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U TA H ' S I N D E P E N D E N T N E W S PA P E R

LEFT IN THE OPEN

In the New Mexico desert, volunteers find a migrant graveyard at the edge of the American Empire. BY ZACH ABEND

A&E

CINEMA

DINE

MUSIC

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2 | JANUARY 8, 2026

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CONTENTS

Cover Story

Left in the Open In the New Mexico desert, volunteers find a migrant graveyard at the edge of the American Empire. By Zach Abend

Cover art by Clint Burlap

6 10 13 16 22 29

OPINION A&E CINEMA DINE MUSIC COMMUNITY

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SLC FORECAST Thursday 8 35°/20° Snow Precipitation: 57%

Friday 9 33°/19° Partly cloudy Precipitation: 11%

SOURCE: WEATHER.COM Saturday 10 37°/22° Partly cloudy Precipitation: 4%

Sunday 11 39°/25° Partly cloudy Precipitation: 4%

Monday 12 40°/26° Partly cloudy Precipitation: 4%

Tuesday 13 41°/27° Partly cloudy Precipitation: 5%

Wednesday 14 43°/28° Partly cloudy Precipitation: 4%

STAFF Publisher PETE SALTAS News Editor BENJAMIN WOOD Arts & Entertainment Editor SCOTT RENSHAW Contributing Editor WES LONG Music Editor EMILEE ATKINSON

Editorial Contributors ZACH ABEND, KATHARINE BIELE, ROB BREZSNY, MARK DAGO, BILL KOPP, CAT PALMER, MIKE RIEDEL, ARICA ROBERTS, ALEX SPRINGER, LEE ZIMMERMAN

Circulation Manager ERIC GRANATO Associate Business Manager PAULA SALTAS Developer BRYAN BALE Senior Account Executive KAYLA DREHER, DOUG KRUITHOF Account Executives KELLY BOYCE, KRISTA MAGGARD

Executive Editor and Founder JOHN SALTAS

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Salt Lake City Weekly is published every Thursday by Copperfield Publishing Inc. We are an independent publication dedicated to alternative news and news sources, that also serves as a comprehensive entertainment guide. 16,000 copies of Salt Lake City Weekly are available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations along the Wasatch Front. Limit one copy per reader. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased for $1 (Best of Utah and other special issues, $5) payable to Salt Lake City Weekly in advance. No person, without expressed permission of Copperfield Publishing Inc., may take more than one copy of any Salt Lake City Weekly issue. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the written permission of the publisher. Third-class postage paid at Midvale, UT. Delivery might take up to one full week. All rights reserved.

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S AP BOX @SLCWEEK LY

@CITY WEEKLY

Happy Birthday, USA

@SLCWEEK LY

Here we are starting a new year, ready to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary. America is the nation that established itself by rebelling against a system of monarchy in Europe that kept that continent in the Dark Ages for 1,000 years. And now today—250 years after 1776— America is not learning about and celebrating our amazing democratic founders and our amazing republican Constitution as we should be doing. Instead, we are celebrating the handing over of our sacred nation to its first king, a king much worse than England’s George III. George allowed Parliament to do its duty long ago, while

Trump says no to Congress’ duty today. That makes this country one of the most backward, hypocritical, and misguided nations on planet earth in 2026. Funny thing is, everybody everywhere knows how backward America has become, except a large and gullible minority of our own citizens. Let’s just tell it like it is—President Trump believes he is equal to or greater than God. God doesn’t need any corroborating evidence to back up his infallible statements and neither does our President. For example, in his Jan. 3 “I just captured Maduro” speech, Trump offhandedly mentioned that crime was down to zero in D.C. and that it was almost gone in New Orleans after only two and a half weeks of effort there. Wow! The Prez need only deploy his private army to liberal cities and bad guys there quit being bad. Not even Jesus had such a positive effect on sinners. Trump has been pronouncing Maduro guilty of narco-terrorism for months now. Why not just skip the money and time required to prove guilt using constitutionally required due process and just go straight to a public hanging? KIMBALL SHINKOSKEY Woods Cross

Feedback on Dec. 25 Issue

Love the Salt Lake City Weekly and my friends there, so don’t take it the wrong way, but here goes. Small Lake City: Naughty to SLC? It goes well beyond streets and transit abuse from the state. Think land and tax grabs. Smart Bomb: Trump ego-infused egregious and illegal branding? Take a statue. Think pigeon shit and toppling. Water Cooler: Tech to erase? Nuclear weapons. Before all thinking is done. STEVE ERICKSON Salt Lake City

We have the best community. Let’s keep it going in 2026! Posted on Facebook and Instagram 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!

New Year’s message from the CW Publisher

Thank you to all readers and supporters this year who picked up a copy of City Weekly, signed up for our newsletters, checked out our website, bought something from the City Weekly Store, and/or went to one of our events. Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors across all of those platforms who support our mission to keep local news, arts, entertainment and culture journalism alive.

THE WATER

COOLER What were you grateful for in 2025? Katharine Biele

I am grateful that my son and daughterin-law decided to bring a child into the world, maybe in hopes that a new generation can save us.

Zach Abend

I met a lot of courageous people in 2025 who inspired me. I am also grateful for all the articles I published in Salt Lake City Weekly.

Wes Long

My loved ones, my job, a promising relationship and my cat Crumpet.

Chelsea Neider

For my baby girl! I always wanted to be a mom!

Pete Saltas

New perspectives.

Krista Maggard Prozac.

Kayla Dreher

Physical therapy.

Benjamin Wood

I’m grateful for the CW contributors who continue to dedicate their time to this community and this newspaper despite very meager compensation, and to our advertisers for keeping the lights on!

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OPINION BY WES LONG

A Utah Resolution

appy New Year, one and all! I hope the holiday season was both pleasant and restorative for you. How was ours, you ask? We at Casa Long visited my parents in Delaware, where they’re adjusting to a new home amid new surroundings. It’s been a stressful experience for them, being far away from both their children and the state they know best, but I’m happy to say that they’re making friends and settling in better than they realize. As for me, it was a delight to see them and visit cities like Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, as well as to venture into nearby Philadelphia and Pennsylvanian Amish country. It caused me to wonder about the age of these communities, the diverse cultures they possess and the welcome balance such areas appear to negotiate between their built environments and their natural ones, the historical and the modern. We even got honest-to-goodness snow while we were there, adding to the charm. As our plane descended back into the familiar smog of the Salt Lake Valley, I couldn’t help but think of what we could learn from our friends in The First State. No place is a paradise, of course, and there is assuredly no absence of friction and issues that people grapple with over there. But it was at least refreshing to consider how often I saw trees rather than cement, historical structures adapted for modern uses rather than slated for oblivion, and air that was not classifiable as a health risk. I wondered why this could not also be so in our neck of the woods. We do, after all, have plenty of rich and diverse cultures over here, historical beauties worth treasuring, majestic mountains and so on.

Might I suggest one reason we settle for dross amidst such gold? We too often hate and fear each other to a paralyzing extent, which is a tragedy, because there are so many marvelous people who live in the Beehive State. The common refrain that we’re just too independent a people to change our ways and be subject to any outsider’s will is hogwash. Americans, after all, are some of the most servile people in the world when it comes to the rich and powerful. (See: our institutional embrace of hazardous industries and technologies; our leadership’s immediate adoption of every political cause du jour; the very existence of Black Friday; etc.) If it’s not hostility to “outside” ideas we have to contend with, it’s also the longstanding grudges we hold against those we think to be our enemies. A frequent complaint among some is that the state’s woes trace back to theocratic control imposed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This too, like the above claim of Utahn independence, bears extraordinarily little weight under scrutiny. As one of our own writers remarked decades ago: “A lot of people have said the church leaders have too much influence over politics in Utah, but from what I can see, if Gordon B. Hinckley disagrees with Rush Limbaugh, the ditto-heads prevail.” It is entrenched powers and the wealth they yield that are at the core of Utah’s ailments. And given the ideological capture of Utah’s Republican Party by the increasingly far-right since the ‘60s—and of that same party’s subsequent capture of the state—it should be of little surprise that their loudest and most successful practitioners skew to a certain image and know how to exploit local mores and language to their favor. But as most of us should realize by now, they represent no one else but themselves and their donors. Today, we find many intelligent and passionate people who barely tolerate each other’s existence and rarely enter each other’s spaces. In fact, we seem to expend a remarkable amount of energy trying to demonstrate that

we’re not “those” people (fill in with whatever group you like). And while we sneer and snipe and clutch ever more tightly to our supposedly damning facts (and even more damning myths), all of us, with our secular and religious institutions, get eroded and bilked for all we’re worth. Theodore Roosevelt was onto something during a 1910 lecture, when he extolled the value of combining conviction with a broad tolerance for differences of conviction. “Bitter internecine hatreds, based on such differences,” he said, “are signs, not of earnestness of belief, but of that fanaticism which, whether religious or antireligious, democratic or antidemocratic, is itself but a manifestation of the gloomy bigotry which has been the chief factor in the downfall of so many, many nations.” We who have been trained to think and live in terms of the shallow, restless, peevish and fearful consumer look for scapegoats and easy answers. If the current era of creeping fascism proves anything, it’s that we’ve reached the dead end of reactionary consumption’s path, one on which we’ve been traveling for some time. “If a public man tries to get your vote by saying that he will do something wrong in your interest,” Roosevelt said, “you can be absolutely certain that if ever it becomes worth his while he will do something wrong against your interest.” So, my resolution is to be more forgiving and less fearful; to be willing to put more effort into the hard work of listening, speaking up, disagreeing, seeing others’ humanity and extending them grace. We’ll all need each other in this coming year, as those with vested interests in our remaining distracted, despairing and numb show no signs of slowing down. Here’s hoping we ring in future new years on a healthier and happier basis, finally realizing that we are not, in fact, each others’ enemy. And who knows? Maybe a few Delawareans will develop a case of FOMO from what Utahns are then able to accomplish? CW Private Eye is off this week. Send feedback to comments@cityweekly.net.

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HITS & MISSES BY KATHARINE BIELE |

@kathybiele

MISS: Under the Influence

First of all, we’d like the word “journalist” to actually mean something. It does not mean a guy with a video camera who hunts and pecks without real context or investigation. “He is part of the new wave of conservative influencers blurring the lines between journalism and agenda-pushing who have been embraced by the Trump administration,” writes the Daily Beast of Utah-born YouTuber Nick Shirley. Apparently, his video about Minnessota child-care fraud is 5 years old and neglects to mention the depth of ongoing investigations in the state. Still, the Deseret News sought to tell us about the 23-year-old and former missionary, as though the millions of social media views meant something other than “views.” Where is the evidence that money has been funneled to Somali terrorist organizations? It doesn’t matter when accusations mean guilt. Now, funding for child care centers around the country are at risk.

MISS: Stuck in Traffic

It was some 26 years ago when environmental groups and then-SLC Mayor Rocky Anderson sued the Utah Department of Transportation, trying to stop construction of the Legacy Parkway. It was bound to be an environmental disaster, threatening wetlands and only minimally improving commuting. But as lawsuits often go, there was a compromise—no big trucks, land preservation and lower speed limits. And as compromises go, so went those promises. As first reported by City Weekly in October, UDOT now plans to expand Legacy to three lanes in each direction. A survey from Smart Growth America shows that 82% of voters don’t think highway expansions will help congestion. They’re right, as decades of research on induced demand suggests that if you build more road capacity, more people will drive, resulting in the same congestion levels as before. Better ideas are good public transit, biking and walking options in denser neighborhoods. But that takes a long-term vision and political courage.

HIT: Trailing Off

Turns out you don’t have to destroy the state’s fragile lands when you recreate. You just need a good idea, funding and some direction. That’s what happened in Mapleton, the Utah County town that sits on the Bonneville Shoreline. First came the idea to build a bike park with interconnected trail systems, all with the goal of creating a mountain biking destination. “Over the past decade, bike parks have emerged as a brilliant solution for communities looking to provide quality riding without needing miles of terrain—concentrating features, progression and fun into compact, accessible spaces that can turn a neighborhood park into a legitimate mountain biking destination,” writes Singletracks News. While development of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail began in the 1990s, the Mapleton addition promises more connectivity and, of course, recreation. The 2022 trails master plan is on its way to prove that planning matters. CW

BY CAT PALMER

Eat Local

was getting my hair cut recently when my barber casually remarked that Utah is “a strip mall of restaurants.” I was surprised by how protective I felt—not out of defensiveness, but because I’ve lived here for 25 years and know the places that don’t show up on first impressions. I travel a fair amount and grew up in an actual big city, and I often joke that we’re a town cosplaying as a city. As this column suggests, we truly are Small Lake City—and I love it here. My barber asked me what my “goto” spot was. I am one of those people whose mind goes completely blank the moment I’m asked a question like that. Thankfully, one place stayed with me before everything disappeared: East Liberty Tap House. Solid menu. The sloppy lamb. The best fries. You really can’t go wrong with anything there. Beyond our top-tier, farm-to-table spots like Table X and Hell’s Backbone (and yes, I claim Hell’s Backbone even though it’s a drive—we make our annual autumn pilgrimage for that heavenly menu), we have an incredible range of locally owned restaurants: Mazza; Violet; Contento Cafe; Laziz Kitchen; Hub & Spoke Diner; The Pie; The Bayou; Vertical Diner; The Pearl; All Chay; Feldman’s Deli. All local. All delicious. And decidedly not strip mall vibes. The Copper Onion is where I had my first burger at age 32—a bison burger—and it was perfection. My teen grew up on Taco Taco on 500 South and still misses it; she chose Santo Taco on the west side for her 16th birthday. Skewered Thai is a favorite in our house, and we have no shortage of excellent Thai spots. The Tea Rose Diner is a must if you like things spicy. We get Kyoto sushi takeout every other week—female executive chef, consistently excellent. At this point, it’s our comfort food. Shoutout to Sage, who has always gotten our order right and includes the perfect amount of ginger every single time. We also have no shortage of brunch spots with real personality. Roots Café is my personal favorite, though Oasis is a longtime staple. Piper Down Pub is a great bar-vibe option, Sunday’s Best is a fun newer addition, and I’m always drawn to tucked-away places like Arlo. And we haven’t even touched cafés and bakeries—there simply isn’t time. But do yourself a favor and visit Eats Bakery on 100 South. If you ever find yourself stuck on what to try next, take a look at City Weekly’s Best Of issue (available at cityweekly.net) and check out the recent winners in the “Dishes” category. Our readers know what they like—and they’re not wrong. We may be a city that still feels small, but when it comes to dining, we show up. And that’s one of the many reasons I’m happy to call this place home. CW

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RDT’s Emerge program showcases the company’s history of bringing dance to the whole Utah community. BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

or nearly a decade now, Repertory Dance Theatre has presented a program titled Emerge, one that combines opportunities for company members to create their own original choreography with performances by dancers from across the community. Yet it’s fair to say that such ideas have always been part of the company’s DNA, dating back to its origins 60 years ago. It just took a little while to bring it to broader audiences on a theater stage. That concept, launched in 2017, continues with this week’s Emerge production, which includes among its performers dancers from Davis High School, Weber State University and South Valley Creative Dance, in addition to dance instructors from throughout the state and other community dancers. According to RDT artistic director emeritus Linda C. Smith, it’s part of showing off to the community all the work that RDT dancers do throughout the year to promote dance in Utah. “The Emerge program is just part of the history of RDT’s commitment to dancers developing,” Smith says. “We do lots of work in the schools, and were also invited by various dance groups in the valley to work with their students. We were already creating choreography with a broad spectrum of the community, performing it in their venues. So we thought, ‘These should

A&E

Emerge

BECCA WEBB

Universal Movement

have a greater public display. Let’s invite these groups to [show] those works we created on them together.’ And they can enjoy that collegial thing, because sometimes they’re just an audience for one another. Groups can sometimes get isolated. We want to celebrate that we’re all dancing together in this bigger community.” That community draws from the aforementioned wide range of sources, and Smith says that it’s really left to the company members who have worked with those organizations throughout the year to decide which ones will be part of the Emerge program. “They say, ‘All right, who have people been working with, do we have a mix of ages, abilities, etc.?,’ so they curate the program. They try to kind of balance the groups and make sure that over a period of time, we’ve worked out to a variety of parts of the community.” Smith also notes that it’s never a sure thing from year to year that an Emerge program will … well, emerge, given the time commitments the dancers have in other aspects of their professional lives, before adding the responsibility of preparing more inexperienced dancers with their choreography. Even Smith herself wasn’t sure she wanted to participate as a choreographer, given her own commitments, but preparing something for this 60th anniversary year was too tempting to resist—particularly when she came up with the idea. It’s a conceptual piece that would incorporate 60 “movement phrases” representing the entire history of the company, including more than 40 different choreographers, all set to a sound score of remembrances of from company alumni dancers. “I wanted a way to connect with the dancers and the RDT archive and what we’ve done in the past,” Smith says. “There have been a lot of companies over that time, so how do I make people aware of what we’ve done, and those wonderful dancers of the past.” That piece provides a wonderful counterpoint for a program that is largely about

dancers of the present and future—though it also includes older participants who may have thought that their performing days were behind them. Smith notes that last year, she heard a comment from someone about the importance of participating in the Emerge program for her mother, an older dancer. “It revitalized her interest in having a creative voice—an older person participating, and suddenly they tap into their creative energy that maybe hasn’t been as prominent at this point in their life,” Smith says. “On whatever level of ability, we all speak the movement language. And we want to have other people be able to recognize that ability is in all ages.” A story like that one is just part of how the Emerge program has touched the whole community. “We knew dancers’ family and friends would show up,” Smith re-

calls, “but others said what an amazing event it was. We have choreographed and presented people where dance is not their first language—or their second language. … You don’t have to be a professional dancer to touch people, move people, inspire people, impress people. These people are volunteering their time. People just want the opportunity to have a voice, and share their voice with other people.” CW

REPERTORY DANCE THEATRE: EMERGE Leona Wagner Black Box Theatre 138 W. 300 South Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 10, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $15 - $20 rdtutah.org

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JANUARY 8, 2026 | 11

Given his irreverent attitude, David Spade might be written off as simply a smart-ass jokester who makes it a point not to take himself or anything else too seriously. That, however, is missing the point. Indeed, his nominations for a 1999 Emmy Award, Golden Globe and American Comedy Award—resulting from his role as Dennis Finch in the comedy series Just Shoot Me!—testify to both his talent and his presence as a respected comic and character actor. He became ingrained in the American psyche with his stint as a cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live and later, in the role of C.J. Barnes in another sitcom, 8 Simple Rules, while also honing his acting chops in such films as Joe Dirt and Grown Ups. These days, he hosts two popular podcasts: Fly on the Wall and its spinoff, Superfly, along with a fellow SNL alum, the equally wacky Dana Carvey. That said, Spade has often come across as both irrepressible and controversial. His appearance as the “Hollywood Minute” culture critic on SNL’s Weekend Update could occasionally cause ire with certain celebrities he’d choose to roast unmercifully. So it’s not surprising that Spade is most unpredictable when it comes to stand-up, which allows his snarky persona to take free rein. In a sense, his name says it all: It is indeed best to call a Spade a Spade. David Spade’s “I Got a Feel For It” tour comes to Kingsbury Hall (1395 E. Presidents Circle) on Friday, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $66 - $74 at artstickets. utah.edu. (Lee Zimmerman)

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As part of a commission from Utah Presents as the original days of the COVID pandemic were waning, SALT Contemporary Dance created Radio Silence. It was a show with a soundtrack that included vintage music and radio broadcasts of the 1930s, inspired by the resilience emerging from the Depression-era years and the era in which the show’s original venue, Kingsbury Hall, was built. Since then, according to artistic director and choreographer Amy Gunter, it has become a concept that they love returning to. “We have adapted to a proscenium stage, clarified narrative, and have made something that has a voice of its own,” Gunter shares via email. “We love the vibrancy the 1930s elements add to the world we’ve created, and choose to return to the show again and again because it’s full of hope. It’s the perfect show for us to connect with audience members and provide something beautiful and meaningful to our community. … This year we’ve been able to really clarify and amplify each character of the show. The audience is able to understand a clear narrative through acting, dancing and our eighth character, the radio. We’ve landed somewhere exciting and impactful. Can’t wait to share it with new and returning audiences.” SALT Contemporary Dance presents Radio Silence at the University of Utah Marriott Center for Dance (330 S. 1500 East) on Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $37.50 - $48.04, all taxes and fees included; visit saltdance.com/radiosilence to purchase tickets as well as for additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)

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SALT Contemporary Dance: Radio Silence

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Utah Symphony: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1

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As of this writing, Northern Utah hasn’t experienced much of a winter yet. But if you want to get in the right mood, it’s hard to imagine a better choice than a symphony written by a Russian—and one known as “Winter Dreams,” to boot. Perhaps also fitting, especially for those who experience seasonal mood issues, it’s one that caused its creator, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, tremendous emotional strain, as the young and relatively inexperienced composer wondered whether he had the ability to match his ambition; he even wrote to his brother about “the ever-present thought that I shall soon die and won’t even complete the symphony successfully.” The result, however, was a structurally innovative piece that’s perfect for giving us Rocky Mountain denizens a reminder of what January should really be like. Utah Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 as part of a program that kicks off with Rachmaninoff’s The Rock, an 1893 fantasia inspired by an Anton Chekhov short story about a chance meeting between a young woman and an older man during a stormy Christmas Eve night at a roadside inn. Also on the bill is Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23, with guest piano soloist Awadagin Pratt (pictured), a gifted performer and producer who was the first ever African-American pianist to win the Naumburg International Piano Competition. Utah Symphony’s program of Rachmaninoff, Mozart and Tchaikovsky takes place at Abravanel Hall (123 W. South Temple) on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $14.50 - $104; visit utahsymphony.org for tickets and additional event information. (SR)

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David Lynch retrospective @ SLFS: It’s been a year since the passing of groundbreaking artist David Lynch, and Salt

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JANUARY 8, 2026 | 13

CATERED FOOD SPECIALS FOR GROUPS AVAILABLE. INQUIRE WITHIN.

Death by Numbers @ Utah Film Center: Directed by Kim A. Snyder (the 2025 Sundance feature documentary The Librarians), this 2024 Oscar-nominated documentary short focuses on Sam Fuentes, survivor of a school shooting who attempts to process her experience through poetry. This special screening features a live Q&A with Terri Gilfillan and Nancy Farrar-Halden of Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah, with Zoom participation by Sam Fuentes. The screening on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at Utah Film Center (375 W. 400 North) is free with registration at the website. utahfilmcenter.org CW

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Rob Reiner retrospective @ Brewvies Sunday Brunch: Last month’s tragic passing of actor/director Rob Reiner reminded people of his extraordinary work, particularly his first handful of features. Brewvies’ regular “Sunday Brunch” series showcases three of these films this month with This Is Spinal Tap (Jan. 11), The Princess Bride (Jan. 18) and Stand By Me (Jan. 25). All screenings are free with no reservations, on a first-come first-served basis, at noon each day. brewvies.com

Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas marks the occasion with some of his greatest filmed work. In addition to theatrical features Eraserhead (Jan. 11), Inland Empire (Jan. 11), Mulholland Dr. (Jan. 12), Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (Jan. 14), Blue Velvet (Jan. 19) and Lost Highway (Jan. 19), you can experience the entirety of 2017’s Twin Peaks: The Return on the big screen in two-episode blocs Jan. 16 – 18. The programming also includes the 2016 documentary David Lynch: The Art Life. slfs.org

KRCL’s Music Meets Movies: Dig! XX @ Brewvies: As part of a farewell to Sundance, Brewvies/KRCL’s regular Music Meets Movies series presents the extended 20th anniversary edition of the 2004 Sundance documentary about the rivalry between the Dandy Warhols and Brian Jonestown Massacre as they chart different music-biz paths. The screening takes place at Brewvies (677 S. 200 West) on Jan. 8 @ 7:30 p.m., $10 at the door or 2-for-1 with KRCL shirt. brewvies.com

an eccentric, isolated young man (Crispin Glover), the other a middle-aged financial scammer—wind up on a comedic road trip through the Utah desert; 1995’s Plan 10 from Outer Space turns Mormon theology into a crazy science-fiction parody. Get a double dose of uncut Trent Harris weirdness on Friday, Jan. 9, with Rubin & Ed at 7 p.m. and Plan 10 from Outer Space at 9 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for each screening. slfs.org

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Cinematic stories of disintegrating marriages are fairly commonplace—and often depressing emotional endurance tests, besides—so it’s interesting to see co-writer/ director Bradley Cooper take this variation on the theme in a fresher direction. The unhappy couple in this place is Alex and Tess Novak (Will Arnett and Laura Dern), who decide matter-of-factly to separate. Then Alex impulsively decides to get up on stage at an open-mic comedy night, and starts turning their relationship issues into material. The premise would seem to suggest an uneven balance towards Alex’s perspective, but the script is just as interested in Tess—a former Olympic-level volleyball player who retired to focus on motherhood—searching for her own purpose. And the narrative takes a provocative twist when their individual sparks of renewed happiness lead them towards something resembling an affair with their own spouse. The screenplay faces a challenge common to movies about comedians in that Alex’s material, even once he’s supposed to be actively working on it, isn’t particularly good, and Cooper isn’t particularly restrained in his own supporting performance as the comic-relief buddy character (who is called “Balls,” if that provides any hints). Yet the two lead performances are terrific—particularly Dern, who nails complex facial expressions upon her first encounter with Alex’s act—as Cooper and company turn this narrative

SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

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14 | JANUARY 8, 2026

LEFT IN THE OPEN

“Nativism is something we have experienced throughout our history ... The basic fear is the same— somehow, they will change who we are.”

IN T HE NE W ME X IC O DE SER T, VOLUNTEERS FIND A MIGRANT GR AV E YARD AT T HE EDGE OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE. BY ZACH ABEND comments@cityweekly.net

e searched the New Mexico desert in a long, jagged line as the sun bore down on us. The thorns from the dense mesquite and catclaw acacia tore at my feet and ankles. I wasn’t dressed appropriately for the search—gym shorts, t-shirt and sneakers— but I stayed silent and slogged along, trying to keep pace with the other volunteers. When we staged for the search earlier that morning, we’d heard large-caliber gunfire nearby. Driving to the search site on a narrow dirt road, we were buzzed by a white Border Patrol helicopter, which returned 20 minutes later to monitor our position. We’d been at it for a few hours when James, our team leader, noticed something white protruding from the sand to his left. He radioed for us to halt, and then we all saw it—an adult human pelvis protruding from the sand. The part that was exposed to the elements was bleached and pale. Fifty feet away, a pair of pants, a jacket and a sock were piled in the sun. This was the first new set of human remains we found that morning. The organization I searched with that day was Battalion Search and Rescue (BSAR), which is co-led by James Holeman, 60, an ex-Marine with Chicago roots, and his partner Abbey Carpenter, 67, a writer by trade. The couple live in Silver City, NM, and have been searching near the U.S. border for migrant remains for the last five years. “We don’t have leaders doing what should be done, so we are the leaders,” Holeman said. According to BSAR, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office (DASO) and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) have left multiple sets of human remains strewn in the desert, despite BSAR reporting them to these agencies repeatedly. Critics say the ongoing failure to collect these remains reflects how little migrant lives are valued in the U.S.

—Dr. Leo Chavez

“We value certain lives well above other lives,” said Dr. Tony Payan, executive director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. During the spring and summer, BSAR conducts searches about once each month in the so-called El Paso Corridor, which includes western portions of the New Mexico desert and Doña Ana County. The Corridor has become a hotspot for unlawful migrant crossings now that Texas has implemented its Operation Lone Star, which effectively sealed the Texas section of the border with Mexico. In the last two years, Holeman estimates that they have found about 37 sets of human remains in the New Mexico desert. Of those, he said, about 55% were female. Holeman compares migrant crossings at the U.S. border to a “water balloon.” If you squeeze it in one place, it bulges out in another. Migrants who would normally have crossed over into Texas now attempt the crossing in the unforgiving New Mexico desert. According to U.S. Border Patrol data, there were 176 migrant deaths in the El Paso Corridor in 2024. That number is considered conservative, because the U.S. Border Patrol doesn’t actively search for migrant remains. Advocacy groups say the number is likely much higher. The day I searched with BSAR, we found three new sets of remains in six hours. For Payan, the rising death toll traces back to the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, when the U.S. began bolstering the border infrastructure, which caused

more migrants to attempt the crossing in the desert. “If we build up the infrastructure then there are more deaths,” Payan said. “Policies have consequences.” Dr. Leo Chavez, an anthropology professor at UC Irvine, said none of this is new. “Nativism is something we have experienced throughout our history—it waxes and wanes,” he said. “The basic fear is the same—somehow, they will change who we are.”

“We Aren’t in a War Zone”

During the search, I asked Holeman why OMI and DASO—which are required to coordinate the collection of human remains—leave so many in the desert. He speculated that they might be overwhelmed by the sheer volume. Later that day, Holeman and Carpenter took me to five sites with human remains they had discovered and reported to DASO and OMI in 2024. The sites were concentrated in one area, which backed up to a barbed wire fence. I saw the lower half of a jaw, multiple ribs and leg bones, vertebrae, what appeared to be a pelvis, neatly folded articles of clothing, backpacks, some pesos and a rope ladder. “There is something so not right about finding human remains,” Carpenter said. “To see a human skull is wrong. We aren’t in a war zone.” When I asked about these uncollected sites, Chris Ramirez, a spokesperson for OMI, said via email that the geography and wildlife of New Mexico make it hard to recover remains from some areas.

ZACH ABEND

COURTESY PHOTO

Tony Payan, of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice U.

ZACH ABEND

A set of bones believed to be human remains discovered during a volunteer search in 2024.

Desperate Times, Desperate Measures

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JANUARY 8, 2026 | 15

Despite DASO’s lack of cooperation, BSAR is undeterred. Dee Vega, an Air Force veteran who volunteers with BSAR, wishes law enforcement agencies in the area would remember their shared humanity with migrants. “They forgot the part that you have to protect humans no matter where they’re from,” Vega emphasized. “They have all the means to help and they don’t.” The fact that so many women risk everything to come to the U.S. is meaningful for Carpenter. She wished the country and its politicians would look more closely and honestly at the reasons

why women feel compelled to leave their homes and risk a trek through hostile terrain. “Being tough on immigration gets you elected,” Carpenter said. “It doesn’t look at how desperate people are.” Holeman and Carpenter drove me to the Santa Teresa border crossing to show me the formal border infrastructure now that it’s been declared a National Defense Area by the U.S. government. As we drove on a dirt road parallel to the border wall, we saw several white, stubby, tactical blimps with high-tech surveillance equipment floating above us. The border fence was in the process of being upgraded to towering rust-colored steel posts ranging in height from 18 to 30 feet. An eight-wheeled, armored Stryker vehicle sat on a hill overlooking the border. As I photographed it, I saw someone in the Stryker vehicle repeatedly photographing me in return. Driving along the wall, it didn’t take long for a Border Patrol agent to approach us in an SUV. The agent was of Mexican descent, with a brother-in-law who still lives in Mexico. The agent told us he was sorry if it “seems like” Border Patrol violates our rights sometimes. “It’s because of some people who take advantage,” he said. Regardless of any pressure, Holeman says he will keep searching because he sympathizes with the families of the migrants who will never see their loved ones again. “I feel good about it at the end of the day, what we accomplish,” he said. “We are on the right side of history.” CW

cial media and recently delivered a “One Year of Negligence” cake to Stewart’s office. BSAR recorded the delivery and posted the video to their Instagram page. Stewart is no stranger to controversy. She has faced civil lawsuits from at least seven former or current DASO employees alleging employment discrimination and violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act. She has butted heads with other Doña Ana County officials for allegedly refusing to commission 14 new DASO deputies in early 2025, which resulted in the New Mexico State Auditor ordering a special audit of DASO and Doña Ana County. One of Stewart’s former deputies pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a handcuffed woman in the back of a police cruiser in April 2023, and Stewart was sued by the district attorney in 2022 for allegedly refusing to serve subpoenas.

Battalion Search and Rescue (BSAR) leaders James Holeman and Abbey Carpenter.

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“Regardless of the circumstances, NM OMI works diligently to collect all known pieces of human remains,” he said, “both for a complete and thorough medical examination, and out of respect for the decedent and their family.” DASO declined to comment about the human remains at these sites, although Sheriff Kim Stewart did say that she was opening a “formal investigation” into the remains BSAR found the day I searched with them. In emails to City Weekly, Stewart expressed skepticism and hostility toward the volunteer searches conducted by BSAR. “Were promises made to you about locating the deceased?” Stewart asked. “Did you wander around the desert or go straight to the deceaseds’ [sic] locations?” The ongoing failure of DASO and OMI to collect numerous sets of human remains for more than a year after they’ve been reported is a source of deep frustration for Holeman. “I can’t imagine these moms who are missing their daughters and sons,” he said. Holeman told me about how DASO has brought pressure to bear on BSAR. In 2024, Stewart called Holeman at night and reportedly called BSAR “hobbyists.” Later that year, Detective Robert Nevarez of DASO sent Carpenter an email that included her date of birth and partial social security number, information Carpenter says she never gave to Nevarez. More recently, when Carpenter called to report some new remains, she was asked by DASO to confirm her middle name and date of birth. BSAR in turn has criticized Stewart on so-

COURTESY PHOTO

Clothes and other items are routinely left behind as migrants cross the El Paso Corridor.

COURTESY PHOTO

UC Irvine anthropology professor Leo Chavez

Mad for Chicken’s spicy chicken curry

Mad For Mad For Chicken

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A new Korean fried chicken restaurant is making waves in South Salt Lake.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

16 | JANUARY 8, 2026

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italianvillageslc.com

(801).266.4182 5370 S. 900 E. SLC

t’s 2026, and I’m ready to admit that fried chicken restaurants have become an Achilles’ heel for me. As much as I try to deride their existence, I am also grateful for the fact that I can get such a diverse array of chicken fingers and fried chicken sandwiches, regardless of where I am on the Wasatch Front. The upside—or downside, depending how often you hang out with me—is that I’ve become a pretty big snob about fried chicken restaurants. With such entitled energy at my disposal, I was eager to check out Mad For Chicken, a New York restaurant that recently set up shop near the Chinatown Supermarket. Since 2005, Mad For Chicken has been crafting Korean-style chicken wings and chicken fingers all over New York. Its westward expansion is thus far limited to Utah, which once again points to the state’s desirability for out-of-state food concepts. The restaurant has a vibe that is somewhere between a traditional fastcasual concept and a sports bar; it serves beer and chicken wings, so this makes sense. Given the variety of Asian restaurants in the Chinatown Supermarket complex, Mad For Chicken’s Korean flavors fit right in with the other great eateries nearby. Since the restaurant is known for being mad for chicken, the chicken is where you

should start. In addition to my well-documented snobbery, I’m also pretty lazy about fried chicken. If you’re a wing place and you offer chicken fingers, I’m going with the finger. A chicken finger doused in one’s best sauce slaps just as hard as a bone-in wing, and it comes without all that superfluous gnawing. Both the wings and fingers at Mad For Chicken come in five-piece ($9) or seven-piece ($12) orders, and they can be upgraded to a combo with fries and toast for six bucks more. I went with the five-piece finger combo, and it was clear from the first bite that I was going to be friends with this place. The chicken is tossed in the restaurant’s signature soy garlic sauce, and it’s definitely a winner, bypassing the sticky, syrupy sauce that often shows up on chicken wings. Instead, you get a light sauce that imparts just the right amount of garlicky kick without leaving a ton of goop on your fingers. The texture of the fried chicken is also fantastic. There aren’t a whole lot of bells and whistles to this process, just a coating of flour followed by two trips through the fryer. The chicken absolutely nails the texture you want from fried chicken; it’s got that perfectly-rendered crust that is just crispy enough before yielding to each bite. Fried chicken is one of those foods that is good even when it’s bad, but the fried chicken at Mad For Chicken really swings for the fences. The menu has a few other items that are worth a look, though I didn’t find any of them to be superior to the restaurant’s fried chicken. I visited the restaurant with my family, and my eight-year-old daughter will always seek out mac and cheese if it’s available. We ordered the bulgogi mac and cheese ($12), which is a decent take on this gooey classic. I ate most of the beef bulgogi, and the combo works well enough. The bulgogi has a bit of sweet acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheesy noodles. All in all,

ALEX SPRINGER

DINE

it’s a good-but-not-great addition to the menu—though my daughter thoroughly enjoyed it. We also tried the spicy chicken curry ($13.80), which is a good way to experience the restaurant’s fried chicken outside of its wings and fingers. It’s served in a skillet, which keeps the dish nice and hot for an extended period of time. The Korean curry is just right—stewed with veggies and curried chicken, with a decent amount of heat on the back end. In addition to the curried chicken, the bowl is topped with sliced fried chicken, which I liked despite its redundancy. The fried chicken in the curry bowl looks a bit more like the katsu variety, but it still has all the goods that make Mad For Chicken an authority on fried poultry. The best non-chicken standouts come from the restaurant’s menu of appetizers, and the kimchi fries ($10) are the clear winners here. It stands to reason that a place that makes stellar fried chicken would also make stellar fries, and that is the case at Mad For Chicken. The fries here are perfectly crispy and really lend themselves to a glorious pile-on of Korean flavors. Topped with onions, kimchi, ketchup and a sriracha aioli, this dish evokes the bold flavors and crispy textures that Mad For Chicken is known for. While I can admit that my affection for fried chicken places is nothing short of a character flaw, I can take a bit of pride in the fact that my quest has taken me to places like Mad For Chicken. Fans of the big-name fried chicken franchises need to try more Korean fried chicken, and Mad For Chicken is not a bad place to take that plunge. CW

MAD FOR CHICKEN 3420 S. State Street, Ste. 11 385-267-1132 madforchicken.com

Yanni’s Greek Express 2761 Highland Drive 801-466-6525

CRAFT NOODLE

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Burgers so good they’ll blow your mind!

867 E 4500 S, Millcreek 7640 State Street, Midvale

Protect Your Loved Ones

T W O L O C AT I O N S

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801.355.0667

Richsburgersngrub.com

JANUARY 8, 2026 | 17

30 east Broadway, SLC

A list of what local craft breweries and cider houses have on tap this week 2 Row Brewing 73 West 7200 South, Midvale 2RowBrewing.com On Tap: “Juicequake” Juicy Style IPA Avenues Proper 376 8th Ave, SLC avenuesproper.com On Tap: Apricaldera (Jalapeño Apricot Wheat Ale) 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

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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: I Am The Vvitch - golden ale with pumpkin and spices

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: Powder Panic IPA Etta Place Cidery 700 W Main St, Torrey EttaPlaceCider.com On Tap: Legendary Cider, Mango-Habanero Session Mead

18 | JANUARY 8, 2026

| CITY WEEKLY |

Fisher Brewing Co. 320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com On Tap: A rotation of up to 17 Fresh Beers!

coffeegardenslc.com

801-355-3425 878 E 900 S

Grid City Beer Works 333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com On Tap: Barrel-aged Imperial Brown Ale Heber Valley Brewing 501 N. Main Street, Heber City, UT hebervalleybrewing.com Freshly Canned: Volution Hazy IPA - 6.8% ABV Helper Beer 159 N Main Street, Helper, UT helperbeer.com Hopkins Brewing Co. 1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com On Tap: Winter Ale Kiitos Brewing 608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com On Tap: Nectaron Hazy IPA, Ube Fonio Kiitos Brewing Sugar House Bar 1533 S. 1100 East, SLC KiitosBrewing.com On Tap: Nectaron Hazy IPA, Ube Fonio Level Crossing Brewing Co. 2496 S. West Temple, S. Salt Lake LevelCrossingBrewing.com On Tap: Hefe Goldbloom Hefeweizen

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: Jupe-Pow Rice Lager *Now available in cans togo*

Scion Cider Bar 916 Jefferson St W, SLC Scionciderbar.com On Tap: Scion Cider Smoke Show 10.5% ABV

Prodigy Brewing 25 W Center St. Logan Prodigy-brewing.com On Tap: 302 Czech Pilsner

Second Summit Cider 4010 So. Main, Millcreek https://secondsummitcider.com On Tap: Coconut Stout Cider 7% ABV

Proper Brewing/Proper Burger 857 So. Main & 865 So. Main properbrewingco.com On Tap: Gungan Sith Lord (Czech Dark Lager)

Shades Brewing 1388 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City ShadesBrewing.beer New Batch: Raspberry Pistachio Sour Ale

Proper Brewing Moab 1393 US-191, Moab properbrewingco.com On Tap: Gungan Sith Lord (Czech Dark Lager)

Shades On State 366 S. State Street, Salt Lake City Shadesonstate.com On Tap: Six Wheat Under Hefeweizen

Red Rock Brewing 254 So. 200 West RedRockBrewing.com On Tap: Gypsy Scratch

Silver Reef 4391 S. Enterprise Dr., St. George SGBev.com

Red Rock Fashion Place 6227 So. State Redrockbrewing.com On Tap: Grand Bavaria

Level Crossing Brewing Co., POST 550 South 300 West, #100, SLC LevelCrossingBrewing.com On Tap: Vienna Lager

Red Rock Kimball Junction 1640 Redstone Center Redrockbrewing.com On Tap: Bamberg Rauch Bier

Moab Brewing 686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com On Tap: “Big Drop” West Coast Pilsner

RoHa Brewing Project 30 Kensington Ave, SLC RoHaBrewing.com On Tap: Dog Tag IPA 5th Tour (Veterans Blend Hops)

Mountain West Cider 425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com On Tap: Eternal Sunshine Hard Cider (Clementine and anise)

Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations RoostersBrewingCo.com On Tap: Peacan Pie Ale

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

Salt Flats Brewing 2020 Industrial Circle, SLC SaltFlatsBeer.com On Tap: OPEN ROAD SERIES #3 Barrel Aged Grand Cru

SaltFire Brewing 2199 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake SaltFireBrewing.com On Draft: Spiced peach Sour

Squatters Brew Pub Sugar House 2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC squatterspubs.com On Tap: Top of Main Coalition Hellfire Chili Pepper Ale Squatters Brew Pub West Valley 3555 Constitution Blvd, West Valley City squatterspubs.com On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Hef Baum Hefeweizen Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co. 147 W. Broadway, SLC squatterspubs.com On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Velvet Brimley Oatmeal Stout Squatters Top of Main Brewpub & Brewery 250 Main, Park City, Utah squatterspubs.com On Tap: Top of Main Mother Urban’s Parlor Blonde Ale

Strap Tank Brewery, Lehi 3661 Outlet Pkwy, Lehi, UT StrapTankBrewery.com On Tap: “Virgil the Guide” (Italian Pilsner); “Smiles und Sunshine” (German Leichtes Weizen) Strap Tank Brewery, Springville 596 S 1750 W, Springville, UT StrapTankBrewery.com On Tap: “Orange Hopsicle” Hazy Pale; “Trouble” American Sour with Mango and Passionfruit TF Brewing 936 S. 300 West, SLC TFBrewing.com On Tap: Twelve taps and high point cans available. Talisman Brewing Co. 1258 Gibson Ave, Ogden TalismanBrewingCo.com On Tap: Goggle Fogger - Hazy IPA; 12th St. Wheat Thieves Guild Cidery 117 W. 900 South, SLC thievesguildcidery.com NEW: Thunderclap - Juicy tropical-hopped cider | 6.5% Uinta Brewing 1722 S. Fremont Drive, SLC UintaBrewing.com On Tap: Was Angeles Craft Beer UTOG 2331 Grant Ave, Ogden UTOGBrewing.com On Tap: Bar Down IPA Vernal Brewing 55 S. 500 East, Vernal VernalBrewing.com Zion Brewery 95 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale ZionBrewery.com

BEER

Best of 2025: Ciders, Meads, and Fruit Wines

NERD

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

Open Late

Gluten Free, Vegetarian & Vegan Options AREMPAS_BAR • www.arempas.com • Downtown • Midvale • Orem

| CITY WEEKLY |

JANUARY 8, 2026 | 19

making it a cool exploration of cherry’s unique characteristics without overwhelming the palate. This mead is perfect for those seeking a nuanced yet approachable beverage. Cuvee – Mountain West Cider: This exceptional cider is aged in French oak barrels and fermented with Brettanomyces, introducing complex layers to the flavor profile. Cuvee presents a sophisticated blend of traditional cider elements with a unique, earthy backbone contributed by the Brett yeast. This old-world choice deserves attention from those seeking a unique expression of craft cider. Provençal Reserve – Scion Cider (Cider - Other Fruit): A unique fusion of flavors can be found in Provençal Reserve, crafted from Utah apples, apricots and lavender, aged in whiskey barrels for nine months. This cider delivers a tannic apple flavor accented by hints of herb and oak. Its bone-dry finish and spiced complexity create a compelling drinking experience that may even resonate with adventurous wine enthusiasts. Pommeau - Second Summit (Pommeau): Second Summit’s Pommeau is a rich fortified apple wine, offering a sumptuous array of flavors, including caramel, honey and dark dried fruits like dates and raisins. This well-balanced spirit serves as an excellent after-dinner drink or accompaniment to dessert, showcasing the depth that a traditional pommeau can bring to the table. Garden Wall - Thieves Guild Cider (Cider - Herbed/Spiced/Hopped): Expect the unexpected with Thieves Guild’s Garden Wall, where the infusion of basil surprises without overpowering. The balance of subtle lemon notes complements the cider’s natural apple tartness, creating a refreshing and unique flavor experience. This cider should appeal to those looking for herbal complexity in their beverages. As we stroll through the dynamic offerings of Utah’s cider, mead and fruit wine scene, it’s clear that 2025 has brought resurgence and innovation. These selections highlight the creativity, quality and diversity found in our region’s emerging beverage industry, setting a bright future for the fruity delights ahead. As always, cheers! CW

| CITYWEEKLY.NET |

tah’s craft beverage scene is flourishing, particularly in the realms of ciders, meads and fruit wines. As we celebrate the emerging talent in these categories, here’s a recap of some standout selections for 2025 that showcase the vibrancy and creativity of Utah’s adult beverage industry. Dry Cut – Dendric Estate (Cider-Dry): A bone-dry cider that exemplifies perfection in simplicity, Dry Cut boasts a light body with a touch of apple peel character. Featuring effervescence akin to champagne, this local cider is refreshing and lively, perfect for those who enjoy dry profiles. Its straightforward approach allows the apple essence to shine through, making it a delightful choice for cider aficionados. Fig Mead – Etta Place Mead (Melomel): Etta Place Cider’s Fig Mead presents an unexpected treat that resembles the nostalgia of fig newtons combined with a fortified wine experience. Contrary to expectations of a sweet mead, this offering strikes a remarkable balance between richness and maintaining a subdued alcohol presence. The result is a highly drinkable melomel that invites sip after sip, captivating enthusiasts with its complexity. Huckleberry Stinger – Hive Winery (Cider - Traditional/Apfelwein): Huckleberry Stinger is a slightly sweet cider infused with the delightful tang of huckleberries. This creation is an excellent blend of fruity sweetness and traditional cider character, making it an inviting beverage for warm afternoons or celebratory gatherings. Its vibrant flavor is sure to captivate those looking for a refreshing treat. Pink Lady - Hobbled Dog (Cider): An innovative take on the Pink Lady apple, this cider is situated on the dry side of semi-sweet, but offers an incredibly palatable experience. Pink Lady by Hobbled Dog dazzles with a sophisticated flavor profile that enchants the taste buds, and its clarity and drinkability make it a standout option for casual sipping or pairing with food. Mountain Cherry – Mountain Meadery (Mead - Melomel): Mountain Meadery presents a melomel featuring distinct dry cherry notes, complemented by a subtle sweetness derived from honey. The flavors are mellow yet intriguing,

MIKE RIEDEL

The fruity stars in Utah’s adult beverage scene.

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20 | JANUARY 8, 2026

AS SEEN ON “ DINERS, DRIVE-INS AND DIVES” 2 02 5

• BEST AMERICAN DINER • BEST RESTAURANT PATIO • 2ND PLACE: BEST BISCUITS & GRAVY + BEST EGGS BENEDICT

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Serving American Comfort Food Since 1930 -94 YEARS AND GOING STRONG-BREAKFAST SERVED DAILY UNTIL 4PM-DELICIOUS MIMOSAS & BLOODY MARY’S-TAKEOUT AVAILABLE-

“Like having dinner at Mom’s in the mountains”

“In a perfect world, every town would have a diner just like Ruth’s”

-Cincinnati Enquirer

-CityWeekly

BACK BURNER BY ALEX SPRINGER |

@captainspringer

Sneddon Hof Germanfest

Those itching to celebrate Oktoberfest a bit earlier in the year can head up to Ogden for the annual Sneddon Hof Germanfest this month. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the event will feature plenty of great German cuisine, a wide range of beer varieties and more than 25 vendors. Younger attendees can check out the event’s Kinder Korner, which is full of kid-friendly activities while the adults do a bit of thigh-slapping on the dance floor. Live music from Salzburger Echo, Hammerstein Band and the Wasatch Alphorns will be performed throughout the festival, so don’t forget your lederhosen. The event takes place on Jan. 16-17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center (ogdenpet.com).

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If one of your new year’s resolutions was to drink more wine, then the folks from Eat Drink SLC have you covered. The organization’s monthly Wine Takes Flight event will be held on Jan. 15 at Tracy Aviary (tracyaviary.org) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For those unfamiliar with these events, Jim Santangelo of Wine Academy of Utah will guide attendees through a newcomer’s guide to selecting the wine that is right for you. This particular event will feature selections from Precept Wines, which is a Seattle-based producer of wine and spirits. In addition to Santangelo’s sage-like advice, the event will feature three beverages and a selection of finger foods for noshing.

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Fans of multi-course Italian menus with stacked wine lists will want to check out Vongole Pasta (vongolepastautah.com), a new spot on 1400 East and 2100 South. The pasta menu boasts a build-your-own vibe that includes traditional options like spaghetti and tagliatelle, as well as squid ink linguine. From there diners can select a sauce—I have to say the pecan pesto sounds delightful—and then a protein which ranges from wagyu beef to a whole lobster tail. Fans of pizza can check out the restaurant’s Roman style offerings, and the chef’s specials all sound excellent. On top of that, Vongole offers a selection of decently-priced Italian wine flights. If you’re a fan of seafood, pasta and a full-bodied red, Vongole just might have a spot for you. Quote of the Week: “It’s a comfort to always find pasta in a cupboard and parsley in the Alice Waters garden.” —

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Music Mailbag January 2026 New music from Number One Babe Team, Theoretical Blonde, Tariq Abou-Bakr and Eyes of Eva. BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl

e’ve made it halfway through the decade and it’s certainly been… a time. Despite the craziness, however, local music will always be there as a comfort. Here are a few new releases to start your year off on the right foot.

Number One Babe Team, “Devil’s Plaything”: ‘“Devil’s Plaything’ marks a comedic look at a selfdestructive persona and a return for the project after a year shaped by chronic illness,” said Number One Babe Team frontman Austin Rian. “I’m a wicked child, who was born to rage / Got a beast inside, trying to escape / Crack a can and come on let’s go,” he sings. Number One Babe Team’s sound is a lovely mix of indie and garage pop, the sound lending itself well to the lyrics. It’s one of those songs that’s happy and upbeat, but when you focus in on the lyrics, you realize there’s more going on. Chronic illness is no joke, and “Devil’s Plaything” finds Rian addressing it directly, expressing this feeling of not being in control and the frustration that comes with your body turning on you. “Devil’s Plaything” is an indie delight; it has an upbeat, modern sound, but does have deeper lyrics that many can probably relate to. “Devil’s Plaything” is streaming everywhere now. Theoretical Blonde, No Brainer: SLC band

Theoretical Blonde label themselves as “bluegrass-adjacent,” not fitting squarely in one box or another. They weave different sounds into their music, incorporating bluegrass, jazz, Americana, country and singer/songwriter traditions. The result is an energetic and dynamic sound, one that a curious listener could never possibly be bored of. This five-piece group is made up of best friends who have forged a deep connection through music. They’ve been jamming together for a while, and have released a few songs, but No Brainer marks their debut album. It starts with the energetic and jazzy track “Road to Plat,” piano and bass greeting listeners and pulling them in. As the song continues, more instruments are introduced, like pieces of a puzzle slipping into place. “Road to Plat” plays sans vocals before transitioning to tracks like “Little Words,” which show off a more mellow side, blending bluegrass-style instrumentation with singer-songwriter sensibilities, highlighted by sweet vocal harmonies and a catchy, thoughtful melody. “Cutflower,” meanwhile, is a high-octane bluegrass tune that lets each band member flex their instrumental chops, driving the song forward with infectious energy and lightning-fast picking. If any of that sounds even remotely interesting to you, No Brainer is a must and it’s streaming everywhere now. Tariq Abou-Bakr, “Tell Me You Hate Me,”: Singer/ songwriter Tariq AbouBakr has been making a splash with his folk sound and powerful yet sensitive vocals. While making the rounds in the SLC live bar scene, Abou-Bakr debuted as a recording artist in 2024 with his track “Cold,” with the help of the folks in another local band, The Proper Way. Not only is

MUSIC Number One Babe Team

The Proper Way an amazing group on their own, but they also help produce many local musicians, creating exceptional work. Abou-Bakr is on the list of those TPW has helped, credited on most of his current releases including his latest, “Tell Me You Hate Me.” This is one of those tracks that hits you emotionally deep down, but at the same time, you can’t stop listening because of how tragically beautiful it is. “Don’t set me down like I’m not enough / Head in the clouds, life, it gets tough / If you don’t love me like that, won’t you just let me know? / Tired of running this back, are we taking it slow?” he sings. Accompanied by soft instrumentation, Abou-Bakr’s gorgeous voice is in the forefront, blowing listeners away with its power and tone. His voice is unforgettable and so far underrated, so go check out “Tell Me You Hate Me,” streaming everywhere now. Eyes of Eva, “Bite”: “‘Bite’ was born from an ominous, grunge-inspired guitar riff soaked in fuzz and overdrive, blending gothic hard rock and metal influences,” Eyes of Eva said of their new single. “[Our singer] Shawnii’s powerful vocals drive

lyrics centered on vengeance and reclaiming power after betrayal. The eerie laughter at the end was an unplanned moment when the band broke into laughter during recording—and it felt too perfect to cut.” Fans of goth/metal and industrial rock will feel right at home with Eyes of Eva; they have a dark sound similar to the likes of Evanescence, Flyleaf, Nightwish or Within Temptation. “Bite” is melodic, heavy and feels like being taken into a fantasy world full of witches and magic and mysterious creatures. It’s fun to hear background details about how elements in a song end up where they do—the band was right about the laughter being too perfect to cut; it fits so well and adds to the vengeance theme. Check out “Bite” wherever you listen to music. There are plenty more new releases to celebrate this month as we start out the new year, so stay tuned and give your music library a refresh. CW

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The Record Company

The Record Company @ Egyptian Theatre 1/8-10

Choosing “The Record Company” for a band name is a recipe for confusion: It implies a kind of generic-ness. But drawing equal amounts of inspiration from classic blues and protopunk artists like the Stooges, The Record Company makes music that’s much more creative than its band name might suggest. Founded in 2011, the Los Angeles-based trio (singer-guitarist Chris Vos, Alex Stiff on bass and drummer Marc Cazorla) burst on the scene with their 2016 debut album, the DIY Give it Back to You. That release climbed to the number five spot on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. After a non-album single (“Baby, I’m Broken”) charted, The Record Company returned with 2018’s All of this Life, which was commercially successful as well. A 2021 EP playfully titled Side Project explored the band’s wideranging influences, with covers of songs by Cypress Hill, Big Mama Thornton and others. That same year saw the release of an original album, Play Loud, and The 4th Album followed in 2023. The Record Company comes to the Egyptian Theatre for three nights, Jan. 8-10, at 8 p.m. Tickets for these all-ages shows are $33 and up (depending on the night) and are available at parkcityshows.com. (Bill Kopp)

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David Bowie

David Bowie Tribute Night @ Urban Lounge 1/8

The facts first: David Bowie was a remarkably iconic artist, but at the same time, he defied identification in terms of an individual image. From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, from glam rocker Aladdin Sane to a switch in style that appealed to denizens of the dance floor, Bowie’s persona constantly evolved, but never at the expense of his own invention and intrigue. Consequently, any tribute has a lot of ground to cover in a career that first found Bowie dressed in drag, and culminated in his final years when he embraced spirituality and approached the inevitability of his death due to cancer. If that’s a challenge for those that have made this event an annual celebration for the past 10 years, it’s one that local artists and fans gladly embrace to honor Bowie’s birthday. Homeboys Major Tom & The Moonboys are known for faithfully reproducing Bowie’s early “Space Oddity” era as well as his broader catalog, with Major Tom himself emulating the make-believe astronaut who’s lonely and lost in space. DJ NixBeat applies his passion for writing and spinning sides to his turntable techniques, while DJ Robbo Soul maintains the soulful grooves that culminated in Bowie’s 1980s classic Let’s Dance. Indeed, it’s going to be hard to resist the dance floor’s beckoning call. David Bowie Tribute Night comes to Urban Lounge at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8. Tickets for this 21+ show cost $13.90 in advance and $16.15 day of show at 24tix.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

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Music at its best is an exquisite art form— and if you respect it, you should pay for it. Bay Area entrepreneur and hip-hop artist LaRussell Thomas knows this better than most. His genuine approach to his community and craft is a breath of fresh air. The 31-year-old is not only self-made, but is steadily giving pointers on how to build your own movement from scratch. “The older generation, you had to go rap. Like you had to go rap for people, you had to go rap on a corner. You had to do the awards shows, there was no social media. So the only way people would see you is if you out there rapping,” LaRussell told The Hip Hop Museum. “I think that sense of work ethic used to exist, but now it has just kind of changed because people can make it from home. You can never really be present in the game, and you could go viral and succeed. It’s just a different game.” With over 30 albums (40 projects?) in the last six years, his creative output is inspiring. LaRussell’s recent “I’m From The Bay” live performances/visualizers via his Good Company YouTube channel should give one a foretaste for when he brings his act to Salt Lake City. He truly is a legend in the making. Catch this artist at Soundwell on Thursday, Jan. 8, doors at 5 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are offer-based and can be found at soundwellslc.com. (Mark Dago)

Boyfriend Sushi Town: An Acoustic Evening @ Urban Lounge 1/9

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Locals Boyfriend Sushi Town have made a name for themselves with their high energy and overall amusing and enjoyable style. They have an addictive alt/indie sound that incorporates the usual instruments, but also adds violin for some extra spice. They kicked 2025 off in a lively way with their most recent album Dogwood, an album full of earnest indie rock tracks that offer their patented high-energy vibes and curious sensibility. As you flip through each song, you’ll wonder how they’ll incorporate the violin into the next track, or what other wacky effects they might use. One standout track to highlight is “Danica Patrick,” heavily featuring the violin, giving the intro of the song an orchestral feel before the electronic guitar and other instruments come in. The

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group doesn’t have a ton of stripped-down songs, so it’ll be interesting to see how they convert their tracks to this acoustic set. Acoustic guitars and violins are best friends, so it won’t be difficult, but this acoustic set is something you won’t want to miss. Boyfriend Sushi Town aren’t hanging out alone; Camp Ghost and Get Born are also playing, although it’s unclear whether these other bands will focus on acoustic sets as well. Camp Ghost does have a primarily acoustic library, but Get Born does have tracks with electric instruments. Either way, it’s going to be a good time. Stop by this 21+ show on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $13.38 in advance via 24tix.com or $16.15 at the door. (Emilee Atkinson)

ATLiens @ The Marquis 1/10

The Atlanta-based electronic bass duo ATLiens is committed to anonymity, allowing more focus on their music. Atlanta (ATL) is the birthplace of trap music, and that’s what you get mixed with a bit of influence from Pink Floyd and Depeche Mode—but electronic, of course. Then, combine all that with extraterrestrial-themed music and you get ATLiens. Not only do we not know their real names or what their faces look like, they also remain silent in interviews, so the music really speaks for itself. The chrome masks and red-glowing eyes they wear while onstage are not only part of the alien persona, but also complement the aesthetic of their dark, trappy music. Their song that came out earlier this year, “Black Sheep” (featuring GG Magree), includes hard-hitting bass, while their viral remix of Creed’s song “One Last Breath” is nothing short of a nostalgic rock-to-bass hit. The single from their Ghost Planet EP, “Fading Out” (featuring singer Sara Skinner), is more melodic with heavy drops and the lyrics, “Promise me, we wonder deep into electric skies, / Recklessly, I want to be alone / just you and I / We’re fading out, we’re fading out.” ATLiens has an aura that makes you want to follow them on their spaceship to wherever their next live show is playing. Check them out on Saturday, Jan. 10 at The Marquis in Park City, doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets $45. Go to eventliveus.com for tickets and event information. (Arica Roberts)

free will ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

The mystics drone on endlessly about letting go. But I’m here now to praise the art of holding on fiercely, tenderly, with full commitment. Some treasures deserve your passionate grip. Some people warrant your loyal devotion. Especially in the coming months, dear Aries, I invite you to devote yourself to your exciting dreams with ardent intensity. No surrender! Relentless perseverance! Uncompromising faith in the beauty and truth you love! What looks like stubbornness to outsiders will actually be fidelity to a vision others can’t yet see.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

As far back as the 19th century, daredevil college students in the UK have reveled in the practice of “night climbing.” They clamber up chapels, spires, towers, and bridges under cover of darkness. Why? Mainly for adventure, mischief, and altered perspectives. In the coming months, Taurus, you may be ready for your own symbolic version of night climbing. If that sounds fun, seek out vantage points you’ve never accessed. Experiment with possibilities you’ve dismissed as off-limits or outside your range. Be safe, of course, but also be joyfully exploratory. I bet the view from the frontiers will change you in inspiring ways.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

In 1839, French artist Louis Daguerre perfected the daguerreotype, an early type of photography. The images were so detailed that you could count the threads in a subject’s clothing. The only downside: They required minutes of perfect stillness to capture. A slight twitch or squirm could blur the picture. People held their breath and resisted the urge to fidget, hoping to preserve the magic moment. In this spirit, Libra, let’s make the *long exposure* your power metaphor during the coming months. The most useful truths will reveal themselves best if you give them time to develop. In conversations, resist filling every silence. In projects, don’t rush the pace. Have patient fun lingering on the threshold as the mysteries coalesce and clarify. In 1907, Scorpio artist Pablo Picasso painted Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. It was a work so radically different from his earlier art and from the era’s norms that even his friends were stunned. Some called it ugly; others, incomprehensible. Yet the painting became a foundation of Cubism and reshaped modern art. Dear Scorpio, I suspect you may be on the verge of your own “Les Demoiselles” phase in 2026: unveiling novel approaches and innovative changes so original that they rattle comfortable assumptions. Don’t be discouraged if the initial responses don’t bring you appreciation. The root-shaking breakthroughs you’re consorting with may take others a while to recognize and welcome.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You Sagittarians are often drawn to teaching. You have a predilection and a passion for sharing what you have learned from your adventures and explorations. Many of you also possess a related gift: helping people make the journey to where enlightening lessons can best occur. You have a knack for opening their minds and clearing the way so they can awaken to new ways of seeing and imagining the world. I hope you will provide both of these blessings in abundance during the coming months. Your ability to inspire and educate will be at a peak.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

The coming months are ripe for sacred audacity: boldness with a conscience and courage guided by kindness. Imagine you’re a Benevolent Initiator, whose superpower is to kindle beginnings without causing disruption and unease. Practice brilliant, incremental nudges and tweaks rather than grand interventions. If you’re hesitating to say what needs to be said, deliver a modest version now and a stronger one later. Make gradual momentum your ally. Homework: Identify a future scene you want to generate and take three elegantly simple steps toward it. Safety isn’t the opposite of adventure. It’s the infrastructure that lets adventure be expansive. Keep that in mind in the coming months, Aquarius. You will be wise to cultivate cozy bravery. You should relax deeply and nurture your strength. Build the support system for your future boldness. Then, in the second half of 2026, you will be well-prepared to launch a phase of experimental fun and exploratory learning. For best results, surround yourself with love and care. Decide who best supports you and make it attractive for them to support you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Go to realastrology.com for Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes and daily text-message horoscopes. Audio horoscopes also available by phone at 877-873-4888 or 900-950-7700.

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JANUARY 8, 2026 | 29

High in the Andes Mountains, farmers have for centuries made chuño, a freeze-dried potato that can last for years. They leave the potatoes outside overnight to let the freezing temperatures draw out the water. In the daytime, the strong sunlight and dry mountain air evaporate residual moisture. By this process, a perishable food becomes a long-lasting staple. I propose we make the chuño your symbol of power, Pisces. The coming months will be an ideal time to build reserves. I hope you will turn what you have grown and developed into resources that will nourish you well into the future.

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Ready to decommission your inner censor? Interested in dropping the mask, relaxing your guard and rewilding your gorgeous but slightly inhibited self? That’s what I recommend. Here are ways to enjoy the liberating grace period of the coming months: 1. Don’t deny yourself pleasures that would be healthy to indulge. 2. Shed taboos that were smart safeguards once but are no longer. 3. Re-evaluate why you treat certain fun activities as questionable. 4. Be brightly compassionate toward aspects of yourself you regard as wounded or inferior. 5. Be receptive to rebellious urges.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

A N E W D AY S PA

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The honeyguide bird of Africa has a lucrative arrangement with humans. It calls out to honey-hunters, leading through brush to wild beehives built into trees. The people harvest the honey, and the bird eats the leftover wax and larvae. This cooperation is passed down over generations and benefits both species. Let’s use this as a metaphor for your future in 2026. You will have extra power to notice where mutual benefit is possible, even with unexpected allies. They may guide you toward resources you couldn’t find alone, and you will have value to give in return. Keep an ear out for signals that say, “Come with me, and we’ll both gain.” The cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris took years to build. Work began in 1163 and continued till 1345. Generations of architects, masons and artisans contributed, and those who began it didn’t live to see it completed. Yet they labored with devotion, trusting that the holy beauty they facilitated would endure beyond their lifetimes. I hope you’re inspired by this story, Leo. It’s an apt metaphor for you. In the coming months, you could and should lay stones for creations you may not see fully accomplished for months or even years. I encourage you to redefine and refine what faith means to you, and summon it in abundance.

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In the coming months, I’m confident you will see and understand subtleties that most people miss. You’ll be a maestro at tuning in to nuanced subtexts in conversations and hidden openings in stale situations. Everyone else may assume that familiar situations will never change, but you will have the power to tease out creative possibilities. You might even decode seemingly contradictory truths with such aplomb that you surprise yourself. Use this superpower with as much kindness as you can, Gemini. Some discoveries may tempt you toward clever mischief, but I hope that instead you will choose inspired guidance. Your expanded spectrum, if spiced with compassion, can consistently reveal your next leap.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

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Protecting History

ast summer, the Salt Lake City Council began to explore available options for a street sign program that designates a recognized historic district in the city. For example, if you live on Laird Avenue, the street sign would include either “local historic district” or “local historic district/Yalecrest Neighborhood.” Salt Lake City has 14 historic districts, located within The Avenues, Capitol Hill, Central City, South Temple and University, plus several smaller districts within the Yalecrest neighborhood (like Normandie Circle and Harvard Heights) and others like City Creek/Memory Grove, Exchange Place, Liberty Wells, and Fort Douglas. The city created these districts to preserve distinct architectural styles and historical development from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These districts are designated by the City Council and/or are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a volunteer Planning and Zoning Commissioner for eight years, I found that many home buyers had no clue that their home was within one of the 14 local historic districts. They would do things to their property that weren’t allowed under the protection rules, like putting up vinyl fencing, installing vinyl windows (vs. the wood-frame variety) or painting the exterior brick and masonry. The point is to ensure compatibility with the homes’ historic character and the surrounding properties. After much discussion and meetings, Salt Lake City was able to require title companies to state on title reports that the property is in a protected area. Thus, no excuse for changing the exterior of the property and saying to enforcement officials, “Oh, I didn’t know it was in a Historic District!” Back in the 1960s and ‘70s, decadesold homes in areas like The Avenues were being torn down like crazy. Locals stepped up and worked with city officials to create rules and regulations to preserve these properties, much to the distaste of the owners who often wanted to opt for cheaper upgrades to a property. FYI—you can basically do whatever you’d like inside your home if you live in a historic neighborhood, as it’s the exterior that the rules are attempting to protect. I recall one public hearing for the Historic Landmarks Commission (I’m now in my second term of serving the on that commission) when a property was flagged in Capitol Hill for having painted the brushed brick exterior. The owners had recently purchased the home and thought the change was lovely. But they had no idea that it was not allowed by the local ordinances. It was going to cost a fortune to remove the paint. The City Council has been asking for feedback and eventually, street signs in historic neighborhoods will announce that visitors are in a precious area of our town. For a map of these areas, go to slc.gov/historic-preservation/historic-districts-and-buildings/localhistoric-districts/. n Content is prepared expressly for Community and is not endorsed by City Weekly staff.

THE BEST OF 2025

BY MATT JONES

ACROSS

1. Doll central to a popular (and weird) trend of 2025 7. Refuel need 10. “Isn’t ___ Lovely?” (Stevie Wonder hit) 13. College William Faulkner dropped out of 15. Takoyaki ingredient 17. IGN’s Best Horror Movie of 2025, directed by Zach Cregger 18. Medical drama on multiple Best TV of 2025 lists 19. No. on some business cards 20. “In Spanish, el ___ in a sombrero” (lyrics from “The Cat in the Hat” animated special) 22. 30-second spot 23. Abrasive tool 25. Author Grafton 27. Throw up? 30. Director Mendes 33. Explosive in a stick 35. “That’s right” 36. “___: Expedition 33” (Game of the Year at 2025’s The Game Awards) 41. Lb. and oz., e.g. 42. Letters of debt 43. Class of antibodies, in immunology 44. Slippery swimmer 45. Bolt’s counterpart 46. Lady Gaga hit that topped Rolling Stone’s Best Songs of 2025 list 48. Celine who closed the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony 50. “Woohoo!” 51. Pull a scam on 52. Abominable creatures 54. No. on business cards 56. Wordless “Oh my!” 60. Poetic preposition 62. Capitol topper 65. “___ be back!” 66. Ryan Coogler film on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of Best Movies of 2025 69. Performer of “Berghain,” the #1 best song of 2025 in the Pitchfork Readers’ Poll 71. Day planner span 72. Epitome of attention to detail, metaphorically 73. Lump of cash 74. “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” author’s monogram 75. 2025 hit song featured in “K-Pop Demon Hunters”

DOWN

1. Bring down 2. Amazon assistant 3. Pulsations 4. Arbiter on a field 5. Bookstore sect. 6. Annapolis initials 7. Understood 8. Vier twice? 9. A Martins in “Only Murders in the Building” 10. Natural weave? 11. Makeshift dwelling 12. “C’___ la vie!” 14. Air France fliers, once 16. Eye-popping designs 21. Remained longer than 24. Letter after chi 26. Multivolume ref. work 28. Even more adorable 29. Inventor Nikola 31. Caruso solo 32. Ted ___, protagonist of “How I Met Your Mother” 34. First name in 1990s rap 36. Photographer Sherman 37. A nephew of Donald Duck 38. Artificially sweetened? 39. 2006 Sacha Baron Cohen role 40. Go over

47. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” director Lee 49. Silly billy 53. Take the wheel 55. Figure “a-leaping” 57. Caught a bug 58. Sorry! action 59. Like froyo without the toppings 61. Like cough medicines 63. Early keyboard synthesizer 64. “___ Perpetua” (Idaho state motto) 66. Sty ma 67. TV chef Garten 68. Potential grads, for short 70. N.L. East team

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.

WITH BABS DELAY

Broker, Urban Utah Homes & Estates, urbanutah.com

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

SUDOKU X

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NEWS of the WEIRD

We sell homes to all saints, sinners, sisterwives and...

SKIERS!

BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL

When Fancy Goes too Far

A 38-year-old man named Sergei who was taking part in a corporate holiday party at the Igra Stolov “Game of Tables” cooking studio in Moscow was rushed to surgery after drinking a cocktail that ruptured his stomach, Metro UK reported on Dec. 25. The liquid nitrogeninfused drink was part of a “cryo-show” being put on by one of the culinary school’s chefs. Liquid nitrogen is used by chefs and mixologists to flash-chill drinks and provide dramatic effects, but because the liquid expands rapidly into a gas when exposed to room temperatures, it’s critical that the drinks are not consumed before the nitrogen has had a chance to fully evaporate. Witnesses at the Moscow event claimed they were given no warnings by the chef or staff of the danger the cocktail presented. Sergei underwent surgery and remained in serious condition at the time of the report.

Lost & Found

Mixed Messages

After denying requests for a number of vanity license plates on the grounds that the requested tags were obscene or inflammatory, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias created a YouTube video in which he read off some of his favorites, including “IBPOOPN,” “SNDNUDZ,” “BDASMOM” and “ICUP.” WBEZ Chicago reported that while Giannoulias and his staff appreciate the creativity of the state’s drivers, he advises them to “keep it clean and avoid ending up on the naughty list.”

Face the Music

Selling homes for 41 years in the Land of Zion

Julie “Bella” De Lay Realtor 801-784-8618 bella@urbanutah.com

Selling homes for 12 years

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It Takes a Village

It’s not a baby boom, but it’s a start: Lara Bussi Trabucco is the first baby to have been born in the tiny rural Italian town of Pagliara dei Marsi in almost 30 years, The Guardian reported on Dec. 26. Lara’s arrival bumped the small village’s population to roughly 20. “Pagliara dei Marsi has been suffering from drastic depopulation, exacerbated by the loss of many elderly people, without any generational turnover,” said Mayor Giuseppina Perozzi. Lara’s mother, Cinzia Trabucco, 42, lived in Rome for years before moving to her grandfather’s hometown for a quieter lifestyle. Birth rates in Italy have been falling for 16 years, reaching a record low in 2024, per the country’s statistics agency. Government incentives and “baby bonuses” can only do so much, leaving parents and communities struggling as nurseries, schools and even maternity wards close down. In this landscape, little Lara has become a symbol of hope—and a tourist attraction, says her mom: “People who didn’t even know Pagliara dei Marsi existed have come, only because they had heard about Lara. At just 9 months old, she’s famous.”

Dude, Where’s My Seafood?

The FBI is on the case of a $400,000 shipment of lobsters that has gone missing, Boston.com reported on Dec. 30. The truck and its valuable cargo disappeared somewhere between its departure point at a warehouse in Taunton, Massachusetts, and its destinations at Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota. “It followed a pattern we’re seeing more and more,” said Dylan Rexing, president and CEO of Rexing Companies, “where criminals impersonate legitimate carriers using spoofed emails and burner phones to hijack high-value freight while it’s in transit.” U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement estimates that the U.S. economy loses $1535 billion annually to cargo theft, with high-value items like pharmaceuticals, electronics and alcohol among the most frequent targets.

Bad Idea

A 38-year-old man was arrested on Dec. 20 in Aukland, New Zealand, for checking all of the wrong boxes, 1News TVNZ reported. Using flashing lights on the roof of his station wagon to pull over other motorists? Check. Attempting to pull over an unmarked police car? Check. Fleeing the scene upon realizing his huge mistake? Check. And finally, failing a breath test once the police caught up with him? Check. The impaired impersonator’s breath analysis registered at twice the legal limit, adding a charge of excess breath alcohol to the already serious charge of impersonating a police officer. “It’s bad enough that this person thought it was okay to impersonate a police car,” Inspector Kerry Watson said. “It’s even worse to see impaired and dangerous driving.” Send your weird news items with subject line WEIRD NEWS to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com.

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At least he left an entertaining note. Buzzy Levine, owner of Lark Street Music in New Jersey, enlisted the help of the public by posting surveillance video of a theft that took place in his store on Dec. 22, but it turns out, he needn’t have bothered. WABC-7 NY reported on Dec. 29 that the shoplifter, seen in the video stuffing two mandolins (worth about $4,000 apiece) into his parka and exiting the store, returned the instruments four days later, along with a box of chocolates and a handwritten note that read, “SORRY, I BEEN DRUNK, MERRY CHRISTMAS You are a good man.” “I suspect that a friend of his or his mom said, ‘Hey,’” Levine said. Police are looking for the suspect and still plan to press charges.

Broker/Owner 801-201-8824 babs@urbanutah.com www.urbanutah.com

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Ken Johnson has been living with a 550-pound black bear under his home in Altadena, California, since November, reported Fox 12 Oregon on Dec. 22. After weeks of attempting to scare the ursine squatter off with loud noises and fake dog barks, Johnson got a little help from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which set up a cage trap near the crawl space and sprayed it with caramel and cherry scents to lure the bear inside. In a classic case of “good news, bad news,” the cage was successful, in that it captured a bear, but unsuccessful, in that it was not THE bear, but rather a different bear that had wandered onto Johnson’s property. That bear was relocated and released, but Johnson’s unwanted guest remains. “I thought this would be over by now,” Johnson said. “It’s still going on, and there’s no sign of him leaving.”

Babs De Lay

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Animal Antics

Steven Pavlik, 63, of Stuart, Florida, is facing charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest after his stint as a Salvation Army bell-ringer went very much awry on Dec. 23, WFLA reported. Pavlik was stationed in front of a Publix grocery store on Kanner Highway before “Drunk ringing, belligerent tidings and assault took him from bell duty to booking blotter after a full blown charity tirade,” the Martin Country Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post recounting the incident. Having become intoxicated during the course of his charitable work, Pavlik began confronting passersby, who informed the Publix store manager; when the manager came outside to discuss the complaints with the inebriated volunteer, Pavlik attempted to impale the manager with the donation kettle tripod, then fled. The manager was uninjured, and Pavlik was arrested at his home.

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Residents of Ogmore-by-Sea, Wales, were understandably puzzled when hundreds of small, hobnailed shoes began washing up on the local beach, the BBC reported on Dec. 23. The mystery only grew deeper when expert analysis revealed that the shoes were from the Victorian era. The working theory is that an Italian cargo ship from that time, known to have sunk just off the coast, has finally decayed enough to release some of its valuables to the ocean currents. The small size of the footwear is likely due to the fact that “people had much smaller feet in those days,” said local mudlarker Lara Maiklem. (The hobby of mudlarking involves scouring riverbanks for historical artifacts.)

Good Intentions

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