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Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Kyle LaMalfa are divorcing

The filing comes as Mendenhall decides whether to seek a third term as mayor next year.

News

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and her husband, Kyle LaMalfa, are seeking a divorce after more than a decade of marriage, according to the mayor&#x27;s office and public records.Why it matters: The proceedings come as Mendenhall weighs whether to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seek a third term" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/16/salt-lake-city-mayor-race-2027-candidates-mendenhall-escamilla" data-vars-content-id="39529dff-59b4-4630-8601-4fcb9aa40458" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Kyle LaMalfa are divorcing" 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/salt-lake-city-mayor-race-2027-candidates-mendenhall-escamilla" target="_self">seek a third term</a> in next year&#x27;s mayoral race.

Wildfires tank summer tourism in southern Utah

BUT — you can get some screaming deals on vacation lodging.

<figure><img alt="Two hikers wade the Virgin River Narrows at Zion National Park on Monday. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Darrah" height="1567" id="4e3e37d3-82cd-474d-8f13-4963a3414d73" src="https://images.axios.com/bdO5mmpOUsKvOML3tFaB0XNRHwc=/2026/07/15/1784144656160.jpg" width="1178"/><figcaption>Two hikers wade the Virgin River Narrows at Zion National Park on Monday, during what is normally peak tourism season. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Darrah</figcaption></figure>Tourism is cratering in southern Utah after massive wildfires made national headlines.The intrigue: People are canceling trips weeks in advance due to fires that will almost certainly be gone by the time they arrive, one business owner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tells ABC 4" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abc4.com/news/southern-utah/businesses-tourism-hit-cottonwood-fire/amp/" data-vars-content-id="d1e87cc9-0390-411f-ad77-c9a2f462a6cf" data-vars-headline="Wildfires tank summer tourism in southern Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abc4.com/news/southern-utah/businesses-tourism-hit-cottonwood-fire/amp/" target="_blank">tells ABC 4</a>.

Salt Lake bucks "accidental landlord" trend

Sellers markets don't need to rent their inventory.

Around 1.5% of the Salt Lake metro&#x27;s rental listings on Zillow are from sellers the platform calls &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accidental landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" data-vars-content-id="e56352b5-e07d-4de9-8f8a-e6565ac3d814" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake bucks &quot;accidental landlord&quot; trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" target="_blank">accidental landlords</a>.&quot;Why it matters: That&#x27;s one of the lowest shares in the nation of people who pulled their homes off the market and rented them out instead.

Scoop: Salt Lake City mayoral field emerges as Mendenhall weighs third term

The next mayor is expected to lead Salt Lake City through planning for the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Several prominent political figures are eyeing Salt Lake City&#x27;s 2027 mayoral race, with one intending to run and at least three others exploring bids, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The next mayor will lead the city through planning for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2034 Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/24/salt-lake-city-2034-winter-olympics-host-utah" data-vars-content-id="b5264559-61fc-421c-8b92-3473f17c04de" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Salt Lake City mayoral field emerges as Mendenhall weighs third term" 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/2024/07/24/salt-lake-city-2034-winter-olympics-host-utah" target="_self">2034 Winter Olympics</a>, raising the stakes in the race to lead Utah&#x27;s capital.

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.

How AI turned a Utah police officer into a frog

Civil libertarians say Disney shapeshifting is the least of the problems this new tech could cause.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artificial intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="20197048-dd68-40f5-8e1e-1995be94e08e" data-vars-headline="How AI turned a Utah police officer into a frog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">Artificial intelligence</a> is increasingly affecting who police stop, how reports are written, where officers patrol and how evidence is analyzed.<ul><li>And in Utah, it claimed an officer turned into a frog. </li></ul>Catch up quick: An AI program generated the shapeshifting incident report for Heber City Police last month, FOX 13 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/summit-county/how-utah-police-departments-are-using-ai-to-keep-streets-safer" data-vars-content-id="20197048-dd68-40f5-8e1e-1995be94e08e" data-vars-headline="How AI turned a Utah police officer into a frog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/summit-county/how-utah-police-departments-are-using-ai-to-keep-streets-safer" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Quicksand is real — just ask this hiker in Arches National Park

A recent rescue in Utah has put the spotlight on this once-notorious nightmare scenario.

A hiker was rescued from quicksand last week in Arches National Park, reigniting long-dormant fears of a geologic phenomenon that once featured prolifically in films, video games and nightmares.