⛰ A third attempt to sell public land?

Thousands of Acres Burning in Southern Utah

The Forsyth Fire, which has burned more than 8,900 acres with 0% containment as of Wednesday, was sparked by a lightning strike that smoldered undetected inside a tree for 10 days before strong winds spread the flames toward Pine Valley. Meanwhile, Utah’s largest fire this season, the France Canyon Fire near Bryce Canyon, has burned over 27,000 acres with 15% containment. [KSL]

Bison School Lunch

Utah schools are now serving bison meat from Ute Tribal Enterprises as a healthy, high-protein alternative to beef, thanks to the state’s “Farm to School” program. [FOX 13]

Low Voter Turnout Among Utah Women

In 2024, Utah women placed 29th out of 51 for voter turnout. While women’s participation has improved since 2010, experts believe it remains below national averages due to gender pay gaps, limited child care, and underfunded support for survivors of violence. [Utah News Dispatch]

A Third Attempt to Sell Public Land

This week, Utah's own U.S. Sen. Mike Lee introduced a bill so loathed that it united the left and the right in opposition. Rare! We break down how a plan to build affordable housing on public land imploded and what’s in a new version of the bill. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Hey Salt Lake readers respond to City Cast Salt Lake podcast episodes about local bike lanes and weekend getaways.

🚲 On Bike Lanes

“I ditched my car over eight years ago. I did some math on how much electricity my ebike uses and estimated that it’s 40 times cheaper per mile than the average car! I am a huge believer that we should be supporting active transportation and transit, not just for reducing the impact of transportation on the environment and on our communities, but also for reducing the impact on our bank accounts.” — Mike C.

“Salt Lake City has made great strides with bike lanes, with the crown jewel being the 9 Line Trail which is separated from the road. I heard that it had 30,000 users in April (before the weather was even that good!). Unfortunately, the state legislature came out with a law, SB195, that requires the city to produce a plan for any lane reduction or narrowing of any non-residential street for most of the city.

The state pretty much disconnected city residents from the process of making our streets safer, which is an important aspect of Vision Zero, having community input and a cultural shift for safety. And unfortunately, lots of people are still getting injured or dying on our streets. At least they're not ripping the lanes out!” — Troy S.

✈️ On Weekend Getaways

“My favorite weekend trip is to fly direct to Great Falls, Montana to go to the Sip 'n Dip Lounge, located in the O'Haire Inn, with LIVE MERMAIDS! A portion of the swimming pool has a glass window that can be seen from inside the bar. After 6:00 p.m., the pool closes to the public and opens for Mermaids and Mermen, who swim up to the window so you can take a selfie as they blow heart shaped kisses at you. They also have amazing tiki-themed drinks.

The city of Great Falls is awesome! It is like going back to the ‘50s and ‘60s, with old town vibes. The city is so small that everything downtown is within walking distance. I enjoyed Great Springs State park and the suspension bridge at Ryan Island Park for a view of the falls.” — Angie C.

We’re back with Neighborhood Shoutouts, a chance to recognize some of the best people and places in Salt Lake, nominated by our City Cast Salt Lake Neighbors.

📣 Christian C. loves Culture Coffee in Fairpark.

📣 Nicole P. wants to shout out all firefighters, but specifically those at Unified Fire Station 110 in Cottonwood Heights (including her son, Joey!). They are all dedicated professionals who consistently demonstrate commitment and excellence in protecting and serving their community.

Become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor to share your own favorites!