Utah and BYU are getting back together

Utah + BYU = Big 12 4ever

Starting in 2024, University of Utah sports teams will join Brigham Young University in the Big 12 conference. The Big 12 offers a much better media presence and more balanced competition (plus, the Pac-12 is essentially dead in the water). The Utes are expected to be competitive in the Big 12 from day one. [KSL Sports]

U.S. Magnesium Cleanup Plan Stalled

The Environmental Protection Agency’s clean up plan for U.S. Magnesium’s Superfund site at the Great Salt Lake requires more water than the lake can provide right now. The plan was to use saline water from the lake to create a salt cap over the toxic sludge, but water levels are too low for that right now. Which means the “highly acidic hazardous waste” that U.S. Magnesium dumped illegally is just chilling in a 400-acre waste pond. [Salt Lake Tribune]

• Related: Remember when U.S. Mag wanted to siphon 100,000 gallons of water/day from the Great Salt Lake? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

A Match Made in Herriman

Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah have opened a joint college campus in Herriman, one of Utah’s fastest growing cities. It’s great news for south valley residents who want to get associate or bachelor’s degrees closer to home. [KUER]

Why Aren’t We Building Condos?

As Salt Lake City becomes increasingly gentrified, our housing options are also becoming more narrow. In other words, why aren’t we building more single family (or single person) condos?! Today on the City Cast Salt Lake podcast, I ask housing expert Alessandro Rigolon for three ways we could immediately temper the impact of gentrification in this city. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

String & Shadow  🎭 Wednesday | 7 p.m.

The Washington-based puppet troupe will be performing at the Jordan Park Gazebo. Their performances mix magical realism, science fiction, and folk tale with gorgeous props. All ages. [Free, Poplar Grove]

Soccer Mommy  🎶 Thursday | 6 p.m.

The Twilight Concert Series continues with the indie-rock band Soccer Mommy at the Gallivan Center. This show has not sold out yet. [$10, Downtown SLC]

Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo  🍿 Friday | 8 p.m.

Pack a picnic and watch the electrifying ‘80s breakdance movie in the park. HERC dancers will perform beforehand. [Free, Liberty Park]

• Related: We made you the ultimate Salt Lake summer movie guide. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Is Gentrification Always Bad? And Other Questions About Changing SLC

As Salt Lake City grows, “gentrification” is often thrown around as a dirty word. But is it always a bad thing? Alessandro Rigolon, University of Utah professor of city planning, joins host Ali Vallarta (that's me!) to talk about what gentrification actually looks like in this city and how to lessen its violent impacts.