🍩 Free doughnuts for students

Friday, August 14

Hey, Salt Lake! Our membership closet clean-out campaign is wrapping up, which means time is running out to snag an exclusive City Cast Salt Lake merch item. But the biggest perk is the warm fuzzy feeling you’ll get supporting local journalism.

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First Up

A chrome mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream, served on a chrome plate with a spoon and sprinkled sugar.

Will Salt Lake City hop on the hot chocolate trend? (Not That Sweet)

Salt Lake City is entering its hot chocolate era. What’s felt like a decidedly Utah County trend is creeping north, with hot chocolate pop-ups in the works and an international chocolatier choosing SLC for its first U.S. shop.

London bets on Salt Lake: British chocolatier Knoops is opening in the 9th & 9th neighborhood next Friday, Aug. 21. Founder Jens Knoop said he chose Utah simply because he “heard so many great things about the Utah food scene.” [Salt Lake Tribune, Instagram]
Utah has cocoa cred: Hatch Family Chocolates in the Avenues has long served the good stuff; Ritual Chocolate makes a gourmet version in Heber; and even grocery-store staple Stephen’s Gourmet Hot Cocoa is made in Farmington. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]
Another shop is brewing: Social media creator Justine Gildea has documented her journey moving from New York City to Salt Lake City to open a customizable hot chocolate cafe. Keep an eye on her Instagram for her next pop-up if you wanna give it a try. [Not That Sweet]
Can this trend become a habit? Between dirty soda, specialty coffee, caffeinated milk, and now chocolate-focused cafes, it appears that Utahns enjoy their beverages. I mean, if we can build a daily ritual around Diet Coke and coconut creamer, maybe an $8 cup of chocolate milk isn’t such a stretch. [Spylt]

What Salt Lake's Talking About

West Nile on the Rise

West Nile Virus was detected in 35% of mosquitoes tested this week, and a second human case has been confirmed. Health officials recommend using bug spray, covering up, and avoiding peak mosquito hours around dawn and dusk. [KSL]

Big Diaper Drive

HomeAid Utah is hosting a free, family-friendly diaper drive at The Other Side Village today, with carnival games, a petting zoo, face painting, and tours of the community’s tiny homes. Donations will support HomeAid’s housing projects and provide diapers to Utah families through the Utah Food Bank. [ABC4]

Have Your Say, Sugar House

Sugar House residents have a chance to weigh in on what they love about the neighborhood and what they’d like to see change. Take the quick three-minute survey to tell your council member what issues you want them to focus on. [Salt Lake City]

Whitney Returns to Broadway

“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt is headed back to Broadway after her popular run as Roxie Hart in “Chicago” earlier this year. This December, she’ll be playing Hollywood actress Sandra Dee in the musical “Just in Time.” [Salt Lake Tribune]

Towing Tips for Locals

Have you been towed in Salt Lake City? Did you know that consumers have a towing bill of rights? Our resident towing victim gives you a guide to getting your car back. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Be Wattsmart, Begin at Home

Be Wattsmart, Begin at Home is a Rocky Mountain Power program that brings energy education directly to fourth-grade classrooms through engaging presentation. The program helps students learn key science curriculum concepts while also introducing practical ways families can use energy more efficiently at home.