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Community Corner

🌱 Free Transit Bill Dead + Utahns Worry About Family In Ukraine

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Salt Lake City.

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Happy Saturday, Salt Lake City! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Cold with plenty of sunshine. High: 35 Low: 17.

Here are the top three stories today in Salt Lake City:

  1. Permanent free fares on public transportation are a pipe dream now that the bill to make every month like Free Fare February has failed to move forward on Utah's Capitol hill. Seeing the opposition as insurmountable, it was Rep. Joel Briscoe (D-Salt Lake City), himself, the sponsor of the bill, who asked that the House Revenue and Taxation Committee move on to the next agenda item. Rep Briscoe wants to study the issue more over the next year. (KUTV 2News)
  2. "There are explosions everywhere and rockets are coming, including my city. I can't believe it." That's what one message read from Utahn Katie Adams-Anderton's cousin in Ukraine where Russian forces have invaded the country of 42 million people. Other Utahns with family trapped in the conflict, eagerly wait for any update from their loved ones, many of whom are sheltering with larger groups in basements around the country where cell signal is nonexistent. (KSLNewsRadio.com)
  3. "Help me understand why the US should care." That's what Salt Lake County councilman Dave Alvord posted to a social media account as part of a broader remark about the potential of a Russian invasion of Ukraine just a day before it happened. Although the councilman deleted his post in the wake of criticism, it drew enough backlash to pressure Alvord to issue a follow up post more clearly condemning the invasion. (KSL.com)

Today in Salt Lake City:

  • The Seven Canyons Trust presents Seven Creeks | Walk Series which engages participants in walking conversations and collaborative action along our creeks. This morning's free event explores the Three Creeks Confluence along the Jordan River. (10:00 AM)
  • Enjoy learning about international tea over a good cuppa. The Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy presents Teaplomacy, today, at Tea Zaanti in Sugar House. (10:30 AM)
  • The Utah Arts Festival presents the 2022 Masquerade Party, which is a fundraiser to support the Arts Festival. Tonight at Venue 6Six9. downtown. (7:00 PM)
  • Flamenco Del Lago presents the 5th annual Flamenco Fiesta! at the Regent Street Black Box at Eccles Theater, downtown. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Construction season is starting early! On February 27 construction will begin again on #900SouthSLC from 300 West to West Temple. All Eastbound traffic between 300 West and West Temple will be detoured to 800 South so crews can build the center median. Learn more in the Phase 1 dropdown 900SouthSLC.com. (SLCMoves)
  • The Main Library is now open for in-person visits. You can stop by Mon–Sat, 10am–6pm, and Sun, Noon–4pm. Don't forget to validate your parking ticket inside for two hours of free parking in the underground parking garage! (The City Library)
  • At The Leonardo in downtown Salt Lake City, there are THREE immersive experiences under one roof: Van Gogh 360°, From Monet to Kandinsky, and Italian Renaissance. Spend an afternoon with the greatest artists in history in this intimate setting! (Downtown SLC)
  • The National Endowment for the Arts named Kenny Barron a Jazz Master in 2010. JazzSLC brings this renowned pianist and composer to Capitol Theatre today. Tickets start at just $10! (The Blocks SLC)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! Have a great weekend and I'll see you around.

— Joseph Peterson

About me: Joseph is a writer and marketing communications strategist with a degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations from the University of Utah. He's keen on city life, public libraries, national parks, and promoting events that build community.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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