☔ Why SLC floods after a quick rain

Utah’s summer storms have caused havoc around the state, and they’re not going away anytime soon — lingering monsoon moisture will likely bring in another round of thunderstorms and showers throughout the week, with hot temps returning. [ABC4]

• These storms are refreshing, but local meteorologist Mike Wessler says they won’t make a dent in our drought status. Fingers crossed that El Niño can bring a snowy white winter and some relief to our watershed. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]
• Ogden and Bryce Canyon took direct hits from flash flooding this week. Nearly a dozen hikers were rescued in the national park on Monday, with two taken to the hospital. Up north, severe storms on Saturday caused several power lines to come crashing down, event delays, and even a concert evacuation. [Salt Lake Tribune, FOX 13, Facebook]
• Salt Lake City gutters are in decent shape, but that doesn't mean they can handle the rain well. A spokesperson for SLC Public Utilities told us recent flooding comes down to one simple problem: more of our "permeable" ground is covered by asphalt, concrete, and buildings, while the drainage system hasn’t kept up. [City Cast Salt Lake]
• Help prevent flooding by adopting a Salt Lake City storm drain. Volunteer 15 minutes twice a month to keep waterways clean. [Salt Lake City Government]

Timpanogos School District Eyes School Closures

Timpanogos School District in Utah County wants to conduct a boundary study to determine which schools they should close or consolidate due to declining enrollments, according to the superintendent. People can weigh in on the proposal at the school board meeting on Aug. 26. [ABC4, Instagram]

Ballpark Library Lab Closed

Heads up, the Ballpark Library Lab is running into some facility issues and will be closed for the foreseeable future. Residents can still pick up holds through the outdoor locker. [Salt Lake City Public Library System]

Higher Bar For Ballot Initiatives

Utah lawmakers want to raise the bar for citizen-led ballot initiatives, including a proposed 60% approval threshold for initiatives that raise or expand taxes. Right now, it only requires a simple majority. Voters can weigh in on the constitutional amendment in the general election Nov. 3. [Utah News Dispatch]

Utah’s Best Campground Sees Fewer Bookings

Ranchito Feliz in Cannonville, near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, has seen a drop in visitors since the Trump Administration reduced the monument's boundaries in July. That’s because the campsite is no longer a direct doorstep to the monument. [Salt Lake Tribune]