🏜 WTF is single-digit humidity?

WTF Is Single-Digit Humidity?

It’s blazing hot, and the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through Saturday. But what’s the real difference between 101 and 105 degrees? And why is single-digit humidity a major concern this week? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Toxic Waste

In 2022, Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Mine, located west of Salt Lake City, released 132.4 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the environment. The mine ranked third highest for toxic releases out of 90 mines in the U.S. The toxins include lead, arsenic, selenium, and mercury which can cause serious health issues. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Utah Officials Head to Paris

A group of high-profile athletes and Utah officials are headed to Paris to present their case for hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The group will include Gov. Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn. [Utah News Dispatch]

Electric Buses

The Utah Transit Authority was awarded $18 million to buy more electric buses. This was part of $1.5 billion in federal funding distributed by the U.S. Department of Transportation to support public transportation projects. [@rideuta/X]

• Related: SLC’s transportation strategy. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

In Hey Salt Lake we cover topics from the history of Japantown to how to farmers market like a pro. Here’s what readers had to say this week:

🇯🇵 On the History of Japantown

“PBS Utah just dropped an episode of ‘In the Margins’ about Japantown. Worth a watch.” — Melanie P.

• Related listening: How we get Japantown back. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

🏊 On Adult Swimming Lessons

“​​Talia Stivender at Holladay Lions Rec Center runs a really popular and welcoming adult swim lesson program. Look into it!” — Tyler P.

🥕 On the Best Farmers Markets

“A local farmers/crafts market that is often omitted from lists is the 9th West Farmers Market, Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jordan Park. The market is small, no crowds to fight, and has quality produce and crafts and other things.” — Holly S.

“Two new markets I'm loving this summer are Second Summit market and Sandy Farmers Market. My favorite booth has been Killa Handmade and her great natural soaps!” — Claudia C.

“I like the Wheeler Farm Market. Though I haven't been there yet this year. It's always going on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.” — Sunshine C.

• Related listening: Your guide to Salt Lake farmers markets. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Why It’s So Damn Hot Today

Holy heck it’s hot in Salt Lake, with much of Utah under an excessive heat warning through Saturday, July 13. National Weather Service meteorologist Jon Wilson explains to host Ali Vallarta why temps are so high, how to stay safe, and what to expect for the rest of the summer.