Where to donate clothes in Salt Lake

Cyber Kidnapping

A 17-year-old exchange student, Kai Zhuang, was found in Box Elder County after being a victim of cyber kidnapping. The perpetrators extorted money from Zhuang for over a month, threatening to harm his family in China if he didn’t comply. Since being found, Zhuang has been reunited with his parents back home. [FOX 13]

Higher Fees at Zion National Park

Any plans to visit Utah’s national parks this winter? Starting Friday, Jan. 5, Zion National Park will switch to a third party, recreation.gov, for all online reservations. Additionally, the park will raise camping fees by over 50% for most campgrounds. [Salt Lake Tribune]

• Related: Where to visit near (but not in) the national parks. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Design a T-Shirt

Calling all artists! Sayonara, a Tokyo-style bar in Salt Lake, is hosting a t-shirt design contest through Jan. 12. The design should capture the spirit of the bar. [Instagram]

January Best Bets

With the holiday season in the rearview mirror, you might be wondering … now what do we do? City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta and producer Ivana Martinez are sharing a few ideas to keep the party going — from trying something new to celebrating a forgotten birthday. Plus, some quiet suggestions for the exhausted among us. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Today, Hey Salt Lake readers share tips on tackling an estate sale and an underrated dive bar in Sugar House.

🏷 On Estate Sales

“I find estate sales via Facebook. Search ‘estate sales Salt Lake City’ and many groups and companies pop up. My favorite company to follow is Legacy Estate Sales as they post teaser pictures so you know what you are getting into. The biggest tip is to arrive early if there is something you are interested in.

Other tips:

- When the estate sale opens, find the ‘sold’ tags (usually at the checkout area) so you can place them on any big items you would like to purchase.

- Bring a bag or box to put your items in while you shop.

- Day one has the best stuff but higher prices. The last day is usually slim pickin' but you are getting the best deal. They reduce prices daily.

- Remember that you are shopping in (a deceased) someone's home and their personal (and probably beloved) belongings. Please be respectful of the space, the items, and the people around you.

- Always bring some cash just in case they don't take cards or venmo (but most do tbh).” — Evi K.

🍻 On Dive Bars

“Tap Room is a great little dive bar. It is hidden behind Little Saigon and across the street from ACME Bar. Always a fun time and often you find regulars hanging out with the staff.” — Ryker M.

Your Guide to January in Salt Lake

New year, same us — but better than ever. Producer Ivana Martinez joins host Ali Vallarta to round up their best bets for the month of January, from quiet celebrations to learning new skills. Plus, we’re making the most of Salt Lake County’s treasures without spending too much money.