Carter Williams
@cwilliams.ksl.com
KSL.com reporter covering outdoors, history, transportation & #SLC | Photography for fun | Also here for nature, weather & sports | Posts don't represent the opinion of KSL.
"It's not just about Utah; it's about survival, and it's about people."
Can "The Lake," which debuted at Sundance this week, help save the Great Salt Lake? Gov. Cox and the lake experts featured in the doc hope so:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Can "The Lake," which debuted at Sundance this week, help save the Great Salt Lake? Gov. Cox and the lake experts featured in the doc hope so:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
www.ksl.com
January 24, 2026 at 5:25 AM
"It's not just about Utah; it's about survival, and it's about people."
Can "The Lake," which debuted at Sundance this week, help save the Great Salt Lake? Gov. Cox and the lake experts featured in the doc hope so:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Can "The Lake," which debuted at Sundance this week, help save the Great Salt Lake? Gov. Cox and the lake experts featured in the doc hope so:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
"(W)e're kind of running out of time to catch up."
Utah experts held their first water supply outlook meeting of this year and it was ... not great.
Here's how this winter's perplexing weather trends could translate into snowmelt runoff issues this spring:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Utah experts held their first water supply outlook meeting of this year and it was ... not great.
Here's how this winter's perplexing weather trends could translate into snowmelt runoff issues this spring:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
www.ksl.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:23 AM
"(W)e're kind of running out of time to catch up."
Utah experts held their first water supply outlook meeting of this year and it was ... not great.
Here's how this winter's perplexing weather trends could translate into snowmelt runoff issues this spring:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Utah experts held their first water supply outlook meeting of this year and it was ... not great.
Here's how this winter's perplexing weather trends could translate into snowmelt runoff issues this spring:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
"What you're communicating to me is that I have to give you carte blanche..."
Sparks flew at times as a representative for a Central City high-rise met with the SLC Council this week. Here's why the plan generated concerns + how it's being worked out:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Sparks flew at times as a representative for a Central City high-rise met with the SLC Council this week. Here's why the plan generated concerns + how it's being worked out:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Developer, Salt Lake City Council clash over proposed tower east of downtown
Sparks flew at times as a representative for a proposed residential high-rise east of downtown and Salt Lake City leaders discussed elements of the project.
www.ksl.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:33 PM
"What you're communicating to me is that I have to give you carte blanche..."
Sparks flew at times as a representative for a Central City high-rise met with the SLC Council this week. Here's why the plan generated concerns + how it's being worked out:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Sparks flew at times as a representative for a Central City high-rise met with the SLC Council this week. Here's why the plan generated concerns + how it's being worked out:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
PIDs are new and relatively are in Utah, but the development duo behind SLC's Post District is seeking one as they work to reimagine its neighboring block:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
How an incentive used in downtown revitalization could help change Salt Lake's Granary District
A new tool similar to what Utah Jazz owners received for development could help a massive overhaul near downtown.
www.ksl.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:56 AM
PIDs are new and relatively are in Utah, but the development duo behind SLC's Post District is seeking one as they work to reimagine its neighboring block:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
"This day is a day we've been dreaming of for a long time."
Sidecar Doughnuts opened in Sugar House this morning, its 9th location and first outside of SoCal.
It comes a few days after a California pizza spot also debuted its first out-of-state location in SLC:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Sidecar Doughnuts opened in Sugar House this morning, its 9th location and first outside of SoCal.
It comes a few days after a California pizza spot also debuted its first out-of-state location in SLC:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
2 California restaurants take 'big step,' pick Utah for 1st out-of-state locations
A popular California doughnut shop debuted its first out-of-state location in Salt Lake City Wednesday, days after a California pizza restaurant entered Utah's market for the first time.
www.ksl.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:22 PM
"This day is a day we've been dreaming of for a long time."
Sidecar Doughnuts opened in Sugar House this morning, its 9th location and first outside of SoCal.
It comes a few days after a California pizza spot also debuted its first out-of-state location in SLC:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Sidecar Doughnuts opened in Sugar House this morning, its 9th location and first outside of SoCal.
It comes a few days after a California pizza spot also debuted its first out-of-state location in SLC:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
"... Seraph sets a benchmark for transformative projects nationwide."
Here's how a 60-year-old downtown office tower found new life as a 217-unit apartment complex in Utah's largest office-to-housing conversion yet:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Here's how a 60-year-old downtown office tower found new life as a 217-unit apartment complex in Utah's largest office-to-housing conversion yet:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
How this historic Salt Lake City office building became a 217-unit residential tower
What was once 217,000 square feet of office space completed 60 years ago is now home to 217 residential units.
www.ksl.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:37 PM
"... Seraph sets a benchmark for transformative projects nationwide."
Here's how a 60-year-old downtown office tower found new life as a 217-unit apartment complex in Utah's largest office-to-housing conversion yet:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Here's how a 60-year-old downtown office tower found new life as a 217-unit apartment complex in Utah's largest office-to-housing conversion yet:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
A testy moment in the SLC City Council tonight, following many more public comments on ICE (many like last week).
Councilmember Petro said the city is looking at a task force on that issue + more potential issues with state/federal policies, which ultimately ended in this comment/exchange:
Councilmember Petro said the city is looking at a task force on that issue + more potential issues with state/federal policies, which ultimately ended in this comment/exchange:
January 21, 2026 at 3:36 AM
A testy moment in the SLC City Council tonight, following many more public comments on ICE (many like last week).
Councilmember Petro said the city is looking at a task force on that issue + more potential issues with state/federal policies, which ultimately ended in this comment/exchange:
Councilmember Petro said the city is looking at a task force on that issue + more potential issues with state/federal policies, which ultimately ended in this comment/exchange:
Reposted by Carter Williams
A trail more than a decade in the making will soon be complete, creating the first backcountry trail connection between Wasatch and Summit counties.
First backcountry trail connecting Summit, Wasatch counties to open this spring
A trail more than a decade in the making is soon to be completed, creating the first backcountry trail connection between Wasatch and Summit counties.
ow.ly
January 17, 2026 at 3:27 PM
A trail more than a decade in the making will soon be complete, creating the first backcountry trail connection between Wasatch and Summit counties.
"Utah is like a mecca for climbing, but it's still a rare opportunity even here."
Millcreek has converted its 65-foot climbing wall outside Millcreek Common to accommodate dry-tooling climbs this winter.
Here's how to try it out, starting tomorrow:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Millcreek has converted its 65-foot climbing wall outside Millcreek Common to accommodate dry-tooling climbs this winter.
Here's how to try it out, starting tomorrow:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
www.ksl.com
January 17, 2026 at 12:11 AM
"Utah is like a mecca for climbing, but it's still a rare opportunity even here."
Millcreek has converted its 65-foot climbing wall outside Millcreek Common to accommodate dry-tooling climbs this winter.
Here's how to try it out, starting tomorrow:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Millcreek has converted its 65-foot climbing wall outside Millcreek Common to accommodate dry-tooling climbs this winter.
Here's how to try it out, starting tomorrow:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Outside of some outliers (like the first half of 2023), probably not wrong. The GSL Strike Team report last week had some alarming projections for the GSL Basin
January 15, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Outside of some outliers (like the first half of 2023), probably not wrong. The GSL Strike Team report last week had some alarming projections for the GSL Basin
After several times we came close, especially in 2024, Utah finally broke its hottest year on record (previous was set in 1934) in 2025 ... and it wasn't even close.
Here's a breakdown of the new data from last year #utwx:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Here's a breakdown of the new data from last year #utwx:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Utah shattered 91-year-old temperature record, other records in 2025
2025 was the hottest year in almost a century, snapping a longstanding Utah record dating back to 1934, per new federal climate data.
www.ksl.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:44 PM
After several times we came close, especially in 2024, Utah finally broke its hottest year on record (previous was set in 1934) in 2025 ... and it wasn't even close.
Here's a breakdown of the new data from last year #utwx:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Here's a breakdown of the new data from last year #utwx:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Update: SLC Arts Council folks tell me they ended up with 30+ submissions, and they're going through the process to narrow the field down to 3 for the Whale's new look later this year
What will the SLC whale look like next? A recent survey found residents want a design that's "fun" and "iconic," and embraces "community."
The city is now looking for SLCo-based artists to give it a refresh:
www.ksl.com/article/5141...
The city is now looking for SLCo-based artists to give it a refresh:
www.ksl.com/article/5141...
Help wanted: Salt Lake artist to give 9th and 9th whale a 'fun' new look
Salt Lake City is looking to highlight local artists as it gives its famed Out of the Blue sculpture a new look in 2026.
www.ksl.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Update: SLC Arts Council folks tell me they ended up with 30+ submissions, and they're going through the process to narrow the field down to 3 for the Whale's new look later this year
"What are we doing here? Like, this isn't in line with ... the existing plan."
The SLC Planning Commission offered a negative recommendation of a plan to rezone 80 acres near the GSL last night, following pushback from residents and conservation groups:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
The SLC Planning Commission offered a negative recommendation of a plan to rezone 80 acres near the GSL last night, following pushback from residents and conservation groups:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Commission delivers blow to request to rezone 80 acres of land near Great Salt Lake
A plan to turn some of the last remaining agricultural land in northwest Salt Lake City into light industrial space failed to receive a key recommendation.
www.ksl.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:25 PM
"What are we doing here? Like, this isn't in line with ... the existing plan."
The SLC Planning Commission offered a negative recommendation of a plan to rezone 80 acres near the GSL last night, following pushback from residents and conservation groups:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
The SLC Planning Commission offered a negative recommendation of a plan to rezone 80 acres near the GSL last night, following pushback from residents and conservation groups:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
"We don't have anything else to compare it to. ... It really is one of a kind."
Here's a look inside Utah's new North Capitol building that is now complete... and ready to (mostly) open next week:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Here's a look inside Utah's new North Capitol building that is now complete... and ready to (mostly) open next week:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
A tour inside Utah's new, 'one of a kind' North Capitol building
Utah's brand new $320 million Capitol Hill complex opens to the public next week and will showcase Utah in a new way in 2026.
www.ksl.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:20 AM
"We don't have anything else to compare it to. ... It really is one of a kind."
Here's a look inside Utah's new North Capitol building that is now complete... and ready to (mostly) open next week:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Here's a look inside Utah's new North Capitol building that is now complete... and ready to (mostly) open next week:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Some shots inside the new North Capitol building, which I got to tour earlier today.
Most of it is opening next week; Museum of Utah will open in late June. A museum store will open in a few weeks, though #utpol
Most of it is opening next week; Museum of Utah will open in late June. A museum store will open in a few weeks, though #utpol
January 15, 2026 at 1:40 AM
Some shots inside the new North Capitol building, which I got to tour earlier today.
Most of it is opening next week; Museum of Utah will open in late June. A museum store will open in a few weeks, though #utpol
Most of it is opening next week; Museum of Utah will open in late June. A museum store will open in a few weeks, though #utpol
SLC gave USA Climbing $6M to adaptively reuse the historic SL Mattress Building in its Rio Grande HQ plans 2 years ago.
Now, USA Climbing is asking for $250K to $1.3M, after a snag in the plan. The city is now leaning toward a rebuild of the 119-yr-old building:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Now, USA Climbing is asking for $250K to $1.3M, after a snag in the plan. The city is now leaning toward a rebuild of the 119-yr-old building:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Climbing USA seeks at least $250K more after hitting snag in preserving historic Utah building
Salt Lake City is leaning toward a plan to rebuild a 119-year-old building within the Rio Grande District after initially seeking to preserve it as part of Climbing USA's planned new headquarters.
www.ksl.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:51 PM
SLC gave USA Climbing $6M to adaptively reuse the historic SL Mattress Building in its Rio Grande HQ plans 2 years ago.
Now, USA Climbing is asking for $250K to $1.3M, after a snag in the plan. The city is now leaning toward a rebuild of the 119-yr-old building:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Now, USA Climbing is asking for $250K to $1.3M, after a snag in the plan. The city is now leaning toward a rebuild of the 119-yr-old building:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Packed room for the first formal #SLC Council meeting of the day. A group of residents planned a protest, calling on SLC to "formally cease all voluntary cooperation with ICE."
This doesn't include an overflow in another room
This doesn't include an overflow in another room
January 14, 2026 at 2:14 AM
Packed room for the first formal #SLC Council meeting of the day. A group of residents planned a protest, calling on SLC to "formally cease all voluntary cooperation with ICE."
This doesn't include an overflow in another room
This doesn't include an overflow in another room
Some #utpol news in the #SLC Council meeting. A record number of proposed bills filed before the session starts is expected this year.
SLC's policy expert says SLC is already tracking 143 bills. Big topics: Tax proposals (including caps on budget increases), land use (more starter homes, etc)
SLC's policy expert says SLC is already tracking 143 bills. Big topics: Tax proposals (including caps on budget increases), land use (more starter homes, etc)
January 14, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Just in: Salt Lake County says reconstruction has resumed at the 10th East Senior Center in Salt Lake City, with a goal of reopening it next year.
Comes after the SLCo Council voted to the cut the facility and then reversed its decision in budget discussions late last year
Comes after the SLCo Council voted to the cut the facility and then reversed its decision in budget discussions late last year
January 13, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Just in: Salt Lake County says reconstruction has resumed at the 10th East Senior Center in Salt Lake City, with a goal of reopening it next year.
Comes after the SLCo Council voted to the cut the facility and then reversed its decision in budget discussions late last year
Comes after the SLCo Council voted to the cut the facility and then reversed its decision in budget discussions late last year
Happy SLC Council leadership election day to all those who observe.
First off, Councilmember Dan Dugan (D6) will chair the CRA board this year. Councilmember Eva Lopez Chavez (D4) will be the vice chair
First off, Councilmember Dan Dugan (D6) will chair the CRA board this year. Councilmember Eva Lopez Chavez (D4) will be the vice chair
January 13, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Happy SLC Council leadership election day to all those who observe.
First off, Councilmember Dan Dugan (D6) will chair the CRA board this year. Councilmember Eva Lopez Chavez (D4) will be the vice chair
First off, Councilmember Dan Dugan (D6) will chair the CRA board this year. Councilmember Eva Lopez Chavez (D4) will be the vice chair
"We adamantly oppose this bill as an erosion of local control."
A proposed bill seeks to rename 900 South in SLC after Charlie Kirk, the same road honorary named after Harvey Milk a decade ago.
It's facing strong opposition from SLC, residents and businesses:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
A proposed bill seeks to rename 900 South in SLC after Charlie Kirk, the same road honorary named after Harvey Milk a decade ago.
It's facing strong opposition from SLC, residents and businesses:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
Utah bill seeks to shift Salt Lake City street honor from LGBTQ politician to Charlie Kirk
A proposed new bill filed in Utah seeks to rename a Salt Lake City street in honor of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and is drawing ire from the city and organizations for the process it cr...
www.ksl.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:03 PM
"We adamantly oppose this bill as an erosion of local control."
A proposed bill seeks to rename 900 South in SLC after Charlie Kirk, the same road honorary named after Harvey Milk a decade ago.
It's facing strong opposition from SLC, residents and businesses:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
A proposed bill seeks to rename 900 South in SLC after Charlie Kirk, the same road honorary named after Harvey Milk a decade ago.
It's facing strong opposition from SLC, residents and businesses:
www.ksl.com/article/5143...
This is the first of what I assume will be a lot of history articles this year, with many big anniversaries.
5 things you may or may not have known about SLC, which officially incorporated on this date 175 years ago:
www.ksl.com/article/5142...
5 things you may or may not have known about SLC, which officially incorporated on this date 175 years ago:
www.ksl.com/article/5142...
Salt Lake City turns 175: 5 things you may or may not know about Utah's capital city
This year marks a pivotal anniversary in Salt Lake City's history. These are some interesting facts about Utah's capital city.
www.ksl.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
This is the first of what I assume will be a lot of history articles this year, with many big anniversaries.
5 things you may or may not have known about SLC, which officially incorporated on this date 175 years ago:
www.ksl.com/article/5142...
5 things you may or may not have known about SLC, which officially incorporated on this date 175 years ago:
www.ksl.com/article/5142...
Happening now: Gov. Spencer Cox is unveiling details of a new 20-yr agreement with USFS to assist in management of forests in Utah #utpol
January 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Happening now: Gov. Spencer Cox is unveiling details of a new 20-yr agreement with USFS to assist in management of forests in Utah #utpol
Reposted by Carter Williams
Two people were killed and six were injured in a shooting in Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening when a fight broke out in a church parking lot outside a funeral. https://ow.ly/NyH250XTgu4
Major police incident reported in area of 600 North in Salt Lake City
A police incident was reported in the area of 650 N. Redwood Road in Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening.
ow.ly
January 8, 2026 at 4:22 AM
Two people were killed and six were injured in a shooting in Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening when a fight broke out in a church parking lot outside a funeral. https://ow.ly/NyH250XTgu4
"We were foreshadowing a little bit, but we were also super hopeful."
Here's how a RES field trip before Utah's first ever NHL game + a tiny provision in the 2024 SEG/SLC agreement set up today's Winter Classic announcement:
www.ksl.com/article/5142...
Here's how a RES field trip before Utah's first ever NHL game + a tiny provision in the 2024 SEG/SLC agreement set up today's Winter Classic announcement:
www.ksl.com/article/5142...
Olympic 'dry run'? Utah Mammoth to host outdoor Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium
The Utah Mammoth are slated to host an outdoors game next season against the Rocky Mountain rival.
www.ksl.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:29 AM
"We were foreshadowing a little bit, but we were also super hopeful."
Here's how a RES field trip before Utah's first ever NHL game + a tiny provision in the 2024 SEG/SLC agreement set up today's Winter Classic announcement:
www.ksl.com/article/5142...
Here's how a RES field trip before Utah's first ever NHL game + a tiny provision in the 2024 SEG/SLC agreement set up today's Winter Classic announcement:
www.ksl.com/article/5142...