⬆️ Sales tax going up in SLC

Tax Hike Approved for Downtown Revival

On Tuesday, the Salt Lake City Council approved a 0.5% sales tax increase to help fund the multi-billion dollar redevelopment of downtown and the Delta Center. The tax is expected to raise $1.2 billion over 30 years, with a portion going to Smith Entertainment Group for project expenses. [Deseret News]

• Related: What’s in the participation agreement between SLC and SEG? [Hey Salt Lake]

School Report Cards

The Utah State Board of Education released its 2023-24 School Report Cards, an online tool to see a school’s performance across various indicators like proficiency, growth, and graduation rates. Statewide proficiency in English and Math remains below pre-pandemic levels, while science proficiency has improved. [Salt Lake Tribune]

• Related: What do those low English and Math scores mean for all of us? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Leave the Leaves

Fall leaves are hitting the ground throughout the valley, and we are asking you to step away from the rake! Work smarter not harder, for the ecosystem’s sake. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Dreamscapes Returns to SLC

The Dreamscapes art exhibit is returning to The Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City after being displaced from Sandy due to the new Utah Hockey Club practice facility. This marks the exhibit’s fourth move in five years. [Salt Lake Tribune]

It can be hard to eat out when you have dietary restrictions like allergies or celiac. Hey Salt Lake readers shared some of their favorite gluten-free restaurants and bakeries.

🍕 Pizza

“Slackwater Pizza. Their pizza crust is wonderful for being gluten-free. Customers just need to know that it gets thrown in the oven with the gluten pizzas. I have only had a reaction when I was inadvertently served a pizza on the wrong crust. Their wings also are GF and they are great! The wait staff is pretty knowledgeable about what is GF and they have it marked clearly on their menus.” — Pattie S.

The Pie Pizzeria makes a GF pie (and can also do vegan cheese, so I can eat it!) and they seemingly take it very seriously. They have a dedicated GF kitchen that they prepare the GF pies in.” — Eandra F.

🥐 Sweet Treats

“Good Food Gluten Free Bakery is dedicated gluten-free, and they also work around tons of other allergens. I have celiac, but I also can't eat dairy, so my options are pretty limited. But, I can usually find something there!

I've seen GF treats at The Honeysuckle Coffee Co. as well. The vibe in there is super cute, their beverages are great and I had a piece of GF pound cake there (lavender) and it was so good.” — Eandra F.

🍔 Buns & Bún

“East Liberty Tap House. I LOVE their hamburgers and fries. They come with an option for a gluten-free bun made from almond flour. It's not a dry and stale Rudi's burger bun. Their fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer so there is no contamination from frying other breaded items in the basket. This is a rarity. The only dessert on the menu is a chocolate brownie, also made from almond flour and it's pretty spectacular being that most restaurants only have sorbet on the menu for us GF'ers.” — Pattie S.

“I'm addicted to the bún lemongrass at Red Lotus Bistro. It's light and fresh, but super filling. Also, love Krua Thai GF curries, pad thai, and tons of other dishes. Final rec is Aubergine Kitchen in Sugar House. I always get the custom salmon bowl.” — Libby S.