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City Cast Salt Lake

Twenty-seven years ago today, a destructive tornado tore through downtown Salt Lake City and left behind an unusual piece of history: a desk. In honor of the anniversary, we’re looking back at that story and a few other Utah deep cuts.

On Aug. 11, 1999, an F2 tornado in Salt Lake City killed one person, injured more than 80, and damaged 300 buildings and homes. Salvaged wood from uprooted trees at the Capitol was turned into a “tornado desk” that now sits in the Governor’s Ceremonial Office. Then-first lady Jacalyn Leavitt even 

turned the story into a children’s book

 in 2001, with tickets starting at just $29. Fair organizers at the time loved booking “rising stars,” including the likes of NSYNC and Britney Spears.

 at the Outlets at Traverse Mountain’s 2013 Christmas tree lighting. What are the chances we’ll get her for the 13th anniversary?

In May 1972, Salt Lake man Michael Hansen 

 in protest of the Vietnam War, and redirected it on a Salt Lake City → Los Angeles → Dallas → Tampa → Havana joy ride.

From Salt Lake’s tornado desk to Destiny’s Child at the State Fair, revisit four surprising moments from Utah history.

4 Utah History Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

What Salt Lakers have been wondering. We break down why things in Salt Lake City are the way they are and how they work.

Salt Lake, Explained

Terina Ria

This article is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Power

Summer temps in Utah are high, but your power bill doesn’t have to be. A few small changes around the house can make a noticeable difference without sacrificing comfort.

One of the easiest ways to lower your power bill is setting your air conditioner a few degrees higher. Rocky Mountain Power says 78 is great, and a smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away.

: Replace or clean filters monthly and consider a seasonal tune-up to help your AC run more efficiently.

Most loads don't need hot water, so switching to cold can save energy. And don’t forget to clean the dryer’s lint trap after every load.

: Save your energy-intensive chores, like laundry and dish washing, for the evening when your house is cooler.

West-facing windows during the summers can be brutal. Keep the blinds or curtains closed during the day, then crack the windows in the evening to let cooler air in.

: Avoid the oven on hot days and use a toaster oven, microwave, or grill instead.

Electronics keep draining power even when they’re off, so unplug devices you aren’t using or connect them to a power strip for an easy shutoff.

: Lower your water heater to 120 degrees. You’ll still have plenty of hot water, but with lower energy costs.

Utah summers are expensive. These simple tips can help Salt Lake residents stay cool, use less energy, and lower their monthly power bills.

How To Save Money on Your Summer Energy Bill in Salt Lake City

How To Save Money on Your Summer Power Bill

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

According to Redfin, Salt Lake City is the most 

, with Sugar House earning a special shout out for its local businesses. Sounds like a great excuse to spend a day exploring. Here’s a guide to what to eat and do in Sugar House.

 the SLC brewing operation), this restaurant is still locally owned! When the weather’s warm, grab a seat on their patio and order fried pickles for the table.

Morning, afternoon, or evening enjoy some seriously scrumptious sandos. They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays, though, so don’t come then. My personal fave is the chopped cheese (which is like a chopped-up cheeseburger on a hoagie).

Come for the burgers, and stay for the shakes. Hot tip: Order your milkshake without a lid. You’ll get two to three more inches of cold, creamy goodness.

Salt Lake’s own “School of Rock,” this nonprofit provides music opportunities to youth through affordable access to instruments, recording equipment, and music lessons. Adults can take lessons, too (the first one’s free)!

A rad skateboard/vinyl record shop that’s been a long-time staple in the Sugar House neighborhood. After grabbing a cool new record and tuning up your board, head to Fairmont skatepark. Salt Lake City recently released the final design for 

The go-to shop in Sugar House for vintage and costumes for more than 30 years!

According to Redfin, Salt Lake City is the most neighborly city in the country, with Sugar House earning a special shout out for its local businesses. Sounds like a great excuse to spend a day exploring. Here’s a guide to what to eat and do in Sugar House.

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

Everything to know about Salt Lake City neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Salt Lake Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Ali Vallarta

What could be more charming — and affordable — than cutting down your own Christmas tree? 

 from the Bureau of Land Management’s Salt Lake Field Office or 

 from the U.S. Forest Service and make some memories.

If your permit is from the U.S. Forest Service, you’ll be given a map with areas you can cut. If your permit is from the BLM, 

Pick from any species of tree, except the Ponderosa Pine.

 Cutting a wild Christmas tree improves forest health! The perfect Christmas tree is usually found in areas local forest health experts find will benefit from thinning.

Shake it. If needles start falling, keep movin’.

Cut close to the ground. Don’t leave a stump more than 6 inches tall.

Cut an extra 2 inches from the base of the trunk when you get home.

Place the tree at least 3 feet away from any heat sources (i.e. fireplaces, radiators).

Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Kick that sucker to the curb in January. Don’t let it dry up in your living room.

Other ideas for a festive December

How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Every year I have grand ideas about Halloween costumes and subsequently wait too long to make any of them happen. In the spirit of changing that, let’s brainstorm some Salt Lake City-themed costumes for 2025.

The lore of the billboard matriarch has only grown since Julia Reagan died in 2024. Read up on 

 was recently unveiled, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a life-sized Tusky mask. What size jersey do you think he wears?

Take notes from our young friend above and do your best impression of closed roads and traffic cones. The construction is finally over on 2100 South, and the jury’s still out on whether it was worth it, but a little arts and crafts could capture hearts this Halloween.

 now that construction’s done. [Hey Salt Lake 📰]

 is so iconic, we put it in our skyline logo. So why not make a costume that lets people know how big a coat to wear without having to drive downtown.

, this has the potential for a great costume. Shout out to Arianna for her incredible interpretation at our 

RE: Salt Lake Halloween Costumes

Share an SLC-themed costume idea 👻

The best halloween costume ideas with a Salt Lake City theme.

Salt Lake City Halloween Costume Ideas 2025

The Most Salt Lake Halloween Costumes

Find the best of everything that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

), here are some of our favorite facts about the 801, from why it’s the best area code 

 to the details and people that make it special here.

With a proclamation from Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, 801 Day became an 

. It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of Salt Lake City that highlights the delightful quirks that unite us. 

 is sure to be Salt Lake-ier than ever, and even features a Salt Laker costume contest (calling all parents to dress up your kid as Julia Reagan).

 for our area code. Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen told us that AT&T was looking for a system to unify dialing across the country, so they assigned area codes with zero in the second spot to smaller states.

 is located on a block in downtown Salt Lake City and holds a rich history for Japanese Americans in Utah, 

a slice of the new sports and entertainment district

 — now Edison Street — has long been known as a historically Black neighborhood. The city “rebranded” the street in 1906 to encourage white-owneded businesses to move in, which displaced residents. Swedish immigrants once thrived in 

, a several block section around Hot Springs Road and 1500 North.

 in 2023, but living here has come to mean fighting for thoughtful growth and neighborhood identities.

Downtown SLC blocks are uniquely wide, measuring 600 by 600 feet, which may make them among the 

 was designed to tell you where you are at any given time in relation to Temple Square and why our streets read like coordinates. Going to 300 South 2100 East? That means three blocks down and 21 blocks east of Template Square. Kinda wild, but very easy.

So many of your favorite movies were filmed here. Some scenes of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” were shot at 

 as a fake Los Angeles. “Footloose” was filmed at many locations in Utah including 

 in the 801. The house in the horror film “Hereditary” is a real 

(And they love to stop here on their way to Vegas.) Lead singer 

 in 1965, singing that the 801 has “got the grooviest kids.” Between 1963 and 1973, the band played at Lagoon’s Patio Gardens at least a dozen times. We think the modern version of this must be “

How lucky are we that we’re just a short drive away from some of the 

. There are 23 cities in Salt Lake County, and buried under many of their concrete jungles are the seven different creeks that flow from the 

Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and, partly because we’ve already got the infrastructure, the Olympics are coming back in 2034. For a fun parable of our Olympic legacy, check out City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta’s obsession with the 

, which was installed for the 2002 Olympics.

🎉 Come celebrate 801 Day with us!

In honor of 801 Day,  here are some of our favorite facts about the 801, from why it’s the best area code ever to the details and people that make it special here.

Fast Facts About The 801: Salt Lake City

Fast Facts About The 801

. The relentless sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes can be maddening. And while the seasons are in Mother Nature’s hands, there are things you can do to control and reduce allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, Hey Salt Lake is here with a room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. 

Check the pollen count during peak allergy season

Wipe down your dog or cat's fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.

What tips do you have for allergy season?

It’s not you, allergies actually are worse in 2025. The relentless sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes can be maddening. And while the seasons are in Mother Nature’s hands, there are things you can do to control and reduce allergens in your home. 

Tips To Prepare For Allergy Season in Salt Lake City, Utah

Prepare Your Salt Lake Home For Allergy Season

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency

, it remains an illness that many people contract regularly, and acquiring treatment can be expensive and difficult to navigate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer 

, a common treatment medication that typically costs upward of $1,400, which means you can get it for free or at a discounted price. Here’s what you need to know.

 to help fight COVID-19 infections. It works by keeping the virus from multiplying in your body. The company ran a clinical trial with over 2,000 people infected with COVID-19 and says that 

the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86%

 that are taken orally twice daily for a total of five days. There is also a reduced dose for individuals with kidney disease. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the dosage and pack that is best for you.

You first need to get a prescription for Paxlovid from your doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can sign up for the free or reduced-cost medication option 

, or by calling 1-877-219-7225. You’ll need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you need assistance filling out the information, a local pharmacist should be able to help you.

Can You Get Paxlovid if You’re Uninsured?

Yes. The Paxcess program allows individuals without insurance, as well as those covered by Medicaid or Medicare, to get Paxlovid for free.

There might be a small cost if you have health insurance through a commercial provider, but it’s worth signing up through Paxcess, as it could help drastically reduce the cost of Paxlovid.

Paxlovid helps fight COVID-19, but it can be expensive. Here’s how to get it for free or at a reduced cost.

How To Get COVID-19 Treatment Paxlovid for Free

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

 here at City Cast Salt Lake (and patiently crossing our fingers for 

 that ends Monday, April 29). Whether city or county, libraries are a treasure trove of resources. And we’re not just talking books here.

You can get free seeds to use for gardening. They operate on an honor system, so only take what you need and donate seeds when you can.

 or in-person. There are seven locations of the city library that offer seeds: Main, Marmalade, Day-Riverside, Sprague, Glendale, Chapman, and Anderson-Foothill. Additionally, they’re 

 on the last Saturday of the month through September.

: The seed library generally runs from March-April at select locations, but they have sporadic events 

. Both the city and county libraries have creative offerings. Take advantage of their sewing machines or virtual reality equipment. Some other things you can find are 3D printers, sound booths for audio production, laser cutting, bike repair (tools and manuals), robotics, and Cricut machines 

 at SLC library are designed especially for caregivers of those with memory issues, like Alzheimer's or dementia. The kits include things like books, activities, fidget toys, and CDs to spark conversation and stimulate memories.

 at various library locations around the valley. Anyone under the age of 17 can use it for free or discounted admission to places like Clark Planetarium, UMOCA, the Natural History Museum, and more! If you get four stamps, you’ll get invited to the ZAP Summer Passport Celebration on Aug. 23 at Wheeler Farm.

? The SLC Main Library is an official passport application acceptance facility. It’s a first-come, first-served situation, so keep that in mind. If you need a photo, they can take one for $10; otherwise, bring your own.

 has items like telescopes, tablets, and GoPros that you can borrow with your library card.

Did we miss anything?

Whether city or county, libraries are a treasure trove of resources. And we’re not just talking books here.

Make the Most of Your Salt Lake Library Card

How To Make the Most of Your Salt Lake Library Card

Need to rent a tool? Earlier this week we had someone write in looking for a place to rent small tools for home improvements. Thanks to all the readers who gave suggestions to help a neighbor.

! It's an app that got its start in Utah. You can use it to rent basically anything (including home improvement tools) from local neighbors. It's also a great place to make some passive income renting out your own stuff.” - Kate J.

“Maybe check a secondhand store or dollar store. Also, ask on the 

 if anyone has one to borrow.” - Leclaire

“I've been able to rent a lot of those tools at 

. You should call before heading over as the item you’re looking for may be rented that day or at a different location (learned that the hard way).” - Roger M.

local life hacks

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

How To Save Money on Your Summer Power Bill

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

Latest articles

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

How To Save Money on Your Summer Power Bill

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

The Most Salt Lake Halloween Costumes

Fast Facts About The 801

Prepare Your Salt Lake Home For Allergy Season

Latest articles

How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

The Most Salt Lake Halloween Costumes

Fast Facts About The 801

Prepare Your Salt Lake Home For Allergy Season

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

How To Make the Most of Your Salt Lake Library Card

Where To Rent Small Tools