City Weekly April 9, 2026

COMMUNITY RADIO

BY ARICA ROBERTS

KRCL takes a big swing with new facility in Salt Lake City’s transforming Guadalupe neighborhood

By Arica Roberts

S AP

BOX

Stop Pretending

$1.5 trillion. With a “t.” That’s how much U.S. president Donald Trump wants Congress to appropriate for military (falsely called “defense”) spending in 2027.

And that number—there’s no other way to put this—is insane. The only proper date for such a spending request, followed by a winking grin emoji, is April 1.

Let’s compare. At the height of the U.S. war in Vietnam, in 1969, the U.S. government spent about $85.5 billion

($761 billion in inflated 2026 dollars) on “defense.”

In 1991, when the U.S. deployed hundreds of thousands of troops for Desert Storm, the U.S. government spent about $313 billion, or $750 billion accounting for inflation.

In 2004, while fighting wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan, that number was about $450 billion, or $780 billion in 2026 dollars.

Yes, it’s wartime again. As usual, the war—this time with Iran—is entirely illegal/unconstitutional (only Congress can declare war, and it hasn’t).

And, as usual, the war is entirely optional and serves no defensive purpose whatsoever.

The president keeps telling us this war will be over Real Soon Now, and he started talking about a $1.5 trillion military budget months before he launched Operation Epic Fail, so the 40% bump clearly isn’t about Iran.

In what universe does the already bloated U.S. military need nearly half again as much money next year as this

year, and twice as much as it needed during previous wars?

I’m not one of those people who waxes sentimental over what the U.S. government could spend money on rather than fake “defense.”

That money should be left in the wallets of taxpayers rather than being taxed from them or borrowed in their names.

But I guess it’s worth mentioning that Trump wants to partially “pay for” Operation Epic Dumb Idea with a 10% cut (less than $75 billion) to “nondefense spending” programs that he considers “woke.”

If the current U.S. “defense” budget was cut by 90%, a country that’s geographically isolated from credible enemies by two oceans, hasn’t been invaded since the War of 1812 and never really gets in a fight unless its government actively seeks one out, would still have far more actual “defense” than it needs. Everything beyond that $100 billion (at most) falls into one or more of three categories: Waste, fraud and abuse.

Perhaps congressional pushback will trim Trump’s demands ... but don’t bet on it.

Congress usually ends up giving the Department of Defense more than the president asks for as Representatives and Senators advocate for military contracts that pad the bottom lines of campaign contributors’ businesses in their districts and states.

If Congress won’t cut off Pete Hegseth and take away his car keys, American taxpayers should cut off Congress and take theirs. Type “National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee” into your favorite search engine for more information.

THOMAS L. KNAPP

William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism

Care to sound off on a feature in our pages or about a local concern? Write to comments@cityweekly.net or post your thoughts on our social media. We want to hear from you!

THE WATER COOLER

What’s something you were way too old before you learned?

Gavin Dahl

That Salt Lake City is an amazing place filled with awesome people. Sorry, but I didn’t know until I got here.

Carolyn Campbell

I was way too old before I learned how to properly fold a fitted sheet. It felt like magic.

Zach Abend

That, as Hemingway pointed out, “The first draft of anything is shit.”

Scott Renshaw

That you should never consider yourself way too old to learn something.

Chelsea Neider

How to cook; put it off as long as I could.

Katharine Biele

We Americans all learn languages way too late and when we’re way too old.

Mike Ptaschinski

Now in my mid-70s, I think of Mickey Mantle’s quote: “Had I known I was gonna live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”

Benjamin Wood

Sweet potatoes are delicious.

OPINION

BY WES LONG

From One Worrier to Another...

Throughout my time as a student, I remember envying those classmates who seemed to know instinctively what they would do with their lives. Either by natural endowment or apparent ease of discovery, these fortunate souls zeroed in on their chosen paths and ran to wherever said paths might take them. Others like myself dithered and worried, first about what direction we actually wanted, and then upon making a choice, whether those actions were ill advised.

Such is the kind of cautious soul that I am. But hey, it’s people like me who keep Alka-Seltzer afloat, so no one can say we don’t contribute to the general welfare.

Marking three years since joining the City Weekly staff, I am now characteristically wondering whether I’d ever be comfortable calling myself a journalist. The word conjures a level of skill that I struggle to recognize in myself. Sure, I’ve been long been intrigued by journalism, but it was only by fortunate happenstance that I was drawn into this field. Having now found this work, it remains a fascinating thing to practice. Still, I wonder about the title.

I mention all this to stress that I don’t know nothin’ and probably never will.

But if there is any insight that can be extracted from the thick and cavernous globe I choose to call my head, it would be this: being informed is important, overload is unhealthy, and we all need a space in which to maintain our equilibrium between these needs.

We Utahns are bombarded from every direction by social platforms and a commercial media that largely run on trivia, venom and manipulation. Little wonder, then, that in our desire to be connected and informed, we are made sick from the stuff that readily gushes forth. Even worse, we may grow accustomed to such toxic sludge and begin to peddle in it ourselves.

Heaven knows it’s a lucrative business.

But what are we to do when so much seems to be awash in depraved and chaotic behavior by individuals with power? Retreat inward and give up the whole thing? No, we resist when we have the strength and we cleanse whenever it begins to affect our vision.

Journalists often have to do this, and in a hyperconnected society, the rest of us should too.

“You’ll discover a lot of wrong in the world,” veteran Utah reporter Roy Gibson (1924-1989) once warned a group of would-be journalists in 1974. “But you can’t dwell on all the wrongs you’ve uncovered. If you do, your work will consume you. There are too many wrongs for you to right alone.”

As one who works in the media, the image of the hardened and cynical reporter makes much more sense to me now, given the abuse they receive and the kind of garbage that they often have to wade through.

But I have also seen what happens when reporters become so weary and skeptical that little can be believed in anymore—least of all human decency. It does a number on them as people . . . and it certainly makes for dull and predictable copy.

Gibson cautioned his students that yesterday’s news always runs the risk of contaminating today’s history, and that’s worth considering both for those who report the doings of the day as well as those who receive and act on their reports.

To be sure, keeping informed of past and present gives us vital perspective, but a steady diet of questionable in-

formation or even just incessant exposure to the worst of human behaviors does not produce the fullest picture of the world we share.

“Put what you learned today in the back of your mind and open the front of your mind again to fresh ideas, new information, and hope that today will bring more optimism than there was yesterday,” Gibson said. “Maybe you won’t find it, but it’s worth the effort to keep looking.”

It is to this purpose that newspapers like City Weekly exist. Sure, we are apt to uncover villainy and hypocrisy as much as we do high accomplishments and human goodness, but to have a space to contain all these things is the reason we do what we do. Without it, we are either conned into accepting a banal normalization of significant wrongs or we give full flight to our fears and despair, imagining both life and people to be uniformly and irredeemably awful.

Both are dangerous for a functioning democracy.

And so, we offer coverage upon a number of fronts, with local news, arts, entertainment, music and food each providing valuable opportunities for Utahns to do a mental cleanse of varying degrees as well as to build up community wherever they are.

It doesn’t silence the tyrants of the world or make a dent into the baleful national scene, but it does build up and inform people so that they are better able to undertake these larger projects in the process of time.

I may not know much, and I may never really grow comfortable with the title of “journalist,” but I can recognize what is helpful to one’s health and sanity. Being with fellow Utahns helps; caring for the beautiful land around us helps; newspapers like City Weekly help.

For all my worrying and dithering in this turbulent time, I can say I at least have confidence in that. CW City Weekly thanks you for your continued support and readership. To contribute to our ongoing efforts of independent local journalism, go to cityweekly.net/subscribe.

HITS & MISSES

BY KATHARINE BIELE | @kathybiele ANDREA G. HARDEMAN

MISS: Tower Talks

Salt Lake City has seen a lot of restaurants come and go but none will be more missed than Sugar House’s Sizzler. It’s not for the steak and salad bar, but rather for the one-story structure that overlooked Sugar House Park in summer and winter, duck ponds and snow sleds. And now, because the city is anxious about the coming onslaught of people—and peripherally about housing affordability—it is fielding criticism over plans to build a sevenstory hotel. The developer is seeking a zoning change that supporters believe will bring jobs and somehow “new recreational opportunities,” per KSL. There will be parking and traffic challenges, and one notable concern centers around the park’s birds potentially crashing into a 90-foot-tall building. But if history is an indicator, Sugar House—once a walkable, streetcar suburb turned suburban shopping area—will continue to grow up and out.

HIT: Defending Your Data

Don’t blame Utah voters for being confused. It’s hard enough for them to keep up with the frenetic legislative actions aimed ironically at “voter confidence,” while the federal government is tinkering with a long-trusted system, too. First, the changing landscape of Utah law: Until this year, some 40% of Utah voters had opted to keep their voting records private. But now, unless you have a court order, are a member of the armed services or police, are a public figure or have been threatened with domestic violence, some of your information will be public—like name, address, age range, party affiliation, and voting history. But that’s not all. The federal government is now seeking all voting records from the states to create a national voter database. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson is fighting back, calling the president’s Executive Order “nonsensical.”

MISS: Naught for Tots

While the state worries about the declining fertility rate, the Legislature still has a hard time justifying daycare subsidies. And a lack of affordable daycare is one reason that Utah couples are putting off having kids. Parents are bracing for the closure of four Salt Lake County daycares in May while the Legislature focused on tax-based incentives for families and businesses. No surprise, a bill from Democratic Sen. Luz Escamilla to expand child care failed to pass. The idea in SB248’s Child Care Expansion Act was to transfer unused funds to the tune of $3,740,000 from Capital Improvements to the Department of Government Operations. It was supposed to create an “employer-based, stateassisted childcare expansion program to make quality child care in the state more available,” according to ABC4. The bill would simply make remodeling a facility a reality through a partnership with the state. Escamilla also offered a bill to provide grants for home-based child care centers, but it, too, failed. Where money is concerned, the Utah Legislature is all about tax credits so it doesn’t have to fund programs. CW

Good Eats

Iremember the moment I first tasted the exquisite pop of cinnamon in

Eats Bakery’s classic cinnamon roll. It was love at first bite.

Maybe you’ve seen them at various farmers markets, or you’ve passed by their brick-and-mortar store at 248 E. 100 South. But do you know the story of how Eats began?

Eats owners Kandi and Byron Tesen met in the U.S. Army Reserve. She fell hard and fast, but Byron was on a different page.

“I had to chase him,” Kandi recalled.

After he (finally) showed interest a few months later, the pair fell in love and started a family while continuing their military careers.

Both of the Tesens have sweet tooths, but they were self-proclaimed eaters and not bakers at the time. They enjoyed the fruits of family members’ labor and were more likely to volunteer as tasters.

That started to change when Kandi developed digestive issues following a deployment. Her diet was reduced to seafood as the only tolerable meat, along with a highly restricted set of foods. Baking became a way to satisfy her sweet tooth safely.

Kandi began prayerfully exploring new career paths at the 12-year mark of her civilian job in the U.S. Army Reserve and felt called to open a coffee shop. Doubt crept in when she put in her notice, until a friend called an hour later with a deployment opportunity that funded what is now Eats.

During COVID, barista classes were cancelled, and Kandi’s focus shifted to the types of food they’d serve at the shop. She began researching quality ingredients and unique flavors—thus the baking experiments began.

If you’ve had Eats, you know that their treats aren’t sugary sweet. That’s influenced by Byron’s Guatemalan heritage and the fact that both Tesens prefer a more balanced flavor profile.

Their menus change with the season and they often incorporate local ingredients. In the summer, customers can order from several citrus flavors made with freshly squeezed fruit.

From cinnamon rolls to donuts— and that rosemary cookie I was so skeptical about until the flavors did a dance in my mouth—you’ll find more than one reason to go back.

Have young kids? No problem. There’s a kiddy table paired with a comfy sofa for you towards the back.

Eats is community focused. There’s a communal table for meetings, and you can partner with the bakery to host your own events.

You can find Eats at the Downtown Farmers Market as well as several others that take place across the Salt Lake Valley. Or just swing by their shop for a drink and some eats Wednesday through Sunday at 100 South in Downtown Salt Lake City. CW

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All Politics is Local

Voices & Votes combines a touring exhibition with West Valley’s story of making voices heard.

BY GENEVIEVE VAHL comments@cityweekly.net

Democracy can be an abstract concept, but every town, city or village has its own story within the national context of American democracy. West Valley City, for example, only 46 years ago demonstrated its own act of local democracy after a back-and-forth battle to get the city officially incorporated. In February 1980, by a mere 72 vote margin, West Valley City was born—now Utah’s second largest city, and its only minority-majority municipality.

That story is just one example of the power in civic engagement, and how we can all work to bring our dreams for our communities to life. On March 28, the Smithsonian Institute and Utah Humanities opened the Voices & Votes: Democracy in America exhibit as a part of their Museum on Main Street traveling program at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Unique local companion exhibits are presented alongside Voices & Votes to “provide a catalyst for host communities to collect, celebrate, and showcase their unique local history and traditions as part of the national exhibition theme,” said Deena Pyle, communications director for Utah Humanities. “Each host site creates at least one local exhibition in connection with the Smithsonian tour that is aligned with their community history. The local exhibitions often remain part of the host site long after the Smithsonian tour has finished.”

West Valley’s own iteration, 72 Voices | 72

Votes, told the story of West Valley City’s genesis, through art, ephemera and text boards in an example that makes politics more tangible, more approachable and more relatable for the host community through its own stories. Although the local exhibit is small, the community action involved in West Valley City’s incorporation offers a modern, local example of the power in civic engagement.

“This exhibition is especially meaningful for our diverse West Valley City, because it invites every resident to see themselves in the ongoing story of American democracy. As Utah’s second-largest city, built through determination and civic participation, we understand the power of showing up and being heard,” said Michael Christensen, Division of Arts & Culture Visual & Performing Arts Manager at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in an email interview. “We are proud to launch Utah’s tour of Voices & Votes, which allows us to reflect on how local voices shape local history, and how our community’s story connects to our broader national history.”

The second local companion exhibit displays trophy cases of political buttons. At the opening event on March 28, a dad explained to his pre-teen sons, “Before there was TikTok, before there was Instagram, people wore buttons to show what candidate they supported.” The collection came from former West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder, who has been collecting the buttons since high school. Some start as early 1896 with Theodore Roosevelt and chronologically move into more contemporary Kamala Harris and Donald Trump buttons, with everything in between in all shapes, sizes and ironies. In the opening speeches, Christensen thanked the individuals who had the foresight to keep these ephemera that they knew would mean something one day.

Voices & Votes reads as a very idealized presentation of the capitalism-driven democracy we have hobbled our way through since the first Europeans took that “great leap of faith” in starting a new government. From the first spark of resistance to

monarchy, through the process of declaring independence and amending that document as the democracy has shifted over time, the exhibit takes viewers through an evolutionary timeline of our national democracy.

“Over the two and a half centuries since 1776, our democracy has continued to evolve beyond the experiences and predictions of its framers,” Pyle remarked. “One thing has been constant—the inherent tension caused by the push and pull, vision and revision that democracy requires as Americans continue to debate how to shape our country.”

America was founded on the idea of resisting monarchy and aristocracy through collective action. “If they could unite with one another,” reads one of the text boards, “‘the common people,’ of the colonies might form a more equal society and government. From boycotts, to a declaration of independence, to armed resistance, the people made their voices heard.” The sentiment, in the current political climate, warrants consideration when it is again necessary to resist tyranny.

“This exhibition reminds us that democracy demands participation as Ameri-

cans continue to question how to shape our country. Civic engagement is not a passive experience. It requires participation not only in voting, but in using our voices in effective ways,” said Pyle.

Exhibitions like this start conversations to bring awareness back to the capacity of our vote and voices that has drifted since the waning of civic education and engagement. Especially in small-town America, this exhibition can begin breaking down the urban/rural divide and educate through this kind of programming.

“Each generation faces new challenges and opportunities, and we re-shape our country when we each use our voices at the ballot box, in meeting houses, and everywhere decisions are made that affect our communities,” Pyle said. “How will you use your voice?” CW

VOICES & VOTES: DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA

Utah Cultural Celebration Center 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City March 28 - May 31 Free during operating hours culturalcelebration.org/galleries

Take a stroll through democratic history at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center

theESSENTIALS

ENTERTAINMENT PICKS, APRIL 9-15, 2026

SLAC: Murder Ballad

The rock-opera musical Murder Ballad by writer/lyricist Julia Jordan and composer/lyricist Juliana Nash isn’t inspired by a specific “true crime” story. Yet as Jordan shared in a 2012 interview coinciding with the show’s premiere, its themes are inspired by the same concepts that have made such narratives so fascinating, particularly to women. “I think there’s something in [women] that is brought up to be afraid,” Jordan said. “Women have to be on their guard and protective. And it’s true—it’s out there, it’s real. It’s something that we’re constantly being told about. We have a fascination with what it is, with could it really happen, and how.”

The story of Murder Ballad follows a woman named Sara who has been living a simple, happy life with her husband and child, until she reconnects with an ex-boyfriend who has a more dangerous side, and she becomes fascinated with re-exploring that edgier side of her own life. In a separate 2014 interview, Jordan noted that its darker themes are of a kind that, stereotypically, are not expected of women writers. “I think that’s one of the things I found really frustrating when I was younger—this idea that we were supposed to be lyrical and quirky,” she said. “I don’t think I’m either one of those things. I think I do like more muscular, I’m-going-to-spin-you-a-tale type stuff.”

Salt Lake Acting Company’s regional premiere production of Murder Ballad comes to the company’s Upstairs Theater (168 W. 500 North) April 8 through May 3. Tickets are $45; visit saltlakeactingcompany.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)

theESSENTIALS

Ballet West: West Side Story Suite: Broadway and Beyond

The arbitrary lines defining one particular type of dancing are often just that: arbitrary. You can think of one style as “modern dance,” something else as “ballet,” and still another style as “Broadway,” but what happens when you find elements of all of the above in the same package? That’s certainly one way to think about the choreography that the legendary Jerome Robbins brought to West Side Story, an athletic but romanticized style that somehow made a gang rumble seem poetic.

The artists of Ballet West present excerpts from West Side Story in a unique program that allows the dancers to stretch creatively, according to artistic director Adam Sklute. “This production is unlike any other I have brought to Ballet West throughout my tenure,” Sklute says via press release. “With our artists singing and dancing, this program bridges the world of classical ballet and Broadway musical theater, offering something truly extraordinary.” The evening also features Christopher Wheeldon’s Carousel (A Dance), a romantic and uplifting work inspired by the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic; Wheeldon’s hauntingly intimate and pure dance pas de deux from After the Rain, set to the music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt; and Jerome Robbins’ Antique Epigraphs, a mysterious and mesmerizing work for eight dancers based on Greek antiquity and set to the music of Claude Debussy.

Ballet West presents West Side Story Suite: Broadway and Beyond at the Capitol Theatre (50 W. 200 South) April 10 – 18, with tickets starting at $29. Visit balletwest.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (SR)

Arms Around America @ Kingsbury Hall

When producer Dan Froot started developing the concept for Arms Around America in 2018, in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, he didn’t expect that it would be a complicated and nuanced exploration of guns in America. “I entered this pretty solidly on the side of the gun reform camp—even more leftist radical than that, basically wanting to take people’s guns away,” Froot shared with City Weekly in 2025. “I have come to recognize that it is  so complicated, and that, just like money is not just about money, and sex is not just about sex, guns are not just about guns.”

The show consists of staged readings of six stories covering a wide range of perspectives on firearms in American life—some from people whose lives have been impacted by gun violence, some from those for whom guns have been a large part of their lives—presented in a radio-show-style format. “The format puts the listener in the position of having to imagine the scenario, an empathic position where there’s a gap between what they’re seeing—people reading scripts—and what they’re hearing, the live sound effects and the music,” Froot said. “That to me, that work the audience has to do, the imaginative work, is where empathy really comes in.”

Dan Froot & Company’s Arms Around America comes to Kingsbury Hall (1375 E. Presidents Circle) for two performance, April 9 – 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $47, with $13 youth tickets also available. Visit utahpresents.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (SR)

BAILEY

No Kings

A modern-day Hamlet takes a bold look at a scion of wealth’s journey of discovery.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

University courses, scholarly books and entire academic careers have been devoted to the question of why the works of William Shakespeare endure, and why Hamlet in particular keeps calling out to artists for their own interpretations, so please understand that I’m not presumptuous enough to think I can offer a definitive answer. But I know what makes sense to me: As a text, it feels infinitely malleable. Whether in the myriad ways to interpret the actions (and inactions) of the central character, or in the times and places where the premise could be set, Hamlet exemplifies Shakespeare’s wide-ranging curiosity about humanity. Centuries of actors, screenwriters and directors digging into that curiosity on stage and screen makes it clear that we’re still trying to understand what makes our messy, self-aware species tick.

Director Aneil Karia and screenwriter Michael Lesslie are hardly the first to place the melancholy prince in the modern world, but it’s clear that they have a very specific reason for doing so: They appear most interested in demythologizing the entire idea of “king’s” passing being the pivot point for a tragedy. Because this story is set in the 21st century, Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) isn’t mourning a literal monarch; instead, his recently-deceased father was a real-estate tycoon, the CEO of “Elsinore Properties.” And the writing is literally on the walls that Old Hamlet was not some beloved figure among the common folk, with graffiti succinctly reading “Fuck

uncle

is in fact set to take over the company’s reins rather than Hamlet himself, but it feels pretty obvious that the operation itself is basically the slumlord business. That’s just one of many ways in which this Hamlet is willing to shift Shakespeare’s text in order to find something new to say. Not only is this a particularly streamlined version—you’ll find no Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, no “alas, poor Yorick”—but it’s one that upends the chronology in order to make the wedding of Claudius and Hamlet’s mother Gertrude (Sheeba Chaddha) one that takes place not before the action of the play starts, but the heart of the thing, where Karia stages the players’ interpretation of Claudius’ possible murder of Old Hamlet as a remarkable dance sequence and Hamlet’s rebukes as part of an awkward wedding speech. The appearance of Old Hamlet’s ghost, which sets Hamlet on his possible quest for revenge, comes in the wake of Hamlet getting high at a strip club, which certainly makes it a less than reliable source

for taking action. And shifting the climactic confrontation with Laertes (Joe Alwyn) from a literal duel allows for the action actually to get messier, and to make shifting eyes as significant as clashing swords.

All of these moments hinge on Ahmed’s performance, and he makes for a stunning Hamlet. Karia’s direction certainly knows how to keep him at the center when the character is speaking, like staging the iconic “to be or not to be” monologue with the camera placed in the passenger seat of Hamlet’s car, watching him contemplate driving into oncoming traffic. But the actor is just as good when he’s simply reacting, starting from the opening scene involving the ritual preparation of his father’s body when he seems unsure exactly what to do, setting the character’s tone perfectly. The supporting cast is uniformly terrific—including Timothy Spall as Polonius and Morfydd Clark as an Ophelia who never feels passive—but a Hamlet can really only be as strong as its Hamlet, and Ahmed crushes it.

Another one of the filmmakers’ bolder moves involves the reinterpretation of

Fortinbras—the play’s heir-apparent to the throne after the bloody end of Hamlet’s family line—as an activist collective of unhoused people, those most impacted by the actions of Hamlet’s father. Considering some of the Shakespearean poetry that is lost, it makes for a slightly less satisfying conclusion, yet it also makes for a different kind of hero’s journey for Hamlet himself, in understanding the need for turning over his father’s legacy to the poor. This visually stunning Hamlet pulls its narrative into a vital present, understanding that one of the most compelling arcs for a scion of wealth could be realizing not just what was lost with the death of a callous wielder of power, but what was gained. CW

HAMLET

BBB 1/2

Riz Ahmed

Art Malik

Joe Alwyn

Not Rated

Available April 10 in theaters

Elsinore.” Not much is made of whether Hamlet’s

Claudius (Art Malik)

Riz Ahmed in Hamlet

COMMUNITY RADIO

KRCL takes a big swing with new facility in Salt Lake City’s transforming Guadalupe neighborhood.

BY ARICA ROBERTS comments@cityweekly.net

For years, KRCL has been a staple of Salt Lake City’s community, broadcasting at 90.9 FM from its studios on 300 North. And when the wave of property redevelopment recently arrived at their doorstep, the station seized the opportunity to build a new, permanent home, backed by an ambitious $7 million capital campaign.

The station’s new home will include expanded studio space as well as a venue for community events, fulfilling a longtime goal of evolving KRCL into a vibrant “third place” for their audience.

“It’s always been a dream to open up the station to the community, literally, letting people come in, having people experience these live performances,” said Eugenie Jaffe, KRCL’s Brand Director and host of “Middays with Eugenie.”

Jaffe started as a KRCL volunteer in 2003 before

joining the staff in 2012. Her daily show includes the hour-long segment “Women Who Rock,” which features female artists from across all genres.

Jaffe expressed excitement to physically open the new station to the public, where the listener’s experience will be transformed from purely auditory to an in-person, interactive one. She added that the late Donna Land Maldonado—KRCL’s longtime general manager—left a legacy of lifting others and a track record of inclusive leadership.

“I’m in this very unique space where it’s almost mythical, right? Where all voices matter, where all people matter, where everybody is together, where everyone is valued and equal,” Jaffe said of the KRCL culture. “It is sort of this very special spot.”

Lara Jones, KRCL’s director of social impact and host of the nightly community affairs show “RadioACTive,” similarly provides a platform for activists, nonprofits, rising journalists and local musicians. For one hour a night, five nights a week—and featuring 1,000 guests each year—Jones’ show covers topics from pop culture to politics.

“I call it passing the mic,” she said. “My whole goal from pretty much every radio job I’ve had since 1984 is to treat it as community and bring in the community and put them on the mic.”

Breaking Through

Jones said the expansion of KRCL’s in-person space is a crucial step to deepen the station’s community connection and provide a platform for diverse voices. For example, if a band is looking for a space to play to an audience for the first time, or if some-

one in the community wants to rent space to record a podcast, KRCL will now have an option to offer. They will not stop being a radio station, Jones stressed, but they will have three more studio spaces in the facility—for a total of seven—that can all function “off-air” and enable more investment into their mission and vision to “pass the mic.”

The staff at KRCL describe a setting where an upand-coming local band might perform a set for an audience that otherwise is intimidated by the music clubs or traditional live venues. And in some cases, that set could go out over the airwaves, helping an open mic performer make the jump to radio.

“We’ll be able to have that very intimate experience and invite people in to share that experience,” Jones said. “I think that really broadens the connection with an artist.”

KRCL’s expansion will serve as a vital incubator for local music, particularly for young artists, by filling a critical gap in the Salt Lake City music ecosystem with a permanent, safe and accessible all-ages venue. The project is intended to serve as a “third space” in the rapidly-transforming Guadalupe neighborhood—squeezed between the railroad and Interstate 15—which is projected to become one of Salt Lake City’s most densely-populated neighborhoods in the coming years.

“The idea is we want you to be able to walk into KRCL on a Monday night, and there are teenagers with their band in the venue for little to no money to go to,” executive director Gavin Dahl explained.

“You’ve got a DJ on the air interviewing blues legends from around the world on Zoom, then the education studio has West High students making

a podcast about whatever the hell they want.”

Along with ongoing housing projects, the KRCL studios share the street with The Union Event Center (235 N. 500 West), a 4,000-person venue that brings in big-name music acts by Live Nation. A recently-constructed pedestrian bridge over the nearby train tracks is also located adjacent to the new facility, symbolizing the growing efforts to reconnect Guadalupe and other west-side areas with Marmalade and Downtown.

The studio expansion will also enhance KRCL’s role as an educational hub. For more than 20 years, they’ve partnered with the local after-school media nonprofit Spy Hop and want to continue exploring other partnerships, such as with the Utah Film Center, West High School and SLC Pride, to name a few.

KRCL’s educational mission includes creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in broadcasting, production, and engineering. This was on-air host Ebay Hamilton’s journey at KRCL when he started as a 14-year-old volunteer in 1993 and became a staff member in 2008.

Hamilton was instrumental in the station’s hiphop programming and recalls listening to the station in the early ‘90s to hear new rap songs. He quickly realized he wanted to learn everything he could about radio.

Hamilton recalled his job interview with Maldonado, during which she noted how hard it was to understand his mumbling over the phone. Since then, Hamilton has developed his annunciation.

“So she took me on because of how bad I was,” Hamilton said.

Future Proof

Dahl moved from Colorado in 2022 to join the KRCL team. Despite having a background in radio production, he has been leading the station’s complex capital campaign and construction project.

Dahl said the project was envisioned as a way to “future-proof” the radio station by diversifying its revenue and creating an in-person community hub to engage new and younger supporters. They will still have a rooftop radio signal to Farnsworth Peak, but the new, 11,000-square-foot facility is designed to feature a 200-capacity, all-ages venue (permitted as a “community hall”), new on-air and production studios, an art gallery and a “Donna Land Maldonado” educational studio.

The success and viability of the entire endeavor is deeply reliant on the foundational partnership with the developer, Giv Group, and collaborations with builders, architects and future programming partners. A key component of the project’s financing was the donation of the building and its land from Giv Group, valued at approximately $1.5 million, contingent on signing a construction contract by the end of 2026.

The fundraising campaign was intentionally kept in a “silent phase” to avoid cannibalizing the station’s operational funding, with a goal to reach 75% of the total amount raised before launching a public campaign.

KRCL successfully met its goal in February and celebrated their public launch on April 2nd, including the announcement of a $1 million donation by the Kahlert Foundation.

KRCL has great trust in its listeners and the community’s desire to see the station expand. Last year, despite losing nearly $400,000 in anticipated federal grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the station had a record financial year due to the generosity of its listeners and capital campaign donors.

“2025 was an incredible year for us, but an extremely stressful year,” Dahl noted. “We went from thinking we might have to lay people off in the summer to being able to add. And we’re now up to nine full-time staff for 2026, and 10 others on the part-time side.”

This expansion will create even more job opportunities and has had donation support from such major local entities as the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Foundation, and the Janet Q. Lawson Foundation.

Listeners can now contribute to this campaign and pitch their own ideas for community involvement. Music events will also continuously take place, such as silent discos, local listening lounges, open mics, and collaborations with summer camps like Rock Camp SLC.

Other forms of involvement will be possible, such as local art shows, craft nights, flea markets, film screenings, stand-up comedy, poetry readings and even political meetings with such groups as the League of Women Voters or Utah Global Diplomacy. The new facility is projected to open Summer 2027.

“It’s not about selling out music shows,” Hamilton said. “It’s about giving people cool experiences in the community.”

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Eugenie Jaffe, host of KRCL’s “Middays with Eugenie”

KRCL celebrated the public launch of its expansion effort in style on April 2.

Left: KRCL executive director Gavin Dahl. Above: Giv Group director Chris Parker.

ITALIAN ITALIAN VILLAGE

Popping Up

Building a clientele from alternate formats in the local restaurant scene.

BY MICHAEL LEE comments@cityweekly.net

Around the third time Quyen Pham held her Vietnamese pop-up Sisters, she couldn’t believe the turnout. Looking out the service window inside Liberty Wells’ Picnic Cafe, the tables were packed. There was a line out the door. It was like taking a peek at the audience from behind the curtain before a play. And for Pham, it was a sign that she had made it.

“That’s when I was like, ‘Oh, people are wanting something different, and that’s what they’re waiting here for,’” she said.

More pop-up concepts like Pham’s have circulated Salt Lake City the past few years, and it’s that “something different” she believes is part of what drives their popularity. At a time when local restaurants and shops are closing for a variety of reasons, it’s been a safe way for people to test the waters with their ideas.

For Pham, “different” was simply recreating a sense of familiarity. A fulltime nurse from Atlanta, she missed home, especially cooking with her family. When she made egg rolls for friends in Salt Lake to combat homesickness, they told her the food was reminiscent of their parents’ egg rolls. So, she created Sisters’ Instagram page one night, starting out with making frozen egg rolls for order and pickup. Gaining traction through shares and local influencers, online orders soon became smaller popups, and then regularly at Picnic Cafe when the owner reached out to host her.

“It only just started out like egg rolls, but now it’s a little bit of everything,”

DINE

Marcus

owner

she said. Her pop-ups now include such dishes as lemongrass pork rice noodles and even twists like fish sauce wings.

The home-to-pop-up pipeline is similar to how Marcus Chen started Priscilla’s Pizza, a by-the-slice concept also out of Picnic Cafe. Chen, a former teacher who grew up loving pizza, got his idea via lessons to eighth graders about fermentation. As he dove head first into online videos and documentaries about making pizza, he began hosting parties at his home.

“One particular pizza night, my parents actually came, and my dad and mom were both like, ‘This is really good, you should consider doing something with it,’” he said. “My mom does not like pizza at all, so that’s the gimmick behind Priscilla’s and naming it after her.”

Eventually, Chen’s pizzas also caught the eye of Vi Tran, owner of Picnic Cafe, who invited him to occasionally set up shop in the cafe, where he sells slices with twist ingredients like a kimchi tomato or garlic-and-leek pesto sauce.

Offering a variety of foods in the city could be a reason pop-ups are increasingly popular, noted Eli Fuhrman, owner of the newly-opened All Purpose Bakehouse near the Maven District. Fuhrman, who briefly sold French pastries at a coffee cart from local grocer Liberty Heights Fresh last year, believed Salt Lake City had a “dearth” of bakeries, although that’s improving.

“There’s certain businesses and products that for some reason haven’t made it to the market in Salt Lake City yet, even though population-wise, I think there’s a demand for it,” he said. “The barrier of entry for a brick-and-mortar is big, and it’s hard to start an unproven concept.” That has meant leaning upon classics— like croissants and financiers—which he said gained a lot of interest during his stint at the coffee cart.

But it’s not just the variety that popup owners believe capture the interest of community members; it’s also that they

help foster that community. In a world where social media promotes dating events and other social gatherings, pop-ups are just another way people have gotten out to socialize, Pham said: “You’re standing in line, you’re meeting other people. That’s why pop-ups have been a hit.”

The community-building also fosters a “symbiotic relationship” between the pop-ups and the businesses at which they’re hosted, Chen believes, similar to how food trucks set up shop at local breweries where both benefit from the foot traffic. “There’s places that want to be little community hubs, so it’s easy to get people connected when it’s food, and pop-ups allow for that to be flexible,” he said. “What pop-ups allow [businesses] to do is to fill part of your operation that you might not have.”

With a brick-and-mortar bakery, Fuhrman has been able to create a space for the community he’s fostered in Salt Lake City—a plan he’d had long before selling pastries at the coffee cart. Even as he’d saved money for a long time to open, selling at the cart was the confidence boost he needed to open his bakery. “I wouldn’t have slept as much if I didn’t know that I had customers, had people who wanted this, people who wanted to support me,” he said. “It was the perfect stepping stone.”

Others like Pham, however, don’t see a brick-and-mortar as an end goal, especially with the risks of it not performing as well once it opens. And for her personally, the flexibility of hosting pop-up events while holding her fulltime nursing job is not something she wants to give up.

But a “stepping stone” is what Chen sees with Priscilla’s, as his goal is to one day open a shop of his own.

“You meet people who are willing to open their doors like Vi who say, ‘You have a good pizza, let’s see what happens with a pop-up here,” he said. “A pop-up allows you to explore that space before you make the big jump.” CW

MICHAEL LEE

Chen,

of pop up Priscilla’s Pizza, prepares for service

2 Row Brewing

73 West 7200 South, Midvale 2RowBrewing.com

On Tap: Dos Filas - Mexican Lager

Avenues Proper

376 8th Ave, SLC avenuesproper.com

On Tap: White Out - White Stout

Bewilder Brewing

445 S. 400 West, SLC BewilderBrewing.com

On Tap: Pink Boots - Pink Pony Pilz

Bohemian Brewery

94 E. Fort Union Blvd, Midvale BohemianBrewery.com

NEW Releases: Kölsch, Dusseldorfer “Alt” Bier

Bonneville Brewery 1641 N. Main, Tooele BonnevilleBrewery.com

On Tap: Peaches and Cream Ale

Chappell Brewing

2285 S Main Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84115 chappell.beer

On Tap: Pie Hole - Strawberry Rhubarb Tart Ale

Craft by Proper

1053 E. 2100 So., SLC properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Paradise Lost - dry hopped rice lager

Desert Edge Brewery

273 Trolley Square, SLC DesertEdgeBrewery.com

On Tap: Edge’s Special Bitter ESB

Epic Brewing Co.

825 S. State, SLC EpicBrewing.com

On Tap: Billion Dollar Sculpin IPA

Etta Place Cidery

700 W Main St, Torrey EttaPlaceCider.com

On Tap: All-American Blend Cider, MangoHabanero Session Mead

Fisher Brewing Co.

320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com

On Tap: A rotation of up to 17 Fresh Beers!

Grid City Beer Works

333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com

In a Can: Extra Pale Ale

Heber Valley Brewing

501 N. Main Street, Heber City, UT hebervalleybrewing.com

On Tap: Stellar Stream IPA

Helper Beer

159 N Main Street, Helper, UT  helperbeer.com

Hopkins Brewing Co. 1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com

On Tap: Raspberry Gose

Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

On Draft: Bliss IPA (Extremely Small Batch)

Kiitos Brewing Sugar House Bar 1533 S. 1100 East, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

On Draft: Bliss IPA (Extremely Small Batch)

Level Crossing Brewing Co. 2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Vienna Lager

Level Crossing Brewing Co., POST 550 South 300 West, Suite 100, SLC LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: El Santo Mexican Lager

Moab Brewing 686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap:  “Big Drop” West Coast Pilsner

Mountain West Cider

425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: SpringThyme (Apricot Thyme Hard Cider)

Offset Bier Co 1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City offsetbier.com/ On Tap: DOPO IPA

Ogden Beer Company

358 Park Blvd, Ogden OgdenBeerCompany.com

On Tap: 11 rotating taps as well as high point cans and guest beers

Park City Brewing 1764 Uinta Way C1 ParkCityBrewing.com

On Tap: Smooth Operator Cream Ale

Prodigy Brewing 25 W Center St. Logan Prodigy-brewing.com

On Tap: 302 Czech Pilsner

Proper Brewing/Proper Burger 857 So. Main & 865 So. Main properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Saison du Ben (Saison)

Proper Brewing Moab 1393 US-191, Moab properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Saison du Ben (Saison)

Red Rock Brewing 254 So. 200 West RedRockBrewing.com

On Tap: Gypsy Scratch

Red Rock Fashion Place 6227 So. State Redrockbrewing.com

On Tap: Grand Bavaria

Red Rock Kimball Junction 1640 Redstone Center Redrockbrewing.com

On Tap: Bamberg Rauch Bier

RoHa Brewing Project 30 Kensington Ave, SLC RoHaBrewing.com

On Tap: Bramble Brown

Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations RoostersBrewingCo.com On Tap: Hibiscus Sour

SaltFire

BEER NERD

Lucky Sevens

Two anniversary ales for celebration and enjoyment.

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

When two local breweries celebrated seven years producing some of the best Utah beer—all in the same weekend—I knew I was in for an excellent day of “research.” Both breweries produced a special beer, each one as distinctive as their locations and philosophies.

Level Crossing - 2026 Space Oddity: This 2026 anniversary release from Level Crossing lands like a full-on citrus detonation—bold, expressive and unapologetically hop-forward. Built around a powerhouse lineup of Strata, Enigma, Galaxy, Comet and Apollo hops, this double IPA leans hard into its identity as a vibrant, fruit-saturated showcase rather than conforming to any rigid stylistic lane.

On the nose, it’s a burst of citrus complexity. Bright orange peel, ruby grapefruit and tangerine zest rise first, followed by more nuanced layers of lime pith, passionfruit and a faint dank edge that keeps things grounded. Each hop seems to contribute its own accent, but together they form a seamless aromatic chorus.

The flavor follows suit with a juicy, high-impact delivery. Waves of citrus roll across the palate—grapefruit bitterness leads, softened by sweet orange and hints of tropical fruit. There’s a subtle resinous backbone, likely courtesy of Apollo and Comet, that provides structure without overwhelming the fruit character.

Despite its 8.8 percent strength, the beer remains surprisingly drinkable, avoiding the heavy, syrupy pitfalls that can plague bigger IPAs. Mouthfeel is smooth and moderately full, with just enough carbonation to keep things lively. Bitterness is present but well-integrated, acting more as a balancing force than a dominant trait. The finish is clean, slightly dry and leaves a lingering impression of citrus rind and soft tropical sweetness.

Verdict: As a seventh anniversary release, it’s both celebratory and con-

fident—a statement beer that reflects a brewery comfortable with pushing boundaries while delivering pure drinkability. Cheers to seven years and many more bold, hop-driven creations ahead.

UTOG - Anniversary VII: Anniversary VII kicks things off with a noticeable, practical win: It’s in a 12-ounce can. It’s a thoughtful choice, especially for a beer that leans complex and contemplative. Not every brew demands a full 16-ounce commitment, and this format feels perfectly suited to what’s inside.

Cracking it open reveals an aromatic profile that’s both intriguing and layered. The nose leads with a distinct oaky, whiskey-driven character, complemented by a vinous quality that suggests depth and a touch of elegance. It’s the kind of aroma that makes one pause for a second sip before the first even happens.

On the palate, the experience unfolds in a fascinating progression. Bright green apple and a sharp lemon note hit up front, delivering a crisp, slightly tart introduction. Then the barrel influence begins to assert itself—soft waves of oak and subtle whiskey tones emerge, adding warmth and structure without overpowering the fruit. The balance here is key: It’s puckering and lively, but never harsh or abrasive. As it develops, the vinous qualities continue to weave through the flavor, lending a wine-like complexity that keeps things dynamic. The oak presence remains steady, providing a dry, slightly tannic backbone that enhances the overall mouthfeel.

There’s a gentle alcohol warmth in the finish, just enough to remind you of its strength without distracting from the experience. What stands out most is how composed everything feels. Barrel, fruit and acidity all play in harmony, creating a beer that’s both refreshing and layered. It’s the kind of release that rewards slow sipping and thoughtful appreciation.

Verdict: A fitting tribute to seven years, Anniversary VII feels like a celebration of refinement, balance and a willingness to explore beyond the expected. Cheers to UTOG and many more years ahead.

Grab both of these beers to-go or enjoy at their respective brew pubs. As always, cheers! CW

the BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Doki Doki Announces Closure

According to an Instagram post, downtown Japanese dessert cafe Doki Doki (dokidessert.com) announced that it would be closing its doors for good on April 19. Cafe owner Irie Cao broke the news on social media in a heartfelt message that celebrated the cafe’s time in downtown Salt Lake. Doki Doki and Cao have undergone a wide range of struggles over the past few years, and the community that the cafe has built will always be one of Doki Doki’s greatest success stories. Doki Doki will be open seven days a week before April 19, and anyone who has enjoyed the work of Cao and Doki Doki should pop in and snag one last slice of crepe cake before Cao moves on to the next chapter.

Wrapping Up Gin Week with Alpine Distiling

Park City’s Alpine Distilling (alpinedistilling.com) has officially declared April 7 - 12 to be Gin Week. It’s a great way for gin fans to celebrate their favorite botanical spirit, but it’s also an excellent excuse to get your butt up to Park City and experience the hard work of Sara Sergent first-hand. Gin Week has already seen the premiere of Alpine’s new hibiscus-infused Lily Lake Gin, which can only be purchased at the distillery. Visitors can also snag a Distiller’s Gin Tote, which is designed to carry a few bottles of your favorite gin around. At 4 p.m. on April 11, Sergent will host an Alpine Gin portfolio tasting, which can be booked in advance.

Culinary Dropout To Open This Summer

Arizona-based restaurant concept Culinary Dropout (culinarydropout.com) is slated to open its first Utah location later this summer. It looks to be taking its cues from Southern comfort food like fried chicken, biscuits and monkey bread, and it’s packing a pretty decent bar program that will include cocktails, mocktails and local beer. Perhaps the most interesting thing about Culinary Dropout is its focus on live music—each location has a stage and books live musicians to come and play. At the moment, Culinary Dropout will be opening at 765 S. 400 West in downtown’s Granary District. I’ll keep an eye on this one; it could be a pretty good spot for local musicians to get some gigs.

Quote of the Week: “I never drink anything stronger than gin at breakfast.” – W.C. Fields

An Operating System

Mitch

Henderson departs V2 Presents, but continues the goal of upgrading the local drum and bass scene.

BY ARICA ROBERTS comments@cityweekly.net

The electronic music scene in Salt Lake City is currently undergoing massive changes. The recent schism within local company V2 Presents was the direct catalyst for the departure of long-standing employee Mitch Henderson. But he remains determined to keep building the local music scene and recently launched his own brand >dnbOS_ that exclusively books drum and bass (DnB) artists.

Drum and bass has a long history—beginning in the U.K. in the early ’90s—and is thriving across Europe and parts of North America. Henderson believes the genre is on an upward trajectory in the United States, and hopes that his consistency will pay off in the long run as the genre expands its audience in Utah.

“I just see it getting more popular in the U.S. and wanted to make sure that we didn’t lose a foothold, honestly,” Henderson explained.

If there’s anyone who knows the insand-outs of the local scene, Henderson is your man. He’s been working in the music industry for over a decade, acting as the former business manager for V2 Presents. He began his career as an aspiring music producer before transitioning to the business side by working for free with V2’s co-founder, Jeremy Moreland, in the realm of artist management. He became the first official employee

of V2 Presents and was instrumental in creating organizational systems that facilitated the company’s growth. The split between V2 co-founders Moreland and Brandon Fullmer includes ongoing disputes over the brand “SLC DNB,” which drove Henderson to act quickly in creating >dnbOS_ to avoid drum and bass from losing momentum in Salt Lake City.

“I have a personal obsession with drum and bass,” Henderson said. “Me and Brandon Fullmer travel to Croatia every summer for the past four or five years now to go to Hospitality on the Beach, a big record label festival that they do in Croatia with boat parties and all this stuff.”

While the Hospitality on the Beach festival in Croatia includes a full spectrum of drum and bass—from “Liquid” to “Jungle,” “Rollers” to “Neuro,” “Dancefloor” to “Minimal” and everything in between—Henderson believes that “Jumpstyle” and “Dancefloor” are the two most popular styles here. Artists like the supergroup Worship Project, Culture Shock, Dimension and Sub Focus, the duo Delta Heavy and producer Grafix, all fall into these sub-genres, and are proving to be very successful on this side of the pond. For example, Worship recently sold out Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, showing the trend towards a more melodic, “dancefloor” oriented sound that is more accessible to a broader audience.

“A lot of the artists that I’m booking are making more dancefloor type stuff … it has a better pull,” Henderson remarked. “There’s just such a crazy, cool drum and bass scene in Europe that I want to try and bring that vibe and consistency to Salt Lake.”

From conversations with promoters in other markets like Denver, Henderson knows that building this scene requires a dedicated and persistent approach. After all, consistency is the key to success. So how will Henderson achieve this?

MUSIC

While there is already increasing popularity and commercial success for drum and bass within the U.S., with potential to move from a niche underground genre to one with mainstream potential, Henderson’s strategy for >dnbOS_ is to start with smaller, diverse venues. This way, he can cultivate a community and influence perceptions of the genre’s viability among fans and industry peers as they see its potential.

“The whole brand, >dnbOS_ is a play off of Mac OS and iOS, those operating systems that technology runs on. So the whole brand is essentially supposed to be a platform that drum and bass can live on, and it will continually progress and get more advanced,” he explained.

Along with his industry experience, Henderson holds a certification in web development from the University of Utah

and is handling all aspects of the business, from talent buying, marketing, web design and graphic design to advertising, and even designing merchandise.

“I am wearing all the hats, essentially, aside from some counseling from friends of mine that have been in the industry for a long time, helping me make the connections that I need in order to book the artists that I want,” he said.

The debut of >dnbOS_ took place at Sky SLC with artists Delta Heavy backto-back with Grafix. Shows are scheduled through mid-June, and include Circadian at Project Pierpont on April 17; Fred V and Etherwood at EVE SLC on May 2; [Ivy] and Blossom at EVE SLC on June 6; Matrix & Futurebound at Urban Lounge on June 12; and Metrik and Bensley at Soundwell on June 20. Stay informed by following online at @dnbos_ and dnbos.net. CW

Mitch Henderson

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

BEST BAR IN UTAH!

MUSIC PICK S

The Mother Hips @ State Room 4/10-4/11

Formed in 1990 in Chico, California, The Mother Hips have resolutely charted their own unique musical path. Early releases showcased an indie-rock take on psychedelia, emphasizing a laidback vibe that delivered rich emotional texture in a seemingly effortless, unhurried manner. Critics sometimes compared the band to overrated acts (Grateful Dead) and criminally underrated ones (Moby Grape), but the truth lies somewhere in the middle, as The Mother Hips don’t draw overtly from the sound or character of any specific musical forebears. Shades of everything from rockabilly to funk to blues to power pop—all delivered with a Bay Area jam-band aesthetic—show up in their original music. The band has been as prolific as it is eclectic, releasing more than a dozen studio albums and four live sets. The latest from The Mother Hips, 2024’s California Current, simultaneously leans into a rootsy Americana vibe and an improvisational approach; those twin values provide an ideal canvas for the band’s upbeat, sunny-disposition tunes. The Mother Hips come to the State Room for two nights, Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11, both nights at 8 p.m. featuring opener KJ Ward. General admission tickets for these 21+ shows are $32, available from axs.com. (Bill Kopp)

UPCOMING SHOWS

Jesus Christ Taxi Driver

Cecret Souls

Homeboy Sandman

Millergold

WEEKLY

Uptown Sasquatch

Linda From Work

Senior Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences and Technology, Denali Therapeutics, Inc. Saly Lake City, UT. F/T. Bachelor’s deg or foreign equiv in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical, Mechanical or Biomedical Engg or rltd discipline & 5 yrs of exp as a Process Engineer, Manufacturing Mgr, Mfg Ops Specialist, or rltd position in the BioPharma Industry working w/ biologics/protein therapeutics. Salary Range: $121,000 -$169,744/yr. https://dnli.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ Not_Applicable/job/Salt-Lake-City/ Senior-Engineer--ManufacturingSciences-and-Technology_R-1511

MUSIC PICK S

KBP Local Highlight @ Kilby Court 4/11

With Kilby Block Party just on the horizon, the festivities are starting early, with spotlight shows of the awesome locals who will be performing at the festival. At the top of the bill is music project Wilbere, who bring a unique and pleasant indie folk sound. Their 2024 EP My Given Name is a delightful mix of string instruments, earnest lyrics and smooth vocals. Songs like “Tether” mix things up with electric guitar and a more alt/indie vibe; this song is the most popular on the group’s Spotify, and it’s easy to see why. Bad Luck Brigade are also lending their talent to the lineup, celebrating their February release, NOTHING. The contemporary R&B/lo-fi feel is comfortable and groovy, heavy on the bass and drums. The opening track “THE 4LOKO MOTIVE,” is a slower jam with cool guitar effects, but then things pick up on the next song “A LITTLE.” Here they show off their rap skills over a great bassline and guitar noodling for emphasis. To add a taste of some good old rock ‘n roll, Bonneville will round out the bill. 2025 was big for the four-piece, as they released their latest, a self-titled EP, and the band has continued to experiment and grow their sound since their first song dropped the year before. This is an early and great showing of what’s to come at Kilby Block Party. Come enjoy this local lineup on Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Grab yours at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

MUSIC PICK S

Bear Grillz @ VIP Event Center 4/11

Your favorite uncanny bear—none other than Bear Grillz (Robert James Pangelinan a.k.a. “RJ”)—is headlining the AMF Vol2 show this weekend. Behind the giant bear-head helmet with glaring LED eye sockets and a permanent grin, the Denver-based electronic bass producer is a global music brand with soldout shows across several continents. The face-melting, neck-breaking bass music in his albums Bear Grillz & Friends Volume 1 and Bear Grillz & Friends Volume 2 showcases his ability to team up for heavy bangers without being overshadowed. This phenomenon has continued in his later albums like Friends: The Album, which includes the songs “Where We Are” featuring Adventure Club and JT Roach, “Run It” featuring Riot Ten and Bok Nero, and “Taking Over” featuring Tisoki and Sam Nelson. It’s been a decade since the world has seen who is behind the iconic bear helmet, and Bear Grillz is still going strong in the music world. Expect a gradual climb through the night leading into a peak hour powered by 60,000 watts of bass. Do not forget to wear your ear plugs! Support from Vastive (Samuel Vargas) and VRG (Daniel Pacheco) and local support from Tyrant Hex (Ty Deschain and Tony Siracuse) and Pookie (Natally Hernandez). This 18+ show is at VIP Event Center (1845 S. 300 West) on Saturday, April 11. Doors open at 8:15 p.m., and the show ends at 2 a.m. General admission costs $30 at eventliveus.com. (Arica Roberts)

Homeboy Sandman

@ 3hive Record Lounge 4/12

Angel Del Villar II, a.k.a. Homeboy Sandman, is one of the most interesting and unique artists ever to touch a mic. He’s got it all: wordplay, lyricism, storytelling, voice and persona. I remember hearing First of a Living Breed back in 2012 and being truly blown away. From there to 2018’s Humble Pi with Edan to 2022’s reflective There in Spirit, he’s featured the same idiosyncrasies from project to project, so his music never feels like he has to catch up with current trends. Now in 2026, he just dropped Miami Lice: Season Four alongside Aesop Rock … and well, Sandman has never sounded better.

“It takes a long time to sound like yourself…” Homeboy Sandman told SpinMagazine.com

“I feel like with everything I do, I’m getting further away [from my influences], and coming more into my own.” Openers on this hip-hop

event include Coolzey, who’s witty, clever, inventive with still a degree of Iowa edge for rounded measure, and locals Bad Luck Brigade, who just dropped their debut LP, Nothing; their live band feel is magnetic and engaging. Holding it down on the two turntables are SkratchMo and ChaseOne2. With DJing in lesser hands, you get a few bars of a track you already know. However, these guys are different. Their selections will make you seek out the source material. Catch these acts as part of the 3hive Presents series of shows at their Provo location (71 E. Center Street) on Sunday, April 12. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $14.32 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Mark Dago)

Courtney Marie Andrews @ The State Room 4/13

The sound of wildflowers blooming and sunshine beaming down on an open valley is what Courtney Marie Andrews exudes in her latest record Valentine. Each ballad is the feeling of your hair flowing in the wind driving in the canyon all alone. It feels like a far-away call, and yet pulls you in effortlessly. Andrews is native to Phoenix, Ariz., and began making music in 2008 with selfproduced album Urban Myths at the age of 17. Now 35, she’s produced 12 products with the arrival of the latest, Valentine. The album is a love letter full of complexity and stories from the road. Written from the perspective of the unknown, it’s about growth and reciprocity of the naturalness of the human experience. Andrews’ voice carries you through each emotion, from sadness and longing to opportunity and hope. Her sound is similar to the folk revival, reminiscent of Lucinda Williams and Joni Mitchell, but still, completely her own. It’s acoustically sound and raw; as the hearer, you feel close to her even after the first listen. And with the single release “Little Picture of a Butterfly,” her latest inspiration of human empathy shows right through, not only within the lyrics, but also the whimsical instrumentation. Following her 2016 breakthrough record Honest Life she has toured the US, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Back on the road now, she’ll be making a stop in Salt Lake City on Monday, April 13 at 7 p.m. at The State Room. You must be 21+ to enter the venue; tickets are $30 online at stateroompresents.com.

(Laney Hansen)

WYNDHAM GARNETT

Courtney Marie Andrews

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Unexpected deliverance? Lucky rides? Beginner’s grace? Dreamy, gleaming replacements? To the untrained eye, it may look like you are bending cosmic law in your favor. In truth, you’re simply redeeming the backlog of blessings you earned in the past—acts of quiet generosity and unselfish hardship that never got their proper reward. Serendipitous leaps? Divine detours? Shortcuts to victory? Welcome the uncanny gifts, Aries, even if they’re not what you expected.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

The current phase of your destiny could disturb you if you’re not super patient. Life seems to be teasing you with promises that then go into hiding. You’ve been having to master the art of living on the edge between the big red yes and the grey murky no. My advice: Imagine your predicament as an intriguing riddle, not a frustrating ambiguity. See if you can figure out how to grow wiser and stronger in response to the evasive mysteriousness. My prediction: You will grow wiser and stronger.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Why it’s always triple-great to be a Gemini, drawing on an abundance of mercurial wisdom: 1. You excel at the art of translation and are skilled at finding common ground between different realms. You can oscillate and flow between the lyrical and the pragmatic, the insightful and the comic, the detailed focus and the big picture. 2. You know that consistency is overrated. Your capacity to harbor multiple perspectives is a superpower. 3. You get to be both the question and the answer, proving that wholeness includes all the fragments. All the aptitudes I just named should be your featured approaches in the coming weeks.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

The saga of Troy is one of the most renowned tales from ancient Greece. Yet the fabled setting of Homer’s epic tale, the Iliad was a settlement of just seven acres. Let that detail resound for you in the coming weeks. It’s an apt metaphor for what’s taking shape in your life. A seemingly modest situation could become the stage for a mythic turning point. An experience that starts small may grow into a story of immense and lasting significance.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Many people have a favorite number they regard as lucky. Some choose it because it showed up at a major turning point in their life. Others derive it from their birthday or from the numerology of their name. Plenty are drawn to “master numbers” like 33, 77, or 99. Personally, I give three numbers my special love: 555, the square root of -2 and 1.61803, also known as the golden ratio in Fibonacci-related patterns. I hope this nudges your imagination, Leo. Your fortunes are shifting now in the direction of an unusual kind of luck, so it’s a potent moment to select a new lucky number. I suggest that you also choose a new guiding animal, a fresh initiation name, and a charged symbol to serve as your personal emblem.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Do you know what ignorance is causing you to suffer? Is there a teacher or teaching that could provide an antidote? I suspect you are very close to attracting or stumbling upon the guidance you need to escape the fog: maybe a therapist who can help you undo a hurtful pattern, a mentor to inspire your quest to do work you long to do, or a spiritual friend who reminds you that you’re not merely your latest drama. Your task in the coming weeks is not to obsess on fixing everything at once, but to seek one or two sources of wisdom that illuminate your blind spots and educate your heart.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

I’m an honorary Libra, with three planets and my lunar north node in your sign. So I speak with authority when I declare that fostering harmony, which is a Libran gift, is only superficially about smoothing away friction and asymmetry. More importantly, it’s about rearranging reality

so that beauty is a central feature. The goal is to accomplish practical wonders by stimulating grace and fluency. When I’m best expressing my Libra qualities, I don’t ask how I can please everyone, but rather, how I can serve maximum goodness and intelligence. Here’s another tip to being a potent Libra: Know that your enchanting charm is a lubricant for the truth, not mere decoration. Here’s your homework: Beautify one system you use every day so it serves you with less friction and more pleasure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You are potentially an expert in creative destruction. You have a knack for eliminating what’s unnecessary and even obstructive. What has outlived its usefulness? You’re prone to home in on drains and unleash transformative energy. And yes, this intensity of yours may unnerve people who prefer comfortable numbness—but not me. I love you to exult in your talent for locating beauty and truth that are too complicated for others. I applaud you when you descend into the darkness to retrieve dicey treasures. PS: You’re not shadowy or negative. You’re a specialist in the authentic love that refuses to enable delusion or sanction decay.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

My Sagittarian friend Artemisia bemoans “the scarcity of collective delight.” She wishes there were more public acclaim for stories about breakthrough joys, miraculous marvels, and surprising healings. Why are we so riveted by reports of misery, malaise, and muck, yet so loath to recognize and celebrate everything that’s working really well? She also mourns the odd habit among some educated folks to mistake cynicism for brilliance. If you don’t mind, Sagittarius, I’m assigning you to be an antidote in the coming weeks. Your task is to gather an overflowing harvest of lavish pleasure, fun epiphanies, and richly meaningful plot twists. Don’t hoard any of it. Spread it around to everyone you encounter.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“Id” is a psychoanalytic term. It’s the part of the psyche where basic instincts, needs and drives reside. On the one hand, the id supplies a huge charge of psychic energy. On the other hand, it mostly operates outside conscious awareness. Consider the implications: The fierce, pulsing center of your life force is largely hidden from you. Most of the time, that veil is protective. Encountering the id directly can be overwhelming or unsettling. But in the coming weeks, you Capricorns are poised to cultivate a more interesting and righteous relationship with your high-voltage core. Do you dare? Treat your id as a brilliant but untamed creature. Extend a careful, curious invitation for it to show you more about itself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

In architecture, a “clerestory” is a high window that brings light into a space without compromising privacy. It illuminates without exposing. I suggest you find metaphorical equivalents for clerestories. Look for ways to let spaciousness and brightness into your world without disturbing your boundaries. Your assignment is to avoid swinging between total lockdown and overexposure. The best option: strategic vulnerability and selective transparency. Allow people to see selected parts of you without giving them access to everything. Be both open and discriminating.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

In 1903, the Wright brothers flew a primitive model of the first airplane. How did they prepare the way for their spectacular milestone? Their workshop was a bicycle shop, not a high-tech, state-of-the-art lab. By building and fixing bikes, they learned key insights about flying machines. The lesson for you, Pisces, is that mastery in one area may be transferable to breakthroughs in another. With this in mind, I invite you to evaluate how your current skills, including those you take for granted, might be repurposed. Methods you developed in one context could solve problems in another. You shouldn’t underestimate the value of what you already know.

IHC Health Services, Inc. (dba Intermountain Health) seeks a Healthcare Data Advisor in Salt Lake City, UT. This is a hybrid position requiring in-person presence twice per week. Position may telecommute from home within reasonable commuting distance of Salt Lake City, UT. Apply at https:// imh.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/ IntermountainCareers or email resume to mary.hansen@imail.org. Salary: $125,000.00 - $140,000.00/yr.

DATA ARCHITECT SENIOR -

IHC Health Services, Inc. (dba Intermountain Health) seeks a Data Architect Senior - Clinical in West Valley City, UT. This is a hybrid position requiring in-person presence once per month. Position may telecommute from any state in the US except CA, CT, HI, IL, NY, RI, VT, and WA. Apply at https://imh.wd108.myworkdayjobs. com/IntermountainCareers or email resume to mary.hansen@imail.org. Salary: $117,645.00 – $127,645.00/yr.

WE SELL NEW AND USED AUTO PARTS

We purchase vehicles through auctions, other dealers, and individuals. Those are then checked, stripped, parts cleaned, and then put into inventory. We’ve got parts you won’t find anywhere else in Utah.

urban LIVING

No Touchie!

Spring break is over for most as students return to class. But in 35 states and Washington, D.C., they aren’t allowed to use cell phones in K-12 classrooms. Watching news about this topic, it appears American schools have been on the fast track to get control of the teaching environs. Teachers, administrators, counselors and legislators have pushed to eliminate phone use in an attempt to help kids improve their academic performance and, frankly, their mental health.

We can all most likely agree that both we and our kids have attention problems because of these hand-held computers. Our constant impulse to check our social media, e-mail and such has spawned a nation of both students and adults presenting symptoms of or suffering from ADHD. “The adolescent brain is outmatched by algorithmically optimized engagement loops designed by trillion-dollar tech companies,” according to govfacts.org.

In the book, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt reports on research that correlates the sharp decline in youth mental health—beginning around 2012—with mass adoption of smartphones and the shift from “playbased” to “phone-based” childhoods. Teachers, principals and school staff have reported that “removing phones acts as a circuit breaker for social anxiety and without the device, immediate pressure to curate a digital persona vanishes during the school day.”

During the legislative session, Utah outlawed phones in schools to reduce distraction and help students focus. This is known as a “bell-to-bell” cellphone prohibition in Utah K-12 schools. Individual schools or districts can opt out and develop a different policy.

But maybe you’re not a student. There’s a “no touch” law for drivers under 18, who are prohibited from using any wireless communication device while driving (even with hands-free tech). And the law specifically prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, which includes texting or talking on one’s phone. The only exception is for medical emergency issues or using GPS. If you’re caught violating the law you can get a fine of $100 for first-time offenses and more for repeat offenders.

As of last year, 31 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands have hands-free laws that prohibit drivers from holding or touching phones while operating a vehicle. You may be planning your vacation out of Utah, and I might suggest checking on the driving and phone laws. There are some exceptions if you’re stopped at a red light or in traffic to alter your GPS instructions or if you need to call 911 due to an emergency.

Utah will enforce its bell-to-bell ban this fall, addressing student cell phone use during all instructional time, including lunch and breaks, to reduce distractions. Other laws require that personal devices, including smart watches, be put away and silenced, except for emergencies and students with medical

and disabilities. n

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Salad with bacon and eggs

5. Airport boarding site

9. Hairy like a lion

14. Explorer on TV

15. James Patterson sleuth Cross

16. “Superfudge” author Judy

17. Mic check you can feel in your vertebrae?

20. “Monster” of the southwest

21. Brisbane hoppers

22. “Ay, Dios ___!”

23. Plot surprise

25. British conservative

26. Hanukkah coins

27. Bird feature for Buster Poindexter?

30. Murals and mosaics, e.g.

31. Hive noise

32. Santa ___ winds

33. Conical shelters

36. Pastry coating for shine and color

40. Certain Wall St. trader

41. Progressive mascot

42. Letters on a “4” button

43. Grouch eating like Cookie Monster?

48. Stuck in ___

49. They get in a row

50. Basketball

51. “I Want Your ___” (George Michael hit)

52. Tight-fitting

53. Tiny marchers

54. Bottom-of-the-page section about a devilish number?

59. Festoon

60. At any point

61. Comedian Rudner

62. Toyota subcompact discontinued in the U.S.

63. Nautical beginner?

64. Phishing offer

DOWN

1. Some physical media

2. Alley-___ (sports maneuver)

3. Actress/model Nielsen of “Rocky IV”

4. Vote out at the Round Table, on “The Traitors”

5. Big party

6. Part of a PC-resetting combo

7. Restaurant with samovars

8. Ship abroad

9. Yale School of Management degs.

10. European peak

11. Pumpkin spice component

12. Folder fodder

13. Railroad terminal

18. Low voice

19. Radio Flyer, for instance

23. The one over there

24. Had on 25. Therefore

26. Sink teeth into

28. Where hip-hop originated

29. Activity suffix

34. Agreement

35. Distinct period

36. Shady tree

37. Without a strong opinion

38. Search for bargains

39. Telehealth company for men

41. Cancel, as a debt

43. Big name in frozen potatoes

44. Is really awful, in 1990s leet-speak

45. Ill feeling

46. “Yeesh!”

Last week’s answers

Complete the grid so that each row, column, diagonal and 3x3 square contain all of the numbers 1 to 9. No math is involved. The grid has numbers, but nothing has to add up to anything else. Solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. Solving time is typically 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your skill and experience.

47. The “M” of GM

48. Evaluate

52. “Deadly” septet

53. Hairstyle for Questlove

55. ___ Lanka

56. Gen ___

57. Rideshare app stat

58. Battering item

NEWS of the WEIRD

BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL

You Can Send Human Beings to Space ...

But they may not be able to pee there. For some tense moments after Artemis II launched into space on April 1, the toilet on board was not accepting urine from the astronauts, the Associated Press reported. They saw a blinking fault light and reported the issue to NASA colleagues, who talked them through a plumbing fix that solved the issue. Apollo space journeys did not provide the luxury of toilets; earlier astronauts used a bag and funnel system and left bags of waste on the moon. With the loo in working order again, the Artemis crew members are ... relieved.

Give Me a Break

Over 400,000 units, or 13 tons, of Kit-Kat bars were stolen in Europe the week of March 23, USA Today reported. The chocolate-covered wafers were nabbed in transit on their way from Italy to Poland. The stolen sweets were not the typical log-shaped wafers, but special Formula 1 car-shaped Kit-Kat bars. The thieves have yet to be apprehended, and the candy has not yet been recovered. In response, Nestle, the Swiss-based company that distributes Kit-Kats, launched a Kit-Kat tracker website on April 1 and that’s not an April Fools’ joke. “Help us find them. Use the Stolen KitKat Tracker,” Nestle posted on X. Consumers can go to the website and enter an eight-digit batch code. If the number is confirmed to be from the stolen batch, Nestle said, the consumer or retailer “will be given clear instructions on how to alert KITKAT who will then share the evidence appropriately.” Meanwhile, on social media, brands such as Dominos, Outback Steakhouse and PayPal have offered condolences ... and a little light roasting. “Bad time to roll out our Kit-Kat pancakes huh,” Denny’s said.

It’s a Mystery

In the depths of Lake Superior, according to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, “zombie” fish are swimming along with their brethren, the siscowet lake trout. MLive.com reported on March 31 that the fish, who are the same age and length as the healthy individuals, have lower weight and fat levels and appear emaciated. Scientists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are trying to find out the cause, looking at food limitations, disease, impacts of sea lamprey and contaminants as possibilities.

Saw That Coming

A graffiti tagger in Bellevue, Washington, was plying their trade on March 25 when they tumbled off an overpass onto an I-90 ramp, KOMO-TV reported. Washington State Patrol said the fall happened around 10:30 p.m. The person was taken to a hospital with a possible broken leg and facial injuries. WSP did not provide details about any pending charges.

Unclear

on the Concept

A repo man took off with more than he bargained for on March 27 in Detroit, WXYZ-TV reported. As he prepared a car for towing, he said, he looked inside but the windows were dark, and he didn’t see a 2-year-old child, who he said was covered by a blanket. Jenny Liagre, the owner of the repossession agency, said the driver “did his due diligence. He followed protocol to a T.” The driver was notified about the child during the tow and returned the child to their mother without incident. Liagre said the driver pulled over “four or five different times just to make sure the kid was OK.”

Least Competent Criminal

On March 28, Palm Bay (Florida) police were summoned to a field in The Compound, a remote area, because of a suspicious suitcase, WFTV reported. Inside, officers found human remains, along with a kitchen knife and, oddly, an Amazon package addressed to Lucas Sandler Jones, 19, of Indialantic. Officials are awaiting an autopsy report to confirm the identity of the remains, but they believe the body is 28-year-old Colie Lee Daniel, who had been missing for two weeks. Jones’ girlfriend said Daniel was at Jones’ house on March 20, and the follow-

ing day, she drove Jones to The Compound, where he dropped two containers. Jones is charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a dead body and transporting a human body in an unauthorized container; he bonded out after charges were filed.

The Continuing Crisis

A woman and one of a pair of identical twins have taken their paternity case to the Court of Appeal in London, Sky News reported on March 30. The unnamed woman allegedly had sex with both twins, four days apart, and became pregnant. When the baby was born, one of the twins was named as the father, and the other twin objected. But family court declined to change the father’s name on the birth certificate. However, scientists testified that DNA couldn’t distinguish between the two identical twins. The case is ongoing, but Sir Andrew McFarlane said that the twin listed on the birth certificate would have no parental responsibility until the case is resolved.

Clowning Around

In February, Bolivia’s Ministry of Education decreed that schools must follow a 200-day academic year, essentially banning any days devoted to special events, like parties or performances. On Monday, March 30, the Associated Press reported that an unlikely group took to the streets of La Paz to protest the new decree: not students or parents, but clowns, in their recognizable face paint and red noses. Clowns, who protested alongside costume makers and photographers, are often hired for school festivals and other events. “This decree will economically affect all of us who work with children,” said Wilder Ramirez, a leader of the local clown union. The group marched through La Paz, blowing whistles and setting off small fireworks. Some carried signs, including one that accused the government of “taking away smiles, and taking work away.” The ministry indicated they would consider the group’s concerns when planning for the 2027 school year.

Goals

Theresa Gola, 99, of Massachusetts has always had an affinity for firefighters. In fact, the nonagenarian’s family typically gifts her firefighter calendars every year, a fact known among the staff at the Palm Springs Post Acute Nursing Home in Chelmsford, where Gola has lived for a year. So perhaps it came as no surprise that for her birthday on March 28, she wished for a visit from “some hunky firefighters” and firefighters from the nearby towns of Lawrence, Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford and Dracut obliged. “I was shocked to see all this. I expected a couple to come. Not the whole fire department,” Gola said. “They’re beautiful people,” she added. “My firemen are the best. They’re my world.” The firefighters were happy to help her celebrate. “We come here quite a bit for medicals and other calls, so it was actually nice to come here to do something for a happier occasion,” Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan said.

News You Can Use

Things are looking up in the candy aisle after Hershey announced on April 1 that it is returning to the classic recipes for all of its Reese’s products, the Associated Press reported. While the iconic peanut butter cups have always been made with real chocolate and peanut butter, other Reese’s items, such as the mini Easter eggs, are currently made with a product that contains less chocolate. The move is apparently in response to a complaint from Brad Reese, the grandson of the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, who questioned how the company could “position Reese’s as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust, quality and leadership, while quietly replacing the very ingredients that built Reese’s trust in the first place?” H.B. Reese’s sons sold his company to Hershey in 1963.

Software Engineer (inContact, Inc.; Sandy, UT): Work as a member of an agile team to design, develop, and enhance software products and features. Telecommuting permitted pursuant to company policy. Resumes: marian.alvarado@nice.com Ref: 00085281

Ivanti seeks a Staff Software Engineer (SS-JG) in S. Jordan, UT (w/ telecom. permitted) to contribute to designing, coding, bug fixing, & testing of our Unified Endpoint Management products. Reqs BS fllwd by 6 yrs prog, rltd exp. $177,916$212K/year. Email resumes to USHROps@ivanti.com. Must ref job title & code.