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Axios Salt Lake City
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...
Utah sees wide housing disparities by race
Utah's homeownership rate is higher than the rest of the nation. Yes, but: About 74% of white non-Hispanics own and occupy their homes, compared to 27% of Black households and about 54% of Latino households, per a University of Utah Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report.Why it matters: Homeownership remains the biggest driver of the wealth gap, per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Axios' Brianna Crane reports.The big picture: Historically, racist housing practices, redlining and predatory lending have prevented many Black Americans from obtaining homeownership, per the Urban Institute. By the numbers: In Utah, about 20% of Black, Pacific Islander and Latino renters spend between 30% to 49% of their income on rent, making them severely cost burdened.It's generally advised one set aside a third of their income for rent.Sign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Back when a Utah school banned the word "queer"
Utah has had its share of scuttlebutts over school dress codes, LGBTQ+ support and public health messaging for youth.Twenty years ago, all three collided in one big clampdown.What drove the news: The state health department withdrew a $100,000 grant for an antismoking campaign by the GLBT Community Center of Utah — over a T-shirt, the center alleged.Catch up quick: The center circulated T-shirts emblazoned with the words "Queers Kick Ash." Officials at a Midvale high school suspended four students who wore them to class, saying the shirts violated the dress code: the "kick ash" pun was deemed vulgar and an...
Your guide to the best Salt Lake hikes for visitors
If you have guests from sea level who want to "climb the mountains," or you're flying into Salt Lake for a short trip and want to explore the Wasatch, here are some of the best hikes, whether you have an hour or all day.1 hour: Ensign Peak A singalong on Ensign Peak. Photo: Erin Alberty/AxiosTake in the sweeping vistas at the peak from which Brigham Young and company designed Salt Lake City.The trail is about a mile round-trip, and it's the quickest way to touch the mountains and see the Salt Lake Valley if you're in the city proper. Also...
Utah map and database shows low head dam hazards
As temperatures soar, Utah's lazy rivers look better and better for a cool float. And now there's a way to locate a deceptive, deadly hazard you need to avoid at all costs: low head dams.Why it matters: More than 1,000 people nationally have drowned in the currents created by the obsolete, underwater structures that span riverbeds — many of them in rivers that seem calm and safe.How it works: Low head dams create a uniform, churning current that can suck victims underwater repeatedly as they try to swim back to the surface, overwhelming flotation vests.Yes, but: You can find where they are and portage around them with a map and database created last year by BYU students.What's inside: 13,000 dams marked on a map.Explore to find the hazards and avoid that stretch of river — or portage around it if you trust your navigation skills.Zoom in: People have drowned in the dam currents on the Jordan River.A "boat chute" bypasses a low head dam at 100 South, but others could be hazardous.Another was removed a few years ago near Murray.Sign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Utah guidance counselors have some of the biggest student loads in the nation
Data: American School Counselor Association; Map: Tory Lysik/Axios VisualsUtah has one of the nation's highest ratios of students to school guidance counselors.Why it matters: State officials have focused heavily on controversial social media restrictions as a remedy for youth mental health problems, while school counseling services remain under-resourced compared to other states.By the numbers: Each guidance counselor in Utah serves nearly 500 students on average, according to the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA) analysis of federal data.That's the sixth-highest of any state — and double the ASCA-suggested ratio of 250.That's even after Utah took steps in recent years to boost funding...
What's new at this year's summer Downtown Farmers Market
Utah's largest farmers market kicks off its summer season at Pioneer Park Saturday, and Axios Salt Lake City got a sneak peek at what's in store.State of play: More than 200 food and craft vendors will showcase their products, Carly Gillespie, deputy director of Urban Food Connections of Utah, a Downtown Alliance program, told Axios.What's new: The market will also feature a beer garden serving Level Crossing brews.The beer garden will open every second Saturday of the month between 11am and 2pm with live music."We haven't had a beer garden at the market in maybe a decade," Gillespie said. "Hopefully,...
Utah's leading Republicans weigh in after Trump verdict
Utah's top elected officials — overwhelmingly Republican — began to weigh in Thursday evening after a New York jury convicted former President Trump of all 34 criminal counts in his hush-money trial.The big picture: Although Trump won Utah by a 20-point margin in 2020, Utah voters have historically been cooler on him than on other Republicans.The culture is also big on obedience, so blasting a judge or jury on the heels of a criminal conviction might be needlessly risky here.Yes, but: The GOP base is firmly in Trump's corner — and has become less apologetic since the "Grab 'em...
SLC weekend events: Chalk festival, Real Salt Lake and Pride
There's tons to do around Salt Lake this weekend — on top of the lineup of Pride events and the downtown farmers market kickoff. 🎨 Chalk Art FestivalStroll through South Jordan to take in the chalk creations of local artists.When: May 31-June 1Where: South Jordan City Park Admission: Free🎭 Pride & PrejudiceWatch Jane Austen's classic romantic comedy on the big stage.When: Shows will run Thursday-Saturday until June 18Where: The Grand Theatre, Salt Lake CityAdmission: $35 before fees; $28 for people ages 60 and over⚽ Real Salt Lake v. AustinMilitary veterans will be recognized at this soccer match-up between Real Salt Lake and Austin.When: 7:30pm June 1Where: America First FieldAdmission: Tickets start at $18 before feesSign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Utah's housing costs keep climbing
Data: FHFA; Map: Axios VisualsUtah home prices show no signs of slowing, despite mortgage rates hovering near 7%, per the latest data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.Why it matters: That's good news if you own your home, and tough if you're a would-be buyer.Zoom in: Home prices in the Salt Lake metro have seen a 5.4% year-over-year increase and have risen 2.2% since the last quarter, per FHFA. Statewide, homes saw a nearly 6% increase since this time last year.Homes in Salt Lake City in April sold for a median price of $575,000, per Redfin.State of play: Home buying...
How to celebrate Pride 2024 in Utah
One of my favorite times of the year is upon us: Pride weekend.State of play: Here's a list of events happening to celebrate Utah's LGBTQ+ community.Before PrideDrag dinnerWhen: Thursday, May 30 at 6pmWhere: The Local Eatery & BarAdmission: Tickets range from $20 for a single seat or $70 for a table for fourInterfaith worship serviceWhen: Thursday, May 30 at 7pmWhere: 2425 Heritage WayFervor's house and techno partyWhen: Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 from 10pm-4:30amWhere: 569 W. 600 S.Admission: Individual tickets start at $40 or $70 for a weekend passDrag show featuring RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 winner Nymphia WindWhen: Thursday, May 30, 8pm-2amWhere: MILK+Admission: $15 before feesPride eventsUtah Pride FestivalWhen: Saturday, June 1 from 11am-10pm and Sunday, June 2, from noon-7pmWhere: Washington Square ParkAdmission: $20 per adult or $40 for a weekend pass. Discounts are available for children, seniors and military veteransPride MarchWhen: Saturday, June 1, at 10amWhere: State CapitolUtah Pride ParadeWhen: Sunday, June 2, at 10amWhere: Downtown Salt Lake City from 100 South and West Temple to 700 South and 200 EastSign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
The words Utah students faced at the national spelling bee
Four Utah students represented the state at the Scripps National Spelling Bee this week. State of spelling: Two made it to the quarterfinals on Wednesday while two were bounced in the prelims on Tuesday. Here are the spellers and — and the words they had to spell or define:Sophia Montana, a 6th grader at Daybreak Elementary, finished her run on Wednesday misspelling "inspeximus" — some sort of certification, according to a dictionary entry that's as obscure as the word itself. Before that, Sophia spelled:"rosacea," a skin condition that causes redness,"Plantagenet," the house that ruled England before the Tudors,and defined...
SLC students rally for new high school on the westside
Students and their families in the Glendale neighborhood are protesting the lack of a high school within walking distance of their homes.The big picture: No Salt Lake high schools are west of I-15, which includes many of the city's most diverse neighborhoods.Driving the news: A group of Glendale families completed the nearly 5-mile trek from East High School to Glendale Middle School on Tuesday, to demonstrate the long distances students have to cover to get to school.Why it matters: Students told Axios they are missing activities and services, from in-school breakfast to after-school clubs.School buses and public transit don't give...
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