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Axios Salt Lake City
Snag a high-altitude picnic site to beat the heat
Summer has arrived — for real this time (we think) — with its potentially dangerous temperatures in the valley. Fortunately, all valleys have peaks by definition, and our peaks provide an underutilized refuge: cheap, cool, riverside picnic sites.My thought bubble: I went with friends up to Ledgemere Picnic Area in Big Cottonwood Canyon on a recent hot night — and there were quite a few unclaimed sites.I've driven by these sites hundreds of times, and it only now occurred to me to use them.Why it matters: It's just 1,000 feet above Salt Lake City, but that elevation plus the rushing...
Utah is choosing a new AG after the last three faced charges and lawsuits
GOP primary voters will pick the likely replacement for Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes on Tuesday, filling an office beset by more than a decade of scandal.The intrigue: All three candidates have focused their campaigns on corruption after three consecutive AGs left office in controversy.Driving the news: Voters will choose between Derek Brown, Rachel Terry and Frank Mylar.Brown is a former state GOP chair and senior staffer for U.S. Sen. Mike Lee.Terry is the director of the state's risk management office and former civil rights attorney for Reyes' office.Mylar is a Cottonwood Heights attorney who previously served as attorney for...
Old News: A 1950s lemonade recipe
Summer is here, and there's no better way to quench your thirst than with a homemade cup of lemonade. State of play: The Roosevelt Standard published this recipe 71 years ago this week.Aunt Susan's Lemonade recipe: 2 1/2 cups of water2 cups sugar1 cup mint leaves6 lemons2 orangesThe grated peel of an orangeInstructions: Mix sugar and water in a saucepan for five minutes.Add fruit juices, peel and mint and let it sit for an hourPour into a jar and refrigerateServe a 1/3 cup of the mixture with ice and water
RHOSLC star Lisa Barlow sued for unpaid loans
"The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Lisa Barlow is being sued by a former business partner for over $400,000 in unpaid debt, a recent lawsuit alleges.State of play: Attorneys representing Yukon Construction, a Park City custom home builder, and the company's president Bart Carlson, filed a lawsuit this week claiming Barlow and her two businesses "unjustly enriched themselves at plaintiffs' expense."Catch up quick: In 2010, Barlow told Carlson that she and her marketing company, Luxe, and her other venture, Vida Tequila, were under financial distress, according to the lawsuit. She asked to borrow funds on a regular basis...
Where to find free, urban fruit-picking in Salt Lake City
As grocery costs rise, intrepid gourmands can look for snacks in trees and vines that hang in public reach all around Salt Lake City.Why it matters: Fruit trees can do double duty, providing shade and traffic-calming benefits while bringing some relief to food insecurity.The big picture: "Edible forests" are a growing trend in urban forestry, one that "could be done" in Utah, Salt Lake City Forester Tony Gliot told Axios in a statement.Friction point: Maintenance is challenging — fruit trees require care and produce food waste.Yes, but: They've worked in cities like Philadelphia, where volunteers and community groups pitch in.In...
Salt Lake weekend events June 21-23: Free festivals and more
Here's what's on the calendar this weekend in and around SLC. Enjoy the hits with dance groups and challenges, games and prizes. Watch "The Merry Wives of Windsor" with a built-in drinking game to keep the actors on (or off) their toes. When: June 21-23, with shows at 7:30pm Fridays...
Diphtheria-like illness found in Utah and Colorado pet owners
A diphtheria-like illness detected in Utah and Colorado is shedding light on how humans and pets exchange the bacterial infection, and how to treat it.The big picture: In a report last week, the CDC announced that two cases, found in 2022 and 2023, were the first in the U.S. where pets and humans appear to have infected each other with C. ulcerans, a potentially harmful bacteria that hasn't been widely studied in humans.Corynebacterium ulcerans are more commonly found among animals — and can cause danger to wildlife and livestock, researchers in Japan wrote last year.Zoom in: A northern Utah resident...
Built-to-rent homes exploding in Salt Lake
Built-to-rent homes are exploding in Salt Lake City, with 2023 reaching a 10-year high in new construction — in contrast with the tight market for buyers.The intrigue: Even more of the homes are coming, with more than 1,100 units under construction in Salt Lake as of mid-April — more than double the total built last year, according to data from RentCafe.Why it matters: With mortgage rates perched near record highs for the year, there has been a proliferation of built-to-rent communities, which offer amenities, property management perks — and no mortgages.By the numbers: With 377 units completed in 2023, the Salt...
What to expect during Utah's wildfire season
Utah's hotter-than-normal recent temperatures and this winter's significant snowfall point to a higher risk for wildfires this season, fire officials warn.Why it matters: The state's conditions this summer are comparable to the devastating 2020 wildfire season that saw a recording-breaking number of human-caused blazes, per the Utah News Dispatch.Wildfire season spans between June and September.What they're saying: "We've had a couple of good winters, which means a good amount of new [vegetation] growth has emerged," Jon Meyer, a climatologist for Utah State University's climate center, told Axios.That growth means more fuel to burn.A delayed monsoon season in Utah is also...
The best soup in Salt Lake
Summer might be an odd time for the comfort of soup, but there's one spot where you should get a bowl ASAP: Franck's Restaurant in Holladay.You might remember Franck's as the Scorpio pick in our zodiac restaurant guide to Salt Lake City.The intrigue: The soup course is consistently where chef Robert Perkins executes his most exciting surprises, from gingerbread consommé to gorgonzola gazpacho with sweet and sour celery.How it works: Soups change regularly to showcase seasonal flavors, so check the dinner menu and holiday specials for the latest — whether it's truffle-caramel apple emulsion in January or watermelon pho in September.Zoom in: The Father's Day tasting menu brought my whole family close to tears of joy with the porcini mushroom and butterscotch emulsion with truffle corn nuts and pickled huckleberry. It's still on this week's dinner menu, so get it while you can!What's outside: Franck's has one of the nicest restaurant patios in Salt Lake, so now's actually the perfect time to try the best soup kitchen in town. Franck's patio. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios
The Utah Jazz drafted John Stockton 40 years ago. Fans weren't happy.
When John Stockton was drafted to the Utah Jazz 40 years ago Wednesday, the fans in Salt Lake City greeted their soon-to-be star with stony, disappointed silence.This is Old News, our weekly full court press for answers from the past.Why it matters: Stockton became one of the best players in NBA history during his 19-year career with the Jazz.The intrigue: The day before the draft, The Salt Lake Tribune reported, the Jazz preferred five — FIVE — other players who they thought might stay unclaimed until the team's No. 16 pick.Yes, but: General manager and coach Frank Layden said that night...
Utah slams Denver for sending migrants; Denver says it starts with Texas
Denver officials said Friday the city started sending immigrants to Utah after Texas officials bused the newcomers to Denver.Why it matters: A firestorm broke out Thursday in Utah after a report by KUTV that Denver paid for the tickets that brought immigrants to Salt Lake City in late May.Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday lambasted Denver's actions as "completely unacceptable," writing on X that the state's "resources are completely depleted."What they're saying: "The vast majority of newcomers arriving in Denver do so on buses chartered from Texas and had no intention of ever coming to Denver," Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's spokesperson,...
Redevelopment agency nears decision on USA Climbing lease
The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City is nearing a decision on whether to allow USA Climbing to relocate its headquarters and build a national training facility in the Rio Grande District.Why it matters: The project has the potential to revive the dilapidated district."This is an opportunity to start the beginning of a new era for that west part of downtown," Salt Lake City Council member Alejandro Puy, who represents the area and chairs the RDA, tells Axios.Puy anticipates the presence of USA Climbing, the national governing body for competition climbing, will attract more developers and businesses to the neighborhood.The...
Juneteenth events around Salt Lake City
Utah is starting Juneteenth a few days early to take advantage of the weekend. The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally got word that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior.Here's how you can join the party:Utah Juneteenth Freedom Festival is the state's oldest and biggest celebration of the holiday, with performances by Pastor Troy, J Holiday and other artists; braid and barber battles; a children's talent show; a Father's Day car show and more.When: 4pm–8pm Friday and noon to 9pm Saturday and Sunday Where: Ogden AmphitheaterMillcreek's celebration includes live performances, a spoken word competition, kids' activities, a market, food trucks and games.When: 6pm–10pm SundayWhere: Millcreek CommonThe University of Utah will honor the day with a flag-raising ceremony featuring speakers and music.When: 9:30am WednesdayWhere: 201 Presidents CircleSLC's Juneteenth celebration and Black-owned business expo brings together entertainers, roller skating, art, a pop-up museum, kids activities and merchants.When: 11am–8pm WednesdayWhere: The GatewaySign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Redevelopment agency nears decision on USA Climbing lease
The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City is nearing a decision on whether to allow USA Climbing to relocate its headquarters and build a national training facility in the Rio Grande District.Why it matters: The project has the potential to revive the dilapidated district."This is an opportunity to start the beginning of a new era for that west part of downtown," Salt Lake City Council member Alejandro Puy, who represents the area and chairs the RDA, tells Axios.Puy anticipates the presence of USA Climbing, the national governing body for competition climbing, will attract more developers and businesses to the neighborhood.The...
Sundance's free local screening program is back. Here's the lineup
The Sundance Film Festival's Local Lens program is back, offering five days of free indoor and outdoor movie screenings selected from films that originally premiered at the festival.State of play: The slate of movies that will show July 17-21 was chosen with Utah audiences in mind, according to Basil Tsiokos, senior programmer at the Sundance Film Festival.It's the second year in a row that the free flicks are being screened in West Valley City, one of the most racially diverse cities in the state.What they're saying: "We're trying to remove as many barriers as possible to really let local Utah...
SLC weekend events: Blues Festival and Motion City Soundtrack
Take your dad or the father-figure in your life out for a fun-packed weekend.Here are some events happening around town:🎶 Blues FestivalWhen: June 14 noon-5pm and June 15 noon-10pmWhere: Gallivan CenterAdmission: $50 for GA or $100 for a weekend pass. VIP options are also available. Children 12 and under can go for free.🍹 Celebrate A Bar Named SueThe lively bar is celebrating its 11th anniversary, giving away swag and cake to patrons.When: June 14 9pmWhere: 8136 S. State St., MidvaleAdmission: Free🎸 Motion City SoundtrackThrow it back to the early 2000s by going to the band's "I Am the Movie" 20th anniversary tour.When: June 16 7pmWhere: The DepotAdmission: Tickets start at $49.75 before feesSign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
Triple-digit temperatures set to arrive in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is under a heat advisory, with temperatures expected to reach near triple digits Thursday.State of play: The heat warning issued by the National Weather Service lifts Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to drop to the 80s over the weekend.What they're saying: "We have a very strong area and high pressure and warm temperatures over the southwestern U.S. right now," Sam Webber, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City told Axios."At least here locally, we're seeing some record-challenging temperatures," Webber said.Fun fact: While the high temperatures are not unusual for Utah, they are "quite warm" for this time of year, he noted. Temperatures are up about 15 degrees compared to this time last year.Beat the heat: Drink fluids, stay inside an air-conditioned room and limit physical activity to early mornings or evenings to stay cool, the NWS recommends.What's next: Webber said he expects temperatures to climb to the triple digits again in mid-July.Sign up for Axios Salt Lake City for free.
3 takeaways from SLC's latest downtown sports district plan
New details of a proposed downtown SLC sports district were unveiled this week, with drawings and financial estimates released for the first time.Why it matters: Some residents shared doubts at a public hearing Tuesday about the 0.5% sales tax increase to help Jazz owner Ryan Smith and his company, Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), bring Utah's new hockey team to town.Catch up quick: The project would encompass the Delta Center and the two blocks to its east, ending at West Temple.The area now includes the north and west parts of the Salt Palace Convention Center, Abravanel Hall, the Utah Museum of...
How Utah GOP gubernatorial candidates differ on key issues
Gov. Spencer Cox and state Rep. Phil Lyman faced off on Tuesday in the only gubernatorial debate before the June 25 GOP primary.The big picture: The incumbent is considered the frontrunner of the race, despite Lyman defeating Cox at April's nominating convention. Cox, a more moderate Republican who was booed at the convention, took the signature-gathering route to get on the ballot. Lyman relied on delegate support.The governor has been subjected to intense criticism from the right wing of his party during his first term.Context: The debate comes on the heels of an independent investigation that accused Lyman of acting...
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