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Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case

Erika Kirk and Donald Trump Jr. were present at Monday's preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.

News

Utah prosecutors began presenting their evidence Monday at the preliminary hearing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tyler Robinson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/charlie-kirk-killing-suspect-arrested" data-vars-content-id="74b1d8b5-f07f-4d41-af8b-61f66705478a" data-vars-headline="Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/charlie-kirk-killing-suspect-arrested" target="_self">Tyler Robinson</a>, who is accused of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatally shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" data-vars-content-id="74b1d8b5-f07f-4d41-af8b-61f66705478a" data-vars-headline="Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" target="_self">fatally shooting</a> conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last year.Why it matters: The weeklong hearing in Provo will help Judge Tony Graf determine whether there&#x27;s enough evidence to send the case to trial in what could become one of the nation&#x27;s most-watched criminal cases.

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.

Buc-ee's watch, Utah edition

Where we've been and where we're going, vis à vis the most anticipated gas station opening in Utah memory.

When marking your calendar for major events on Utah&#x27;s horizon, your mind might drift toward the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2034 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="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" 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 Olympics</a> or next year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake Temple open house" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/13/temple-square-visitors-center-lds-mormon-sneak-peek" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" 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/2026/04/13/temple-square-visitors-center-lds-mormon-sneak-peek" target="_self">Salt Lake Temple open house</a>.<ul><li>We are no longer convinced either of those is the real biggie, now that we&#x27;ve read our colleagues&#x27; recent reports about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/queen-city-quarter-epicentre-uptown-development" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/queen-city-quarter-epicentre-uptown-development" target="_self">Buc-ee&#x27;s</a> grand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="openings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/09/bucees-store-huber-heights-ohio-open" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/09/bucees-store-huber-heights-ohio-open" target="_self">openings</a> in other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/10/buc-ees-mebane-north-carolina-gas-station" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/10/buc-ees-mebane-north-carolina-gas-station" target="_self">states</a>. </li></ul>

Why Idaho Falls is a hidden gem of the Mountain West

In this western city, the River Walk is the improbable beating heart of hometown pride.

If you&#x27;re traveling north and need a stopping point, Idaho Falls is one of the nicest surprises I&#x27;ve found in the West.The intrigue: My family got stuck there this week because our car broke down, so it shouldn&#x27;t have been fun.

RSL's Zavier Gozo makes MLS All-Star roster

Real Salt Lake may have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aced out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/11/salt-lake-city-world-cup-snub-olympics-rsl-utah" data-vars-content-id="20e2ddf3-a1a7-47f2-abc7-afe969d8e995" data-vars-headline="RSL&#x27;s Zavier Gozo makes MLS All-Star roster" 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/2026/06/11/salt-lake-city-world-cup-snub-olympics-rsl-utah" target="_self">aced out</a> of the U.S. Men&#x27;s National Soccer Team, but you can see breakout star Zavier Gozo in this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="All-Star Game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/08/charlotte-mls-all-star-2026-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="20e2ddf3-a1a7-47f2-abc7-afe969d8e995" data-vars-headline="RSL&#x27;s Zavier Gozo makes MLS All-Star roster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/08/charlotte-mls-all-star-2026-world-cup" target="_self">All-Star Game</a>.Zoom in: The MLS this week announced the 29 players who were selected.

A weekend of Mexican baseball is returning for Hispanic Heritage Month

Two Mexican teams will face off Sept. 26-27 at The Ballpark at America First Square.

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Béisbol en Salt Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/29/beisbol-baseball-mexico-pacific-league-hispanic-heritage-month" data-vars-content-id="47eb4bc9-401c-4509-8f66-b52233d6656e" data-vars-headline="A weekend of Mexican baseball is returning for Hispanic Heritage Month" 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/2024/07/29/beisbol-baseball-mexico-pacific-league-hispanic-heritage-month" target="_self">Béisbol en Salt Lake</a>&quot; returns to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Ballpark at America First Square" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theballparkatafs.com/" data-vars-content-id="47eb4bc9-401c-4509-8f66-b52233d6656e" data-vars-headline="A weekend of Mexican baseball is returning for Hispanic Heritage Month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theballparkatafs.com/" target="_blank">The Ballpark at America First Square</a> in September for two back-to-back nights of baseball and a celebration of Latino culture.State of play: Two Mexican teams — Águilas de Mexicali and the Jaguares de Nayarit — will face off Sept. 26-27 during Hispanic Heritage Month.

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.

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.

Utah Mammoth fall to Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5

Utah now faces an uphill climb to take home the series, with hardly any room for error.

The Utah Mammoth fell to the Vegas Golden Knights Wednesday, losing the 2–2 playoff series tie and Game 5.The big picture: Utah now faces an uphill climb to take home the series, with hardly any room for error.

Utah Mammoth head to the playoffs. It's only their second season

They're the third team in 45 years to make the playoffs within the first two years as a franchise.

In just their second season, the Utah Mammoth are already playoff-bound.The intrigue: They&#x27;re the third team in 45 years to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make the playoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/utah/news/utah-mammoth-clinch-2026-stanley-cup-playoff-berth-release" data-vars-content-id="c94ba724-8f2f-40ea-a1fd-e05cb708d622" data-vars-headline="Utah Mammoth head to the playoffs. It&#x27;s only their second season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/utah/news/utah-mammoth-clinch-2026-stanley-cup-playoff-berth-release" target="_blank">make the playoffs</a> within the first two years as a franchise, per the NHL.

Meet Utah's winter Paralympic medalists

A burgeoning U of U neuroscientist is a rising star on skinny skis.

Nine of Team USA&#x27;s 24 medals in the past two weeks went to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paralympians with ties to Utah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/06/utah-paralympians-2026-winter-games" data-vars-content-id="ddb882cb-78d5-47cc-9f67-640825d78529" data-vars-headline="Meet Utah&#x27;s winter Paralympic medalists" 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/2026/03/06/utah-paralympians-2026-winter-games" target="_self">Paralympians with ties to Utah</a> during the 2026 Winter Games, which ended Sunday in Italy.The big picture: Utah is home to several of the country&#x27;s top winter sports facilities and the National Ability Center in Park City, where many of the athletes have trained.

Utah paralympians to watch at the 2026 Winter Games

Para snowboard and nordic skiing are where Utahns shine

Nearly a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third" data-vars-click-url="https://utahsportscommission.com/from-utah-to-italy-part-two/" data-vars-content-id="5b2713dc-0551-4966-a143-627d04655c18" data-vars-headline="Utah paralympians to watch at the 2026 Winter Games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahsportscommission.com/from-utah-to-italy-part-two/" target="_blank">third</a> of Team USA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="72 paralympians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" data-vars-content-id="5b2713dc-0551-4966-a143-627d04655c18" data-vars-headline="Utah paralympians to watch at the 2026 Winter Games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" target="_self">72 paralympians</a> have ties to Utah as the 2026 Winter Games kick off Friday.State of play: Para snowboarding is the event where Utahns historically have mined most of their medals.

Salt Lake Bees unveil "Utah Dirty Sodas" alternative look

The new look nods to Utah's dirty soda culture.

The Salt Lake Bees are stirring up a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bubbly rebrand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.milb.com/salt-lake/news/salt-lake-bees-stir-things-up-with-new-alternate-identity-utah-dirty-sodas" data-vars-content-id="736b6548-c448-44ee-b511-3530a2600b46" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake Bees unveil &quot;Utah Dirty Sodas&quot; alternative look" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.milb.com/salt-lake/news/salt-lake-bees-stir-things-up-with-new-alternate-identity-utah-dirty-sodas" target="_blank">bubbly rebrand</a> with a splash of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah&#x27;s dirty soda flair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/11/swig-sodalicious-dirty-soda-phoenix-mesa-tiktok-popular" data-vars-content-id="736b6548-c448-44ee-b511-3530a2600b46" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake Bees unveil &quot;Utah Dirty Sodas&quot; alternative look" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/11/swig-sodalicious-dirty-soda-phoenix-mesa-tiktok-popular" target="_self">Utah&#x27;s dirty soda flair</a>.State of play: The Utah Dirty Sodas, the minor league baseball team&#x27;s new alter-ego, will debut April 1 and appear at every Wednesday home game for the rest of the season.

Utah Olympians shared in almost half of Team USA's medals

A hefty share of Team USA's medals are coming home to the Wasatch.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah&#x27;s Olympians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/06/utah-winter-olympics-2026-athletes-alex-hall-erin-jackson-lindsey-vonn" data-vars-content-id="1027e8c3-139b-43cb-a854-2cd1e463a0aa" data-vars-headline="Utah Olympians shared in almost half of Team USA&#x27;s medals" 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/2026/02/06/utah-winter-olympics-2026-athletes-alex-hall-erin-jackson-lindsey-vonn" target="_self">Utah&#x27;s Olympians</a> will be weighing down flights out of Milan with gold, silver and bronze.The big picture: 19 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="athletes with ties to Utah won medals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/17/utahs-winter-olympics-womens-hockey-aerials-skiing" data-vars-content-id="1027e8c3-139b-43cb-a854-2cd1e463a0aa" data-vars-headline="Utah Olympians shared in almost half of Team USA&#x27;s medals" 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/2026/02/17/utahs-winter-olympics-womens-hockey-aerials-skiing" target="_self">athletes with ties to Utah won medals</a> in 15 events at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.

Sports 🏅

RSL's Zavier Gozo makes MLS All-Star roster

A weekend of Mexican baseball is returning for Hispanic Heritage Month

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

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

Utah Mammoth fall to Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5