In NBA All-Star spotlight, Utah looks to change perceptions

By SAM METZ
Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Salt Lake City’s hosting of this weekend’s NBA All-Star game for the first time in three decades is giving Utah another opportunity to try to change long-held notions that the state is odd or peculiar. It’s building on a yearslong push prioritized by influential business and political leaders like Jazz owner Ryan Smith. Utah still proudly celebrates its history as a predominantly Mormon state, but it also tries to market itself as a visitor-friendly hub for businesses and tourists. Yet such mainstreaming efforts could face challenges as the deeply religious, predominantly white state doubles down on socially conservative stances on matters of race, gender and sports.