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Axios Salt Lake City
A trip to the 1920s in Salt Lake City
Distillery tours are always fun, but Holystone in Murray brings an unexpected flair: It commits to its 1920s theming, with art deco stylings and jazz music mingled with the industrial stills.Why it works: Holystone has been bathed in accolades for its gin — a spirit that exudes Prohibition-era fun.Zoom in: The Bosun's Navy Strength Gin has both the alcohol content and citrus notes to hold up in the classic gin cocktails.Meanwhile, the indigo-colored Cerulea Gin brings the flower power, with lavender notes that really sing in a Bee's Knees.Special treat: Save the lemon for last, and watch it "magically" turn the gin from blue to pink.What's inside: The tour ends in the opulent tasting room above the distilling floor, with antique furniture, tasseled curtains, jacquard wallpaper and more jazz.The snack pairings are especially fun.Worth your time: Holystone's Instagram curates some of the most elaborate cocktail recipes we've seen in Utah.Sign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Curtis, Cox lead in polls ahead of June 25 primary elections
With primary elections nearing, U.S. Rep John Curtis and Gov. Spencer Cox are leading in the polls, according to a pair of new surveys.Why it matters: The polling results are a snapshot into Utah voters' preferences for more moderate Republicans in a deep red state that's demonstrated low enthusiasm for former President Trump.How it works: Both polls were conducted by HarrisX for the Deseret News and the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics between June 4-7.The U.S. Senate poll surveyed 469 registered Republican voters, while the gubernatorial poll surveyed 477 registered voters.By the numbers: Curtis, who has been in...
Salt Lake City's unaccompanied migrant children
Data: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services via N.Y. Times; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosMore than 400 unaccompanied migrant children arrived in Salt Lake City between 2015 and 2023.State of play: It's a small fraction of the more than 550,000 unaccompanied migrant children who arrived in the U.S. during that period.That's based on U.S. Department of Human Health and Services data on migrant children sponsors' ZIP codes obtained by the New York Times.Why it matters: Unaccompanied migrant children are an especially vulnerable group as federal, state and city leaders spar over sheltering and supporting foreigners who have crossed the border without...
The one modesty fight Utah skipped
In a state now known for modesty hang-ups, the Great Salt Lake's swimming culture in the early 1900s was less pearl-clutching than a lot of coastal cities. This is Old News, our weekly strut across the sands of time. The big picture: Hand-wringing about swimwear was already underway by the late 1800s on the East Coast, where rich New Yorkers developed a beach culture at Newport, Rhode Island. Yes, but: In Utah, bathing suits were still considered so clunky that even swimsuit ads acknowledged that no one looks good at the beach.Even young girls, normally policed, were gently encouraged to...
Salt Lake City opens cooling centers as summer temperatures arrives
As temperatures rise, Salt Lake County has opened multiple cooling centers to help locals beat the heat.Why it matters: Extreme heat is expected to hit the western U.S. this week, per the National Weather Service.State of play: The "cooling zones" will be available at county libraries and senior centers, including the Salt Lake City Main Library, Glendale Library and the Tenth East Senior Center.A map of all the air-conditioned centers is available.Context: Heat stroke symptoms include confusion or slurred speech, heavy sweating and loss of consciousness, according to the CDC.To stay cool, county officials recommend staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, wearing light, breathable fabrics and remaining indoors between noon and 3pm.Sign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Disputes surround new Mormon temples around the West
A Texas city council is telling the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to design a smaller temple after planning officials voted against the towering structure.Why it matters: As the church ramps up temple construction worldwide, disputes over the buildings' heights, light pollution and traffic congestion have erupted around the nation.Driving the news: The Fairview Town Council, on the outskirts of Dallas, delayed a vote Tuesday that could override the planning and zoning commission's rejection last month of the church's plan for a 173-foot building in the town of 11,000.The normal building height limit is 35 feet in the...
Zion National Park to ban RVs from scenic highway
Starting next summer, Zion National Park will no longer allow RVs or large vehicles on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Why it matters: The new guidelines aim to reduce collisions, lane-crossing and overweight vehicles on bridges, per the National Park Service.The iconic highway, built in the 1920s and 1930s, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. By the numbers: Vehicles over 11 feet, 4 inches tall that are more than 7 feet and 10 inches wide and 35 feet and 9 inches long — or exceed 50,000 pounds — will have to take alternate routes.What they're saying: "Our goal is to protect drivers, meet modern safety standards and ensure the integrity of the road and tunnels so that we continue to enjoy scenic drives on the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway," the park's superintendent, Jeff Bradybaugh, said in a statement.Sign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Women rate aggressive driving behaviors in new safety campaign
A campaign to curb deaths on Utah roads is making a unique attempt to appeal to men.State of play: In a new Zero Fatalities ad posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, multiple women are asked whether guys flipping off other drivers gives them "the ick" on a 1-10 scale.What they said: "10/10 when a guy flips someone off … it's very embarrassing.""It's a 10. It's not attractive.""It shows immaturity."Why it matters: A series of high-profile road rage incidents in recent years have led to crashes and deaths, and even prompted legislation to reduce aggressive driving behaviors.Men are more likely...
Happy birthday to us!
It's been two years since we launched this newsletter, and we're so grateful you've been with us for the ride!Why it matters: We're committed to making it easier for you to keep up with the news in Utah, whether telling stories in a bite-sized way or filling in the gaps with your daily Fry Sauce.We also babysit social media so you don't have to!Flashback: Here are some of the high-impact, fun, thoughtful, weird and thoroughly Utah stories we've been proud to share.The lake: We kept a close eye on the Great Salt Lake as it reached record-low depths — and...
D-Day anniversary: Why it's called "Utah Beach"
Thursday marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the Allied forces landed at Normandy, France in the biggest sea-to-land invasion in military history.Why it matters: The D-Day invasions began the liberation of France and the rest of western Europe, laying the groundwork for the Allied victory in World War II.Zoom in: One of the key landing sites became known as Utah Beach — apparently a random selection, according to a 1994 AP historical report.The intrigue: The name wasn't the U.S. Navy's first choice because it sounded too much like "Omaha" on radios.The original code name was "Oregon," but the Army personnel...
SLC weekend events: Chingo Bling and Urban Flea Market
There's lots to do in Salt Lake this weekend, from a stand-up show to shopping for antiques.🕺 Vibras Del LagoThis Cumbia dance pop-up is one of downtown's hottest Latin dance venues.When: 9pm ThursdayWhere: Alibi Bar & PlaceAdmission: Free🎭 Chingo BlingThe Mexican-American rapper and comedian, known for his viral comedy, is coming to town for one night.When: 7pm ThursdayWhere: Wiseguys Comedy Club at The GatewayAdmission: $25 for GA or $35 for VIP🛍️ Urban Flea MarketUtah's largest flea market is back this month, featuring vintage goods and nearly 100 vendors.When: 10am-4pm SundayWhere: The Gateway (12 South Rio Grande)Admission: $3 per person 13 years and up; only cash is acceptedSign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Utah Jazz unveil new mountain jerseys
The state's beloved mountains are prominently displayed on the Utah Jazz's newest jerseys.Why it matters: When you look good, you play good. Driving the news: The Jazz on Wednesday unveiled their new "mountain basketball" uniforms, with new jerseys and an expanded color palette, in what they're referring to as a "brand evolution."The threads will be worn for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. Three of the four designs feature "Utah" on the jerseys, while one includes the jazz note. Image courtesy of Utah JazzWhat they're saying: "It's clear that mountain basketball and purple are at the soul of Utah and the Jazz," team owner Ryan Smith said in a statement.Between the lines: The uniforms starkly contrast the black and neon jerseys introduced in 2022. At the time, fans took to social media to express their disapproval over the color scheme and "boring" designs. Image courtesy of Utah JazzWhat we're watching: New court designs will be revealed before the 2024-25 season begins.Sign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Athletes with Utah ties qualify to compete in 2024 Summer Games
The 2024 Summer Olympics are fast approaching, and several athletes with Utah ties are qualified to compete for the U.S.Why it matters: Utah will get a chance to showcase its athletic talent on the global stage, especially as the state's capital city is more than likely to be the host of the 2034 Olympic Winter Games.Between the lines: There's still a slew of Olympic trials this month that could add more former or current Utahns.Here are the athletes who have earned their spot so far:🏀 BasketballJimmer Fredette, a former BYU basketball star, will join the USA men's 3x3 basketball team.🚵...
County clerks in Utah begin sending out mail ballots
County clerks across the state have begun sending out mail-in ballots for the June 25 primary elections.State of play: This year's high-profile GOP primaries feature races for Utah governor, attorney general, U.S. Senate and Congress.First-term Gov. Spencer Cox will compete against state Rep. Phil Lyman (R-Blanding).In the U.S. Senate primary, a crowded field of Republicans — U.S. Rep. John Curtis, Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, businessman Jason Walton and former House Speaker Brad Wilson — are vying to replace Sen. Mitt Romney.Candidates Derek Brown, Frank Mylar and Rachel Terry are running to succeed attorney general Sean Reyes, who announced he would not...
Keanu Reeves' band Dogstar is coming to Salt Lake City
Keanu Reeves' band Dogstar announced Tuesday it will perform in Salt Lake City at the Union Event Center as part of its Summer Vacation Tour 2024.Why it matters: Bassist Reeves has rapidly ascended the Dolly Parton Scale of universal likability for American celebrities.Catch up quick: It's a revival of the group Reeves co-founded in 1991, which toured with Bon Jovi and opened for David Bowie before breaking up in 2002, Blabbermouth reports.Zoom out: The North America tour includes more than two dozen stops with music from the group's latest album, "Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees" — its first in 23 years.What's next: Limited ticket presales begin 10am Wednesday, with local presale starting 10am Thursday. General ticket sales open 10am Friday. VIP packages, including a meet-and-greet, will also be available, per a news release.Sign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Learn from the pros at this rum tasting class at Caputo's
🏴☠️ I'm a huge fan of rum (Arrrr!), so for Mother's Day my fam signed me up for a rum blending and food pairing class at Caputo's. Turns out there are lots of chances to learn mixology and refine your palate.Zoom in: We learned about the distillation techniques and flavors developed in various islands from Mikey Edwards, who is behind the experimental tiki pop-ups at the former Campfire Lounge location in Sugar House.The intrigue: The food pairings are what really drive home the distinctions — and Caputo's manager Dax Chelius meticulously chooses chocolates, cheeses, cured meats and tinned fish to bring out the unique flavors.For example, the dill and fennel of Fangst blue mussels draw out the grassy, savory taste of fresh cane used in Neisson Agricole Blanc rum from Martinique.The good news: Caputo's offers multiple pairing and tasting classes each week, from rosés to "Tour of Spain" to cheese and chocolate.I've already signed up for mocktail night next month!Zoom out: There are tons of cocktail classes around town.Check out Cocktail Collective, Bitters Lab and Sip + Vibe for more options.
Downtown Salt Lake City welcomes new state liquor store
Downtown Salt Lake City is now home to the state's new flagship liquor store.Why it matters: The highly anticipated store is centrally located at 151 E. 300 South and comes as downtown sees a construction boom of apartments and new residents moving into the neighborhood.State of play: The store replaces a previous location on 205 West and 400 South. At 14,500 square feet, it doubles the product capacity of the former location.Zoom in: The store, which opened Monday, will also allow easier access to hospitality workers to pick up products for their business.There are about 281 establishments downtown that are...
Utah governor declares June "a month of bridge building"
Gov. Spencer Cox rankled progressives and conservatives alike by declaring June "a month of bridge building" rather than the traditional Pride month.One line in particular raised eyebrows: "In Utah we love our children and we hope to live in such a way that our children will forever love us even if at times we disagree over deeply held personal views or beliefs."The big picture: Some corners of LGBTQ+ advocacy in Utah have historically faced criticism for focusing too much on appealing to parents and potential allies over the LGBTQ+ people who are directly targeted with bigotry.That tension can run especially...
Utah's growing diversity highlights inequalities
Almost 1 in 4 Utahns identify as a racial or ethnic minority, with Latinos making up the largest group, according to a recent analysis.Why it matters: As the Beehive State becomes more racially diverse, health, income and education inequities persist among communities of color.By the numbers: From 2010-2020, people of color fueled 52% of the state's growth, according to a report by the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.The population of people who identified as "some other race or two or more races" grew by 150% during that period.By 2060, it's projected that nearly half of all children...
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