City Weekly September 25, 2025

CITY WEEKLY salt lake

BRANCHING OUT

New techniques for mapping family DNA help crime-solvers see the forest for the trees.

BY CAROLYN CAMPBELL

By Carolyn Campbell

SLC FORECAST

S AP

BOX

Bully Pulpit

Charlie Kirk shouldn’t have been murdered. He also shouldn’t have been at Utah Valley University. When his speaking engagement was announced, some people protested, but UVU framed his visit as an exercise in freedom of expression. It was anything but.

In the last year, Utah lawmakers have passed a bathroom bill, banned trans athletes, forbidden state buildings from displaying LGBTQ flags and outlawed DEI. UVU has gone along with these efforts without a fight.

The university recently shut down its LGBTQ+, Women’s and Multicultural Student Services in accordance with the new laws. They cut humanities programs and rolled out training for professors, letting them know that any political speech could be grounds for professional discipline.

Kirk’s views are not those of a persecuted minority. They are mainstream in Utah.

If UVU wanted to promote different points of view, they could have brought in a drag queen or an LGBTQ playwright or an activist for the rights of undocumented people. These voices are being silenced in Utah. Instead, they brought Kirk.

Charlie Kirk made his name by putting liberal professors on watch lists.

He spoke against DEI, ridiculed LGBTQ people and questioned the value of a college degree. He even suggested that women who were going to college were only doing so to get married—the “MRS degree,” as he put it.

UVU’s invitation to have him speak is hard to see as anything other than a warning to the faculty. They were using him to bully us.

And now he’s dead, murdered on campus. I’ve been an educator for 20 years, and I’ve always known deep in my guts that sooner or later I would come within a degree or two of a school shooting—because that’s what happens in America.

But it’s a shock to have a murder on the campus where I teach. That shouldn’t happen, and the fact that it did during an event where Charlie Kirk was actively railing against gun laws is so incredibly sad.

We are willing to restrict speech rather than guns; to take away academic freedom from our universities.

But we are unwilling to restrict the freedom to shoot people in broad daylight on a crowded college campus.

UVU and the whole state of Utah should be embarrassed about Kirk’s murder. Instead of policing our thoughts, they should be policing guns, which are unregulated in any way on the UVU campus. Students are allowed to open carry in their classes. And still the good guys with guns were unable to stop the bad guy.

My wife and kids were on the UVU campus that day, having lunch together. I’m

thankful they were in a different part of campus, but I can’t stop thinking about how close they were to the murderer. We’ve tried every solution to school violence except regulating guns. I wish we could give it a try before my children get shot, or my wife gets shot, or I get shot. And I’m genuinely sorry it’s too late for Charlie Kirk.

BEN CROMWELL Orem

Correction: The September 18 issue of Salt Lake City Weekly included an incorrect clue set for the crossword puzzle, titled “Time For an Upgrade.” A correct set of clues for that puzzle can be found at cityweekly.net, on the corresponding page of the digital edition for that issue, as well as in a standalone post under the News tab.

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

THE WATER COOLER

What’s your favorite, or least favorite, thing about fall?

Eric Granato Hoodies and boots.

Wes Long

Like Spring, my other favorite season, it’s over far too quickly. That said, the colors and the cool weather are simply heaven.

Scott Renshaw

Basketball season begins. It’s the game I love more than any other, and the first nip in the air just means we’re that much closer to tip-off.

Bryan Bale

I like the slightly cooler temperatures at the end of summer. I like the colors of the leaves. And Halloween is probably my favorite holiday.

Terri Anderson

My favorite thing about fall is the whole aesthetic—colors, cooler weather, pumpkin everything!

Benjamin Wood

Fall is peak mountain biking season— temps are perfect, trail conditions nearoptimal and there’s no better way to peep leaves than flying through them.

Chelsea Neider

Well, living in Florida we don’t get fall. So I miss everything about fall

OPINION

BY CHRISTOPHER SMART

The Woke Right

This may sound crazy, but the right is getting “woke.”

That’s strange because the right’s battle cry against progressives is that they’re all woke, and w-o-k-e is a four-letter word.

During the 2024 election, Vice President JD Vance often disparaged Democrats’ woke ideology, which he insists is ruining the country, although he couldn’t define what “woke” is.

But we digress—how could the MAGA right be woke?

It goes like this: if you say the wrong thing about rightwing activist Charlie Kirk and get called out, like Jimmy Kimmel, the people criticizing you are the “woke right.”

According to Jeremy W. Peters of The New York Times: “[A] few influential supporters of Mr. Kirk are now warning that attacks from the right on political expression could tarnish the legacy of Charlie Kirk, who was seen as a champion of free speech.”

It’s a funny thing, from President Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on down. Criticism of Charlie Kirk’s positions—the U.S. should be a Christian Nation; there should be no rights for transgender people; there is no scientific consensus on climate change; the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a mistake—shall not be tolerated.

Conservative writer James A. Lindsay sees “woke right” as an effort by some on the right to use “moral shaming, purity tests and social media pile-ons to enforce loyalty.” Maybe, but there’s nothing new about that.

Outlawing Antifa and Jimmy Kimmel

There’s danger lurking out there. Fortunately, President Trump is stamping it out like you’d crush an ant on the

sidewalk. Radical leftists Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert have been relegated to the dumpster of history.

Well, not exactly. Following a national backlash, Kimmel has been reinstated. But the writing is on the wall— no making jokes at Trump’s expense.

As Attorney General Pam Bondi would say, there’s freedom of speech and then there’s funny speech. We’ll target everyone telling jokes about the president.

Seth Meyers ought to start thinking about upping that life insurance policy.

For all we know, Kimmel, Colbert and Meyers are in league with Antifa, a violent group that wants to gut fascism and fat presidents. Well, Trump isn’t having it and will designate Antifa as a “major terrorist organization.”

Of course some frowny faces—like former FBI Director Christopher Wray—say that Antifa is an ideology and not an organization. Picky, picky, picky.

Proud Boys, Patriot Front and Three Percenters need not worry about the terrorist label, on account of being white Christian Nationalists who took part in what Trump calls, “a beautiful day,” on Jan. 6, 2021.

Lookit, it’s important to have enemies in order to vanquish anyone who gets in the way. If you aren’t MAGA, you’re a leftist scum SOB.

The Man of the House—Spencer “Don Quixote” Cox Well Wilson, Utah is on the map again. We haven’t had this much national and international attention since Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed by firing squad.

Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was murdered in Orem, Utah; Robert Redford, a man for all seasons, passed away near Sundance; and Gov. Spencer Cox emerged, nationally, as a man of great wisdom and leadership, soothing nerves and tilting at the windmills of malevolence.

In the wake of Kirk’s death, the Trump administration declared war on leftists and Vice President Vance egged on MAGA World to fight “festering violence on the far left.” It’s of little importance that the man charged in Kirk’s killing, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, isn’t affiliated

with any political group—or any ideology at all. But heck, wouldn’t it be convenient if he were.

Enter Knight Don Spencer, quieting the waters of retribution and righteous indignation, preaching respect and understanding. As he told New York Times podcaster Ezra Klein, “I don’t think unity means agreeing together. I think it means acting together, and acting together is very different. Acting together is acting within the constraints that the Constitution gives us.”

Or as Don Quixote said: “To dream the impossible dream, that is my quest.”

Postscript—Alright, that’s it for another week at Smart Bomb, where the autumnal equinox comes every year, whether we like it or not. Right now, we’ve got 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness and it has nothing to do with Daylight Saving Time, which ends Nov. 1.

No Wilson, nobody knows why we have Daylight Saving Time or why it’s called that, because it doesn’t really save any time. It’s like most things these days, it doesn’t make a lot of sense—kinda like Health Secretary RFK Jr.’s notion that Tylenol causes autism.

Vaccinations also can cause autism, he contends. Think of all the things that could possibly cause autism: Popsicles, brownies, strawberry shortcake ... which is why most people might have some form of autism—or not.

Here’s something from the rumor mill: ICE Barbie— aka Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—and her right-hand man, Corey Lewandowski, are having an affair. It’s the worst kept secret in Washington, sources told New York Magazine. They really do deserve each other. On the other hand—ICE Barbie? Yikes.

And finally this: Howard Stern says he will boycott Disney, which yanked Jimmy Kimmel off the air for mentioning Charlie Kirk. “I’m cancelling my Disney+,” he said. Looks like it worked—Kimmel is back on. CW

Private Eye is off this week. Christopher Smart writes the weekly Smart Bomb column, available at cityweekly.net.

HITS & MISSES

BY KATHARINE BIELE | @kathybiele

MISS: Housing Demands

If you’re asking whatever happened to Housing First, check with the Legislature. Things are not going well for the vulnerable among us, and the unhoused population is the main target. The last 10 years have seen chronic homelessness quadruple in Utah, according to figures from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. So Housing First, championed in 2015, is among the first to go. Instead, there’s a get-tough focus that might even get tougher for people with drug problems. That’s part of a plan from Homeless Services Board Chair Randy Shumway, who’s on board with President Trump’s behavioral health mandate. He wants the courts to order the addicted into mental health treatment. Most telling is a reader comment in the Deseret News who noted that many lawmakers don’t know what the unsheltered face. “As for the shelters, try to get into one, then stay in one for a week and then come back and make comments about the resistance of the homeless to go into one. I did. And got kicked out at 11 p.m. because I wasn’t called in the raffle for available beds.”

MISS: Blame Games

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you might ask yourself who the better Mormon is—Gov. Spencer Cox or Sen. Mike Lee. To say that Lee has been insensitive is to minimize his words, like those when he blamed “Marxists” after the murders of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Meanwhile, Cox has been trying to calm the hate-filled waters with a rebranded “disagree better” line. He raised his national profile after the killing of Charlie Kirk by calling for a “safe and secure clash of ideas.” Still, Cox can’t quite bring himself into a world where both sides actually matter. He did blame “leftist ideology” for inspiring the shooter and surely struggles with the president’s bombastic rhetoric, even after the governor expressed certainty that a near-death experience would change Trump’s world view.

HIT: Voter Rolls

Despite immigrants facing the terror of deportation and unfair detention, new citizens continue to be welcomed into the state. But in August, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a directive eliminating “non-governmental organizations” from providing voter registration at administrative events. The rationale claimed that registration was sporadic and it took too much time to vet the groups, although many had worked with USCIS for decades. Each year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants become U.S. citizens after participating in naturalization ceremonies—increasing the voting-eligible population. Now the nonpartisan groups may not be available to help these citizens, 89 of whom were naturalized just last week. They’ll just have to do it themselves—online or in person, if they can figure it out. But at least they weren’t deported anywhere. CW

Harm Less

For eight years, the nonprofit Salt Lake Harm Reduction Project has served Salt Lake and its surrounding communities. A main goal is to provide syringe exchanges to reduce the harm caused by drug use, but “harm reduction is so much more than just giving people sterile equipment,” said executive director Mackenzie Bray.

The organization focuses on a holistic, client-centered harm reduction model, offering wraparound services such as a food bank, assistance with Medicaid enrollment, COVID-19 test kits and HIV/Hepatitis C testing.

The outreach programs include mobile delivery of supplies and a presence at raves to distribute fentanyl test strips and naloxone, an FDA-approved medication used to quickly reverse opioid overdoses.

Even if you don’t have pockets or a bag, Salt Lake Harm Reduction provides “naloxone necklaces” that contain a small dose attached to a lanyard.

Readers may see them at late-night events, like Fervor or Plumhouse, offering harm reduction items that might otherwise be overlooked. For example, their table will include things like condoms, Plan B, bandaids, masks, ear protection, sunscreen, goggles, gloves, blood-alcohol tests, nicotine gum, cigarette filters and water bottles.

Bray’s background includes both formal public health education—particularly in the HIV field, where she helped start a syringe exchange in 2016—and personal experience, as her brother passed away from an overdose before harm reduction services were legal in Utah. She emphasized that the organization’s philosophy was centered on putting clients “in the driver’s seat of their own use,” offering nonjudgmental support.

The entire staff is a mix of individuals from the public health and social work fields who have lived experience, which is crucial for building trust and making authentic connections within the community.

Even as there is an ongoing threat of federal funding cuts for these types of services, Salt Lake Harm Reduction Project is confident in their inherent resilience, given its grassroots origins and history as an organization that was started in response to the HIV epidemic of the ‘80s.

“Harm reductionists are really good at pivoting,” Bray said. “We’re always ready to roll with it. We can be flexible and adapt.”

Salt Lake Harm Reduction Project operates in Sugar House (1400 South and 1100 East), Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., where anyone from the community can drop in without an appointment.

Clients do not need to be engaged in syringe exchange to access the food bank or clothing bank. Clients can also take advantage of delivery services across Salt Lake, Weber, Tooele and Utah Counties. More information can be found at shrpexchange.org.

“If somebody in the neighborhood just wants to access the food bank, they can just come by anytime we’re open,” Bray said. CW

BY ARICA ROBERTS

CITY WEEKLY

DRIVER WANTED

City Weekly is looking for drivers for the SALT LAKE AREA. Drivers must use their own vehicle and be available on Wednesdays

BEST PRIVATE EVENT VENUE

We all need space from time to time, especially when planning for an important event or function. And when one’s local park, church, clubhouse or backyard isn’t going to cut it, there are plenty of other quality venues to utilize across the Wasatch Front. The next time you’re looking for a space with amenities and atmosphere that carry an extra oomph, consider the following locations:

These lists are derived from the 2024 Best of Utah ballot.

RED BUTTE GARDEN CACTUS & TROPICALS

CHURCH & STATE PIERPONT PLACE

SALT LAKE CULINARY EDUCATION

THE GATEWAY

HK BREWING COLLECTIVE TAPROOM & BAR

SQUATTERS PUB BREWERY LA CAILLE

SNOWBASIN RESORT

Next week in the City Weekly's Best of Utah Top 10 Best Best Brewpub

Big Shiny Robot

Pros of Cons

With FanX arriving this week, a consideration of the weird, wild and unpredictable things that can happen at fan conventions.

BY BRYAN YOUNG comments@cityweekly.net

Though there seems to be a nerd convention going on somewhere around the country every weekend on the calendar, fall always feels like convention season to me. Fall and spring. I do a lot of conventions for my day job—(You didn’t think being a dashing City Weekly columnist was all I did, did you? We can’t all be so lucky as Scott Renshaw…)—I’m a full-time writer, and I do write lots of nerdy things. As a result, I’m in demand at cons around the country (and sometimes world), and I get to go to a lot of them. Coming up at home is FanX, which boasts a lot of big-name talent, as it always does.

Conventions are fun events to go to. They’re great places to meet like-minded folks, to hang out with friends, whether new, old or soon-to-be; to buy art, collectibles and toys; to watch panels about your favorite nerdy topics; and even see your favorite celebrities talk about their work. They can be huge, sprawling affairs, attended by tens of thousands of people with different interests. So how do you make the most of it?

In my experience, you make the most of cons by letting them take you wherever they want you to go. I’ve long since abandoned looking at schedules for them; that way leads to madness for me. I get too stressed out about missing things, so I tend

to play cons by ear. I’ll let friends drag me to their favorite things, or get a list of just what’s going on with the Star Wars-related events—hey, I’m nothing if not consistent.

That’s what I love about con programmers: They don’t tend to overlap content from different fandoms unless it’s a singlefandom show (like Star Wars Celebration).

I can spend all my time going to Star Wars panels and seeing Star Wars celebrities if I want to. And some of my best times at conventions have been doing just that. Where else but at a con can you see something like The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart interview George Lucas, and then get Obi-Wan Kenobi’s planet of birth named after him? (Seriously, Obi-Wan’s home planet is now canonically Stewjon.) I’ve had the privilege of being in Stewart’s position, acting as the moderator for celebrities on stage and helping create—or at least not get in the way of—some of those amazing moments for fans that those conventions create.

Right here in Salt Lake City, Ray Park— the man who gave a face and body to Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Solo—turned out to be a huge Doctor Who nerd, and asked if he could make a grand entrance from the TARDIS that happened to be on stage. The crowd went wild when he emerged from it. Then, he invited all of the kids in the audience to the stage and gave them an impromptu martial-arts lesson—something they’d never forget.

Perhaps the best thing I was ever party to at a convention was, again, right here in Salt Lake City. Carrie Fisher—Princess Leia herself—was a guest at the con in 2014. Before she and I went onstage, I introduced myself and we chatted for a bit—definitely a surreal moment for me. She asked the stagehands for a Diet Coke, but all they had was Diet Pepsi. She gave them a dirty look, but accepted the drink

A&E

begrudgingly. It was time for us to go onstage, and still they’d not produced the Diet Coke. We were introduced, the standard pictures were taken, and before I could say anything into the microphone, Fisher jumped onto hers and asked the crowd if anyone had a Diet Coke. One man raised an unopened can over his head at the back of the room.

“Bring it up here,” she told him. Naturally, he raced forward to the stage. Fisher knelt down, took the can… …and then gave him a full-on, openmouthed kiss.

I don’t think he could have had a better convention than that.

I had to proceed to interview Princess Leia from that point, and she stared right into my eyes with the same loving look she

used on Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back.

These are just the sort of things that happen at fan conventions. You should go. COVID is still going around, so wear a mask. Be polite. Shower and wear deodorant. Don’t buy things from AI slop-slingers; buy real art from real artists. Don’t touch anyone without consent. Be open to new experiences.

And don’t hesitate to go to some parties. Maybe you’ll end up in an argument about how cool the Star Wars prequels are with somebody like Jake Lloyd. It happened to me. Stranger things have happened. CW FANX Salt Palace Convention Center Sept. 25 – 27 fanxsaltlake.com for tickets and schedules

Actor John Ryhs-Davies poses at FanX

theESSENTIALS ENTERTAINMENT PICKS,

Complete listings online at cityweekly.net

SEPT. 25 - OCT. 1, 2025

Ririe-Woodbury: Reverberation

The new Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company season of 2025-2026 was already slated to be a time of transition, as Leslie Kraus takes the reins as artistic director from Daniel Charon. But that transition was drawn into even sharper focus with the passing of company co-founder Shirley Ririe in August at the age of 96. The legacy of that pioneering artist continues into a new chapter for the company, as RWDC kicks off the new season with Reverberation

You can get a taste for what Kraus brings to the company as the production offers Listening Hour, a world-premiere that will represent her first choreography on the company, created in collaboration with six company dancers. Also on the program is A Century, A Day, a duet first presented by the company in 2024, and described by its choreographer, Keith Johnson, as “a dance that explores epic quietness and reflection. It is about balancing on the cusp of change and remembering the pathways navigated to arrive at the moment. The dance examines the fragility of time and the tenderness of impending loss. It celebrates the lives and connections within Ririe-Woodbury.” Filling out the bill is Glitter, by the FLOCK choreographic team of Alice Klock and Florian Lochner, a work inspired by the mythology of unicorns. Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company’s Reverberation comes to the Rose Wagner Center (138 W. 300 South) Sept. 25-27, with performances 7:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $20 for the Thursday performance, $35 for Friday – Saturday, with senior and student discounts available. Visit saltlakecountyarts.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information (Scott Renshaw)

My Favorite Murder Live

Let’s face it: Murder is big business in the media landscape. From podcasts to Netflix documentaries, we seem to have an insatiable appetite for stories of true crime—but some were early adopters in that field. The wildly successful podcast My Favorite Murder launched in 2016 after veteran comedians Karen Kilgariff (Mr. Show, Ellen) and Georgia Hardstark (The Cooking Channel’s Tripping Out with Alie & Georgia) met at a Halloween party and bonded over their shared fascination with true crime. The show was an almost immediate success, with a debut episode that addressed JonBenét Ramsey and the Golden State Killer, and which soared into the top 25 of the iTunes podcasts chart.

It might seem like an awkward fit to turn real-life violence into comedy, but Kilgariff and Hardstark have managed to create a format that allows for both gallows humor and a recognition of some of the societal issues underscoring so many high-profile crime cases. Their format has clearly resonated with audiences like their devoted “murderinos,” as the co-hosts have managed to spin off the show not just into a best-selling joint memoir—2019’s Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered—but also a popular live tour. The event is scheduled to include the hosts’ trademark blend of strange-but-true crime tales, personal anecdotes and plenty of humor.

My Favorite Murder Live comes to the Eccles Theater (131 S. Main St.) Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m., with tickets beginning at $51.25. Visit saltlakecountyarts.org to purchase tickets and for additional event info. (SR)

theESSENTIALS

50th Anniversary of The Monkey Wrench Gang

The publication of Edward Abbey’s 1975 novel The Monkey Wrench Gang marked a unique melding of fiction and environmental activism, telling the tale of a group of characters devoted to thwarting efforts to ruin the landscapes and ecosystems of the American Southwest. This weekend, a pair of events mark the 50th anniversary of the book’s release.

On Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m., The Clubhouse (850 E. South Temple) hosts Literary Libations, a live recording of Let’s Go Eat and Drink podcast and book club. Veteran bookseller Ken Sanders—whose own Dream Garden Press published a 10th anniversary edition of The Monkey Wrench Gang in 1985 with original R. Crumb illustrations, and will be producing a 50th anniversary collectors’ box—joins Radio from Hell co-host Bill Allred and Wine Academy of Utah’s Jim Santangelo to discuss the book and its legacy. The event will also feature a wine pairing as well as nonalcoholic options. Tickets are $35 at clubhouseslc.com.

Then, on Sunday, Sept. 28, Fisher Brewing Company (320 W. 800 South) makes its contribution to the celebration with a release event for six Monkey Wrench Gang beer labels recognizing the five characters in the book who are members of the gang, with Ken Sanders himself honored as the unofficial sixth. The beers will be released at 11 a.m., with a 4 p.m. event scheduled featuring Sanders, Salt Lake Tribune columnist Robert Gehrke and filmmaker Trent Harris. Memorabilia from Sanders’ personal Monkey Wrench Gang collection will be on display. A portion of proceeds from beer sales go to Ken Sanders Rare Books, Western Wildlife Conservancy and the Great Basin Water Network. (SR)

Collective Cinema

Trevor Allen discusses launching the Orem Film Festival as a community viewing experience.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

On Sept. 24, the inaugural Orem Film Festival takes place at Vineyard’s Megaplex Geneva, showcasing 10 short films. The festival’s founder, Trevor Allen, spoke to City Weekly about creating this new local film festival.

City Weekly: What was your own journey to becoming a film-lover?

Trevor Allen: Basically, I’ve been a filmlover my entire life. … You can look at a painting, and feel empathy for a scenario, but it’s not as immersive as actually living with these characters for two hours. There’s a Roger Ebert quote about how films are empathy machines, and I think that’s so beautiful and moving. In the creation of the movie, it’s the same kind of thing; no other art form is like that, where you have to collaborate with a whole team of people. With this festival, I’m really trying to aim to create a place where people can gather and share their love of film.

CW: When and why did you come up with the idea for a film festival in Orem?

For the past year or so, I’ve been mulling it over. I’m really craving more film culture. There are so many great artists in Utah, and not enough places for them to be spotlighted and showcased. Eventually

self?” I’ve been working on it pretty much non-stop since January. There’s been a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth, but I’m really excited for it.

CW: Were you looking with this festival to create a physical place for people to share movies together?

TA: That was one of the main drivers for me. I really resent how online the film community in my own life is. That’s not how it’s supposed to be. … It’s so important to watch a movie with other people. That’s something we’re losing right now, with everything moving to streaming. These are beautiful pieces of art that we should be fully immersed in. The Elephant Man played at the Broadway in SLC recently, and I’m just bawling, and it’s so fun to look around and see everyone having the same experience with you.

CW: Do you have experience attending other film festivals, and what lessons did you learn from them that you wanted to apply to this one?

TA: I’ve been going around to different festivals and taking notes, trying to eliminate pain points. At some of these

festivals, it can be kind of a chore, because you’re there as a favor to your friends, or with your own film. … One thing is, I’m so devastated about Sundance leaving; it’s such a quintessentially Utah institution. They did such a good job of getting everyone excited about film, being exposed to new artists and styles. I want to do my part to help fill the gap. We can never replicate what they did, but help do what they did on a smaller scale.

CW: How has the experience been relative to your expectations?

TA: My ego and ignorance really initially motivated me. But I was very surprised—I’m not a business guy, and I don’t know what I’m doing, so it’s been a really deep dive learning how to run what is basically a small business. There are lots of fun parts, like doing the graphic design. But making contracts, how to make merch or get my sales tax set up—all of that is kind of miserable.

CW: You had a previous connection with Megaplex Theatres, having worked for them in marketing. How did that connection help get the ball rolling?

TA: Malcolm Gladwell [in Outliers] wrote about successful people having a combination of privilege, good luck and hard work. I already have connections to Megaplex, so it was kind of like everything was falling into place. I feel very lucky that I already have these connections.

CW: What were you looking for in the films you chose?

TA: We did have a scoring rubric. I’d rather have a less-polished, scrappy version of an original movie than a polished version of a movie I’ve seen before. I don’t care if it was shot on an iPhone with a $20 budget, you can tell an emotional story. I’m open to showing anything within those parameters, around a PG-13 vibe. … I’m just super excited to do my part to support Utah artists. It will be a really fun time for the audience. CW

OREM FILM FESTIVAL Sept. 24, 7 p.m. Megaplex Geneva 600 Mill Rd., Vineyard $5 oremfilmfestival.com

Orem Film Festival selection The Ghost in the Road

BRANCHING OUT

NEW TECHNIQUES FOR MAPPING FAMILY DNA HELP CRIME-SOLVERS SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES.

BY CAROLYN CAMPBELL comments@cityweekly.net

Seeking to stop a rapist, veteran DNA detective CeCe Moore found herself fighting a battle among the trees—family trees, that is. And as a result of her meticulous mystery-solving acumen, Utah can claim the bragging rights as the place where, for the first time, genetic genealogy was employed to solve an active case.

The year was 2018 and the crime scene in St. George was an unlikely site for a brutal rape and physical attack. But the profile of the 79-year-old victim, Carla Brooks, was quintessentially Utahn.

“She was a retired teacher, beloved community member, and wife of the former mayor,” Moore said. A widow, Brooks was a mother and grandmother who was actively involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “All of her neighbors were also widows who lived alone,” Moore added.

Brooks survived the brutal attack, but the plucky senior citizen was nonetheless afraid that her attacker might return and hurt her again, or somebody else, given the vulnerability of the neighborhood. Thus, Moore stressed, there was an ever-present urgency factor to the investigation.

Moore said that’s why the case was brought to her, with investigators desperate to avoid a subsequent attack. While police had retrieved semen from the scene of the crime, the leads they initially had were drying up very quickly.

So with the clock ticking, and utilizing the genetic genealogy technique she’d pioneered, Moore began her own search for the rapist.

The appeal of genetic genealogy, she explained, is that it combines traditional family-tree research with genetics and DNA analysis.

“The DNA can tell you more about their family,” said Moore, who initially developed the technique to identify long-dead ancestors. More recently, it’s been used to solve crimes and unravel family mysteries.

“We want to be at least able to stand in front of a victim’s family and say we have done everything,” said Sgt. John Peirce of the Davis County Sherriff’s office. “You want to treat every family the way you would feel if it were your family.”

But at the end of the day, Moore said each of the cases she investigates comes down to one thing: “Who shares DNA with this person, and how can we tie their family trees together?”

For the Brooks case, Moore reverse-engineered the genome’s identity and asked the lab to rush the results so she could submit the raw data to the online service GEDmatch, where it would be analyzed and compared to that of more than one million people.

“I wanted to stop him in his tracks,” Moore said. “We didn’t know if he spared Carla on purpose or if he planned to kill her.”

Meanwhile, knowing that her attacker was still roaming about somewhere, Brooks didn’t want to leave her house. She slept during the day and stayed up at night.

Still, despite her continuing trauma and fear, she eventually decided to share her story with the media in an effort to help others.

“Carla spoke up and gave a face to sexual assault survivors,” Moore said in admiration.

When the DNA results finally appeared in GEDmatch, Moore received a list of people who shared a small amount of DNA with the perpetrator.

Finding the suspect would require the meticulous investigation and tracking of overlapping lines of distant relatives.

Moore recalled how she was driven to work long hours by the thought that there could be another victim tomorrow if she failed to solve the case today.

“Once the match list came in, I slept only an hour or two every night,” she said. “While there were no close matches, I thought I had enough to work with.”

Powering through all those family trees, Moore said she was using what she refers to as “brute force genealogy.” And then, finally, after three days, Moore was able to narrow her search.

“I saw a glimmer of light at the edge of the forest,” she recounted. “I finally narrowed it down to one big family. I knew one of them was a very violent rapist.”

Sprouting Seeds

And as it turned out, the family had eight children— four of whom were sons. It was then that Moore switched gears and began working with Parabon NanoLabs, where she’s the chief genetic genealogist. Parabon’s “Snapshot” service, known as DNA Phenotyping, can predict physical appearance based on DNA. Moore said that it can be vital to generate leads in cases where there are no suspects or database hits, to narrow suspect lists, or to help solve human remains cases. In the St. George case, the lab determined that the suspect had dark hair and brown eyes.

But the question remained: Which of the several sons in the family was most likely to be the rapist?

Moore said that her research singled out—and later led to the arrest—of 31-year-old Spencer Glen Monnett, whose dark hair and brown eyes matched his DNA phenotype. Monnett would later plead guilty to rape and burglary of a dwelling.

In her public statement in court, Brooks described how Monnett had come into her room while she was sleeping and had touched her shoulder to awaken her. She asked Monnett if he could remember “all the things she could not forget.”

Later, Brooks told Monnett that she forgave him and hoped he would get the treatment he needed to “make a beautiful life” for himself in the future.

To date, more than 75 violent criminals have been convicted through Moore’s work. In Salt Lake City, Moore has worked with detective Ben Pender on several criminal investigations, including the fatal stabbing of bookseller Sherry Black in 2010 at her homebased business, B&W Billiards and Books.

JEFF TILSTON

“We needed to determine which branch was going to lead us to the person who may have been involved in the case.”—Detective Ben Pender

Eight years after Black’s death, Pender was assigned to be lead investigator. He and his team scoured the neighborhood and interviewed Black’s relatives. He later worked with Moore and another genealogist from Parabon NanoLabs.

“You have this large tree and several branches from it,” Pender said. “We needed to determine which branch was going to lead us to the person who may have been involved in the case.”

Genetic genealogy led detectives to Adam Durborow, who was arrested and subsequently confessed to the murder. He was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Out On a Limb

These days, thanks to Moore’s innovation, the current crop of detectives is fully aware that they have this investigative tool at their disposal. They realize that genetic genealogy applies to current, active cases, rather than just to cold cases.

Sergeant John Peirce of the Davis County Sheriff’s Department explained that the cases most likely to rely on DNA evidence tend to be aggravated, suspicious deaths and egregious sexual crimes, and in cases where there aren’t viable leads or all leads have been exhausted.

“We want to be at least able to stand in front of a victim’s family and say we have done everything,” Peirce remarked. “You want to treat every family the way you would feel if it were your own family.”

But Moore’s innovative technique is by no means just limited to Utah. Take, for instance, a Denver case that occurred in January 2024.

Following an evening of drinking at a downtown bar, a female victim phoned a rideshare service. Unbeknownst to her, the driver who appeared and told her he would take her home was posing as her driver.

She later told investigators that after he parked the car on the side of U.S. 6, the man sexually assaulted her and then drove her home. A friend then quickly took the traumatized woman to the police station. A visit to a nearby hospital produced evidence from a rape kit that was preserved for the DNA it contained.

The DNA sample matched evidence left in two previous unsolved cases.

And then, using FamilyTreeDNA—a genetic genealogical database—police say they were able to match a man named Mackey McLain with DNA allegedly involved in all three sexual assaults.

Mitch Morrissey, a former district attorney and cofounder of United Data Connect, appeared with Moore at a conference in Salt Lake City and cites the McLain case as a perfect example of how contemporary law enforcement is utilizing genetic genealogy for live, active cases. It was Morrissey and his company that identified McLain, who is currently awaiting trial in Denver’s Downtown Detention Center.

Morrissey feels that law enforcement will continue to solve more current cases with genetic genealogy as databases continue to grow.

“Unfortunately, it has gotten more expensive,” he said. “A FamilyTreeDNA upload that used to cost $199 costs $1,400 now.”

But Morrissey also believes that an increasing number of police labs will begin to conduct genetic genealogy themselves.

“Florida has a unit in their state lab, and Colorado is starting to build one,” he said. “You need to use the right DNA sequencing instruments to provide you with the data that you need.”

Strong Roots

Morrissey says that if larger commercial databases, such as Ancestry and Chrome Holding Company (for-

merly 23andMe Holding Company), were willing to let law enforcement utilize their research capabilities, more connections could be made—and possibly more crimes solved, both cold and active cases.

Still, for a variety of legal reasons, the biggest consumer genetic testing companies do not routinely work with law enforcement to share customer DNA data. Currently, only two commercial databases, GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, allow law enforcement to access their data.

Morrissey suggested that databases could be set up to safeguard the privacy of participants, who could opt in or out.

He added that, often, DNA research might match with a person’s fourth cousin or similarly distant relative who is not a close family member.

“In one case now, our best match is somewhere in Eastern Europe,” he explained. “The people who have opted in to allowing law enforcement to use their genetic material understand how important it is to catch people who do … horrible things to women and children.”

Of course, genetic genealogy has a happier side, beyond crime-solving. For genealogists and people seeking their roots, DNA testing has reportedly become a game-changer.

Many more connections become possible as increasing numbers of people continue to take DNA tests and add their information to online family trees, noted Mckell Keeney, a genealogist born in Salt Lake City.

She is a former RootsTech speaker who maintains the website dnabreakthroughs.com.

“If you look at the Facebook group DNA Detectives, it’s all about stories of reunions,” she said. “They’re not always ‘fairy tale’ reunions—not at all—but establishing connections provides people with peace and a greater sense of self.” CW

CeCe Moore developed new techniques for tracking and identifying familial DNA.

Mitch Morrissey founded United Data Connect and says crime-solving techniques will only improve as more DNA data is collected.

Surf’s Up

Moena Cafe’s island-inspired brunch will have you hangin’ ten.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

While a baseball game isn’t quite enough to get me to haul my nerdy ass to Downtown Daybreak, a new restaurant will usually do the trick. I took note of the three spots that were opening up shop near the new ballpark, and Moena Cafe was the one that I had yet to check out. It’s a sister location to a Moena Cafe in Honolulu, HI, and this Daybreak location marks the restaurant’s first appearance on the mainland. I’m always intrigued by Utah’s ability to attract outof-state ventures looking to expand, and Moena Cafe feels like it’s going to be a great fit in this up and coming part of the Daybreak area.

Moena Cafe is owned and operated by Nicole Chang and her husband Eric, who also works as the restaurant’s head chef. The Daybreak location exemplifies the cafe’s island roots without getting overly gauche with it–the Hawaiian influence is subtly represented by sunset-toned lighting and artfully placed succulents. The color palette and sunny vibes most definitely scream “brunch restaurant,” which is where Moena’s menu truly shines.

My wife and I popped in on a weekday morning, and though we were seated promptly, the restaurant had a decent amount of patronage. The first thing you notice when you’re sitting down to eat

DINE

is the size of the pancakes that are being carted off to adjacent tables. Moena Cafe prides itself on large portions, and the restaurant’s pancakes are known to droop from the edges of the plate like a Dali painting. Impressed by the sheer size of these pancakes, we ordered a banana chantilly ($14 for one, $17 for two).

Craving something savory to contrast with what was sure to be a sugar bomb of delightful proportions, we also ordered the short rib loco moco ($23). This is a Hawaiian favorite that tops a few scoops of pillowy white rice with a gorgeous braised short rib, rich brown gravy and two over easy eggs. Our server also talked us into ordering a scone ($3.50) as the recipe changes periodically, and the restaurant was currently offering scones made with uala, a vibrant indigo sweet potato that is native to Hawaii.

The scone arrived first, accompanied by a small tuft of whipped cream. It had a great color and almost coffee cake-like texture. The scone proper was excellent–it’s sweet, but not so sweet that it overpowers the buttery flavors. The uala fools your eyes into thinking you’ve ordered a blueberry scone as the tuber takes on a darker purple hue when it’s cooked. I thought the addition of the uala added a nice textural note to the scone, but I didn’t catch much of their flavor.

Next came the banana chantilly pancake which was indeed large–it spans the whole area of the sizable plate with its golden brown circumference. The chantilly cream sauce is poured in a hypnotic spiral that covers the surface of the pancake, and it’s sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes for a bit of tropical flare. All of the banana flavor comes from the pancake itself, which has sliced bananas mixed into its batter.

The flavors here are all great–there are plenty of sweet banana notes that really pop with the addition of the toasted co-

conut. The chantilly cream sauce has a silky texture and evokes cake icing with its sweetness. All the supplementary flavors were doing their part, but I did find myself hoping that the pancake itself would have a bit more of its own flavor given how huge it is. It’s a minor gripe for sure–there’s nothing quite as comforting as the sight of a giant pancake that can barely fit on its plate.

Though I liked the scone and pancake, I think it’s the loco moco that will keep me coming back to Moena. Most of my brunch experiences have been decidedly free of a dish like this–brown gravy doesn’t often pair well with a pastel fit and a mimosa. This meaty dish felt more akin to a traditional steak and eggs affair as it’s the kind of early afternoon meal that’s going to make you want to spend the rest of the workday dozing.

I’m always a fan of moments when egg yolk dribbles its way into fluffy white rice to achieve a special kind of silky richness, and you definitely get that here. When you add some gorgeously braised short ribs and comforting brown gravy to the mix, you’re getting something that feels at home for both Sunday brunch and Sunday dinner. It’s the kind of dish that hides a plethora of sophisticated flavors and textures behind a straightforward presentation.

I can only imagine the amount of development that will take place in Downtown Daybreak over the next five years or so, but I’m glad that Moena Cafe has a home there. It’s got a vibe that feels right at home for Daybreak, and it’s already gaining quite the reputation. CW

2 Row Brewing

73 West 7200 South, Midvale 2RowBrewing.com

On Tap: “Octoberfest” Lager

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: Pie Hole - Strawberry Rhubarb

Corner Brew Pub Sugar House

2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/wasatch

On Tap:  Top of Main Coalition Hellfire Chili Pepper 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 EpicBrewing.com

On Tap: Imperial Pumpkin Porter

Etta Place Cidery

700 W Main St, Torrey www.ettaplacecider.com

On Tap: Imperial Cider, Fig-Tamarind

Session Mead

Fisher Brewing Co.

320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com

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

Grid City Beer Works

333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com

NEW: Cyotee Elvis Kolsh

Heber Valley Brewing

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

On Tap: Dark Helmet-Schwarzbier (Black Lager)

Utah ‘Heavy’s’ ToGo: Beer Thief/Lone Pine/Citrocumulus/Grunge

Helper Beer

159 N Main Street, Helper, UT  helperbeer.com

Hopkins Brewing Co.

1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com

On Tap: Equinox Lager

Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

On Tap: Fonio!!!

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

On Tap: Helles Munich Style Lager

Level Crossing Brewing Co., POST

550 South 300 West, Suite 100, SLC LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Look Up! Amber Ale on Nitro

Moab Brewing

686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap:  “Big Drop” West Coast Pilsner

Mountain West Cider

425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: Blueberry Pie 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: El Jefe - Hefeweizen

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: Game, Blouses Hazy IPA and Oktoberfest FestBier

Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations

RoostersBrewingCo.com On Tap: Cosmic Pumpkin

BEER NERD

Autumn Complements

Beer rules this time of year, but don’t forget the ciders.

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

Well, here we are: Prime beer season has arrived. But before we get into the coming weeks of harvest ales and Oktoberfest lagers, I thought it would be nice to remind readers that ciders are also in their prime, and are an excellent complement to your autumn gatherings. These selections come from Millcreek’s Second Summit Cidery.

Second Summit - Pear Lemongrass: From the first glance to the last drop, this perry (the term for a pear-based cider) is a showstopper for lovers of the form. It grabs your attention with its brilliantly clear, white-gold appearance. The aroma is subtle yet intriguing, hinting at the delightful journey to come, but it’s on the palate where this perry truly shines. The flavor profile kicks off with a delicate sweetness, a light sorbitol character that is never cloying, providing a perfect foundation for the other elements. Ghostly berry accents dance in the background, a surprising yet welcome addition that adds a touch of complexity without overwhelming the star of the show.

What truly sets this perry apart, however, is the lemongrass. It’s light, herbaceous and well-integrated, complementing the natural sweetness and fruitiness of the pear without dominating. Instead, it elevates the overall experience, adding a refreshing, almost zesty counterpoint that keeps each sip engaging. It’s a subtle touch, but one that transforms this from a good pear cider into a truly exceptional one. The balance here is remarkable. The pear is undoubtedly the hero, but it’s supported by a well-orchestrated chorus of flavors that create a harmonious and immensely enjoyable drinking experience. The mouthfeel is crisp and clean, making it incredibly easy to drink.

Verdict: For anyone who appreciates the nuanced beauty of a well-crafted pear cider, This is an absolute must-try. I’ve tasted my fair share of perrys, and this one has quickly ascended to the top of my list. It’s refreshing, complex and utterly delicious. Don’t walk, run to get your hands on this one; your taste buds will thank you.

Second Summit - Endless Summer Sangria: I love the color, which looks like a strawberry and a cantaloupe had a baby together. The wonderful red and orange hues are inviting, a prelude to the burst of fruit-forward flavors to come.

Interestingly, while the color hints at strawberries and melons, the flavor profile takes a turn in a different direction. Instead, the palate is greeted with distinct vine characteristics, adding an intriguing earthy depth that grounds the brighter notes. This is complemented by a presence of cherry, lending a pleasant tartness and a touch of dark fruit complexity. A vague citrus note lingers in the background, offering a refreshing lift that prevents the cider from feeling too heavy. It leans towards the semi-dry side, striking a fantastic balance that allows the fruit and vine elements to shine without being overshadowed by excessive sweetness.

But what truly makes this cider a standout is its uncanny resemblance to an apple-forward Sangria. It captures that fruit-infused wine quality perfectly, making it an incredibly enjoyable and unique drinking experience. Imagine a crisp, refreshing Sangria, but with the familiar comfort of a well-made apple cider as its base—and that’s precisely what you get here.

Verdict: This is more than just a cider; it’s a liquid representation of a sunset captured in a glass. Its vibrant character and Sangria-like charm make it perfect for mornings, evenings or festive gatherings. However, a word to the wise: This gem is going away soon, so don’t wait too long to try it. It’s a seasonal delight that you won’t want to miss.

Second Summit is located at 4010 S. Main Street, and they have ciders both on draft and in cans to go. These offerings were found on draft. Mix them into your routine and I promise, you’ll be better for it. As always, cheers! CW

the BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Park City Wine Festival

There is a slight chill in the air and the leaves are changing once more, which usually means it’s time to enjoy all of Utah’s natural fall splendor at the annual Park City Wine Festival (parkcitywinefest.com). One of Utah’s largest and most diverse wine festivals, this Park City event promises to showcase over 100 wineries from all over the world. The official tasting will take place at Canyons Village (4000 Canyons Resort Drive) and will feature tastings from all participating vendors, some small plates from local restaurants, and craft cocktails. The event will take place on October 3 and 4 and tickets are now on sale.

Breakfast with a Witch at Gardner Village

The approach of autumn also means it’s time for Gardner Village’s (gardnervillage.com) popular WitchFest. This year, attendees can goof around with witches while enjoying breakfast at one of these ticketed events, and witchy costumes are encouraged. The first event will be on September 27 and there will be additional events throughout the month of October–the full schedule is available on the Gardner Village website. It’s also looking like Gardner Village will start charging a $10 parking fee on Fridays and Saturdays in September and adding Thursdays to that list in October–might be a good idea to take TRAX if you’re interested.

Kura

Sushi Bar Opens

Blending high-quality sushi with a tech savvy service model, Kura Sushi Bar is a Japanese revolving sushi restaurant that recently opened a location in Salt Lake (675 E. 2100 S., Ste. K). Revolving sushi bars are all about creating a kinetic experience where items are bussed out through an automated network of conveyor belts for diners to enjoy. Kura Sushi Bar has an extensive menu that includes nigiri, sushi rolls, hand rolls, gunkan, ramen and desserts like taiyaki and mochi ice cream. It seems like Utah is entering a heyday of revolving sushi options, and it’s looking like Kura Sushi Bar has the international expertise to create a unique dining experience.

Quote of the Week: “Just because I like sushi doesn’t mean I can make sushi.” —Anthony Bourdain

Go-Go Punk

SLC band Willöh brings a fun ’60s aesthetic to driving music.

BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl

It’s well-known that punk as a genre has a rich history in SLC. The genre in general is famously popular for its fuck-you attitude, rebellious nature and being loud and in-your-face. Plenty of bands have taken the genre and morphed it into their personal style since it took hold of the world in the 1970s—including SLC’s very own Willöh.

This trio has created a femme, retro, bluesy punk style that will blow you out of the water. Allison Arana-Skvor, Maelissa Hale-Robinson and Brooke McAfeeTycksen worked together in an all-female Fleetwood Mac tribute band, but wanted to do something more original. They shot for blues initially, but wanting more sass and being inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement in the ’90s, it was decided—punk is the way.

Speaking of sass, you can regularly find the trio decked out in full retro-’60s garb that makes them look straight out of a Scooby-Doo episode. It’s easy to imagine them making cameos in different movies, á la The Hex Girls (if you know, you know).

From go-go boots to the leather skirts and styled wigs, seeing Willöh play is a whole experience, and it’s one that also translates well to their recordings. “You need a reason to wear a go-go boot, then we just started a band so we can wear the go-go boots,” Hale-Robinson joked.

Punk music and ’60s fashion don’t quite line up historically, but the trio thought it would make for an interesting contrast, and make them more unique. “We really love the hyper-feminine contrasted with

really aggressive music. It’s really fun to play with and subvert people’s expectations when you see three girls show up in wigs and go-go boots, and then present the sound that we present. It’s been fun to watch,” Arana-Skvor said.

“What we say is very modern in our songs and our lyrics, but it comes out in such a classic ’60s way, and it’s just really unique, I think,” Hale-Robinson added.

The group’s sound is as if someone went back in time, gave Nancy Sinatra an electric guitar and told her what punk music is, and she fully embraced it and just let it rip. Willöh endorses this oddly specific description, and say that’s exactly what they’re trying to convey.

“A lot of our songs are really fanatic in this reclamation of female power and being really unafraid to say exactly what is on a lot of people’s minds,” Arana-Skvor explains. “So I think we were playing with the fact that we’re just going to come out and just not have a filter and see what happens.”

Their debut track “Sick!” dropped back in June, and perfectly encapsulates the energy and vibe the trio is going for. It opens with that classic electric guitar chugging rhythm found in a lot of punk songs, and doesn’t hold back with lyrics like “Your shit sucks / You lame fuck / I told you / That math rock you jerk to / It ain’t cool.”

As is true of many great songs, the inspiration for “Sick!” came about while hanging out and commiserating about life’s ups and downs. When asked about the story behind “Sick!,” Arana-Skvor immediately responded, “Well, his name’s Dan,” she laughed. “We were sitting on my couch, and I was rehashing this ex story, and I got so fired up that I word vomited it out in 10 minutes.”

This ex had already written a song about Arana-Skvor, so this was their way of getting back. “We were like, ‘You know what? There’s not enough songs from women talking about that,’” Hale-Robinson added.

“We write for everybody, but it’s really

MUSIC

fun to write for women,” Arana-Skvor said. “I hope that when women and nonbinary people listen to our music, they get the same thing out of it that I felt the first time I listened to Veruca Salt or Bikini Kill. The reason that the Riot Grrrl movement even started is because women weren’t allowed in punk clubs in New York, and they showed up and said, ‘We’re going to do it better and we’re going to do it louder.’ So I hope we elicit similar reactions that I felt the first time I heard that music.”

It’s been easy for the ladies of Willöh to dive into this aesthetic and sound, because they’re all in it for the right reasons. “We stated that the goal of this project was to have fun and do things that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do or say. And when your goal is just, ‘Let’s maximize, squeeze the most fun out of this experience,’ just let things happen,” said Arana-Skvor.

The fun enjoyed by the trio is evident in

their music, including their other single, “Better Off Dead.” More songs are on the backburner, but the group needs to book more studio time, and build up the mental fortitude to get back at it.

“It’s incredibly grueling, not only just because the recording process is really way more complicated than I think any of us had anticipated; we also realized we wanted to change stuff, and things weren’t working. I give so much credit to people who crank out albums and producers who work on albums, because it is the most tedious process,” Arana-Skvor said.

Spooky season is upon us, and this is Willöh’s ideal time of year. They already have the costumes, and they’ve solidified their sound. Don’t miss your chance to see a fantastic punk act who truly does this genre justice. CW

INSTAGRAM: @WILLOHTHEBAND

Willöh

THURSDAY

FRIDAY CELLY CELL

SHARK

MASHPAD

TUESDAYS

BEST BAR IN UTAH!

MUSIC PICK S

James @ The Commonwealth Room 9/25

Their handle may seem somewhat nondescript, more reminiscent of an individual sans a surname than a band as a whole—but when it came time to settle on a collective title, the British band that refers to itself as “James” simply decided to opt for ease and practicality. They chose the given name of their founding member, bassist Jim Glennie. That may seem like a cop-out, but given some other early options—Venereal and the Diseases being one of the more unfortunate choices—it was clearly a better bet. Happily, it’s served them well, as evidenced by an onoff career that spans 43 years, 18 studio albums (many of which have scaled the upper reaches of the U.K. charts) and four top ten British singles. And though they mostly retain only cult status on this side of the Atlantic, they did attract some notice courtesy of 1993’s Laid and it’s college-radio-hit title track. They’ll be performing that album in its entirety on their current tour, allowing their American fans a somewhat rare opportunity to catch them in concert. Likewise, with original singer Tim Booth firmly back in the fold, it could be considered an even more auspicious occasion. Indie enthusiasts of all persuasions would be well advised to catch them in concert. To borrow the greeting coined by another famous English icon, simply remember this: “It’s James, James, the band…” An Evening with James will take place at The Commonwealth Room at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25. Tickets cost $138 for general admission via axs.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

MUSIC PICK S

Beltran @ Boxpac Project 9/27

Juliano Beltran, the name behind the music project Beltran, is a Brazilian tech house artist who thrives in the underground scene. His song “Smack Yo” was supported by the U.K. main tech and house music label, Solid Grooves, which solidified Beltran’s place in the scene. Another one of his songs, called “Warning,” best exemplifies the personality and charisma of his music. After a residency in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Beltran is making waves in the U.S., gaining attention for his own original vocal on his song “Basement.” He went from working as an IT security tech to achieving top positions on the Beatport charts, including support from huge artists in the tech house scene such as Michael Bibi. It’s an inspiring story of how a redirection in life can be a good thing. Although he’s played at some of the biggest clubs in the world—like Amnesia in Ibiza and Egg in London—his debut in Salt Lake City shows his continued rise in the electronic music scene. Beltran’s live show will have direct support from fellow tech house DJ and producer Cole Terrazas. Whether you’re a fan of the heavy sounds of Germany or the West Coast hip-hop of L.A., there will be a bit of everything. This 21+ show at Boxpac Project on Saturday, Sept. 27 is hosted by Mutiny Music Collective. Doors open at 9 p.m. and general admission costs $41.04. Go to wl.eventim.us. (Arica Roberts)

Celebrating

That’s 40 Years of Support for Local Journalism, Arts and Entertainment Coverage of Our Community! IF WE WON’T PUBLISH IT, WHO WILL?

Help Keep City Weekly Around For Another 40 Years!

Any Donation To Keep Our Paper Free Is Greatly Appreciated!

MUSIC PICK S

Gary Numan @ The Complex 9/29

When Gary Numan worked his way into the collective public consciousness in 1979 with his worldwide smash single “Cars,” he presented an icy, detached, robotic and ever dour persona. The real Gary Numan is nothing at all like that image: He’s funny, animated and disarmingly candid. But his music emphasizes the rougher and edgier components of his persona. Though “Cars” (from his third album, The Pleasure Principle) would represent his commercial peak, Numan would go on to record and release a highly-regarded string of albums. His music touches upon many styles: industrial, electronica, metal, goth, new wave and more. After years spent below the radar of mass pop culture, in 2017 Numan roared back with arguably the best work of his career. The songs on Savage: Songs from a Broken World are set against the bleak backdrop of a dystopian, apocalyptic world. Savage soared to the #2 spot on the U.K. album charts, and fared moderately well on the U.S. charts. Numan’s most recent release, 2021’s Intruder, also received positive notices for its ambitious conceptual nature. An always-compelling live performer, Gary Numan comes to The Complex on Monday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. with opening act Tremours. Tickets are $46.90 from thecomplexslc.com. (Bill Kopp)

Sasha Colby @ The Depot 9/30

It was quickly apparent that Sasha Colby was a standout on her season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Sasha is a fabulous artist, a wonderful advocate and a compassionate competitor, a trans woman who exaggerates her femininity—for humor, for beauty, or for sheer fierceness—when she’s on stage. Who would have thought that she had natural comedy chops? Those neck cracks were everything. Creating a whole other level of excellence with Stripped II, Colby is ready to go beyond that. “It’s kind of wild to see this art form that we had to create because we weren’t allowed in the mainstream become a part of the mainstream,” Colby told On Another Mag “We’re tastemakers now—we work with

& AJ

the same designers and dancers as pop stars.”

Sasha Colby embodies it all—beauty queen, model, actress and drag artist—proving there’s little she can’t do. While the hit television series certainly changed the landscape by dropping original music into the competition, the overly gimmicky approach of some participants has prevented the entertainment itself from being recognized as a true driving force. The only way to be caught off-guard by the inevitable is by looking the other way. Sasha Colby’s unmistakable command of artistry demands attention. Come out and be impressed by a true talent. Catch this entertainer on the Stripped II tour at The Depot on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Doors for the 18+ show open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $45.50. Grab them at ticketmaster.com. (Mark Dago)

Aly & AJ, Amanda Shires @ The Complex 10/1

Sister duo Aly & AJ Michalka started out acting on The Disney Channel before branching out into other roles on both film and TV. Their 2005 debut album, Into the Rush, spawned such hits as “Chemicals React” and “Rush,” prompting them to launch their own record label before garnering further success with their EP Ten Years, the 2021 LP a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun, a performance at Lollapalooza, a sold-out North American tour and over two billion views on TikTok for their smash hit “Potential Breakup Song.” Following their most recent album, With Love From, they embarked on a highly successful international tour. In addition, they’ve taken on various causes, including LGBTQ rights, mental-health awareness and gun control. Their guest, Amanda Shires, reaped accolades of her own early on, beginning with her association with the legendary Texas Playboys at age 15 prior to recognition as the Americana Music Association’s 2017 Emerging Artist of the Year, contributions to Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and participation in a supergroup of sorts, The Highwomen. Her new album, Nobody’s Girl, is her most expressive effort yet, one that details the trauma and turmoil that ensued in the wake of her recent divorce. As the title of the Silver Deliverer Tour implies, these women are certain to shine. Aly & AJ Silver Deliverer Tour 2025 with Amanda Shires performs at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at The Complex. Tickets cost $62 GA and were sold out at press time. Check ticketmaster.com for updates. (Lee Zimmerman)

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES

(March 21-April 19)

In Tonglen, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist meditation, you visualize yourself breathing in the suffering, pain or negativity of other people, then imagine breathing out relief, healing or compassion toward them. The practice can also be done on your own behalf. The goal is to transform tension and stress into courage, vitality and healing. I recommend this practice, Aries. Can you turn your scars into interesting tattoos? Can you find mysterious opportunities lurking in the dilemmas? Can you provide grace for others as you feed your own fire?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

In a YouTube video, I watched Korean artisans make hanji paper in the same way their predecessors have for 1,300 years. It was complicated and meditative. They peeled off the inner bark of mulberry trees, then soaked it, cooked it and pounded it into pulp. After mixing the mash with the aibika plant, they spread it out on screens and let it dry. I learned that this gorgeous, luminous paper can endure for a thousand years. I hope you draw inspiration from this process, Taurus. Experiment with softening what has felt unyielding. Treat what’s tough or inflexible with steady, artful effort. Be imaginative and persistent as you shape raw materials into beautiful things you can use for a long time.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20)

Legendary jazz musician Sun Ra was a Gemini who claimed to be from the planet Saturn. He said that he aspired to live in a state of “cosmic discipline”—not just in his musical training but also in his devotion to self-improvement, aesthetic exploration and a connection to transcendent realities. He fused outrageous style with sacred order, chaos with clarity. I invite you to draw inspiration from him. Put your personal flair in service to noble ideas. Align your exuberant selfexpression with your higher purpose. Show off if it helps wake people up.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)

In Inuit tradition, qarrtsiluni means “waiting in the darkness for something to burst forth.” It refers to the sacred pause before creativity erupts, before the quest begins, before the light returns. This is an apt description of your current state, Cancerian. Tend your inner stillness like a fire about to ignite. Don’t rush it. Honor the hush. The energies you store up will find their proper shape in a few weeks. Trust that the silence is not absence but incubation. Luminosity will bloom from this pregnant pause.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

You are feeling the stirrings of a desire that is at least halfwild. A surprising vision or opportunity has begun to roar softly within you. But here is the key advice: Don’t chase this opportunity recklessly. Practice strategic boldness. Choose where and how you shine. Your radiance is potent, but it will be most effective when offered deliberately, with conscious artistry. You’re being asked to embody the kind of leadership that inspires, not dominates. Be the sun that warms but doesn’t scorch! PS: People are observing you to learn how to shine.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

If humans ever perfect time-travel, I’m going to the Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt. It was crammed with papyrus scrolls by authors from all over the world. It was also a gathering point for smart people who loved to compare notes across disciplines. Poets argued amiably with mathematicians. Astronomers discussed inspirations with physicians. Breakthroughs flowed freely because ideas were allowed to migrate, hybridize and be challenged without rancor. Consider emulating that rich mélange, Virgo. Convene unlike minds, cross-pollinate and entertain unprecedented questions. The influences you need next will arrive via unexpected connections.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

The ancient Mesopotamians believed that each person had a personal god called an ilu who acted as that person’s protector, guide and intercessor with the greater gods. You’re

in a phase when your own ilu is extra active and ready to undergo an evolutionary transformation. So assume that you will be able to call on potent help, Libra. Be alert for how your instincts and intuitions are becoming more acute and specific. If you feel an odd nudge or a dream insists on being remembered, take it seriously. You’re being steered toward deeper nourishment.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

In Venice, Italy, floods periodically damage the books at libraries and bookstores. Trained volunteers restore them with meticulous, hands-on methods. They use absorbent paper and towels to separate and dry the pages, working page by page. I offer this vignette as a useful metaphor, Scorpio. Why? Because I suspect that a rich part of your story needs repair. It’s at risk of becoming irrelevant, even irretrievable. Your assignment is to nurse it back to full health and coherence. Give it your tender attention as you rehabilitate its meaning. Rediscover and revive its lessons and wisdom.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

In classical Indian music, a raga is not a fixed composition but a flexible framework. It’s defined by a specific scale, characteristic melodic phrases and a traditional time of day for performance. Musicians improvise and express emotion within that expansive set of constraints. Unlike Western compositions, which are written out and repeated verbatim, a raga has different notes each time it’s played. I think this beautiful art form can be inspirational for you, Sagittarius. Choose the right time and tone for what you’re creating. Dedicate yourself to a high-minded intention and then play around with flair and delight. Define three non-negotiable elements and let everything else breathe.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

In medieval European monasteries, scribes left blank pages in certain texts. This was not done by accident, but to allow for future revelations. Later readers and scribes might fill these spaces with additional text, marginalia and personal notes. Books were seen as living documents. I recommend a metaphorical version of this practice to you, Capricorn. You will thrive by keeping spaces empty and allowing for the unknown to ripen. You may sometimes feel an urge to define, control and fortify, but acting on that impulse could interfere with the gifts that life wants to bring you. Honor what is as-yet unwritten.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

In West African Vodún cosmology, the deity named Lêgba is said to guard the crossroads. He is the mediator and gatekeeper between the human world and the spirit realm. He speaks all languages and serves as the first point of contact for communication with the other spirits. In the weeks ahead, Aquarius, you may find yourself in Lêgba’s domain: somewhere between past and future, fact and fantasy, solitude and communion. You may also become a channel for others, intuiting or translating what they can not articulate. I won’t be surprised if you know things that your rational mind doesn’t yet fully understand. I bet a long-locked door will swing open and a long-denied connection will finally coalesce. You’re not just passing through the crossroads. You are the crossroads.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

In 1977, NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft into the abyss. Both carried a message in the form of a golden record to any extraterrestrial who might find it. There were greetings in 55 languages, natural sounds like whale songs and thunderstorms, music by Chuck Berry and others, plus over 100 images and diagrams explaining how to find Earth. It was science as a love letter, realism with a dash of audacity. I invite you to craft your own version of a golden record, Pisces. Distill a message that says who you are and what you are seeking: clear enough to be decoded by strangers, warm enough to be welcomed by friends you haven’t met. Put it where the desired audience can hear it: portfolio, outreach note, manifesto, demo. Send signals that will make the right replies inevitable.

By Danny Quintana

Energy Business Analyst – Resp. inc. managing rel. w/ energy advisory clients; reporting & cost forecasting; impl. of data-gathering hardware & aggregation of pricing forecast reports; enhancing ops. efficiency by reviewing workflows, info flow, cost structures, and CRM/marketing systems. Mon–Fri, 40 hrs/wk. Req. Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equiv.) in Bus. Admin., Engineering, or rel. field of study. Mail resume to Discovery Energy, LLC, 893 Baxter Dr, South Jordan, UT 84095.

urban LIVING

Economic Shifts

With changes to government policy, people are becoming more and more concerned about their economic situation, and that fact is being supported by different MLS/realtor groups around the country.

One survey from the mid-Atlantic region found that 75% of realtors reported having at least one buyer who paused their home search, with just under a third of those citing economic uncertainty and nearly one-fifth blaming “general financial issues.”

That survey found that more than onethird of agents have seen sellers who pulled their listings.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Get from ___ (progress slowly)

5. Simple sandwich

8. Janssen who played a “GoldenEye” Bond girl

13. Gujarat wrap

14. Cookie that has a “List of varieties” Wikipedia page

15. Greg Evans comic strip

16. Young deer named after Ulysses Grant’s real first name?

18. Element #18

19. From one edge of the grass to the opposite edge?

21. Musical homage to Napoleon

24. Psi preceder

25. Alias letters

26. Holy swimmer?

29. Adult

31. Detonation maker

I have 21 agents under my brokers license and they report weekly to me how the market is changing for both buyers and sellers. Here in Utah, we’re seeing the same thing. After homes and condos sit on the market for months and months, sellers tell us they just don’t want to keep dropping prices until they get an offer and would rather wait until the economy improves to sell.

The Federal Reserve lowered the benchmark interest rate last week, which is the target rate banks charge each other for overnight loans of reserves. This was the first cut since December 2024 and the Fed said to expect more cuts by the end of the year.

The rate drop was due to concerns over a weakening job market, with slowed hiring. Mortgage rates should come down a tad, but not so much to create a rush of buyers and refinances. So many homeowners are sitting on mortgages with rates around 3% that they don’t want to refinance or sell.

Basically, the current real estate market is neither pro-seller nor probuyer, and instead is favoring nobody.

Both the survey and local agents are seeing tough decisions with clients and customers. And if the economy worsens, sales will slump and interest rates won’t help. New home sales have already fallen from post-pandemic highs, yet home prices here in the state were up 5.1% in August over last year.

The number of homes sold rose only 0.5% during the same time. And Zillow reported at the beginning of the month that 52% of home sales in Utah were under list price. Home sales are sluggish around the country. But the place with the fastest-selling homes is Milwaukee, according to Realtor.com. The median listing price for a home there in August was $399,900.

The cities ranked behind Milwaukee for fastest-selling homes are Buffalo, NY; Chicago, Ill.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Cincinnati, Ohio—all at 39 days—follewed by Detroit, Michigan; Hartford, Connecticut; and Providence, Rhode Island—at 38 days.

If you’re not buying and instead thinking about renting, a recent report in the Deseret News, citing data from RentCafe, found that the minimum hourly wage needed to afford the average two-bedroom apartment in Utah is $31.27, as of September 2025, based on average costs.

As a comparison, it’s $52 per hour in Boston, $51 per hour in California and $21 per hour in Oklahoma. ■

32. Suggestion to put in more quarters?

34. Starting points of a new car scratch era?

37. 1964 Lennon/McCartney song that’s nowhere near the Beck song

39. TV alien

42. Chaotic end (but not beginning)?

43. NYC publisher of Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King, and Edith Wharton

47. Prefix for center

48. Cash quantity

50. Leisurely tempo

51. Like some platters with cocktail sauce?

55. Alaska Highway, formerly

56. Author who’s up on her Philly slang?

60. Anti-inflammatory drug acronym

61. “Jokes ___ Can’t Tell” (recurring “Late Night” segment)

62. Cartoon canine

63. Bubbly Nestle bars sold in England

64. Took a break

65. Lightning zigzag

DOWN

1. Flue residue

2. Mai ___ (rum drink)

3. Hockey player Bobby

4. Erstwhile “Jeopardy!” host Mayim

5. Muffin option

6. Ribald

7. Gin mixer

8. New York City skyscraper name

9. Outward glow

10. Power player

11. Metal attachment to a giant door

12. Group of nine

14. “Cry ‘Havoc!’, and let slip the dogs ___”

(“Julius Caesar” quote)

17. Armor-busting weapon

20. Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the ___”

21. Medevac worker

22. Operated

23. 10th mo.

27. Custard ingredients

28. Puts away, as cargo

30. Colorado NHL team, in headlines

33. Fashion designer

Jacobs

34. Indian dish with lentils

35. Symbolic bringers of bad fortune

36. “For real”

37. Driving force

38. Location of letters on a train

39. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” director Lee

40. Aloha gift

41. To and ___

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

42. Week, in Oaxaca

44. Sauce made with buttermilk

45. Concept 46. Poor performance

Attire 52. “Dynamite” singer Cruz 53. General vicinity 54. ‘80s skating champion Katarina 57. Much fuss 58. Actor Wheaton 59. Ice hockey goal

NEWS of the WEIRD

Not Ready for Prime Time?

At a rehearsal on Sept. 16 for an airshow in Changchun, China, two flying cars collided while performing difficult stunts, CNN reported. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are intended to be part of a “low-altitude economy” in China, which includes flying taxis, drone deliveries and other services below 3,000 meters. Xpeng Aeroht, the company that makes the vehicles, said the collision happened because of “insufficient spacing. All personnel at the scene are safe.” However, an unidentified employee said one pilot sustained minor injuries.

Compelling Explanation

Officer David Jewell, 45, of the Edgewater (Florida) Police Department, was killed on Sept. 15, MSN reported, at the Circle K in Ormond Beach. Jewell died after being shot by Circle K employee Eduardo Felipe Labrada Machado, 24, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said. Machado confessed to the shooting, telling authorities that “he was having a bad day on his drive to work” and had “thought about shooting Jewell earlier” because Jewell carried a firearm and Machado was afraid of him. Machado’s family members said he had been “diagnosed with a mental health disorder in the past.”

Freak Accident

As Jessica Preciado drove on a freeway on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles County, she heard a pop, then immediately experienced a sharp pain in her backside, Yahoo! News reported. Preciado said she thought she’d been shot, but when paramedics arrived, they saw that her left buttock had been pierced by a metal rod that had come through the rear of her Ford Fusion and the driver’s seat. “I was so confused as to where this injury was coming from,” Preciado said. Now recovering from the accident, she believes the rod must have fallen off a truck and urges drivers to secure their loads before hitting the road.

It’s a Dirty Job

In Szekszárd, Hungary, on Sept. 6, more than 20 teams competed in the International Grave Digging Championship, Oddity Central reported. The contest is sponsored by the country’s Association of Cemetery Operators and Maintainers (MTFE) and is intended to raise the prestige of the profession. Teams of two must dig graves 2 meters long, 80 centimeters wide and 1.6 meters deep within two hours, then shovel the dirt back into the holes to create a neat burial mound. Contestants are judged on speed, accuracy and attention to detail. The Hungarian team of Laszlo Kiss and Robert Nagy won the first prize for the second year in a row. “The winners credited their success to the routine they developed in their daily work without any special training,” the MTFE said. The Russian team came in last, blaming their performance on the hot weather.

The Foreign Press

Meanwhile, in Scotland, scandal erupted at the World Stone Skimming Championship, United Press International reported on Sept. 16. The stones used in the contest are required to be naturally occurring slate from the island of Easdale, where the match takes place, but several contestants were found to be using stones that had been smoothed and shaped by machine. Kyle Matthews, the Toss Master, said he “contacted the individuals, who admitted their transgressions, and I had to disqualify them.” Matthews said the organizers are considering having competitors choose from already-vetted stones in the future, rather than providing their own. Jonathan Jennings of Kentucky became the first American to win the adult male category; repeat champion Lucy Woods won the adult female category.

Suspicions Confirmed

The Times reported that on Sept. 15, as a French airliner prepared to land in Corsica, the pilot ended up having

to circle above the Mediterranean Sea for 18 minutes, unable to get a response from the air traffic control tower. The flight from Paris was an hour late, arriving after midnight, and only one controller was on the job. As the aircraft circled, the airport’s fire crew went to the tower and found the controller asleep at his desk. He woke up, switched on the runway lights and cleared the jet to approach. The pilot said the passengers “treated the incident with good humor,” and the controller was tested for drugs and alcohol, for which he was clean.

Government at Work

More than 50 animals—mostly cats and a few others—vied for the title of Bike Path Mayor this summer in Somerville, Massachusetts, NBCBoston-TV reported. On Sept. 14, Minerva the cat, whose one-word campaign slogan was “Crime,” took the honors. Somerville residents were able to vote via a QR code in an election that had been going on since July. One Somervillian said Minerva’s “platform of crime, I think, really resonated with people.”

Inexplicable

A cameraman touring with singer-songwriter Benson Boone was arrested in Clearwater, Florida, on charges of criminal mischief and disorderly intoxication after he allegedly entered the Surf Style shop on Sept. 11 and relieved himself on almost $700 worth of clothing. The Smoking Gun reported that Tyler Capehart, 39, of Georgia, told cops that he had “consumed alcohol and smoked marijuana,” but he said he had no recollection of peeing on the clothing in the store. He posted $650 bond and was released.

Bright Idea

Just after midnight on Sept. 15, a man swam up to the Paddlefish restaurant in Disney Springs, Florida, removed his wet suit and scuba gear, and robbed the restaurant, WFTV reported. Orange County deputies said the thief allegedly walked into the manager’s office, where the night’s take was being counted, and ordered two employees to stand in the corner and close their eyes. He tied them up, then scooped up tens of thousands of dollars and left, putting his gear back on and swimming into the night. The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing.

The Continuing Crisis

Kasper Lincoln, 40, of Prince George, British Columbia, was pulled over around 9 a.m. on Sept. 5 as he piloted a hot pink kids’ Barbie Jeep down a busy road, WJW-TV reported. During the stop, police realized Lincoln had a suspended license, and he tested over the legal limit for alcohol. Lincoln said he really wanted a Slurpee, so he took his girlfriend’s daughter’s car. “I never drove it before,” he said. “I was using the hand signals and everything!” But attorney Kyla Lee said Lincoln’s caper poses “a huge safety risk. Nobody wants to hit somebody in a Barbie car, and drivers aren’t looking for Barbie cars in the roadway.” Lincoln was charged with prohibited driving and DUI.

News You Can Use

Wild burros, a federally protected species, are being targeted in inland California, the Associated Press reported. On Sept. 9, a female burro, now called Cupid, was spotted with an arrow protruding from her right shoulder. Animal services and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department worked together to bring her in for emergency surgery. At least six donkeys have been shot with arrows since June, the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue group said. The group is offering a $24,000 reward for information about who is shooting the donkeys. In the meantime, Cupid is recovering from surgery and will be returned to her herd when she is well.