🌸 Your guide to Salt Lake in May

U of U Protesters Arrested; SLC Official Responds

Police arrested 19 pro-Palestine protesters at the University of Utah Monday night, just hours after students pitched tents on campus in solidarity with similar demonstrations across the country. Salt Lake City officers supported the university police’s response, which included “knocking [students] down with shields, dragging some off by their arms or feet, and ripping their tents from the ground,” according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Reporter Courtney Tanner described it as an “unprecedented show of force” for a campus rally; one which, prior to its dispersal, included chanting and waving flags. [Salt Lake Tribune]

• Also: In a statement to City Cast Salt Lake, SLC Council member Dan Dugan (whose district includes the U.) said he supports the right to protest. “Unfortunately,” Dugan added, “when situations impact the public’s safety, including fellow protesters, public safety teams must step in to keep everybody safe. Keeping our community safe must come first. I hope everyone is open to peacefully discussing their concerns as we move forward.”

Cat in the Box

A Lehi cat accidentally snuck into its owner's Amazon return box and was shipped 500 miles away to a warehouse in California. Remarkably, Galena the cat survived without food or water, thanks to a seam in the box that allowed for air circulation and oxygen. The Amazon employee who found Galena brought her to a vet who identified the owners through her microchip. [Salt Lake Tribune]

New Art Installation on SLC’s West Side

The Salt Lake City Arts Council will soon unveil a new art installation at the traffic circle on 500 N. in Fairpark. A rendering of the sculpture depicts four figures meant to symbolize the neighborhood’s youth, potential, and wisdom. It was designed by local artist Matt Monsoon. What do you think of the piece? [KSL]

Slamdance Leaving Park City

The hits keep coming for our neighbors on the Wasatch Back: The Slamdance Film Festival plans to leave Park City in 2025 and relocate to Los Angeles. Slamdance started as an across-the-street festival for rejected Sundance Film Festival submissions and has acted as an alternative for decades. Coincidentally, Sundance is also looking for a new home. Slamdance officials said the move will help grow their operations. [KPCW]

Your Guide to May in Salt Lake

May is the ultimate transition month in our city, where it’s not quite spring but not yet summer. Host Ali Vallarta and Deseret News columnist Meg Walter bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from the end of school to the start of festival season.