Your Daily Guide

Class is back in session for Salt Lake City School District today, with many Wasatch Front districts following close behind. Here's what's shaping the year ahead.

• There are more school closures on the horizon. After shutting down four elementary schools two years ago amid a decade-long decline in enrollment, the Salt Lake City School district is eyeing another round of closures using a new review process. [Salt Lake Tribune]
• Parents and teachers are feeling the pinch. Utah residents feel their money isn’t going as far this year when it comes to buying school supplies and are seeing higher prices at the checkout. [FOX 13]
• Utah's oldest high school is getting a makeover. Construction crews broke ground this year on a $300 million rebuild of West High School, funded by a voter-approved bond. Meanwhile, plans to convert former Riley Elementary into a $34.9 million Career and Technical Center are drawing criticism from school board members, who say the district hasn't laid out a long-term plan to staff and maintain the building. [FOX 13, City Weekly]
• Utah’s measles outbreak continues. The state has one of the country's worst outbreaks this year, due to kindergarten vaccination rates declining over the past decade. Family physicians are urging parents to make sure kids are up to date on their shots. [Utah Public Radio]
• It’s an election year for school boards. Utah’s general election is on Nov. 3 and will include local school board races in districts across the state, including Salt Lake City. These races are non-partisan. Check your voter info to see if you have a school board race on your ballot. [Ballotpedia, Salt Lake County Government]

Tyson Foods Lays Off More Than 700 People

A meat processing company in Eagle Mountain is closing its doors, after expanding into Utah five years ago. Tyson Foods laid off 723 people as it restructures nationally to address a historic cattle shortage. Notably, the state gave Tyson tax incentives in 2019, and the deal is still active despite the closure. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Zion National Park Goes All Terrain

Utah’s premier national park launched a new wheelchair that makes exploring the park more accessible for people with disabilities. The “Extreme Motus” wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for single day checkout. [ABC4]

Jonas Brothers Head to SLC

The Jonas Brothers are bringing “The Burning Up Tour All Over Again” to the Delta Center on Dec. 7. Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 21. Anyone remember when they made a pit stop at West Valley’s Azúcar Café last year, and the coffee shop owner missed it? [FOX 13, TikTok]

Celebrate Robert Redford at Sundance

In honor of the late Robert Redford’s birthday, a Hollywood titan and Sundance Mountain Resort founder, the resort is extending their hours on the Outlaw Express Lift today, Aug. 18, from 6-8 p.m. The ride costs a $10 donation and will include complimentary brownie sundaes. [Sundance]

Is Snow in the Forecast This Winter?

We're due for an El Niño winter. What does that actually mean, and should we buy Ikon passes this ski season? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]