Utah drivers now have dozens of new ways to customize their license plates.

Why it matters: The state's specialty plates have undergone a major overhaul, with newly released designs highlighting the Great Salt Lake, Utah's universities, our professional sports teams and more.

Catch up quick: A 2024 state law established a design review board for license plates because some lawmakers felt they lacked a consistent visual identity that tied them together, Jason Gardner, deputy executive director of the Utah State Tax Commission, told Axios.

• Previously, specialty plates were created with minimal oversight, resulting in a mixed range of designs — and quality.

What they're saying: "They were kind of all over the map. Some designs were really nice, and some looked like someone had just taken clip art and thrown it on a license plate," he said.

• The new plates were designed by a graphic design contractor, who spent the past year working on them.
• They debuted last week.

How it works: Specialty license plates raise funds for specific organizations or causes and cost more than a standard plate.

• For example, proceeds from the Great Salt Lake plate help fund conservation efforts.

Zoom in: The minimalist black plate with white lettering is by far the state's most popular specialty plate, Gardner said, generating millions of dollars for the Utah Historical Society.

• Roughly 200,000 vehicles displayed the Utah Historical Society plate as of six months ago, compared with about 10,000 bearing the firefighter support plate.

Before you get one: Gardner highly encourages people seeking a specialty plate to apply online rather than visiting a Utah Division of Motor Vehicles office, since the locations don't carry the plates in office and have to mail them anyway.

My thought bubble: I'm having trouble deciding between the Utah Historical Society plate and the Utah Valley University plate — a nod to my alma mater.

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⚖️ The preliminary hearing of Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last year, begins today. The weeklong proceeding will determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial. (KSL)

• Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk's parents are expected to attend.

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• Fireworks were permitted at the Salt Flats as much of the state remained under a fireworks ban due to wildfire risk.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened its iconic San Diego Temple to the public after it closed for three years for renovations.

Why it matters: It's the first time the church has let visitors inside the sparkling white landmark in more than 30 years.

• The San Diego Temple's opening offers a preview of what visitors can expect when the Salt Lake Temple holds its open house in April 2027.

State of play: Anyone can walk in or make a reservation for a free, 45-minute guided tour between now and July 11 ahead of a rededication ceremony in August.

• About 350,000 visitors are expected to come through, the Union-Tribune reported.
• The temple will be restricted to church members again following the ceremony, but the grounds will remain open to visitors.

Inside the temple: You'll walk through the baptistry, where a water basin sits on the backs of life-size oxen representing the 12 Tribes of Israel, along with an elegant bridal suite and a sealing room used for ceremonies that bind partners, parents and children together for eternity.

What they're saying: "With the San Diego Temple, it's right off the 5 freeway, everyone sees it going by, and not everyone has had opportunity to understand what happens there," Deon Travers, a leader of several North County congregations, told Axios.

• The open house gives friends and neighbors a chance to "come and see what we believe, why it's important, and the emphasis on families and a closeness to God," he said.

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