🌅 The best places to watch the sunset

Invasive Plant

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is working to eliminate the myrtle spurge, an invasive, noxious weed. Not only does the plant outcompete native plants, but it harms wildlife habitats, too. The DWR initially removed the myrtle spurge by hand but have now reverted to herbicides that are safe for the surrounding environment. They started in Parleys Canyon and are moving through Millcreek Canyon. [FOX 13]

Utah’s Teacher Union Sues the State

The largest teacher union in Utah is suing the state over the Utah Fits All Scholarship. This “school choice” voucher program is publicly funded with $82.5 million annually, and provides up to $8,000 to eligible K-12 students to use toward education expenses that could include private school tuition. The lawsuit, filed by the Utah Education Association, claims that the program diverts funding from public schools, lacks transparency, and violates the Utah Constitution. [Utah News Dispatch]

• In response: Rep. Candice Pierucci, who sponsored the voucher bill, issued a statement saying, “... The union’s scarcity mentality, and unwillingness to prioritize Utah children shows just how out of touch they are with Utah parents and students.” [@CandicePierucci/X]
• Required listening: The ripple effect of the voucher law. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Rappel Down an SLC Skyscraper?

For all you daredevils out there, you can rappel down a Salt Lake City skyscraper for a good cause. On Saturday, June 15, participants will scale down the Hilton Salt Lake City Center to support refugees through Lifting Hands International. The organization helps provide essential apartment items for refugees in the U.S. and abroad. [ABC 4]

Does Ryan Smith Have Good Taste?

We are probably about to raise the sales tax in Salt Lake City to fund a billionaire sports owner’s reimagining of downtown. So, what does SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall think about all this? We’re analyzing the mayor’s own words, from the sales tax to the yet-to-be-named public benefit agreement. Plus, does Ryan Smith have good taste? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

‘Distasteful’ Public Funding, SLC’s Armpit, and Pride Celebrations

How is SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall thinking about the Smith Entertainment Group’s new downtown district around the Delta Center? Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen got the mayor on the record and joins host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means to break down what she had to say as well as what’s to like and dislike about the project so far. Plus, ways to celebrate Pride, Real Salt Lake is making a comeback, and a new playground in Central City.