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Utah's "DataRepublican" launches socialist tracker 

Pentagon's "DataRepublican" launches socialist tracker

The rightwing personality says it's a "personal project." Critics say it's a tool to spy on citizens.

News

A Utah software engineer who was recently hired by the Pentagon is under fire after unveiling a database she built to track people with ties to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic Socialists of America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/30/socialists-fight-aoc-2028" data-vars-content-id="0f8c674d-9cf7-439a-84ff-dba0e18130d0" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s &quot;DataRepublican&quot; launches socialist tracker " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/30/socialists-fight-aoc-2028" target="_self">Democratic Socialists of America</a> (DSA).Why it matters: Critics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="say" data-vars-click-url="https://newrepublic.com/post/214897/defense-department-refuses-identify-staffer-tracking-democratic-socialists" data-vars-content-id="0f8c674d-9cf7-439a-84ff-dba0e18130d0" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s &quot;DataRepublican&quot; launches socialist tracker " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newrepublic.com/post/214897/defense-department-refuses-identify-staffer-tracking-democratic-socialists" target="_blank">say</a> the &quot;DSA Explorer&quot; is an inappropriate use of sensitive political information by a federal employee at best — and amounts to government spying on U.S. citizens at worst.

Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing is facing the death penalty

Robinson's legal team entered a not guilty plea to all counts on his behalf Tuesday.

A Utah judge ruled Tuesday that there is sufficient evidence for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man accused of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatally shooting Charlie Kirk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" data-vars-content-id="5703ac7e-e88a-4838-8965-131f2cf0782a" data-vars-headline="Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing is facing the death penalty" 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 Charlie Kirk</a> last year, to stand trial for aggravated murder, making him eligible for the death penalty.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prosecutors" 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="5703ac7e-e88a-4838-8965-131f2cf0782a" data-vars-headline="Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing is facing the death penalty" 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">Prosecutors</a> say they will pursue the death penalty in a murder trial that could become one of the most closely watched in the U.S.

Daylight comes and stays late in Utah with or without DST

As days get hotter, Utahns will have to decide whether late sunsets still have appeal.

Monday brings the final Salt Lake sunset of the year that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="falls after 8pm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/late-summer-sunsets-earlier-map" data-vars-content-id="15830d9b-57d6-469b-a350-eb833bb14b0e" data-vars-headline="Daylight comes and stays late in Utah with or without DST" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/late-summer-sunsets-earlier-map" target="_self">falls after 8pm</a>. Why it matters: Our sunsets (and sunrises) are later than the overwhelming majority of other major U.S. cities because we are near the western edge of our time zone.

TSA allows some gateside greetings and goodbyes at Salt Lake City airport

It's one of 13 airports letting PreCheck members go through security even if they aren't traveling.

The Salt Lake airport is now allowing gateside goodbyes and reunions under a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TSA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/01/28/slc-airport-guns-tsa-confiscated-record" data-vars-content-id="0ef88268-c670-4d74-b72c-ea7fa5f8fee0" data-vars-headline="TSA allows some gateside greetings and goodbyes at Salt Lake City airport" 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/2025/01/28/slc-airport-guns-tsa-confiscated-record" target="_self">TSA</a> plan to let <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PreCheck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/tsa-precheck-airport-security-changes" data-vars-content-id="0ef88268-c670-4d74-b72c-ea7fa5f8fee0" data-vars-headline="TSA allows some gateside greetings and goodbyes at Salt Lake City airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/tsa-precheck-airport-security-changes" target="_self">PreCheck</a> members through airport security even if they aren&#x27;t flying. Why it matters: The program allows more airport access than traditional gate passes, which are only available in a few circumstances like meeting an unaccompanied child or helping travelers with disabilities.

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.

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.

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 🚗

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

Take a look at Utah's new specialty license plates

These two Utah cities are among the most bikeable in America