🏛️ Gov. Cox’s Supreme Court picks

Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed Judge Matthew Bell and attorney Michael Menssen to the Utah Supreme Court, filling the final vacancies on the state’s highest court. If confirmed, they’ll join a bench that looks considerably different than it did at the start of the year. [Deseret News]

• The two would replace longtime members of the court: Justice Diana Hagen resigned in May amid allegations she denied and that were previously dismissed as lacking evidence and credibility. The other vacancy comes from Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, who retires today, Aug. 31 after decades of service. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]
• Earlier this year, the Utah Legislature expanded the Supreme Court from five to seven justices. Cox then appointed attorney Jay Jorgensen and federal prosecutor Stephen Dent to those newly created seats, and both joined the court this summer. [Deseret News]
• If you’re doing the math, that’s four new justices in less than a year. In total, six out of the seven were selected by Cox. Women used to hold a majority on Utah’s Supreme Court, but Jill Pohlman and Paige Petersen are now the only two remaining. But wait, the Utah GOP is campaigning against Pohlman’s retention this November. [Utah News Dispatch]
• Controversy over the expansion: Lawmakers added two seats after GOP losses on redistricting, ballot initiatives, and abortion, a move critics have called “court packing.” Supporters pointed to Utah’s growth and workload, though then-Chief Justice Durrant said the court wasn’t overloaded. [Salt Lake Tribune]
• Here’s where you come in: Bell and Menssen still need confirmation from the Utah Senate before taking their seats. The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee will hold a public hearing on both nominees, giving you an opportunity to weigh in before senators vote. Submit your comment by emailing [email protected] before Sept. 14. [State of Utah]

A Refresh for 500 West

Salt Lake City wants to revamp 500 West, with long-term plans to make the corridor safer, greener, and easier to navigate as the city grows. The first priority is the Granary District stretch from 900 South to 600 South, and residents can weigh in by taking the city’s survey. [Salt Lake City]

Shelter Seeks Kitten Formula

Salt Lake County Animal Services is in desperate need of kitten formula donations after a recent recall. It’s especially important since they are in peak kitten season. Donations can be made through the shelter’s wish list. [ABC4]

See the Great Salt Lake Documentary

Westminster University’s Great Salt Lake Institute will host a free screening of the award-winning documentary “The Lake” on Sept. 3, which explores the ecological crisis at the Great Salt Lake. The evening will include a conversation with researchers and filmmakers featured in the documentary. [Westminster University]

Monks Return to Hell’s Backbone

Tibetan monks have returned to Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah through Sept. 4 for daily meditations, community lunches, lectures, ceremonies, and private blessings. Events are donation-based, with proceeds supporting their monastery in South India, home to more than 3,000 Tibetan refugee monks. [Hell’s Backbone Grill]

• Air Quality Policy Specialist at HEAL Utah | $65K - $70K per year
• Community Engagement Director at the Rape Recovery Center | $64K - $66K per year
• Paralegal at ACLU Utah | $64K - $74K per year
• Elementary Youth Programs Coordinator at Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter | $45K - $53K per year
• Seasonal Field Organizer at the Utah Rivers Council | $12 - $20 per hour
• Manager at Pie Boy Pizza | $50K - $65K per year
• Baristas & Donut Chefs at Chomp Donuts

For even more job opportunities, check out today’s episode of City Cast Salt Lake 🎧