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Salt Lake City scraps historic planes after failed auctions

The Samaritan C-131 has already been dismantled.

News

Salt Lake City is scrapping two vintage aircraft formerly housed at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Leonardo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/24/the-leonardo-closes-repairs-ken-sanders" data-vars-content-id="5c4315a7-915a-4924-8ec5-2bb8d2d5c829" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City scraps historic planes after failed auctions" 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/2025/06/24/the-leonardo-closes-repairs-ken-sanders" target="_self">The Leonardo</a> after multiple efforts to auction them failed.State of play: The full-size planes — a C-131 Samaritan, designed in the U.S. as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;flying hospital,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aerospaceutah.org/museum/our-collections/aircraft-collection/convair-vc-131-samaritan/" data-vars-content-id="5c4315a7-915a-4924-8ec5-2bb8d2d5c829" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City scraps historic planes after failed auctions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aerospaceutah.org/museum/our-collections/aircraft-collection/convair-vc-131-samaritan/" target="_blank">&quot;flying hospital,&quot;</a> and a MiG-21, a Soviet Union fighter jet — were part of the museum&#x27;s aviation exhibit for nearly a decade. The Samaritan has already been scrapped.

Utah sues to halt Kalshi operations

The company has reaped tens of millions in profits on "illegal wagers," Utah alleges.

Utah is suing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kalshi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/22/problem-gambling-national-council-kalshi-membership" data-vars-content-id="e225ccb3-1ae4-4577-91dc-9aa8c6258447" data-vars-headline="Utah sues to halt Kalshi operations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/22/problem-gambling-national-council-kalshi-membership" target="_self">Kalshi</a> for what state lawyers call a &quot;brazen disregard for Utah&#x27;s gambling laws,&quot; comparing the company to &quot;the manager of a back-alley gambling den.&quot;Why it matters: A judge could order Kalshi to suspend its operations in the state while the case is pending if the court grants the state&#x27;s requested injunction.

Utah ranks 4th in U.S. for school book bans

Book bans underscore the growing influence of state lawmakers over classroom materials.

Utah school districts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="banned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/28/13-reasons-why-banned-utah-schools" data-vars-content-id="8d848680-8465-4a8e-bb78-735d917bf1fb" data-vars-headline="Utah ranks 4th in U.S. for school book bans" 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/2025/10/28/13-reasons-why-banned-utah-schools" target="_self">banned</a> 108 books during the 2025-26 school year, the fourth highest total of any state, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PEN America report" data-vars-click-url="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/" data-vars-content-id="8d848680-8465-4a8e-bb78-735d917bf1fb" data-vars-headline="Utah ranks 4th in U.S. for school book bans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/" target="_blank">PEN America report</a>.Why it matters: Book bans highlight the expanding influence of state politics on schools and how subjective the guardrails can be.

Riverton welcomes Utah's first Salt & Straw ice cream shop

Salt & Straw created a limited-time pink sugar cookie dough flavor to celebrate its Utah arrival.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt &amp; Straw" data-vars-click-url="https://saltandstraw.com/" data-vars-content-id="4ba6f9e1-6c2a-42d2-a0e2-6ceee2f70ed9" data-vars-headline="Riverton welcomes Utah&#x27;s first Salt &amp; Straw ice cream shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://saltandstraw.com/" target="_blank">Salt &amp; Straw</a> debuts its first Utah ice cream shop in Riverton on Friday, with a second location in Trolley Square set to open in the coming weeks.State of play: The Oregon-based chain is know for its inventive concoctions — like its olive oil ice cream — and rotating flavors.

FrontRunner expansion faces $564M funding shortfall

Utah transportation officials want to increase the FrontRunner's frequency by 2031.

Utah is more than half a billion dollars short on funding for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="planned FrontRunner expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/11/frontrunner-2x-double-tracking-sunday-service-grant" data-vars-content-id="2e79b64b-8461-42f9-8c3b-f3aa381b5bbc" data-vars-headline="FrontRunner expansion faces $564M funding shortfall" 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/2026/08/11/frontrunner-2x-double-tracking-sunday-service-grant" target="_self">planned FrontRunner expansion</a>.Why it matters: State officials need to close that gap to keep the project on track ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2034 " 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="2e79b64b-8461-42f9-8c3b-f3aa381b5bbc" data-vars-headline="FrontRunner expansion faces $564M funding shortfall" 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 </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Olympic Winter Games" 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="2e79b64b-8461-42f9-8c3b-f3aa381b5bbc" data-vars-headline="FrontRunner expansion faces $564M funding shortfall" 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">Olympic Winter Games</a>.

What UTA's proposed fare hike could mean for transit riders

It would be the transit agency's first fare hike since 2013.

The Utah Transit Authority is considering a base fare hike that would bring the cost of a ride in line with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York City&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mta.info/fares-tolls/2025-changes" data-vars-content-id="2be8c671-e43b-4d73-b49f-afa0bf91c468" data-vars-headline="What UTA&#x27;s proposed fare hike could mean for transit riders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mta.info/fares-tolls/2025-changes" target="_blank">New York City&#x27;s</a>.Why it matters: It would be the transit agency&#x27;s first fare hike since 2013 and could impact daily riders already facing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost-of-living challenges." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/inflation-wages-energy-shock" data-vars-content-id="2be8c671-e43b-4d73-b49f-afa0bf91c468" data-vars-headline="What UTA&#x27;s proposed fare hike could mean for transit riders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/inflation-wages-energy-shock" target="_self">cost-of-living challenges.</a>

FrontRunner 2X moves closer to $1.3B federal grant

The federal grant would allow FrontRunner to run every 15 minutes during peak, including Sundays, by 2030.

State transportation officials are one step closer to receiving $1.3 billion in federal funding that would allow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FrontRunner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/04/27/frontrunner-15-anniversary-utah-transit-authority-train" data-vars-content-id="9e2dde49-4947-4d79-ac8b-3f9f9a5bc1ed" data-vars-headline="FrontRunner 2X moves closer to $1.3B federal grant" 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/2023/04/27/frontrunner-15-anniversary-utah-transit-authority-train" target="_self">FrontRunner</a> to run more frequently — including on Sundays.Why it matters: The funding would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="double-track 11 sections" data-vars-click-url="https://frontrunner2x.utah.gov/project-improvements" data-vars-content-id="9e2dde49-4947-4d79-ac8b-3f9f9a5bc1ed" data-vars-headline="FrontRunner 2X moves closer to $1.3B federal grant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://frontrunner2x.utah.gov/project-improvements" target="_blank">double-track 11 sections</a> of the commuter rail line, enabling FrontRunner to run every 15 to 30 minutes, instead of every 30 minutes to one hour.

Going to the theater? Your ticket could cover the ride

Utah Transit Authority and Salt Lake County are partnering for their "ticket-as-fare" program.

Your ticket to the theater could also be your transit pass. State of play: Utah Transit Authority and Salt Lake County Arts &amp; Culture are partnering for their &quot;ticket-as-fare&quot; program.

Gas is climbing again in Utah amid U.S.-Iran conflict

Utah's average gas price was $4.27 a gallon as of Friday — up 89 cents from a year ago.

The average price of a regular gallon of gas in Utah has risen almost 40 cents since the Fourth of July amid the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/us-airstrikes-iran-trump-resume" data-vars-content-id="627451b7-33bb-4615-bc6f-cd09551e3e6d" data-vars-headline="Gas is climbing again in Utah amid U.S.-Iran conflict" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/us-airstrikes-iran-trump-resume" target="_self">ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA data" data-vars-click-url="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=UT" data-vars-content-id="627451b7-33bb-4615-bc6f-cd09551e3e6d" data-vars-headline="Gas is climbing again in Utah amid U.S.-Iran conflict" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=UT" target="_blank">AAA data</a>.By the numbers: Utah&#x27;s average gas price was $4.25 a gallon as of Sunday, according to AAA. That&#x27;s up nearly 90 cents from a year ago.

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.

Transit 🚗

FrontRunner expansion faces $564M funding shortfall

What UTA's proposed fare hike could mean for transit riders

FrontRunner 2X moves closer to $1.3B federal grant

Going to the theater? Your ticket could cover the ride

Gas is climbing again in Utah amid U.S.-Iran conflict