Soap Box: Sept. 28-Oct. 11 

Cover story, Sept. 27, "Ghost Mall"
A mall's a mall. They often try to replicate downtowns, but those things occur in a more organic way. Lifestyle centers are forced and planned—fake. People are looking for more authentic experiences than places like this offer. I hope they're able to turn it around.
Chad Banks
Via Facebook

All this new owner has to do is hold on a couple of years. The original plan, with all of its condos and apartments was too forced, but now natural expansion has taken place all around The Gateway. These developments, combined with the crackdown at Rio Grande has the future looking brighter now than any time previous. If it can land a handful of bars in addition to the confirmed Dave & Buster's, it might make it. The remodel of the exterior spaces has really made the area look better.
Daniel Cochrane
Via Facebook

If this comes to fruition, it sounds amazing! But the local gov't needs to participate and loosen up for this to really be a success and create a new niche in the Salt Lake scene.
Jaime Pimsler
Via Facebook

I knew the first time I went there, outdoor malls would be a short-term fad. If they wanna make the mall successful, put on a roof, add A/C and heat. People don't go outside when it's too hot or too cold. The new City Creek mall and the homeless problem do not help, either.
Ed Thatcher
Via Facebook

Being able to get a drink might help.
Wendi Guerrero
Via Facebook

I hated when the Apple Store moved away. That's the only reason I went to The Gateway, and it's the only reason I force myself to go to the "other" mall.
Benton Clark
Via Facebook

So far, everything is much uglier. They have started to paint everything white. It looks like a cement prison complex now.
Ryan Brimhall
Via Facebook

I love The Gateway. I hope its comeback brings back its glory.
Sarahjane Aleta Morrison
Via Facebook

I love it a lot better than City Creek! It's not Mormon-owned or pretentious!
Nic Delgado
Via Facebook

Right? City Creek also has one of the worst security staff I've ever met.
CK Darcey
Via Facebook

Cover story, Oct. 5, "The Censored List"
Here's City Weekly casually reminding us of the supposedly God-fearing cowards who refuse to play fair.
@GenreZero
Via Twitter

News, Sept. 27, "Monumental Fumble"
It has been pointed out many times that Trump has two options if he wants to modify or revoke any of our national monuments. He can try to do it unilaterally (legally impossible due to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976) or by asking for an act of Congress (politically impossible). I find it ironic that Secretary Zinke complains about political motivations when that describes his own report. There simply isn't a non-political reason to drastically cut the size of ten national monuments, and the report doesn't even pretend otherwise.
Richard Warnick
Via cityweekly.net

Hits & Misses, Sept. 27, "No Fun Zone"
Is having a happy childhood in Utah really necessary? Nope!
@Arielelaine89
Via Twitter

The system is not trying to produce healthy artists—duh. They want barely educated worker drones that are easily led. Just look at the snowflakes they are producing now, SJWs and antifa. The future looks bright!
Dave Caldwell
Via Facebook

Five Spot, Sept. 27, "Why are Utah's rape rates higher than national ones?"
Pretty clearly because of the male-dominated religious culture.
@FredASchmauch
Via Twitter

Hint: It rhymes with morons.
@Carlial921
Via Twitter

Because many cults that practice here look down on women. We are not going to take it anymore.
Carrie Teeter Ewing
Via Facebook

There's no stigma for women or men who have been assaulted. We're survivors and we can overcome this. Stand together!
Kristal Yi Bullock
Via Facebook

The Straight Dope, Sept. 27, "The Real Holy War"
Claiming all Islam is war is the same as claiming all whites are KKK. It's a lie ... and is the first sign of bigotry and hate. Muslims are not all jihadist, just like not all Utah is Mormon. Generalizations are false.
Michael James Stone
Via Facebook

And a purpose of Christianity is to "save" the infidel—by whatever means necessary?
Marek AF
Via Facebook

The Ocho, Oct. 5, "Eight scare-filled local Halloween attractions for the budget-minded"
Just don't ride your bike without a light on it or it will be a real horror for you.
Mike Sales
Via Facebook

Is it really that bad? I grew up in the Bronx in the 1980s.
Adam A King
Via Facebook
Trax free zone after 8.
Samantha Durfey
Via Facebook

The Ocho, Sept. 27, "Eight under-construction Salt Lake City apartment developments you might still be able to afford but probably not"
My soul? Sure. What's the square footage?
Michael Gacillos O'Hair
Via Facebook