Utah’s hottest beach is a Sears parking lot

Utah Takes Home the Blue Ribbon

U.S. News & World Report ranked Utah as the best state in America. We took the crown from Washington who has held the spot for the last two years. The rankings are determined through data points from metrics in eight categories including crime, economy, education, fiscal stability, health care, infrastructure, environment, and opportunity. [FOX 13]

SLC’s Police Civilian Review Board

Salt Lake City’s Police Civilian Review Board was created to independently investigate police misconduct and excessive force, but the last time they published their findings was over two years ago. While the group is not required to report publicly, the lack of transparency leaves people in the dark. Also, of the 21-member group, only 13 spots are occupied (five of which are on expired terms). Related, listen to our episode of City Cast Salt Lake about what Salt Lake’s Racial Equity in Policing Commission has accomplished in the past three years. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Utah’s Hottest Beach Is a Pit

With Spring flooding, a number of places in Salt Lake have become lakes (here’s looking at you, Sugar House Park). But one hilarious pop-up lake is at the former Sears parking lot, soon to be Intermountain Health on 800 S. [Deseret News]

Summer in the City Means Construction & Street Parties

Mayor Erin Mendenhall has presented a $445 million budget proposal to the Salt Lake City Council, there’s a plan for 21st S. AND the Exchange Place block party returns. On today’s episode of City Cast Salt Lake, we roundup another week of news with host Ali Vallarta and lead producer Emily Means. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

First Friday Concerts  🎶 Friday | 6:30 p.m.

It’s the kickoff event for West Jordan Library’s First Friday Concerts. Enjoy a pre-show activity and food trucks followed by a live concert at 7:30 p.m. [Free entry, West Jordan]

Dog Mother’s Day  🐕 Saturday | 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Bring your dog child to Wheeler Farm for Dog Mother’s Day! There will be photo opportunities and a special keepsake. [$15, Salt Lake City]

Art on the Towne  🖼 Saturday | 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

An art market open to all ages! There will be handcrafted goods, balloon artists, face painting, and the South Jordan Quilt Show. [Free entry, South Jordan]

Free Comic Book Day  💥 Saturday | 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

The Salt Lake City Library will have free comic books (one per person) for all ages. While supplies last. [Free, Salt Lake City]

Grid Zine Fest  ✍️ Saturday | 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

A Salt Lake City zine and comix festival with zinesters from across the country and our own backyard. [Free, Salt Lake City]

International Market  🛍 Saturday | 2-8 p.m.

Learn about spring celebrations from around the world at the Utah State Fairpark for the International Market’s Spring Fling event. There will be artisan vendors, workshops, and live entertainment. [Free entry, Salt Lake City]

Green Loop  🌳 Saturday | 5-10 p.m.

The opening night of Green Loop will feature music, food, and a beer garden. The new concept is a pop-up park in downtown SLC that would add about 60 acres of park space making the streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. [Free entry, Salt Lake City]

Drag Bingo  🌈 Sunday | 2 p.m.

Drag, bingo, tacos, and beer at Club Try Angles. What more could you want for your Sunday? Bar opens at 2 p.m. and bingo starts at 3 p.m. [$5/bingo card (cash only), Salt Lake City]

Skatie Hawkins  🌹 Monday |  7-11 p.m.

SLC Skate Babes is hosting a formal skate night. Come dressed to the nines and bring your own skates. 21+ only. [$25, Salt Lake City]

Hello, Dolly!  🎭 Various Dates | Various Times

See “Hello, Dolly!” at the Hale Centre Theatre. It’s running now through June 10. [$29-$65, Salt Lake City]

445 Million of Our Dollars, Walking to Chick-fil-A, and Mexican Street Parties

Mayor Erin Mendenhall is asking the Salt Lake City Council to approve her $445 million budget proposal. How do we make this process more interesting? Plus, the City unveiled new plans for 2100 S. between Dee’s and Chick-fil-A. And, DJ Oscar’s Exchange Place block party returns! Lead producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to pick it all apart in our Friday news roundup.