City Cast Salt Lake
🦒 Baby giraffe at Hogle Zoo
February 3, 2026 · — Ali Vallarta
Hey, Salt Lake! I’m City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta filling in for Terina today with a skinny edition of our daily newsletter.
The biggest news today (for me): a new baby giraffe at the Hogle Zoo. Imagine being born 5’8” and 139 pounds.
What's CITY Talking About
Utah Legislature Expands the Supreme Court
Gov. Spencer Cox will appoint two new justices to the Utah Supreme Court, at a $6.5 million cost to taxpayers. The bill was passed by the legislature’s Republican supermajority and the governor signed it into law on Saturday. [Utah News Dispatch]
Call for Artists on Folsom Trail
The Seven Canyons Trust seeks artists to create installations for the Folsom Trail Hidden Waters installation in SLC. Six artists will be selected to design and fabricate 2.5-by-3-foot Water Drops with a $1,500 commission. Apply by Wednesday, Feb. 18. [Seven Canyons Trust]
Original Jazz Bear Dies
Jon Absey, the man who portrayed Utah’s very-first Jazz Bear mascot, died of pancreatic cancer over the weekend. He first wore the costume in 1994 and hyped crowds for 25 years. [KSL]
James Beard vs. Michelin Stars
Salt Lake City could have new James Beard award winners and at least one Michelin Star restaurant by the end of this year. Which award is more sought after? We explore the lore. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]
What To Do
Tuesday, Feb. 3
- 💰 Free Investor Pitch Lab | Kenect
- 🎲 Dungeons & Dragons for Beginners | SLC Library Sweet Branch
- 🧈 Baking with Nonna | Harmon’s City Creek
- 🖼️ Black History Month Exhibit Curated by Sema Hadithi | Millcreek Common
- 🎰 Tuesday Night Poker | Funk ‘n Dive Bar
- 🇰🇷 K-Connect: Utah Korean Networking Mixer | Spaces Triumph Boulevard
- 🪕 Briscoe | The State Room
Wednesday, Feb. 4
- 🎙️ Utah Tech Week: Podcasting Panel | Kiln Salt Lake City
- 🎶 Fitz and the Tantrums (4 Nights) | Egyptian Theatre
- 🏳️🌈 Alphabet Soup LGBTQ Teen Meet-up | SLC Library Sprague Branch
- ⛑️ Adult Mental Health First Aid Training (2 Days) | Virtual
- 💃 Cumbia House Party | Bodega and The Rest
- 🎤 Jordan Jensen | Wiseguys Comedy Club
- 🕺 Beginner Country Swing & West Coast Swing | DF Dance Studio
Sponsored Content
The Best Wedding Planner? Your Gut.
If your gut says small, intentional and real; trust that. Simply Eloped offers personalized elopement and vow renewal packages in stunning destinations nationwide, so you can celebrate your love story, your way. We handle the logistics. You stay present on the first day of the rest of your lives.
Sponsored Content
Every week, we’re highlighting some stellar deals from our favorite businesses around town to help you support local and save some money, too. Today we’ve got exclusive offers from spots like the Balanced Runner and Embodied Patience. To see the full list of (totally free!) deals, visit saltlake.citycast.fm/perks.
A few City Cast Salt Lake Neighbors learned to box on Saturday with Brickyard Boxing and Conditioning. Shoutout to Jim and his team for training us up and giving everyone three free weeks of membership.
Don’t miss our next event! Become a Neighbor today.
Free · Daily