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Photo: Kevin O'Leary posed at Utah governor's desk before data center reveal

The image is unlikely to mollify populist outcry over government ties to the investor class.

News

Kevin O&#x27;Leary, the &quot;Shark Tank&quot; celebrity investor behind the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive data center proposed in Box Elder County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" data-vars-content-id="19d18ea0-8e95-4c51-8330-9ea9f078c487" data-vars-headline="Photo: Kevin O&#x27;Leary posed at Utah governor&#x27;s desk before data center reveal" 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/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" target="_self">massive data center proposed in Box Elder County</a>, sits at Gov. Spencer Cox&#x27;s desk in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="photo posted by a staffer to LinkedIn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tylermjennings_as-i-continue-to-talk-to-people-from-around-ugcPost-7415163427448451073-CQvC/" data-vars-content-id="19d18ea0-8e95-4c51-8330-9ea9f078c487" data-vars-headline="Photo: Kevin O&#x27;Leary posed at Utah governor&#x27;s desk before data center reveal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tylermjennings_as-i-continue-to-talk-to-people-from-around-ugcPost-7415163427448451073-CQvC/" target="_blank">photo posted by a staffer to LinkedIn</a> Jan. 8.Why it matters: That was weeks before the data center, which is projected to quadruple the electricity generated and used in Utah, had been addressed in any public meeting.

Salt Lake City's first co-op grocery store to open at Milk Block

About 20% of the co-op's vendors are local.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wasatch Food Co-op" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wasatch.coop/#dataItem-k0p1t5kh" data-vars-content-id="78909ead-2ec0-4fbf-8698-7b59fb1c5c3b" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first co-op grocery store to open at Milk Block" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wasatch.coop/#dataItem-k0p1t5kh" target="_blank">Wasatch Food Co-op</a> (WFC), Salt Lake City&#x27;s first community-owned grocery store, opens Wednesday at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milk Block" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/09/04/equality-utah-headquarters-harvey-milk-boulevard" data-vars-content-id="78909ead-2ec0-4fbf-8698-7b59fb1c5c3b" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first co-op grocery store to open at Milk Block" 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/2024/09/04/equality-utah-headquarters-harvey-milk-boulevard" target="_self">Milk Block</a> in Liberty Wells after nearly two decades in the making.Why it matters: Co-op grocery stores have gained popularity in many U.S. cities <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since the 1960s" data-vars-click-url="https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/how-grocery-co-ops-fit-into-the-competitive-landscape/" data-vars-content-id="78909ead-2ec0-4fbf-8698-7b59fb1c5c3b" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City&#x27;s first co-op grocery store to open at Milk Block" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/how-grocery-co-ops-fit-into-the-competitive-landscape/" target="_blank">since the 1960s</a> as consumers become more conscious about where they spend their money and how those dollars are reinvested in local communities rather than large corporations.

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.

SLC convenience store "influencer" accused of swapping underage vape sales for Instagram follows

Police say the owner was arrested just before boarding a plane for a one-way flight to Miami.

A self-styled influencer who frequently poses for photos with stacks of cash and a Lamborghini is suspected of selling vapes and beer to kids in exchange for Instagram follows.The big picture: Undercover agents listened while employees at Saif Al-Fatlawi&#x27;s City Corner convenience stores in Salt Lake and Murray made sales to underage customers that appeared to be as young as middle schoolers, police wrote in arrest documents.

Applications now open for vacant Salt Lake City Council seat

The remaining six-member council has until June 11 to find someone to fill the position.

Think you&#x27;ve got what it takes to represent downtown Salt Lake City?State of play: Applications for the next District 4 representative on the Salt Lake City Council will be accepted Monday through June 1.

Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz weighs 2028 Utah governor bid

Multiple Republicans are already reportedly eyeing the Utah Governor's Mansion for 2028.

We&#x27;re more than two years away from the 2028 Utah governor&#x27;s election, but that hasn&#x27;t stopped potential candidates from publicly weighing runs for the rare open seat.Driving the news: Fox News contributor and former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told Deseret News" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deseret.com/politics/2026/05/13/utah-republican-race-for-governor-in-2028-might-already-come-down-to-jason-chaffetz-and-john-curtis/" data-vars-content-id="f1e2ed0c-7112-43ee-9aee-f31f0697eda2" data-vars-headline="Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz weighs 2028 Utah governor bid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deseret.com/politics/2026/05/13/utah-republican-race-for-governor-in-2028-might-already-come-down-to-jason-chaffetz-and-john-curtis/" target="_blank">told Deseret News</a> he&#x27;s thinking about jumping in the race, setting up what&#x27;s expected to be a highly competitive GOP primary.

Downtown SLC council seat vacated after residency probe

Salt Lake City Council member Eva López Chávez purchased a home outside her district last September.

A city <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/30/eva-lopez-chavez-residence-city-council-district-misconduct-allegations" data-vars-content-id="5e476c17-e772-4e83-9481-5bcfb4cc3c23" data-vars-headline="Downtown SLC council seat vacated after residency probe" 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/2026/04/30/eva-lopez-chavez-residence-city-council-district-misconduct-allegations" target="_self">investigation</a> released Tuesday found that Salt Lake City Council Member Eva López Chávez does not live in her district, rendering her seat vacant.State of play: The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed last month by a constituent questioning whether López Chávez lived at the house she purchased last September in District 5 for $640,058.

New Utah law limits opposition to massive data center proposal

State officials are no longer allowed to deny water rights based on certain public welfare arguments.

Backers of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive data center proposed in Box Elder County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" data-vars-content-id="7215b49f-fa9b-41d1-84bc-8043c04599e4" data-vars-headline="New Utah law limits opposition to massive data center proposal" 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/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" target="_self">massive data center proposed in Box Elder County</a> &quot;fully intend&quot; to submit a new water rights application — this time, under changes to state law that could give them an advantage.Why it matters: As county officials approved the 60-square-mile project last week, opponents attacked its water application en masse in an attempt to block the proposal.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox swears he's not running for president

The governor has said he doesn't plan to seek a third term.

As questions swirl around Utah Gov. Spencer Cox&#x27;s next move, he wants everyone to know he&#x27;s not eyeing the White House. Really.State of play: Cox on Monday repeatedly shut down questions — and wisecracks — from the Atlantic&#x27;s McKay Coppins about a potential presidential run ahead of the release of his book on depolarizing American politics.

Salt Lake City tax and utility bills could jump in July

Mayor Erin Mendenhall's proposed 12.5% property tax hike translates to nearly $10 more a month.

Fair warning, Salt Lakers. Your property taxes and utilities could be going up this July.Why it matters: As the cost of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="virtually everything rises" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/12/inflation-economy-decade-iran-oil" data-vars-content-id="91895fc9-b2c0-41b3-bbad-209e83e98f5b" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City tax and utility bills could jump in July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/12/inflation-economy-decade-iran-oil" target="_self">virtually everything rises</a>, residents could feel further strain on their wallets.

After misconduct allegations, López Chávez accused of living outside her City Council district

Property records show she bought the house last year.

A week after Salt Lake City Council member Eva López Chávez was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accused of sexual misconduct" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/24/utah-democrats-congressional-primary-scandals-blouin-lopez-chavez" data-vars-content-id="475dde6f-636c-4156-8119-cd5fad21d04f" data-vars-headline="After misconduct allegations, López Chávez accused of living outside her City Council 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/2026/04/24/utah-democrats-congressional-primary-scandals-blouin-lopez-chavez" target="_self">accused of sexual misconduct</a>, a constituent is calling for an investigation into whether she lives in the district she represents.Why it matters: If López Chávez is living in the home she bought last year, city ordinance requires her to give up her District 4 seat.

Utah GOP urges voters to unseat state Supreme Court justices

After a series of rulings Republicans viewed as unfavorable to them, the state party wants voters to reject two judges.

As Republican leaders seek to oust certain state Supreme Court justices in this year&#x27;s midterm elections, the Utah State Bar is encouraging voters to rely on the judges&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent reviews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/28/judge-retention-election-utah-ballot" data-vars-content-id="36a99803-b537-41ea-9f3c-68c0254e9c53" data-vars-headline="Utah GOP urges voters to unseat state Supreme Court justices" 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/2024/10/28/judge-retention-election-utah-ballot" target="_self">independent reviews</a>.Why it matters: Tensions between the state&#x27;s judiciary and its Republican-controlled executive and legislative branches have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reached a high point" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/04/judicial-utah-state-bar-opooses-reform-state-legislature" data-vars-content-id="36a99803-b537-41ea-9f3c-68c0254e9c53" data-vars-headline="Utah GOP urges voters to unseat state Supreme Court justices" 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/2026/02/04/judicial-utah-state-bar-opooses-reform-state-legislature" target="_self">reached a high point</a> following a series of rulings Republicans view as unfavorable.

Upset win lifts newcomer Liban Mohamed in Utah's 1st District race

Liban Mohamed's win at the Democratic state convention signals a potential shift among delegates.

In an upset victory, political newcomer Liban Mohamed secured delegates&#x27; support at the Democratic state convention Saturday as the top candidate in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah&#x27;s 1st Congressional District race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/18/utah-1st-congressional-district-race-candidates" data-vars-content-id="eef15e46-621d-4dec-8dec-bf5ee1fea20d" data-vars-headline="Upset win lifts newcomer Liban Mohamed in Utah&#x27;s 1st District race" 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/2026/03/18/utah-1st-congressional-district-race-candidates" target="_self">Utah&#x27;s 1st Congressional District race</a>.Why it matters: Mohamed&#x27;s narrow win over former congressman Ben McAdams, the race&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fundraising frontrunner," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/21/utah-1st-congressional-district-democrats-fundraising" data-vars-content-id="eef15e46-621d-4dec-8dec-bf5ee1fea20d" data-vars-headline="Upset win lifts newcomer Liban Mohamed in Utah&#x27;s 1st District race" 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/2026/04/21/utah-1st-congressional-district-democrats-fundraising" target="_self">fundraising frontrunner,</a> signals a potential shift among Democratic delegates toward a candidate with more progressive ideas.

Politics 🇺🇸

Photo: Kevin O'Leary posed at Utah governor's desk before data center reveal

Applications now open for vacant Salt Lake City Council seat

Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz weighs 2028 Utah governor bid

Downtown SLC council seat vacated after residency probe

New Utah law limits opposition to massive data center proposal