🍦 The surprising 'queen' of twist cones

Gen Z Homebuyers

According to a study by LendingTree, the biggest number of Gen Zers (those born between 1997-2012) are choosing to buy homes in Salt Lake City, out of the 50 biggest metro areas in the country. Our job market combined with our city and outdoor amenities is a big pull. Are you surprised? [Daily Mail]

• Still renting? Utah is notoriously not renter-friendly, so learn what’s in your lease. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Boats Are Back at the GSL

Look up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no … it’s a boat. A crane helped lower boats into the Great Salt Lake for crane day. Sailors that removed their boats because of record-low water levels have returned to the marina after the lake’s five and a half foot rise since last November. Still, according to a state parks spokesperson, the lake needs to rise another five feet to be sustainable. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Monarch Butterflies Delayed

Due to inclement weather (here’s looking at you, Utah snowpack), the flight of the Monarch butterflies has been delayed. Every year, butterflies migrate from California, through Nevada and Arizona, before making a stop in Northern Utah. Our wetter-than-normal winter pushed back plant germination, mainly Milkweed (a Monarch’s favorite), so the migration process has subsequently been slower, too. [FOX 13]

The Do’s and Don’ts of Throwing Candy

It’s parade season and few people love to walk the walk more than Shireen Ghorbani. She joins host Ali Vallarta on today’s episode of City Cast Salt Lake to tell a wild parade-loving origin story. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Hey, Salt Lake — meet Hey Salt Lake 🤝

Our readers know this city inside and out. Here, they answer some of your recent questions and pose some maybe you can help with! Like where to meet gamers or recommendations for kid-friendly Fourth of July events.

On a Classic Chocolate/Vanilla Swirl

“It’s kind of a lame answer, but Dairy Queen. They do half-and-half swirl cones and you can ask for them topped with a crunch coat which is a rainbow sprinkle mixture that’s to die for. The only catch is that not every Dairy Queen location has crunch coat.” - Madisen B.

• Related: It may not be soft serve, but we’ve got a list of the best vegan ice cream for all your summer needs. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

On Utah Drivers Running Red Lights

“This is so TRUE! I have lived in many places in my life: a third-world country, NYC, and SLC. This is the only place I have lived in that people do this! OR they go and make the left turn right when the light turns green even if traffic is coming towards them, not yielding. I wonder why that is? Everywhere else I have driven people treat the yellow light as a slow down, and here people see it as ‘I can still go.’” - Milli P.

On Veggie Burgers

“Just wanted to send out my recommendation for the veggie burger at East Liberty Tap House on 9th and 9th! Easily one of the better ones I've had in the city.” - Max B.

On Hey Salt Lake Content You Wanna See

“I love the board game information! I would love a follow-up on local board game nights or meet-ups (bonus points if they’re for singles!).” - Ashley L.

“I’m looking for some fun ideas for Fourth of July with my toddler and some friends with kids. Our husbands aren’t huge people people, but we want to be crazy and celebrate. Any ideas?” - Elisa G.

I want to hear from you! What content do you want to see more of in the Hey Salt Lake newsletter?

Teen Zine Team  ✍️ Thursday | 4-5 p.m.

Do you have a creative teen in your life? Let them know about the Teen Zine Team! It’s led by Grid Zine Fest and they meet every Thursday at the Salt Lake City Library. Learn to make your own zine, all materials provided. [Free, Downtown SLC]

Paper Flower Making Workshop  🌸 Friday | 5-7 p.m.

Learn to make beautiful paper flowers with Unidxs, a council of Latinx/Xicanx people addressing the intersections between the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx communities of Utah. [Free, Under the Umbrella Bookstore]

Venture Out Friday Festival  🎥 Friday | 6 p.m.- Twilight

It’s Friday Festival at Millcreek Elementary! There will be food, activities for the whole family, dancing, and an outdoor screening of “Grease.” [Free entry, Millcreek]

Unbridled Enthusiasm for the Best Parades

Few people parade as hard as Shireen Ghorbani, so buckle-in for her mascot origin story! Because in part one of our City Cast Summer Entertainment Guide, the former County Councilmember and general enthusiast tells host Ali Vallarta the best parade routes in the Wasatch. Plus, the do’s and don’ts of throwing candy, and the perfect song for making an entrance.