A 50-year-old bar in Holladay

From a Community to a City

Various communities in Utah are pushing to become cities so they can control their development independently from the county. In order to become a city, these communities (that include Riddermark, Spring Lake, Ogden Valley, West Hills, and Benson) must go through a long incorporation process. The steps include a petition, a feasibility study, public meetings, a second petition, approval by the county and state — and then if all that went well — it will be added to the ballot for consideration at the next election. [Salt Lake Tribune 🔒]

The Disappearing Pelicans

The number of American white pelicans at Gunnison Island has drastically declined. Normally this time of year, you would see a giant flock of birds protecting 5,000-6,000 nests. In May, only around 1,500 were observed, two weeks later that number was cut in half, and now there are none nesting on the island. Low water levels at the Great Salt Lake allow predators easier access. Another contributing factor could be the Avian Flu. [FOX 13]

The Affirmative Action Ruling

Last week, the United States Supreme Court struck down the consideration of race in college admissions. This ruling effectively ends the decades-long practice of affirmative action which is when policies or quotas are implemented to ensure diversity in race and gender on college campuses — an effort to correct historical inequities in terms of who has access to higher education. City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta talks to Westminster University’s vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion Dr. Tamara Stevenson on how this could impact Salt Lake’s most selective university. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

SLAQC Climb Night  🧗‍♀️ Thursday | 6-8 p.m.

Climb with Salt Lake Area Queer Climbers at The Front Climbing Club - South Main. All skill levels welcome. [$12/day pass or first time free, Millcreek]

Cumbia House Party  🎉 Thursday | 9 p.m.

Party with Vibras Del Lago every first Thursday of the month at Alibi. Dance to cumbia, moombahton, and more. 21+ only. [Free entry, Downtown SLC]

Pasifika First Fridays  🌺 Friday | 7 p.m.

Pasifika First Fridays is an event at Jordan River Nature Center highlighting Pasifika artists. There will be kava, culture, and conversation. All are welcome. [Free, South Salt Lake]

How Salt Lake’s Most Selective College Will Adjust on Affirmative Action

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action, a college admissions principle which for decades has sought to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of student populations in higher education. How does the decision impact Salt Lake’s colleges? Dr. Tamara Stevenson, Westminster University’s vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion, joins host Ali Vallarta to make the case for demographic diversity as an educational tool.