🌱 Why Hundreds Will Visit Central City Today + Racism In SLC Schools

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

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer. High: 65 Low: 45.

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

1. Humans aren't the only living creatures in need of more housing along the Wasatch front. Monarch butterflies (and other pollinator species) need their habitat to be preserved, especially as housing booms continue to, well, boom. More than preservation, however, the Monarch habitat needs to be expanded as well since the last 30 years have seen an 80% reduction in Monarch populations throughout the west. (Salt Lake Tribune)
2. An employee of a Salt Lake County junior high school has been placed on administrative leave following an allegation that the employee used a racial slur in conversation with students. Granite School District says it's conducting a thorough investigation, but Rae Duckworth with the Black Lives Matter Utah chapter says an internal investigation isn't enough. The district asserted that it does not tolerate the use of deragatory terms. (FOX 13 News Utah)
3. Preservation Utah's annual Historic Homes Tour will focus on one of Salt Lake City's earliest neighborhoods just north of Liberty Park. Crowds in the hundreds are expected to roam the Central City neighborhood and tour several historic homes that make up one of the oldest and most ecclectic collection of Victorian and neoclassical homes, cozy streets and stately parks, where much of the look and feel has still been visually and architecturally preserved. (KSL.com)

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Today in Salt Lake City:

• Community Shred, E-Waste, and Tire Recycling (9 a.m.)
• Low Tech Mushroom Cultivation Class - Red Butte Garden (10 a.m.)
• Film Roast of Pirates of The Caribbean (9:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• "If you're interested in just how strong the cold front was, here's a look at the 24-hour temperature change across our area. Yes, that's a change of minus 30 degrees near Park City!" (US National Weather Service Salt Lake City Utah)
• "Welcome back, Thierry! 👋 Our fantastic music director has returned for our final two concerts of the season — including this weekend's program with Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 (his call for Finnish independence) Smetana's "The Moldau" (a tribute to the river that runs through his Czech homeland) and selections from Messiaen's "From the Canyons to the Stars" (inspired by beautiful Utah!)." (Utah Symphony)
• "What a perfectly fitting way for our Resident Artists to conclude their time with Utah Opera — with a free concert as part of the Gallivan Center's Excellence in the Community series! Bravo to these amazing performers, who have delivered excellence on our stages and beyond, in communities all over Utah this season!" (Utah Opera)
• "We are waiving adoption fees for our Fearful Feline Friends Save a Life by adopting a Fearful Friend and we will help you get started with *free supplies and a step-by-step handbook to help your fearful feline blossom into a friendly friend!" (Second Chance for Homeless Pets)
• "With the mountains in bloom, spring is a great time of year for hiking and wildflower observing. Utah is home to many native wildflowers to admire, such as Indian Paintbrush and Mountain Bluebell." (Visit Utah)

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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Salt Lake City Daily? Contact me at saltlakecity@patch.com