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Traction Laws

More snowstorms are anticipated in early April. And if you’re driving up either Cottonwood Canyon during snowfall, flashing signs read “Chains required” or “Traction law in effect.” But are these rules actually enforced? TLDR; not really. While the state has allocated funds for increased law enforcement, the Unified Police Department rarely hands out traction law citations due to limited manpower and the safety concerns of roadside checks. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Utah WBB Deserve Better

The University of Utah women’s basketball team encountered racial hate incidents while traveling for the NCAA Tournament. Although the host school (Gonzaga University) was in Spokane, Washington, the team was placed in a hotel in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, 35 minutes away. Two incidents of verbal abuse and intimidation happened while the team was returning to their hotel. Coaches worked with the NCAA and Gonzaga to get the team relocated to a closer hotel. [KSL]

• Related: Utah athletes face racism at home, too. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Utah’s Tallest Outdoor Climbing Wall

Millcreek City Hall aka Millcreek Common unveiled a massive 65-foot outdoor climbing wall, the tallest in the state. Professional climbers Piper Kelly and John Brosler, gearing up for the Olympics, were the first to scale it. The wall, which was largely funded by a $200,000 state grant, is open to climbers with a reservation through the end of the season, Oct. 31. [Axios]

America First Field

City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means are breaking down the week’s news, including the America First Field controversy. The stadium is home to our major league men’s and women’s soccer teams, and its sponsor — America First Credit Union — is under fire. Is it warranted? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

'America First' Controversy, Traction Rules, and Plan B Vending Machines

Complaints from Utah Royals opponents have America First Credit Union playing defense. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the controversy and a rattling history. Plus, will more funding to enforce canyon traction laws lead to better outcomes, or more hype for the proposed gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon? This and more in a midweek news roundup chock-full of local shoutouts.