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Study: Latter-day Saint retention rate falls to 54%

The decline could reshape the religious and cultural makeup of Utah.

News

The share of U.S. adults raised as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Latter-day Saints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/16/latter-day-saint-missionaries-church-of-jesus-christ-mission-record" data-vars-content-id="516cd36e-a336-46ee-8c88-270afe65e5ce" data-vars-headline="Study: Latter-day Saint retention rate falls to 54%" 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/2026/07/16/latter-day-saint-missionaries-church-of-jesus-christ-mission-record" target="_self">Latter-day Saints</a> who still identify as members of the faith fell from 70% in 2007 to 54% in 2023-24, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pew Research Center study." data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/" data-vars-content-id="516cd36e-a336-46ee-8c88-270afe65e5ce" data-vars-headline="Study: Latter-day Saint retention rate falls to 54%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center study.</a>Why it matters: The decline could reshape the religious and cultural makeup of Utah, home to nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one in three Latter-day Saints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/" data-vars-content-id="516cd36e-a336-46ee-8c88-270afe65e5ce" data-vars-headline="Study: Latter-day Saint retention rate falls to 54%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/" target="_blank">one in three Latter-day Saints</a> in the U.S.

A "toddler rave" is coming to Salt Lake

Put your hands in the air, like a little teapot.

Picture this: A concert venue filled with glow sticks, dance beats — and tiny hands in the air.<ul><li>That&#x27;s coming to Salt Lake on Oct. 21, when Australian DJ Lenny Pearce brings his &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Toddler Rave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/21/toddler-rave-lenny-pearce-tour-what-is" data-vars-content-id="2e16720e-5d11-43f2-bf2e-a98109baae42" data-vars-headline="A &quot;toddler rave&quot; is coming to Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/21/toddler-rave-lenny-pearce-tour-what-is" target="_self">Toddler Rave</a>&quot; to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rockwell at The Complex" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1A7Pt-y?landing=c" data-vars-content-id="2e16720e-5d11-43f2-bf2e-a98109baae42" data-vars-headline="A &quot;toddler rave&quot; is coming to Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1A7Pt-y?landing=c" target="_blank">Rockwell at The Complex</a>.</li></ul>

Utah parents scramble for after-school care 

Some families are losing subsidies under new state and federal rules.

Hundreds of Utah families will start losing their child care subsidies this week — not just for daycare, but also for after-school care. Why it matters: Utah&#x27;s unmet demand for after-school care is already more critical than in most other states, according to the Afterschool Alliance&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest data" data-vars-click-url="https://afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/data/national/demand" data-vars-content-id="9aebdef2-445f-4d49-b87d-65d76dc5910a" data-vars-headline="Utah parents scramble for after-school care " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/data/national/demand" target="_blank">latest data</a>.

Utah ranks second in the U.S. for library use

Cultural factors and large household sizes may contribute to why Utahns check out so many books.

Utah ranks second in the nation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public library use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" data-vars-content-id="70366766-260c-4bfb-9073-bd7875642f4b" data-vars-headline="Utah ranks second in the U.S. for library use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" target="_self">public library use</a>, with more than 11 checkouts per person, federal data shows.The big picture: Cultural factors and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="large household sizes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/12/04/utah-three-generation-households-census" data-vars-content-id="70366766-260c-4bfb-9073-bd7875642f4b" data-vars-headline="Utah ranks second in the U.S. for library use" 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/2023/12/04/utah-three-generation-households-census" target="_self">large household sizes</a> may contribute to why Utahns check out more books than people in other states.

Utah reserves firing squad option as doubts rise over lethal injection

If Tennessee's botched execution ends lethal injection, Utah law spells out the state's backup plan.

Tennessee&#x27;s failed attempt to execute Christa Pike is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renewing scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/christa-pike-lethal-injections-drugs-pentobarbital" data-vars-content-id="672fa963-6b42-43b9-9802-ba1790df637c" data-vars-headline="Utah reserves firing squad option as doubts rise over lethal injection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/christa-pike-lethal-injections-drugs-pentobarbital" target="_self">renewing scrutiny</a> of lethal injection — but Utah law still reserves the firing squad as a backup plan.Why it matters: Lethal injection is Utah&#x27;s primary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="execution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/09/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-death-penalty-gary-gilmore-ron-lafferty" data-vars-content-id="672fa963-6b42-43b9-9802-ba1790df637c" data-vars-headline="Utah reserves firing squad option as doubts rise over lethal injection" 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/2026/07/09/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-death-penalty-gary-gilmore-ron-lafferty" target="_self">execution</a> method, used for five of the state&#x27;s eight executions since the U.S. Supreme Court approved the death penalty 50 years ago.

"I'm not a Karen": Utah woman on why she reported Flock vandalism

She says she wants to buy the vigilantes a beer — but not if they keep damaging her property.

A Kanarraville woman tells KUTV she&#x27;s happy that vandals rid her neighborhood of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock camera" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/04/salt-lake-city-council-license-plate-readers-rules" data-vars-content-id="e59fd98f-96d4-4656-9e75-4357e49166c1" data-vars-headline="&quot;I&#x27;m not a Karen&quot;: Utah woman on why she reported Flock vandalism" 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/2026/08/04/salt-lake-city-council-license-plate-readers-rules" target="_self">Flock camera</a> in front of her home — even though she&#x27;s the one who reported the suspects to police.The big picture: Flock cameras <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have joined" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/flock-cameras-data-centers-ai-midterms-2026-tech" data-vars-content-id="e59fd98f-96d4-4656-9e75-4357e49166c1" data-vars-headline="&quot;I&#x27;m not a Karen&quot;: Utah woman on why she reported Flock vandalism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/flock-cameras-data-centers-ai-midterms-2026-tech" target="_self">have joined</a> AI data centers and Dolly Parton&#x27;s death in a trifecta of news developments that show it&#x27;s still possible for a politically fractured nation to unify under certain conditions.

To seek execution in Charlie Kirk's murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law

Here are the factors that have led to Utah death sentences in the past 50 years.

To get the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death penalty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/08/utah-executes-first-death-row-inmate-taberon-honie" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" 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/2024/08/08/utah-executes-first-death-row-inmate-taberon-honie" target="_self">death penalty</a> in Utah, a defendant has to commit &quot;aggravated murder&quot; — that is, a murder that&#x27;s particularly heinous, committed alongside other crimes, or involves other factors that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state law" data-vars-click-url="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-S202.html?v=C76-5-S202_2025050720250507" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-S202.html?v=C76-5-S202_2025050720250507" target="_blank">state law</a> deems exceptional.Why it matters: At a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preliminary hearing this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/06/preliminary-hearing-evidence-charlie-kirk-case-tyler-robinson" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" 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/2026/07/06/preliminary-hearing-evidence-charlie-kirk-case-tyler-robinson" target="_self">preliminary hearing this week</a>, a judge is deciding whether Tyler Robinson can be charged with aggravated murder, which would make him <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eligible for the death penalty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/charlie-kirk-suspect-facing-death-penalty" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/charlie-kirk-suspect-facing-death-penalty" target="_self">eligible for the death penalty</a> if he&#x27;s convicted in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-turning-point" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" 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/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-turning-point" target="_self">fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk </a>at UVU in September.

Charlie Kirk shooting case has tested pretrial publicity rules

Tyler Robinson's attorneys say statements by prosecutors and prominent Republicans could prejudice jurors.

Tyler Robinson&#x27;s preliminary hearing comes after months of arguments over what lawyers can say in and out of the courtroom — and shortly after the judge held a prosecutor in contempt for saying too much.The big picture: Days after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlie Kirk&#x27;s killing at UVU" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-turning-point" data-vars-content-id="2e6ac249-8567-464f-a4c6-96ad4de9da04" data-vars-headline="Charlie Kirk shooting case has tested pretrial publicity rules" 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/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-turning-point" target="_self">Charlie Kirk&#x27;s killing at UVU</a>, Judge Tony Graf set strict rules for pretrial publicity, barring lawyers from making out-of-court statements that could &quot;materially prejudice&quot; the proceedings.Zoom in: In a March filing, Robinson&#x27;s attorneys cited a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) analysis that couldn&#x27;t determine whether the bullet that killed Kirk was fired by the rifle Robinson is accused of carrying.<ul><li>Some news outlets, starting with British tabloid The Daily Mail, published reports that inaccurately described the bullet and gun as mismatched, declaring the report was exculpatory rather than inconclusive.</li></ul>Friction point: When asked by reporters about the narrative that Robinson was exonerated, Utah County prosecutor Christopher Ballard didn&#x27;t just correct details of the ATF finding.<ul><li>Ballard added, &quot;We have ample evidence to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Tyler Robinson committed this murder.&quot;</li><li>That, coming from a prosecutor, went too far, Graf wrote in a late June ruling that found Ballard in contempt.</li></ul>The other side: Graf rejected Robinson&#x27;s attorneys&#x27; argument that Ballard&#x27;s statement risked enough prejudice that the death penalty should no longer be an option in the case.<ul><li>Instead, Graf said he would consider a larger jury pool and a more detailed questionnaire to try to filter out jurors who may have been prejudiced by Ballard&#x27;s statements.</li></ul>Zoom out: Defense attorneys have also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="argued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ksl.com/article/51483435/watch-live-attorneys-argue-for-against-cameras-in-tyler-robinson-capital-murder-case" data-vars-content-id="2e6ac249-8567-464f-a4c6-96ad4de9da04" data-vars-headline="Charlie Kirk shooting case has tested pretrial publicity rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51483435/watch-live-attorneys-argue-for-against-cameras-in-tyler-robinson-capital-murder-case" target="_blank">argued</a> that President Trump, his administration, Gov. Spencer Cox and other office holders have painted Robinson in such a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="negative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/20/mike-lee-public-execution-charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson" data-vars-content-id="2e6ac249-8567-464f-a4c6-96ad4de9da04" data-vars-headline="Charlie Kirk shooting case has tested pretrial publicity rules" 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/2026/01/20/mike-lee-public-execution-charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson" target="_self">negative</a> light that media access to the preliminary hearing and potential trial should be tightly controlled to make up for the prejudice caused by those public statements.<ul><li>In response, Graf <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allowed" data-vars-click-url="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/07/02/judge-sets-limits-in-charlie-kirk-murder-case/" data-vars-content-id="2e6ac249-8567-464f-a4c6-96ad4de9da04" data-vars-headline="Charlie Kirk shooting case has tested pretrial publicity rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/07/02/judge-sets-limits-in-charlie-kirk-murder-case/" target="_blank">allowed</a> cameras but restricted reporters from bringing laptops or phones into the courtroom.</li></ul>

Utah firefighters say they're getting threats and abuse over fireworks restrictions amid wildfires

The angry calls are targeting a fire department in a city that didn't actually ban fireworks.

Firefighters in Weber County say they&#x27;re getting abuse and threats from residents who are angry over fireworks restrictions.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Calling the fire station to yell at, use of abusive language toward, or threatening our firefighters is unacceptable. Our firefighters were not involved in making this decision, and they should not be subjected to harassment while serving our community,&quot; The South Weber Fire Department <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted on Facebook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/SouthWeberFire/posts/pfbid0KNGKd3ZXzi8YKsxALTCtgoAJPZ6NQSiRrdHY95wbHXKX6Uq1H3ckp1Ki8AhyUPP5l" data-vars-content-id="391a6aca-5feb-4be6-a764-90970579b1a5" data-vars-headline="Utah firefighters say they&#x27;re getting threats and abuse over fireworks restrictions amid wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/SouthWeberFire/posts/pfbid0KNGKd3ZXzi8YKsxALTCtgoAJPZ6NQSiRrdHY95wbHXKX6Uq1H3ckp1Ki8AhyUPP5l" target="_blank">posted on Facebook</a>.

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.

Suburban Utahns report harassment by teens on e-motorcycles

In Salt Lake's tony suburbs, residents say the high-power machines have led to brazen behavior.

Draper police say residents have reported teens on e-motorcycles pelting passers-by with rocks and garbage, threatening strangers and shredding parks and trails before fleeing at highway speeds.Why it matters: The behavior of kids on e-motorcycles is unusually brazen, police say — and parents in the tony Salt Lake suburb have shown reluctance to rein them in.

How to navigate Utah's new rules for e-bikes and e-motorcycles

Licenses for Surrons, kids' classes for e-bikes and more.

Under new state laws passed this year, riders young and old on electric bikes and motorcycles will have to meet new requirements starting May 6.Here&#x27;s what you need to know.

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.

Utah cities rank high for street safety

The study measures speeding in residential zones, miles traveled and other measures and other factors.

Public Safety

Ogden has some of the nation&#x27;s safest roadways, per StreetLight Data&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" data-vars-content-id="ac38abd4-3e05-4a28-927d-a131a4ed7e13" data-vars-headline="Utah cities rank high for street safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" target="_blank">&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;</a>State of play: That&#x27;s based on five key factors among the 100 biggest U.S. metros: vehicle miles traveled, different speeds between vehicles, speed-based pedestrian risk, speeding in residential zones and truck activity.