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Dems' Tea Party-like rebellion built by a decade of frustration

Some Democrats think the party is ripe for a takeover by a Trump-esque figure — as an outlet for the left's anger.

Politics & Policy

Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/20/democrats-primary-dccc-maine-dunlap-jeffries-2026" data-vars-content-id="be5a8b88-9eef-49b5-8b1b-6ac27e778db3" data-vars-headline="Dems&#x27; Tea Party-like rebellion built by a decade of frustration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/20/democrats-primary-dccc-maine-dunlap-jeffries-2026" target="_self">leaders</a> are increasingly alarmed that they&#x27;re facing their own version of the GOP&#x27;s Tea Party rebellion 17 years ago — and that they can&#x27;t stop it.Why it matters: The recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/mamdani-lander-valdez-chevalier-espaillat-goldman" data-vars-content-id="be5a8b88-9eef-49b5-8b1b-6ac27e778db3" data-vars-headline="Dems&#x27; Tea Party-like rebellion built by a decade of frustration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/mamdani-lander-valdez-chevalier-espaillat-goldman" target="_self">wave</a> of primary victories by Democratic socialists and outsiders over the party&#x27;s hand-selected candidates has shocked establishment Democrats. But the rage in the party has been building for a decade.

Student loan shake-up hits July 1: Here's what to know

The changes include tighter caps on borrowing and the final deathblow to a Biden-era plan.

Borrowers face substantial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="changes to student loans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/trump-big-beautiful-bill-ibr-plans" data-vars-content-id="8942d0ac-0d6a-49dd-819a-bd9a9b9ae393" data-vars-headline="Student loan shake-up hits July 1: Here&#x27;s what to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/trump-big-beautiful-bill-ibr-plans" target="_self">changes to student loans</a> beginning next month, including fewer repayment options under President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="8942d0ac-0d6a-49dd-819a-bd9a9b9ae393" data-vars-headline="Student loan shake-up hits July 1: Here&#x27;s what to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> tax-and-spending law and the final death blow for the dismantled SAVE plan.Why it matters: Millions of borrowers must pick a new repayment plan, and some will face tighter borrowing caps and higher repayments.

Senior care providers shaken by protected status ruling

The ruling affects the legal status of an estimated 13,000 nursing assistants and 8,000 caregivers.

Health

Nursing homes and other providers of senior care are predicting upheaval and cutbacks in the wake of last week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/25/supreme-court-massachusetts-tps-haiti" data-vars-content-id="9bfc89ea-7a44-4ef9-9877-d54853c9b5d9" data-vars-headline="Senior care providers shaken by protected status ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/25/supreme-court-massachusetts-tps-haiti" target="_self">Supreme Court decision</a> to terminate temporary protected status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants.Why it matters: Individuals who in some communities represent 8% or more of the staff and caregiving workforce could quickly lose their jobs, with no replacements at the ready, provider groups say.

Jonathan Swan's 3 things that every CEO needs to know about Trump

They give us all an insight into the way the president thinks.

I never read Trump books. To me, there&#x27;s little mystery to how the president thinks, operates or governs. So reading about it is an inefficient use of time.<ul><li>Until now. Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan (two reporters I <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told you" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46337237.5326/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDUvMTgvamltLXZhbmRlaGVpLWF4aW9zLW1lZGlhLWRpZXQtcmVhZGluZy1saXN0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2NzdWl0ZV9iZXRhJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/586d9e571e560373298b467cB6ccea84f" data-vars-content-id="ceb6d730-4d42-4f75-a629-64356121eb17" data-vars-headline="Jonathan Swan&#x27;s 3 things that every CEO needs to know about Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46337237.5326/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDUvMTgvamltLXZhbmRlaGVpLWF4aW9zLW1lZGlhLWRpZXQtcmVhZGluZy1saXN0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2NzdWl0ZV9iZXRhJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/586d9e571e560373298b467cB6ccea84f" target="_self">told you</a> are must-reads for Trump Kremlinology) deliver cinematic living history with &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Regime Change" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46337237.5326/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2ltb25hbmRzY2h1c3Rlci5jb20vYm9va3MvUmVnaW1lLUNoYW5nZS9NYWdnaWUtSGFiZXJtYW4vOTc4MTY2ODA2NzI0Nj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9jc3VpdGVfYmV0YSZzdHJlYW09dG9w/586d9e571e560373298b467cB0aa3d9a1" data-vars-content-id="ceb6d730-4d42-4f75-a629-64356121eb17" data-vars-headline="Jonathan Swan&#x27;s 3 things that every CEO needs to know about Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46337237.5326/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2ltb25hbmRzY2h1c3Rlci5jb20vYm9va3MvUmVnaW1lLUNoYW5nZS9NYWdnaWUtSGFiZXJtYW4vOTc4MTY2ODA2NzI0Nj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9jc3VpdGVfYmV0YSZzdHJlYW09dG9w/586d9e571e560373298b467cB0aa3d9a1" target="_self">Regime Change</a>,&quot; which sparked a West Wing leak hunt.</li></ul>I asked Swan, a longtime friend, to share three things he learned that CEOs should know for navigating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="ceb6d730-4d42-4f75-a629-64356121eb17" data-vars-headline="Jonathan Swan&#x27;s 3 things that every CEO needs to know about Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a>, giving us all an insight into the way the president thinks:

AI access fight divides Trump's tech allies

Trump's AI allies split over model-release limits.

Technology

The pro-AI movement is splintering over a defining question: whether <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national security concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/27/commerce-anthropic-mythos-restrictions-lift" data-vars-content-id="5aaa6495-9166-4631-9e1c-f86382295417" data-vars-headline="AI access fight divides Trump&#x27;s tech allies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/27/commerce-anthropic-mythos-restrictions-lift" target="_self">national security concerns</a> outweigh the need to keep America&#x27;s AI companies ahead of Chinese rivals. Why it matters: The fight is happening in public, in real time, and it could reshape the way the administration regulates the world&#x27;s most powerful technology.

Confusion follows Utah's new fireworks restrictions

Carve-outs in Gov. Cox's order mean some cities still haven't figured out where fireworks will be allowed.

News

<figure><img alt="Fireworks over Salt Lake City. Image: Erin Alberty/Axios" height="450" id="6c1eb17e-7945-41e8-aa23-e90d2d83aff6" src="https://images.axios.com/6HpQmgNrHFRiUai-UQtuxuii1mI=/2026/06/26/1782500622961.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Amateur fireworks over SLC. Image: Erin Alberty/Axios</figcaption></figure>Utah cities are publicizing a patchwork of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fireworks bans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/27/where-fireworks-banned-utah" data-vars-content-id="0dc44c9a-b48a-4a63-8679-ffbed802f0ae" data-vars-headline="Confusion follows Utah&#x27;s new fireworks restrictions" 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/2025/06/27/where-fireworks-banned-utah" target="_self">fireworks bans</a> after Gov. Cox&#x27;s executive order changed restrictions statewide amid historic drought and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-wildfire-season-drought" data-vars-content-id="0dc44c9a-b48a-4a63-8679-ffbed802f0ae" data-vars-headline="Confusion follows Utah&#x27;s new fireworks restrictions" 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/2026/05/04/utah-wildfire-season-drought" target="_self">wildfires</a>.The intrigue: Thursday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="order" data-vars-click-url="https://governor.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026.06.25-EO-State-Forester-Authority.pdf" data-vars-content-id="0dc44c9a-b48a-4a63-8679-ffbed802f0ae" data-vars-headline="Confusion follows Utah&#x27;s new fireworks restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://governor.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026.06.25-EO-State-Forester-Authority.pdf" target="_blank">order</a> is a legal shift away from Utah&#x27;s relatively permissive approach to fireworks — but they could still be allowed in some neighborhoods.

Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah's 1st District

The primary victory positions former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams for a political comeback.

Former U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ben McAdams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/04/ben-mcadams-1st-congressional-district-race-primary" data-vars-content-id="f5d3f1c1-15bf-41fb-a274-2e6ea68b1358" data-vars-headline="Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah&#x27;s 1st District" 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/2026/06/04/ben-mcadams-1st-congressional-district-race-primary" target="_self">Ben McAdams</a> has won the Democratic nomination for Utah&#x27;s 1st Congressional District race, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Associated Press" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/utah-house-democrats-primary-election-7056aa4374606a37bbc6f9deb33a4733" data-vars-content-id="f5d3f1c1-15bf-41fb-a274-2e6ea68b1358" data-vars-headline="Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah&#x27;s 1st District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-house-democrats-primary-election-7056aa4374606a37bbc6f9deb33a4733" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>.Why it matters: The primary victory positions McAdams for a political comeback in a newly drawn, court-ordered district that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats are heavily favored to win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/13/utah-democrats-congressional-district-map-mcadams-riebe" data-vars-content-id="f5d3f1c1-15bf-41fb-a274-2e6ea68b1358" data-vars-headline="Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah&#x27;s 1st District" 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/2025/11/13/utah-democrats-congressional-district-map-mcadams-riebe" target="_self">Democrats are heavily favored to win</a> in November, potentially ending Utah&#x27;s all-GOP House delegation.

Senate President Stuart Adams concedes in GOP primary

Senate President Stuart Adams isn't alone in trailing behind an intraparty challenger.

Senate President Stuart Adams conceded his reelection bid Tuesday after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early results" data-vars-click-url="https://electionresults.utah.gov/results/public/Utah/elections/Primary06232026" data-vars-content-id="d807224c-1f39-4191-9817-107bb4240bdb" data-vars-headline="Senate President Stuart Adams concedes in GOP primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://electionresults.utah.gov/results/public/Utah/elections/Primary06232026" target="_blank">early results</a> showed him falling behind GOP primary challenger Stephanie Hollist. The big picture: Adams, who has served in the Senate for nearly two decades, is one of the state&#x27;s most powerful politicians and faced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his first-ever primary" data-vars-click-url="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/06/23/utah-senate-president-stuart-adams-republican-primary-election-results/" data-vars-content-id="d807224c-1f39-4191-9817-107bb4240bdb" data-vars-headline="Senate President Stuart Adams concedes in GOP primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/06/23/utah-senate-president-stuart-adams-republican-primary-election-results/" target="_blank">his first-ever primary</a> this year, per Utah News Dispatch.

The best day hike in the Wasatch Mountains

Head up Big Cottonwood Canyon for the day hike that feels like an epic trek.

We&#x27;re kicking off the weekend with the hottest of takes: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mount Raymond" data-vars-click-url="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/mount-raymond-via-butler-fork-and-desolation-trail" data-vars-content-id="99eca038-9a9b-4085-8ee7-7e53c08c8609" data-vars-headline="The best day hike in the Wasatch Mountains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/mount-raymond-via-butler-fork-and-desolation-trail" target="_blank">Mount Raymond</a> is the best hike in the Wasatch Mountains.The big picture: There may be better hikes in Utah — but not many.

Market Street Grill's closure counters narrative of downtown SLC's post-COVID revival

Operators cited slower traffic and a loss of office workers downtown.

Market Street Grill announced this week that its downtown location — a longtime SLC fixture — will close at the end of the month.Why it matters: The closure of a decades-long institution flies in the face of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data that has painted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/03/salt-lake-city-ranks-among-americas-stickiest-downtowns" data-vars-content-id="513c91a1-61b7-4906-b7fb-f9ddaf4e16af" data-vars-headline="Market Street Grill&#x27;s closure counters narrative of downtown SLC&#x27;s post-COVID revival" 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/2026/06/03/salt-lake-city-ranks-among-americas-stickiest-downtowns" target="_self">data that has painted</a> downtown as a success story.

Utah shut out again at 2026 James Beard Awards

No Utah finalists emerged as winners of the James Beard Awards

No <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah finalists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/31/james-beard-awards-finalists-nick-zocco-urban-hill-felt-travis-herbert-2026" data-vars-content-id="d8118b6b-b014-4764-80b5-65218fb882d4" data-vars-headline="Utah shut out again at 2026 James Beard Awards" 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/2026/03/31/james-beard-awards-finalists-nick-zocco-urban-hill-felt-travis-herbert-2026" target="_self">Utah finalists</a> emerged as winners at Monday&#x27;s James Beard Awards in Chicago.The big picture: While Utah chefs and restaurants have earned a growing number of nominations in recent years, the state has yet to take home the coveted award.

Mira Mira opens in Marmalade, pairing coffee with Caribbean bites

The new cafe's menu includes Puerto Rican empanadillas, breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

The former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blue Copper 2000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/23/blue-copper-2000-closing-marmalade-shop-rebrand-salt-lake" data-vars-content-id="d9c12af8-2f9a-4ae8-b643-9d4c22241038" data-vars-headline="Mira Mira opens in Marmalade, pairing coffee with Caribbean bites" 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/2026/03/23/blue-copper-2000-closing-marmalade-shop-rebrand-salt-lake" target="_self">Blue Copper 2000</a> reopened Friday as Mira Mira, a coffee shop serving Caribbean-inspired treats, in the Marmalade District.State of play: The new cafe&#x27;s menu includes Puerto Rican empanadillas, breakfast sandwiches and pastries, along with espresso-based beverages.

Downtown Farmers Market returns Saturday with major changes

The state's largest farmers market will have a new layout as Pioneer Park undergoes construction.

Utah&#x27;s largest farmers market is back Saturday at Pioneer Park with more than 250 vendors, but shoppers may notice a few changes this season.The big picture: The park is undergoing an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$18 million revamp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/27/salt-lake-city-breaks-ground-breaking-pioneer-park-revamp-construction" data-vars-content-id="831ff647-634c-447f-8341-b148305575f5" data-vars-headline="Downtown Farmers Market returns Saturday with major changes" 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/2026/02/27/salt-lake-city-breaks-ground-breaking-pioneer-park-revamp-construction" target="_self">$18 million revamp</a> that will last through fall, which means the Downtown Farmers Market will have a new layout.

Incumbents Maloy and Moore defeat GOP right flank

They survived challenges from firebrand Phil Lyman and state lawmaker Karianne Lisonbee

Incumbents were victorious in Utah&#x27;s Republican Congressional primaries Tuesday.Why it matters: The AP reports U.S. Reps. Blake Moore and Celeste Maloy both survived challenges from the right in deep red districts, suggesting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah GOP&#x27;s MAGA swing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/11/25/trump-margin-utah-vote-share" data-vars-content-id="4a2095f1-8acd-4b44-92e5-97fefa876f92" data-vars-headline="Incumbents Maloy and Moore defeat GOP right flank" 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/2024/11/25/trump-margin-utah-vote-share" target="_self">Utah GOP&#x27;s MAGA swing</a> may have reached its limit.

Democrats decry Utah Supreme Court expansion

Changes to the judiciary follow several Utah Supreme Court decisions, particularly on redistricting and abortion, that left Republicans furious.

Senate Democrats are pushing back against two Utah Supreme Court confirmations, arguing the appointments are aimed at politicizing the state&#x27;s highest court.Why it matters: Changes to the judiciary follow several Utah Supreme Court decisions, particularly on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/25/utah-redistricting-congressional-maps-debate-tension" data-vars-content-id="67cc6ba5-ae91-41cd-ae34-86b507403158" data-vars-headline="Democrats decry Utah Supreme Court expansion" 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/2025/09/25/utah-redistricting-congressional-maps-debate-tension" target="_self">redistricting</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/01/utah-abortion-ban-supreme-court-injunction" data-vars-content-id="67cc6ba5-ae91-41cd-ae34-86b507403158" data-vars-headline="Democrats decry Utah Supreme Court expansion" 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/2024/08/01/utah-abortion-ban-supreme-court-injunction" target="_self">abortion</a>, that left Republicans furious.

Utah County's deputy elections clerk said he opposes voting rights for married women

The online provocateur also said he wants to abolish gay marriage.

A BYU student and online provocateur who&#x27;s said he opposes voting rights for all adults, has drawn ire after being appointed Utah County&#x27;s deputy elections clerk. Catch up quick: The elevation of Kai Schwemmer, who also is political director for College Republicans of America, prompted more than 80 Utah women in leadership positions to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decried his appointment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abc4.com/news/politics/female-leaders-utah-county-deputy-clerk-sexist/" data-vars-content-id="d104dc64-5495-481f-b87f-5e4c71b287d2" data-vars-headline="Utah County&#x27;s deputy elections clerk said he opposes voting rights for married women" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abc4.com/news/politics/female-leaders-utah-county-deputy-clerk-sexist/" target="_blank">decried his appointment</a> last week.

The Utah coffee company behind Trump's White House dirt bike show

The Utah company has branded itself around conservative politics.

A Utah coffee company got major airtime this weekend as the chief sponsor of President Trump&#x27;s birthday dirt bike show on the White House lawn.The intrigue: West Valley City-based Black Rifle Coffee is among the corporate advertisers critics are accusing of using the White House and other National Park Service sites for commercial gain.Driving the news: Black Rifle&#x27;s logo appeared behind the &quot;Nitro Circus&quot; ramp as motocross stars like Travis Pastrana and Ricky Carmichael soared and flipped over the south lawn Saturday as part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;UFC250&quot; cage fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/ufc-white-house-preview-trump-dana-white" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/ufc-white-house-preview-trump-dana-white" target="_self">&quot;UFC250&quot; cage fight</a> Trump staged this weekend to celebrate his 80th birthday.Catch up quick: This was far from Black Rifle Coffee&#x27;s first foray into right-wing politics.<ul><li>The anti-&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hipster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/blackriflecoffeeco/videos/543663172438252/" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/blackriflecoffeeco/videos/543663172438252/" target="_blank">hipster</a>&quot; company supports the conservative-leaning &quot;Blue Lives Matter&quot; movement, and its marketing borrows heavily from imagery and aesthetics popularized by gun enthusiasts, Mother Jones <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/02/black-rifle-coffee-company/" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/02/black-rifle-coffee-company/" target="_blank">reported</a>.</li><li>The company expressed &quot;disgust&quot; with Starbucks&#x27; 2017 effort to hire Syrian refugees, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="characterizing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veteran-owned-black-rifle-coffee-company-stands-up-for-small-businesses-and-america-while-disgusted-by-starbucks-propaganda-300402198.html" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veteran-owned-black-rifle-coffee-company-stands-up-for-small-businesses-and-america-while-disgusted-by-starbucks-propaganda-300402198.html" target="_blank">characterizing</a> it as an affront to veterans amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pro-Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-rifle-coffee-gains-fans-by-backing-trump-2017-2" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-rifle-coffee-gains-fans-by-backing-trump-2017-2" target="_blank">pro-Trump</a> boycott.</li><li>It&#x27;s been endorsed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Donald Trump Jr." data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-jr-plugs-pro-trump-black-rifle-coffee-company-2017-11" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-jr-plugs-pro-trump-black-rifle-coffee-company-2017-11" target="_blank">Donald Trump Jr.</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sean Hannity" data-vars-click-url="https://theoutline.com/post/4709/black-rifle-the-worlds-only-pro-gun-coffee-company-is-endorsed-by-sean-hannity-but-should-be-consumed-by-no-one?zd=1&amp;zi=bhkkpnjh" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theoutline.com/post/4709/black-rifle-the-worlds-only-pro-gun-coffee-company-is-endorsed-by-sean-hannity-but-should-be-consumed-by-no-one?zd=1&amp;zi=bhkkpnjh" target="_blank">Sean Hannity</a>.</li></ul>The other side: After viral photos showed the company&#x27;s merchandise being worn by Jan. 6 insurrectionists and Kyle Rittenhouse, company statements tried to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="distance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/utah-based-coffee-company-addresses-connection-to-rittenhouse/?fbclid=IwAR09kjgnQ6ESAorneZajZ6VcdiSV9xhyv_uJr57OuIRMeXttmChKJm_njSM" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/utah-based-coffee-company-addresses-connection-to-rittenhouse/?fbclid=IwAR09kjgnQ6ESAorneZajZ6VcdiSV9xhyv_uJr57OuIRMeXttmChKJm_njSM" target="_blank">distance</a> the brand from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="right-wing extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/magazine/black-rifle-coffee-company.html" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/magazine/black-rifle-coffee-company.html" target="_blank">right-wing extremism</a>.<ul><li>That led to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backlash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.salon.com/2021/07/17/far-right-rushes-to-find-new-cup-of-joe-after-maga-friendly-black-rifle-coffee-denounces-extremists/" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.salon.com/2021/07/17/far-right-rushes-to-find-new-cup-of-joe-after-maga-friendly-black-rifle-coffee-denounces-extremists/" target="_blank">backlash</a> from some of its conservative fans.</li></ul>The company did not respond to Axios&#x27; query about its involvement in the weekend&#x27;s event.The big picture: Massive corporate ads from other companies also appeared at the UFC fight itself and an earlier weigh-in at the Lincoln Memorial.Zoom out: Lawyers for previous presidents of both parties have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="described" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/19/white-house-egg-roll-sponsors-00299714" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/19/white-house-egg-roll-sponsors-00299714" target="_blank">described</a> corporate sponsorship at White House events as unethical &quot;influence peddling.&quot;The fine print: In a failed legal effort to stop the weekend&#x27;s events, ethics watchdog groups <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="joined" data-vars-click-url="https://ctmirror.org/2026/06/12/ufc-fight-white-house-grounds-trump-advertisements/" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ctmirror.org/2026/06/12/ufc-fight-white-house-grounds-trump-advertisements/" target="_blank">joined</a> two Virginia residents in describing the display as &quot;a corrupt bargain&quot; in which Trump granted &quot;an extraordinary business opportunity&quot; to the companies involved.<ul><li>A federal judge allowed the events to proceed, saying the residents lacked legal standing for an injunction.</li></ul>Zoom in: Other critics called the events and advertising &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vulgar" data-vars-click-url="https://bsky.app/profile/gailhelt.bsky.social/post/3moau4kgxc22u" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bsky.app/profile/gailhelt.bsky.social/post/3moau4kgxc22u" target="_blank">vulgar</a>,&quot; &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a mark of decline" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/Kallias_Lives/status/2066183144957489193" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/Kallias_Lives/status/2066183144957489193" target="_blank">a mark of decline</a>&quot; and — wryly — &quot;a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="perfect representation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02jG2FrmhbrRJf6dkMG6TvWvLzxqHFgRezJbZqvFgQy1KXsrm4XoNdAz32Mcv5YGADl&amp;id=61584316393941" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02jG2FrmhbrRJf6dkMG6TvWvLzxqHFgRezJbZqvFgQy1KXsrm4XoNdAz32Mcv5YGADl&amp;id=61584316393941" target="_blank">perfect representation</a> of where we are as a country.&quot;<ul><li>The appearance of U.S. Marines at attention in front of the ramp also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drew ire" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/crimenycrud/status/2066024869037518877" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/crimenycrud/status/2066024869037518877" target="_blank">drew ire</a>.</li></ul>

When Salt Lake's 1st racist housing covenants took shape

First the contracts segregated neighborhoods. Then redlining punished those that weren't white.

<figure><img alt="A real estate ad from 1919 reads &quot;Only members of the Caucasian race are permitted to buy and hold property.&quot;" height="1768" id="4cc65947-5a33-48a6-9120-b57a90cf54fe" src="https://images.axios.com/HFrfCfT52tjzucWQbdKFcam_yRY=/2026/05/12/1778619957946.png" width="1556"/><figcaption>Part of a 1919 real estate ad from a Sugar House housing development, via the Deseret News. Image: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah Digital Newspapers Archive" data-vars-click-url="https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=25124477" data-vars-content-id="72c46581-ddfd-4641-b10f-059b24017f96" data-vars-headline="When Salt Lake&#x27;s 1st racist housing covenants took shape" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=25124477" target="_blank">Utah Digital Newspapers Archive</a>, the University of Utah</figcaption></figure>In the early 1910s, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sugar House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/08/sugar-house-hotel-park-project" data-vars-content-id="72c46581-ddfd-4641-b10f-059b24017f96" data-vars-headline="When Salt Lake&#x27;s 1st racist housing covenants took shape" 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/2026/04/08/sugar-house-hotel-park-project" target="_self">Sugar House</a> was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming" data-vars-click-url="https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=2311294" data-vars-content-id="72c46581-ddfd-4641-b10f-059b24017f96" data-vars-headline="When Salt Lake&#x27;s 1st racist housing covenants took shape" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=2311294" target="_blank">booming</a> — and racist. <ul><li>This is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Old News" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/01/utah-history-story-collection-old-news-powell-bundy-olympics" data-vars-content-id="72c46581-ddfd-4641-b10f-059b24017f96" data-vars-headline="When Salt Lake&#x27;s 1st racist housing covenants took shape" 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/2024/07/01/utah-history-story-collection-old-news-powell-bundy-olympics" target="_self">Old News</a>, where we trace the maps of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah&#x27;s past" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/history" data-vars-content-id="72c46581-ddfd-4641-b10f-059b24017f96" data-vars-headline="When Salt Lake&#x27;s 1st racist housing covenants took shape" 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/history" target="_self">Utah&#x27;s past</a>.</li></ul>

HOAs gain ground in Utah

Utah has one of the highest rates of home listings with HOA dues, data shows.

Utah has one of the highest rates in the nation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home listings with HOA dues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/03/12/salt-lake-hoa-fees-home-listings" data-vars-content-id="e3b03571-531e-4e41-82f8-b7b03aed5775" data-vars-headline="HOAs gain ground in Utah" 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/2025/03/12/salt-lake-hoa-fees-home-listings" target="_self">home listings with HOA dues</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" data-vars-content-id="e3b03571-531e-4e41-82f8-b7b03aed5775" data-vars-headline="HOAs gain ground in Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a> data shows.Why it matters: Those dues are also rising, adding to housing costs just as prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stabilize" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kuer.org/business-economy/2026-01-07/utahs-housing-market-is-expected-to-be-running-in-place-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="e3b03571-531e-4e41-82f8-b7b03aed5775" data-vars-headline="HOAs gain ground in Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kuer.org/business-economy/2026-01-07/utahs-housing-market-is-expected-to-be-running-in-place-in-2026" target="_blank">stabilize</a> in Utah&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cooling market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kuer.org/business-economy/2026-01-07/utahs-housing-market-is-expected-to-be-running-in-place-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="e3b03571-531e-4e41-82f8-b7b03aed5775" data-vars-headline="HOAs gain ground in Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kuer.org/business-economy/2026-01-07/utahs-housing-market-is-expected-to-be-running-in-place-in-2026" target="_blank">cooling market</a>.

Salt Lake rents begin to fall

A building boom across the Mountain West is starting to pay off.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="building boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/21/new-apartment-construction-rent" data-vars-content-id="18b6ac4a-6b8f-4217-8c7b-02470dc113b0" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake rents begin to fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/21/new-apartment-construction-rent" target="_self">building boom</a> across the Mountain West has cooled rents — but that relief could fade as new construction slows.Why it matters: Housing is unaffordable for many. Although the median U.S. rent for new leases is down 1.5% from a year ago, it&#x27;s still roughly 20% above pre-pandemic levels, at about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1,400" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data" data-vars-content-id="18b6ac4a-6b8f-4217-8c7b-02470dc113b0" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake rents begin to fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data" target="_blank">$1,400</a> a month, per Apartment List.

Salt Lake City landlords flood the market with concessions

Buildings are trying to lure renters after thousands of new units hit the market in recent years.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s rental market is in concession mode as a wave of new apartments hits the city after an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unprecedented building boom" data-vars-click-url="https://d36oiwf74r1rap.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/State-Of-State-Housing-Jul2025.pdf" data-vars-content-id="63469909-5e18-4ae8-8f9c-00723118b512" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City landlords flood the market with concessions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://d36oiwf74r1rap.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/State-Of-State-Housing-Jul2025.pdf" target="_blank">unprecedented building boom</a>.Why it matters: With landlords and property managers competing for tenants, renters are in a strong position to take advantage of one-time incentives that could shave off thousands of dollars from their housing costs.

Walmart plans drone delivery for Salt Lake

Salt Lake is one of seven markets where Walmart plans to launch the service next.

Walmart drone deliveries are returning to Salt Lake, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two years after the retail giant halted the service in Utah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/16/walmart-drone-delivery-utah-ends" data-vars-content-id="3f49905e-b484-4d3e-959f-43e8231c906e" data-vars-headline="Walmart plans drone delivery for Salt Lake" 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/2024/08/16/walmart-drone-delivery-utah-ends" target="_self">two years after the retail giant halted the service in Utah</a>. The big picture: Walmart and drone delivery company Wing are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanding service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/walmart-drone-delivery-wing-los-angeles-miami" data-vars-content-id="3f49905e-b484-4d3e-959f-43e8231c906e" data-vars-headline="Walmart plans drone delivery for Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/walmart-drone-delivery-wing-los-angeles-miami" target="_self">expanding service</a> to seven new metro areas as part of a plan to reach more than 40 million customers with a network of more than 270 locations nationwide.

Utah billionaire Matthew Prince keeps trying to buy Park City Mountain Resort

But it's not clear locals will embrace the Cloudflare founder as a hometown savior against Vail.

Cloudflare founder Matthew Prince is continuing his push to buy Park City Mountain Resort from Vail, which would make him the owner of the biggest ski resort in America.The big picture: Prince is proposing a first-of-its kind franchise agreement with Vail Resorts, the Colorado Sun <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/05/matthew-prince-park-city-vail-resorts/" data-vars-content-id="d29c8c09-0e11-4364-b27e-b18375d4b6d4" data-vars-headline="Utah billionaire Matthew Prince keeps trying to buy Park City Mountain Resort" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/05/matthew-prince-park-city-vail-resorts/" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Utah weddings: No longer cheap

As destination weddings pour in and the state becomes less Mormon, couples are spending more.

Utah no longer lives up to its reputation for inexpensive, mints-and-lemonade church hall weddings.Why it matters: You&#x27;ll have to cough up more than $38,000 for the average celebration, per research firm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wedding Report" data-vars-click-url="https://wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/49/idtype/s/location/Utah/" data-vars-content-id="81361702-18a6-4791-bfc1-2c327be3c081" data-vars-headline="Utah weddings: No longer cheap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/49/idtype/s/location/Utah/" target="_blank">The Wedding Report</a>.

Utah speaks: Axios SLC readers voice resistance to AI

Many of you shared worries that our minds may never be the same.

We asked for your AI takes, and the response was almost unanimous: resistance.The big picture: AI&#x27;s rise is driving people into three camps, Axios&#x27; Ina Fried <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/ai-elite-vs-ai-skeptic-doomer" data-vars-content-id="1ef21de8-9bc5-456a-9790-ae5746e0c3e7" data-vars-headline="Utah speaks: Axios SLC readers voice resistance to AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/ai-elite-vs-ai-skeptic-doomer" target="_self">reports</a>: power users, doubters and resisters.

Utah's first state history museum opens

The Museum of Utah aims to paint a broader and more inclusive picture of the state's early beginnings.

Utah&#x27;s first official state history museum opened Saturday, featuring a trove of artifacts and exhibits tracing the state&#x27;s founding and cultural imprint on the U.S.Why it matters: Utah was one of the only states without a dedicated history museum until now.

SLC weekend events: Derek Hough, lantern and vintage festivals

The Water Lantern Festival and Utah Vintage Fest are happening this weekend.

Things to Do

The weekend is here, and there&#x27;s lots to do in and around Salt Lake City.

Q&A: Ben McAdams on his primary victory, Trump and the road to November

Axios interviewed the former U.S. representative moments after he won Tuesday's primary for Utah's blue-leaning House seat.

We caught up with former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams just moments after his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/24/ben-mcadams-wins-utah-democratic-primary-2026" data-vars-content-id="3bce2484-6ab5-4e90-abab-10085323708c" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A: Ben McAdams on his primary victory, Trump and the road to November" 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/2026/06/24/ben-mcadams-wins-utah-democratic-primary-2026" target="_self">primary win</a> for Utah&#x27;s newly drawn 1st Congressional District on Tuesday.State of play: He now faces GOP challenger Riley Owen, an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve, in November.

How data centers drove Utah's primaries

Some incumbents survived accusations of data center support — but most did not.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Senate President Stuart Adams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/24/senate-president-stuart-adams-concedes-gop-primary-results-dan-mccay" data-vars-content-id="786c633c-ad85-4a02-9466-cf92fedb8464" data-vars-headline="How data centers drove Utah&#x27;s primaries" 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/2026/06/24/senate-president-stuart-adams-concedes-gop-primary-results-dan-mccay" target="_self">State Senate President Stuart Adams</a>&#x27; defeat in Tuesday&#x27;s primary is being held up as a warning against support for data centers — but statewide results paint a more nuanced picture.The big picture: Adams&#x27; loss to lawyer Stephanie Hollist is a major disruption in Utah politics, one that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="observers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/us/j-stuart-adams-utah-senate-data-center.html" data-vars-content-id="786c633c-ad85-4a02-9466-cf92fedb8464" data-vars-headline="How data centers drove Utah&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/us/j-stuart-adams-utah-senate-data-center.html" target="_blank">observers</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2026-06-24/election-2026-utah-primary-stuart-adams-dan-mccay-trevor-lee" data-vars-content-id="786c633c-ad85-4a02-9466-cf92fedb8464" data-vars-headline="How data centers drove Utah&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2026-06-24/election-2026-utah-primary-stuart-adams-dan-mccay-trevor-lee" target="_blank">experts</a> ascribe to his role in ushering the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive Stratos data center proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" data-vars-content-id="786c633c-ad85-4a02-9466-cf92fedb8464" data-vars-headline="How data centers drove Utah&#x27;s primaries" 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/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" target="_self">massive Stratos data center proposal</a> into Box Elder County.

How to vote in Utah on primary Election Day

Midterm primaries don't draw the same attention as a presidential election, but they can be just as consequential.

It&#x27;s primary Election Day and, so far, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over 160,000 Utahns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/hows-utah-voter-turnout-looking-ahead-of-tuesdays-primary-about-normal" data-vars-content-id="586659b2-7c1b-426f-9eee-bdc4a1eb5fb9" data-vars-headline="How to vote in Utah on primary Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/hows-utah-voter-turnout-looking-ahead-of-tuesdays-primary-about-normal" target="_blank">over 160,000 Utahns</a> have cast their ballots.The big picture: Midterm primaries don&#x27;t draw the same attention as a presidential election, but they can be just as consequential, especially in Utah, where Republicans tend to dominate statewide races.

Salt Lake City awaits update on planned ICE detention center

A NYT report details how ICE plans to sell or transfer the massive Salt Lake City warehouse it recently bought.

Immigration

Salt Lake City leaders say they&#x27;ve received no updates about the federal government&#x27;s plans for the state&#x27;s first immigration detention center.The big picture: A New York Times <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/18/us/politics/ice-warehouses-immigration.html" data-vars-content-id="ed9496c0-2b1a-4924-b306-31e37cbd71fa" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City awaits update on planned ICE detention center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/18/us/politics/ice-warehouses-immigration.html" target="_blank">report</a> last week detailed how Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to hand off or sell the Salt Lake City warehouse it recently purchased and had planned to convert into a detention center for up to 10,000 people.

Utahns are staking out parade spots weeks in advance

Residents are finding blankets, chairs and string barricades covering their lawns.

<figure><img alt="A newspaper photo of tents along a parade route." height="1600" id="10477a6b-7f51-43bf-bdef-11251c2fae1b" src="https://images.axios.com/VW2v-DCrQuymvMi-GFIv2YPQlBE=/2026/06/22/1782161296460.png" width="2168"/><figcaption>A photo of tents along a parade route in 2002, in the Provo Daily Herald. Photo: Dan Lund via Utah Digital Newspapers archive/University of Utah</figcaption></figure>It&#x27;s been called Utah-style <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tailgating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/SaltLakeCity/comments/w3y6e8/camping_for_days_of_47_parade/" data-vars-content-id="1d807bbe-ee99-4964-a5b1-3ed93b3b7c31" data-vars-headline="Utahns are staking out parade spots weeks in advance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SaltLakeCity/comments/w3y6e8/camping_for_days_of_47_parade/" target="_blank">tailgating</a>: street-side campouts the night before a parade to ensure a good view when the grand marshal appears in the morning. The intrigue: Around the state, parade-goers are now claiming their spots weeks in advance, sometimes littering other residents&#x27; yards with lawn chairs, blankets and literal stakes.

Salt Lake's parade schedule

From the 4th of July to town fests and Pioneer Day, we've got you covered.

Here are the parades planned in Salt Lake County this summer.

Sundance to host free screenings this summer

The summer series will showcase four films that were featured at this year's Sundance Film Festival — for free.

If you never made it to a Sundance Film Festival screening in Utah, this might be your last chance.Driving the news: Despite its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move to Boulder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/29/sundance-ends-utah-run-boulder-next" data-vars-content-id="19746989-5959-4cb6-a39d-9368ab85a7de" data-vars-headline="Sundance to host free screenings this summer" 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/2026/01/29/sundance-ends-utah-run-boulder-next" target="_self">move to Boulder</a> next year, Sundance Institute is bringing back its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Local Lens Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/18/sundance-film-festival-local-lens-program-slate" data-vars-content-id="19746989-5959-4cb6-a39d-9368ab85a7de" data-vars-headline="Sundance to host free screenings this summer" 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/2025/06/18/sundance-film-festival-local-lens-program-slate" target="_self">Local Lens Program</a> this summer.

Ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Utah

The main event is in Ogden, but there are other parties along the Wasatch Front.

Ending slavery is something all Utahns can celebrate. <ul><li>Here&#x27;s how:</li></ul>

Rattlesnake bites are spiking on Utah's trails

Blame the weather. And don't pet the wildlife.

Utah&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warm, dry winter and spring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/26/warm-weather-early-mosquito-season-salt-lake-city" data-vars-content-id="b4ca10e7-d236-413c-bfeb-f42786355101" data-vars-headline="Rattlesnake bites are spiking on Utah&#x27;s trails" 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/2026/03/26/warm-weather-early-mosquito-season-salt-lake-city" target="_self">warm, dry winter and spring</a> have prompted rattlesnakes to linger near water sources earlier than usual this summer, state wildlife officials tell Axios.Why it matters: Hiking trails tend to follow the same streams, putting more people in the path of their venomous neighbors.

A beer garden is coming to downtown this summer

The Art Garten will be set up Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm-8pm through September

An outdoor pop-up is bringing art, music and a beer garden to downtown Salt Lake City this summer where the old Pantages Theatre used to stand. State of play: The Art Garten will be set up Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm-8pm through September on Main Street between 100 South and 200 South.

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Utah's first state history museum opens

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