City Weekly July 3, 2025

Wicked Witch of the West

Utah’s first bar to make the James Beard finals raises the game for fine drinking in Salt Lake City.

BY ALEX SPRINGER

SLC FORECAST

S AP

The S-Line is just a big waste of money and resources. Just close it down.

DARREN BRINGHURST Via Facebook

Afraid to ask—can you screw up Sugar House any more? It’s Salt Angeles here.

LINDA WILLIAMS Via Facebook

Turn the future streetcar line to the south down Highland Drive to the Cottonwood Mall.

@SLCWEEKLY

BOX

@SLCWEEKLY

“Rail Fail,” June 27 Online

It wouldn’t be Utah if they didn’t ignore the $3 billion road expansion to scrutinize the actually effective transit project that costs $9 million.

COLBY HATTON Via Facebook

Gotta love how they spend heavily on the roads, when the transit project is a much more affordable option and actually has benefits for the public.

SAWYER HAMILTON Via Facebook

TOM ROACH Via Facebook

The urban campers on the trains is getting a bit out of hand honestly. Makes it a little scary to ride the trains sometimes.

NICHOLAS.LYLE.MUA Via Instagram

Construction relief for Sugar House merchants. Trains are fine but not at the expense of giving up what is remaining of precious street surface and green space.

MARK GREER Via Facebook

Build more trains! There are a million reasons why, just pick one!

MR_SILLYPANTS6 Via Instagram

Of course they [halted extension]. It doesn’t help that the S-Line is now an encampment for the unhoused.

ALELEERAMOS Via Instagram

This in the wake of parking price hikes downtown.

CHEWIETATTOOS Via Instagram

Editor’s Note: On June 26, the Utah Headliners Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (Utah SPJ) honored Salt Lake City Weekly with five awards at its annual banquet. Those awards include:

—First Place, General Feature: “Walking the Beat,” by Benjamin Wood

—Second Place, Health and Science: “Ticking Clock,” by Mary Dickson —Third Place, Personality Profile: “Singing Down the Slopes,” by Bianca Dumas

—Third Place, Criminal Justice: “Written in Bone,” by Carolyn Campbell

—Second Place, Opinion Column (Division B): “Classroom of Commoddities” by Wes Long

All of the above features can be found online at cityweekly.net.

Correction: The June 26 cover story, “Out of the (Black) Box,” did not disclose a personal relationship between the author and a University of Utah student who asked to be identified by a pseudonym out of fear of academic reprisal.

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

THE WATER COOLER

What are your favorite 4th of July memories or traditions?

Scott Renshaw

Growing up, my dad hated the idea of wasting money on buying fireworks, so we’d plan to watch our neighbors’ fireworks, and instead spend the money going out to a movie. I very specifically remember Moonraker in 1979 and Airplane! in 1980.

Mike Ptaschinski

Getting up early in Racine, Wisconsin, back in the 1950’s to get a good spot on the parade route in the shade. Some floats would throw candy, and you had to be quick to get more than one piece. The drum and bugle corps, big in the Midwest, were peaking then, always a good listen as they crisply marched by. At night, we’d go to the park by the lakefront, sit on a blanked hill and watch the fireworks out over Lake Michigan.

Wes Long

We usually go for a hike in the mountains and then catch a movie. I’ve long enjoyed that tradition vastly more than any parades or fireworks.

Eric Granato

Heading to my brother-in-law’s house away from the city for some beers, BBQ and fireworks.

Benjamin Wood

I’m all for the switch to drone shows.

PRIVATE EYE

BY JOHN SALTAS

Pray for Sanity

I’ve been exhausted by events this past month or so.

On Mother’s Day, I crashed on my bike, smashing my face into what Ron Yengich (my partner in the weekly “Bingham Boys” Podcast) said reminded him of what boxer George Chuvalo looked like after playing punching bag for 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali in 1972.

Some people debate whether Chuvalo actually beat Ali (they had two fights). But I have no such thoughts: the sidewalk defeated me fair and square with stitches, wiggly teeth, two black eyes and a cracked nose to prove it.

That was followed by a trip to New York in early June to attend the Greek wedding of my son Mikey and his beautiful bride Kristen. I’d healed barely enough to allow photographs, but all was fine until the dinner at Giorgio’s Reception Center at Baiting Hollow, set in Long Island farm and wine country.

During the very first Greek dance, I became winded and spent the rest of the evening wondering how long I’d last. I was hurting. For the very first time in my entire life, I became an unpleasant and surly guest. I vibed people away from me.

I soon began hacking and, sure enough, the COVID test the next morning was positive. In that moment I wanted only two things: one, to hope I’d not passed the virus to anyone else; and two, to punch Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in the face. As much as anyone in American politics today, the Health and Human Services secretary deserves the George Chuvalo treatment.

I’ve won and lost fights to lesser humans than RFK. If I were in the ring with him, I’d likely lose in time (my best card being that he’s afraid to be hit) but he would know

that he’d been in a tangle. Anyway, that’s obvious. Have you seen him quiver while lying at the Senate hearings?

Once back home, I developed bronchitis and can barely make it up steps without tiring. That’s Bobby’s only hope, as I’m sure I could tackle him and smother him with my fatness. I’d sit on him until he apologizes for sticking it to the most ill and needy among us and promises recourse to all breathing Americans.

I won’t budge until he also pledges to be a better husband to actress Cheryl Hines, even if she doesn’t deserve it. It seems she’s kinda given in to the Kennedy spell and aura, right?

I have been at a loss about what to do. Exercise? I can’t very well without air in my lungs and the back-of-mind fear my heart will tap out. Take meds? Eat better? Yeah, maybe, but those are not immediate cures and if I’m anything, I’m impatient.

Rest? Sure, but rest (at least the kind taken upon a TV lounger) also atrophies muscles, so that just begets another non-activity cycle, which begets snacking and drinking the beers left over from last year’s Utah Beer Festival, still in the patio fridge.

Among my most trusted and valued friends who I’d normally engage with personally is a fellow who remains on vacation. I could only send him photos and await his ever-positive input.

Graciously, he will be home in a few days. He has no idea of the crying that I will soon lay at his feet. He’ll wish he were still at sea.

In this mix of being lost in the desert of uncertainty, and with my future hopes withering on the vine like a mutant cucumber, I decided to get help beyond my own willingness and capability. As in a vision, he came to me—a man in a business suit, not dressed in draping Biblical white, but a savior nonetheless: Gov. Spencer J. Cox.

His lazy metaphors and mine became a spiritual mindmeld. He declared this past Sunday that Utahns should all pray for rain because we are in a drought, the Great Salt Lake is dying and all that.

Yeah, that’s the ticket. Since I was either unwilling to help myself (as are Cox and his fellow farmer Johns who need rain to water their alfalfa to export to China), since it’s easier to let someone do the heavy lifting when it comes to sacrifice, and since it’s far easier still to credit the unknown rather than face known facts, I hit the floor with both knees. I then sang a prayer of “great social and political import and it goes like this”:

Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends

So, oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a color TV?

Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me

I wait for delivery each day until three

So, oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a color TV?

Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a night on the town? I’m counting on you Lord, please don’t let me down Prove that you love me and buy the next round Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a night on the town?

Everybody, Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends

So, oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

The above prayer, by Janis Joplin, delivered as many TVs and autos as will come raindrops from the pleadings of Governor Coward Cox. Of course he would take this tack—not an actual, practical one that includes personal sacrifice and intelligent high-desert life planning. Can you imagine how many thunderstorm prayers we will need after Mike Lee sells the land around Cox’s Fairview farm and jams it with “affordable housing?” I shudder at the thought.

Send comments to john@cityweekly.net

HITS & MISSES

BY KATHARINE BIELE | @kathybiele BY

HIT: Watching the Watchers

It may be nonsensical, but good on them for trying. The lieutenant governor rejected what was to be called the “Initiative on Initiatives.” The idea was simple—to stick it to the Legislature. Well, not exactly, but proponents did want the Legislature to pay attention. While the Utah Constitution gives citizens the right to make laws, that normally happens only when their representatives ignore them. Initiatives are a last-ditch effort. But every time an initiative succeeds, lawmakers rush to revise or repeal it. Last session, legislators put a question to voters in 2026 asking if anything that might require a tax increase should pass by 60% instead of a simple majority. They also passed a law requiring initiative backers to detail how they would fund the measure. Of course, lawmakers could do that easily but why not make the process even more onerous? So, the Initiative on Initiatives wanted to rewrite the laws that govern initiatives.

MISS: Operating Costs

It’s not like we didn’t know this was going to happen. The Leonardo is once again on tenuous financial ground— enough to threaten its existence, again. This has been going on since the museum opened in 2011, but everybody hoped and hoped, even as the Leonardo defaulted on its debts and racked up millions of dollars in liabilities. And whose fault was it? The Leonardo’s administration has long been made up of science wonks, not the brightest financial whizzes. Salt Lake City, the building’s owner, did maintenance and utilities while renting the old library building for $1 a month. It still wasn’t enough. Now the museum has “closed for repairs,” leaving tenants like bookseller Ken Sanders in the lurch, and the museum staff has been furloughed. Sure, everyone wants a cool, immersive, science and art experience. It’s simply not worth the ongoing pain.

MISS: Votes For Women

We’re going down again, despite Utah’s longstanding renown as the first state to allow women to vote. But that was then and this is now. Utah women just seem to have a difficult time with the concept of power. And yes, voting is power—the power of one voice to make a difference. In 1992, Utah women had the highest voter turnout in the country. But there’s a sad caveat. In 2020, some 300,000 eligible to vote were not registered. Now comes the latest report from the Utah Women and Leadership Project, which ranks Utah women 29th in the nation. Last year they came in higher at 24. Maybe it’s not surprising that “white women, married women and women with advanced degrees are most likely to vote,” the report notes. And the easy answer would be that women defer to men in a patriarchal society. But if you are poor and a minority, you should make every effort to vote and vote for your priorities, lest food and education be taken away. CW

Sound of Music

When I moved to Salt Lake City in 2001—away from the buzz and chaos of the Los Angeles music scene—I was seriously nervous. Would bands even stop here? Would I get the same rush of live shows I grew up on at Koo’s Arts Cafe and The Glass House of the 90’s?

When I was a teenager, music wasn’t just something I listened to—it was the air I breathed. I was treated to something rare, like seeing Sublime and No Doubt before the world knew their names and catching Social Distortion heading to practice like it was just another day.

We were sweaty, wide-eyed kids in small venues, screaming every word like it was gospel. It shaped who I was.

Fast forward to now—and wow. Utah, you’ve blown me away. From the dreamy sunsets at Red Butte to the cozy vibes of The State Room, and from the lush hills of Sandy Amphitheater to the energy of Ogden Twilight, we are spoiled with beautiful venues and even better lineups.

This year? I’m over the moon for Lord Huron (they always show us love), Regina Spektor, The Head and the Heart, and the spellbinding Rhiannon Giddens are all on my calendar. And I know you Wilco, NIN, Hozier, Halsey, Modest Mouse, Tash Sultana, Gregory Alan Isakov, Alabama Shakes, DEVO, and Weezer fans are practically vibrating with anticipation.

The Utah Blues Fest is always circled (and starred) on my calendar—especially after catching some jaw-dropping sets in Chicago. And we definitely can’t overlook our own homegrown talent—Michelle Moonshine, Talia Keys, Zaza Historia VanDyke, Fur Foxen and The Plastic Cherries (just to name a few) keep our local scene humming with soul and originality.

The pandemic stole a lot from us. But the silence of live music—that hurt in a way I didn’t expect. No crowds, no sweaty joy, no soundwaves shaking our chests in unison. I did not realize how much my mental health would be affected. I’ll never take that for granted again.

There’s just something about live music, right? It reaches in, grabs our soul and says, “Hey—you’re not alone.” For a few glorious hours, we forget about bills, stress and the doomscroll.

It’s magic. It’s medicine. For some of us, it’s spiritual. Lately, I’ve had “Arrow” by The Head and the Heart on repeat—it splits me open in ways not even therapy dares to reach.

In a world that feels more divided by the day, music slips past the noise and lands straight into the soul. It speaks every language, crosses every line and gathers us—strangers and friends— into one great, pulsing heartbeat. No debate, no headlines, just rhythm and feeling. Just connection.

So thank you, Salt Lake. You didn’t let me down. Let’s crank the music up, sing loud, dance boldly and let it carry us through another unforgettable summer. CW

CAT PALMER

Into the Dexterverse

Before your favorite serial killer returns in Dexter: Resurrection, catch up on all things Dex.

BY BILL FROST comments@cityweekly.net

Dexter, starring Michael C. Hall as a Miami Police forensics tech who moonlights as a serial killer, was Showtime’s most-watched original series during its 2006–2012 run. Since then, Showtime has been swallowed up by Paramount+, Hall tried out other roles (ranging from John F. Kennedy to Hedwig of The Angry Inch), and an extended Dexterverse has slowly begun to emerge.

Gearing up for the latest Dexter reboot series premiering this month, here’s a refresher course on the long, bloody trip of TV’s most beloved serial killer.

Dexter (2006–2013; Paramount+ with Showtime): Before binge-watching was a thing, millions tuned in to Showtime weekly to watch a buzzy new series about Dexter Morgan (Hall), a Miami PD forensics expert with a knack for blood-spatter patterns and droll inner monologues. Dexter also possesses an innate drive to murder, which his police detective father (James Remar) helped him channel toward offing “bad” people, like fellow serial killers. This ironic twist is the engine of the series.

The original Dexter hit its critical zenith in Season 4 with his most formidable nemesis, the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow). From

there, unfortunately, the show struggled to maintain that heart-pounding rush, culminating years later in a series finale more hated than even that of The Sopranos (though at least Journey wasn’t involved). Redemption for Dexter’s botched ending was nearly a decade away.

Dexter: Early Cuts (2009–2012; YouTube): To keep up with demand for Dexter content at the time, the Early Cuts animated web series was launched during Season 3. Stories were told in two-minute shorts, with Hall’s now-familiar narration accompanying comic book-style graphics. Dexter: Early Cuts isn’t all that essential to the series’ overall canon, but it’s a fun reminder of how TV networks attempted to capitalize on the internet back before they actually became the internet via streaming.

Dexter: New Blood (2021–2022; Paramount+ with Showtime): In the waning days of the pandemic, audiences were ready to try anything they hadn’t already binged during a couple of years stuck at home—including a Dexter reboot. Dexter: New Blood picks up 10 years after the original show’s finale, with a supposedly dead Dexter living as “Jim” in a small upstate New York town.

It’s an idyllic, murder-free life, even though Dexter/Jim has to contend with the ghostly presence of his foul-mouthed sister Deb and the unexpected, flesh-and-blood arrival of his estranged son Harrison (Jack Alcott). The killer “Dark Passenger” has recently reawakened in Dexter, and he senses it in Harrison, as well. It’s a satisfying-ifuneven 10-episode arc that covertly sets up a bigger and badder comeback.

Dexter: Original Sin (2024–2025; Paramount+ with Showtime): In the meantime, the excellent Dexter: Original Sin signals a return to the series’ classic, serialized roots.

A&E TRUE TV

Like all things Dexter, Original Sin features Hall’s narration, as a young Dex (Patrick Gibson) joins the Miami PD in 1991 while his father Harry (Christian Slater) works to redirect his son’s surfacing killer tendencies.

As good as Gibson and Slater are in their throwback roles, they’re regularly upstaged here by Molly Brown as a teenage Deb, who’s already a boss-level expletive machine. It’s also a riot to see younger versions of established series characters played with such spot-on detail; Original Sin could have been titled Dexter Babies

Along with New Blood, Dexter: Original Sin (which has been renewed for a second season) is a much-needed brand refresh for what’s next to come in the Dexterverse …

Dexter: Resurrection (2025; Paramount+ with Showtime): All previous Dexter series had fall/winter runs; the new Dexter: Resurrection subverts the old as a summer show premiering on Friday, July 11 (or Sunday, July 13, if you’re still on cable or satellite TV). Res-

urrection refers to the events of New Blood’s finale, wherein Harrison apparently shot and killed Dexter before driving off into the sunset. Spoiler: Dexter’s alive.

In Dexter: Resurrection, Dexter is trailing Harrison to New York City—because, as Dex monologues, “What better place to hide?” Resurrection brings back Remar as the guiding apparition of Dexter’s father, as well as suspicious former colleague Batista (David Zayas), and a new cast that includes Peter Dinklage, Uma Thurman and Krysten Ritter as a sommelier who may also be a serial killer. (Nothing against sommeliers, but duh.)

More Dexter spinoffs (Paramount+ with Showtime): It’s now clear that Dexter: New Blood was a one-and-done setup series for Resurrection, but there’s still more on the way from the Dexterverse, including a Trinity Killer origin story and more seasons of both Original Sin and Resurrection. Finally, an IP challenge to Taylor Sheridan’s leathery grip on Paramount+! CW

SHOWTIME NETWORKS

Michael C. Hall in Dexter

theESSENTIALS ENTERTAINMENT

A&E

Independence Day events

It may be a bit of an understatement to say that it’s a complicated time to be figuring out what it means to be patriotic about America, but there’s no reason to let one ideology own a celebration of our founding principles. If you are in the mood for festivities, there are plenty of places throughout the state to do so.

In the heart of downtown, The Gateway 4th of July Celebration (400 W. 200 South) offers yard games, face-painting, photo ops and other entertainment, plus live music featuring Changing Lanes, DJ stage and karaoke, and concluding with a fireworks display at 10:30 p.m. Gateway merchants will also be offering special deals throughout the event. The event runs 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4; no bags aside from diaper bags are permitted. atthegateway.com

For those looking for a fireworks-free event, Salt Lake City’s Independence Day Drone Show 2025 at Jordan Park (1060 S. 900 West) offers lawn seating for the closing choreographed drone-lights spectacular at 10:30 p.m., plus local food trucks and live music. The all-ages event is free and open to the public on Saturday, July 5, from 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., slcityevents.com

This Is The Place Heritage Park (2601 E. Sunnyside Ave.) hosts its annual Liberty Day Celebration from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m on Friday, July 4. The day begins with a flag ceremony and salute by Sons of the American Revolution. Admission cost of $14.95 - $18.95 includes all regular park activities, plus candy cannon, watermelon-eating contest and more special activities. thisistheplace.org

Farther down south, the Sandy City July 4th Celebration (10000 Centennial Parkway, Sandy) is traditionally the largest such gathering in Salt Lake County. The full-day event kicks off with the 5K run, followed by a carnival of inflatables, games, food vendors, mini-golf and other family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Live entertainment begins at 11:30 a.m. with music from community bands, followed by the parade at 6 p.m., with headliners the Salamanders at 7:30 p.m. It all wraps up with the 10 p.m. fireworks sky concert simulcast on B98.7. sandy.utah.gov

In Utah County, America’s Freedom Festival is traditionally one of the biggest celebrations in the state. From July 3 – 5 on Provo’s Center St., catch the Freedom Days celebration with carnival rides, live music, food, vendors and more, with all games and entertainment free to the public. On July 4, start the day with the Grand Parade’s floats, balloons, equestrian entries and bands, free to the public (Center St. & University Ave., Provo). Then wrap up with the Stadium of Fire (LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo), including the traditional fireworks spectacular, F-35 jet flyover and headliner concert by Rascal Flatts; tickets are $40 - $270. freedomfestival.org

For a respite from the traditional summer heat, you can always head into the mountains. Park City’s Fourth of July Celebration includes a parade down historic Main St. beginning at 11 a.m., games and other activities at City Park in the afternoon, and a drone show at Park City Mountain beginning at 10 p.m. parkcity.gov

Up at Brighton Resort, Brighton’s 4th of July Breakfast and Parade leads into a 10:30 a.m. parade that culminates with a candy toss. thebrightoninstitute.org

Check official websites for other towns and municipalities for additional locations offering activities, fireworks and more. (Scott Renshaw)

COURTESY PHOTO

Footpath Theatre: Western Minerals and Their Origins

“Fringe theater” is a wonderful concept as a platform for creative risk-taking; it also has its limitations. So playwright Connor Johnson—whose play Western Minerals and Their Origins was developed in collaboration with Footpath Theatre Co. for the 2024 Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival—appreciates the opportunity for a full production courtesy of Salt Lake Acting Company’s “Making Space for Artists” program.

“[A fringe festival] forces you to simplify and pare down, which can be very good,” Johnson says via email. “Having access to a dedicated space however, both for rehearsal and performance, has allowed us to really raise our ambitions and shoot much higher technically. I cannot express how much of a relief it is every night when I look at our set and don’t have to worry about packing it all up and transporting it somewhere else.”

The “Best of Fringe” winner takes advantage of these new parameters in a story about a young woman clearing out the garage of her canyoneering brother, preparing the house to be sold. The tale incorporates “neo-western” and “environmentalism,” according to the press release, while taking on some very particular theatrical challenges: “How can you conjure a canyon, raise a flash-flood, or evoke a sense of geologic time onstage for very little money? Western Minerals endeavors to answer these questions through text, music, and pure theatricality.”

Western Minerals and Their Origins plays at Salt Lake Acting Company’s Chapel Theatre (168 W. 500 North) July 5 and 10 – 12 at 7:30 p.m., and July 6 and 13 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $12 - $25; visit saltlakeactingcompany.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (SR)

Cinema Summer

Jurassic World Rebirth and July 2025 special screenings

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

Jurassic World: Rebirth BBB

Screenwriter David Koepp, who adapted the original 1993 Jurassic Park, opens this latest entry with nervy conceit that after 32 years, people have kinda gotten bored with dinosaurs—which could have blown up in his face had this movie not offered something at least a little bit fresh. It doesn’t look promising at the outset, with a couple nudging references to the original movie as we set up the premise of a pharmaceutical executive (Rupert Friend) hiring a mercenary (Scarlett Johansson) and a paleontologist (Jonathan Bailey) to secure dino DNA for potentially revolutionary medicines. And Koepp certainly seems to believe his own formula works: a nod to rapacious capitalism; a rescued family that allows him to continue providing a child in peril; halfhearted emotional motivations among the adult characters like Johansson and her boat-captain colleague (Mahershala Ali). It’s an inspired choice to turn not to Jurassic Park but to Jaws for the foundation of the seafaring opening act, and t hat’s only the start for director Gareth Edwards (the 2014 Godzilla) offering up several terrific action sequences, including the family’s showdown with a T. rex on a river. Maybe we’ll never again have the awestruck reactions we see from Bailey’s scientist, but if you can crank up the echoes of summer adventure, you at least get an effective evocation of when dinosaurs ruled the box office. Available July 2 in theaters. (PG-13)

JULY 2025 SPECIAL SCREENINGS

This Is Spinal Tap: It’s taken more than 40 years, but we’ll finally be getting a featurelength follow-up to the landmark mockrock-umentary This Is Spinal Tap in the fall. To prepare yourselves for its majesty, take advantage of a special opportunity to see the remastered version of the original on a big screen. Local theaters will feature screenings July 5 – 7; visit fathomentertainment.com/releases/this-is-spinal-tap/ to find locations and showtimes near you.

Sundance Local Lens: The Sundance Film Festival may have one foot out the door beyond January 2026, but for the time being, we can still enjoy some of the perks of being its home. This month, several select features from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival will be featured at special free screenings both in Salt Lake City (at the Broadway Centre Cinemas) and in Park City (at The Ray Theatre). Titles include Twinless (July 17, 7:30 p.m., Broadway); Omaha (July 17, 7:30 p.m., The Ray; July

19, 3 p.m., Broadway, both with director Cole Webley); All That’s Left of You (July 18, 5 p.m., The Ray; July 19, 7 p.m., Broadway); The Librarians (July 18, 5 p.m., Broadway; July 19, 11 a.m., The Ray, both with director Kim A. Snyder); Selena y Los Dinos (July 18, The Ray, 8:30 p.m.); The Dating Game (July 18, 8:30 p.m., Broadway; July 19, 3 p.m., The Ray); Come See Me in the Good Light (July 19, 11 a.m., Broadway); and Rebuilding (July 19, 7 p.m., The Ray). Visit sundance. org/local-lens to reserve free tickets.

Utah Film Center Summer Outdoor Film Series: Summer is the season for watching movies under the stars, and Utah Film Center kicks off its own series at Liberty Park in July, each film connected to one of the organization’s ongoing programs. On Friday, July 11, experience the Oscar-winning Best Animated Feature Flow, about the adventures of a cat trying to survive a massive flood (Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Children). Friday, July 18, catch The Apollo, a documentary chronicling the history of New

York City’s legendary Apollo Theater (Black, Bold & Brilliant). On Friday, July 25, it’s Riddle of Fire, the charming filmed-in-Utah adventure of three young children on a fantastical quest (Utah Filmmaker Showcase). And on Aug. 1, the Sundance 2025 documentary Move Ya Body: The Birth of House captures the creation of house music born out of the death of disco (Utah Queer Film Festival). All screenings start at 8 p.m.; visit utahfilmcenter.org to RSVP for free tickets.

Kurosawa-Fest @ Salt Lake Film Society: The legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa influenced a generation of American filmmakers—and the blockbuster action films they created—with his distinctive style. In July, SLFS begins a multi-week showcase of some of his greatest films, all in 4K restorations. The event begins July 27 with the 40th anniversary of 1985’s Ran, followed by Rashomon (1950) and Throne of Blood (1957) on Aug. 3, and both Yojimbo (1961) and Sanjuro (1962) on Aug. 10. Visit slfs.org for showtime information. CW

Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson in Jurassic World Rebirth

City Weekly’s Best Of Utah Top 10!

There are a great variety of environments in which to enjoy the local bar scene, each with their own virtues. A great patio, however, remains one of the surest ways to enhance the drinking experience. Whether it’s the seating, the layout, the view, or just the open air, you can’t beat a convivial time out on a good bar patio. The following are standouts in this regard.

WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST

UTAH’S FIRST BAR TO MAKE THE JAMES BEARD FINALS RAISES THE GAME FOR FINE DRINKING

IN SALT LAKE CITY.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly

Utah’s bar ecosystem has seen plenty of growth over the past decade. This exciting period of evolution is thanks to several different factors—new talent looking to prove itself, passionate locals who believe in the community, and plenty of thirsty patrons who see Utah’s potential on the national field.

It was, is and will always be an uphill battle because of the state’s often restrictive liquor laws. But Utah’s growing presence in the national bar scene is a testament to the scrappy locals who have built a nightlife oasis in the middle of a legislative desert.

Among this gallery of enthusiastic local bar owners are Sean Neves and Scott Gardner, who founded Water Witch (163 W. 900 South) with bartender Matthew Pfohl in 2016. And this year, our friends at the Witch were among the finalists for Outstanding Bar at the prestigious James Beard Awards—a huge deal for anyone in the hospitality industry.

The James Beard Foundation seeks out and celebrates the country’s best restaurants, bars, bakeries and food media. And while Water Witch ultimately lost the top prize to the Chicago bar Kumiko, its inclusion as a finalist marked a historic first for Beehive State watering holes.

In the 34 years since the James Beard Foundation held its first awards ceremony, no other Utah bar has made it this far.

While national praise of this caliber can raise new challenges for a friendly and intimate neighborhood spot like Water Witch, it’s safe to say that Neves, Gardner and the whole Water Witch team aren’t planning on compromising their own standards any time soon.

“All these accolades are really cool. But no matter what, we have to draw a very hard line at a certain point,” Gardner says. “We will never be anything we’re not, and we have to be the Witch 100% of the time—full stop.”

Season of the Witch

When Water Witch first opened its doors, Utah’s local bar scene was in an evolutionary period. And Neves said the team behind the bar intentionally leaned into the energy and experimentation taking place.

“We always had a vision of sparking some real drink programming in Utah,” Neves says. “We’re in a city that will never stop growing, and there’s a lot of interest locally.”

Though Water Witch is perhaps at its most memorable on those busy weekend evenings, when the cocktails are flowing and the locals are howling at the moon, there are some definite benefits to visiting the bar while the sun is still shining. The Central Ninth location has an effortlessly cool aesthetic that is easier to appreciate during the establishment’s more thoughtful times.

“We’ve really learned to value moments when the bar is like this,” Gardner remarks during an afternoon visit by City Weekly. “You learn that you don’t want it to be stacked 100% of the time.”

Water Witch has always been a cozy spot that gets decently packed on weekends. But regardless of when you visit, it is the type of establishment that fosters a sense of unspoken comradery among its patrons.

The community responsibilities that belong to a

neighborhood bar are not lost on Neves. “I’ve been in here on a random Wednesday at 4 o’clock and the place is full of retired female judges who are just ripping negronis,” he related. “It speaks its own language and you sort of capture that to make sure everybody is having a good time.”

Before Neves, Gardner and Pfohl joined forces, they were each making names for themselves at local restaurants. When the trio first met, Neves was tending bar at Wild Grape Bistro, Gardner was working as head mixologist at Finca and Pfohl managed beverages at Pallet.

Water Witch was one of the first businesses to set up shop in the nascent Central Ninth commercial node from Atlas Architects. This well-known cluster of local businesses—which also includes Laziz, Troubadour, Bar Nohm and Central Ninth Market—anchored an intentional evolution of the neighborhood, backed by city tweaks to mixed-use zoning codes and investment in modernized walking, cycling and transit infrastructure around the Trax station on 200 West.

Neves was acquainted with Atlas Architects during the development phase of the commercial space, and when the firm offered one of their spots to Neves, Water Witch was born.

During their time at the bar, both Neves and Gardner have developed a contagious enthusiasm for the work they’re doing here.

“There’s a certain point where you ask yourself if you could be the 80-year-old bar guy telling stories and polishing glasses for the rest of your life,” Gardner remarked. “And I decided that I could be that guy.”

“We will never be anything we’re not, and we have to be the Witch 100% of the time— full stop.” —Scott Gardner

Weighed and Measured

Though it was the Beehive State’s vote that drove the final nail into Prohibition’s coffin in 1933, Utah’s history with liquor legislation has made it a unique place to open and maintain a bar. Over the years, Utah’s conservative government leadership has imposed liquor laws that add a few frustrating hoops for bar owners to jump through.

“The one we hate the most is the click measure in secondary spirit regulations,” Neves says. “They’re totally unproductive and they need to go away.”

Essentially, the click measure applies to the amount of alcohol that can be served to a patron, which is a total of 2.5 ounces—1.5 ounces of primary liquor and one ounce of secondary or flavoring liquor. These rules explain the clunky metering devices attached to liquor bottles in Utah, which also get in the way of traditional recipes and cocktail ingredient ratios.

On top of these limitations, bars don’t get a break on purchasing wholesale liquor in bulk for retail use. “Even if we got a 10% break, it would be lifechanging,” Neves said. “We’re the client in that relationship, and the state is the regulatory authority, the wholesaler and the retailer. All these conflicts don’t speak well to each other.”

But even with these tricky legislative hangups, both Neves and Gardner speak highly of working with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS).

“I think the people at the DABS do their best,” Neves emphasized. “It’s manned by people who have to deal with really bad laws, and more often than not, they want to help us succeed.”

Gardner echoed that sentiment, noting that DABS employees are not responsible for the laws that flow down from Capitol Hill.

“The fact of the matter is that it’s their job to enforce legislation,” he said, “not create it.”

As Utah’s liquor laws are unique to the state and can be difficult for bar owners to navigate, the success Water Witch has earned feels particularly hard-won. Much of this success can be attributed to the team and its leadership, which holds the bar to a high operational standard.

But Neves and Gardner also credit the local support for its continued success.

“Specifically, the Salt Lake bar community is great because everybody wants to help,” Neves said. “Everybody’s really anxious to teach and help people understand their tricks, so that’s really helped us expand our vision.”

Awards and Accolades

When the cool neighborhood bar that you like starts making national waves, in the vein of being nominated for a James Beard Award, it’s normal to feel a bit of apprehension. The last thing a local wants is for their bar to start pandering to tourists and influencers because it’s garnered some additional props.

The neighborhood regulars at Water Witch know it’s the kind of place that strives to stay true to itself and its community, which is what made it popular in the first place. And the Water Witch team hasn’t lost sight of the support it’s gotten from the community, which continues to motivate the bar’s leadership to reach for greater heights.

Neves and Gardner see their presence at the James Beard Awards as a catalyst to work even harder to take the Water Witch brand further.

“We’re always going to try and do cool cocktails and be really creative,” Gardner said. “I think my hope is that we’ll be able to combat any change that makes the locals question whether they can come back, because I feel like we’re not ever going to stop being us.”

From a local bar perspective, seeing a Utah standout get a bit of national recognition inspires pride. But at the end of the day, any fan of Water Witch will also tell you that it’s about damn time.

“It makes me really proud of the work our team does, and how they can deal with all the crazy stuff that happens at a bar and still have it function the way they want it to function,” Neves said. “Our people have been busting their butts for a long time, so it’s great to get a little sunshine on them.”

As Utah’s bar scene and liquor legislation continue to evolve, it is milestones like a James Beard Award nomination or the fight to outlast a global pandemic that keep spots like Water Witch near to our hearts.

A successful bar needs a combination of menu innovation, team cohesion, solid leadership and a keen understanding of its patrons. Each of these aspects are on display at Water Witch every night, and it’s easy to spot them whether you’re a regular or a newcomer.

Regardless of what the future holds for Water Witch and its team, it’s safe to say that the Witch will simply keep on witchin’—and that’s what makes it a local classic. CW

“We always had a vision of sparking some real drink programming in Utah.”

—Sean Neves (not pictured)

Water Witch cofounders Scott Gardner (left) and Sean Neves (right).

Good ’Til the Last Slurp

UT Craft Ramen brings cozy vibes and flavorful Japanese soul food to Sandy.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

Ilike to imagine the experience that I’m after as I peruse menus online. Sometimes, I want a stoic, unyielding restaurant that challenges my dining sensibilities and makes me question what I know about dining culture. Other times, I want a high-energy restaurant that makes you feel welcome regardless of the energy you bring to the premises. During my visit to UT Craft Ramen in Midvale, I thought of the places in between—those who take menus seriously while consistently treating their patrons like valued regulars.

UT Craft Ramen represents a slight westward expansion for owners Kenichi Ota and Hiroyuki Kawashima, whose KC Craft Ramen opened in Kansas City back in 2023. It had a decent debut and has built up a modest cult following, which generated enough momentum to expand. It’s definitely not a bad time to bring a ramen venture into Utah. We’re having our own little ramen-aissance at the moment, and out-of-state brands that aren’t pushing Nashville hot chicken are a welcome sight.

The restaurant is right across the street from the Sandy Cinemark in Union Heights, and it’s completely adorable. Its entrance doubles as a market where you can snag soft drinks, Japanese candies and even anime collectibles. The whole space has big-time anime vibes; a huge

DINE

banner of the characters Luffy and Naruto eating ramen together overlooks the dining room. Ordering is on the fast-casual side of things—all orders are placed at the register up front before taking your seats in the dining area.

I was with my wife and daughter during our visit, so we started with a few appetizers. The chicken karaage ($8.98) is always a favorite during our ramen sojourns, and I also ordered a pork bun ($6) for good measure. UT Craft Ramen boasts two preparations of karaage—the original preparation of fried chicken, or the pepper chicken that is doused in a sweet and spicy sauce. Both variations are excellent ways to kick off a meal, as the crispy exterior texture gives way to piping hot, juicy chicken. The mayo and spicy mayo that comes with the karaage offer some nice, tangy creaminess to the mix, and you should definitely spritz the plate with lemon juice from the provided wedge for best results.

Pork buns that are served in a folded pocket of steamed dough are a definite weakness of mine. The variations at UT Craft Ramen have the sentiment “I heart UT” branded into the dough—a nice touch, I must admit—and are served with a crispy pork cutlet, shredded cabbage and mayo. It’s a very respectable bun that borrows the same pleasant crispness from the karaage and plenty of richness from the mayo. These also come in orders of two ($11), but if you’re planning on diving into a bowl of ramen, I’d suggest sticking with just one, as they’re pretty monstrous.

My wife ordered the creamy chicken ramen ($13.98) and I went with the UT Red ($13.98). These will be familiar options for local ramen fans, but I do think UT Craft Ramen has the chops to hang with our own heavy hitters. The creamy chicken ramen was a huge success due to its broth game. Chicken ramen often

gets overlooked for the more souped-up flavors of tonkotsu, but this chicken broth is prepared with the same richness and depth of flavor.

The UT Red is the restaurant’s version of a chili oil tonkotsu, and it’s served with a trademark dab of red hot chili paste. The chashu pork was thin, tender and decadent, as were the jammy eggs, which may be my favorite part of any ramen dish. It’s definitely got a kick to it— there were more than a few times that my overenthusiastic slurping sent spritzes of chili oil right to the back of my throat. The noodles in both ramen dishes are also great; they’re made in-house and possess the proper elasticity and heft to be the backbone of each bowl.

Lately, my daughter has become quite the ramen fan, and the team here did a great job at making her feel welcome. She likes her ramen simple, and UT Craft Ramen has a kid’s ramen bowl ($10.98) with chicken broth that she thoroughly enjoyed. Again, the chicken broth here is extremely rich and flavorful. I know that taking your kid out to eat sometimes gets a little bit of the side eye, but that totally wasn’t the case here—they took good care of the kiddo.

Based on my experience at UT Craft Ramen, it’s the kind of place that has a lot of what I’m after in a ramen joint. I thought the service was extremely friendly and attentive, and the anime vibes show that it’s not taking its concept too seriously. This attitude doesn’t carry over into the kitchen, however—everything was meticulously prepped and gorgeously flavored. It’s definitely a worthy entrant in Utah’s ramen revitalization. CW

2 Row Brewing

73 West 7200 South, Midvale

2RowBrewing.com

On Tap: “Czech One-Two” Czech Pilsner

Avenues Proper

376 8th Ave, SLC avenuesproper.com

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam 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

Chappell Brewing

2285 S Main Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84115 chappell.beer

On Tap: Playground #13 - Hazy Pale with Lemondrop and Sultana

Corner Brew Pub Sugar House 2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ wasatch

On Tap:  Top of Main Mother Urban’s Parlor Blonde Ale

Craft by Proper 1053 E. 2100 So., SLC properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale

Desert Edge Brewery

273 Trolley Square, SLC DesertEdgeBrewery.com

On Tap:  Centennial Steamer, California Common Lager

Epic Brewing Co. 825 S. State, SLC

Etta Place Cidery

700 W Main St, Torrey www.ettaplacecider.com

On Tap: Velvet Ridge Cider, Rhubarb Peach Wine

Fisher Brewing Co.

320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com

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

Grid City Beer Works

333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com

On Tap: Cask Nitro CO2

Helper Beer

159 N Main Street, Helper, UT  helperbeer.com

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

On Tap: Krispy The Kid - Rice Lager

Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

On Tap: Sake Rice Lager (collab with Tsuki Sake); Tropical Haze

New Launch: Fonio Fusion - 6.6%

Level Crossing Brewing Co.

2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: El Santo Mexican Lager

Level Crossing Brewing Co.,

550 South 300 West, Suite

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Fruit Bat Sour Ale

Moab Brewing

686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap:  Arnie (Co-Lab with 2 Row brewing): cream ale base with Lychee black tea and fresh pasteurized lemon juice.

Mountain West Cider

425 N. 400 West, SLC

MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: Summer Solstice Blackberry Lavender Hard Cider

Offset Bier Co

1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City offsetbier.com/

On Tap: DOPO IPA

Ogden Beer Company

358 Park Blvd, Ogden OgdenBeerCompany.com

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

Park City Brewing 1764 Uinta Way C1 ParkCityBrewing.com

On Tap: Park City PalmerHard Iced Tea

Policy Kings Brewery

79 W. 900 South, Salt Lake City PolicyKingsBrewery.com

On Tap: Kings Proper Kolsch

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

Proper Brewing/Proper

Burger 857 So. Main & 865 So. Main properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale

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

On Tap: Blizzard Wizard Hazy Pale Ale

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

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

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

RoHa Brewing Project

30 Kensington Ave, SLC RoHaBrewing.com

On Tap: Mild and Free British Mild (Last Call)

Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations

RoostersBrewingCo.com

On Tap: Cranberry Lime Seltzer

SaltFire Brewing 2199 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake SaltFireBrewing.com

On Tap: Do I Make You Shandy - Session IPA with Lemonade

Salt Flats Brewing 2020 Industrial Circle, SLC SaltFlatsBeer.com

On Tap: OPEN ROAD SERIES #3 - Barrel Aged Grand Cru

Scion Cider Bar 916 Jefferson St W, SLC Scionciderbar.com

On Tap: Scion Cider PieCycle - 6.4% ABV

Second Summit Cider 4010 So. Main, Millcreek https://secondsummitcider. com

On Tap: Blackberry Lime 6.5%

Shades Brewing 1388 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City

ShadesBrewing.beer

New Batch: Coyote Ugli (New England Style Double IPA)

Shades On State 366 S. State Street, Salt Lake City Shadesonstate.com

On Tap: Six Wheat Under Hefeweizen

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

Squatters Corner Pub –Valley Fair 3555 Constitution Blvd, West Valley City squatterscornerpub.com

On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Acapulco Gold Mexican Lager

Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co. 147 W. Broadway, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ squatters On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Go Easy Session IPA 2.9%

Strap Tank Brewery, Lehi 3661 Outlet Pkwy, Lehi, UT StrapTankBrewery.com

On Tap: “Blood For Ra” American Sour with Tart Cherry and Vanilla; “Pineapple Haze” Hazy IPA with Pineapple Strap Tank Brewery, Springville 596 S 1750 W, Springville, UT StrapTankBrewery.com

BEER NERD

Collective Craft

Collaborations create intense beer flavors.

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

Offset - Life Before Insanity: This one is a collaboration with Cellarmaker Brewing Company (out of Oakland, Cali.) and New Image Brewing from Arvada, Colo. The trio of breweries used every form of Simcoe that they could find: T90, Cryo, Co2 extract, Dynaboost, Hyperboost and whole leaf. The result is a single-hop West Coast IPA that is unlike any Simcoe-hopped beer that could have been imagined back in Simcoe’s heyday of 15 years ago.

In a landscape crowded with fleeting trends, every now and then a beer comes along that feels like a powerful reset. This single-hop Simcoe IPA is exactly that—a stunning, golden-hued reminder of why so many of us fell in love with hops all those years ago. It’s not just a beer; it’s a potent dose of nostalgia, and a masterclass in execution. This is, without exaggeration, a Simcoe hop dream.

From the first pour, the aromatics are a vibrant declaration of intent. The palate is then drenched in waves of hop character so pure and distinct it’s almost startling. The experience is a clinic in Simcoe’s versatility: an initial burst of sweet, field-ripened strawberry gives way to succulent, juicy melon. This fruit-forward profile is underscored by a bright, zesty citrus quality—a mix of grapefruit and tangerine—that possesses a clarity and intensity I feel like I haven’t truly tasted since before COVID. It’s a flavor profile that feels both classic and incredibly alive.

What elevates this 6.8 percent beer into a truly brilliant West Coast-style IPA is its structure. A firm, confident bitterness slices through the fruit notes, providing a perfectly-balanced counterpoint that keeps the palate refreshed. The body is lean, the finish is satisfyingly crisp and dry, and every sip begs for another.

Verdict: This beer isn’t trying to be new; it’s striving to be perfect. It’s a tri-

umphant return to form, showcasing a single hop with the reverence and skill it deserves. An absolute triumph.

Bewilder - Weizenbock (Aged on Amburana Wood): Last January, I was able to provide some insight on a collaborative beer between Bewilder Brewing and home brewer Mike Johnson. The Weizenbock that resulted lived up to classic parameters, set up centuries ago, with those iconic banana and clove esters from the yeast. However, the team at Bewilder was given the opportunity lay-away some of this lager on staves of Amburana—a Brazilian hardwood known for its unique flavor profile and aroma, imparting notes of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and a distinct bakingspice character. The result is an entirely new lager.

Reimagining a classic is a high-wire act, but this Amburana-aged Weizenbock doesn’t just walk the line—it dances on it. For those who cherished the original, fear not: That beautiful, “sweet wheat” lager base remains the soul of the beer. The initial sip greets you like an old friend, delivering that familiar, comforting wave of banana bread and spicy clove that defines the style. It’s a perfect foundation, rich and satisfying in its own right.

But then, the Amburana staves make their grand entrance. This is where the beer becomes an entirely new and breathtaking experience. The gentle yeast notes are suddenly amplified by an explosion of warm, aromatic spice. Sharp, distinct layers of nutmeg and cinnamon pop out, evoking a bustling holiday kitchen or a freshly-opened spice drawer. The complexity is staggering; what was once a classic German lager is now a whirlwind of flavor, a fullon sensory assault of “rack spices” that melds seamlessly with the beer’s 8.4 percent alcohol and inherent sweetness. The finish is where the “crazy wood flavor” truly asserts itself—a deep, resonant, and almost savory woodiness that lingers long after the sip is gone.

Verdict: This isn’t just a beer with added flavor; it’s a completely deconstructed and rebuilt masterpiece. It’s bold, deeply complex and a stunning example of how wood can transform the familiar into the phenomenal. An absolute must-try for the adventurous palate.

As always, cheers! CW

BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Wine Spectator Honors 22 Utah Restaurants

Wine Spectator recently released the results of its 2025 Restaurant Awards, and 22 local restaurants were recognized by this prestigious publication. Plenty of legacy restaurants were in on the action—spots like 350 Main Brasserie, Glitretind Restaurant and Log Haven found themselves on the list once again this year. A few more recent winners include STK, La Stellina, Yuta and Aerie. Wine Spectator is widely considered to be a national authority on wine, and the publication’s annual restaurant awards go to restaurants that are cultivating innovative, important and well-rounded wine programs in their communities. The full list of award winners can be found at winespectator.com.

Magnolia Bakery Plans Utah Expansion

After New York’s Magnolia Bakery had a cameo on Sex and the City, it became something of a dessert phenomenon by helping to spark the great cupcake craze of ’01. Highly publicized cameo notwithstanding, it’s the type of bakery that could have you killed if it wanted to, so the news that Utah will be home to a new Magnolia Bakery franchise is big news indeed. Magnolia Bakery will be opening a location in Salt Lake City in 2026, which is just in time for the bakery’s 30th anniversary. While it became most known for its pink buttercream-frosted vanilla cupcakes, fans also clamor for Magnolia’s banana pudding. I’ll keep an eye on this one as 2026 draws nearer.

Thieves Guild Karaoke Nights

The fantasy-steeped cidery known as Thieves Guild (thievesguildcidery.com) will be hosting a karaoke night called “Bards Night Out” every Monday at their Central Ninth location (117 W. 900 South). Yes, every week you can chase away those Monday dragons by gathering your adventuring party, tapping the cider keg and belting out your favorite hymns of yore—or your favorite pop songs of not-so-yore. If you’ve never visited the kings and queens of Thieves Guild Cidery, then let this be your unofficial initiation into a world where the drink flows freely, the vibes are cheeky and the company is impeccable. Just remember to tip thy server.

Quote of the Week: “A gourmet meal without a glass of wine just seems tragic.” – Kathy Mattea

Power Play

Heavy music band I Prevail doesn’t let the pursuit of awards change their process.

BY ALAN SCULLEY comments@cityweekly.net

It hasn’t taken long for I Prevail to make their presence felt on the heavy music scene. Not only is this still-young band starting to headline major theaters and even some arenas, their second album, 2019’s Trauma, earned I Prevail Grammy nominations for Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance for the song “Bow Down.”

Grammy recognition and fast-growing popularity can create pressure for any band. But guitarist/rough vocalist Eric Vanlerberghe said I Prevail were determined to tune out any noise that got in the way of the music they were creating for their third album, True Power

“We absolutely did not let that come into play, like ‘this record’s got to be nominated,’” he said in a phone interview.

“The only thing I will say is that when we worked on this record, the quality, the time, the care put into it, we said to ourselves we just want this to be appreciated.

“I think if you’re writing to win something, then that loses the heart of it, and the heart is what makes it what it is,” Vanlerberghe said.

Musically, I Prevail has come a long way in a short time. The band’s first full-length album, 2016’s Lifelines was solid enough, but stayed largely within the lines of the metalcore sound. Trauma, however, represented a major step forward, as I Prevail stretched out, incorporating elements of EDM, pop melodicism, hip-hop and more into their metalcore sound.

The band grew musically despite going through some trying times. Vanlerberghe

lost a close friend to suicide, while smooth vocalist Brian Burkheiser faced vocal cord surgery that scared him to the point that he briefly thought he might have to give up music. I Prevail responded by opening up emotionally in the lyrics on Trauma.

“Let’s be completely open, let’s be ourselves, and on the musical end of it, let’s push the boundaries a little musically,” Vanlerberghe said, summing up the thinking heading into the Trauma project.

“So all in all, lyrically, thematically, musically, it was a very cathartic experience to be able to work on and release the record.”

Going into the True Power project, the emotions weren’t as heavy, but Vanlerberghe, Burkheiser (who left I Prevail on good terms in May) and their bandmates—guitarist Steve Menoian, guitarist Dylan Bowman (who will also handle clean vocals in the new four-man lineup) and drummer Gabe Helguera—felt empowered to push their music even further.

On songs like “Body Bag” and “Choke,” I Prevail show they can still be plenty fierce, as racing tempos, grinding guitars and screamed vocals create a good bit of musical mayhem. But the band also shows a melodic side, mixing expansive pop choruses with gnarled spoken word vocals and crushing riffs on “There’s Fear in Letting Go” and “Judgment Day,” and most notably, with the ethereal ballad “Doomed.” The sound further diversifies on “Long Live The King,” with its rap vocals and anthemic rock refrain, and on “Self-Destruction,” which adds touches of EDM and hip-hop vocals to an otherwise thunderous track.

The ambition I Prevail has shown both musically and with their career has been apparent since the band formed in 2013 in the Detroit area. Vanlerberghe and Burkheiser spent a year and a half writing songs, some of which surfaced on the 2014 EP, Heart vs. Mind. But the duo also came up with a clever gambit to create awareness of the band, posting a metal cover of the Taylor Swift song “Blank Space” to YouTube.

MUSIC

“We had our EP done and ready to go,” Vanlerberghe explained. “We decided we should probably do a cover just to get some attention, and Taylor Swift’s record was the one that was coming out soonest. We just happened to pick the song that she picked for her next single.”

The “Blank Space” cover generated plenty of attention—and some backlash from those who considered the cover a gimmick that gave I Prevail a leg up on a career without paying their proper dues. Vanlerberghe, though, noted it wasn’t just the “Blank Space” cover that got a reaction.

“We kept the cover off of the EP just so we could see what sold organically and the streams,” he said. “Our originals were doing just as well as the cover.”

The group’s music has since connected on radio as well. “Hurricane,” a single off of Trauma, and “Bad Things,” a single from True Power, both topped the Billboard magazine Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, while “Deep End,” another single from True Power, went top five on that chart. More recently, the group teamed up with rock band Halestorm on the single “Can U See Me in the Dark?” That song also topped Billboard’s

Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

The band also built their audience the old-fashioned way by hitting the road hard behind Heart vs. Mind and later Lifelines and Trauma. The trend has continued with True Power, as I Prevail have been on the road for much of the past two years. This summer the band is featured on the multi-act Summer of Loud tour.

“I don’t want to give away too much of what we have planned in the set,” Vanlerberghe said. “But I will say that throughout this set as we were building it, we tried to keep in mind of keeping it like a roller coaster, where we start off really extreme and up and energetic, and you have moments in the set where the dynamics change. So plan on having a very stimulating experience,” he said. CW

SUMMER OF LOUD TOUR: PARKWAY DRIVE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, I PREVAIL & BEARTOOTH Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 5150 Upper Ridge Road, West Valley City June 8, 3 p.m. $32 - $134 utahfirstamp.com

BEST BAR IN UTAH!

GREAT FOOD

MUSIC PICK S

Aja @ Metro Music Hall 7/3

The artist born Venus Nadya Oshun takes her music seriously. While previous RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants might lean on chart novelty, Aja Miyake-Mugler (a.k.a. Aja) offers a more “Bed-Stuy, Do or Die” approach. Sure, the popular television series shifted the landscape by introducing original music into the competition; however, the gimmicky attitude of some has kept the music itself from being seen as a force. Aja is steadily building an identity that transcends drag. “I look at the name Aja not even as a drag name anymore, but as a stage persona,” Venus told Billboard. “Aja isn’t even a name, it’s a phrase. It means ‘come here,’ so for me, writing music, I write it from a blurred binary.” While her relationship with drag has been on and off, she most definitely knows who she is. Her debut LP Box Office, which dropped back in 2019, was chock-full of hard-hitting trapbased production with collabs featuring CupcakKe & Shea Couleé, and is consistently good, track-for-track. Her latest feature on Melbourne singer Greg Gould’s “Bloodlines” showcases a pivot not yet heard from this artist. Exciting times lie ahead. The evening will be hosted by Sequoia, Lady Facade, Kay Bye + Ms. Meredith, Icky Rogers, Jade Ruth, Notta Genda, Jax Creative, Jenna Tea, Justin Secrecy, London Skies, Cvntcealed Carrie and Katie Party of 2. DJ Hysteria opens. Catch these acts at the Drag Cookout at Metro Music Hall on Thursday, July 3, doors at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $25.78 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Mark Dago)

THURSDAY, JULY 3

FRIDAY, JULY 4

SATURDAY, JULY 5

MASHPAD

MUSIC PICK S

eardrums, gapyear, mypetspider, kick ass @ Kilby Court 7/3

Come out to Kilby Court to see eardrums, so they can blow yours. Okay, maybe that sentence sounded better in my head, but the sentiment remains. Hardcore band eardrums are known around town for causing a ruckus with their loud, in-your-face style that will have you thinking about the show for days and weeks afterward. The group dropped their debut EP in February, announcing that they’d be taking a break until summer just after. Now they are so back, and ready to rock. You Just Look Like Me is chock full of hardcore/ emo vibes, and nothing showcases this sensibility better than the opening track, “Never Better.” With lyrics like “Never gonna wanna go and burn out / Never gonna get your diploma / Never gonna try, I don’t see the point / But now I gotta find a new direction / Now I gotta figure out an answer / Now I gotta try but I don’t see the point,” you’ll be firmly in your feelings, while also being able to mosh and headbang to your heart’s content. Joining are fellow hardcore bands gapyear, mypetspider and kick ass. Come kick your holiday weekend off with an epic show on Thursday, July 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the allages show are $14.40 in advance and $16.65 at the door at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

3BALLMTY @ Ibiza Ultra Lounge 7/6

This weekend may bring a lot of emotions for some who find it difficult to stay patriotic during these hard times. It is even more important than ever to celebrate all the cultures of our country and lean into our diversity. 3BallMTY (pronounced “Tribal Monterrey”) is a Mexican musical group composed of DJs and music producers Erick Rincón, Sergio Zavala (“Sheeqo Beat”) and Alberto Presenda (“DJ Otto”), and they’re stopping by Salt Lake City on Sunday, July 6. Since 2009, they’ve been significant cultural icons of music that blend cumbia and traditional Mexican music in triple meter with electronic music, known as “Tribal Guarachero.” A guaracha is a fast-paced song that relies heavily on a dialog between the lead singer and the crowd, evolving from folkloric roots. A perfect example is 3BallMTY’s 2011 single “Inténtalo,” which won the Billboard Latin Music Award. La Vuelta Tour is a continuation of the group making their comeback after an eight-year hiatus. In December 2024, their Boiler Room performance in Mexico City had more than 4.2 million views on YouTube, and in February, they joined legendary Mexican producer Deorro at EDC Mexico. When the world needed them most, they returned. This 21+ show at Ibiza Ultra Lounge will be a big one, so don’t hesitate to secure your tickets. The show is from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets cost $67.93 at universe.com. (Arica Roberts)

Primus @ Sandy Amphitheater 7/7

The worlds of alternative/indie and progressive rock coincide only rarely; the forms both lie just outside the musical mainstream, but share little else in common. But genre classifications mean little or nothing to Les Claypool and his band mates in Primus. Drawing from metal, funk and more, Primus combines technical mastery—these are some serious players—with a goofy, off-kilter worldview that suggests Dr. Demento crossed with Frank Zappa. Playful tunes like “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” from the trio’s 1995 album Tales from the Punchbowl exemplify their wacky yet musically ambitious

approach to their craft (and the song actually charted as a single, a rarity for an album-oriented outfit like Primus). The comedy never gets in the way of the band’s swing-for-the-fences compositional and arrangement aesthetics, though. There hasn’t been a new Primus album in eight years, but with a catalog that includes nine studio releases, there’s plenty from which to choose for entertaining live shows. With brand-new drummer John “Hoffer” Hoffman joining Claypool and guitarist Larry LeLonde for the band’s Onward & Upward Summer Tour, Primus—with opener Ty Segall—comes to the Sandy City Amphitheater on Monday, July 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $81 at ticketmaster.com. (Bill Kopp)

Lyle

Lovett

@

Sandy

Amphitheater 7/9 Lyle Lovett’s ability to shift his stance has always been one of his more impressive attributes, but given his charm, easy-going attitude, self-effacing humor and talents as a musician, actor, band leader and songwriter, that ability underscores his efforts overall. In short, his ability to push at the parameters has become a source of his essential engagement, and his ability to offer audiences the enticing entertainment he’s always been known for. Consequently, his efforts at the helm of the extended combo he calls his Large Band lean heavily on a swing style with a retro feel. Nevertheless, no two performances are ever alike, given Lovett’s penchant for serving up spontaneity and off-the-cuff interactions with his band. He views every concert as a unique experience, and as a result, there’s a certain intimacy ingrained within every performance. After all, Lovett has a large catalog from which to cull his songs and with a group that includes a commanding brass ensemble, and a veteran rhythm section consisting of James Taylor and Carole King’s former backing players, drummer Russ Kunkel and bassist Leland Sklar, the talent that takes the stage is nothing short of extraordinary. Expect to hear such lingering Lovett standards as “If I Had a Boat,” “She’s No Lady,” “Pants Is Overrated” and any number of others that span his remarkable 45-year career. In short, he and his Large Band are simply superb. Lyle Lovett and his Large Band take the stage at Sandy Amphitheater on Wednesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $57$96 Go to ticketmaster.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Greek philosopher Socrates declared, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” That statement is a foundational idea of Western philosophy. It’s hard to do! To be ceaselessly devoted to questioning yourself is a demanding assignment. But here’s the good news: I think you will find it extra liberating in the coming weeks. Blessings and luck will flow your way as you challenge your dogmas and expand your worldview. Your humble curiosity will attract just the influences you need.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Recently, I brought Taurus and German polymath Athanasius Kircher to your attention. Once again, I will draw on his life to provide guidance for you. Though he’s relatively unknown today, he was the Leonardo da Vinci of his age—a person with a vast range of interests. His many admirers called him “Master of a Hundred Arts.” He traveled extensively and wrote 40 books that covered a wide array of subjects. For years, he curated a “cabinet of curiosities” or “wonder-room” filled with interesting and mysterious objects. In the coming weeks, I invite you to be inspired by his way of being, Taurus. Be richly miscellaneous and wildly versatile.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

How does a person become a creative genius? What must they do to become the best? In his book Outliers , Malcolm Gladwell said that one way to accomplish these goals is to devote 10,000 hours to practicing and mastering your skill set. There’s some value in that theory, though the full truth is more nuanced. Determined, focused effort that’s guided by mentors and bolstered by good feedback is more crucial than simply logging hours. Having access to essential resources is another necessity. I bring these thoughts to your attention, Gemini, because I believe the coming months will be a favorable time to summon a high level of disciplined devotion as you expedite your journey toward mastery.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

A story from West African tradition tells how a potter listens to the raw material gathered from the earth. She waits for it to tell her what it wants to become. In this view, the potter is not dictator but midwife. I believe this is a metaphor for you, Cancerian. Let’s imagine you are both potter and clay. A new form is ready to emerge, but it won’t respond to force. You must attune to what wants to be born. Are you trying to shape your destiny too insistently, when it’s already confiding in you about its preferred shape? Surrender to the conversation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Here’s my odd but rewarding invitation: Tune in to the nagging aches that chafe at the bottom of your heart and in the back of your mind. For now, don’t try to scratch them or rub them. Simply observe them and feel them, with curiosity and reverence. Allow them to air their grievances and tell you their truths. Immerse yourself in the feelings they arouse. It may take 10 minutes, or it might take longer, but if you maintain this vigil, your aches and itches will ultimately provide you with smart guidance. They will teach you what questions you need to ask and how to go in quest for the healing answers.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Wise gardeners may plan by the moon’s phases. Through study of the natural world, they understand that seeds sown at a ripe moment will flourish, while those planted at random may be less hardy. In this spirit, I offer you the following counsel for the coming weeks: Your attention to timing will be a great asset. Before tinkering with projects or making commitments, assess the cycles at play in everything: the level of your life energy, the moods of others, and the tenor of the wider world. By aligning your moves with subtle rhythms, you will optimize your ability to get exactly what you want.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

In parts of Italy, grapevines were once trained not on wires or trellises, but on living trees, usually maples or poplars. The vines spiraled upward, drawing strength and structure from their tall allies. The practice kept grapes off the ground, improved air circulation and allowed for mixed land use, such as growing cereals between the rows of trees and vines. In the coming weeks, Libra, I advise you to be inspired by this phenomenon. Climb while in relationship. Who or what is your living trellis? Rather than pushing forward on your own, align with influences that offer height, grounding, and steady companionship. When you spiral upward together, your fruits will be sweeter and more robust.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles, guided by instincts and cues invisible to humans. They trust they will find what they need along the way. Like them, you may soon feel called to venture beyond your comfort zone—intellectually, socially or geographically. I advise you to rely on curiosity and adaptability. According to my analysis of the omens, the journey will lead you to resources and help you hadn’t anticipated. The path may be crooked. The detours could be enigmatic. But if you are committed to enjoying the expansive exploration, you’ll get what you didn’t even know you needed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Your assignment is to uncover hidden treasures. Use the metaphorical version of your peripheral vision to be aware of valuables you are missing and resources you are neglecting. Here’s another way to imagine your task: There may be situations, relationships or opportunities that have not revealed their full power and glory. Now is a perfect moment to discern their pregnant potential. So dig deeper, Sagittarius—through reflection, research or conversation. Trust that your open-hearted, openminded probing will guide you to unexpected gems.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Legendary musician Louis Armstrong said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” What did he mean? That we shouldn’t try to use words to describe and understand complex music? Countless jazz critics, scholars and musicians might disagree. They have written millions of words analyzing the nature of jazz. In that spirit, I am urging you to devote extra energy in the coming weeks to articulating clear ideas about your best mysteries. Relish the prospect of defining what is hard to define. You can still enjoy the raw experience even as you try to get closer to explaining it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

In the Andean highlands, there’s a concept called ayni, a venerated principle of reciprocity. “Today for you, tomorrow for me,” it says. This isn’t a transactional deal. It’s a relational expansiveness. People help and support others not because they expect an immediate return. Rather, they trust that life will ultimately find ways to repay them. I suggest you explore this approach in the coming weeks, Aquarius. Experiment with giving freely, without expectation. Conversely, have blithe faith that you will receive what you need. Now is prime time to enhance and fine-tune your web of mutual nourishment.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

How often do I, your calm, sensible counselor, provide you with a carte blanche to indulge in exuberant gratification, a free pass for exciting adventures, and a divine authorization to indulge in luxurious abundance and lavish pleasure? Not often, dear Pisces. So I advise you not to spend another minute wondering what to do next. As soon as possible, start claiming full possession of your extra blessings from the gods of joy and celebration and revelry. Here’s your meditation question: What are the best ways to express your lust for life?

Big-D Corporation (dba Big-D Construction) seeks Project Engineer (Salt Lake City, UT-Trvl up to 75% of time to various unanticipated construction sites throughout the project lifecycle, no more than 75 miles from Co’s HQ office located at 404 W 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101). Under direct supervision of Project Director of large licensed general contractor, provide support to construction development projects; Support projects’ scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, & mgmt objectives. EOE/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Email resume to careers@big-d.com, Ref. 20250604PK

Instructure seeks a Sr. Software Engineer (SS-DV)

telecommuting permitted to deliver UI components for our world-class design system. Reqs BS+3 yrs exp. Email resumes to askhr@ instructure.com. Must ref job title & code.

urban LIVING

Who’s Buying?

Boomers are back on top! Despite knee and hip replacements, Baby Boomers now account for 42% of all home buyers in the U.S., taking over the no. 1 spot from Millennials, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The recent data also shows that roughly half of older Boomers and 40% of younger Boomers are purchasing homes with all cash instead of getting a mortgage.

Seventeen percent of all homebuyers purchased a multigenerational home, where there’s a mother-in-law apartment, ADU or “casita” on the same parcel for family members or caretakers. It is interesting that Generation X bought the most multigenerational homes, followed by younger Boomers.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Hurt

5. Sound at the door

10. Round objects

14. Underground part

15. Allow, as a coupon

16. Glowing presence

17. 1 on the Mohs hardness scale

18. Ocean that’s really amused?

20. Eldest von Trapp child in “The Sound of Music”

22. Like a ghost town

23. Perfect match

25. Half of hex-

26. Ocean that’s not real?

32. Spicy

33. ___ Picchu (Peruvian landmark)

34. Carpentry joint component

36. “Got it, man”

38. A, in German

39. Boots’s travel companion

40. In stacks

42. Little pieces of paper

45. Beam of sun

“Gen Xers are today’s sandwich generation,” NAR researcher Jessica Lauts said recently. “They are purchasing multigenerational homes to accommodate aging relatives, children over the age of 18 and even for cost savings.”

Gen Z are folks who were born between 1999 and 2011; Millennials from 1980 to 1998; Gen X from 1965 to 1979 and Boomers from 1946 to 1964. Other data showed that roughly nine out of 10 buyers used a real estate agent to purchase a home and, across all generations, sellers tended to stay in their homes for a median of 10 years.

But young Millennials tended to move around every five years, and older Boomers sold after 16 years. Yet, older Millennials are reaching middle age and are often repeat buyers, having bought and sold their first home or condo and now moving up in price and size for their next purchase.

Another recent study by Realtor. com found that down payments for homes increased in 2024 to a new record. In the last quarter of 2024, the median down payment on a primary home was $30,250, up from $24,000 in 2021. They also found that the overall housing market in this country is seeing more high-end transactions in the $750,000-plus range. This means higher down payments when it’s a higher sales price.

One of the reports suggested that people saved money during the COVID pandemic, which they could then use towards a larger down payment on a new purchase.

The more money you put down on a mortgage at the time of purchase, the less your payment will be. Interest rates in general are still hovering just below 7%, but the market is slower and I’m seeing more buyers able to negotiate with a seller to pay some or all of the upfront costs of a mortgage, which can be 2% to 3%.

Many first-time buyers have saved for a down payment, but don’t have any more for lender costs. In a slower market, the advantage is for buyers to get more bells and whistles than a seller’s market—not just help with closing costs, but home warranties to cover repairs and replacements for a year or credit towards HOA fees for 6 to 12 months. ■

46. Ocean that’s a bit of a letdown?

49. Suffix after “station”

50. Songwriter Bareilles

51. Issue with a drafty home

56. Third-to-last country alphabetically

59. Ocean full of pink flowers? (yeah, there aren’t many options)

61. Author of “A Court of Thorns and Roses”

63. French city with Interpol’s headquarters

64. V makeup

65. Pharaoh’s serpents

66. Streaming delays

67. Baby that stays up at night?

68. Rest (on)

DOWN

1. Sculpture and such

2. Snowman’s eyes, traditionally

3. Colorful Hindu celebration

4. Redundant abbreviation for “and the rest”

5. He’s a real Wiz

6. Word after “Neither a borrower”

7. How some audiobooks are presented

8. ___ d’Ivoire (Ghana neighbor)

9. Skater Yamaguchi

10. Like shady paths full of trees

11. Actress Lenska

12. Poison’s singer Michaels

13. One-named Nigerian Grammy winner

19. “Dance of the Nymphs” painter

21. Take to the pool

24. Least nasty

26. Lecture hall platforms (if you want to be fancy)

27. On an incline

28. Wendy’s side

29. Ancient Greek garments

30. Best Picture of 2024

31. Dr. Seuss book, with “The”

32. Joint near the waist

35. “All opposed” answer

37. Jiggly desserts

41. “Little Rascals” girl

43. It usually comes with swings and a slide

44. “Your Majesty”

47. Actress Lupita

48. Ox or fox, e.g.

51. Mountain, but smaller

52. One-named Irish Grammy winner

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

53. Work like ___

54. Soup, but thicker

55. “A Light in the Attic” author Silverstein 57. Facility

58. California wine valley

Employ

IRS identifier

NEWS of the WEIRD

Wait, What?

The South China Morning Post reported on June 25 that a 64-year-old man underwent surgery in Anhui province to remove a toothbrush that he had swallowed when he was 12 years old. Mr. Yang had begun to feel a strange sensation in his stomach, so he sought medical help; he told doctors he had been too afraid to tell his parents at the time of the incident. He also thought the toothbrush would dissolve on its own. But 52 years later, the nearly 7-inch-long brush was lodged in his small intestine, and doctors worked for 80 minutes to remove it. Dr. Zhou said the brush was stuck in a crook of the intestine and hadn’t moved for decades.

Bright Idea

Out in ski country, employees at Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado hit the slopes in early June for a completely different event: the Mountain Cleanup Day. KDVR-TV reported that 150 workers cleared about 780 pounds of debris off the mountains—stuff that had fallen out of pockets or flown off skiers as they schussed down the runs. Unusual items included a hamburger flipper, a $2 Canadian coin, piles of ski poles and a message in a bottle, which turned out to be a COVID-19 vaccination record. The resort hopes the cleanup will remind people to “pack out what you bring in.”

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

A mother, father and adult son in Havlíčkův Brod, Czech Republic, have pleaded guilty to running a fake dental clinic in their home, the Associated Press reported on June 19. They all face up to eight years in prison for the ruse, during which the son would look up how to do procedures (including extractions) on the internet; the mother, a nurse, would assist, and the dad made prosthetic devices. They raked in about $185,000 before being caught after a patient consulted another dentist about complications following treatment.

Freak Accident

A lifeguard in Asbury Park, New Jersey, was trying to set a chair umbrella in its holder on June 25 when it got away from her and ended up impaling her through her shoulder, WABC-TV reported. “She fell backwards off the bench and the umbrella came with her ... and landed on her arm,” said lifeguard Joe Bongiovanni. Firefighters cut most of the pole away but left a piece about a foot long in her arm before she was transported to the hospital. She is in stable condition.

What’s in a Name?

■ Police in Portland, Oregon, finally caught up with a man who had fired gunshots at them and led them on a high-speed chase on June 20, KATU-TV reported. The Milwaukie Police Department said they took Loony John Franklin Toon, 42, into custody on June 23 and charged him with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and fleeing from the police. That’s all, folks!

■ On June 19 in Silver Creek, Minnesota, a car that was “swerving and weaving” hit a curb and careened into a scissor lift, which workers were using to fix a light. The New York Post reported that the car then slammed into a tunnel wall and flipped. One worker, Benjamin Kidd, 27, sustained life-threatening injuries; another managed to hang on to the light fixture until first responders could help him down. Driving the car was none other than Patches Magickbeans, 34, of Wisconsin, who was allegedly intoxicated; police said he was babbling and reaching for objects in the air that weren’t there. Officers found psilocybin mushrooms in his car. Magickbeans’ bio on his Instagram page says he is a “womb wisdom keeper” and “corn juggler.”

Repeat Offender

Jacky Jhaj, 39, has been on Britain’s sex offenders list since 2016, but that didn’t stop him from arranging a mock wedding to a 9-year-old Ukrainian girl at Disneyland Paris on June 21, the BBC reported. Police were alerted to the event by an actor who had been hired to portray the father of the bride; about 100 other extras were recruited to take part. On June 23, Jhaj was charged with fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and identity theft. His other notable offenses include hiring hundreds of children to act like fawning fans at a fake film premiere in London in 2023. He films the escapades and uploads them to a YouTube channel. The fake wedding, which included a cake and musicians, took place at the Sleeping Beauty castle and was reported to have cost about 130,000 euros, but it’s unclear how he funds the projects.

It’s a Mystery

The French Interior Ministry reported that about 150 people were pricked by syringe needles during a nationwide music festival, according to CNN. Over the weekend of June 21, French police detained 14 people in connection with the “spiking” incidents, which left some victims feeling unwell. Some were hospitalized for testing. One 22-year-old concertgoer said she went to the hospital and then filed a police report. “I told myself maybe it can have an impact,” she said.

The Hard Way

An unnamed Bristol, Connecticut, man was charged with burglary, trespassing and criminal mischief on June 22 after he tried to enter a public building through the chimney, the Associated Press reported. According to police, the man’s dog was trapped in the building’s restroom after the doors automatically locked, and rather than call for help, he tried to shimmy down the chimney but got stuck. Firefighters responded and had to remove parts of the chimney and building, causing $5,000 to $10,000 worth of damage. He was eventually freed and was unharmed. “If he had just contacted police in the first place, we might have been able to avoid the situation,” said Erica Benoit of the Bristol parks and rec service.

The Passing Parade

Neighbors in one Indianapolis area flocked to North Pasadena Street on June 18 to see a remnant of the storms that had moved through: a large white dome deposited in the road. WRTV reported that people drove or walked by to see it and even had their photos snapped in front of it. The sphere is believed to be a radome, a weatherproof structure that protects radar antennae or other equipment. “We’ve not seen anything like this,” said neighbor Kirby Jarvis. “Lock the doors, stay inside—aliens, you never know.”

News That Sounds Like a Joke

The Chongqing Forestry Bureau has sucked all the fun out of a gimmick at a hotel in Pengshui, China, according to United Press International. The bureau ordered the Lehe Ledu Liangjiang Holiday Hotel to cease using red pandas to make wake-up calls to guests, UPI reported on June 25. For an extra charge, hotel guests could sign up for one of four red pandas to come to the room and climb onto the bed. They could linger with guests depending on their mood. The forestry bureau said the service could be considered animal abuse because the pandas are sensitive and their stress responses could endanger themselves or the humans.