-45f6-9fba-702a60c5f07d" data-vars-headline="Churches, movies, restaurants: Tracking measles around Utah" 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/2025/06/26/measles-symptoms-vaccines-utah" target="_self">measles began spreading last year</a>.

A column chart that shows Western U.S. emergency department visits for tick bites each April, measured per 100,000 ED visits. Rates were 17 in 2022, 16 in 2023, 20 in 2024, 22 in 2025 and 31 in 2026.

Western U.S. tick bite ER visits in April

Data: CDC National Syndromic Surveillance Program; Note: 2026 data is preliminary; Chart: Carly Mallenbaum/Axios

A choropleth map categorizing U.S. states by legal status of surrogacy arrangements. Gestational and genetic surrogacy is enforceable in 15 states, Gestational surrogacy is enforceable in 14, and surrogacy is unregulated in 15.

Health 🩺

Grandma's new remedy: Pot edibles

Tick bite ER visits soar in western states

What's happening to the Utahns exposed to hantavirus

Utah medical licensing board urges state to suspend AI prescriptions

How to navigate Utah's surrogacy laws