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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.

Take a look at Utah's new specialty license plates

The state's specialty plates have undergone a major overhaul.

Utah drivers now have dozens of new ways to customize their license plates.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s specialty plates have undergone a major overhaul, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly released designs" data-vars-click-url="https://dmv.utah.gov/plates/license-plates/" data-vars-content-id="02ffa854-a9fe-4f79-94c9-a1280fc81576" data-vars-headline="Take a look at Utah&#x27;s new specialty license plates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dmv.utah.gov/plates/license-plates/" target="_blank">newly released designs</a> highlighting the Great Salt Lake, Utah&#x27;s universities, our professional sports teams and more.

These two Utah cities are among the most bikeable in America

Salt Lake City didn't even crack Utah's top five most bikeable cities.

Sunset and Springdale are among the 10 most bikeable cities in America, according to a new ranking.Why it matters: PeopleForBikes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annually ranks" data-vars-click-url="https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/" data-vars-content-id="0b322fb6-79f2-4993-8ebb-56ae9e4c692a" data-vars-headline="These two Utah cities are among the most bikeable in America" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/" target="_blank">annually ranks</a> cities around the globe and tracks whether people can realistically use bikes for everyday transportation, not just recreation.

New Salt Lake City trail features Utah's longest public art

The 400 South multi-use trail features a nearly 2,000-foot-long art installation.

Salt Lake City leaders on Wednesday celebrated the opening of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new trail on 400 South" data-vars-click-url="https://www.slc.gov/transportation/2026/01/15/400-south-trail/" data-vars-content-id="f5d69604-4f5b-4794-9554-28c4901392f2" data-vars-headline="New Salt Lake City trail features Utah&#x27;s longest public art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.slc.gov/transportation/2026/01/15/400-south-trail/" target="_blank">new trail on 400 South</a> for pedestrians and cyclists.The intrigue: The paved trail features a nearly 2,000-foot-long art installation called &quot;Strut,&quot; made up of a fence and concrete barrier.

Axios Salt Lake City readers weigh in on Hive Pass's fate

The Hive Pass is under threat as the mayor's office looks to trim the budget.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s Hive Pass <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would be eliminated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/14/hive-pass-mayor-budget-plan-transit-uta" data-vars-content-id="883979a4-6618-44de-8ca2-029868a1c15c" data-vars-headline="Axios Salt Lake City readers weigh in on Hive Pass&#x27;s fate" 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/2026/05/14/hive-pass-mayor-budget-plan-transit-uta" target="_self">would be eliminated</a> under the mayor&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/11/property-tax-hike-utility-bill" data-vars-content-id="883979a4-6618-44de-8ca2-029868a1c15c" data-vars-headline="Axios Salt Lake City readers weigh in on Hive Pass&#x27;s fate" 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/2026/05/11/property-tax-hike-utility-bill" target="_self">proposed budget</a>, so we asked our readers to weigh in on the possible cut.Why it matters: For $42 a month, the Hive Pass provides city residents unlimited access to Utah Transit Authority buses, TRAX and FrontRunner.

Salt Lake City may kill discounted transit pass

For $42 a month, the Hive Pass provides unlimited access to UTA's buses, Trax and Frontrunner.

A low-cost transit pass for Salt Lakers is likely to be axed as part of Mayor Erin Mendenhall&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed budget plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/11/property-tax-hike-utility-bill" data-vars-content-id="8eeb4f91-b2fc-42f3-8ae4-9f917b1f599a" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City may kill discounted transit pass" 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/2026/05/11/property-tax-hike-utility-bill" target="_self">proposed budget plan</a>.Why it matters: Commuters who rely on the discounted pass could end up paying significantly more to ride public transit.

Share your thoughts on SLC's Hive Pass

Did you know about the pass? Do you use it? How will it impact your life if it goes away?

The Hive Pass, a low-cost transit pass for Salt Lakers, is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="likely to be axed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/14/hive-pass-mayor-budget-plan-transit-uta" data-vars-content-id="4d75a1ae-7bd6-429a-a33f-adcf5cd910e6" data-vars-headline="Share your thoughts on SLC&#x27;s Hive Pass" 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/2026/05/14/hive-pass-mayor-budget-plan-transit-uta" target="_self">likely to be axed</a> as part of Mayor Erin Mendenhall&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed budget plan" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45699757.88/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3NhbHQtbGFrZS1jaXR5LzIwMjYvMDUvMTEvcHJvcGVydHktdGF4LWhpa2UtdXRpbGl0eS1iaWxsP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/628fe24faf46c0b22b0f324aB442ec88b" data-vars-content-id="4d75a1ae-7bd6-429a-a33f-adcf5cd910e6" data-vars-headline="Share your thoughts on SLC&#x27;s Hive Pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45699757.88/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3NhbHQtbGFrZS1jaXR5LzIwMjYvMDUvMTEvcHJvcGVydHktdGF4LWhpa2UtdXRpbGl0eS1iaWxsP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/628fe24faf46c0b22b0f324aB442ec88b" target="_self">proposed budget plan</a>. <ul><li>We want to know your thoughts. </li></ul>

Parking at the SLC airport is about to get more expensive

Starting July 1, hourly parking in the economy lot will increase from $12 to $14 per day.

Travelers should expect to pay more to park at the Salt Lake City International Airport this summer.By the numbers: Starting July 1, parking in the economy lot will increase from $12 to $14 per day, a nearly 17% increase.

Driving to the Salt Lake City airport? Watch for these ramp closures

Drivers heading to the airport should plan for various ramp closures that will last for more than a month.

Drivers heading to the Salt Lake City airport should plan ahead for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="temporary ramp closures" data-vars-click-url="https://connect.udot.utah.gov/2026/04/24/off-ramp-to-salt-lake-international-airport-to-close-for-up-to-45-days/" data-vars-content-id="14fef8bf-6a40-4f01-bfd2-608773748910" data-vars-headline="Driving to the Salt Lake City airport? Watch for these ramp closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://connect.udot.utah.gov/2026/04/24/off-ramp-to-salt-lake-international-airport-to-close-for-up-to-45-days/" target="_blank">temporary ramp closures</a>. State of play: Ramps from I-215 South to I-80 West and from I-80 East to I-215 South are closed through mid-June as part of a major construction project, according to the Utah Department of Transportation.

Air Canada to suspend Salt Lake City service through 2027

The Salt Lake City to Toronto route is expected halt on June 30, 2026 until 2027.

Air Canada will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="temporarily pause service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aircanada.com/media/cost-of-fuel-and-the-impact-to-air-canadas-schedule/#" data-vars-content-id="1a19aa25-b053-4cd3-bc1c-c46ae50cf033" data-vars-headline="Air Canada to suspend Salt Lake City service through 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aircanada.com/media/cost-of-fuel-and-the-impact-to-air-canadas-schedule/#" target="_blank">temporarily pause service</a> to and from Salt Lake City starting this summer due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising jet fuel costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/spirit-airlines-united-american-delta-jet-fuel" data-vars-content-id="1a19aa25-b053-4cd3-bc1c-c46ae50cf033" data-vars-headline="Air Canada to suspend Salt Lake City service through 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/spirit-airlines-united-american-delta-jet-fuel" target="_self">rising jet fuel costs</a> linked to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="1a19aa25-b053-4cd3-bc1c-c46ae50cf033" data-vars-headline="Air Canada to suspend Salt Lake City service through 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran war</a>.State of play: The Salt Lake City to Toronto, Canada route is expected halt on June 30, 2026 until 2027.

How Salt Lake City's bus stop spacing compares nationwide

When stops are spaced too far apart, transit riders face longer walks and riskier street crossings.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s bus stops are nearly three football fields apart on average, per transit data compiled by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Works in Progress" data-vars-click-url="https://worksinprogress.co/issue/the-united-states-needs-fewer-bus-stops/" data-vars-content-id="cad674ee-bb13-4ee1-97db-0a134b708098" data-vars-headline="How Salt Lake City&#x27;s bus stop spacing compares nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://worksinprogress.co/issue/the-united-states-needs-fewer-bus-stops/" target="_blank">Works in Progress</a> transit blog.Why it matters: When stops are spaced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="too far apart" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transit.dot.gov/research-innovation/stops-spacing-location-and-design" data-vars-content-id="cad674ee-bb13-4ee1-97db-0a134b708098" data-vars-headline="How Salt Lake City&#x27;s bus stop spacing compares nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/research-innovation/stops-spacing-location-and-design" target="_blank">too far apart</a>, transit riders face longer walks, riskier street crossings, and barriers for people with disabilities.

Axios Northwest Arkansas

Axios Atlanta

A heat table that ranks PeopleForBikesâ 10 most bikeable U.S. cities for 2026 on a 0-to-100 scale. Mackinac Island, Old Orchard and Crested Butte each score 100. Scores then range from 98 for Washburn to 92 for Springdale, with two 97s, one 95 and two 93s.

PeopleForBikes' top 10 most bikeable U.S. cities, 2026


Data: PeopleForBikes; Note: Ratings are calculated based on the connectivity to destinations in six categories: people, opportunity, core services, recreation, retail, and transit; Chart: Worth Sparkman/Axios; Table: Worth Sparkman/Axios

Transit 🚗

Take a look at Utah's new specialty license plates

These two Utah cities are among the most bikeable in America

New Salt Lake City trail features Utah's longest public art

Axios Salt Lake City readers weigh in on Hive Pass's fate

Salt Lake City may kill discounted transit pass