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Tension between Salt Lake City Public Library leadership and workers is spilling into public view amid allegations of retaliation and a toxic workplace.

Why it matters: The dispute is escalating just months after the library union reached a historic collective bargaining agreement and as the system navigates staff changes and plans for its future.

State of play: At a Sept. 28 library Board of Directors meeting, some former employees spoke out about being retaliated against and experiencing a lack of due process during disciplinary actions.

• After their comments, board president Sariah Toronto announced the board would review the library's personnel policies, disciplinary actions, internal complaints and grievance records dating back to last October.
• Library executive director and CEO Noah Baskett welcomed the review.

Catch up quick: In May, the library system sent an email to more than 250 employees offering buyouts, fanning fears among staff that layoffs could be coming, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

What they're saying: John Olshinski, a union steward who has worked at the library for about a decade, tells Axios the recent unionization has empowered staff to speak more openly about their experiences.

• Some of the issues they've raised stem from the library system's strategic plan that outlines major changes and goals through 2034, like expanding Sunday hours and other services at certain branches.
• Olshinski says the staff reductions have left employees juggling multiple responsibilities, contributing to widespread disorganization. Plus, there's been a lack of communication from leadership about the roll-out, he adds.

Between the lines: The friction and staff departures could ultimately affect library visitors, with Olshinski pointing to the loss of valuable "experience and institutional knowledge."

Yes, but: In a statement to Axios, Baskett defends the strategic plan, but acknowledges that recent changes at the library have caused anxiety among some workers.

• He notes there are "no layoffs coming and no plan to reduce services."

What we're watching: What the board's review finds and the changes it could prompt.

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Utah is a Reese's state for Halloween, according to new DoorDash data.

How it works: DoorDash analyzed purchases made on its platform in October 2025 to find which candies each state ordered at a higher rate than the rest of the country.

• Reese's over-indexes in 17 states, and the peanut butter cups are the top candy nationally for the third year in a row.

The intrigue: This is the first Halloween with dye-free M&M's, Skittles and Starburst fruit chews in the mix.

• Mars launched versions made without artificial colors this summer, alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to "Make America Healthy Again."

What we're watching: Chocolate still dominates Halloween candy orders overall, taking four of the top five spots nationally, DoorDash found.

• But sour and fruity candies are gaining ground — and old-school picks Circus Peanuts and Lemonheads are making a comeback, with orders last October at least three times higher than the year before.

🌡️ Utah's homeless population needs more emergency resources for hot weather as climate change drives temperatures higher, concluded U of U researchers, who advised a "Code Red" designation similar to winter's Code Blue alerts. (Utah News Dispatch)

✈️ The Warriors Over the Wasatch airshow was rescheduled for May 2027 after U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds cancelled this summer's show following the launch of the Iran War. (FOX13)

🐕 The next Westminster Dog Show's agility course will be designed by Draper dog trainer Tracy Mazur — who will also judge the competition. (KUER)

Immerse yourself in Halloween this weekend, as theater troupes, dance companies, comedians and other revelers get their spook on.

👑 "Carrie": The U theatre department is performing Stephen King's hit in multiple shows tomorrow and Sunday at the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse. Tickets

🪏 "Little Shop of Horrors" is playing all month at the Draper Historic Theatre. Tickets

👠 "Camille's Murder Mystery Show" brings suspense in drag to Piper Down 7pm tomorrow. Tickets

🧛 "KPOP DeMum Hunters and Dracula vs. The Mummy" brings comedy and creeps, courtesy of Laughing Stock Improv at South Salt Lake's Off-Broadway Theatre, in multiple shows from tomorrow through Halloween. Tickets

🏔️ "Murder on the Mountain" is an indoor-outdoor interactive, multi-course dinner theater with shows each weekend this month at Brighton. Tickets

🕺 Odyssey Dance Theatre's annual "Thriller" show kicks off 7:30pm tomorrow at The Grand Theatre. Tickets

🎃 Pumpkinpalooza and Zombie Walk: Giant pumpkins go head to head as wights and ghouls form their annual horde noon Saturday at the Gateway.

🕵️‍♀️ Millfreaks scavenger hunt leads players all around Millcreek at 5pm Saturday, ending at the Commons for live entertainment and skating. Tickets

🎃 Erin is pumped to release this year's Halloween home haunt guide.

🧋 Kim is making homemade Thai iced tea.

This newsletter was edited by Astrid Galván.