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Rogan podcast doesn't paint the full picture of homelessness in SLC

Comedian Shane Gillis said he chased down by "ten homeless guys" when he was starting out in SLC's comedy scene.

Politics

Despite the viral Joe Rogan clip zeroing in on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake City&#x27;s homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/07/utah-homelessness-falls-chronic-mental-illness" data-vars-content-id="510bddcf-803b-4079-be61-e92c12b8a880" data-vars-headline="Rogan podcast doesn&#x27;t paint the full picture of homelessness in SLC" 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/2026/08/07/utah-homelessness-falls-chronic-mental-illness" target="_self">Salt Lake City&#x27;s homelessness</a>, new data shows it&#x27;s actually declining.Why it matters: Homelessness is down in Utah for the first time in six years, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barriers to affordable housing" data-vars-click-url="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/07/21/home-prices-salt-lake-county-break-record/" data-vars-content-id="510bddcf-803b-4079-be61-e92c12b8a880" data-vars-headline="Rogan podcast doesn&#x27;t paint the full picture of homelessness in SLC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/07/21/home-prices-salt-lake-county-break-record/" target="_blank">barriers to affordable housing</a> remain.

True crime TV series highlights missing Utah man

News

A Utah missing person case from 2009 is getting another look with the Freeform <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="true crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/07/15/my-favorite-murder-podcast-to-tour-in-slc" data-vars-content-id="2bcfe0cd-9e59-4f1b-9f87-e69ba8bf8419" data-vars-headline="True crime TV series highlights missing Utah man" 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/2025/07/15/my-favorite-murder-podcast-to-tour-in-slc" target="_self">true crime</a> series &quot;Somebody Knows Something,&quot; streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.Driving the news: A 42-minute <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="episode" data-vars-click-url="https://www.disneyplus.com/play/effca214-e61a-4d19-abf3-d24f0409368a" data-vars-content-id="2bcfe0cd-9e59-4f1b-9f87-e69ba8bf8419" data-vars-headline="True crime TV series highlights missing Utah man" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.disneyplus.com/play/effca214-e61a-4d19-abf3-d24f0409368a" target="_blank">episode</a> released this week reviews the disappearance of then-30-year-old Steve Koecher, a St. George man who was last seen Dec. 13, 2009 on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveillance footage" data-vars-click-url="https://news3lv.com/news/local/the-search-for-man-who-went-missing-in-henderson-in-2009-continues" data-vars-content-id="2bcfe0cd-9e59-4f1b-9f87-e69ba8bf8419" data-vars-headline="True crime TV series highlights missing Utah man" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news3lv.com/news/local/the-search-for-man-who-went-missing-in-henderson-in-2009-continues" target="_blank">surveillance footage</a> in Henderson, Nevada.

Exclusive: Defense contractors unveil collaborative in Utah

The group could make smaller businesses more competitive in an industry where startups often don't have the resources to wait years for a big government payday.

Aerospace

Utah defense contractor CenCore has launched a coalition of businesses that plan to work together to win defense and intelligence agency contracts.Why it matters: The group — dubbed the Integrated Warfighter Ecosystem (IWE) — could make smaller businesses more competitive in an industry where startups often don&#x27;t have the resources to wait years for a big government payday, CenCore CEO Adam Fife tells Axios.

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.

Food and Drink

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>.

ICE drops plans to turn SLC warehouse into detention center

It's a sharp reversal from DHS's accelerated plans to have the warehouses operational before the end of the year.

The Department of Homeland Security is abandoning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/13/ice-buys-warehouse-salt-lake-city-detention-facility-utah" data-vars-content-id="49ce9394-c032-40da-a001-1e998ce93b4b" data-vars-headline="ICE drops plans to turn SLC warehouse into 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/2026/03/13/ice-buys-warehouse-salt-lake-city-detention-facility-utah" target="_self">plans</a> to convert an empty Salt Lake City warehouse into an ICE detention center, according to a new court filing.Why it matters: The proposed facility would have marked Utah&#x27;s first immigration detention center, holding between 7,500 to 10,000 people, despite staunch opposition from local leaders.

Group founded by Tim Ballard gets big contract for immigration work

Ballard resigned amid misconduct allegations. Its new CEO is an ex-ICE agent.

The Trump administration has awarded more than $244 million in a no-bid legal services contract to Our Rescue — formerly<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Operation Underground Railroad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/09/20/tim-ballard-sound-of-freedom-mormon-senate" data-vars-content-id="4d2aabc6-b876-4676-827c-3ec6f98d3a62" data-vars-headline="Group founded by Tim Ballard gets big contract for immigration work" 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/2023/09/20/tim-ballard-sound-of-freedom-mormon-senate" target="_self"> Operation Underground Railroad</a>, the nonprofit whose founder, Utah celebrity activist Tim Ballard, resigned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="amid sexual misconduct allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/09/28/tim-ballard-sexual-misconduct-trafficking-our-sound-freedom" data-vars-content-id="4d2aabc6-b876-4676-827c-3ec6f98d3a62" data-vars-headline="Group founded by Tim Ballard gets big contract for immigration work" 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/2023/09/28/tim-ballard-sexual-misconduct-trafficking-our-sound-freedom" target="_self">amid sexual misconduct allegations</a>.Why it matters: The contract appoints Our Rescue to represent vulnerable migrant children under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/7311/text" data-vars-content-id="4d2aabc6-b876-4676-827c-3ec6f98d3a62" data-vars-headline="Group founded by Tim Ballard gets big contract for immigration work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/7311/text" target="_blank">federal law</a> requiring legal counsel for unaccompanied minors who came to the U.S. without a parent.

FrontRunner 2X moves closer to $1.3B federal grant

The federal grant would allow FrontRunner to run every 15 minutes during peak, including Sundays, by 2030.

State transportation officials are one step closer to receiving $1.3 billion in federal funding that would allow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FrontRunner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/04/27/frontrunner-15-anniversary-utah-transit-authority-train" data-vars-content-id="9e2dde49-4947-4d79-ac8b-3f9f9a5bc1ed" data-vars-headline="FrontRunner 2X moves closer to $1.3B federal grant" 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/2023/04/27/frontrunner-15-anniversary-utah-transit-authority-train" target="_self">FrontRunner</a> to run more frequently — including on Sundays.Why it matters: The funding would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="double-track 11 sections" data-vars-click-url="https://frontrunner2x.utah.gov/project-improvements" data-vars-content-id="9e2dde49-4947-4d79-ac8b-3f9f9a5bc1ed" data-vars-headline="FrontRunner 2X moves closer to $1.3B federal grant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://frontrunner2x.utah.gov/project-improvements" target="_blank">double-track 11 sections</a> of the commuter rail line, enabling FrontRunner to run every 15 to 30 minutes, instead of every 30 minutes to one hour.

More than 70 projects in SLC are up for funding this month

Proposals range from sidewalk beautification to safer crossings and upgraded parks.

From sidewalks to parks, the Salt Lake City Council is deciding before the end of the month which community projects to fund from a list of more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="70 proposals" data-vars-click-url="https://fy27cip-slcgov.hub.arcgis.com/" data-vars-content-id="dca02efb-9eff-42df-a7a4-de5f2a252383" data-vars-headline="More than 70 projects in SLC are up for funding this month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fy27cip-slcgov.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">70 proposals</a>.How it works: The projects, as part of the city&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capital Improvement Program" data-vars-click-url="https://fy27cip-slcgov.hub.arcgis.com/" data-vars-content-id="dca02efb-9eff-42df-a7a4-de5f2a252383" data-vars-headline="More than 70 projects in SLC are up for funding this month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fy27cip-slcgov.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">Capital Improvement Program</a>, must cost at least $50,000, have a service life of five or more years and be located on city-owned property.

Salt Lake City Council weighs limits on license plate readers

Residents have raised concerns that ALPRs could be misused and infringe on privacy.

As Salt Lake City looks to expand its use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), the City Council is drafting rules governing how the technology can be used.Why it matters: Residents and critics have raised concerns that ALPRs could infringe on privacy and allow data to be shared with federal agencies, including ICE.

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>.

It's been 10 years since former Gov. Gary Herbert's "Sharknado" cameo

The made-for-television film, "Sharknado: The 4th Awakens," was released July 31, 20216 on Syfy.

Today marks 10 years since then-Gov. Gary Herbert made his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hollywood debut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqvGd_TKBbQ" data-vars-content-id="f4980998-e99c-490d-bbee-1abd6f9fa59c" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s been 10 years since former Gov. Gary Herbert&#x27;s &quot;Sharknado&quot; cameo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqvGd_TKBbQ" target="_blank">Hollywood debut</a> fending off sharks with a tennis racket in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="widely panned Sharknado sequel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sharknado_the_4th_awakens" data-vars-content-id="f4980998-e99c-490d-bbee-1abd6f9fa59c" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s been 10 years since former Gov. Gary Herbert&#x27;s &quot;Sharknado&quot; cameo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sharknado_the_4th_awakens" target="_blank">widely panned Sharknado sequel</a>.

Q&A: Jennifer Napier-Pearce on leading Salt Lake City

The former Salt Lake Tribune editor reflects on her first weeks in office.

The Salt Lake City Council&#x27;s newest member, Jennifer Napier-Pearce, has been in her role for less than two months — and she is quickly getting up to speed on the mechanics of city government.State of play: Napier-Pearce was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appointed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/10/salt-lake-city-council-jennifer-napier-pearce-coin-toss" data-vars-content-id="52b63498-4544-4280-a5f3-11548a13d759" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A: Jennifer Napier-Pearce on leading 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/2026/06/10/salt-lake-city-council-jennifer-napier-pearce-coin-toss" target="_self">appointed</a> to her role last month via coin toss to fill a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacancy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/12/slc-council-seat-vacated-after-residency-probe" data-vars-content-id="52b63498-4544-4280-a5f3-11548a13d759" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A: Jennifer Napier-Pearce on leading 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/2026/05/12/slc-council-seat-vacated-after-residency-probe" target="_self">vacancy</a> on the council, becoming the first Tongan American to serve on the governing body.

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.

<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.

Politics 🇺🇸

Rogan podcast doesn't paint the full picture of homelessness in SLC

ICE drops plans to turn SLC warehouse into detention center

Group founded by Tim Ballard gets big contract for immigration work

FrontRunner 2X moves closer to $1.3B federal grant

More than 70 projects in SLC are up for funding this month